Coaster with Safety Brake

Coasting on homemade devices is much enjoyed by children, but often accompanied with dangers because of difficulty in stopping quickly. The sketch shows a method of applying a simple brake to such a coaster, and the materials used may be obtained easily by boys in the home. The rubber mat indicated in the sketch gives a secure footing. The brake consists of a piece of wood, about 10 in. long and 3 in. wide. It is hinged to the base and held in a raised position by a coiled string, attached near the top of the device. A powerful pressure is obtained by throwing the rider’s weight on the pedal.