GB183287A - Improvements in mechanical toys, operated by gramophones - Google Patents

Abstract

183,287. Goodall, A. H. May 9, 1921. Mechanical toys.-In a mechanical toy operated by a gramophone, dolls or other toy figures move with a waltzing motion about the axis of the record table, the speed of rotation being controlled by a brake. Scenic and lighting effects are also provided. The device comprises a shaft B which is rotated by the gramophone either by friction between a pedestal C and the record D, or by clamping the pedestal to the pin F of the record table. A pulley G secured to the upper end of the shaft B drives, by means of a belt H, a pulley 0 secured to a spindle J which carries a forked support K for the dolls. The spindle J is journaled in bearings in a box A of circular or other shape which is itself free to rotate about the upper end of the shaft B. Thus the shaft B rotates the dolls about the spindle J and at the same time, the box is forced to rotate about the shaft B. The motion of the figures is controlled by an arm which presses against the underside of the box A, the pressure being regulated either by a spring or by a counterweight. Mirrors may be arranged around the apparatus to multiply the apparent number of dolls, and the whole device may be enclosed by a small stage with proscenium, drop-curtain, &c. Coloured lighting effects may be produced by an illuminant with coloured screens which are changed periodically by means of a stop on the gramophone table that strikes and rotates a small wheel.