Improvements in the Brake Mechanism of Bicycles, Tricycles and other Velocipedes.

摘要

23,801. Pugh, C. V., and Rudge- Whitworth, Ltd. Nov. 3. Brakes; clamps.-Relates to the operating-levers of brakes for bicycles, tricycles, and other velocipedes. As shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 4, a lever c, following the contour of the handle-bars, is held by clamps thereto and carries a saddle-piece f for actuating the brakes. To maintain the piece f in position, it is received by a guide-stop i, Fig. 4, sprung over the lever, a nipple i1 engaging a recess in the lever. The bearing-clamps are shown more particularly in Fig. 3. The bolt r of the handlebar clip m carries a hanging bracket o with a washer p interposed between its up-turned ends. This washer projects slightly into a groove q in the lever to limit the motion. As applied to an up-turned handle-bar, each clamp comprises a metal band fixed directly to the handle-bar and turned back on itself to enter a groove in the lever. In lieu of bending the portion of the lever between the bearings, the lever may be provided with eccentrics, or with a pinion to engage racks, or, as described in the Provisional Specification, the lever may be cranked opposite the steering-stem to engage a member of the brake. In order that the brakes may be operated by one hand without pinching the other between the lever and the machine handle, the lever grips x, Fig. 10, screwed upon right and left hand threads on the rod c, engage caps y and are pressed outwardly by springs z. Thus, when one grip is operated, it tends to move out against the cap, but, endwise movement being prevented, the rod is turned and affects the other grip, which, however, being stopped by engagement with the rider's fingers, travels inwards along the rod. Instead of this construction, projections on the rod may engage grooves in the grip, the projections being maintained at one end of the grooves by a spring, or, as described in the Provisional Specification, oppositely-disposed ratchets may be used. According to the Provisional Specification also, the operating- lever may be extended only on one side to form a grip.