MECHANICAL DISPLAYS.
Mechanical window dressing has made great strides during the past few
years, and has become an important factor in successful displays. When
you hear a decorator sneer at mechanical features you may be sure he has
himself no mechanical genius or he would not endeavor to belittle so
genuine an attraction. Not that mechanical displays are suitable for all
occasions, but there are times in every decorator’s experience when a
“motion window” is really a necessity, and many other times when
mechanism is a desirable adjunct to a display that otherwise would be
commonplace. People are naturally curious. They will always stop to
examine anything that moves, and will enjoy studying out the mechanism
or wondering how the effect has been obtained. Any decorator is capable
of figuring out for himself diverse attractive mechanical displays, but
for the benefit of those who may require preliminary instructions, or
need on occasion a device already planned, I shall describe several
effects that have been used by prominent decorators during the past few
months, as well as the staple mechanical appliances. One of the simplest
centerpieces is the
REVOLVING STAND.
To make this fixture use four solid wheels five and one-half, four and
one-half, three and one-half and two and one-half feet in diameter.
Fasten them three feet apart to a 3 × 3 in. post extending from the
floor to the ceiling; the post to have bearings at each end. The largest
wheel to be attached at the bottom 6 in. from the floor. Under this
wheel, and fastened to the post, a large pulley is used.
[Illustration]
Make the turn in the belt by the use of small pulleys attached to the
motor. Regulate the speed to about one revolution a minute, and you have
a window that no man need be ashamed of.
CONTRA-REVOLVING PILLARS.
The following mechanical fixture will serve to display almost any class
of merchandise:
Make four boxes, ten inches square and seven and one-half feet long, by
using 1-in. boards 10 in. square for the ends and 1-inch strips for the
corners. Cover all four sides with pasteboard, it being puffed with
cheesecloth. Then make a hexagonal box the same length, ten inches on a
side. Treat this the same as the others. Now fasten across the window,
eight feet from the floor, three two-inch strips. Place the first one 18
inches from the glass, making them as far apart as the window will admit
of, the distance being equal, and the last one being at least ten inches
from the back of the window. On the underside of the two end strips
fasten a curtain fixture 12 inches from each end, and one of the same
kind in the center of middle strip; on one end of each box fasten a
curtain fixture to fit those on the strips. On the other end of each box
fasten a 10-inch wood pulley; the pulley to be 2 inches from the end of
the box and 3 inches from the floor. Make the connection from the floor
to the end of the box with a 2-inch square post; fit curtain fixtures in
the floor and to the end of the posts; then place the belt around the
pulleys and attach to the motor; then trim the posts. Place a false
bottom in the window just above the pulleys, cover with cloth, and the
window is ready. Start your motor and the entire display is in motion.
[Illustration]
REVOLVING STAR.
In the picture is shown a mechanical window which was very simple, very
attractive and which sold a great many goods. The center star, which
revolved slowly, was ten feet across, or from tip to pit, and had a
green incandescent light placed in the center, which flashed three times
to each revolution. The half-stars on the sides each contained a red
incandescent light which burned continuously. This display, while very
simple, was one of the most attractive windows I have seen, it being
almost impossible for a person to pass on either side of the street
without it attracting their attention. The goods shown were French
ginghams arranged in regard to their respective colors. The power used
to move the star was a small fan motor geared to gain power at the
expense of speed.
[Illustration]
A SKIRT SALE.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
Here is a very pretty idea of a skirt sale, which the designer has
transposed to a “skirt sail.” The illustration will give you a fair idea
of the window. The background and floor were of pink colored material,
the boat being covered with white crepe paper and trimmed with red,
white and blue ribbon. The sail itself was a handsome skirt of
illuminated silk, thrown into stronger relief by having all the other
skirts black. Water, of course, was represented by light blue goods, and
ladder effects with rope covered with 3-inch strips of fringed crepe
paper. The boat was given a rocking motion by means of a simple device
which we illustrate, attached to a ⅛-horse power electric motor, geared
down to a 5-inch crank. A rope is run through a small pulley on the
floor to another pulley under the boat, and then attached to the end of
the boat. A roller shade spring is fastened to the other end, the boat
being hinged in the middle.
MECHANICAL SHIPS.
[Illustration: FIG. 1.]
[Illustration: FIG. 2.]
