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Imaginative Invention No. 3

The Gravimotor Roller Skate

From Scientific Medical & Mechanical Antiques, No.25

This small vehicle is fastened to the foot, and is so constructed that when the weight is thrown upon the foot rest, the wheels are revolved, carrying the operator forward. When the weight is removed, the foot rest is raised to its normal position by a spring. As a motor is fastened to each foot, it is only necessary to bring the weight of the body on each foot alternately. T.P and J.B. Hall, of Ontario, Canada, invented this novel device, which was featured in the Scientific American in 1884. They were granted U.S. patent #297388 for this unusual means of locomotion.

No. 297388, April 22, 1884

The Imaginative InventorReturn to American Artifacts home pagepatent info

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