US1420791A - Combined propelling and steering mechanism for velocipedes - Google Patents

Description

M. WAGNER.

CQMBINED PROPELLING AND STEERING MECHANISM EOR VELOCIPEDES APPLICATION FILEDMAY'IG' 192!- 1,420,791.

PatentedJune 27 3 8440001, MfjZ/d Wag/zen weaver.

sires-arrest MANGOLD WAGNER, 0F SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.

COMBINED PROPELLING AND STEERING lwIECHANISM FOR VELOCIPEDES.

Application filed my 16,

To all 'whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MANGOLD WAGNER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Seattle, in the county of King and State of Washington, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Combined Propelling and Steering Mechanism for Velocipedes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in combined propelling and Steering mechanism for velocipedes, toys and the like, and the object of my invention is to provide a combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism. which is adapted to be actuated by the lateral rocking or swaying movements of the rider of'the velocipede to thus propel the latter in a forward or backward direction as desired and found eXpe client. I

Another object is to provide a combined velocipede propellingand steering mechanism, which mechanism when actuated will propel the velocipede in a zigzag manner in a forward or backward direction, and which is specially adaptable and desirable for use with certain types of toys such astoy boats, toy ostriches and the like, to thereby produce life like movements during the propelling of the same.

A further object is to provide a combined velocipede propelling and steering mecha-' nism embodying novel eccentric driving means whereby the rocking of the velocipede by the rider will actuate said driving means to thus propel the velocipede in a forward or backward direction.

A still further object is to provide a com-- hined propelling and steering mechanism embodying novel resilient control means adapted to control the action of the eccentric driving means of said mechanism, to thus ca ry said eccentric driving means over the dead centers during the forward or back-= ward movement of-the velocipede, and which is further adapted to regulate the laterally directed forces exerted bythe rider of: said velocipede, to thus assist and act as an impelling force to propel said velocipede.

A still further object is to provide a combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism embodying novel steering means Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 2'2, 11922.

1921. Serial No. 469,818. i

in combination. with resilient control means of said mechanism, which steering means is adapted to maintain and retain the velocipede substantially in the general direction desired by the rider during the forward or backward movement of said velocipede.

. A still further object is to provide a combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism embodying simplicity, durability and economy in construction, that is positive and efficient in operation and that will not readily, get out of order. A

\Vith the above and other objects in view which will'appear as the description proceeds, my invention resides :in the novel con- .struction, combination, adaptation and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed. 7

I accomplish these objects by devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a top plan View of a veloci pede in the form of a toy boat embodying the'features and principles of my invention, which toy. boat is shown in an inoperative position in full linesand in its left hand operative position in dot and dash lines,

iug broken away to more clearly illustrate.

the features of my steering mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a view in front end elevation of the toy boat in an inoperativeposition, parts being broken away to illustrate'the method of mounting the eccentric wheels of. the propelling mechanism on their associated shaft; Fig. 4: is'a similar view o'fthe toy boatillustrating the latter with its associated propelling mechanism in its left hand operative position, wvhich position corresponds to that shown in dot and dash lines in Fig.1; 1 Fig. 5 is a view in fragmentary transverse section of the steering wheel of the resilient control mechanism of the toy boat, and

Fig. 6 is a view in fragmentary trans verse section taken on a broken line 6, 6 of Fig. 2. Referring to the drawings, throughout which like reference numerals designate like parts, and in which I have shown my combined propelling and steering mechanism as operatively disposed upon a toy boat 10, which boat may be fabricated from wood or other suitable and desired material and in any predetermined or selected shape or form.

The boat 10 is provided adjacent its rear end thereof with a transversely disposed seat 11, which seat is adapted to be fixedly secured to the side walls of said boat in any well known or suitable manner.

Transversely and longitudinally disposed in spaced apart relation with respect to the inner face of the bottom wall 12 of the boat 10 to thus form and provide a compartment 18 therebetween is a foot plate 14%, which foot plate is adapted to be fixedly s curedadjacent its rear end thereof to said inner face of said bottom wall 12 at point substantially midway of the length of said wall as by countersink bolts 15.

Fixedly secured in any well known manner to the outer surfaces of the side walls of the boat 10 adjacent the rear end and lower portion thereof are bosses 16, which bosses are adapted to be disposed in axial alignment with respect to each other. The axial. line or axes of said bosses being normally disposed in fixed perpendicular or transverse relation with respect to the axis of the boat 10 as will be readily apparent by referring to the several views of the drawings.

concentrically disposed and rotatively mounted in the bosses 16 is a shaft 17, which shaft is adapted to be supported by hearings or bushings 18 operatively disposed in the bosses 16, as shown in Fig. 3. If desired the bearings 18 may be of the ball bearings or any other known anti-friction type to thereby minimize friction as will be readily understood.

