Improvements in Almanacks.
Year: 1895

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Almanacks.
1, WILLIAM TRAFFORD WILSON of No. 13 Rood Lane, in the City of London,
Tea Broker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in almanacks of that kind which consists
of as many sheets as there are months in the year, superposed, the ordinal numbers
indicating the days of the month, being arranged in columns or rows; all those in
one column or row, having aligned with it the name of the respective day of the
week upon which they fall.
The sheets in question are, according to the present invention, made fast in their
proper order, behind a foundation of cardboard or other suitable material, suitable
provision being made for removing them on the expiry of the respective months.
There are as many slots in this foundation, as there are columns or rows of figures
on a sheet, the slot being of the proper size to exhibit all the figures behind it at a
glance. Each slot is provided with a sliding shutter adapted to shut off from sight,
the number of the days that have passed. The connection between the slot or the
foundation and the shutter may be of any suitable type. Each shutter is provided
with a suitable grip by which it can be moved forward over the respective numbers,
one by one, as the days, come and go.
The shutters themselves may be made of any suitable material either opaque or
semi-opaque.
Dated this 30th day of November 1895.
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improve
1, WILLIAM TRAFFORD WILSON of No. 13 Rood Lane, in the City of London,
Tea Broker, 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 improvements in almanacks or calendars of that kind
which consist of as many sheets as there are months in the year, superposed;
the ordinal numbers indicating the days of the month, being arranged in columns
or rows; all those in one column or row having aligned with it, the name of the
respective day of the week upon which they fall. The object of the invention is
to indicate what portion of the term exhibited at one time by the calendar, has
elapsed, and includes improved mechanism for so doing as well as for indicating the
proportion between the lapsed and the unelapsed portions.
The invention consists, therefore, in the combination of calendar; a stiff front
sheet or plate (bereinafter referred to as a "foundation"; one or more slots
therein, each adapted to exhibit a certain number of the dates (hereinafter referred
to as "ordinal numbers") on the calendar; and a shutter-mechanism adapted to

page_text: indicate the number of days that have passed, by being adjusted to stand in front
of the corresponding ordinal numbers.
It further includes the combination with the above mentioned foundation and
shutter-mechanism, of suitable means for changing the calendar. The present
invention requires, indeed, that the calendar be changeable, but it does not impose
any limits upon the means by which the calendar is made changeable. Such means,
in more than one form too, are well known. In one of the well known types of
changeable calendar, the calendar consists of twelve sheets, one for each month in
the year, superposed in proper order upon a backing to which they are made fast,
the calendar being changed by the tearing of the front sheet from before its
fellows at the end of the respective month. "In another type, a ribbon bearing the
ordinal numbers, is made fast by its ends to two independent and parallel rollers
respectively, each roller being capable of rotary motion about its axis, the calendar
being changed by winding as much of the ribbon off one roller on the other, as may
be necessary to exhibit the proper ordinal number. The use of each of the above
types is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
In the first mentioned well known type of calendar, the ordinal numbers are
arranged in rows or in columns, each row or column relating to not more than one
week. So far, this arrangement is adopted by the present invention. Each of the
above mentioned slots is, therefore long enough to exhibit the ordinal numbers of
one week. The invention does not limit me in respect of the number of slots in a
foundation. I prefer that there should be as many as there are rows or columns
of ordinal numbers on the calendar in respect of the longest month in the year, in
order that all the ordinal numbers in that month may be exhibited at once.
Experience has demonstrated the convenience of all the ordinal numbers relating to
one month being exhibited at once-hence my preference for the number of slots
just mentioned. At the same time, I wish it to be distinctly understood that the
combination of a smaller number of slots-even one only-and the ordinal numbers
for a corresponding number of weeks exhibited thereat, is with the respective
shutter, within the scope of my invention.
Each slot (as many as there may be) is provided with a sliding shutter adapted
to indicate the number of days that have passed, by being adjusted to stand in
front of the corresponding ordinal numbers. There are provided for each shutter,
suitable guides to keep it in proper position with reference to its slot as well as
thumb bits for moving the shutter. The combination of shutter or shutters with
the slotted foundation is the distinguishing feature of the present invention. I do
not pretend to be the inventor of a foundation having one or more apertures
therein, and changeable calendar sheets or ribbons behind them. But I believe
myself to be the first inventor of the combination of foundation; one or more slots
in it long enough to exhibit at once as many ordinal numbers as relate to a definite
term of days, such as a week; calendar; and sliding shutter adjustable in front of
one or more of the ordinal numbers exhibited by the calendar at the respective
slot.
Referring to the accompanying drawings which are to be taken as part of this
specification and read therewith:-
Figure is a front elevation of a calendar made according to the present
invention and having the names of the days arranged in a column, the ordinal
numbers in rows and the shutters adapted to slide behind horizontal slots.
Figure 2 is a vertical section taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a horizontal section, through the foundation and shutters, along the
line 3-3 of Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is an elevation of a detached shutter.
Figure 5 is a rear elevation of the foundation and the shutters before the
combination of the calendar sheets therewith.
Figure 6 is a front elevation of a calendar made according to my invention and
having the names of the days arranged in a column, the ordinal numbers in columns,
and the shutters adapted to slide behind vertical slots.

