Year: 1886

page_text: I HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, 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 relates to an improved toy, and consists of a spherical body or
ball, having two or more colours (which for convenience of description I term
primary colours) applied to its surface in divisions, and arranged in different
relative positions, so that when the ball is made to revolve rapidly it will have the
effect of causing one or more of the colours to fade away or blend into another, or
be displaced by another, thus producing a pleasing optical illusion.
The several figures of the drawing show balls embodying the features of this
invention and represent the different colours arranged in different planes.
Referring to the drawing, A, B, C and D represent different balls or spheres
which will be, ordinarily, composed of wood; but any other material suitable for
the purpose may be used, such as metal, glass, paper, leather or india-rubber.
I will suppose the lower half a of the ball A, shown in Figure 1, to be of a
bright red colour, and one of the upper quarters, not shown, to be black; while
the remaining quarter of the sphere, shown in the upper foreground, is covered
with a number of colours laid on in different planes. The triangular plane or
surface a, is a light blue, the surface a of a light yellow, the surface a³ dark blue,
and the surface. a' a light cream tint.
Now when the ball is put in motion and caused to spin or revolve on its axis
by means of the cord E, the combination of the red and black surfaces with the
light blue has the effect of changing this part of the sphere into a continuous field
of a light reddish tint; the plane a' becomes a continuous stripe or band of a
dark dull yellow; the plane as presents a continuous stripe or band of dark red;
and the plane a is changed to a dark cream shade with a slight reddish cast.
It will thus be observed that one of the primary and predominating colours, viz,
the black, is made to entirely disappear, when the sphere is in motion, by being
blended with the other colours; the greater predominating colour viz: the red,

page_text: being changed into circles of various shades in accordance with the short stripe or
plane connecting the red and black surfaces. In this case the six different colours
or shades represented on the surface of the ball when at rest are reduced to four
when in motion and all of a different shade from any of the primary colours.
The surface of the ball B shown in Figure 2 is divided into eighths and may
represent as many different colours or shades.
The divisions or planes 6, 61, in this case are painted a dark blue and their
opposites black; the division 62 white and its opposite yellow; and the division b³
red, and its opposite light blue, thus representing six colours. When this ball is
put in motion, a narrow black band or stripe is shown in the centre, flanked by a
dark yellow band on one side, and on the other by a band of a dull red colour,
while the field on one side, in the direction of the axis, shows a dark cream tint
and on the opposite a pink tint or shade.
The balls C and D, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, show a different arrange-
ment of the colours, so disposed as to produce different variagated effects and
transformations.
The balls are provided with the central apertures d d', through which the double
spinning cord E is passed; the operation being similar to that of the ordinary
buzz."
£© ༢༠ག
".
It will readily be seen that many different effects may be produced by varying
the arrangement and combination of the colours, and the relative proportions of
the areas of the surfaces covered by the several colours.
When the ball is put in rapid motion, several patches of different colours are
combined and show a continuous band (which does not actually exist) of but one
colour, and that of a different colour from any embraced in the combination; this
effect being produced on the eye owing to the rapidity of motion not permitting
the retina to receive the impression of each colour separately..
The same colours on the different balls also change, fade and blend into different
shades as the speed is increased or diminished. The direction of rotation of the
ball is reversed by the tension and relaxation on the operating cord.
This invention not only produces an amusing and interesting toy, but may also
be turned to practical account by being employed to illustrate the effect of change-
able and blended colour rays on the retina of the eye; and also to illustrate the
infinite variety of hues and shades that it is possible to produce by the combination
of colours. In this sense it might be termed a philosophical toy.
A spherical or similar body gives a much greater surface for the arrangement
and combination of colours than a circular or flat disc of an equal diameter, as the
area of the surface presented to view does not vary, thus producing more unique
and pleasing designs than it is possible to obtain on a flat surface. I may also
employ an oval or elongated body, or make use of other bodies of different
geometrical contour, to produce a pleasing effect; or I may use a ball having a
corrugated surface.
For cheapness, simplicity, and durability I prefer a wooden ball having its
surface painted in regular or irregular planes, but the different colours may be
changed by using pieces of coloured paper, leather etc., and attaching them to the
surface of the ball by means of any suitable adhesive composition.
Another effect may be obtained by producing a spherical surface with a woven
or knitted covering composed of different coloured yarns or threads.
Instead of the spinning-cord shown, any other suitable means may be employed
to impart the required motion to the colour-ball, either by hand or by mechanism,
such as clockwork.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
First. A spherical body having divisions, each of which has a primary colour as
described, so that the colour of one or more divisions will disappear or blend with

page_text: the colour of another division or divisions when the ball is revolved, thus pro-
ducing colours, shades and tints different from the primary colours, as set forth.
Second. A spherical body having a number of divisions of different sizes and
forms, each division having a colour distinct from the others, and arranged sub-
stantially as described, so that when the sphere is revolved a series of bands or
stripes of different shades relative to each other will appear, said bands having no
existence when said sphere is at rest, as set forth.
Third. An optical toy consisting of a sphere or ball having divisions, each of
which has a primary colour, the said divisions being arranged on the surface of the
ball, substantially in the manner described; central apertures being formed in said
ball, through which is passed a spinning cord upon which said ball is mounted, as
set forth.