GB170035A - Improvements in and relating to scooters, velocipedes or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

170,035. Taylor, A., Key, R. S., Dunn, S. E., and Lee, E. May 13, 1920. Treadle mechanism; weight of rider, mechanism for propelling by, combined with other driving- mechanism.-Relates to velocipedes, scooters, &c. of the type which are propelled by the action of a pair of driving-racks in engagement with free-wheel pinions, such racks preferably being operated alternately, the stroke in one direction being a power stroke and the stroke in the other direction being an idle stroke effected by springs. In order to enable the vehicle to be wheeled backwards when the driving-gear is out of use, the racks c, c<1>, Fig. 1, which may be operated by treadles d, d<1>, are automatically moved out of engagement with their pinions b, plain parts q of the racks coming opposite the pinions under the action of the returning-springs g. In use, the racks c, c<1> are held in engagement with their pinions by an open frame p embracing the driven axle a. The racks may be formed of a strip of metal having a series of holes adapted to be engaged by projecting pins on a wheel forming the pinion. In a modification, the racks are arranged horizontally, and the forward ends are pivoted to suspended link-members, which are provided with pedals and are oscillated backwards and forwards. The vehicle may comprise a front steering-wheel and two rear wheels, one being in driving connection with the axle and the other loose thereon. In the form shown in Fig. 10, adapted to constitute a toy horse, one rack is operated by means of a stirrup 16 and the other by the weight of the rider on a seat 17 moving up and down with the rack. The racks are pivoted at 18, and are guided by means of a projection 21 on one engaging a groove 20 on the other. Another modification is in the form of an imitation aeroplane, the driving-mechanism of which rotates an imitation propeller by means of a crossed belt.