An Improved Apparatus for the Use of Umpires in Cricket. Matches.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Apr., 1896-Accepted, 13th June, 1896-
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Apparatus for the Use of Umpires in Cricket.
Matches.
I, RICHARD GILLETT, of High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire, Gentleman, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
The object of this invention is to provide an indicator for the use of umpires
who officiate in cricket matches, whereby they may be able to keep account of the
number of balls delivered in each "over without having recourse to the use of
coins, sticks, or other like articles.
The indicator consists of a shallow box having a partition centrally along its
length, and having also as many partitions across its width, as there are balls
delivered in the "over," generally five. There will thus be ten small com-
partments in all. At the bottom of one row (which I will call the upper row) are
embossed, inlaid, or otherwise marked the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and below 2
is the letter o, below 3 is the letter v, below 4 is the letter E and below. 5 is the
letter R.
Sliding in grooves between each cross-partition is a small lid of sufficient
size to cover the upper or lower compartment over which it slides: There are
consequently five small lids, and when the five lids are slid over the top row of
numerals and letters, the latter are not visible, but may be exposed to view as the
lids are in succession drawn down to cover the lower row of compartments: In
order that the lids may not slide down to uncover; or up to cover the letters and
numerals, until required, they may be retained in the required position by any
suitable means, such as by making the partition which divides the upper from the
lower row of compartments, partly of wood, and partly of india-rubber, the india-
rubber being uppermost and projecting slighting above the level of the under
surface of the sliding lid immediately above it, so that when the lids are pushed
up or down, the rubber will, after the lids have passed over it, spring up and
retain the lids over the upper or lower compartments until pushed up or down
again. In other words, when a lid is pushed up or down, the rubber would bend
over and allow it to pass and conceal or shew the numerals and letters, the rubber
springing up again when the lid had passed. Another method of retaining the lids
as they are slid down, would be to provide springs in the lower row of com-
partments with indentations in them, into which would enter projections on the
under surface of the lids, the springs being provided with knobs or the like, for
depressing them and releasing the lids when it is required so to do. Spiral.
springs might also be employed for the purpose.
In order to more fully explain my invention, I make reference to the
accompanying sheet of drawings, in which,
Fig. 1 shews the indicator out of use, and Fig. 2 the indicator when in use.
Fig. 3 shews a section through an upper and lower compartment, with india-
rubber for retaining the lid, and Fig. 4 a similar section shewing a spring for the
purpose.
Similar letters indicate the same parts in each figure.
a, b, c, d is the shallow box, divided into five upper and five lower com-
partments. Each compartment can be covered by a lid e, sliding in grooves
between the cross-partitions, and the upper compartments have the numerals and