Improvements in and connected with Measuring-sticks..
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Aug., 1890-Accepted, 18th Oct., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Measuring-sticks..
I, ISIDORE BIRGE, Manufacturer, of north west corner of 2.1st and Chestnut
Streets City of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, United States of America,
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 has relation to measuring devices for counters, and consists in a
movable yard stick or measure secured to and movable on a counter or stand.
The object of my invention is to provide a ready movable measure which may be
secured firmly in position above the counter or turned under the counter out of the
way when not in use as described.
In the accompanying drawing similar letters of reference refer to similar parts
throughout.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the counter with my improved attachment secured
thereto adjusted in position ready for use.
Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view on the line x--x Fig. 1 showing in dotted lines the
position of the movable measure when not in use and shifted underneath the counter.
A represents the movable measure secured by hinges C, to the underside of the
counter, B.
I preferably employ a hinge constructed as shown in the drawing having the
plate, a secured to the underside of the counter and the upper plate, a², bent in an
L shape secured to the under side of the measuring stick and pivoted to the fixed
plate a', by the hinge joint a³.
Other forms of connection for adjusting the measuring stick above and below the
counter at will may, however, be employed, as I do not limit myself to the particular
form of hinge joint shown.
When it is desired to adjust the measuring stick for use it is thrown into position
above the counter, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and when it is not in use it is shifted
by a simple movement of the hand, into position, as shown by the dotted lines in
Fig. 2, underneath the counter. The counter is thus cleared of the obstruction; and
yet the measuring stick may be moved to a steady, fixed position above the counter at
any moment by a single movement of the hand.
The stick is retained in the position shown in Fig. 2 by a tight joint a³, or by the
plates a², being slightly drawn towards or from each other when secured to the
stick, A.
The measuring stick, A, being slightly elevated above the counter, B, when in its
raised position facilitates the measuring of the goods and renders possible a much
more accurate measurement than when the measuring scale is on a level with the
counter by allowing the goods to be grasped in the fingers at the exact ends of the
measure, the hand being depressed below the measuring surface; thus the goods are
accurately and rapidly measured and transferred from end to end of the measuring
stick in the process of measurement; my invention in addition to the other features
of the readily movable measuring stick hereinbefore set forth, possesses also the merits
and advantages of a fixed measure, elevated above the surface of the counter.
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
claim is :-
1. In combination with a counter or stand a movable measuring arm secured
movably to the said counter or stand by means substantially as described and adapted
to be elevated above the level of the counter or stand when in nao and drannal

page_text: depressed underneath the same when not in use by means of its connection with the
said counter or stand in the manner and for the purpose substantially as hereinbefore
set forth and described.
2. In combination with a counter or stand a movable measuring stick secured
movably to the said counter or stand on elbows or arms hinged to said counter or
stand which said measuring stick may be elevated and secured at will above the
level of said counter or stand or rotated on said arms underneath said counter or
stand by means and in the manner substantially as hereinbefore set forth and
described.
3. In combination with a counter or stand, B, the movable measuring stick, A,
hinges, C, pivoted at one end to said counter or stand, B, and having the stick, A,
secured at or near the other end, said stick, A, in being elevated above or depressed
below said counter or stand, B, describing on the hinges, C, a segment of a circle in
the manner substantially as hereinbefore set forth and described.
.
4. A movable measuring stick, A, hinge, C, having plates, a', and a², hinged at a³
by a pin or otherwise, in combination with a counter or stand, B, said plate, a¹, secured
to the underside of said counter or stand, B, and the stick, A, secured to the upper
end of said plate, a², adapted to be elevated above or depressed below said counter or
stand, B, on the said plate, a², in the manner and by the means substantially as herein-
before set forth and described.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of July
A.D. 1890.
Witness:
HORACE PETTIT.
J. HENDERSON.
ISIDORE BIRGE.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.