US443859A - Return-ball - Google Patents

Description

m Model W. LIBBEY.

RETURN BALL.

No. 443,859. Patented Dec. 30,1890.

- 'Fi .1. .1"- j UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

IIOSEA XV. LIBBEY, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.-

RETURN BALL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 443,859, dated December 30, 1890.

Application filed April 30, 1890'. Serial No. 350,001- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern-.-

Be it known that I, HOSEA W. LIBBEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bos ton, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in a Return-Ball and Catch, of which the following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification.

My invention relates to certain improvements in toys; and it consists of a handle provided with a short metallic sharp spur or point havingone end of an elastic cord attached thereto, a soft wooden ball being attached to the other end of the elastic cord, so that a person holding the handle in his hand can throw the ball away from him, which, being returned by the elastic cord, can be caught upon the metallic spur.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a toy embodying my invention. Fig. 2 shows a modification, the end of the handle being provided with a protector to prevent the ball from striking the hand. Fig. 3 shows the metallic spur or point covered by a protectingcap. Fig. 4 shows a handle with the metallic spur or point on its side. Fig. 5 shows the end of the handle provided with springs instead of a spur to catch the ball.

A represents the handle in full size; B, the metallic spur or point; C, the elastic cord, and D the ball of soft wood, cork, or other suitable material.

The spur B, I form with a shank b and a collar 1). I prefer to secure the elastic cord 0 onto the spur or point B below the collar 1'), so that when the shank b is driven into the handle the cord will be securely held between the collar b and the handle.

In Fig. 2 I have shown the handle provided at its outer end with a guard or shield E, so that should the party playing miss catching the ball on the spur B it will be deflected off by the shield and not strike his hand.

In Fig. 3. I have shown a cap or thimble F for covering the spur when not in use. This cap I prefer to make of the form shown-that is, with a slight curved enlargement at its base, so that it can be readily sprung onto or off the collar 1).

In Fig. 4c I have shown the spur on the side of the handle.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a modification in which a series of curved springs B take the place of the spur. In this case if the ball is caught fairly in the center the springs will yield to allow it to pass beyond the outer edges and then close over it, so as to hold it fast. Three or more of these springs maybe employed, as desired.

When the handle is held in the hand, the ball will hang down, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, and by imparting a quick backward and forward movement to the handle the ball will be thrown up and away from the party holding the same the distance allowed by the elastic cord, which returns it toward the handle, and the party holding the handle has to catch the ball upon the spur or point B or in the springs B.

It will be seen that to catch the ball upon the spur or point B or by the springs B each time it is thrown it will require a very sure aim and a steady eye.

What I claim as my invention is- 1. In combination, the handle A, spur B, elastic cord 0, and ball D, substantially as set forth.

2. In combination, the handle A, spur B, shield E, elastic cord 0, and ball D, substantially as set forth.

3. In combination with the handle A, elastic cord 0, ball D, and spur B, the thimble E, for protecting the point of the spur when not in use, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, on this 29th day of March, A. D. 1800.

HOSEA W. LIBBEY. Witnesses:

CHAS. STEELE, EDWIN PLANTA.

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