# George Selden's 1895 Patent for a Road Engine

> George Selden's 1895 patent describes a 'road engine,' a precursor to the automobile, focusing on a combined engine and vehicle design.

- **Patent:** US 549160
- **Original title:** Road-engine
- **Owner:** George B. Selden
- **Granted:** 1895
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 0
- **Field:** automotive, mechanical

## What it does

This patent, granted in 1895, outlines a 'road engine' which integrates a motive engine with a vehicle chassis. The design focuses on the overall structure of a self-propelled carriage. It details components like the engine, its connection to the wheels, and steering mechanisms, aiming to create a functional automobile.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover modern internal combustion engines with specific fuel injection systems.
- Does not cover electric vehicles or hybrid powertrains.
- Does not cover specific safety features like airbags or anti-lock brakes.
- Does not cover advanced navigation or infotainment systems.
- Does not cover specific materials used in modern vehicle construction.

## The clever bit

The novelty lay in combining the engine and vehicle into a single, patentable concept, rather than just patenting the engine itself. It aimed to cover the entire self-propelled carriage.

## Real-world examples

1. George Selden's 'Road Engine' prototype
2. Early automobile designs inspired by the concept

## Why it matters

This patent is historically significant as one of the earliest attempts to patent the concept of a complete automobile. George Selden's patent became a focal point in early automotive patent disputes, particularly involving Henry Ford.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does George Selden's 1895 Patent for a Road Engine cover?

George Selden's 1895 patent describes a 'road engine,' a precursor to the automobile, focusing on a combined engine and vehicle design.

### Who owns patent US 549160?

George B. Selden owns this patent, granted in 1895.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent is historically significant as one of the earliest attempts to patent the concept of a complete automobile. George Selden's patent became a focal point in early automotive patent disputes, particularly involving Henry Ford.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover modern internal combustion engines with specific fuel injection systems.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/549160/selden-automobile-patent

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US549160

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


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