An Improved Memorandum Tablet.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 20th July, 1893-Accepted, 2nd Sept., 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Memorandum Tablet.
We, GEORGINA BAIRNSFATHER, of 35 Randolph Crescent, Maida Hill, and
AGNES ALTHAUS, of 48 Harley Street, London W. 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 relates to an improved "at home" memorandum tablet, and has
for object to provide, a simple, handy ornamental, and effective means of keeping
a register of reference of the days upon which friends are
and are
at home"
receiving visitors.
66
In accordance with this invention we have a tablet which may be of ivory,
ivorine, or other suitable substance or material, it being advantageous for the tablet
to be of a substance which will, when required, allow of any writing there may be
upon same to be erased or washed off and thus permit of new entries being made,
and upon this tablet we have a series of square or other shaped divisions arranged
in five rows or lines one under the other and we have six of such divisions in each
row or line; one for each day of the week, from Monday to Saturday both
inclusive. The different rows or lines are for different weeks of the month. The
tablet as above described may be mounted in a frame of any desired and suitable
material which frame may be provided with hinged flaps or doors having a
lock and key attached if it be desired to keep the contents private, provision may
further be made in the frame for the placing and holding of a pencil or other
marking instrument.
If desired a hinged support or stay may be placed at the back of the tablet to
allow of same standing upon a desk or secretaire at any time required.
And in order that this our invention may be fully understood and readily carried
into effect we will now proceed to describe same with reference to the accom-
panying sheet of drawings in which is represented in front open elevation a folding
** at home" memorandum tablet constructed in accordance with this our invention.
a represents a tablet which may be of ivory, ivorine, or other material suitable
for writing upon, and which is slipped into a frame through the slot 6', formed
in top of same. Upon the tablets a as aforesaid we form divisions, as shewn, in
and upon which are inscribed the names of friends or others a register or record of
those days for "at homes," it is desired to keep.
In the margin upon one or both sides of the series of divisions above mentioned
are marked references as to the week of the month to which any entry may refer
as at c (1st, 2nd &c.). At the top or bottom, or both at top and bottom of the
lines or divisions before referred to we mark as at d the days of the week from
Monday to Saturday both inclusive. Upon the frame 6 and in any convenient
position we may have a holder for a pencil, or any other device suitable for the
purpose may be employed.
Around the series of divisions or date spaces above described we may leave a
sufficient margin upon the tablets a within the frame, to allow of illumination or
other artistic decoration. Appropriate mottoes or other desired matter may be
inscribed thereupon if preferred; or tables and other data may usefully be printed,
engraved, or impressed thereupon.
Its use will be readily understood for instance should it be desired to register
the fact that the third Tuesday in the month is the day upon which one frien 1 has
her "at homes" her name is inscribed in the square or division marked a'. Again
should the last Saturday of the month be the day upon which another friend is
"at home" then her name is written upon the division marked a³, or say the
fourth Friday in the month is the day desired to be recorded then the division

page_text: "
are upon
marked a³ bears the name of the person or persons whose "at homes'
that day. The frame b may if desired and as aforesaid be provided with hinged
flaps or doors as shewn in dotted lines and marked e, a lock and key being fitted if
required to keep the contents private.
In this arrangement a convenient manner of holding the pencil or other marking
instrument is as shewn at f that is a groove or slot is formed in the edge of the flap
or door in which may be inserted the pencil when not required for use.
That the tablet may conveniently stand upon a table or desk we form it at the
back (as shewn in dotted lines) with a hinged supporting foot or leg g.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is :-
1st. The improved "at home" memorandum tablet constructed, arranged, and
operating substantially as hereinbefore set forth and shewn in the accompanying
drawings.
2nd. The tablet or tablets a having inscribed thereupon a series of divisions
corresponding to and marked with the day of the week, and the week of the month,
substantially as and for the purpose described and shewn.
Dated this 20th day of July 1893.
HUGHES, ELI & HUGHES,
76, Chancery Lane, W.C., Agents for Applicants.