Another method of imitating a ship riding the waves is shown herewith.
The hull, A, is a plain piece of board, and the masts are strips of wood
nailed to this. Purchase a common bed spring and attach it to the center
of the keel, as at B, and attach the lower part of the spring to a piece
of wood on the window floor. If the balance is right it will be simply
necessary to tip the ship a little to set it rocking to and fro in
imitation of riding the waves. A little wheel can be set at C, and a
cord put under it and connected with the hull. The cord can run to a
point inside the store, where it can be pulled occasionally by hand,
thus setting the ship to rocking. Or this cord can be connected to a
door or to an electric motor. Next, the ship is trimmed. The hull,
railing, mast, etc., are covered or wound with white or colored stuff,
and the sails are made of lace or any desired fabric. The surface of the
sea is represented with appropriate cloth. A slit should be cut, into
which to put the hull, and the edges are tacked to the wood several
inches below the ship’s rail. The cloth will then follow the motion of
the ship, and closely represent waves.
A WINDMILL.
[Illustration]
A cheap windmill frame and wheel can be made as in the accompanying
drawing. The stand is wood, and the two upright pieces are bored out at
the top for the broom handle shaft A. A hub of wood, B, is attached to
one end, and four blades cut from thin wood are inserted. A large spool,
C, is put on the other end of the shaft, and a cord run over this to a
wheel, D, below. The frame, shaft and wheel should be trimmed with
appropriate material, and a pasteboard front put up in representation of
the old-fashioned grinding mill. The pasteboard should be painted in
imitation of stone work.
ANOTHER WINDMILL.
Another style of windmill can be made in this way: Place on the floor in
the middle of the window a box 24 in. square, 4 ft. high. On top of this
box fasten a wheel 5 ft. in diameter. On top of this wheel fasten an
octagonal box 3½ ft. across at the bottom and 2 ft. at the top, 3 ft.
high. On the top of this box fasten bearings for a shaft 3 ft. long. On
the end of this shaft fasten four arms to measure 24 in. from shaft;
also fasten a large pulley to this shaft in the center of the box. Over
this pulley the belt is run to the motor below. Over the top of the box
construct a roof; then at the back of the box that rests on the floor
build a frame as wide as the box and 3 ft. high, this to extend to back
of the window. Over this make a roof so that the apex is just a little
above the large wheel. Cover all the wood with cloth, then with any kind
of goods you may desire. Start your motor and you will have an
old-fashioned windmill in operation.
[Illustration]
MECHANICAL SKIRT WINDOW.
[Illustration]
I show herewith drawings for the construction of a wheel upon which
skirts may be displayed. The face of the wheel concaves, or slopes in
toward the center. White skirts, under which colored paper has been
placed, may be fastened around the outside, either in the form of a
circle or a hexagon, the bottoms of the skirts being at the side of the
wheel. Then, almost at the center, arrange four more skirts the same as
the others. Then cover the tops of the last skirts with a large, round
ticket, fastened to the wheel with a hat pin, and weighted, so that the
ticket will remain stationary while the wheel revolves. The wheel may be
of any size, to suit your window, and should be constructed of pine or
other light material. It is extremely simple, and may be constructed by
any one, while, as may be seen at a glance, it is sure to be a very
attractive display.
THE FOLDING STAR.
The design is a background, to be used in connection with any line of
goods. When the star is closed all that fronts the spectator is a mass
of white puffing. It slowly opens and reveals a recess in which is a
display of goods strongly lighted by hidden incandescents. The effect is
beautiful and is sure to attract attention. The back of the points,
which form the star when it is opened, are puffed in yellow or some
other color harmonizing with your display. Upon each point, the
framework of which is shown here, is fastened a spring hinge, such as is
used on screen doors. These hinges operate to close the points. Strong
picture wire is used to draw back the points, and this must be fastened
as near the hinges as possible in order that it may be concealed by the
puffing, as it is on the face of the display, pulling the points out. By
covering the hinges and wire with stiff paper, and puffing over that, a
space will be left for the wire to run in and render it invisible. The
pulleys at the three corners of the framework, as shown in the drawing,
should be double, the wires running over them being spliced a few inches
beyond the pulleys. The large drive wheel shown in the basement should
be set up with one standard to allow the wires to make a complete
revolution.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
If you have mirrors, and can set them on each side of the star at an
angle of about 45 degrees, they will by reflection give your display the
effect of three stars.
