An Improved Writing Slate and Pencil Sharpener Combined.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Apr., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 30th Dec., 1895-Accepted, 21st Mar., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Writing Slate and Pencil Sharpener Combined.
JOSEPH CLARKSON FERGUSON 4 Millholme Terrace Carlisle Cumberland do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention consists of a plate of steel or any other hard material, in which
a V shaped slot is cut, being let into the frame of the slate. Immediately under
the slot in the plate a tapered groove is cut in the frame, the groove tapering to
meet the narrow end of the slot in the plate, this forms a cavity similar in shape
to a pencil point when sharpened. The pencil is put into this groove and when
turned either to the right or the left, it is brought in contact with the edges
of the slot in the plate and is by this means sharpened. The plate may be
attached to the frame of the slate by screws rivets or any other means thought
desireable.
Dated this Thirtieth day of March 1895.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Writing Slate and Pencil Sharpener Combined.
JOSEPH CLARKSON FERGUSON Assistant Steward 4 Millholme Terrace Carlisle
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 :-
This invention consists in a plate of steel or any other metal or hard material
in which a V shaped slot is cut with bevilled edges, being let into the frame of
the slate or desk or any other suitable place. Immediately under the slot in the
plate a tapered groove is cut in the frame, the groove tapering to meet the narrow
end of the slot in the plate. Under this plate may be fixed to or made with it, a
guide or runner in which the pencil may turn. The plate may be used with or
without this guide. A cavity is thus formed similar in shape to a pencil point
when sharpened.
The pencil is put into this groove and when turned either to the right or to the
left it is brought in contact with the bevilled edges of the slot in the plate & is by
this means sharpened.
The plate may be attached to the frame of the slate or desk or other suitable
place, by screws, rivets or any other means thought desireable.
The following are some of the uses and advantages of the Patent.
1. It is handy and being fixed to the slate or desk cannot be lost.
or
2. It is neat and fits into the frame without leaving any ugly corners
projections to interfere with the packing of large quantities for transit, or to damage
any books if put in the schoolbag.
3. After a pencil is once sharpened a few turns in the sharpener either way
round puts on a good point again after being blunted in use, thus obviating the
necessity of scholar leaving his desk.

page_text: 4. It puts a better & more even point on to pencils and crayons than it is
possible to do with a knife and a knife is not often available.
The following description refers to the accompanying drawing.
Fig. 1 slate showing sharpener in position.
Fig. 2 plan of sharpener.
Fig. 3 end view of sharpener without runner.
Fig. 4 end view of sharpener with runner attached.
Fig. 5 longitudinal section without runner.
Fig. 6 longitudinal section with runner attached.
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
That this invention which consists of a plate of metal or other hard substance
in which a V shaped slot is cut with bevilled edges & inserted into the frame of a
..slate or desk is an original idea for sharpening slate pencils or crayons.
Dated this 30th day of December 1895.
Witnesses to signature :-
ERNEST HARDY,
JOSEPH CLARKSON FERGUSON,
26 Boundry Terrace, Carlisle.
GEORGE PALLISTER,
26 Millholme Terrace, Carlisle.
4 Millholme Terrace, Carlisle.