Improved Perpetual Calendars.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 11th May, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 10th Feb., 1894-Accepted, 14th Apr., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Perpetual Calendars.
I, FRANK ROBERTS of 179 Richmond Road Hackney London N.E.,
Clerk do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Commercial
The object of my invention is to provide a calendar which shall show, or indicate,
at one view, the whole of the information commonly required, and as nearly as
possible in that form which experience has proved to be most generally useful;
giving also due consideration to facility of manipulation, cost, &c.
Furthur, to arrange that it shall be perpetually adjustible.
To carry out my object I generally use 3 discs of cardboard or other suitable
material of different sizes. One for the month itself, another for the days of the
month, and a third for the days of the week.
In order to equalize somewhat the number of divisions required on these
respective discs, I prefer that the disc appropriated to the days of the month
shall show only the units, and to have a small auxiliary disc or roller to show
the first figure, when two are required (I claim no novelty in this method,.
however, as I know that such an arrangement has been in regular public use
for 10 years and more).
Contrary to the usual custom I generally work these three discs from one centre,
as arranged to revolve behind a framework with suitable openings, through which
the figures &c., are to be seen.
I generally appropriate the largest disc to the months, the medium size to the
days of the month, and the smallest to the days of the week.
Of course the smallest disc must be nearest the face of the apparatus, and so on
in order of size.
In order that these discs may act independently of one another I use suitable
loose washers or fixed divisions of paper, or other suitable material between them.
To operate them I have the foremost disc connected through the framework to a
handle, such as a wooden knob, so that by turning the knob, the disc is also
turned.
This connection is made by means of a small metal tube in such a way that a
small spindle may be inserted through the centre of the knob and metal tube, to
form the arbor upon which or with which the other discs turn.
And the third and hind most
The second disc is fixed rigidly to this spindle.
disc turns loosely upon it. To the front end of this spindle I affix crosswise
another small strip of metal which forms a handle by which to actuate the
middle disc. The hindmost disc being the largest is readily turned by the finger
from the top or side edge, for which purpose a suitable opening may be made in
the framework, my object being to avoid the necessity of turning to the back of
the apparatus in order to adjust it. Around the face of the largest disc there
would then be represented at convenient distances, the twelve months of the year.
The second disc would be marked off into 10 equal divisions and would show the
figures 0 to 9. The smallest disc may show seven divisions in which to represent
the seven week days, but I generally prefer to divide it into 10 equal parts as I
can then arrange a simple catch or quick-acting screw, which shall connect the two
handles above referred to. The day and the date would then be operated by one
action.
In this case I give up nine divisions to nine consecutive days, and leave one

page_text: division unappropriated, to remind the operator that it requires re-adjustment which
in most cases would be once a week.
I can easily arrange to affix toothed wheels to the discs which are to be operated
together (say to the one a 7-toothed wheel, and to the other a 10-toothed wheel)
and to actuate them by means of two pawls attached to two finger keys, which can
be depressed simultaneously.
By this method the relative adjustment of the two discs is only required once a
month.
The small auxiliary disc, (which is centred in the framework a little to the left
of the opening through which the figures are shown, and worked by a small button
connected with it through the framework) is marked off into four parts assigned
respectively to the figures 1, 2, 3: the fourth division not showing at all. Or
it may be arranged to give the fourth division a small blank, shaped so as
to close a portion of the opening assigned to the figures. On the opposite side of
the said opening would be another blank, similarly worked, to be used when one
figure only is required to indicate the date, after which it would be removed. This
enables me to get a larger figure.
On that part of the face of the framework not otherwise occupied, I show seven
separate tables of the kind so familiar and useful to calendar users that one
example will be sufficient.

page_text: ՄԱՄ
B that with the 1st day on Wednesday, C that with the 1st day on Saturday and
so on, each with an interval of two days. This would give the following order-
MCH.
JAN. FEB. MCH. APL.
MAY
JUNE
-
JULY AUG. SEP..
OCT.
NOV..
DEC.
cAf
dBg
eCa fD b
g
Ec
a Fd
b Ge
c A f, d B g
Only the centre letter in each division would be visible at one time.
The leading feature of my system has now to be described, which is that every
one of the foregoing adjustments is made to have relation to a set of years, in such
a way that those years to which any particular adjustment is applicable, are made
to appear in sight of the operator. The table of years would be made up after the
following manner :-
.