Eccentrically disposed upon the shaft 17 adjacent to the outer ends thereof and fixedly secured thereto as by keys 19, are eccentric driving wheels 20, which wheels may be formed of wood or other suitable and desired material.

In the present construction I have illustrated the driving wheels 20 as being formed of wood in which case I provide metallic flanged hub members 21, which hub mem bers are adapted to be eccentrically disposed in the wheels 20 and are further adapted to concentrically and fixedly receive the outer ends of the shaft 17 and the keys 19, as shown more clearly in Fig. 3. The said hub members are adapted to be fixedly secured in their eccentric positions on the inner faces of said driving wheels 20 as by screws 22.

To positively retain the wheels 20 on their associated shaft 17 I provide securing nuts 23 and washers 24, which nuts 23 are adapted to threadably engage the outer ends of said shaft, while the washers 24k are adapted to be interposed between said nuts and the wheels 20, as shown in Fig. 3.

To prevent undue and excessive wear of the wheels 20 upon the outer ends of the bosses 16 I provide spacing washers 25, which washers are adapted to be interposed between said wheels 20 and said bosses 16.

To regulate and control the action of the eccentric driving wheels 20 and to steer the boat 10, to thereby maintain said boat in substantially the general direction desired by the rider, 1 provide a combined resilient control and steering mechanism comprising a flanged bushing or sleeve 26, an annular disk or plate 27, a stub shaft or ournal 28, an arm 29 an oscillating bracket or member 30 having outwardly and downwardly extending portions 31, a fixed shaft 82, a rotative and reciprocative wheel 33, a tension spring 3:), cords 36, sheaves or pulleys 3?, hand. holds 88, and tension devices 39.

The flanged bushing 26 is adapted to be medially and vertically disposed in the bottom wall 12 of the boat 10 at a point substantially midway of the length thereof and to be retained and fixedly secured therein against circumferential and axial movement through the medium of the annular disk 27 and one of the bolts 15 at its rear end and by a countersunk bolt 40 at its forward end, as shown more clearly in Fig. 2.

The stub shaft 28 is adapted to be in tegrally formed or otherwise fixedly secured to the upper face of the oscillatory bracket 30, said stub shaft being further adapted to be concentrically and rotatively disposed in the bushing 26 and to extend upwardly therethrough to receive the rear end of the arm 29, which arm is adapted to be fixedly secured to the upper end of said stub shaft as by a pin 41, to thereby prevent axial movement of said shaft within the bush ing 26.

The upper face of the oscillatory bra het is adapted to normally abut the lower face of the flanged bushing 26 in such manner to readily permit of the free oscillatory movement of the bracket 30 relative to the bushing 26. lf desired ball or roller bearings may be interposed between said upper face of the bracket 30 and said lower of the bushing 26, to thus minimize the tion therebetween. he outwardly and downwardly extendinnportions 31 of the oscillatorybracket 30 a re adapted to be formed integrally or otherwise fixedly secured in diametrical relation on said bracket and are further adapted to be normally retained in transverse relation with respect to the boat 10.

The shaft 32 is normally disposed in transverse relation with respect to the boat 10 and is adapted to be fixedly secured in fa fri the outwardly and downwardly extending portions 31 adjacent its ends thereof by pins 42, to thus positively insure againstaxial or circumferential movement of said shaft relative to the portions 31.

The rotative and reciprocative wheel 33.

is adapted. to be mounted upon. the fixed shaft 32 for rotation and. reciprocation thereon and tobe constructed substantially inthe shape and form shown in transverse section in Fig; 5.

To positively insure against and prevent.

the wheel 33 from becoming jammed or locked upon the shaft 32 during the rocking movement of the boat 10 and the consequent reciprocations of saidnvheel. on said shaft, I preferwto form saidwheel with a relatively long hub portion, to thus provide a large bearing surface between sa1d wheel.

andsaid shaft, and to minimize the friction between. the wheel 33 and the shaft 32, I

each side ofthe wheel 33, to thus maintain and retain said wheel 33 in a normal longitudinally central or midposition uponthe shaft 32, as shown in Fig. 3.

The tension spring 35 is adapted to be fixedly secured at its rear end to the forward end of the arm 29, and tobe similarly secured at its forward end'to a stud44, which stud is adapted'to be medially disposed and threadably engaged in the bottom wall 12 adjacent the forwardend thereof. The said tension spring 35 is adapted to normally maintain the arm 29 in longitudinal medial alignment with respect to the axis of the boat 10 and to also normally maintain the oscillatory bracket 30 in perpendicular relation to the axis of said boat, substantially as shown in the several views of the drawings, and as will be readily understood.

