GB110347A - Improvements in or relating to Foot Cycles and Roller Skates. - Google Patents

Abstract

110,347. Lucas, A. R. Oct. 12, 1916, [Convention date]. Foot-cycles.-Two rollerskates are connected together so as to follow given paths by a frame with a steering-device, and are provided with free-wheel mechanism to prevent them from moving backwards, so that a point of support on the ground is ensured in order that an impulse may be imparted to them for the forward movement. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the two skates a can move parallel to each other on the longitudinal members of a frame b, which is provided at the front end with a steering-wheel b<2> and at the rear end with a loose bearing-wheel b<1>. Rollers a<2> at the ends of the sole-plates a<3> run on the longitudinal members. The roller a' of the skate is keyed to a spindle pivoted in vertical brackets a<5>, and a spring-pressed pawl a' on one of the brackets engages a ratchet-wheel a<6> on the spindle to lock the roller a<1> against backward movement. A free-wheel device is provided on either or both skates. To facilitate turning, the pawl a', Fig. 5, can be disengaged from the wheel a<6> by depressing a spring-pressed stud c against the tail a<9> of the pawl. In a modification, the roller a<1>, Figs. 7 and 8, is supported in the bracket a<5> by means of an eccentric trunnion d<1>. and a concentric brake drum d is keyed to its spindle. When an effort is exerted on the skate to cause the roller a<1> to roll backwards, the eccentric d' moves on its axis and the drum d<1> rubs against an adjustable brake-band d<2>. Instead of a rigid frame b, the skates may move on two parallel sides of a pivoted parallelogram. The skates may be forced to follow curves of small radii. A three-wheel vehicle may be employed, the trailing-wheel constituting the steering part.