Improvements in Wire Devices Convertible into Twine Holders, Flower Baskets, Egg Boilers, Sad-iron Rests, Napkin Rings, and other Household Articles.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Oct., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 13th Feb., 1896-Accepted, 21st Mar.,
1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Wire Devices Convertible into Twine Holders,
Flower Baskets, Egg Boilers, Sad-iron Rests, Napkin Rings, and
other Household Articles.
A communication from THE AMERICAN WIRE NOVELTY COMPANY, of 45,
Broadway, New York, United States of America, Manufacturers.
I, CHARLES AUBREY DAY, of 321, High Holborn, in the County of London,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said invention to bo
as follows:-
This invention refers to an ornamental and useful wire device so constructed as
to be adapted to be changed into a number of household articles.
The device consists of two halves each formed by a ring and two series of loops,
the loops in one series being adjustable independently of the loops of the other
series, and my invention consists in so hinging the loops in one series of one of
said halves to the loops in one series in the other one of said halves that it thereby
becomes possible to give the whole device a great variety of desired configurations,
simply by the action of the fingers.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 shows the device adjusted for a suspended twine holder and Figure 2 for a
double twine holder.
Fig. 3 is a dotted outline showing the form assumed when adjusted for a flower
basket;
Fig. 4 a similar outline when adjusted for an egg-boiler.
Fig. 5 a strong line view adjusted for a sad-iron rest,
Fig. 6 on a somewhat smaller scale, for a napkin ring, or other holder.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
A and B are two similar rings of wire, composed each of a single length of
wire bent around, and with its ends united. C, C, are semi-rings, having their
ends joined to the ring A by loops C¹ and arranged to overlap. Each semi-ring
is applied within the corresponding semi-ring on one sido and without the corre-
sponding semi-ring on the other side, the relation being allowed by the elasticity
of the material, each semi-ring being slightly strained in an oblique position. I
will designate by "locking" the slightly twisted, strained, position in which each
is held.
D, D, are corresponding semi-rings, similarly engaged by loops D' with the
ring B, and similarly overlapping and obliquely strained. The semi-rings D, on
the ring B, equal in size and number the semi-rings C on the opposite ring A.
The rings A and B thus equipped, with their semi-rings C and D being held
in parallel positions, each semi-ring C is united with the corresponding semi-ring D
by a small ring E, or other easy-fitting but reliable and permanent fastening.
This should be so easily fitted that it offers little resistance to the turning of the
respective loops therein.
F and G are corresponding series of semi-rings, similarly lapping each upon the
next, and engaged by loops F' and G₁ at their ends, the semi-rings F with the
ring A and the semi-rings G with the ring E. The several loops C, D, F,
and G', are sufficiently close to hold their respective semi-rings reliably but loosely,
so that all can be readily turned on their several fastenings. The oblique and
elastically strained position of each semi-ring ensures that all of each series, that is

page_text: to say, all of the semi-rings C, or all of the semi-rings G, or of any other series,
shall be flared outward or coned inward together. The tying together of the semi-
rings C and D ensures that these two series are deflected outward or inward together,
always to an equal extent, but the series E may be deflected outward or inward
independently of any of the other series, and so also may the series G.
When the semi-rings C and D are deflected sufficiently outward or inward, and
the rings A and B are compressed together, this portion of the device can be
compacted into a flat open-work ring. Thus put in position, if the semi-rings F
and G are deflected inward, the device makes a twine-holder, as shown in
Fig. 1.
If holding the semi-rings F and G in the same position, the rings A and B are
moved apart and the semi-rings C and D are pressed inward, the device makes an
hour-glass figure, suitable for holding two balls of twine. This adjustment is
indicated in Figure 2.
If maintaining the same condition of the semi-rings F and G, the semi-rings C
and D are thrown into an intermediate position, the device makes a capacious
receptacle suitable for an egg-boiler. This arrangement is indicated in Fig. 4.
