PART II.

Designed to amuse rather than to instruct the reader, and intended as a reward to those who have struggled through the foregoing pages.

Ordinary, 50-inch front, 18-inch rear wheel.

Rover type, rear-driver safety, 30-inch wheels.

Star type, 20 front, 52 rear.

Kangaroo safety, 40 front, 18 rear.

Rear-driver tandem, 30-inch wheels.

Facile lever-action, 40 front, 18 rear.

(See cut, page 36.)

This early inventor, who had the honor of President Jefferson’s signature to his patent, was a clever genius in his time. I am constrained to think he was of that school which believes in the inherent power of the gear wheel; at least the four wheels, where there is no demand for more than two, would suggest this idea. According to our present system of gauging, this machine is geared to about fifteen. Mr. Bolton, however, was a pioneer, and as such we must hold him in great veneration.

(See cut, page 35.)

There has been considerable discussion anent the earliest bicycle inventor, but after all his name seems to have been “Dennis,” or rather Dennis Johnson. As “Dennis” has been before us in the periodicals for a number of years, we will not dwell upon him; suffice it to say that his name will always hold the high place it deserves, as the first patentee of a single-track balancing machine.

The inventor, Mr. Croft, a cut of whose machine will be found onpage 38, was one, and probably the earliest, of those who have deceived themselves with the idea that power could be increased by means of a solid grip on the ground, forgetting a common principle that, so long as the hold does not give way, one plan is as good as another in this respect. Below find a brief of his specification.

(See cut, page 38.)

“The object of this invention is to furnish an improved tricycle, designed for use by mechanics and others for going to and from their places of business, by merchants and others for sending small parcels from one place to another, and by youths and others for amusement and exercise, and which shall be simple in construction and easily operated.

“To the stirrups J are pivoted the rear ends of two rods K, the forward ends of which are pivoted to the forward axle B, near its ends, so that the rider can guide and turn the machine with his feet.

“The rider propels the machine by means of two rods, L, which he holds in his hands, and which he presses against the ground. In starting, the rider presses both rods L against the ground at the same time, but after he has got up enough motion to give momentum to the machine, he can use the rods L alternately.

“If desired, a receptacle may be secured to the bolster E, to contain a lunch or other small parcels.”

New engines or carryages of certaine shapes and measures to be drawne or driven by man or beast upon one or more wheeles, wherein the lading carryed about with every revolution of the wheele, which for ease of the burthen or draft and labour exceeds all others that were ever yett invented or used, being of great benefit and service to the publique

Engines moved by wind, useful for drawing severall machines and carryages instead of horses

The axis is surrounded by a number of rollers or cylinders

The principle lies in the interposition of rollers

The axle is provided with grooves for the reception of balls which serve as anti-friction rollers, the wave of each wheel being provided with grooves corresponding with those in the arms of the axle

(One drawing of this patent is used as afrontispiece.)

“To all to whom these presents shall come, we,Thomas Bramley, Gentleman, and Robert Parker, Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, both of Mousley Priory, in the County of Surrey, send greeting.

“WhereasHis present most Excellent Majesty King William the Fourth, by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at Westminster, the Fourth day of November, One thousand eight hundred and thirty, in the first year of His reign, did, for Himself, His heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the said Thomas Bramley and Robert Parker, ... a patent for ... Certain Improvements on Locomotive and other Carriages or Machines applicable to Rail and other Roads, which Improvements, or Part or Parts thereof, are also applicable to Moving Bodies on Water and Working other Machinery.”

Side-view locomotion carriage, applicable to common roads. Bramley & Parker. English patent.

The cut on opposite page is a part of the Bramley & Parker English patent of 1830. These early inventors were apparently the original tandem makers, and they possibly originated the expression “lay down to the work.” If the cuts fairly represent the inventors, truly no one can deny that they were handsome fellows, and that they deserve a greater reward than can be said to have accrued to them after the shades of fifty years have fallen upon this, probably the greatest effort of their lives. Below find another part of their specification, which illustrates the verbosity of legal language found in those, and to some extent in the present English patents.

“... In which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that we, the said Thomas Bramley or Robert Parker, or one of us, shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in His said Majesty’s High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.”

A. Julien. French patent. June 30, 1830.

The French patent to M. Julien, date of June 30, 1830, of whose machine a cut will be found on the opposite page, seems to be for a sort of combination of cycle and plough. It is to be inferred that M. Julien proposes to do up his ploughing, and then mount his cycle and off to town for an airing.