The cords 36 are adapted to be fixedly attached or secured at their forwardends to the sides of the forward end of the arm 29 and at their rear ends are adapted to be similarly attached tothe forward ends of the hand holds 38, to thus operatively connect said arm 29 and the said hand holds 38.

The cords 36 are further adapted to extend in lateral or sidewise directions from each side of the arm 29 and'to pass over the sheaves 37 and to then extend rearwardly and upwardly along the sides of the boat 10 to the hand hold 38 through openings 45 formed in the foot plate 14 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The sheaves 37 are adapted to be rotatively mounted in any. well known manner upon bosses 46, which bosses 46 are adapted to be formed integral with or otherwise fiX- edly secured to the-inner or under side of the foot plate 1.4, as shown in Fig. 2.

The hand. holds 38 are formed substantially in the 'semiftubular shape shown in.

Fig. 5 and are adapted to be slidably disposedupon the gunwales 47 of, the boat 10, the said semi-tubular shape insuring of; the

proper operative engagen'ient. and retention of the hand holds 38 on the gunwales 47. If.

desired said hand holds 38 may also be formed of. suitable resilient material. to-stillg further assure of their engagement and re tention on saidgunwales.

The tension devices 39' are adapted: to maintain. and. retainv the hand holds 38 intheir inoperative position. as shown 1n Figs.

1. and. 2, to thereby maintain the cords 36 normally tantin order that. the slightest movement of the handholdsi38 will be transmittedto the oscillatory member 30with the minimum of lost mot-ion during the steering operation of the boat 10, as will be readily apparent.

The tension. devices 39 comprise, tubular casings 48, rods 49 and. springs 50.

The tubular casings48 are adapted to be secured in any. well. known manner to the inner walls of the sides of: the boat 10 adjacent the rear endand upper. portions thereof at a: point. contiguous to the hand holds 38 and'the gunwales 47.

The forward. ends of the rods 49 are adapted to be fixedly, secured by rivets 51 to the rear: ends of the handiholds 38 while the rear ends of saidrods 49 are adapted to project intoiand to be normally disposed within the tubular casings 48. Said rear ends are provided with disks 52, which disks are slidably disposed in saidftubular casings.

The-springs. 50 are adapted to be operatively disposed within the tubular casings 48 and} to he interposed'between.the front.

and rear end walls, of said tubular casings andthe front and'rearsides of'the disks 52, as clearly shown in Fig. 1, to thus mainta n the hand'holds 38 in their said inoperative position and the cords 36 in ataut condition as will be obvious.

In the present construction I' have shown the arm 29 and its'associated mechanism as being disposed within the compartment 13 formed by the bottom wall 12] of the boat. 10- and the foot plate 14, which foot plate, serves as abrace for the'riders feet and av protection therefrom for said mechanism while alsoserving t'oprevent unauthorized the slopingrear portion of the foot plate 14v and grasps the hand holds 38 firmly.

Assuming the mechanism to be in the horizontal dead center position as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. To move or travel in a forward direction the rider applies and exerts his force in a lateral direction to the left to thus rock the boat 10 in that direction to thereby carry the eccentric driving wheels 20 over their horizontal dead centers, thereby moving the boat 10 in a forward direction substantially to the angular or oscillated position to the left as shown in dot and dash lines in Fig. l and in full lines in Fig. 4:.

As the boat 10 assumes or moves to the said angular position, the wheel 33 having frictional engagement with the ground the axis of the said wheel will assume an angular position relative to the normal plane of the ground line while remaining substantially in perpendicular relation with respect to the axis of the boat 10, as shown in Fig. 4.

During the above mentioned forward movement of the boat 10 to the left the wheel 33 will be simultaneously rotated and reciprocated on' its associated fixed shaft 32, said wheel being rotated on said shaft by reason of its frictional engagement with the ground and being reciprocated on said shaft to the right by the tendency of said wheel 33 to move forwardly in. a substantially straight line in the direction desired by the rider due to said frictional engagement.

As the wheel 33 is reciprocated to the right the spring 34: on the right side of said wheel is compressed to thereby store up power or energy within the same, as will be readily apparent by referring to Fig. 1-, which shows the same operation in the opposite direction.

