Manufactured in Birmingham, 1912
EVER since the sidecar and its predecessor, the tricar, have been introduced, the difficulty of storage has always been present to the user who has not the necessary premises at his disposal. The first collapsible motor cycle brought to our notice was a folding tricar, described in The Motor Cycle a couple of years ago, which was the invention of Mr. Browning. Mr. Browning, finding that the tricar was falling into disuse, he then devoted his attention to the sidecar, and succeeded in bringing out a very clever model, which was exhibited at the last motor cycle show.
The Browning Sidecar.
Since that time he has constructed several machines, and recently his invention was taken up by Mr. R. Gordon Barrett, 54, Florence Road, Stroud Green, N.
To fold up the sidecar so that it will pass through a narrow doorway, two clips holding down the forward portion of the sidecar springs are undone. The type of clip used throughout is that shown in the third illustration, consisting of a clip and bolt combined, which is absolutely secure and free from rattle.
The rearward portion of the sidecar springs is provided with a wedge to fit into a specially cut groove, which can be seen in the same picture. The body can now be pulled forward and lifted off. When the body is removed to overcome the storage difficulty.
Two more patent clips are undone, one attaching the long diagonal member of the sidecar to the down tube of the motor cycle, and the other fastening the lateral portion of the frame to the tube supporting the sidecar axle. This allows the lateral portion, together with the long tube attached to the down tube of the motor bicycle, to be lifted up, and the wheel is free to swing close up against the motor bicycle, the whole pivotting on the rod attached to a special bracket situated behind the saddle of the motor bicycle. By undoing this latter fastening the whole sidecar can lie lifted away from the machine if required. It is therefore unnecessary to detach the sidecar completely to pass through a narrow door, as is shown in first illustration. The second picture shows a further advantage of the attachment, which is not at once apparent, and that is, that by undoing one clip the sidecar may be swung round, allowing the near side of the machine to be accessible for repairs or adjustments. All these operations may be effected without the aid of tools. The sidecar cannot get out of alignment, however many times it is detached and attached. The sidecar is guaranteed for two years, and is made in two types, the Standard and De Luxe.
The Motor Cycle, October 31st, 1912.