If the same condition of the middle parts is maintained and the semi-rings F
and G at the ends are turned outward, the device assumes a spool form and may
serve as a napkin-ring holder. This is shown on a small scale in Fig. 6.
If the semi-rings C and D are also deflected outward to their fullest extent, the
entire device assumes the form of a flat ring, suitable for a sad-iron rest. This is
shown in Fig. 5.
If the semi-rings C and D are thrown in the partly extended condition, and the
semi-rings at one end are closed together and the semi-rings G at the other end
are set flaring, half-extended, the device makes a graceful hanging basket for flowers
or other like articles. This is indicated in outline in Fig. 3.
Modifications may be made without departing from the principle or sacrificing
the advantages of the invention. The semi-rings may be larger or smaller
relatively to the rings A and B. Each may be semi-elliptical instead of semi-
circular. The sizes and material of the wires of the several parts may be varied.
There may be three complete rings corresponding to A and B, the third being
united to the ring B by loops corresponding to C and D).
Parts of the invention can be used without the whole. I can use only one ring
corresponding to A or B, the sets of semi-rings F and for each end being
engaged therewith, and of course omitting the semi-rings C and D.
Dated this 28th day of October 1895.
DAY, DAVIES, & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Wire Devices Convertible into Twine Holders,
Flower Baskets, Egg Boilers, Sad-iron Rests, Napkin Rings, and
other Household Articles.
A communication from THE AMERICAN WIRE NOVELTY COMPANY, of 45,
Broadway, New York, United States of America, Manufacturers.
I, CHARLES AUBREY DAY, of 321, High Holborn, in the County of London,
Chartered Patent Agent, 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 refers to an ornamental and useful device so constructed as to be
adapted to be changed into a number of household articles.

page_text: The device consists of two halves each formed by a ring and two series of loops, the
loops in one series being adjustable independently of the loops in the other series,
and the invention consists in so hinging the loops of one of said halves to the loops
in one series in the other one of said halves that it thereby becomes possible to give the
whole device a great variety of desired configurations simply by the action of the
fingers, and by reason of the mutual strain of the parts and the friction thereby
engendered the several conditions will be maintained under ordinary conditions of
use; but the device may always be changed from one condition to another by such
force as can be readily imparted by the hands. It may be thrown into a nearly
spherical form to serve as a twine-holder or it may be thrown into an hour glass form
to serve as a double twine-holder. It may be made a capacious receptacle to serve
for an egg-boiler, may be given a tubular form to hold napkins, may be made into
a flat annular ring to serve as a sad-iron rest, or may be made a hanging basket for
flowers, and numerous other changes may be made. The device may be rapidly and
cheaply made from sufficiently elastic round wire by the aid of suitable machinery.
The drawings accompanying my Provisional Specification represent what I
consider the best means of carrying out the invention, but do not represent all
the forms of the invention.
Figure 1 shows the device adjusted for a twine-holder. The remaining figures
show it adjusted for other uses. All are ornamental.
Fig. 2 shows the device arranged for a table twine-holder.
Fig. 3 is a dotted outline showing the form assumed when adjusted for a
flower-basket; Fig. 4, a similar outline when adjusted for an egg-boiler;
Fig. 5, a strong line view adjusted for a sad-iron rest; Fig. 6, on a somewhat
smaller scale, for a napkin-ring or other holder.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures were
they appear.
A and B are two similar rings of wire, composed each of a single length of
wire bent around and with its ends united.
C, C are semi-rings having their ends joined to the ring A by loops C¹ and
arranged to overlap. Each semi-ring is applied within the corresponding semi-
ring on the other side, the relation being allowed by the elasticity of the
material, each semi-ring being slightly strained in an oblique position. I will
designate by "locking the slightly-twisted strained position in which each is
held.
D, D are corresponding semi-rings similarly engaged by loops D₁ with the
ring B and similarly over-lapping and obliquely strained. The semi-rings D on
the ring B equal in size and number the semi-rings C on the opposite ring A.