The rider then applies and exerts his force in a lateral direction to the right, to thus rock the boat 10 in that direction, to thereby carry the eccentric driving wheels 20 over their vertical dead centers thus causing the boat 10 to move forwardly an amount substantially equal to the initial movement of the same, said last forward movement causing the boat 10 to assume an angular position to the right which position is the reverse from that shown in dot and dash lines in Fig. 1 and in full lines in Fig. 4.

During this last mentioned forward movement of the boat 10, the wheel 33 is simultaneously rotated and reciprocated to the left on its associated fixed shaft 32 to thus compress the spring 3% on the left thereby storing up energy therein. The energy previously stored up in the spring 34 on the right being simultaneously utilized during this movement in controlling the action of the eccentric driving wheels 20 to carry the same over their dead centers and to expedite the reciprocatory movement of the wheel 33 to the left on its associated shaft 32 as will be readily apparent.

The rider then continues to apply his force and exert his energy alternately to the left and right to thus attain the desired speed; the continuous rotation of the eccentric wheels 20; the continuous simultaneous rotation and reciprocation of the wheel 33 on its associated shaft 32; and the consequent alternate compression of the springs 3 to thereby maintain the continuous forward movement of the boat 10.

It will be apparent that the speed attained and maintained by the boat 10 will be d' "ectly proportional to the energy exerted by the rider.

It will also be apparent that to propel the boat 10 in a backward direction assum ing the boat 10 to be in the position shown in Fig. 2 the initial rocking movement of the rider in this case will be to the right as will be obvious from the foregoing.

The eccentric driving wheels 20 being fixedly secured on their associated shaft 17, are simultaneously rotated, when the boat 10 is rocked to thus propel said boatin a zigzag manner in the direction desired a predetermined distance lt'or each rocking movement given said boat by the rider.

The amount of the predetermined distance which the boat 10 will travel in the desired direction being fixed by the amount of angular deviation of the boat 10 fro-m a normally straight line, the amount of said angular deviation being fixed by the amount of eccentricity of the wheels 20.

ns hereinbefore described the boat 10 travels in the desired direction in a zigzag manner through the action of its associated propelling mechanism thereby producing the desired effect and result and conveying or giving the observer the impression of a boat riding on a choppy or rough sea.

The boat 10 is steered by the rider manipulating or sliding the hand holds 33 on the guuwales L7 to thereby operate and oscillate the bracket 30 and its associated mechanism in the direction desired as will be readily understood. by re ferring to the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings the advantages of the construction and of the method of operation of my combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention pertains to thus enable those skilled to construct and operate the same, but, while I have shown and described the construction and operation of a combined propelling and steering mechanism embodying the features and principles of my invention, which I now consider to be the best embodiment thereof, which combined propelling and steering mechanism is adaptable for installation on and for use with any of the well known types of velocipedes I desire to have it understood that the combined propelling and steering mechanism shown is merely illustrative and that such changes may be made when desired as are within the scope of the invention and embodied in the accompanying claims.

What I claim is:

1. A combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism comprising eccentric driving means; steering means; resilient control means for said eccentric driving means carried by said steering means; and means to yieldingly retain said steering means in a medial position.

2. A combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism comprising eccentric driving means; steering means; resilient control means for said eccentric driving means carried by said steering means; means to yieldingly retain said steering means in a medial position; and actuating means for said steering means.

3. A combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism comprising a plurality of eccentric driving wheels mounted for synchronous rotation on said velocipede; oscillatory steering means mounted on said velocipede; resilient control means for said eccentric driving wheels carried by saidoscillatory steering means; means to yieldingly retain said oscillatory steering means in a medial position; actuating means for said oscillatory steering means; and tension control means for said actuating means.

4. A combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism comprising eccentric driving means; steering means; resilient control means for said eccentric driving means carried by said steering means; means to yieldingly retain said steering means in a medial position; actuating means for said steering means; and tension means for said actuating means.

5. A combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism comprising a plurality of eccentric driving wheels mounted for synchronous rotation on said velocipede; an oscillatory bracket mounted for oscillation on said velocipede; a rotative and reciprocative wheel carried by said bracket; resilient control means for said eccentric driving means and said rotative and reciprocative wheel carried by said bracket; means to yieldingly retain said bracket in a medial position; and tension control means for said actuating means.

6. A combined velocipede propelling and steering mechanism comprising a shaft rotatively mounted in said velocipede; a plu-' rality of eccentric driving wheels secured on said shaft; an oscillatory bracket mounted for oscillation on said velocipede; outwardly and downwardly extending portions on said bracket; a fixed shaft adapted to to be secured in said portions; a rotative and reciprocative wheel mounted for rotation and reciprocation on said fixed shaft; compression MANGOLD WAGNER.

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