Geisler's Patent Baby Walker

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The implement represented in the engraving is intended to assist infants in learning to walk, and to amuse them in waking hours when the mother or nurse may be otherwise employed. It is a circular ornamental platform with a raised rim around its outer edge, and a standard, A, in the center, ad-justable as to hight, on which revolves a curved arm, B, to the extremity of which is attached a yoke, C, for embracing the childs body. This yoke is in two parts, one sliding within the other, and locked by a pin or screw when closed, so that it may not be opened by accident. On the front of the yoke is a tray for holding playthings or food. The joint or pivot of the yoke, where it is attached to the end of the curved arm, permits only a slight lateral swing, so that theehild can neither turn off the edge of the platform nor cramp under the curved supporting arm. At the base of tha arm, just above the surface of the platform, the standard is cut into or ratched, into the teeth of which fits a spring pawl on the upright. This allows the child to travel forward, but prevents a reverse motion. The pawl is seated in the upright, and the ratchet is concealed so that the childs clothes cannot by any accident be caught. It is partly shown in the engraving. Annoyed and wearied mothers and cross fathers will appreciate the use and value of this device. It was patented through the Scientific American Pateat Agency, Sept. 22, 1868, by Frederick A. Geisler, who may be addressed at Bristol, R. I.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 20 Issue 11This article was published with the title “Geisler's Patent Baby Walker” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 20 No. 11 (), p. 168
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican03131869-168

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