Scientific American, September 1, 1877.
“THE COVENTRY TRICYCLE.
“The tricycle, as it is designated, shown in the accompanying engraving, consists of a rectangular frame made of iron or steel tube, which carries a double-cranked shaft in patent parallel bearings. The driving wheel, forty-two inches in diameter, is arranged on a left-hand side of the rider; and the other side of the rectangular frame is produced, front and back, for carrying the forks of two 22-inch steering wheels. These forks are connected by a rod, fixed to the outside of one and the inside of the other, so that both wheels are turned together by the steering handle. The effect of this arrangement is that the rider is enabled to thread his way between other vehicles with the greatest ease; and it is even said that he can describe a figure 8 in a length of twelve feet. The seat is mounted on four steel springs of S form, which are attached to the frame by nuts on the screwed ends of the stays carrying the pin on which the pedals work. Rods jointed to the pedals turn the crank-shaft, as will be seen in the engraving. The second handle is merely to afford support for the left hand while the right is occupied in steering.
“The tricycle is fitted with tangent wheels, in which the spokes are crossed, and each spoke locks the other. By this arrangement greater lightness can be obtained for a given strength; and another great advantage is that in the event of a spoke being broken, another can be replaced by the rider in a few minutes. The machine can be readily taken to pieces and packed in small compass.”
This is the pattern of tricycle shown upon the Starley monument at Coventry, and is that which was afterwards changed from the lever-motion to the crank and sprocket-chain, and extensively manufactured at a great works in the Cycle City.
E. Baker, of Salem, Mass. Devices for propelling wagons. No. 200,016. Patented February 5, 1878.
“To all whom it may concern:
“Be it known that I, Elbridge Baker, of Salem, in the county of Essex and State of Massachusetts, have invented Improvements in Wagons, of which the following is a specification:
“This improvement in wagons consists in mechanism arranged, as hereinafter described, to act directly on the ground to propel the wagon.