“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 word bicycle. 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.
Richard C. Hemmings, of New Haven, Conn. Velocipede. No. 92,528. Patented July 13, 1869.
HEMMINGS SPECIFICATION.
“This invention relates to a new and improved method of constructing and operating velocipedes, whereby they are made more durable, and at less expense, than heretofore; and
“It consists in rotating a traction-wheel, by means of a traversing-wheel bearing on its inner surface, and revolved by the operator within the rim of the wheel, as hereinafter more fully described.
“The propelling-power is applied to the band-wheels E by means of the hand-cranks f, f, leaving the feet of the operator at all times free.
“In starting the velocipede, the first movement is given by the operator’s running or walking a short distance on the ground while astride the saddle. When a start is thus obtained, the motion is readily continued by turning the pulleys E with the hands.
“When the weight is below the centre, and the feet near the ground, and always free, very little difficulty is experienced in balancing and guiding the machine; and, as numerous experiments have proved, the ease with which it is worked and the velocity obtained render it quite equal, if not superior to any velocipede in use, while the expense of constructing them is far less.