12/20/16

Dogs Powering Sewing Machines


Before electricity, dogs played a part in the history of sewing machines. In the 1870s-1880s, inventors came up with ways to use dogs to power the machines.


The treadmill was invented by M. Richard of Paris. It is said he used this contraption briefly in the 1880s to power a large number of sewing machines in his factory to make military uniforms.


I am not sure if the following designs were ever used.


The carousel was patented in England around 1874. A hitching position for a second dog is provided.


The wheel was patented by Heinrich Feldt of Hamburg in 1888.