Where this idea is used for a millinery window the face of the display
could be covered by white flowers instead of puffing, and the points of
the stars with bunches of violets.
THE MECHANICAL STAR.
First build a large star, six, eight or ten points, according to number
of articles to be displayed, which can be twice as many as the number of
points on large star. To the center of this star fasten a round shaft or
axle, allowing it to extend on back of star only, and be flush with
front of star (see B, fig. 2). On this shaft, and about 3 inches from
the star fasten a wheel with a groove in edge to receive a round belt
(A, fig. 2). Then build upright (C, figs. 2 and 3). On top of this
upright fasten two bearings (D, figs. 2 and 3). Through these bearings
pass the shaft (B) and fasten in place with pins (E, E, fig. 2), these
to prevent shaft pan coming out when in motion.
[Illustration: FIG. 6. FIG. 2.]
Next make twice as many small 5-pointed stars as points on large star.
On back, and exactly in center of these, glue some small pieces of heavy
cardboard, about the size of a penny, and in center of back of same
star, at bottom, fasten some lead or other weights. See fig. 1.
[Illustration: FIG. 1.]
Next decorate face of large star by pleating the points in cheesecloth,
or any other way desired, and after having lettered the face of each of
the small stars pass a large pin through the re-enforcement in center of
them and fasten one to each of the points of the large star, as shown in
fig. 1. The large star, shown in center of fig. 1 should be treated the
same as the small ones. If you take hold of the grooved wheel or shaft
and turn it now, it should cause the large star to revolve carrying the
small ones with it; but the small weights on back of small stars will
cause them to remain right side up, as will also the star in center, and
if not run too fast will produce a very pretty effect.
[Illustration: FIG. 3.]
Figure 3 shows rear view and fig. 2 side view.
The dotted line shown in fig. 2 shows the background of window, which
should pass immediately in back of large star, and front of grooved
wheel, thereby concealing all other mechanism.
This design may be varied by removing the small stars and in their place
substituting small swinging shelves.
Should these shelves be used instead of stars, almost any kind of
articles (not too heavy or large) can be displayed, as could also
slippers or shoes hung in the same manner. In fact, this contrivance can
be used in many ways.
Now that the effect is all ready it becomes necessary to cause it to
revolve and it is imperative to in some way reduce the speed of the
motor.
A practical speed reducer is shown in fig. 4. It is made as follows:
[Illustration: FIG. 4.]
Two cast iron side frames, between which I run a worm gear. Against this
gear is run a worm. On the end of the worm shaft I have a pulley with
two different sized grooves in the edge. To this pulley I run my motor
belt, on the shaft which runs through the worm gear and is allowed to
extend outside of frames. I fasten another pulley wheel with different
size grooves in edge and by running my power belt from this wheel to my
display I get whatever speed I desire, depending on which groove I run
the belt from. I do not expect many window dressers will be able to
construct these gears themselves, but any good machinist can make it and
once secured it will always be ready for use, take up very little room
in window and pay for itself many times over.
REVOLVING WHEEL.
[Illustration: FIG. 4.]
Figs. 2 to 4 illustrate how to make a revolving wheel for showing goods.
The stand is made of four pieces of 1 × 1½ pine, A, three feet high, and
the top joined with cross pieces, B, of the same stock. Bore an inch
hole for the wheel shaft on each side. The wheel is three and a half
feet in diameter. Hooping will do for the rims, C, and these are nailed
to wood spokes and the latter wired to a hub made from a block of wood,
and bored out for the inch shaft on which the wheel is to turn. The
wheel is strengthened by nailing on a second hoop at D. The whole affair
should be covered with cloth, and swinging boxes attached to the rims,
in which to put goods. The view 3 shows the width of the wheel and a
wood grooved pulley fastened to the wheel shaft at F. Fig. 4 shows how
to make the wheel turn about four times per minute. After the wheel and
frame are set up in the window, make a stand of wood pieces, C C, and
put a 2-inch diameter round piece of wood, H, in holes cut for same and
arrange for turning by means of the crank, J. Put up a grooved wood
pulley at L, and run a cord over this. One end of the cord is weighted
with a few bricks, M. The pulley, K, is the same as pulley, F, in fig.
