US799396A - Unicycle. - Google Patents

Description

PATENTED SEPT. 12

J. mmrTsoN.y

UNIGYGLE. APPLIOATION FILED MAY 11, 1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.y

:NO. 799,396. PATENTED SEPT. 12, 1905.

J. MATTSON.

UNIGYGLE.

APPLICATION FILEDMAY 11, 1905.v

5 SHEETS-SHEET '2.

Zif

ATTORNEY PATENTBD SEPT. 12,1905.

J. MATTSON.

UNIGYCLE.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 11, 1905.

5 SHEETS-SHEET y3.

No. 799,396. PATBNTED SEPT. 12, 1905.

J. MATTSON.

UNIGYCLE. APPLIQATION Hmm MAY 11, 1905.l

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4L TEN? L 714 E ,Ar

PATENTED SEPT. l2, 1905.

J. MATTSON.

UN ICYGLE..

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 11, 1905.

WIT/1158858.' w@

UTFD STATES PAENT GFFICE.

JULiUs MAfrTsoN, or ANAcoNDA, MoN'rANii, AssieNoR or ONE-HALF To HENRY BENSON, or ANAcoNDA, MONTANA.

unlovone.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented sept. 12,1905.

Application ilel May 11, 1905. Serial No. 259,922.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known, that I, J ULIUs MATTsoN, a citizen of the United States, andl aresident of Anaconda, in the county of Deerlodge and State of Montana, have invented a new and lmproved Unicycle, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

rlhis invention relates to unicycles; and it consists, substantially, in the details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more particularly described, and pointed out in the claims. y

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a unicycle of such embodiment as to overcome numerous disadvantages land objections encountered in the use of many other structures of the kind hitherto devised.

A further object is to provide a uni'cycle which may be driven either by mechanical or electrical power and which is also easily controlled and manipulated, besides being comparatively simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture and possessing the capacity for long and repeated service.

The above and additional objects are attained by means substantially such as are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference. yindicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 represents a side view of a unicycle embodying my improvements, the raised or elevated positions of both thelateral wheel devices and the steeripg devices being indicated in dotted lines.

' some of the elements or parts of the structure being omitted 'for clearness of illustration.

v Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional elevation of the machine, taken ou the line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig.

4 is ahorizontal sectional top plan view on the line 44 of, Fig. 3. Figs. 5 and are enlarged sectional ydetail i views of -the rotatableshafts 'located at each. side ofthe machine'at the center, together withindependently-rotatable devices carried by said shafts, through themel i dium of, lwhich the fastening ofthe inner ends of thespokes of the main-wheel structure is eected, aswell asv other devices, partly throughthemedinm of which both .the lateral i lview in-detaihtaken on theline T7 of Figrl.

8C is ,anl venlarged longitudinal sectional.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sec-l tional elevation taken on theline 2 2 of Fig. 3,

' view in detail, showing more clearly the driving-shafts for the main wheel of the machine, as well as the clutch mechanism by which said shafts (separately or together) may be thrown into and out of engagement with the driver therefor, receiving its motion from a suitable motor supported on the machine. Fig. 9 is also an eniarged longitudinal sectional viewfin detail, taken substantially in the plane of the line 9 9 of Fig.,3. Fig. i0 is a part-sectional side view in detail, showing a brake device employed in connection ,with the main wheel of the machine. Fig. 11 is also a part-sectional view in detail, showing the seat for the occupant of the machine, together withthe means employed for locki'ng the back of the seat in different positions. Fig. .12 is a further sectional view in detail of certain parts',l and Fig. 13 is a transverse sectional view taken through the `rim of 'the the two.