1893
1894
1895
*
1896
1897
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
*
1904
1905
1906
1907.
*
1908
1909
1910
1911
*.
1912
1913
1914
1915.
*
These are arranged upon the same slip of card, or other material, which contains
the distinctive letters A to G above described, and the spaces are of such
dimensions that on shifting the card, or other material, one step, in order to display
the next letter in turn, the same movement is sufficient to bring into view the set
of years which is applicable, through an aperture in the small frame provided for
the purpose.
To arrange for leap-year I provide that the names of the two months, January
& February, shall be capable of being put back to the left one step, and this
movement discloses at the same time another of the distinctive letters A to G,
through an aperture which at other times is covered. The effect of this arrange-
ment is that when in leap-year the distinctive letters are shifted two steps, which
is the proper adjustment for the last 10 months of the year, the two first months
of the year are also set correctly in the way just described. The starred spaces
will remind the operator when this arrangement is necessary, and there may easily
be another sign placed against those years where it is not required. This system
therefore enables the operator to adjust the whole of the months of the year in
relation to any particular set of years, which are also shown; and such adjustment
is necessary only at the commencement of each year.
It is obvious that this plan is capable of many modifications. Thus the
distinctive letters may be fixed, whilst the months move in conjunction with the
Or
yeare. Or the framework may move instead of the slip behind it &c. &c.
the years may all be in sight, those applicable to any particular adjustment being
indicated in some other way than that described.
To meet the case of those persons who would prefer to show less than. the whole-
of the tables at one time, I can employ separate slips on which to print or display
the seven' tables, one slip to each table, provided with its proper distinctive letter,"

page_text: and show those which are required according to the indicator for any given
months.
Instead of using distinctive letters or symbols I may cause the actual tables
themselves to be moved in conjunction with the movement of the sets of years so
that they may be read off without any intermediate symbol.
In this case I should have thirteen monthly tables produced on a band or ribbon
moving by means of rollers past the months fixed in their proper order. A disc
may be used but would not-be very suitable.
In either case the order of months first given would be the oue best adapted. I
may use the second order of months, however, only..the adjustment-would not then
be stepwise for each year. Or again the indicator and the ribbon can be both
used, in combination.
To provide for leap year in these cases I arrange a small flap for January and
February which when brought into use sets the days of the week one day more
forward, leaving however, the normal order also in view for those months which
accompany January & February in their respective divisions: Or I may have a
separate ribbon for January and February, adjusted from the other band, (or at
any rate, they will both depend primarily upon the movement in relation to the
years).
I may have either form of this device arranged vertically instead of horizontally,
and the months may be printed or shown on either or both sides of the portion
which moves.
"
I may vary the appearance of the names of the months either in size color, style
or in any other way to assist in tracing the usual order of the said twelve months;
and there are many other ways in which slight modifications can be introduced
without fundamentally altering my methods.
I may also apply my principle of adjustment in relation to the classes of years,
in connection with an already known arrangement for shitting step by step the.days
of the week throughout the whole year, but I much prefer not to alter the plan of
commencing each month either with a Sunday or a Monday, to which the public is
habituated. If this modification is used a disc arrangement is applicable but would
still have defects.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Perpetual Calendars.
FRANK ROBERTS of 179 Richmond Road Hackney in the County of London 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:-
My invention relates to calendars of the kind known as
perpetual" inasmuch
as they can be adapted for a long period of years. It's main object is to provide
methods by which all the information generally required in a calendar may be
given in a convenient and permanently adjustible form. I adopt any of the
methods already in use fur making the daily adjustments, as my improvements
apply to the adjustment of the calendar arranged in a yearly form. I may use the
latter aloue, but it is aptly combined with some kind of daily calendar; and in
some forms of daily calendar there is generally an amount of spare frontage space
which may be utilized in connection with the yearly calendar.
own.
