Improvements in One-wheel Velocipedes.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Sept., 1890-Accepted, 18th Oct., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in One-wheel Velocipedes.
I, RICHARD KOLB, of 98 Schelling Strasse, Munich, in the Empire of Germany
Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
This invention relates to one wheel velocipedes with which the rider takes his seat
in the interior of the wheel so that his centre of gravity is located underneath the axis,
whereby a steady balance is obtained and the guiding takes place by displacing the
weight of the body towards the right or left side, substantially the same as with bicycles.
This one-wheel velocipede differs from other one wheel velocipedes more particularly
in the construction whereby simultaneously with the power of the legs the power of
the arms is or may be used for the rotation of the axle, that is to say for the
propelling of the velocipede so that not the legs only are used, but an equal exercise of
all the muscles of the body is provided for.
The invention further relates to the construction of the wheel.
The improved one-wheel velocipede is shown in Fig. 1 in sectional plan view, and
in Fig. 2 in side elevation.
The wheel itself consists of two parts the wheels a and b, which are coupled at their
felloes by means of the rods c (Fig. 1) and are also connected with the supporting
rim of the rubber tyre e by means of the spokes d.
The parts a and b form wheels in themselves and each of them has three stout
spokes shaped as shown. Between a and b underneath the axis of the wheel is
arranged the seat g for the rider as well as the propelling and brake mechanism. The
dimensions of the one-wheel velocipede are preferably such that the height of the
rider is indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2.
The motion is given on the one hand by the pedals hand on the other hand by the
crank-handles i. The latter are firmly connected with the axles of the wheel
parts a and b and are arranged at a relative angle of 180° one from another, whilst
the pedal crank shaft is suspended from the chain-wheels of the wheel axles by means
of the driving chains k and transmit the motion to the wheel axles by means of the
chain k and the chain-wheel l. These chains may or may not be crossed according to
the direction of rotation of the pedal shaft.
To the left and right of the rider are arranged at 9 at each place two brake-levers,
which when pressed together operate upon a brake-band surrounding a brake-wheel r
on the respective axle. The frame or axle connecting part n has the object of keeping
steady the distance of the two naves, to keep secure the two main-axis-parts in
allignment (perpendicular to the wheel spokes) as well as to support the seat 9- The
part n being in horizontal position a support for the saddle-spring is fixed on the lower
surface, which support being able to be turned in a small angle to the left or right to
suit the requirements of the rider. As the part n has a horizontal position during
driving, there may be fastened to the same four rods directed upwards to support a
hood made of sail-cloth, tarpaulin, etc., to protect the rider against rain or dirt.
Likewise two hooks for receiving luggage may be fastened at p. To each end of the
part n there may be suspended a lantern.
For the purpose of starting the rider enters the wheel between the spokes and seizes
the two ends of the part n and turns the latter so far, that the saddle is located in
front and is no hindrance. The rider then moves the wheel forward and whilst doing
so has of course to avoid the spokes. At the favorable moment he touches the pedal
and then he allows the saddle to fall slowly underneath him; lastly he touches the two
handle cranks. The dismounting takes place in the reversed order.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a one-wheel velocipede a wheel consisting of two symmetrical wheel-parts a
and b, which are coupled together at their rims or felloes by means of the rods e, and
are also connected with the rim or tyre e by means of the spokes d, substantially as
illustrated and described.
2. In a one-wheel velocipede the herein described construction and combination of
pedal cranks and hand cranks whereby the velocipede is propelled by pedal and by
manual action.
3. The one-wheel velocipede with wheel, balanced saddle frame and pedal and
manual cranks constructed and combined substantially as set forth.
Dated this 17th day of September 1890.
HERBERT & Co.,
18, Buckingham Street, Strand, London, W.C., Agents to Applicant.