Before proceeding with a more detailed description it may be stated that in the form ot' my improvements herein shown I employ a main wheel of. special construction, in rigid connection with which are duplicate parallel concentric rails which are less in diameter posed within the latter to be rotated thereing said main wheel and rails from any Suitspecial construction suspended from the upper part of said rails by means ofa special device carrying antifriction guide rollers, against which the rotatable movements of the rails' take place. Special rn'eans are also emmain-wheel structure, while other special means are employed' by which the said main sides of the wheel, the purpose of which will be better understood hereinafter. `The sets of component devices of the structure are disrive an equal balancing of all .the operative parts employed, of/machinesg) and special lateral or side-wheel devices are resorted to which may be raised out of contact with the ground wheny the main wheel is operated to be driven at high speed main wheel and the duplicate rails therein to'l show the lform of rigid connection between ployed from the operating-motor to drive the wheel may be thrown intol or out of operative. connection with the motor4 at either or both than the-rim of the main wheel and are diswith. Special means are employedfor drivablev form of motor supported by a frame of IOC tributed Ithroughout in such manner as to de- (a desideratum in'this class branch -7 in any suitable manner-as by screws v part of said structure by means of duplicate forand lowered to the ground when the speed of l said wheel is low. Other special means are l employed for steering the machine when all i the wheels thereof are ,traveling ppon the ground, besides special controllingbrakes which may be thrown' into and out of action at will, and while I have herein represented my improvements in a certain preferred embodiment it will be understood, of course, that I am not limited thereto in precise detail, since immaterial changes therein may be made coming within the scope of my invention.

Reference being had to the drawings by the designatingr characters thereon, 1 represents therrim of the main wheel, whichY is of suitl able diameter or height and which is preferably provided with any suitable form of cushioning or pneumatic tire 3. Secured to the rim at suitable points of the inner part thereof, and preferably equidistantfrom each other, are the transversely-curved brackets 4, each f having duplicate members 5, spaced apart at g 6 and terminati-ng inwardly with lateral branches?, extending beyond the said rim 1 i of the main wheel on either side thereof. (See g Fig. 1.) Connecting the lateral branches 7 in pairs on either side of the rim 1 are duplicate concentric segmental members 8, which are provided with 'inwardly-extending strips 9, each of which is secured te its appropriate 10, for instance-attention being called to the fact that the said segmental members 8 on each side of the rim 1 are disposed opposite to each other, while those on the one side of the rim alternate in position with those on the other side thereof. Secured to the inner ends of said strips 9 in any suitable way are duplicate parallel concentric rai-ls 11, which are less in diameter than the rim 1 of the main-wheel structure,said rails being spaced from each other at 12. (See Fig. 13.) Suspended from the upper wardly' and rearwardly disposed integral hang'- ers 13 are the upper transverse stri ps 14 of the supporting-frame 15 for the-several operative parts or elements of the machine, said frame being provided beyond either side of the rim `1 with vduplicate side members 16, disposedv a suitable distance apart and having the upper ends thereof secured to the end's of said transverse' strips 14 at 15a, the lower ends of the two sets'of said side members having secured between them centrally of the machine a cradle v17, (see Figs. 1 and 3,) the construction of which will be explained farther on. The said integral hangers 13 support in bearings 18, at the upper ends thereof, a rotatable shaft 19, at the endsv of which are carried duplicate rollers 20, against .which the duplicate rails 11 move l when the machine is in motion,said rollers having inner flanges 21, (see Fig. 7,) which serve to guide said rails, as will be apparent. The

said transverse strips 14 of the frame 15 are secured rigidly to the under sides of the ends of the said hangers 13 by means of screws 22 or in any other suitable way and supported by connecting-strips 23. At the ends of said transverse strips 14 is a stationary shaft 24, each end of which extends beyond the outer faces of the corresponding side members 16 of the frame 15, as shown, and is provided with independent rotatable sprocketwheels 25 and 26, which are held yieldingly apart by a motion-transmitting spring 27, encircling the end portion of said shaft and having'its ends connected at 28 and 29 to the inner faces of said pulleys. (See Fig. 7.)