Fig. 1 represents a set of seven monthly tables of date numbers and week days
exhibited on the face of a daily calendar, or on an independent backing of its
The tables each commence. with a different week day, and are lettered
respectively A, B, C, D, E, F and G.as shown. Attached to this backing I affix
a. small additional framework having the 12 months arranged in seven divisions
upon.it, and having apertures made in it through which letters and years. are to be

page_text: seen, as shown in Fig. 1. This additional framework is so constructed. that the
strip of cardboard or other material bearing letters & years, represented by Fig. 3
can be made to pass behind it. The result of this arrangement is that by a step-
wise movement of the strip, letter by letter, each successive non-leap year is
brought into sight, accompanied always by the proper adjustment of the distinctive
letters in relation to the months, thus showing which of the seven tables is to be
used for any given month only every 3rd letter appears in view at one time. (Of
course it will be understood that when the strip is pushed inwards to its fullest
extent the next step is to withdraw it and commence the letters afresh, seven of the
distinctive letters being always.in view in connection with the months.)
To appreciate these adjustments, the first rule to remember is that, (apart from
the effects of leap year), any given date will commence one week day later for each
succeeding year.
In applying this rule by my methods it is necessary that the months should be
arranged in some regular sequence with regard to the week days on which they
commence, other parts being made to correspond. with the particular sequence used.
Thus in Figure 4 the months in each division commence just one week day later
than do those in the preceding division (in any non-leap year), and to adjust for
each succeeding non-leap year, the distinctive letters are simply shifted from one
monthly division to the preceding one. The movable letters may be, in this case,
in alphabetical order A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A B C &c. A may represent the table
commencing on Sunday then B would represent that commencing on Monday and
C would represent that commencing on Tuesday and so on. For convenience of
reference the monthly tables may be exhibited in similar order.
In Fig. 1 the sequence of months is different. In this, the months in each
division commence just 3 week days later than do those in the preceding division
(in any non-leap year), therefore it requires that there shall be 3 steps before-
a letter at any given aperture appears at the next preceding aperture. This is
provided for by having two intermediate letters, as already explained. The movable
letters may be those shown in Fig. 3, and the date tables lettered as shown in Fig. 1.
The above examples show sufficiently how any sequence may be adapted to my
system. The method of arranging the years will be noticed. In the examples
already given, one stepwise movement adjusts for each succeeding non-leap year,
aud the non-leap years are accordingly tabulated in stepwise order; two steps
being given before a leap year appears.
In some examples which follow, a movement of two steps is required to adjust
for each succeeding non-leap year, and four steps for leap year, and the method of
arranging the years must correspond, as shown Fig. 8. It will be readily under-
stood from these examples that the years must be tabulated to correspond with the
number of steps required to adjust for each succeeding non-leap year; and that
twice that interval is allowed for leap years. Also that there should be a regular
distance between each set of years, between each division of the other movable
characters, and between each division of the fixed months; and further that these
should all be in proper proportion to each other, whether shown precisely in the
drawings or not.
Fig. 4 shows the sequence of months hitherto used for purposes of a somewhat
similar kind. The sequence I prefer to use, however, is that shown in Figs. 14, 7
and 15 which is a much better one for the purpose because it approaches much
nearer to the natural order of the months (as regards Fig. 15, the sequence which
would show the months in the same order reading in the reverse direction would be
almost equally convenient). To assist further in tracing this natural order of
months arrange them in rows or columns, as shown, and exhibit them with
variations in colour, size style &c., or otherwise distinguish between them.
Of course I can use any other symbols instead of the letters A to G. Or i
can use the names of the seven week days, each to signify the particular table
commencing therewith. It is, however, more convenient, and catches the eye more
readily to use short symbols.
-I
~....

page_text: In modifying the adjustments for leap year it is necessary to remember that in
leap year any given date from March to December inclusive, falls two week days
later than in the preceding year; but, as regards January and February this double
movement does not occur uptil the following year. The tables of years are so
arranged that in leap years twice the ordinary movement is given to all the
distinctive letters. According to the rule just quoted, however, this double
movement is not required in the case of January and February until the following
year; therefore, as regards these two months, theres must be some means of
modifying the general adjustment temporarily, i.e. during leap year. This may be
accomplished by shifting January and February respectively into other divisions
during leap year. A convenient method of effecting this is by having the earlier
months produced on a hinged flap which is capable of folding backwards and
forwards just in the same way as the leaf of a book is turned. In Fig. 1 the flap
in it's normal position extends from January to March inclusive, being hinged at Q.
and when folded forwards the words "Leap Year" and "March
beneath it, and January
દ
"April"
د,
and "February
result being the order shown in Fig. 2.
