Luggage-Carrier (John W. Butts, No. 634,611)
The patent by John W. Butts of Springfield, Massachusetts, describes improvements in a Luggage-Carrier for Bicycles (Patent No. 634,611, 1899). The objectives are to provide a carrier that distributes the weight of the load across different parts of the bicycle frame (relieving strain on the steering head), is adjustable to fit bikes of different lengths, and has members that can be disposed closely alongside the frame when not in use.
Inventor Background: John W. Butts
John W. Butts was an inventor focused on accessories for bicycles, which were a dominant form of personal transportation in the 1890s. His invention addresses the practical problems of carrying loads—namely, instability, poor handling, and frame damage caused by concentrating weight too far forward on the steering column.
Invention and Mechanism
The carrier is an adjustable, telescoping support bar that mounts near the steering head and features folding, diverging arms.
1. Frame Mounting and Telescoping Adjustment (Key Innovation)
- Main Bar (A): The central support bar for the carrier.
- Forward Engagement: The forward end is bifurcated ($i’, i”$) to straddle and engage the steering-head of the bicycle.
- Rearward Engagement (Adjustable Length): The rear end of the bar (A) has a longitudinal socket ($a’$) that receives a telescoping rod ($b$).
- Frame Lock: The rod ($b$) has a yoke ($b^{2}$) that engages an upright frame member (d). A bolt ($d’$ ) and thumb-nut ($g$) clamp the rod ($b$) in place after it has been adjusted endwise.
- Function: This telescoping design allows the main bar (A) to be adjusted in length to securely fit on bicycle frames of different dimensions.
- Weight Distribution: The load is sustained by the frame members ($e$ and $d$), distributing the weight and relieving strain from the steering-head.
2. Folding Support Arms
- Support Bars (B, B): A pair of arms pivotally connected to the forward end of the main bar (A).
- Rests/Stops ($j, j’$): Transversely extending rests are provided on the main bar (A).
- Function (Use): When in use, the bars (B, B) are swung forward over the rests ($j, j’$) and assume a divergent relation (spreading apart) to form a suitably wide, stable support surface for luggage.
- Function (Storage): When not in use, the bars (B, B) are swung backwardly closely alongside the main support-bar (A), where a strap ($t$) holds them against falling.
3. Load Securing
- The bars (B, B) are provided with cleats ($p$), sheaves ($q$), and cords ($s$) for securing a basket or bundle.
Concepts Influenced by This Invention
Butts’s carrier influenced subsequent accessory and modular mounting systems by pioneering solutions for adjustable, load-distributing retrofits for framed structures.
- Telescoping/Adjustable-Length Retrofit: The core concept of using a telescoping rod ($b$) with a bolt/nut locking system ($g$) to adjust the length of a main mounting bar influenced the design of all subsequent accessories and racks intended to be retrofitted onto structures (like bicycle frames) with variable sizes or dimensions.
- Load Distribution for Stability: The design philosophy of ensuring the load’s weight is transferred away from the steering pivot and distributed across two or more fixed structural members (frame members $d$ and $e$) influenced the engineering of modern cargo bike frames and heavy-duty rack mounts .
- Folding and Spreading Support Arms: The use of pivotally mounted arms that swing forward into a divergent (spread-apart) position for support and swing backward for compact storage influenced the design of folding racks, trays, and temporary load-bearing supports in camping, automotive, and utility gear.
- Integrated Storage Solution: The provision of a strap ($t$) to confine the folded arms closely alongside the frame when not in use influenced the design of accessories that emphasize a sleek, non-interfering storage profile.