The inner faces of the duplicate hanging members 160i' the frame 15 are provided at a suitable height with duplicate guides 30,'

passing longitudinally, through each pair of which is a yoke 31, which is practically suspended in position by means of cushioningsprings 32'and' 33, connecting the upper and lower corners, respectively, of each end thereof with the adjacent member 16 of the frame. (See Fig. 3.) Supported centrally of each of said yokes and intermediate of the duplicate members 16 belonging' thereto is the inner end of a rotatable shaft 34. provided with a washer 35 and a nut 36 for holding the same in position endwise, said shaft extendinglaterally and passing throughand workingwithin a hollow shaft 37 thereon. (See Figs. 5 and 6.) Mounted to turn on said hollow shafts are the hubs 38 lof sprocket-wheels 39, having rigid therewith outwardly beyond. said sprocket-wheels the disks 40, as shown, and secured to the peripheries of said disks are the inner ends of the spokes 41 of the main-wheel structure, those on either side of the machine radiating in opposite directions from the disk 40, as indicated in Fig. 3, whence they are passed through openings 42 in the corresponding oppositely-disposed segmental member 8. After being passed through said openings the spokes on either side are carried inwardly at 43, Figs. 2 and 3, across the spaces separating the segmental members 8 from the adjacent one of the duplicate rails 11, whence they are carried outwardly through corresponding openings therefor in the rail,

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thence across the space between the lat-ter and therim 1, to which the ends thereof are fastened or secured in any suitable way. As

will be seen,later on, the spokes serve to transmit to the said -rim 1 the motion imparted to the sprocket-wheels 39 from the motive-power connections from `the motor, theconstruction and organization of parts being such that a stable main-Wheelstructure is derived 4capable of carrying out all the i intended purposes thereof.

The cradle 17 v's constructed with longitudinal side members 44Figs. 4 and 8, and inner longitudinal members 45, all of which mem-v bers are connected-together transversely by,

strips'i45u and l46, Fig. 4. Supported in suitable bearings 47 g therefor in the said inner ISO Atable clutch element 49, that is driven from a suitable motor 50, (supported in any preferred manner upon the said cradle 17,)by means of a connecting belt or chain 5l. Each of the -said hollow journals of the said rotatable clutch element 49 is formed interiorly with a series of laterally-extending concentricallydisposed teeth 52, separated from each other by spaces 53, said teeth and spaces alternating withcorresponding teeth 54 and separating-spaces 55 therefor disposed at the inner end of a transversely-slidable clutch element 55, working in a Ahollow shaft 56, and the outer end of which is provided with a head 57, against which presses the inner end of a spring 58, the outer end of which has its bearing at the closed end 59 of said hollow. shaft, it being noted that the hollow shafts have operative connections with the journal members 48 at 48, Fig. 8. The outer extremities 60 of these hllow shafts 56 are solid'and project beyond the sides 44 of the cradle 17, in which they are supported in suitable bearings 61 and beyond which they are provided with sprocket-wheels 62, held in place thereon by suitable washers 63 and nuts 64. (See Fig. 8.) Connecting said sprocket-wheels 62 with the' sprocket-wheels 25 onA the upper trans-A verse shaft 24 are sprocket-chains 64, which communicatey the driving motion to said sprocket-wheels v25, which in turn transmit sucli motion to the adjacent outer sprocketwheels 26 through the intermediacy of the springs 27, as will be apparent. wheels 26. connect with the corresponding sprocket-wheels 39, (turning on the hollow shafts 37 at the center of the Wheelstructu re,) by means of sprocket-chains 65, and it will be seen that in .this way the entire wheel structure may be rotated or driven. The hollow shafts 56 are each provided with a circular concentric member 66, rigid with the shaft by being keyed thereto at 67, and another member 68 coperating therewith and similar in form thereto, but slidable on the shaft in virtue of a pin 69 passing therethrough and through the head 57 of the corresponding slidable element 55 of the clutch devices, said pin working in slots 69 in the hollow' shaft. (See Fig. 8.)

vvNormally the springs 58 of theclutch devices hold theI slidable members 68 in close contact with the gnembers 66, each of said members being beveled so as to form between them an annular groove 70, and pivoted at 71, Fig. 3, on the outer side of each of the inner longitudinal members 45 of the cradle 17 is a curved treadle-lever 72. having at its forward end a foot-piecev 73 andat its rearward end a tapered shoe 74, adapted to Aenter the groove 7 O between the members 66 and 68 belonging thereto, and thus move the latter member outwardly, carrying with it the slidable cl'utch The sprocket# element 55 and causing disengagement thereof from the centrally-disposed dr1ven-clutch element 49. By operating both trezulle-levers- 72 at the same time the wheel structure may be thrown entirely out of operative connection with the motor devices, and by operating either one of them alone the driving' power will then be applied to the wheel structure at one side only, which will cause the structure to turn in that direction, it being in this way that the machine is steeredin either direction when the same is traveling or moving on themain wheel only. By .operating either one or both of said treadle-.levers 72, so as to carry the shoes 74 into the groove 70 between the members 66 and' 68 only far enough, (without releasing the clutch engagement of the clutch element 55,) a braking effectwill be produced tending to check or regulate the speed of the machine, as will be apparent.