Jeering and contemptuous cyclers will be liable to overlook a novel and invaluable feature of this invention relating to security in descending long and dangerous hills. The rider can, by easy manipulation of certain simple and ingenious devices, lower the plough and thereby bring into operation a brake of great power and unquestionable holding-back proclivities. As to the steering, it does not appear, from the drawing, how this may be accomplished, but so fertile a brain cannot have left this necessary adjunct unprovided for.

That the machine can be worked with little exertion is implied by the skilful introduction, on the part of the draughtsman, of the chimney-pot hat which adorns the brow of the supposed agricultural gentleman upon the box, and also by the general appearance of ease and comfort which pervades the entire picture.

Cochrane. English patent. No. 6150. August 10, 1831.

“To all to whom these presents shall come, I, Alexander Cochrane, of Norton Street, Great Portland Street, in the county of Middlesex, Esquire, send greeting.

“And be it remembered, that on the Tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord 1832, the aforesaid Alexander Cochrane came before our said Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.

“Inrolled the Tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.”

This rowing-motion carriage has been invented over again several times since 1831.

Dalzell machine, 1845.

“At the late Stanley Show was exhibited the machine which is now generally conceded to be the original bicycle. We present a cut of the machine reproduced from theScottish Cyclist, also a representation of the features of the inventor, one Gavin Dalzell, a merchant of Lesmahgon, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Dalzell was born August 29, 1811, and died June 14, 1863. He possessed decided talent for mechanical inventions. From the written testimony of a letter, and the testimony of J. B. Dalzell, son of the inventor and present owner of themachine, it is proved that it was in use previous to 1846, and there are eye-witnesses who recollect the inventor riding his bicycle over the roads of Lanarkshire.

“In construction the Dalzell bicycle is the exact prototype of the now popular rear-driving safety.

“It is constructed chiefly of wood, which, though worm-eaten, is still wonderfully strong, especially in the wheels, these seeming to have stood the ravages of time and rough usage much better than the frame-work. The rear wheel—the driver—is of wood, shod with iron, about forty inches in diameter, and has twelve spokes, each about an inch in diameter. The front wheel is of similar construction, but only of about thirty inches in diameter. From the front wheel hub the fork—straight, and with a rake which some of our modern makers could copy with profit—passes up, and is joined together, through the fore-part of the wooden frame-work. A pair of handles are then attached and bent backward into aVshape to suit the rider, who sits about two feet behind the front-wheel hub. These were commonly termed the ‘reins.’ The main frame is somewhat like that which is now termed the ‘dip’ pattern, the design of which is applied in an extended form to ladies’ safeties.

“A wooden mud-guard rises from this frame, covering about one-fourth of the circumference of the hind wheel; from this to the back forks, which are horizontal, and of wood, vertical flat stays run down, forming a dress-guard after the manner of those on the latest cycling development,—the ladies’ safety. The action thus obtained is not rotary, being a downward and forward thrust with return, the feet describing a small segment of a circle. That the gearing, which constitutes the chief wonder to the critical and historical reader, was actually on the machine while being ridden by Mr. Dalzell, is proved by the receipted accounts of the blacksmith, John Leslie, who made all the iron-work used in its construction.”—“Bi News,” inThe Wheel.

E. Landis. Velocipede. No. 29,288. Patented July 24, 1860.

This inventor, a Baltimorean, was probably not aware, at the time, that he was one of the earliest cycle inventors. The cut gives a clear illustration of working parts, the motion being quite like that of horseback riding. This patent might be considered an anticipation of the broad principle of the rear-driver as shown in some later machines.

C. A. Way. Velocipede. No. 71,561. Patented November 26, 1867.

“To all whom it may concern:

“Be it known that I,Charles A. Way, of Charlestown, in the county of Sullivan, and State of New Hampshire, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Velocipedes.

“This invention consists in a novel arrangement of cranks and short axles with reference to the seat, side rails, and supporting-wheels of a velocipede, whereby the wheels may be operated to propel the apparatus with much greater facility than if the cranks were attached directly thereto.

“The invention further consists in so arranging the cords that work the guiding-caster that they shall cross each other in such manner as to act more directly and consequently more efficiently upon the said caster than as hitherto applied.”

Not apparently made for anybody to ride; “but in other respects a very good” velocipede.

P. Lallement. Velocipede. No. 59,915. Patented November 20, 1866.

“To all whom it may concern:

“Be it known that I,Pierre Lallement, of Paris, France, temporarily residing at New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented a new Improvement in Velocipedes; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and the letters of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, and which said drawings constitute part of this specification.