3. Another cord encircles this and also the round piece, H. The crank,
J, is turned, and thirty or forty turns of the cord taken on the round
piece H. Then the device is left alone, and the weight of the bricks
steadily pulls on the cord, gradually unwinding it, causing the round
piece, H, to turn and slowly revolve the big wheel. After an hour or so
the cord is unwound and is rewound by turning the crank again.
HALF REVOLVING BUSTS.
[Illustration]
For a millinery display, or any other attraction of a like character,
two bust forms may be made to turn half way around, in opposite
directions, then pause, and turn back to their original positions. This
is accomplished by means of a large wheel to which two eccentrics are
attached, each eccentric being connected with a standard holding a bust.
Our diagram shows the floor plan of the mechanism, the large 18-inch
wheel, which is run by means of an electric motor, turning the
eccentrics as indicated. The standards supporting the wax figures run
through the centers of the side pillars. The bowls at the top remain
stationary, while the busts turn.
[Illustration]
STRAW HAT MACHINE.
A novel mechanical display of straw hats is arranged as follows:
[Illustration]
Make a box 4½ ft. high and 18 in. wide; open two sides 15 in. from the
top; set this box on end, the open side to the top. The open side also
to face the glass and to be about half way back and to one side of the
window. Make a little platform 12 × 18, about 6 in. below the opening in
front; a like platform, only to be longer and even with the opening in
the back. Now bore a hole in each side of the box about the center of
the opening and insert a shaft. On this shaft inside the box nail four
light boards, 6 in. wide and 15 in. long; then fasten a 4-in. pulley to
the end of the shaft and connect with the motor. Now fill the back of
the window up 3 or 4 ft. with straw, letting it slope down toward the
glass. Cover the entire floor with straw, and also the platform in the
back. Then place hats on stands on the floor and suspend hats from rods
above them. Place three or four hats on the stand in front, and make a
sign which reads, “Straw hats while you wait.” Start your motor and you
have a window that will sell hats.
[Illustration:
EXAMPLE OF DISPLAY WITH HALF REVOLVING BUSTS.—_McFaddin._
]
“AN ERUPTION OF VESUVIUS.”
The designer describes this effect as follows:
“In describing the window as seen through the plate glass, one can
easily imagine he is looking at a bit of nature, only in a miniature
form. In the foreground, moored to a dock, is seen a gondola,
majestically rising and falling upon an effect that looks precisely like
a deep, clear body of water, with a slow, even motion so perfect that it
is impossible to determine when it begins or stops. In the distance old
Vesuvius is belching fire and lava, which looks so real it is hard to
believe it is only an illusion.”
[Illustration]
The drawing will at a glance give a fair idea of the mechanical
contrivance used to obtain these effects.
[Illustration:
DIAGRAM SHOWING MECHANISM OF THE VOLCANO AND MOON EFFECTS’.
]
The rising and falling motion to the water effect was made on the plan
of scale beams, as can be seen in drawing. Cords were fastened to ends
of levers marked ‘B’ and passing them under rollers ‘E’ and hooking the
other ends to crank-wheel ‘C.’ As wheel ‘C’ would revolve it pulled
levers down, causing center, containing water effect, on which was
placed the gondola, to rise, and in turn the weight of the gondola would
cause the center to fall when levers were released by wheel. I used
window weights to balance it, allowing center to be heavy enough to sink
of its own weight.
