US3494037A - Pendulum actuated drawing instrument - Google Patents

Pendulum actuated drawing instrument Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3494037A
US3494037A US710923A US3494037DA US3494037A US 3494037 A US3494037 A US 3494037A US 710923 A US710923 A US 710923A US 3494037D A US3494037D A US 3494037DA US 3494037 A US3494037 A US 3494037A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
pendulum
rod
instrument
inscribing
arm
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US710923A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Amihadar Arber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ARTCO Inc
Original Assignee
ARTCO Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ARTCO Inc filed Critical ARTCO Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3494037A publication Critical patent/US3494037A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L11/00—Non-circular-curve-drawing instruments
    • B43L11/005—Non-circular-curve-drawing instruments pendulum-actuated

Definitions

  • This instrument employs a pendulum wherein an axially adjustable pendulum weight is provided by a llexible container adapted to be inflated with water or other liquid, a novel universal movement connection for the pendulum rod and Ithe arm linking same to the inscribing instrument, a support which facilitates 'assemblyl and provides ystill another means 'for varying the pattern produced, all of ⁇ the above being of easily assembled and knock-down construction for convenient and economical packaging.
  • the invention relates to improvements in a pendulumactuated drawing instrument of the 'type disclosed in U.S. Paten-ts Nos. 1,869,951 and 3,324,556, issued rt-o G. E. Worthington and George Everett, respectively, which enable significant and material benefits and economies in manufacture and use to be realized.
  • this ⁇ instrument produces intricate and fanciful line configurations and designs by employing ⁇ two pendulums coupled with an inscribing or drawing tool.
  • the motion of each pendulum is superimposed in consort upon said tool so that the ultimate or final movement of the tool is ⁇ the resultant of the individual pendulum movements.
  • the various structural parts or elements of lthe instrument are so oriented that the inscribing tool can be caused lto trace .the design or configuration on a sheet of paper or plastic corresponding to its path of movement.
  • the basic pattern tra-ced will remain the same but will decrease in magnitude, providing a symmetrical land attractive design.
  • an infinite number ⁇ of patterns may be achieved by adjusting the relative position of the respective pendulum weights, which in turn changes the pendulum period.
  • Everetts structure utilizes a separate drawing platform positioned above a weighted unitary base, which is necessary to counter or balance the moment created by the pendulum weights. lWith this construction lthe pivot points for the pendulum rods must be above the level of the supporting table, and thus, the arc through which Athe pendulum may swing without striking Ithe table is limited severely.
  • the prior ar-t devices are enpensive to manufacture, package ⁇ and market, so as to hinder and dissuade wide public acceptance.
  • One factor that has contributed to -this is that said devices all employ pendulum arrangements having relatively massive and hard cylindrical coaxial pendulum weights. Not only does the excessive mass of these pendulum weigh-ts add to the overall manufacturing cost, but -the primary disadvantage lies in the fact tha-t this arrangement results in a final product of substantial weight and volume which is costly to package and ship.
  • improvements which can materially reduce the overall cost of the instrument is of significan-t import in regard to the provision of a marketable item.
  • swinging, fast-moving, massive and hard pendulumweights are dangerous to toddlers and crawling children in a home where the instrument may be used.
  • the herein invention employs hollow, flexible tubing to eliminate this undesirable mass and friction by realizing greater flexibility to facilitate the universal movement desired at the coupling points of the inventive instrument.
  • the drag on drawing tool is reduced to give rise to finer line production and longer run of the lines drawn.
  • FIG. l is a perspective view of the drawing instrument of the present invention assembled on a table.
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view illustrating a preferred form of the pendulum support means, the pivotal connection between said means and the pendulum rod, and means for providing the universal connection between the pendulum rod and the arm connecting said rod to the inscribing tool.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pendulum weight construction of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the universal type connection between the pendulum rod and the arm, previously illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • FIGS. 5, 6 ⁇ and 7 are exploded perspective views illustrating three modications of holder arrangements for the inscribing tool, each of which arrangements is provided with means for coupling the linking arms thereto.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 are representative paterns or designs achieved with the drawing instrument of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 The pendulum-actuated drawing instrument embodying the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, operatively positioned relative to a table.
  • the instrument employs a pair of pendulum arrangements, designated generally 10, each of which includes a pendulum rod 12 of hollow tubing, preferably, and a weight 14.
  • Each pendulum arrangement 10 is vertically disposed relative to the horizontal surface 16 of a table 18, or the like horizontal support surface by the pendulum supporting structures designated generally 20.
  • Supporting structures 20 ⁇ are secured to table 18 in any desired manner, a preferred form of which is illustrated in and will he discussed in regard to FIG. 2.
  • the pendulum rods 12 are connected to the respective supporting structures 20 at points intermediate their ends, such that they are free to pivot with an upper portion of each rod 12 extending above the level of surface 16.
  • a sheet of drawing paper 22 Positioned on surface 16 is a sheet of drawing paper 22 located to be engaged by the inscribing tool 24.