“My invention consists in the arrangement of two wheels, the one directly in front of the other, combined with a mechanism for driving the wheels, and an arrangement for guiding, which arrangement also enables the rider to balance himself upon the two wheels.

“By this construction of a velocipede, after a little practice, the rider is enabled to drive the same at an incredible velocity with the greatest ease.

“Having, therefore, thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and useful, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is—

“The combination and arrangement of the two wheelsAandB, provided with the treadlesFand the guiding-armsD, so as to operate substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

“Pierre Lallement.”

This inventor has generally been accredited as being the first to apply cranks to the single-track machine; but priority is now claimed by Dalzell. If this claim be valid, Lallement would have to confine himself to the honor of being the first to apply the feet directly to the cranks, and to being the first patentee.

It is stoutly maintained in Coventry that others had applied cranks, in a manner similar to that described in the foregoing specification, some time prior to the date of this patent; it is fair to say, however, that Lallement was the most energetic in pushing his invention, and that he did as much, if not more, than any other man in the great work which has now assumed such mammoth proportions.

Considering the short time it has taken to firmly establish this new and useful mode of locomotion as a recognized necessity to mankind, there is little need to quarrel over the exact division of the honors; there is enough for all, and all will be in time duly credited with their respective claims.

W. C. Moores. Velocipede. No. 42,678. Patented May 10, 1864.

“The object of this invention is to furnish means whereby the strongest muscles of the human body may be advantageously used in propelling machinery, whether for locomotion or for stationary work, thus cheapening motive power.

“What I claim as my invention is,—

“1. The ratchet-wheelA, with its notches cut in each direction and worked by means of the leversB,B, with the pawlsC,C, and springsD,D, as described.

“2. In combination with the above, the treadlesE,E, attached to the ends of the leversB,B, constructed in box form, as described.

“3. The seatF, constructed as described, when used in combination with the ratchet-wheelA, leversB,B, and pawlsC,C, and treadlesE,E, and springsG,G, all arranged as set forth.

“Wm. C. Moores.”

If this lever-motion had been properly claimed, and his tilting pedals adroitly covered by patents, he might have given no end of trouble to future manufacturers; but he lived too soon; his patents would have all expired ere they would have been useful in the art as later developed.

Mr. Moores claims “a machine for economizing human power,” which shows that his ideas were broad, or at least those of his attorneys were for him.

O. T. Gleason, of Maine. Velocipede. No. 77,478. Patented May 5, 1868.

“The object of this invention is to obtain locomotion by the direct application of the weight of the operator.

“An endless track, composed of the hinged partsC,C,C, as shown, loosely close each of the two wheels on a side, and are kept in proper position by means of the flangesBof the rolling wheels as shown.

“By this means the track is laid in front of the wheels, and passes over from the rear of the same in an endless belt, as shown.

“The guide-railsGare supported above the traction-wheels, by means of armse, as shown, and prevent the jointed track from leaving the flanges.

“When a level pavement is available, or the ordinary road is of sufficient evenness, the jointed track may be dispensed with, and the traction-wheels used directly upon the ground or pavement.

“In this case the flangesB, being disks of sheet metal, attached by means of bolts to the traction-wheels, are readily removed.”

Mr. Gleason was determined to prevent slipping of the wheels in climbing hills, and probably succeeded. We have not seen any of the machines on the market, but they are, no doubt, all right. The draughtsman did well to show the rider with his coat off; the work would in all probability keep him warm enough.

T. Rhoads. Velocipede. No. 76,814. Patented April 14, 1868.

“This invention relates to the propelling of vehicles for practical use, and consists of the spring and wheel-work mechanism attached thereto, as will be set forth in the following.

“The propelling power is derived from the springS, which is affixed to a cross-rod in the frame, as indicated atg.

“The other end of the spring is attached to the shaft of the wheelH, in the usual manner.

“By this invention, vehicles may be propelled on common roads, with more or less speed, according to the level or uneven character of the road.

“Its advantage, in dispensing with the use of horses, is obvious.

“I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,—

“1. The arrangement, with relation to the revolving shaftL, carrying the wheelsA´, of the wheelsG,H,J, pinionb, and springS, as herein described, for the purpose specified.”

This is a fair sample of “deriving power from springs.” The poor horse will now have his long-needed rest.

S. F. Estell, of Richmond, Ind. Velocipede. No. 87,033. Patented February 16, 1869.

“The nature of my invention relates to an improved method of constructing velocipedes, whereby the propelling-power is communicated to the hind wheel by means of cranks and shafts, or pitman-rods, the latter being connected at their forward ends with levers, that are worked with the feet.