ני
are disclosed
are shown on the reverse side, the
In Fig. 4 the arrangement is slightly different. There are two flaps, one for
January, and one for February, these are both folded backwards into the preceding
divisions during leap year resulting as shown Fig. 5. Eight distinctive letters are
in sight in this arrangement in connection with the monthly divisions.
Instead of having any intermediate symbols I may cause the date tables
themselves to move in relation to the months. Thus in Fig. 7, the months are
fixed upon a framework, and a movable ribbon may carry the monthly date tables,
and also the sets of years (one set of years appearing through an aperture in the
framework for each adjustment). This ribbon may conveniently be shifted by
means of rollers. Thirteen monthly tables are required, following the same
sequence throughout, in order to show the whole year. from seven different points.
In this sequence of months, the ribbon would be shifted downwards to the extent of
two monthly tables for each succeeding non-leap year, and 4 tables for leap year,
turning back, of course, and recommencing with the lower monthly tables when
necessary. (This is indicated by the sets of years as shown separately in Fig. 8.)-
Or if an endless band be used to enable the operator to turn continuously in one
direction, fourteen monthly tables are required to complete the circuit. In the
latter. case each set of years may occupy the extent of two date tables instead of
one (the aperture being enlarged accordingly). A hinged flap may be used in
adjusting for leap year, resulting as shown in Fig. 6. This forni nay, of course, be
.arranged horizontally instead of vertically.
Fig. 15 shows a tablet form, which may be heptagon shaped (as shown) circular,
or of any suitable shape, the two parts of which it consists being shown in Figs. 14
and 16. Only 2 of the monthly tables are shown, it being understood that the
remaining 5 follow the same sequence throughout as in Fig. 7.
The two parts may be attached to each other concentrically so that one or both
can revolve, and by that means they can be relatively adjusted. Or if of a
heptagon or similar shape it is convenient to make the smaller tablet fit into a
recess or opening made in the larger tablet so that the letters &c. on both, appear
on the same level or surface, and so that when once adjusted it cannot readily be
.displaced by accident. This form is not suitable when it is desired to see the whole
year at one view. Otherwise it is conveniently applied to such articles as paper-
weights, pin boxes &c., or in any position where the calendar as a whole can be
revolved. It has the distinct advantage that a complete circuit can be obtained with
only seven monthly tables. The same advantage would apply to a cylindrical form,
but in some respects a disc or tablet form is decidedly superior to the cylindrical,
principally owing to its very inexpensive construction, and the facility with which
it can be suspended against a wall or desk, a position in which it would be most
generally useful. (These heptagonal, circular or cylindrical forms may, of course,

page_text: be applied in conjunction with the distinctive letters as first described, with similar
advantages.)
For leap year I may use with this form, a hinged flap, as before, to shift the
months January and February respectively into other positions as already described.
In providing for leap year it is not absolutely necessary, obviously, that the
movable parts employed to shift the positions of January and February,
respectively, should be hinged. That is to say the duplicated parts effecting the
requisite alterations, may be affixed in any other suitable way (always however,.
replacing a portion of the original set of months in the same way as the hinged
flap does as explained above). If found more convenient an entire duplicate set-
of months may be used, replacing the original set. If desired I can have this.
duplicate set produced on the reverse side of the cardboard, or other material,.
which carries the original set. (This I find a convenient arrangement in the
heptagon form especially.) Or again I can use two entire calendars, one arranged
for leap years, and one for non-leap years; or may duplicate any portion
which I may find convenient, in order to give the desired result.
There are other methods of providing for leap year, which are not so convenient:
as those already described. (1) I may shift the position of the latter ten months of
the year (arranging other parts accordingly) instead of shifting the first two months..
(2) I may
show January, and February, each in two different positions at all times,.
one applicable to leap years, and one to non-leap years. (3) I may have two sets.
of week-days one set applicable generally throughout the year, and the other set
applicable to January & February only, and to them only in leap years. (4) I may
have a calendar which adjusts only the latter ten months of the year, and have
January & February made separately adjustible from them.
The method of providing for the alternation between leap year & non-leap.
year by the use of a hinged flap or flaps, or by a duplicate partial or complete set
of months, replacing partially or completely the original set, may incidentally be
applied to adjustible yearly calendars generally.