  • the elastic arm or linking members 26 preferably made of high impact, styrene tubing of light weight and good strength.
  • FIG. 2 A preferred form of the supporting structure 20' for pivotally mounting a pendulum 10 ⁇ to the table 18 to attain the uniform uniplanar movement heretofore discussed is illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • Supporting structure 20 is comprised of a pendulum support base 21 provided with a plurality of key-hole apertures 30 ⁇ in which are disposed suction cups 32. Accordingly, once the desired position for the supporting arrangement is ascertained, suction cups 32 are engaged with the upper surface of the table 18 to fix the position of the supporting structure 20 thereon.
  • one end of the base 21 is notched at 34 to receive the pendulum rod 12 therethrough.
  • the pendulum rod 12 is provided with a corresponding aperture 38 such that said rod may be disposed in notch 34 with the apertures 36 and 38 in alignment and pin 40 ⁇ passed therethrough, thereby pivotally mounting the pendulum rod 12 relative to the support base 21.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the spring coupling means of the present invention which provides the necessary universal connection between the arm 26 and the respective pendulum rod 12.
  • the spring coupling means is designated generally 42, and is comprised essentially of two portions or segments; the elongated sleeve-like coiled portion 44 and the loop portion 46, which are orthogonally related,
  • portion 46 lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to that of a section taken through portion 44 and perpendicular to the axis thereof.
  • This means is also referred to herein as a spring coupler.
  • arm 26 Upon assembly of the respective elements illustrated in FIG. 4, arm 26 is disposed within the sleeve-like portion 44 while the loop portion 46 is slidably engaged over the pendulum rod 12. Since the individual coils of section 44 are designed to have purchase with the outer periphery of arm 26, they will in effect function as a screw thread thereby facilitating engagement which may be achieved by merely rotating arm 26 relative to the coiled portion 44. With regard to the assembled arrangement of FIG. 4, arm 26 should be engaged only halfway within the sleeve-like coiled portion 44 as illustrated in FIG. 2, thus providing an intermediate section 44' between the end of arm 26 and portion 46.
  • arm 26 in portion 44 will substantially hinder the desired articulated movement and tend to dampen prematurely the motion of pendulums 10. Accordingly, when the respective elements 12 and 26 are joined as described above, the oscillatory movement of the upper portion of pendulum rod 12 will be directly transmitted to arm 26, while due to the flexible nature of the intermediate section of the coiled portion 44, the arm 26 is free to pivot or yaw and pitch relative to rod 12 under the influence of the corresponding arm member.
  • the form of overall configuration of the design traced is dependent upon the characteristics of the respective pendulum arrangements 10. More specifically, adjustment of the position of the weights 14 along the length of the rods 12 varies the period or timing of the individual pendulum swings, and correspondingly changes the resultant movement of the inscribing tool 22. While this is the primary manner of effecting variance in the pattern traced, by adjusting the position of the spring coupler 42 with respect to the upper portion of pendulum rod 12, the length-to-width ratio of pattern also may be varied. Still another factor which influences the overall configuration of the pattern traced is the relative angular displacement of the arms 26.
  • the adjustable mounting afforded by the present invention adapts the device for either an across-thecorner setup, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or an along-thecdge arrangement, not shown.
  • Pendulum weight 14 is comprised of a flexible soft and smooth plastic bag member or container 50 which is closed at its opposite ends and provided with a re-sealable lling spout 52.
  • a flexible soft and smooth plastic bag member or container 50 which is closed at its opposite ends and provided with a re-sealable lling spout 52.
  • bag 50 is provided with apertures 54 in the closed end portions, and an aperture 56 substantially in the middle of said Ibag, said apertures slidably receiving rod 12 therein and causing locking of the bag thereon.
  • the latter aperture 56 is necessitated to evenly distribute the pendulum weight Kwith respect to rod 12.
  • Aperture S6 may lbe provided in a Variety of manner, but since it lbest be in the center of the bag 50, it is preferential to employ an apertured plastic fitting 58 which assures the water-tight nature of the construction ⁇
  • the double aperture provision in the bag enables the bag to be shifted axially along the rod and locked in the desired position therefor by reason of the weight of the water on opposite sides of the rod. Note that there are upper and lower bag portions 50a and 50h, respectively, on opposite sides of rod 12.
  • FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, various embodiments of inscribing tool holders are illustrated.
  • the holders of the said figures which will be designated generally 60, 60 and 60, respectively, are comprised of means operatively receiving the inscribing tool 24, and connection structure for attaching the ends of arms 26 thereto.
  • Each holder is specically designed to fast receive, hold and release a ball-point pen and such a pen of possibly different cross-section configuration and size and shape.
  • a very light-weight tool can be used, such as a refill for a ball-point pen.
  • the holder 60 is an integral plastic member 70 provided with a pair of resilient spring-like fingers 72 having arcuate ends which cooperate to define a split sleeve 74.
  • member 70 has a pair of integral extensions 76 having sleeve formations 78, each of which matingly receive one of the ends of arms 26.
  • holder 60 is comprised of an apertured member 80, having a grommet 82 positioned in said aperture.
  • the grommet 82 is constructed of an expandable elastomeric material and fast receives, properly positions, and easily releases the inscribing instrument 24.
