IMPROVEMENTS IN SWINGS
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Cox, of Gorgie Mills, in the County of
Edinburgh, Glue Maker, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SWINGS."
Sealed the 11th March 1864, and dated the 16th September 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Cox at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 16th September
1863.
I, JOHN Cox, of Gorgie Mills, in the County of Edinburgh, Glue Maker,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SWINGS," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates, first, to swings of the see-saw kind, and consists in
constructing them on the principle of tubular bridges, as hereafter described,
so as to obtain sufficient strength for a long swing which will safely hold
a large number of people and elevate them to a greater height than hitherto
with swings of this description. I prefer to make the swing in the form of.
three parts of a cross, two of the parts constituting the horizontal straight
line of the swing or swing proper, while the third part which should be well
weighted oscillates like a pendulum and equalizes the motion; or I make
the swing in the form of a full cross, the perpendicular arms of the cross
should be secured to the horizontal arms by braces or trusses. To prevent
jolting when the swing reaches the end of its course in either direction, I

page_text: attach to each end of the swing a large tube closed at top and open at
bottom which plunges into a tank or reservoir of water, and thus acts as an air
buffer.
My Invention refers, secondly, to pendulum swings, and consists in
combining two or several pendulums as hereafter described. I employ iron
or other rigid material for the pendulum part in preference to rope. I take
say two rigid pendulums 50 feet in length and 100 feet apart, more or less;
I connect to the bottom of each a strong horizontal plank or rod, strengthened
or not by oblique supports; this connecting plank or rod will hold a number
of persons sitting astride or otherwise. To give greater security and strength
there may be more than two pendulums which may be arranged and connected
so that the support for the swingers will be like a floor which may have seats
on it. The swing may be put in motion by ropes or other attachments worked
by the swingers.
My Invention lastly consists in attaching seats to those swings called
merry-go-rounds" so that persons seated thereon may propel themselves by
the action of the legs and feet. Or, 1 erect such merry-go-rounds over water
and propel them by oars or paddles.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Cox in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 16th
March 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
Cox, of Gorgie Mills, in the County of Edinburgh, Glue Maker, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-seventh year of Her
reign, did; for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said John Ċox, Her special licence that I, the said John Cox,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John
Cox, my executors, 'administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all. times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SWINGS," upon
the condition (amongst others) that I, the said John Cox, my executors

page_text: or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of
their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of
the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Cox, do hereby declaro
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof, reference being had to the. Drawings hereunto annexed,
that is to say -
My Invention consists in improvements in swings of the sec-ṣaw, pendulum,
and merry-go-round varieties, and has for its object the affording healthy and
pleasurable exercise and recreation to large numbers of persons by enabling
them to propel themselves in novel ways, and to ascend to a greater height
than has hitherto been practised on swings. Hitherto sec-saws have been
small in size owing to their mode of construction, not affording sufficient
strength for a great scale, and from the want of regulating contrivances to
equalize and regulate the motion. My improvement in sce-saws consists
in constructing them on the principles applied in the structure of bridges of
the tubular, braced, girder, trussed, or suspension kiud, but for simplicity,
strength, and cheapness, I prefer the combination of the bracing and
suspension principles, so that a large and strong see-saw shall in shape some-
what resemble a cross with the extreme ends braced or tied together with
braces and suspension rods. Also I supply a considerable weight, say a ton
more or less, to the under part of the see-saw to regulate and equalize the
motion, and which to a considerable extent acts the part of a fly wheel, which
also may be applied to steady the motion and prevent hard jolting at the end
of each oscillation. The jolting may be further prevented by the employment
of buffers regulated by the reaction of water or air by a tube or other applianco
attached to the swing dipping into water, or the end of the swing striking a
I also cause the
floating object at the end of each oscillation or otherwise.
see-saw to be worked by giving motion to a load or weight placed upon the
swing, and which can be done in any convenient way, so that by shifting the
weight from one side of the axle to the other, or backwards and forwards at
end of each oscillation, the centre of gravity will shift, and alternating motion
will be given to the swing. I prefer to form the see-saw with rails in order
that the occupants may move with safety, and that by their stepping a little
backwards and forwards at the end of each oscillation proper motion may be
kept up. A see-saw constructed as above described may be 100 feet long,