As better shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the eX-v tremities 'of each of the lateral segmental l members 8 of the main-wheel structure vare curved inwardly at 76,'whence they extend to the side of the rail 11 adjacent thereto and are secured thereto in any suitable way, this furnishing a very strong and desirable embodiment.

Centrally secured `to the Lipper transverse members 14 of the frame 15 in any suitable way and disposed forwardly and rearwardly of the machine are duplicate arched members 77, which converge toward each other at the ends, (see Fig. 2,) where they are secured togepher in any suitable way at 78, the space between said members being closed by a strip Aof canvas or other suitable material 79 to thus provide a protectingroof or shed above the operator of the machine. Secured to the connected extremities of said'arched -members 7'7 are brackets 80, extending-through the space betweenI the parallel rails 11, and each of which supports at 81 a roller 82, against which moves a single rail 83, carriedon the inner surface of the main-wheel rim 1, said roller being iianged to lit they sides of said single rail, and thus assist in guiding the main wheel in its movements, as will be apparent.

Located between the innersides of the duplicate hanging members16 of the frame 15 IIO and cooperating with forwardly-extending braces 84 in the support of short transverse shafts 85, (see Figs. 1 and3,) are duplicate p parallel supports 86 for a seat 87, the longitudinal members 88 of said supports be# ing slidably engaged by said seat at 89, Fig. 2, and the 4rearward ends of said membersbeing secured in any suitable way to blocks 91, Fig. 2, which serve to space the said seat-supports from the inner sides of said frame members 16, as shownyas well as to brace the same laterally. Said seat is provided with' a rear under projection 92,- to

which issecured a brace 93 for the back 94 of the seat, said back being capable of being Ving the side wheels with them.

tilted forwardly or rearwardly upon its piv-v otal support 94, Fig. 1. The projection 92 is provided with aseries of holes 92, and working through an opening therefor down through the back94 is a rod 94, contrlled by a spring 95, and the lower end of which has a bolt 96, adapted to enter Ysaid holes 92L to hold the backof the seat in its different positions.- The upper end of this -rod 94 is provided with a grip 97, and any suitable means may be employed for holding the rod upwardly whenever desired.. Pivoted at 98 to an under projection on the forward part of the seat is the forward end of a connecting-rod 99, the'rearward end of which is pivoted to an upright arm 100, rigidly keyed at 101 to the inner end of a hollow rock-shaft 102, keyed to the outer end of which at 103 is' a downwardly-extending arm 104, Fig. 9, having pivotal connection at 105, Fig. 2, with the rearward end of a connecting-link 106, the forward end of which is in pivotal connection at 107 with a hand-lever 108, working on theA corresponding short. transverse shaft 85. It will thus be seen that by moving this hand-lever Aback or forth the seat will be moved accordingly. .Said lever is provided with a rod (not shown) passing down through the same from `end to end (same as rod 94 passes through. the back 94 of the seat) and provided at its lower end with a spring-controlled bolt 109- fo'rentering holes 110 in a block 111, Fig. 4, on the cradle 17 for securing the seat in different positions.

