On this day in 1897 the patent for Parcel Carrier for Bicycles was granted. U.S. Patent No. 593,978.
The Parcel Carrier for Bicycles was invented by Frederick J. Boehm, of Brooklyn, New York. This patent application was granted on November 23, 1897 as U.S. Patent No. 593,978.
Mr. Boehm’s invention consists of two sets of curved steel springs, each set consisting of one small spring to be forced over the handle-bar and to hold itself thereon by its spring-pressure and the other which is attached thereto and projects forwardly, being larger and curved so as to have open sides up. The two sets of springs are united by a bar.
The object of Mr. Boehm’s invention is to provide a cheap and simple device for parcels for bicycles to be used for carrying coats and other small packages.
This invention I’m sure came in very handy, especially for those living in big cities such as Brooklyn. The congestions of the city can make it hard to get around by car or public transportation. This invention would be perfect if you had to run to the store to get a small gift. You can just attach it to the Parcel Carrier for Bicycles and not have to worry about where to put it so it doesn’t fall or get broken.
Another feature that would be beneficial is the fact that it can hold coats. Riding a bike is a great way to get around town but let’s be honest; you can work up quite the sweat peddling around. Before this invention you had to figure out where to put your coat so that it wouldn’t get dirty or hang so low it got stuck in the gears, causing a lot of damage to the rider and the bike.
Today everything is all about “hands free”. I feel this invention was the “hands free” version for bikes. If you could only ride with one hand while holding the parcel in the other that spells disaster. You couldn’t properly signal your turn, nor could you safely operate the bike if you had to go through an area with sharp turns. This invention freed up your hands so you could ride safely. 