[Illustration]
[Illustration:
DESIGN SHOWING THE “ERUPTION OF VESUVIUS.”—_Shogran._
]
The water effect was obtained by placing a piece of double strength
window glass, 3 ft. × 3 ft. 6 in. on the frame, the detail of which you
will find illustrated. Underneath it I placed a canvas frame painted
near the same shade as the water in the foreground of my canvas
representing Vesuvius. On the top of said frame I puffed loosely very
fine veiling. I also puffed the veiling on top glass. The painted canvas
frame gave me the water color, the glass, the realistic reflection, and
the veiling mystified the whole. Hence a perfect water illusion, well
worth trying. The fire and lava belching from the crater of mountain I
obtained in the following manner: I first covered the entire canvas on
back with heavy paper, making it perfectly opaque, then I tore a hole,
beginning at the top or crater of mountain, about 5 inches wide,
widening gradually as I went upwards, and to one side. Then I cut
several openings large enough to admit little streaks of light on the
left slope of mountain to represent lava running down the side, above
which I cut a round hole for the moon; all which can be plainly seen in
the picture. Back of opening representing lava I pasted different shades
of red paper (tissue paper) and back of moon yellow. Back of the large
opening at the top of mountain I placed a large wheel made of two layers
of red tissue paper with little tufts of grey wadding between. Back of
this wheel, exactly opposite the opening representing the crater, I
placed a lamp. When set in motion I had the most beautiful
representation of real, burning fire. As the different thicknesses of
the wheel would pass the lamp they were illuminated, and as they passed
on up they would cool off and finally die, disappearing in the smoke and
steam, which was represented by carefully tufted white and grey cotton
on the front of canvas. Two lamps higher up illuminated the smoke and
steam in the sky; another to light up streaks of lava seen on the left
slope; and the fifth lamp for the moon, which threw its yellow glow in
beautiful contrast to the ever raging, burning flames from the crater of
Vesuvius. In conclusion, I wish to say that I know my attempt at
describing these effects is a failure, compared to seeing them in
reality.
Mr. Shogran won a gold medal for inventing this fine effect.
A STUDY IN ASTRONOMY.
One of the most remarkable mechanical displays yet conceived is that
designed by M. M. Mohnkern, called “A Study in Astronomy.” It is not
theoretical, but has been made and exhibited by Mr. Mohnkern and has
attracted and delighted thousands. It is, to be sure, rather complicated
in construction, and requires a mechanic to build it, so that it will
work smoothly; but it is thoroughly practical, and so very novel and
beautiful when completed that it will repay the labor expended to
produce it.
The device is intended as a background for any display of goods, and may
be utilized by any merchant who has a show window, the expense being
very little aside from labor.
In his description Mr. Mohnkern says: “In looking at this display
through the show window one can easily imagine he has been transferred
to some other planet and is looking at the solar system, where old
mother earth revolves slowly around the sun. In the distance the moon is
changing, first in the dark of the moon to the first quarter, then to
the half, the third quarter and the full moon, decreasing again in the
same way. The stars twinkle as naturally as they do in the heavens; the
whole display is grand and awe inspiring.” We can well believe this.
Fig. 1 is the front view of the window, showing the sun, moon, earth and
stars, and the orbit of the earth where it revolves around the sun. A
strip of lumber was bent into a large circle, almost the full size of
the window. Black cambric was stretched from this to the four sides of
the window, and openings cut in the corners for the stars and moon, as
represented, C C C being the stars, and D the moon. Back of each of the
three stars in each corner small wheels were placed (see F F F, Fig. 2).
These wheels were twice as large as the stars, and placed so that the
center of each wheel was directly opposite a point of a star. Then half
of each wheel was covered with black cambric and the other half with
bright red. As the wheels revolved very fast, it made them twinkle like
real stars. The moon was a large round hole cut in the cambric with
yellow tissue paper pasted back of it, and an electric light suspended
behind the opening. A disk is made, a little larger than the opening, as
shown in Figs. 5 and 6. A, Fig. 5, is the opening of the cambric; B is
the disk; C is where the disk is connected with the axle. This disk is
covered with black cambric and placed between the cambric background and
the window pane. Thus it will be seen that as the disk slowly swung
around, the changes of the moon would occur.
[Illustration: A STUDY IN ASTRONOMY FIG. 1. FIG. 2. FIG. 3. FIG. 4. FIG.
5. FIG. 6.]
Two more strips of lumber were now bent into circles, about eighteen to
twenty inches smaller in diameter than the first circle. One of these
was placed flush with the first circle and held in position by means of
braces I I. This circle was then covered by stretching black cambric
snugly over it, and an opening was cut in the center to represent the
sun (B, Fig. 1). Yellow tissue paper was pasted over this, and an
electric light suspended directly back of it.
Star-shaped openings were now cut in this cambric, as shown by the stars
in the central portion of Fig. 1.
The second circle was placed about six inches back of this (see Fig. 3,
A 1 and A 2). It was held in position by braces F F, Fig. 3. These two
circles formed a track on which the earth slowly revolved. Another
circle was next formed, similar to the first one, except that this had
four spokes, I I I and J, Fig. 2. The spoke marked J was long enough to
reach the center of the globe and connect to an axle, as seen in Fig. 3.