Keyed at 111a to the hollow shafts 37 are hangers 112, provided at the lower ends there- .of with lateral or side wheels 113, and also keyed at 114 to said hollow shafts 37 are arms 115,connected by links 116,and arms 117 (these being in duplicate, one on either side of the machine) with a corresponding end of a solid rock-shaft 118" passing vthrough said' hollow rock-shaft 102, the said solid shaft 118 having keyed thereto at 119 a hanging arm 120, connected to a link 121, Fig. 3, having at its forward end an operating-lever 122, working on the short shaft 85 corresponding thereto. By moving said lever back and forth it is apparent that the lateral or side wheel hangers 112 may be elevated or lowered at will, carryl Keyed to the shaft 34 at the left-hand side of "-the' machine is an arm 123, 4while loosely 'mounted at 124 on the shaft 34 at the righthand side of the machine 'is acorresponding arm 125. Als'o keyed to this shaft 34 on the left is an arrn 1.26,l which is in movable conl nection'bya'link 1'27 with an arm 128, keyedat 129 tov an independent hollowrock-shaft '130, carried on areduced portion of the solid shaft118, Fig'. 9, passing through the `before- -mentioned'hollow shaft 102. "At the endof.l

' theoppo's'ite reduced portionof the shaft118 is/another arm 128, connected by a link 128b .with the arm 115 on therock-shaft 37. Keyed to this hollow shaft 130 is an arm 131, which is connected, by means of a link 132, to a lever 133, by the working of'which in a forwardly or rearwardly direction the Vsteering devices may be raised or lowered.

Keyed at 140 to the solid shaft 34 on. the right-hand side of the machine isan arm 141, and also keyed at 142 to the same shaft 34-is a yoke 143, to the ends 144 of which are fastened one of the ends of steering-cords 145, the other ends ofwhich are connected to a swivel 146, carrying a yoke 147, which supports a steering-wheel 148, said yoke being in rigid relation with the arms 125 and 126 referred to. arm 149, keyed near the outer end of the hollow shaft 130 at the right-hand side of the machine, by means of a link 150, and keyed to the inner end of said hollow shaft 130 is an arm 151, which is connected to a link 152, that connects with 'an operating-lever 1534by means of a connecting-rod 154. B .Y operating the lever 153 in one direction or the other the steering-wheel may be operated to turn in one direction or the other accordingly, as will be apparent. A

In Fig. 10 is represented a brake-lever 155, pivoted at 156 to a suitable bearing extension 157 therefor from the forward part of the cradle of the frame of the machine, and connecting at 158 with said brake-lever is a link `159, in turn connected-at 160 with atreadlelever 161, pivoted at 162 and formed or provided with a foot-piece 163, said treadle-lever being controlled by a spring 164, suitably supported at any part of the frame of the machine; The operator by pressing with his foot upon said foot-piece may operate the TOO brake-lever 155 to bear with more or less force against the inner surface ofv the rim of the main wheel, thus to 'regulate the speed of the structure. v

' In Fig. 12 is shown a constructionwhich ,may be employed for either one of the handlevers hereinbefore referred to,'comprising a lever 165, having an opening all the way through the same longitudinally, in which works a rod 166, having at its lowerend a bolt 167, actuated or controlled by a spring` 168, saidbolt being adapted to enter any one of a series of openings 169, provided therefor in a suitable part of the framework of the structure, by which to secure any of -the adjustable elements herenbefore referred toinv any desired position.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a unicycle which is thoroughly effective and reliable for its purposes and one also to which the operator may have ready access from either side thereof. The steeringV devices referred to are used only when the lateral wheels are upon the ground, as will be understood, and it will be noted that parts are so distributed Vrelatively to 4each other as to elfect athrough balancing thereof, thus tending to equilibrium thereof in operation.

"By operating either one of the particular handlevers referred to the operator may readily control any part ofthe machine, and it is thought that the construction and organization ofthe parts contributing toward the machinewill be fully understood without further description. f

Havingthus describedmy invention. I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent-- at will, devices carrying a steering-wheel,

and means for alsoA elevating and lowering said devices lat will, the latter embodying forwardly-converging frame members.

3. yA unicycle comprising a main wheel, means mounted laterally thereof provided with auxiliary wheels,means for elevating' or lowering the auxiliary wheels to the ground at will, and means for securingthe same lin either 'position thereotl embodying an operating hand-lever provided with av spring-controlled bolt adapted to be received in any one of a plurality of openings formed in a Suitable part of the structure.

'-1. A unicycle comprising a main wheel, a frame supported therein having, at its lower part, a cradle provided with a block having' openings therein, means mounted laterally of the main wheel provided with auxiliary wheels, a hand-lever and connections therefrom for elevating or lowering the auxiliary wheels to the groundy at will,y and a red carried bythe hand-leverand provided with a bolt for entering anyv one of the openings in the block.

