Improvements in Mechanical Toys.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 4th July, 1894
Complete Specification Left, 30th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 6th Oct., 1894
PROVISIONAL DIECIFICATION.
Improvements in Mechanical Toys.
We JOHN WARD MAY of No. 26 Bridge Street, Gainsborough, Draper, and
WILLIAM TAYLOR, of No. 35 Bridge Street, Gainsborough in the County of
Lincoln, Outfitter, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
may be
The object of the apparatus, the subject matter of this invention, is to construct
a toy which may be of a portable or fixed character, that is to say, it
carried about in the hand, or fixed on a suitable pedestal or base, and equally
manipulatable in either case.
For this purpose we construct a light framework having a central stem so shaped
as to either form a handle for the toy or otherwise for the purpose of affixing to
the pedestal or base aforesaid. The top part of the so-called central stem we
preferably enlarge so as to construct a base for the reception of an independent
extension of the stem or handle.
To the sides of the enlarged portion of the stem or handle we attach by suitable
means two flexible uprights, of suitable length which may be constructed of wood
or other material, & which terminate at the same height as the independent
extension of the stem or handle before referred to. By this means we are enabled
to employ two sets of figures (such as models of men, animals, birds, fish,
insects &c.) i.e. one on each side of the central stem or upper part of the extension.
The figures are made jointed at suitable parts of their bodies & threaded through
and through at selected portions: the threads being secured to the sides of the
outside uprights, (heretofore described as flexible uprights) the threads string or
other substance being drawn up so as to cause the lower part of the flexible
uprights to be capable of imparting tension to the string on which the figures of
men animals &c. are suspended. It will therefore be seen that when pressure is
applied by means of the fingers of the hand to the lower part of the flexible
uprights, the figures are made to undergo a variety of gymnastic evolutions, which
is the object sought to be attained by this invention.
Dated this 2nd dor of Iuly 1901
JOHN WARD MAY.
WILLIAM TAYLOR.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Mechanical Toys.
We JOHN WARD MAY of 26 Bridge Street, Gainsborough, Draper, and
WILLIAM TAYLOR of 35 Bridge Street, Gainsborough Outfitter, both in the
County of Lincoln 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 :-
Our invention has relation to improvements in mechanical toys, which may be
either of a portable character, i.e. to be carried about in the hand, or they may
be so arranged as to be capable of being fixed, either temporarily or permanently
to a suitable pedestal or base, and be capable of being manipulated equally in
either case.

page_text: With this object in view, we construct a light handle or stem A. Fig. 1 having
a central support B, which latter is preferably made separate from the part A and
affixed thereunto in a suitable manner.
It will be noticed from the drawing that we enlarge the top portion of the
handle or stem at C for the purpose of receiving two flexible uprights as shown
at C 1. The object of the enlargement answers the double purpose of forming a
means of support for the central stem B, and also for the reception of the side
pieces, which are affixed in the manner above described.
These flexible uprights C1 Fig. 1 and 2 are made of wood or any other suitable
material, capable of imparting a springing motion, on receiving pressure from the
fingers of the hand at the curved portion D.
These flexible uprights C1 both terminate at the same height as the central
support B, and by means hereinafter described, are drawn slightly out of true
vertical parallel to the support B just named.
The object sought to be attained by this invention is to enable us to employ one
or more independent sets of figures, such as models of men, animals, fish, insects or
other creatures, and by the adoption of the central support above referred to, these
figures, on being manipulated, assume different attitudes in relation to each other,
at one and the same time, when pressure is brought to bear and alternately relaxed
from the outside curved uprights.
These figures are suspended from a double row of string, passing from outside to
outside of the curved uprights, as shown at X in Fig. 1, and this string is threaded
through and through, first one side and then the other, as shown in plan view E 1
Fig. 4 & suitably secured.
The figures above mentioned, are made jointed at suitable parts as shown in
Figure 3 and the string passes through the holes shown at F.
In speaking of string as forming a means of suspension, we mean, that string,
cat-gut or any other suitable material, may be used, and also that the structural
portion may be of wood, sheet-iron, wire or other suitable substance.
It will be noticed from the drawing that the string or other material forming
the means of suspension of the figures, is drawn up, so as to bring the outside
curved portions out of line with the central stem as hereinbefore described.
Therefore it will be clearly shown and indicated by the foregoing statement,
that when pressure is brought to bear, and relaxed alternately at D, the figures
are made to undergo a variety of gymnastic evolutions which is the object sought
to be attained by this invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In the combination of the outside curved uprights, with the central base or
handle, and independent upright, substantially as described.
2. In combination of parts forming means of suspension of figures to be actuated
by pressure on the curved outside portions substantially as herein before described.
3. The arrangement of the string forming the means of suspension of the figures
herein before referred to, in combination with the central stem, and curved uprights,
substantially as described.
Dated this 27th day of Awoust 1904
JOHN WARD MAY.
WILLIAM TAYLOR.