The rings A and B being thus equipped with their semi-rings C and D held in
parallel positions, each semi-ring is united with the corresponding semi-
ring D by a small ring E or other easy fitting but reliable and permanent
fastening. This should be so easily fitted that it offers little resistance to the
turning of the respective loops therein.
F and G are corresponding series of semi-rings, similarly lapping each upon
the next, and engaged by loops F and G¹ at their ends, the semi-rings G with
the ring B. The several loops C¹, D¹, F¹, and G₁ are sufficiently close to hold
their respective semi-rings reliably but loosely, so that all can be readily turned
on their several fastenings. The oblique and elastically strained position of each
semi-ring insures that all of each series-that is to say, all of the semi-rings C, or
all of the semi-rings G, or of any other series-shall be flared outward or coned
inward together. The tying together of the semi-rings C and D insures that these
two series are deflected outward or inward together, always to an equal extent, but
the series F may be deflected outward or inward independently of any of the
other series, and so, also, may the series G.
When the semi-rings C and D are deflected sufficiently outward or inward, and
the rings A and B are compressed together, this portion of the device can be
'

page_text: compacted into a flat open-work ring. Thus put in position, if the semi-rings F and G
are deflected inward, the device makes a twine holder, as shown in Fig. 1.
If, holding the semi-rings F and G in the same position, the rings A and B are
moved apart and the semi-rings C and D are pressed inward, the device makes
an hour-glass figure suitable for holding two balls of twine. This adjustment is
indicated in Fig. 2. If, maintaining the same condition of the semi-rings F and G,
the semi-rings C and D are thrown into an intermediate position, the device
makes a capacious receptacle suitable for an egg-boiler. This arrangement is
indicated in Fig. 4. If the same condition of the middle parts is maintained and
the semi-rings F and G at the ends are turned outward, the device receives a
spool form and may serve as a napkin-ring holder, as shown on a small scale in
Fig. 6.
If the semi-rings C and D are also deflected outward to their fullest extent,
the entire device assumes the form of a flat ring suitable for a sad-iron rest.
This arrangement is shown in Fig. 5. If the semi-rings C and D are thrown in
the partly extended condition, and the semi-rings at one end are closed together
and the semi-rings G at the other end are set flaring, half-extended, the device
makes a graceful hanging basket for flowers or other like articles. This is indicated
in outline in Fig. 3.
Modifications may be made without departing from the principle or sacrificing
the advantages of the invention. The semi-rings may be larger and smaller
relatively to the rings A and B. Each may be semi-elliptical instead of semi-
circular. The sizes and material of the wires for the several parts may be varied.
There may be three complete rings corresponding to A and B, the third being
united to the ring B by loops corresponding to C and D.
Parts of the invention can be used without the whole. I can use only one ring
corresponding to A or B, the sets of semi-rings F and G for each end being
engaged therewith, and of course omitting the semi-rings C and D.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. An adjustable wire device having two series of semi-rings F and G, in
combination with two rings A and B, loosely engaged respectively therewith by
means of looped ends F, G, the semi-rings being arranged to overlap each upon
an adjacent member of the series, and the whole series adapted to be extended or
contracted simultaneously and uniformly, and means for connecting the rings A
and B, as and for the purpose specified.
2. An adjustable wire device having a series of semi-rings F, in combination
with a ring A and loosely engaged therewith by means of looped ends F, the semi-
rings being arranged to overlap each upon an adjacent member of the series, and
the whole series to be extended or contracted simultaneously and uniformly, and
to be held in a gently strained condition so as to induce friction holding the series
outward or inward to various degrees as they shall be set, and with an additional ring B
carrying a corresponding series of semi-rings G, and with two series of semi-
rings and D similarly strained, and frictionally engaged with said rings, and
with links E loosely engaging the series C and D together, all arranged for joint
service substantially as herein specified.
10
1
1000
DAY, DAVIES, & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agents.
DAY, DAVIES, & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agents.