THE “BELL-BRAKE.”
A combination bell and brake called the “[Bell-Brake]” is made by the Universal Trading Co. The Bell-Brake gives a continuous silvery ring by the slight pressure of the thumb on the lever situated directly in front of the rider where it can be used without either hand leaving its hold on the handlebar. A slight pressure of the thumb pushes a small aluminum wheel in contact with the tire, and the bell rings continuously. The bell hammer is attached to the wheel by a steel rod, and by pushing the lever down a little with the thumb, or very hard with both thumbs the brake is applied. The sides of the brake-shoe clasp the sides of the tire, where there is no wear, and the bell still ringing is thereby pushed up with the aluminum friction wheel and the steel rod and frame. The bell can be thrown out of action whenever it is not needed by slightly pulling up the ring on chain-lift and placing it over the hook. The bell remains silent until wanted again. A strong steel lamp bracket near the head of the steering post where a lamp can be carried, is provided by the bell-brake, the fulcrum of the operating thumb-lever being extended for this purpose. A puncture guard is also supplied with this bell and brake, forming the rear end of the brake-shoe, about one-eighth of an inch from the tread of the tire, and ready to scoop off any pieces of glass, tacks, nails, etc., that have been picked up by it before they can be driven through the tire by the pounding of many revolutions. The whole arrangement of bell, brake, lamp bracket and puncture guard weighs but a trifle over a pound, and can be attached to any ordinary bicycle.