Improved Means of and Apparatus for Guiding and Directing Dobby Horses or the like.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 1st May, 1886.
Complete Left, 1st Mar., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 1st Apr., 1887.
THUVIDIUNAL DE MULETUATION,
Improved Means of and Apparatus for Guiding and Directing Dobby
Horses or the like.
I, JAMES BROXUr of 24, Parlement Street, Burnley, in the County of Lancaster,
Watch-Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be follows:-
This invention relates more particularly to the novel arrangement of tracks or
pathways for directing and guiding dobby horses or the like to take a spiral course.
These improved tracks or pathways are made to wind gradually round two, three,
or more times, preferably in a spiral or scroll like manner, each round decreasing in
diameter as it approches the centre, similar to the coils of the mainspring of a
watch. The terminals of the pathway or track are joined together by a cross path,
similar to the crossings of a tramway; and cross or cut through the spiral pathway,
and thereby form an endless track or pathway.
The dobby horses and cars may be supported from above, similar to those now in
use. The main central pillar, flue, or chimney is made to support the framework and
horses. On the top of the chimney or pillar is mounted or pivoted a broad flange or
disc with projecting arms, to which are suspended by rods the horses. The rods pass
through the body of the horses, and through a disc or platform situated immediately
above the track or pathway. This disc may be firmly and securely connected by
suitable ornamental pillars or stays to an intervening disc or flange, which bears
against the surface or periphery of the central post or chimney by pulleys or bowls to
prevent friction, that the apparatus may revolve as lightly and easily as possible.
The intervening disc is securely bolted to the upper flange to render the structure
firm and steady. The intervening disc and the one below in close proximity to the
tracks or pathway, are both provided with transverse slots, the width of the tracks or
pathways.
Through these slots the suspension rods supporting the horses pass, whereby they
are capable of moving laterally, to and from the central post or chimney, when so
guided, and directed by the recessed tracks or pathways. For this purpose, the
suspension rods project through the lower dise into the recessed tracks or pathways
beneath, where they are each provided with a guide or tail piece of suitable shape, so
as to be capable of freely traversing the spiral pathway.

page_text: An horizontal shaft, which may be actuated by a small engine fixed in any
convenient position on the boiler, is provided with suitable wheels, which gear into a
lantern wheel secured to the lower disc. The respective discs and flanges, when in
motion, actuate the dobby horses and cars in a forward direction; whilst the guide
or tail piece at the lower extremity of the suspension rods, acting in the grooves or
recesses of the tract or pathway, cause the horses, as they are carried round by the
supporting arms and disc, to follow a similar spiral course to the pathway or track, in
rapid succession round the outer circle and along the inner circles of the spiral
pathway, until they reach the extremity of the circle or coil nearest the central post;
when their course is suddenly diverted by the cross path, through which they now
pass to regain the outer circle or coil of the spiral pathway or track, passing and
repassing each other to the astonishment and excitement of both riders and spectators.
Dated this 29th day of April 1886.
THOS. RICHMOND,
Agent for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means of and Apparatus for Guiding and Directing Dobby
Horses or the like.
I, JAMES BROXUP of 24, Parliament Street, Burnley, in the county of Lancaster,
Watch Maker, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVED MEANS
OF, AND APPARATUS FOR, GUIDING AND DIRECTING DOBBY HORSES OR THE LIKE 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 designed to impart to dobby horses or like imitating objects, a
lateral in and out movement, whilst travelling round their centre of motion.
For this purpose, one two, or more endless tracks may be used, spirally or other-
wise disposed, one or more of which may cross each other, in a manner similar to the
crossing of a tramway. These tracks are preferably arranged in the form of a flat
spiral, with a diminishing circumference; the terminals of the tracks being joined
together by a cross path.
A rotating platform is mounted on a pillar, or upon bearing wheels or both, and
provided with transverse slots or bars of sufficient length, to allow the horses to shift
or move laterally, in the course determined by the permanent tracks or pathways.