This circle was also covered with black cambric, and irregular holes cut
in it (H H H, Fig. 2), over which pieces of red tissue paper were
pasted. These are represented by the irregular patches in Fig. 2. This
rear disk was fastened to a pivot (Fig. 3) and placed three inches back
of the front disk in which the stars and sun were cut. As it slowly
revolved it carried the globe around with it, and the irregular tissue
paper opening coming opposite each star caused the stars to twinkle like
those in the corners.
The earth was constructed as follows: Two bushel baskets were procured,
the handles cut off, and a brace nailed across the center of each. Holes
were bored in the middle of these braces, and an axle inserted (B, Fig.
4) and made fast to the bottom of the basket. Then the spoke J, Fig. 4,
which has a hole in the end, is slipped over the axle and the other
basket placed in position and fastened opposite the first. The baskets
were left far enough apart to allow them to revolve. In Fig. 4, A A, are
the baskets, B is the axle, c c c c braces, J the spoke, corresponding
with J in Figs. 2 and 3.
The profile drawing in Fig. 3 will enable you to see the mechanism at a
glance. A1 and A2 are the circles on which the globe representing the
earth revolves; B is the disk with the long spoke, J, placed between
these two circles; C is the pivot which causes disk B to revolve. D D
are the braces holding disk B in position. F F and I I are the braces
holding A1 and A2 in position; G is the pulley on pivot C that run the
different parts; K is the main belt leading from the basement; L L L are
belts running to pivots H H H. All framework liable to show should be
made black; also have the cords you use for belts black.
REVOLVING CYLINDER.
This is a simple but very effective mechanical contrivance, and may be
constructed by any amateur:
Make three circular pieces from one-inch planed boards, A A A. Through
the exact centers of these run a rod, EE. Nail two-inch strips, c c c,
placed a little distance apart, over the discs, one of which is placed
at either end, and the third in the center. This forms the barrel, AAA,
with the rod, EE, as pivot. This pivot rests on crotches, DD, allowing
the barrel to revolve when the motive power below (at G) causes the
fly-wheel, which is securely fastened to E, to turn by means of the
circular band, B. The crotches, DD, should be high enough to bring the
barrel to the center and middle of the window.
[Illustration:
THE READING CYLINDER.
]
Cover the barrel with cloth—a dark material is best—and upon this pin or
tack the articles to be displayed. Almost any articles, not too large,
may be shown, and they should be so arranged as to present variety as
the wheel revolves. Suspend a screen in your window that will cover the
mechanical apparatus, only allowing the front section of the barrel to
show. Thus, as the barrel slowly revolves, a panorama of merchandise is
shown the observer, and the constant change will undoubtedly attract
much attention. You may letter the screen in any manner that suits your
fancy, and this arrangement will not prevent your placing other goods in
the window before your screen, as the revolving barrel will be high
enough not to interfere with anything shown on the window floor.
WIND POWER.
One good use to which the wind force obtained from a fan motor can be
put is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 1 is a section of a water tank,
which tank should sit in the show window, filled with water.
[Illustration: 1 2]
A toy ship is on the water and is guided in a track, A, which track is
attached to bottom of tank. Guide wires, B, B, extend from the ship to
grooves in the track. Fans, C, C, are set up at each end and are covered
with window trimmings in front so that they are not in view. The fans
are run by means of cords from the motor. The arrangement of the fans is
as shown in the top view of the tank in Fig. 2. The fan at the left is
at D, and the wind it produces sends the ship across the tank at
opposite side, on line with the arrow. The grooved track holds the guide
wires B, B, of the ship, and steers the ship around G, and the momentum
carries the ship to H, where the blast of air from the fan at E sends
the ship along course I to J, and thence opposite D again, where the
course is commenced over again.
PERPETUAL MOTION.
A perpetual motion wheel never fails to attract attention in a show
window. There is one form of perpetual wheel device which can be made
very easily, as it consists of a simple mechanism such as is shown here.