“What I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is,—

“The velocipede, in which the braceWis secured to the front part of the reach forming part of the bearing for the vertical shaftU, and supports for the pendent leversL,L, secured to the brace, one on each side, in combination with rodsP,P, connected with cranksN, and attached to the pendent leversL,L, by means of pivots, all combined as herein shown and described.

“Samuel F. Estell.”

This is almost an exact copy of the Dalzell contrivance, alleged to have been made in 1845–46. The greatest fault in this system consists in the direction of application of power, being a forward thrust instead of a downward. The machine has merit, however; and should have been heard from in the early days of cycling.

“VELOX.”A. Christian and J. Reinhart. Velocipede. No. 87,245. Patented February 23, 1869.

This drawing is a fine illustration of the practice of draughtsmen, in which they essay to impress upon the office and the public, by means of their deft pencils, the miraculous speed and easy locomotion attainable in their clients’ devices.

This drawing has always been an amusing one to me, a bright spot in the tedious work of going through the patent files. Some wag of the office, having been similarly struck with the humor of this picture, embossed beneath the principal figure, in a large bold hand, the simple word “VELOX.” Now, I never happened to have a lexicon at hand in which to look up the exact meaning of the word, but I did not, for one moment, doubt its appropriateness. There seemed to be something in the word that carried conviction with it; if it did not mean anything pertinent to the subject, there was always a feeling that it ought to. In scanning patent drawings, in this art, I always turned “Velox” down so that when wearied by the toil of research, I could turn over the papers and smile at “Velox.”

The modern drop-frame for tricycles and rear-driving bicycles would be a valuable improvement on Messrs. Christian and Reinhart’s invention; some of our ladies would object to a free exhibition of quite so much shoe-top.

T. W. Ward, of New York. Velocipede. No. 88,683. Patented April 6, 1869.

“The drawing represents a perspective view of my improved one-wheeled velocipede.

“This invention relates to a certain improvement on that class of one-wheeled velocipedes in which the driver’s seat is arranged above the wheel, it being pivoted to the axle of the same.

“The invention has for its object to provide for an easy balancing of the frame, and consists in attaching weights to the lower end of the seat-frame, whereby the same will be retained in a vertical position.

“The balance can, with this weight-attachment, not be so readily lost as without it, and the operation of the one-wheeled velocipede is made easier and more practicable.

“From the lower ends of the frame are suspended, as near to the ground as possible, weightsE,E, which tend to keep the frame in a vertical position, and which are intended to balance the weight of the rider, so that the difficulty of holding the seat in the desired direction, above the axle, will be considerably reduced.

“The velocipede may be propelled by means of foot-cranksa,a, or by other suitable mechanism.

“Having thus described my invention,

“What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is,—

“The weightsE,E, suspended from the lower ends of the frameCof a one-wheeled velocipede, for the purpose of balancing the frame, substantially as herein shown and described.

Thomas W. Ward.”

How Mr. Ward proposed to steer is not made quite plain. The claim is strong, and the invention was really never patented before. Any one wishing to use it can do so now, however, as the patent has expired. I wish to call attention to the fact that the combined weightsE, E,as arranged in drawing, need not exceed five hundred pounds in order to balance a hundred-and-sixty-pound man.

J. J. White, of Philadelphia. Velocipede. No. 88,930. Patented April 13, 1869.

“To all whom it may concern:

“Be it known that I,John J. White, of Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and Improved Velocipede.

“This invention relates to a new velocipede, which consists entirely of two wheels and their connecting-axles, the axles supporting a frame in which the seat and driving-gear are arranged, so that they can be conveniently operated. The wheels can, with this arrangement, be made very large, to obtain great velocity, and the whole apparatus can be made light and convenient.

“The invention consists in the general arrangement of the apparatus, and, furthermore, in the special arrangement of a hinged seat which can be swung down when on going up-hill the rider desires to leave the seat and walk with the vehicle.

“The invention also consists in the application of convenient brakes, by means of which the instrument can be conveniently stopped and steered.

“The neck of the driver rests against the upper bar,b, which is hollowed for its reception, and which can be adjusted up and down on the barsa, to be adapted to the size of the rider.”

Mr. White has at least provided some way to stop, and also to “walk with the vehicle,” if he should so desire, which we think he probably would.

Sturdy & Young, of Providence, R. I. Velocipede. No. 89,700. Patented May 4, 1869.

