An Improved Optical Spinning Top.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Nov., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 31st July, 1896-Accepted, 3rd Oct., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Optical Spinning Top.
I, CHARLES EDGAR GYNGELL of 190 Northcote Road Walthamstow Essex
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :—
A spinning top is provided with a socket in its upper centre into which is
inserted a spindle, the spindle being loosely fitting. A pin projects from the upper
centre of the spindle upon which is placed by a hole in its centre, a circular sheet
of paper or card of about the same diameter as the spinning top.
The paper or card is marked on its upper surface with various figures in black
and white or colours.
When spun the top imparts motion to the spindle which in its turn rotates the
attached paper or card.
The spindle being of less diameter than the socket in which it rests is driven
against the sides of the socket by centrifugal force so that the pin on its upper end
with its attached paper or card describes a circle round the axis of rotation of the
top and at the same time revolves around its own centre. The effect of this
double rotation viz. ;-round its own centre and in a circle round the centre of the
top is to cause the figures on the paper or card attached to the pin to assume the
appearance of symmetrical designs which alter in shape, direction of rotation,
colour and speed, so that any simple device or unsymmetrical markings upon the
face of the paper or card are converted into a kaleidoscopic or chromatroupe-like
figure.
The top is spun by a string wound round a suitable pulley provided at the upper
end at the entrance of the socket; a peg with a suitable handle being inserted in
the socket to steady it while being spun.
Dated this 31st day of October 1895.
An Improved Optical Spinning Top.
I, CHARLES EDGAR GYNGELL of 190 Northcote Road Walthamstow Essex,
Manufacturer's Manager 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 aud by the following statement:-
A spinning top (A) is provided with a socket (B) in its upper centre into which
is inserted a loosely fitting spindle (C). A pin (D) projects from the upper centre
of the spindle, upon which is placed, by a hole in its centre, a circular sheet of
paper (E) or card of about the same diameter as the spinning top. The paper or
card is marked on its upper surface with various figures in black and white, or in
colours. When the top is spun it imparts a rotatory motion to the spindle which
in its turn rotates the attached paper or card. The spindle being of less diameter
than the socket in which it rests is driven against the sides of the socket by
centrifugal force so that the pin on its upper end, with its attached paper or card

page_text: describes a circle round the axis of rotation of the top and at the same time
revolves around its own centre. The effect of this double rotation-namely-around
its own centre and in a circle round the centre of the top is to cause the figures on
the card or paper attached to the pin to assume the appearance of symetrical
designs, which alter in shape, direction of rotation, colour and speed, so that any
simple device or unsymmetrical markings upon the face of the card or paper are
converted into a kaleidoscopic or chromatroupe like figure. The card or paper
may be replaced by tinfoil or any other suitable material. The top is spun by
a string wound round a pulley (F) 'provided at the. upper end, forming the
entrance of the socket, a peg with a suitable handle being inserted in the socket
to steady the top when being spun.
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
The use of a loose spindle inserted in a socket for the purpose of carrying the
pieces of paper, card or other suitable material, whereby the said paper, card or
other material is caused to rotate around two centres at the same time with
-different speeds.
Dated this 31st day of July 1896.