Friday, March 31, 2023

Rollerskating 1910



Library of Congress


How do they work? Are they spring-enhanced somehow?
 

7 comments:

meddleshop said...

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!

MARSHALL OVERCLOTH said...

I would crash on the brick street breaking all my arms and legs then get run over by a horse & buggy.

Dave said...

There is a patent from 1906 so I guess they're legit.

https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/5d/0a/ca/37a6df64179256/US809980.pdf

Anonymous said...

At a guess - will look at the patent* later:

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'

rdguy

JP said...

rdguy's sprag clutch idea had me convinced 'til I googled ITS patent: somewhat later,
not 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/

Anonymous said...

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.

Jack from Illinois

Mister G said...

I'm not familiar with "Gizmo" but will look for it.