Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Feb., 1996
ALFRED AUSTIN MITCHERD Dyffryn Station Merionethshire, Station Master,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
A tin tank 8 inches square and 2 inches deep, with a round tin goal in the middle;
and in centre of goal a hollow metal post 2 inches high, with a 1th of an inch
bore, to hold the "colors" a flag. The goal to be 3 inches across, with tin sides
all round 18th of an inch high from bottom of tank.
A wire bar across from the middle of each side of the tank to the top of the side
of the goal, and which must be quite level.
Four tin partitions, one to each quarter of the tank, each one reaching from bar
to bar, from the end (at side of tank) of one bar to the same end of the next bar;
the partitions to reach from the bottom of tank up to and level with the top of
the "bars."
A hole 3th of an inch square to be in each partition half way along, and the top
of the hole to be th of an inch from the top of the partition, and another
square hole of same size to be in each side of goal, opposite the hole in each
partition.
Each quarter of the tank (inside and out) including the partitions, bars, and
outside of goal, to be painted a different color; one quarter to be red, the next
white the next light blue, and the last light green.
The goal post and inside of goal to be "citron" color.
One large tin flag 14 inch square, painted red, white, light blue, and light green,
fixed on a wire flagstick 6 inches long; and four small tin flags of an inch square
painted in one color each, one red, one white, one light blue, and the other light
green; these also to be fixed on wire flagsticks 3 inches long.
A small socket to be in each side of the tank, inside, (to hold the small flags
when hoisted) 24 inches to the left of each corner. Also twelve wooden balls.
th of an inch in diameter, and painted, three red, three white, three light blue,
and three light green.
Four steel cues, each one 4 inches long, 1th of an inch thick and pointed at
both ends.
A small stand; that is a piece of tin of au inch square, with edges turned up
cth of an inch at each side; this to be fixed on the top of a wire stick 3 inches
long and th of an inch thick; this to be painted "citron" color.
The paint to stand cold water, and the tank to be watertight.
Tbe tank to be nearly filled with water, and the cues to be used for bitting the
balls, under the "bars" and also through the square holes (under water), ns per
printed rules.
Dated this 27th day of February 1896.
ALFRED AUSTIN MITCHERD.

page_text: A New Parlour Game in a Tank of Water.
ALFRED AUSTIN MITOHERD Dyffryn Station, Merionethshire, North Wales,
Station Master, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
This invention is a novel game of skill for two, three, or four players. The
game is played preferably in a square shallow tank which may be of any desirable
shape or material, which is nearly filled with water. The centre of the tank is the
gonl, the remainder is divided into four equal parts or quarters each quarter being
divided into two or more compartments, one compartment being in each corner of
the tank. The division plates (made preferably from sheet metal) are pierced, or
have one or more holes in below the water line. The centre compartment has four
or more holes in the division plate, the holes communicating with each of the
adjoining compartments.
Ench quarter of the tank is painted a different distinct color. Near each corner
of the tank is fixed a flag, to denote the players' starting place. Each player has a
cue inade of metal wood or other suitable material, and several wooden balls colored
to correspond with the colors of the tank these balls being light enough to float on
the water, and small enough to go through the holes. In the centre of the goal is
a socket, to carry small flag or stand, to support a prize for the winning
player.
The game is played as follows:-
Ench player chooses his color, and places his balls in his corner compartment,
the object of the players now is, to get their balls into the centre goal, this they must
do by striking or pushing the balls (with their cue) under the water, and through
the holes in the division plates to the centre goal. Players may embarrass, or hinder
their opponents by diving or pushing the balls into the wrong compartments, or
other variations or rules for playing may be adopted as desired.
I will describe this invention by reference to the accompanying drawing:
Fig. 1. represents the tank, each quarter of which is painted a different
color.
bare the four corner dividing plates, having holes J. J
through which the balls have to pass under the water line, when the game is
commenced.
C represents the inner circle or goal with holes K. K K Kin the sides through
which the balls have to finally pass to win the game, and in the centre of the goal
stands 1, the support for the winning flag.
dddd represents the supports, and also divisions, under which the balls may
be driven to obstruct opposing players.
E. EEE represents recesses or clips, formed in the sides of the portions for
the starting flag poles to engage in.
Fig. 2 () represents one of the four steel cues for striking the balls.
Fig. 4 (G) represents one of the balls, of which there are three of each color,
corresponding with the colors of the tank divisions and flags.
Fig. 3 (H) represents a small stand for fixing in the socket I.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1.) A game composed of a tank (which is filled, or part filled with water) of auy
desirable shape or material, divided into compartments communicating with one

page_text: another by incans of holes below the water line, these holes being sufficiently
large to allow of the balls passing through them as herein described and
illustrated.
(2.) Balls of various colors, to suit the holes in the compartments, and which
are light enough to float on the water, in combination with the tank herein
illustrated.
(3.) A cue, made of wood, metal, or other suitable material, which the players
use to push or depress the balls under the water, under the obstacles, and through
the various holes in the divisions of the tank, and in combination with the tank
herein described.
(4.) The flags to denote the starting and winning points in combination with the
tank herein described.
(5.) I claim a tank holding water, with divisions, flags, floating balls, and cues
for striking purposes, all in combination.
Dated this 24th day of November 1896.
ALFRED AUSTIN MITCHERD.