Unzicker Tricycle Patent Model

Unzicker Tricycle Patent Model

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Description
This patent model accompanied Otto Unzicker’s patent application for an “improvement in velocipedes” that was given patent number 204636 on June 4, 1878. It is interesting to note the similarity in design of the main components of this tricycle and those of the 1876 child's tricycle velocipede in the collection (TR*309250). Some connection between the two may well have existed, as Unzicker's patent was assigned in its entirety to the same Adolph Shoeninger associated with Marble. This particular tricycle had a side-saddle and was designed for a woman's use. The tricycle was propelled by the back-and-forth motion of the wooden handlebars, which were also used to steer the tricycle. They are fastened to the upright arm of a bell-crank attached to the top of the fork, and the motion of the bell-crank is transmitted by connecting rods to cranks on the ends of the front-wheel axle. Because of the mechanical disadvantage accompanying this method of propulsion, and the relatively narrow track of the rear wheels, it is thought that a full-sized vehicle, if one was ever built, would not have proven very satisfactory on the poor roads of the nineteenth century.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
tricycle, patent model
date made
1878
maker
Unzicker, Otto
place made
United States: Illinois, Chicago
Measurements
overall: 7 1/2 in x 11 in x 3 1/2 in; 19.05 cm x 27.94 cm x 8.89 cm
ID Number
TR.309256
catalog number
309256
accession number
89797
patent number
204636
See more items in
Work and Industry: Transportation, Road
Bicycling
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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