The horses or analogous objects, hereinafter called the horses, are preferably
arranged in pairs and fixed to a slide block or bogie, capable of moving laterally on
their respective bars or strips.
These slide blocks or bogies are provided with guide or tail pieces of suitable shape,
to render them capable of freely traversing the tracks or pathways. The horses are
carried round, by the rotating platform (which may be actuated by bevel gear, or
spur and crown wheel), and follow each other in rapid succession in a spiral or scroll
like mannner, from coil to coil, until they reach the terminal of the inner track, when
their course is suddenly diverted by the cross path, through and along which, the tail
or guide piece passes with the horses, to regain the outer circle or coil of the track or
pathway, to the astonishment and excitement of both the riders and spectators, whilst
an equal ride is ensured for each rider.
And in order that my said invention may be properly understood, and readily
carried into practical effect, I have hereunto attached the accompanying drawings,
marked with figures and letters of reference; similar letters of reference indicating
corresponding parts. Fig. 1, is a plan of an apparatus for guiding and diverting the
movement or course of the horses laterally, whilst being driven round by the rotating
platform. In this view, a portion of the platform is shewn removed, to explain more
clearly the position of the tracks, the bearing wheels, and the slide blocks or bogies.
Fig. 2 is a transverse section taken through the platform and tracks. Figs. 3 and 4
are respectively end and side views, in section, of an enlarged scale shewing the mode
of mounting the slide block or bogie, within the framework, upon the transverse bars
or strips. A is a fixed platform, on which are arranged, the spiral or scroll like

page_text: tracks B and C, which intersect each other (as seen in Fig. 1). The guide wheels D
are so formed, as to be capable of moving freely in the scroll like recesses or tracks ;
the terminals of which are connected together, to form a continuous track or pathway
for the guide wheels D. Each slide block or bogie is mounted upon the bars or
strips F, within separate frames G, which are so constructed that when bolted together
will form a complete circular framing, which may be readily taken from together for
repairs or for other purposes. This framing is supported by wheels H and I, which
may be provided with shields and saddles similar to those shewn at H. The horses J
are preferably secured to each bogie in pairs, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2, and their
position upon the platform constantly varied by the guide wheel D or tail piece D¹,
which acting in the recesses or other guides forming the tracks, causes the horses and
riders mounted on the bogie E, as they follow each other in rapid succession, to
proceed in a scroll like manner, (similar to that of the tracks) until their respective
guide wheels or tail pieces reach the inner terminal of the tracks.
Their course is now suddenly diverted by the guide wheel or tail piece entering the
crossing, along which it is caused to pass and drive to the outer circle or coil of
the tracks the slide blocks or bogies with their respective horses and riders along the
transverse bars or strips F. A constant passing and repassing of the horses is thus
effected, causing great excitement and astonishment amongst the riders; and can
form a bases for races and wagers, between the riders, arising from the uncertainty as
to who shall first reach the winning post or goal upon the outer circle; each rider
being also ensured equal lengths of rides. To prevent the riders falling upon the
tracks, and being injured, the cover M is provided, in which are formed slots K,
through which protrudes rods N, to which the horses are secured, as seen in Fig. 2.
One or more small locomotive engines, may be used if desired, to actuate the
platform, to render the arrangement more attractive; and to increase the excitement
suitable points and switches may be used, to divert the horses, from one coil to
another at the will of the attendant.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The manufacture and use of roundabouts so constructed as to produce a lateral
movement to dobby horses or analogous objects, whilst travelling round their centre of
motion.
2. The manufacture and use of roundabouts, dobby horses, and analogous objects,
constructed with guide tracks substantially as herein before described and shewn on
the drawings.
3. The guide wheel or tail piece substantially as and for the purpose specified.
4. The general construction, arrangement, and combination of the several and
respective parts, substantially as shewn and described.
Dated this 28th day of February 1887
THOS. RICHMOND,
Agent for the Applicant.