I almost don't trust this photo! These look way too modern for 1910. It looks like (maybe) when you compress the frame it pulls a cable on what is (maybe) a spring wound pulley on the back wheels. Looks to me like pretty good engineering!
One-way clutches on the (rear?) wheels. Push down and the clutch locks, providing forward motion. Lift up and the wheel spins freely whilst the other foot is providing thrust.
*As they say about bikinis 'what they reveal is interesting, what they conceal is vital'
Everyone who likes this blog should watch "Gizmo!", the 1977 documentary video of odd inventions shown on film clips from the 1930's through the '50's. Roller skates similar to these are shown being used.
I almost don't trust this photo! These look way too modern for 1910. It looks like (maybe) when you compress the frame it pulls a cable on what is (maybe) a spring wound pulley on the back wheels. Looks to me like pretty good engineering!
ReplyDeleteI would crash on the brick street breaking all my arms and legs then get run over by a horse & buggy.
ReplyDeleteThere is a patent from 1906 so I guess they're legit.
ReplyDeletehttps://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/5d/0a/ca/37a6df64179256/US809980.pdf
At a guess - will look at the patent* later:
ReplyDeleteOne-way clutches on the (rear?) wheels. Push down and the clutch locks, providing forward motion. Lift up and the wheel spins freely whilst the other foot is providing thrust.
*As they say about bikinis 'what they reveal is interesting, what they conceal is vital'
rdguy
rdguy's sprag clutch idea had me convinced 'til I googled ITS patent: somewhat later,
ReplyDeletenot sure they had the metallurgy for it in 1910.
https://www.altramotion.com/en/newsroom/2010/02/autorotation-is-a-sprag-thing#:~:text=At%2091%20years%20of%20age,works%20five%20days%20a%20week.
A bit more googling and bingo:
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/05/old-weird-tech-pedal-skates/239421/
Everyone who likes this blog should watch "Gizmo!", the 1977 documentary video of odd inventions shown on film clips from the 1930's through the '50's.
ReplyDeleteRoller skates similar to these are shown being used.
Jack from Illinois
I'm not familiar with "Gizmo" but will look for it.
ReplyDelete