page_text: more or less, and supported on an axle 20 feet above the ground, so that the
extremities where the swingers are will go to a height of 40 feet. The
breadth may be conveniently from 5 to 10 feet, but I do not confine 'myself
to particular dimensions in any of my swings.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings is a side elevation; Figure 2 a
plan, and Figure 8 an end view of a see-saw swing constructed as just
described.
:
a, a, is the see-saw free to oscillate on an axle b, supported by bearings c;
d, d, are uprights, the upper part of which is connected to the see-saw
by rods e, and the lower part by braces f, f; these braces and rods serve
to strengthen the swing. The lower ends of the uprights form the corner
pieces of a box g, in which a heavy weight, say a ton, is placed to steady the
motion of the swing, and to prevent jolting at the end of each oscillation; h, h,
are rails for the security of the swingers; i is a weight free to move back-
wards and forwards on guides j, and having connected thereto a rope or rod
extending to each end of the swing. The occupants of the swing by pulling.
the weight i alternately to each side of the axle b will alter the centre of
gravity of the swing, and cause it to oscillate; k, k, are steps by which access
is gained to the swing; 1, 1, are springs to diminish jolting.
Figure 4.represents a side elevation of a variety or modification of the sec-
saw just described, whereby by making one arm a considerably shorter than
the opposite arm b, I am enabled to elevate the arm 6 to a greater. height as
the shorter arm a oscillates under the axle c fully half a circle, thereby causing
the arm b to describe fully half a circle above the axle, it will thus reach the
extreme elevation of the sum of the lengths of both arms of the see-saw; f,f,
are the braces, and 9, 9, the suspension rods. By loading the arm a sufficiently
(which I prefer doing with cast-iron fitted properly on a cross rod d of iron as
shewn) in any convenient way and with any convenient material, so that the
weight will counterbalance a person or persons at the extremity of the arm b,
he or they may swing or describe the upper half circle. In order that the
swing may be safe 1 enclose the occupants in a sort of cage e, suspended from
an axle h, or otherwise, at the extreme end of the arm b. This see-saw has
duplicate arms like the swing shewn in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and for distinction.
I call it the "giant's leaping see-saw," as the figure described by the swinger
is similar to a high and far leap. This description of see-saw may be useful
for crossing rivers, reaching high buildings as a fire escape, or obtaining a
view of the surrounding country, it may also be employed for military purposes,
and may be modified in its structure so that persons may elevate and lower
themselves by pulling a weight or otherwise. By making the under part of

page_text: this see-saw circular with the axle as a centre, and of sufficient breadth to
prevent upsetting, say 6 or 10 feet, it may be made to roll on a smooth
surface or railway, the framework for supporting it may then be dispensed
with.
Another modification of my loaded see-saw is represented in Figures 5 and
6, I place a series of them in juxtaposition, so that they may adjust them-
selves to be always ready for trapeze exercise or swinging from one swing to
another. The load in this case requires to be no more than will give a small
preponderance of weight on one side, so that the loaded part may be
perpendicular to the axle, and thus keep at least two of the other arms or
bars in proper position for being seized by the hands of the operator. It may
however be arranged that so many arms or bars may be added to the machine,
that no preponderating weight may be needed. as from proximity one arm or
bar must always be within reach of the performer. A swing of this
description with three or four arms or bars would require to have one arm
loaded, but if the arms were very close together they would not require
loading. This swing is a combination of see-saw and pendulum principles,
and may have duplicate arms like the others to afford more breadth.
Figure 5 is an elevation, and Figure 6 a plan of one of these swings with
four arms a, a, one arm is loaded as represented at 6, in order that it may be
always in a vertical position, so that the two horizontal arms may be kept in
proper position for being seized by the operator, c, c, are hand holds at the end
of each arm a.
Figure 7 represents a side view of another self-regulating swing-of the see-
saw and pendulum kinds combined, and shewing three swings arranged for
trapeze exercise. Any other number may be arranged, one in front of another,
and of the same or of varying lengths, but I prefer them to be longer and
shorter alternately. a is a beam by which the axles 6 of the swings are sup-
ported. The upper end of each swing is loaded at e, so that the swing is kept
in the position shewn, as it is prevented turning or swinging further by a stop
or catch d. When a person seizes the swing e, the swing would turn into
the position represented by the dotted lines e¹, where by leaving hold it would
be retained by the weighted upper end coming against the stop d. If the
next swing were of the same length as the swing e, the swinger would seize
it with his bands, and go forward to the swing 9, and so on, and when he
reached the last swing of the series, he might return again in the same manner,
because all the swings would have assumed the positions indicated by the
dotted lines e, f, g¹; but I prefer, as before stated, to make the swings alter-
nately longer and shorter, in which case the swinger would start in a sitting