5. A unicycle comprrsing a mainA wheel, a frame supported therein having, at Vits lower part, a cradle provided with ablock having openings therein, means mounted laterally of the main wheel provided with `auxiliary wheels, a hand-lever and connections therefrom for elevating or lowering the auxiliary wheelsto the ground at will, and a rod carried vby the hand-lever and previdedwith a bolt for entering any one of the openings in thebloek, said hand-lever and rod having cooperative means at the upper ends thereof for holding the bolt in elevated position respecting theentrances. to said openings.

6. A unicycle comprising a main wheel, a frame rigidly supported therein, duplicate supports 'for a seat supported by :aid frame, a seatl slidable in -said supports, saidv frame having at vits lower, end a cradle constructed with a block having a series of holes-therein, a hand-lever and movable connections therefrom to the seat for adjusting the latter forwardly or rearwardly of the structure at will,

and a spriiig-controlled bolt carried by the hand-lever for entering any one of said 4openings. I

' 7. A unicycle comprising a main wheel, a frame rigidly supported therein, duplicate supports for a seat su pported by said frame, a seat slidable in said supports, said frame having at its lower end a cradle constructed with a block having a series of holes therein a hand-lever and movable connections therefrom to the seat for adjusting the latter forwardly or rearwardly of the structure atwill, and a spring-controlled bolt carried by the hand-lever for entering any one of said openings, said seat being provided with a pivoted forwardly and rearwardly movable back, and provided with spring-controlled means for holding the back in different positions.

8.' A unicycle comprising a main wheel, a

frame rigidly supported therein, duplicate supports vfor a seat supported by said frame, a seat slidable in said supports, said frame having at its lower end a cradle constructed with a block having a. series of holes therein, a hand-lever and movable connections therefrom to the seat for adjusting the latter forwardly or rearwardly of the structure at will, and a spring-controlled bolt carried by the hand-lever for entering any one of saidopenings, said seat being provided with a forwardly and rearwardly adjustable back, together with an under projection and brace, combined with means for securing the back in different positions. 4

9,. A'unicyclecomprisingamain'wheehauxiliary wheels mounted laterally thereof,means for elevatingor lowering the auxiliary wheels at will, forwardly-disposcd devices supportingl a' rotatable yoke carrying a steering-wheel, means for elevating' or lowering the said devices at will,'another rotatable yokemounted at the axis of the main wheel, steering-cords leading from the yoke last named to the first, and means for operating said last-named yoke to turn said iirst-nained yoke in either direction. y Y A l10. ,A unicycle comprising a main wheel, auxiliary wheels mounted laterally thereof, means for elevating or lowering the auxiliary wheels at will, forwardly-disposed devices supporting a rotatable yoke 'carrying 'a steering-wheel, means for elevating or lowering the said devices at will, another rotatableyol'ie mounted at the axis of the main wheel, steering-cords leading from the yoke lastpiu'uued to thelirst, and a'hand-levcr and connections therefrom for operating saidlast-named yoke to turn said,lirst-named yoke in either direction.

11. l A .unicycle comprising a main wheel, a

framesuspended therein provided with a seat lOO ITO

Y Y Vrail moves, said seat being provided with an' adjustable back. y

13. A unicyole comprising a 'main wheel provided on the rim thereof with an inner rail, a frame Suspended within the wheel provided with a seat for the operator of the machine, and duplicate curved members supported by the upper part of the frame and converging at'the ends thereof andprovided at each end with a flanged roller 'upon which said innerrail moves, the space between said members being closed to form a protecting-shed for the operator. A i

14. A unicycle comprising a main wheel, duplicate circular rails within the same spaced from each other, segmental members beyond the rails disposed opposite to each other in pairs on either side oi' the wheel, means for securing said rails in parallelism and both the rails and said segmental members in concentric relation to each other and to the rim of the wheel, and spokes on either side of the wheel fastened at one of their ends about the axis of the wheel, thence radiating and passing through one of said segmental members, thence extending lacross the space between this member and the adjacent rail and passing through the latterand finally fastened to the rim of the wheel.

