US90302A - Improved apparatus for connecting velocipedes - Google Patents

Description

No. 90,302. Patented May 18, I869.

blinded swa WILLIAM H.'RACEY,

OF NEW Y0 R K,'N. Y.

Letters PatentNo. 90,302, dated May 18, 1869.

To all whom it ma/yconcern.-

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM H. RACEY, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented a certain new and improved Connection for Bicycles, or other Velocipedes; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a plan view, and

Figure 2, a side elevation, showing two bicycles connected as by my invention. Figure 3 is a view of the coupling-device detached.

Like letters of reference in dicate corresponding parts in all of the figures.

The nature of my invention consists in connecting together two velocipedes so that the two can be used and operated as one-vehicle. v

The object of my said invention is to develop a new function in the use of velocipedes, by which the following advantages are secured:

First, enabling two companions to ride together in unison.

Second, in securing stability to the vehicle, by obviating its tendency to fall over.

Third, afl'ording aid to an unskilled rider or novice, in learning, by the dependence of his vehicle upon that upon which it is connected, which may be driven by an experienced rider.

Fourth, lessening the labor of propulsion by uniting the efiorts of the riders, or by each alternately driving both machines. I

Fifth, constituting a platform upon which other passengers, or burdens, may be carried.

Sixth, a foundation by or upon which any suitable means of extraneous propulsion may be applied.

It is obvious that this connection can be made in various ways, but I prefer the device shown in figs. 1

and 3, consisting of the two transverse bars, a a, each' of which is provided, at its end,'with a clamp and setscrew 1) c, for aflixin g firmly to the reach or main longitudinal frame A of the bicycle.

These bars-are connected together by the diagonal braces (l d, which cross each other at any angle, and secure the requisite rigidity to hold one vehicle firmly to the other. 1

The clamps are so constructed, that by loosening the set-screws by any proper means, the coupling may be disconnected, and, being small and portable, may be carried, without inconvenience, upon either vehicle by attaching it to or suspending it from the reach or other suitable part of the frame. For this purpose,

I provide a pair of lips, or jaws, f 1, upon the under side of the coupling, by means of which, and a screwbolt or key passing through holes provided therein, such an attachment is facilitated.

It may at times be desirable to have the distance between the two vehicles, when connected, variable,

I and, to eifect this, I propose to attach the clamps b 6 directly to the transverse bracesd d, by means of a jointed connection, which will admit of extending or contracting the distance between the two, by varying the angles of the diagonal braces, and securing them in the position desired.

If desirable, a connection may be employed between the levers which control the guiding-wheels, so that both will move simultaneously, or this may be left to the skill of the riders. The coupling employed for this purpose may also be made to serve several other valuable uses, among which is that of a rack or platform to support, or underneath which may be suspended a portmanteau or other baggage. It mayalso he provided with a socket, to receive a standard, on

which to support an umbrella, or sun-shade, or other canopy as protection to the riders, or a mast for a streamer, flag, or sail to aid in its propulsion.

A ready means of connecting two velocipedes adds increased interest and enjoyment to their use, by enabling a lady and gentleman, or others socially inclined, to unite their vehicles in pairs, and combine the en-- joyment'of conversation with exercise, while it facilitates the learning of a beginner, by placing his ma chine partially under the control of a more experienced companion, and entirely obviating the danger of falling. It also offers an incentive for ladies to indulge in this healthful and agreeable exercise, by rendering it less fatiguing, and unattended with danger, while it enables them to ride at the side of the seat, as in equestrian exercise.

What. I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, isv 1. Connecting two independent bicycles together, to be used as one vehicle, substantially as and for the purposes set forth,

2. As a coupling for bicycles or other velocipedes, the clamps b b, connected by bars a a and braces d d, or their equivalents, substantially as set forth.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM H. RAOEY.

Witnesses:

J. FRASER, J. A. DAVIS.

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