page_text: posture from the swing e, then swing within reach of the shorter swing f, which
he would seize with his hands, and which would lead him to another longer
swing g, on which he might sit, and so on, hanging by the hands, and sitting.
alternately. I prefer the arms of theso swings to be in duplicate for the
sake of room in breadth.
My next improvement is in pendulum swings, and consists in a combination
of pendulums kept parallel in their motion, whereby I maintain the seat in a.
horizontal position throughout the whole course of the oscillation. I make the
suspending ropes, rods, chains, or other material of equal lengths, suspended
from axles or pivots at the same elevation, but one or more in advance of the
other in the line of motion. I attach the suspenders by joints at their lower
ends, at similar distances to those of the suspending points to a beam of wood,
floor, or framework, so that when in motion the beam or floor, or frame, will
be kept in a horizontal position. Persons sitting astride on a beam suspended.
in this way, may propel themselves, when at the low level of oscillation, by
their feet against the ground, or by pulling a rope or rail attached to the
suspenders between the seat and the top of the swing (a few feet up from the.
scat will do) they may propel themselves, or if above water, by paddles or.
paddle wheels. Sometimes I suspend a rod or other suspender, or a number
of them in advance of another rod or suspender in the line of motion, although
not quite parallel, or on the same clevation, so that the seat is not moved quite
horizontally.
Figure 8 is a side elevation, and Figure 9 an end elevation of a pendulum
swing formed of several pendulums a, a, suspended by hinged joints b from
transverse beams c, supported by uprights d. Horizontal beams e forming a
kind of floor are connected by movable joints to the lower ends of the
pendulums a, a, and above and parallel to these beams a bar or seat f is fixed,
on which the swingers may sit; 9, 9, are jointed rods to be taken hold of by
the swingers.
Figure 10 shews a side elevation of an arrangement in which several com-
bination pendulum swings may be employed for trapeze exercise. I prolong
the arms of Figures 8 and 9 above the axles, and I place a weight a above.
the axles as in the arrangement shewn in Figure 7, and form stops c to keep
the swing in proper position; d is the supporting beam; b, b, the two axles,
which are to be near each other; e is a. floor or seat for the swinger, con-
necting two or more pendulums f,f; and g is a similar floor, seat, or tie at
the upper end of the pendulums. The. floors or. seats e and 9, are connected
to the pendulums by pivots or joints h, h. The weight a is sufficiently.
heavy to balance, or rather overbalance the lower arm of the swing; iis a

page_text: rail, which serves the two purposes of steadying the swinger, and enabling him
to propel himself if desired, the pendulum arms should be in duplicate as in
the other arrangements. By properly arranging a series of these.swings, a
swinger may go from one to another by a stepping motion, as well as catching
by the hands. This swing may be reversed, that is to say, the longer arms of
the pendulums may be fitted above the supporting beam d, and the shorter
arms below; if then the weight a be made sufficiently heavy," persons may
swing above the axle as in the swing shewn in Figure 4.
-
Another modification of my pendulum swing is represented in side view in
Figure 11, and in plan in Figure 12. In this arrangement the pendulums a, a,
are suspended from the same axle bat an angle to each other; the seat c,
which connects their lower ends does not preserve a horizontal position when
put in motion, but describes the arc of a circle. The swingers by sitting
astride on the seat c may propel themselves by means of the feet when at the
low level, or by moving a weight backwards and forwards on the seat c or
otherwise (for the weight may be suspended from the axle) at the end of each
oscillation, as described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, or if the swing
be erected above water it may be propelled by paddles or.oars.
My next improvement is in merry-go-round swings, and consists in forming
the outer rim so that persons may sit astride thereon with the feet able; to
touch the ground, and so be enabled to propel themselves like a person on a
two-wheeled velocipede, or a seat may be erected, so that oars, poles, or
paddles may be used against water, pegs in the ground, or the ground itself.
Figure 18 is a side view, and Figure 14 a top view of a merry-go-round
swing constructed as just described. a is the central pole, which may be sup-
ported in different ways, like cranes, on which the merry-go-round is free..to
turn, being attached thereto at the points. b, b; c is the outer rim, made. so
that persons may sit astride thereon; this rim may, if desired, have seats fitted
or formed on it, and have suitable bearings for oars or paddles attached thereto;
rails may also be added to steady the swingers.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention; and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I do not confine myself to
the particular arrangements herein-before described, as they may be modified
in many ways without departing from my Invention, and that I claim,―
First, constructing see-saw swings, substantially as herein-before described,
in which tubes, girders, braces, trusses, and suspending rods are employed to
make a strong structure, and in loading such swings with a considerable weight
beneath the axle, whether the swings be put in motion by means of a weight
pulled backwards and forwards to the two sides of the axle alternately, as

page_text: described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, or whether the swing be
otherwise put in motion.
Second, the employment at each end of the swing of a tube or other
appliance made to dip into water, or causing the end of the swing to strike a
floating object at the end of each oscillation, and thereby act as an air or water
buffer, and diminish the jolting or shock, as herein-before described.
Third, making see-saw swings with one end weighted and shorter than the
opposite end, so that persons may describe half a circle in the air abov
axle, as herein-before described and represented in Figure 4 of the accom-
panying Drawings.
Fourth, constructing self-regulating swings for trapeze exercise, as herein-
before described with reference to Figures 5, 6, 7, and 10 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Fifth, combining several pendulums so that a seat or frame may oscillate
in a horizontal position owing to the pendulums or suspenders acting in a
parallel manner with each other, one at least being in advance of the other in
the line of motion, and on which the occupants are enabled to propel them-
selves by ropes,-rods, or their feet, or by paddles, if above water, as herein-
before described and represented in Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Sixth, constructing pendulum swings for facility of propulsion, substantially
as represented in Figures 11 and 12 of the accompanying Drawings, and
herein-before described.
Seventh, constructing merry-go-round swings with the outer rim formed so
that persons may sit astride thereon and propel themselves by the feet or other-
wise, or that seats may be fitted or formed on them for using oars or poles,
substantially as herein-before described and illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 of
the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Cox, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Fourteenth day of March One thousand eight hundred
and sixty-four