J. O. Lose, of Paterson, N. J. One-wheeled vehicle. No. 325,548. Patented September 1, 1885.
“I may operate my unicycle by either clock-work or steam, instead of foot-power.
“A small boiler may be placed under the platform O, with steam-pipe to convey the steam to the inner rim of the large wheel A.”
You have all heard of the “merchant of Rotterdam, whose legs were a compound of clock-work and steam.”
“To all whom it may concern:
“Be it known that I, John Otto Lose, a subject of the Emperor of Germany, residing at Paterson, in the county of Passaic and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in One-Wheeled Vehicles.
“My invention relates to a unicycle or one-wheeled vehicle, without spokes, which will carry one or more persons, as well as a bicycle or tricycle, and which is operated from within, carries the passenger inside, and only one wheel touching the ground. I attain these objects by the means of the devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
“When the machine is not in operation, it will stand by itself, for the treadle and driving wheels being heavier than the idler-wheel H, H will rise and the front part of platform will drop, and the treadle-wheels will rest on the ground.”
Mr. Lose drew his unicycle in better proportions than his man; perhaps he made the rider’s limbs light to show that the machine would run easy.