15. -A unicycle comprising a main wheel, duplicate circular rails within the same spaced from each other, said wheel having shafts on either side thereof at the center provided with sprocketwheels and disks rigid therewith, segmental members beyond vthe rails disposed opposite 'to each other in pairs on either side of the wheel diametrically beyond the sprocketwheels, means for securing said rails in parallelism, and both the rails and said segmental members in concentric relation to each other and to the rim of the WheeLspOkes on either side of the wheel fastened at one of their ends about the periphery of one pf said disks, thence radiating and passing throughone of said segmental members, thence extending across the space'between this member and the adjacent,

rail and passing through the latter and fastened to the rim of the wheel, a motor, and connec- `tions between the same and. said sprocketwheels for propelling the structure. i

. 16. A unicycle comprising a main wheel, duplicate circular rails within'v the same spaced from each other, hangers extending thr'ou the space between the rails, and flanged gui erollers supported by said hangers against which the rails move, aframe rigidly suspended within the wheel from said hangers and supporting a seat for the operator-oi' the machine, said i'rame supporting hollow shafts on either side thereof at the center of the wheel and provided with sproclict-wheels and disks rigid therewith, segmental members beyond the rails disposedopposite to each other in pairs on either side of the wheel diametrically beyond the sprocket-wheels, means-for securing said rails in parallelism and both the rails Y,

vand said segmental members incon'ccntric re-v lation to each other and to the rim of the wheel,

vspokes on either side of the wheel fastened at one of their endsabout the periphery of one of said disks, thence radiating and passing through one of said segmental members, thence extending across the space between this member and the adjacent rail, and finally passing through the latter and secured to the rim of the wheel, a rigidshaftsupported transversely of the upper part of the frameiand carrying two rotatable sprocket-wheelsat each end thereof, a motor, an element dri\ fen there- .from having lateral shaft connections provided with sprocket-wheels, a sprocket-chain `connecting each of these wheels with one of the sprocket-wheels at one endof said rigid shaft, and a similar chain connecting the remaining one ofy the-sprocket-wheels at each end of the rigid shaft with the sprocket-wheel of one of the hollowshafts. 17. Aunicycle comprising a main wheel, a frame suspended within'the same supporting a seat for 1an operator, a motor also supported by the frame, and means operated therefrom for propelling the machineembodying acentrally-disposed rotatable clutch element, duplicate clutch elements lateral thereto normally engaging therewith, and means whereby either one or both of said late-ral elements may be disengaged from said centrally-disposed element, at will.

18. A unicycle comprising a main wheel, a

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frame suspended within the sameI supporting a seat for` an operator, a motorv also support- 'ed by the frame, and means operated there from for propelling the machine embodying a centrally-disposed rotatable clutch element having hollow journals, each provided inte- Ariorly thereof with teeth, alining hollow shafts having slots therein and each provided with arigid .circular member .and a slidable circular member, pins passing through each of the latter members and the slots in the hollow .shaft therefor, springs in the shafts normally holding the movable circular members in contact with therigid fcircular members, each pairtof said members being constructed" to form a circumferential groove, lateral clutch members 'in the hollow shafts slidable with the said circular slidable` members and provided at oneof their ends with teeth for engaging the teeth within said hollow journals,