I am aware that my methods are capable of many modifications, to enumerate.
all of which would render the description needlessly minute. Generally speaking
the parts described as movable, may be fixed, whilst the other parts are rendered
movable, and other similar variations are possible. In Fig. 14 the distinctive-
letters could be all in view, it being understood that those which were brought into-
some pre-determined position would be the letters applicable. A similar remark
would apply generally to the sets of years. Leap years are generally distinguished
by colour or otherwise. In the drawings they are underlined.
In using the distinctive letters the seven date tables need not necessarily be all
in view together. In most of the arrangements described, the months may be
exhibited on either or both sides of the movable parts.
In the drawings, the openings in the face of the apparatus (through which the
years &c. are seen) are indicated by double lines.
My calendar can be used for advertising, and can be preserved or protected by
means of varnish, glass, or in.any other way.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-.
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
clain is,
(1.) The method of arranging the twelve months of the year into seven divisions
according to a regular sequence with regard to the week days on which they
commence, and of setting against these divisions, in corresponding sequence,.
monthly tables of date numbers and week days (abbreviated or otherwise);
combining also therewith a hinged flap or flaps or their equivalent, to shift the
positions of January and February respectively, or any of the described methods
of providing for the alternation between leap year and non-leap year; so that,.
with the aid when necessary, of additional monthly tables, the calendar cau be
accurately adjusted once and, for all for any entire year: the same action of

page_text: adjustment causing the particular year or class of years (as provided for the
purpose), which is applicable to such adjustment, to occupy its proper relative
position on the calendar. Substantially in the manner, and for the purpose shown in
the drawings, and described in the Specification with reference thereto.
(2.) The same in every respect as Claim 1 but substituting for the monthly
tables, symbols or characters which represent them. Substantially in the manner
for the purpose shown in the drawings, and described in the Specification with
reference thereto.
(3.) The method of arranging the twelve months of the year into seven divisions
according to a regular sequence with regard to the week days on which they
commence, and of setting against these divisions in corresponding sequence,
monthly tables of date numbers and week days (abbreviated or otherwise);
combining also therewith a hinged flap or flaps or their equivalent, to shift the
positions of January and February respectively, or any of the described methods of
providing for the alternation between leap year and nou-leap year, so that, with
the aid when necessary of additional monthly tables, the calendar can be accurately
adjusted once and for all, for any entire year. Substantially in the manner
and for the purpose shown in the drawings and described in the Specification
with reference thereto.
(4.) The combination of parts shown in Fig. 15 consisting essentially of a disc or
tablet form of calendar of heptagonal, circular, or similar shape, comprising the
arrangement of the twelve months of the year into seven divisions according to a
regular sequence with regard to the week days on which they commence, and of
.monthly tables of date numbers and week days (abbreviated or otherwise), set
against these divisions in corresponding sequence, in such a way that the calendar
can be accurately adjusted once and for all for any entire non-leap year, or for
any entire leap year (as the case may be); not necessarily including a method of
providing for the alternation between leap year and non-leap year, nor the method
of showing the years applicable to each adjustment. Substantially in the
manner and for the purpose described in the Specification with reference to the
drawings.
i-
(5.) The combination of two of the calendars set forth in Claim 4, the months &c.
in one arranged for leap years, and in the other for non-leap years. Or one
such calendar with any portion duplicated or made reversible, with a similar object..
Substantially as described in the Specification with reference to the drawings.
(6.) In a calendar in which the months are arranged in regular sequence with
regard to the week days on which they commence, and with monthly tables in
corresponding sequence, and which is capable of being adjusted at one time for the
whole of the year in the manner described; the method of indicating the natural
order of the months by arranging them into columns or rows, or by differences in
colour, size, style or other distinguishing features. Substantially as and for the
purpose described in the Specification and shown in the drawings.
(7.) The method of arranging the twelve months of the year into seven divisions
according to the particular sequence, with regard to the week days on which they
commence, as shown in Figures 7, and 15, or according to the sequence which
would show the months in the same order reading in the reverse direction; and of
setting against these divisions in corresponding sequence, monthly tables of date
numbers and week days (abbreviated or otherwise) so that, with the aid when
necessary of additional monthly tables the calendar can be accurately adjusted
once and for all for an entire year. Substantially as and for the purpose described in
the Specification and shown in the drawings.
Dated this 10th day of Fahru 1801