[Illustration: 6]
The wheel is three feet in diameter, of light wood and crude
construction, provided with eight arms disposed radially so as to be
separated by angles of 45 degrees, as shown. The axle is supported in
bearings of wood. Each arm is provided with a movable weight of five
pounds, being movable on a pivot or hinge on the arms so as to transfer
the weight from the axis to the periphery, whereby, as it appears to the
eye, the wheel is continually overweighted on one side, and revolves
slowly. Attached to the base, A, is an upright piece of wood, B, and a
spring hooked wire, G, extends from the top of this to the point D. Here
the hook part tips up the weights as they come around in turn, causing
each to drop over on its arm, thus placing the weight further from the
center, and making the wheel turn. The center of gravity of the wheel
varies from a point on the left of the center to a point at an equal
distance on the right, according to the location of the arms at the
particular point in the rotation of the wheel. The wheel can be draped
with light goods and made attractive. The notice “Perpetual Motion”
should be attached on a card.
MECHANICAL HANDKERCHIEF DISPLAY.
We show a picture of a mechanical handkerchief display in which the
central figure is a girl in a canoe, who works the paddle by a simple
device.
[Illustration]
A stiff wire attached to one side of center of paddle, passing through
bottom of canoe, fixed on a wooden wheel under the fixture. A rubber
band is fixed on one side of paddle to canoe. As the wheel revolves it
sets the paddle in motion. It is worked by a small motor. The entire
display is made outside in sections and is rapidly fixed together in the
window. The canoe is of heavy paper.
MECHANICAL PANELS.
To make a double mechanical panel, that will open and close alternately,
follow the device shown in the below diagram.
Cover the faces of the panels, or “doors” with cloth or puffing, and
arrange them so as to cover two alcoves on opposite sides of the window.
One cord is wound around the barrel and the other is unwound. When the
barrel is turned, either by hand or by a motor, one door is raised while
the other drops of its own weight, the doors being balanced by each
other. The motion is reversed by reversing the barrel, or cylinder.
[Illustration]
“A SCENE IN VENICE.”
The mechanical device called “A Scene in Venice” consists of a
reproduction of the Trocadero palace, before which constantly passes a
procession of floats or gondolas. The following diagram shows a ground
plan of the framework of this window.
[Illustration]
A procession of floats bearing dolls dressed as gondoliers, etc., passes
constantly around the palace. The interior of the building was lit by
colored electric lights. Six thousand handkerchiefs were used in this
display, but the palace may be trimmed with linens or other goods.
MECHANICAL FAN.
[Illustration:
DESIGN SHOWING MECHANICAL BOAT.—_Morton._
]
[Illustration:
A SCENE IN VENICE.—_Morton._
]
This display was arranged with a high grille at top, supported by
columns resting upon a pedestal or base. Upon this an enormous fan
opened and closed every fifty seconds. When opened out, only the fan was
visible; when folded, the fan seemed suspended at one side, revealing a
5-foot circle, studded with lights and covered with roses, in the center
of which was a bust figure. On each side of the circle was a 2-foot
wreath tied with white satin ribbon. The color scheme was white, top
blue and ivory, with narrow moldings. Grille, fan and cornice at base
were covered with dark blue velvelette. The photograph shows fan partly
open and also decorations behind fan.
The ribs were fastened together with straps under the base, and also on
the back of the fan, above base. Ribs were of light framework, and
extended below base, as in the drawing. Front or first rib extended down
three feet and had a slot through which a screw was fastened to drive
wheel, which propelled it backward and forward, or, rather, from side to
side; an evenly balanced weight assisted motor to open fan.
The sketch will explain mechanical apparatus.
[Illustration: Fig. 1]
Fig. 1 shows fan, spread open, looking from back of window. A is drive
wheel on a pivot, smooth side facing slot of first or front rib, and to
which screw in slot is attached. B is an upright supporting rack (C)
through which lower ends of all but first and last rib work to avoid
wobbling. Dotted lines D are heavy rubber bands fastened to ends of
second and third rib, and to end of rack, as indicated. D D are similar
bands fastened to end of fourth, fifth and sixth ribs, and to floor, as
in the drawing. These bands prevent sudden jerking in opening and
closing. E is small weight on cord, run over pulley to basement, to
assist in spreading fan. This relieves the strain on drive wheel when
screw in slot is at the top. EE are straps that hold fan together, and
must be proper length to allow each rib to overlap the next, in order
that decorations behind fan are concealed when fan is open.