  • the holder of FIG. 6 employs a pair of integral extensions 86, and has means thereon for connection with the ends of arms 26. With this embodiment, the ends of arms 26 are apertured at 84 and each extension provided with a corresponding post 85 insertable in said aperture, the respective elements are maintained in engagement by keeper washers 87 which are disposed over posts 85 after assembly.
  • the connecting means of FIG. 6 permits pivotal movement between both of arms 26 and holder 60. While this is often desirable with regard to one of said arms, it is necessary to maintain an unarticulated connection between holder 60' and the other of said arms 26. Accordingly, one of the extensions 86 is provided with a plurality of protuberances 88 which engage on the opposite sides of the respective arm member to prevent movement relative to the holder 60'.
  • Holder 60 is comprised of a pair of bifurcated or reverse-bent wire elements 90, the closed end of each defining an arcuate portion 92, the bifurcated ends diverging slightly in the unassembled state.
  • the instant embodiment employs an elastomeric holding grommet 94 similar to that of FIG. 6, said arcuate end portions 92 being engaged over the grommet 94 to maintain the holder in assembly.
  • hollow or tubular arms 26 are employed, whereby assembly to holder 60 is effected by inserting the bifurcated diverging ends of elements 90 in the ends of said arms 26, as illustrated in the right-hand portion of FIG. 7.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 are illustrative of but two of the infinite number of designs that can be obtained with a device of this type. Obviously, the designs can be superimposed, one upon the other, and different colored inscribing instruments used to enhance the overall asthetic effect.
  • the device of the present invention can be regarded also as a toy, it is believed apparent that it may be useful in many other areas, for example, in the fields of mental therapy and physical health for use by shut-ins and as an educational device. Accordingly, it is believed that the advantages and benefits derived from the invention will be apparent from the foregoing detailed description of the illustrated embodiments. It is further contemplated that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
  • a pendulum-actuated drawing instrument for inscribing a variety of patterns on a sheet of paper, plastic or like writing material, said instrument including means for positioning an inscribing tool in engagement with said sheet, at least two pendulums each having an elongate rod and a weight capable of being adjustably positioned along the length of said rod, a support for mounting said pendulums in swingable relation relative to a horizontal planar surface with the upper end portions of each elongated rod extending above said surface, at least two flexible arm members, each adapted to be connected operably at one end thereof to respective pendulum rods so as to extend transversely thereof, the other ends of said arm members adapted to be associated with each other and with said means for positioning an inscribing tool whereby upon assembly of said device with respect to said planar surface, said arms will extend longitudinally thereof so that movement of said pendulums will be transmitted to said inscribing tool positioning means by said flexible arm members, wherein the improvement includes a pendulum weight comprised of a
  • a pendulum-actuated drawing instrument for inscribing a variety of patterns on a sheet of paper, plastic or like writing material, said instrument including means for positioning an inscribing tool in engagement with said sheet, at least two pendulums each having an elongate rod and a weight capable of being adjustably positioned along the length of said rod, a support for mounting said pendulums in swingable relation relative to a horizontal planar surface with the upper end portions of each elongated rod extending above said surface, at least two flexible arm members, each adapted to be connected operably at one end thereof to respective pendulum rods so as to extend transversely thereof, the other ends of said arm members adapted to be associated with each other and with said means for positioning an inscribing tool whereby upon assembly of said device with respect to said planar surface, said arms will extend longitudinally thereof so that movement of said pendulums will be transmitted to said inscribing tool positioning means by said flexible arm members, wherein the improvement includes a pendulum weight comprised of a
  • said means for attaching the arm member to said holder comprises a pair of extensions on said unitary member, each extension defining a sleeve for receiving therein the end portion of a respective arm member.
  • said means for attaching the arm members to the holder comprises a pair of bifurcated wire elements, each having an arcuate section engaged about said grommet, the bifurcated portions of said element-s diverging and adapted to be received in the end portion of a hollow arm member.
  • a pendulum-actuated drawing instrument for inscribing a variety of patterns on a sheet of paper, plastic or like writing material, said instrument including means for positioning an inscribing tool in engagement with said sheet, at least two pendulums each having an elongate rod and a weight capable of being adjustably positioned along the length of said rod, a support for mounting said pendulums in swingable relation relative to a horizontal planar surface with the upper end portions of each elongated rod extending above said surface, at least two flexible arm members, each adapted to be connected operably at one end thereof to respective pendulum rods so as to extend transversely thereof, the other ends of said arm members adapted to be associated with each other and with said means for positioning an inscribing tool whereby upon assembly of said device with respect to said planar surface, said arms will extend longitudinally thereof said that movement of said pendulums will be transmitted to said inscribing tool positioning means by said flexible arm members, the improvement comprising spring coupler means for connecting said arm members to the upper
US710923A 1968-03-06 1968-03-06 Pendulum actuated drawing instrument Expired - Lifetime US3494037A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US71092368A 1968-03-06 1968-03-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3494037A true US3494037A (en) 1970-02-10

