An Improved Geographical Modelling Table.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Dec., 1897-Accepted, 12th Feb., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Geographical Modelling Table.
We, THOMAS CRAWSHAW, of 89, Church Street, School Master, and NORMAN
BLEZARD, of Guy Foundry, School Furniture Manufacturer, both of Padiham, in
the County of Lancaster, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:
-
The object of this invention is to facilitate and simplify the teaching of Physical
Geography to children and others in Elementary, Secondary or other schools, semi-
naries and colleges.
The annexed drawing represents a perspective view of our improved Geographical
table.
The apparatus when closed consists primarily of an ordinary table in outward
appearance, which may be of any suitable size, design or material. The table is
strongly made and mounted on legs fitted with easy running casters to facilitate
its removal from one part of the room to another.
The table top or lid a which is strongly clamped in the usual manner to prevent
warping, is hinged by its narrower side or end to the corresponding side or end b
of the table and may be lifted up and supported at a slight angle of backward slope
by a brass or other strut (or struts) c permanently attached to the top and body of
the table.
Underneath this top is fixed permanently by glue, paste or other means a map
(say for example) of England and Wales, showing physical and other features.
This map, which may be of any size or material is sized and varnished to resist
the action of damp.
The body of the table is formed into a shallow box or tray, by a bottom d being
set up at the required distance inside. A partition e across one end forms a narrow
box serving for the purpose of containing modelling tools and other accessories.
The inside of the tray or shallow box, formed by the body of the table is prefer-
ably lined with thin zinc or other suitable material and painted in several coats of
sea-green paint or enamel, and is also partially filled with fine red builders sand in
a slightly damp condition, and capable of being readily moulded into any con-
figuration and temporarily retaining the same.
The accessories contained in the narrow box at the end of the table may consist
of various toys etc. serving to make the modelled configuration of the physical
features more realistic and
may be as follows:.
1. A dredging-box containing flour, lime, or other white powder, to dust on
mountain peaks to imitate snow caps.
2. Toy ships or boats of small size.
3. Trees and farmyard toys: buildings etc.
4. Model lighthouse.
5. Mirror glass for lakes.
6. Modelling tools.

page_text: When not in use for a geographical model lesson the modelling table can be
closed and used as an ordinary table.
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: :-
1. An improved geographical modelling table consisting in the combination of
an ordinary class-room, work table, or other table, with the geographical modelling
tray and map holder substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by the
drawings annexed.
1
2. In a geographical modelling table the combination with the table of a sand-
tray, and a hinged support for map.
Doted this 15th day of December 1807
GEO: DAVIES. & SON, 1
Agents for the Applicants, 4, St. Ann's Square, Manchester.