Frame of fan was covered with cambric ovals, shown in photo, which were
decorated in water colors, and body was of velvelette. Rack was made of
thin wood strips the proper distance apart to hold ribs in proper
position. Lower portions of ribs were thicker than the upper, to prevent
top from catching when closing. Iron washers were put on axle between
each two ribs to reduce friction; drive wheel or one at back, was
stationary, the others revolved in direction of arrow, last rib moving
to and fro.
THE MECHANICAL BUTTERFLY.
This is a very novel and easily constructed device.
[Illustration:
DESIGN SHOWING “THE MECHANICAL FAN.”—_Walker._
]
[Illustration:
DESIGN SHOWING THE MECHANICAL BUTTERFLY.—_Lundy._
]
The window was put in to show a line of black ostrich tips, and the
butterfly was mechanical, opening and closing its wings in a natural
manner. The background is figured cotton crepe, put on plain. The
groundwork is crepe, a rich cream base with figures of heliotrope and
green. In the center is placed the butterfly. It has eyes of bright
green and a body of black and green. The long feelers were made of large
black plumes, the ends being tipped with white plumes. The wings were
made of black tips, the marking in the upper wings being of yellow,
while in the lower wings are two marks, one of white and one of red. To
the right is a pillar with black velvet base and a green column, and to
the left a pillar with black velvet base and blue column, both pillars
supporting palms. The festoon drapery is of black velvet. In front of
the butterfly is a square pedestal, covered with red with a line of
black velvet “lovers knots” down the center of each side. Palms and
trimmed hats make up the floor decorations. We show a drawing of the
mechanism used to open and close the butterfly’s wings. As the butterfly
was tipped forward at the top the wings closed of their own weight. The
motor is connected with a reduction gear and then with a pulley with a
cam, instead of connecting direct.
The butterfly itself is 9 feet wide at the extremes and 6 feet high and
is raised about two feet from the floor.
[Illustration]
The wings of the butterfly are but the thickness of heavy pasteboard at
the edge and ¾ inch towards where the wings join the body. The two
one-inch rods which open the wings run through the floor to basement and
are covered with same goods as background and are barely visible. On the
ends of these two rods (see cut) are two levers at right angles with rod
and are placed in opposition to each other. On the end of each lever is
attached a cord running to a common point about 3 feet back of levers.
They then go through two pulleys and combine in a single cord which is
attached to a cam placed 7 inches from center of pulley. The levers
being shorter than the width of a single wing, this gives the outer edge
of wing a stroke of about three feet.
[Illustration]
THE MECHANICAL EGG.
I show an illustration of a mechanical Easter window, in which the
Folding Star, previously described, was used as a centerpiece. In this
case, however, the points are fitted with shade rollers, making the pull
from behind and out of sight. The roller springs pull it out, and the
wires in.
[Illustration]
The above sketch explains the working. There was a sleeping wax infant
in an egg, surrounded by light blue China silk; the other decorations
were purple and white, with flowers of same shades. The points were made
from wire and then covered with cloth.
The star closed every twenty-five seconds—the egg wire, being attached
to the center of the two levers, had a longer pull and would begin to
close before the star, and would also take a few seconds longer to open.
[Illustration:
DESIGN SHOWING THE MECHANICAL EGG.—_Lorch._
]
The description of the egg diagram is as follows:
THE EGG DIAGRAM.
[Illustration]
A, heavy wire axle in wood bearings; C is wire attached to back of E,
top part of egg; B is some wire running to the levers; D is weight which
pulls E open; when the lever pulls down it closes egg.
The egg frame was made of wire in two parts, and made of tissue paper
and carpenter’s glue, painted with white zinc, and sprinkled with white
flickers or diamond dust. This was made separate and then placed between
star and back of window.
A PANORAMIC DISPLAY.
The mechanical feature attached to this dress goods display consists of
a frame in the center of which appears a panorama of bright pictures,
portraits of prominent men, etc. The frame is made of ordinary boards
and puffed in two colors. In the picture shown there was an electric
light in each corner of the frame. Within the frame the panorama moved
constantly from top to bottom.
The panorama consists of pictures fastened together endwise upon a belt
of ticking and forming an endless band about two 7-inch rollers, which
are placed at the top and bottom of the background. As the rolls revolve
by means of an electric motor, the pictures pass across the frame.