“This invention relates to a new and useful improvement in velocipedes, whereby they are better adapted to be employed as a medium of amusement and exercise for children and youth, as well as for ‘children of a larger growth.’ It is chiefly designed for use in play-grounds, lawns, gardens, and play-rooms; and

“The invention consists in rotating a large horizontal wheel, formed of two concentric rings, tied together by bars, and supported on vertical wheels, each of which is revolved, by means of cranks, with the feet, after the manner of the common velocipede, thus rotating the main wheel, the construction, arrangement, and operation being as hereinafter more fully described.

“The accompanying drawing is a perspective view of the combined velocipede, showing the manner of its construction and operation.

“A represents the double-rimmed wheel, which may be made of any required diameter, and of any suitable material, and in any equivalent manner.

“We do not confine ourselves to propelling by the feet exclusively. The driving-wheels may be rotated by the hands, as in some descriptions of velocipede, or by the feet and the weight of the body combined, as in the rocking-saddle kind.

“Having thus described our invention,

“What we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is,—

2. A velocipede formed of a horizontal wheel or rim, when supported on vertical wheels adapted to be rotated by means of cranks, substantially as set forth.

“George J. Sturdy.“Solomon W. Young.”

B. S. Lawson. Velocipede. No. 90,563. Patented May 25, 1869.

“My invention relates to velocipedes; and it consists mainly in a seat-spring of novel construction, upon which the seat is made adjustable in a novel manner.”

This is another of the Dalzell patterns. The mechanism is not claimed in the patent, as will be noticed from the above brief.

L. B. Flanders, of Philadelphia. Velocipede. No. 91,534. Patented June 22, 1869.

“The steering of the velocipede may be readily effected by the movement of the body, or by bringing one or other of the stirrups in contact with the ground. Owing to the roller on the stirrup, its contact with the ground will not interfere with the convenience of the operator.

“Although I have shown the driving-wheel as arranged for being operated by hand, the ordinary treadle-devices used in connection with common velocipedes may be employed, so as to impart the desired movement to the wheel by the legs and feet of the operator.”

This monocycle inventor has not forgotten to provide a means of steering, which is done by the stirrups. Simply tilting the body will not answer.

F. Schmitt, of Springfield, Ill. Velocipede. No. 91,169. Patented June 8, 1869.

“The nature of my invention consists in constructing a velocipede with three wheels, one in front, for a guide, the other two in rear, connected together by a revolving axle.

“The motive-power is communicated to the velocipede by means of machinery over the revolving axle and under the seat, which machinery is put in operation by the weight of and backward or forward motion of the occupant of the seat, or rider.

“The operation of this machinery is as follows:

“The weight of the rider upon the seato, and a slight movement backward or forward causes the seat-supportgto move backward or forward, which motion is communicated to the upright leverfby the connecting-barh, which in turn starts the revolution of the driving-wheel axlel.

“This movement of the leverfalso gives a corresponding movement to the jointed leversk,k, and in such a way that one lever,k, is moving backward while the other is moving forward, and so one of the snappers,l, is always caught in the ratchet-wheele, and assisting in the revolution of the driving-wheel axled, and in this way the impelling force of the machine never ceases for an instant.

“This revolution of the ratchet-wheeleforces the revolution of the driving-wheelc, which, by its connection with the pinionb, forces the revolution of the axleAand wheelsB.”

This patent shows a clever method of transmitting power by means of an oscillating motion of the body, and is valuable as a curiosity. The overcoat might be dispensed with, however, as it is not probable that the rider would need it even on the coldest of days.

Leftwich’s Specification, English. No. 2173. July 19, 1869.

“Specificationin pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed by the said William Leftwich in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 18th January 1870.

“To all to whom these presents shall come, I, William Leftwich, of Tufnell Park West, Holloway, in the County of Middlesex, send greeting.

“WhereasHer most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters Patent, bearing date the Nineteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the thirty-third year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said William Leftwich, Her special licence that I, the said William Leftwich, my executors, administrators, andassigns, or such others as I, the said William Leftwich, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for ‘Improvements in Construction of Velocipedes.’

“Having thus described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider novel and original, and therefore claim as constituting the Invention secured to me by the said herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is, the combination and arrangement of parts and mechanism for lowering the saddle bars of ‘bicycles,’ substantially as herein-before described and set forth, or any mere modifications thereof.”

This is one of the earliest patents using the wordbicycle. The method of raising the saddle while in motion might be used to scare off the dogs or to raise yourself up out of their way, but is of doubtful utility in other respects.

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