Aa seat for an operator, .a motor also supported by the frame, and means operated therefrom for propelling the Amachine embodying v a centrally-disposed .rotatable clutch element having hollow journals, each provided interiorly thereof with teeth, alining hollow shafts having slots therein and each provided with a rigid circular member and a slidable circularmember, pins passing through veach of the latter members and thevslots yin lthe hollow shaft therefor, springs in the shafts normally holding the movable circular members in contact with the-rigid circular members, each pair of said members being' constructed to form a circumferential groove, lateral clutch members in the hollow shafts slidable with the said circular slidable members and provided at one of their ends with teeth for engaging the teeth within said hollow journals,- foot-levers each having a tapered shoe at one end adapted to be carried into one of said grooves to separate one of the said slidable circular members from its companion member and thereby-disengage the slidable clutch element belonging thereto from the centrallydisposed clutch element, yokes and spring-supframe suspended within the lsame supporting a seat for an operator, a'motor also supported by the frame, and means operated therefrom forpropelling the machine embodying a cen-v trall,\ 'disposed rotatable clutch element having hollow journals, each provided interiorly thereof with teeth, alining hollow shafts ha'ving slots therein and each providedv with a rigid circular member and a slidable circular member, pins passing through each of the' latter members and the slots in the hollow shaft therefor, springs in the shafts normally holding vthe movable circular members in contact with the rigid circular members, each pair of Isaid members being' constructed to form a circumferential groove, lateral clutch members cular slidable members and provided at one of their ends with teeth for engaging the teeth within said hollow journals, foot-levers each having a tapered shoe at one end adapted to be carried into one of said. grooves to separate one of the said slidable circular members from its companion member and thereby disengage the slidable clutch element belonging thereto from the centrally-disl'iosed clutch element, a brake device operating in connection with the rim of saidmain wheel, and a foot-lever and connections therefrom for 4operating' said brake device. Y

2l. A unicycle comprising a main wheel, a frame suspended within the same Supporting a seat for an operator, a motor alsosupported by the frame, and means operated therefrom for propelling the machine embodying a centrally-disposed rotatable vclutch element` hav` ing hollow journals, each providedinteriorly thereof with teeth, alining hollow shafts having slots therein. and each provided with a rigid circular member and a slidable circular member, pins passing through each'of the latter members and the slots in the hollow shaft therefor, springs in the shafts normally hold` ing the movable circular members in contact with the rigid circular members, each pair of said members being constructed to form a cir-- cumferential groove, lateral clutch members in the hollow shafts slidable with the said circular slidable members and provided 'at one of their ends with teeth for engaging the teeth within said hollow journals, and foot-levers each having a tapered shoe at one end adaptedv to be carried into one of said grooves to separate one of the said slidable circular members from its companion member and thereby disengage the slidable clutch element belonging thereto from'the centrally-disposed clutch element, each pair of pulleys on the rigid'shaft being connected by a spring'.

22l A unicycle comprising a main whe'eha frame suspended within the same supporting a seat for an operator, a motor also supported. by the frame, and means operating therefrom for propelling the machine embodying a cen-l trally-disposed rotatable clutch element having hollow journals, each provided interiorly thereof with teeth, alining hollow shafts having' slots there-in andA each provided with a rigid circular member and a slidable circular member, pins passing through each of the lat-l ter members and the slots in the hollow shaft therefor, springs in the shafts normally holding the movable circular members in Contact with the rigid circular members, each pair of said members being constructed to form a circumferential groove, lateral clutch'members in the hollow shafts slidable with the said circular slidable members and'provided atone of their ends with' teeth for engaging the teeth within said hollow journals, foot-levers each having a tapered shoe'at one end -adapted to in the hollow shafts slidable with the said ciri be carried into one of said grooves to separate IIL .one of the said slidable circnlar members from' a seat for an operator, a motor alsosupported by the frame', and means operated therefrom for propelling the machine embodying a eentrally-disposed rotatable elutchelement having hollow journals',eaeh provided interiorly thereof with teeth, elining hollow shafts 'heving slots therein and each provided with. a rigid eircularjmember and e slldable clreular member, pins passing through each of the lab' ter members and the slots in the hollow shaft therefor, springs inthe shafts normally holding the movable circular member in Contact with the rigid circular members, each pair of said members being constructed to form a circumferential groove, lateral clutch members in the hollow shafts slidable with the said cir- `cular slidable members and provided at one of their ends with tee-th for engaging the teeth within seid hollow journals, foot-levers each having e teperedA shoe at one end adapted to be carried into one of said grooves to sepa-rate one of the said slidable circular members from' its'companion member and thereby disengage the slidable clutch element belonging thereto from the eentrelly-disposed clutch element, steering devices for the structure, lfind rockshafts and operating hand-levers and intermediete connections therebetween for raising or lowering said steering devices at will.

In testimony whereof 1 have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

' l JULIUS MATTSON.

Witnesses:

HARRY NEAL, l T. C. DAUDSON.

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