Family

ID=24856076

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US710923A Expired - Lifetime US3494037A (en) 1968-03-06 1968-03-06 Pendulum actuated drawing instrument

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US3494037A (un)
BE (1) BE715116A (un)
FR (1) FR1580727A (un)
NL (1) NL6812837A (un)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3977085A (en) * 1975-10-20 1976-08-31 Sandifer Robert L Pendulum toy
US4067111A (en) * 1975-05-12 1978-01-10 Truitt Thomas E Pendulum device
US4162577A (en) * 1977-10-31 1979-07-31 Cosman Michael A Pendulum drawing machine
US4703562A (en) * 1986-11-06 1987-11-03 Burkholder Dennis H Pendulum design machine
US20070295284A1 (en) * 2006-06-20 2007-12-27 Suring Stanley L Animal entertainment device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US898599A (en) * 1908-02-07 1908-09-15 Herbert Pearce Pendulograph.
US1869951A (en) * 1929-04-24 1932-08-02 F J Catterlin Pendulum toy
US3143807A (en) * 1962-04-02 1964-08-11 George L Christie Pendulum drawing device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US898599A (en) * 1908-02-07 1908-09-15 Herbert Pearce Pendulograph.
US1869951A (en) * 1929-04-24 1932-08-02 F J Catterlin Pendulum toy
US3143807A (en) * 1962-04-02 1964-08-11 George L Christie Pendulum drawing device

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4067111A (en) * 1975-05-12 1978-01-10 Truitt Thomas E Pendulum device
US3977085A (en) * 1975-10-20 1976-08-31 Sandifer Robert L Pendulum toy
US4162577A (en) * 1977-10-31 1979-07-31 Cosman Michael A Pendulum drawing machine
US4703562A (en) * 1986-11-06 1987-11-03 Burkholder Dennis H Pendulum design machine
US20070295284A1 (en) * 2006-06-20 2007-12-27 Suring Stanley L Animal entertainment device
US7900584B2 (en) * 2006-06-20 2011-03-08 G.H.L. International, Inc. Animal entertainment device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE715116A (un) 1968-09-30
NL6812837A (un) 1969-09-09
FR1580727A (un) 1969-09-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3528657A (en) Suspension seat toy and juvenile rest furniture
US5370570A (en) Portable mobile
US3532225A (en) Convertible geometric structure
US2219130A (en) Toy and display figure
US3494037A (en) Pendulum actuated drawing instrument
US976718A (en) Sounding toy.
EP0098878A1 (en) Mobile toy for kitten or similar animal
US5112265A (en) Toy animal having oscillating parts
US1399855A (en) Swimming doll
US3384966A (en) Pendulum toy
US2576439A (en) Toy chain
US2414063A (en) Exercising device
US1244371A (en) Rocking toy.
US2137575A (en) Dancing doll
US2770159A (en) Musical instrument
US3143807A (en) Pendulum drawing device
US5314369A (en) Twirling toy
US5137487A (en) Self-reversing symmetrical body
US3590488A (en) Apparatus for tracing random geometrical figures
US729891A (en) Æolian hummer.
US3324556A (en) Pendulum toy
US1752529A (en) Tone-producing triangle
US4703562A (en) Pendulum design machine
US2764379A (en) Base and standard assembly
US3703292A (en) Paddle with elastic coil ball tether