page_text: Figure 7 is a horizontal section, through the foundation and shutters, along the
line 7-7 of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a rear elevation of the foundation and the shutters before the
combination of the calendar sheets therewith.
Figure 9 is a front elevation of a calendar made according to my invention and
having the names of the days arranged in a column, the ordinal numbers in columns,
and the shutters adapted to slide in front of vertical slots.
Figure 10 is a horizontal section taken along the line 10-10 of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a vertical section taken along the line 11-11 of the same figure.
The differences between the improved calendars illustrated in Figures 1 to 5,
6 to 8, and 9 to 11, are confined to the position and number of the slots and
shutters; to the means by which the shutters are held to the foundation; and to
the type of the calendar. All of these differences are of such minor importance
that neither the nature nor the scope of the invention are affected by them.
B, B are the names of the days of the week marked thereon column wise and
sufficiently near to one side of the foundation (preferably the left one) for the
position of such column of names and the series of slots next described to be
symmetrical.
D is a horizontal slot in the foundation. Its function is to exhibit the name of
the month on the calendar sheet E or calendar ribbon L as the case may be, and
may be long enough or wide enough to exhibit the ordinal number of the year
(described further on) also, if that be indicated on the said sheet or ribbon.
SLOTS.
C, C are the slots in the foundation A. All are of equal length and width and
are parallel with each other. The function of each slot being to exhibit all the
ordinal numbers relating to the respective week, at once in proper relation to
the day-names B, B. They are, therefore, arranged accordingly. It is optional
whether they are horizontal, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3; or vertical, as
illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8 and 9, 10 and 11. The number of them, when
there are enough to exhibit at once all the ordinal numbers belonging to a month,
is obviously affected by their position.
The figures illustrate the foundation of the improved calendar as slotted to
exhibit all the ordinal numbers of one month at once. It has been already
explained that my invention includes the combination of a smaller number of slots
and shutters, even so small a number as one of each. The illustration of such a
combination of one slot and one shutter is included in the accompanying drawings.
CHANGEABLE CALENDAR.
Figures 1 to 8 illustrate a changeable calendar consisting of twelve sheets
superposed one upon the other in the proper order.
E, E are the calendar sheets, one for each calendar month. Figures 1 and 6 shew
eleven sheets-the twelfth is pasted down flat upon the face of the backing sheet e.
The twelve are pasted or blocked together along their tops el in proper chrono-
logical order one upon the other, the earliest one in front. The usual provision is
made for the removal of each front calendar sheet E from its fellows, such
provision consisting of a row of perforations e across each sheet. Each of the
twelve calendar sheets has marked upon it, the ordinal figures F, F of the days in
it, properly arranged, as to row and column, as heretofore on sheet calendars,
to correspond with the names B, B, of the days on the foundation A. It has also

page_text: the name G of the respective month; and, if desired, the ordinal number H of the
respective year. It is held fast to the foundation A, by any suitable means, with
the lines or columns of numbers F and names on the sheets E, E, standing
opposite the respective slots C, D, in such foundation. Some provision is, therefore
necessary for giving access to the sheets E, E, for the purpose of tearing off each
front one from the blocked top e' at the end of each month. Such provision consists
in a hinge in the backing sheet e immediately behind and parallel with the rows of
perforations e². Any type of hinge may be used. I have shewn one consisting of
a severing cute through the sheet e, and a piece of cloth e pasted on the rear face
of the backing sheet e and extending from the said cut equally on both sides of it.
An examination of Figure 2 may incline the observer to think that the calendar
sheets E, E, and backing sheet e could not be swung back on the hinge without
ripping all or most of the rows of perforations e. But it must be explained that it
is the exaggerated thickness of the combination of calendar sheets which suggests
this risk. In point of fact, the said sheets will lie too close together to prevent
any ripping along the said rows of perforations, when they are swung back. It
was necessary to exaggerate the thickness of the said combination in the figure
in question; otherwise it would have been impossible to distinguish one calendar
sheet from another.
SHUTTER MECHANISM.
This consists of a combination of sliding shutter and shutter guide. I, I are the
shutters-one to each slot. A shutter is sufficiently wider than a slot to obviate
the risk of its side edges working into the slot and jamming against the edges of the
latter. It is provided with suitable guides in which it can be moved to and fro in
the direction of the length of the slot to cover one or all of the respective ordinal
numbers F, and by which it will be held up to the foundation A. My invention
does not limit me in respect of the detailed construction of these guides and any
construction may be adopted provided that it is capable of providing for the to and
fro motion above mentioned. The guides illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, consist of
the combination of a loop i fast on the back of the foundation, close to and parallel
with the end of the respective slot, and a finger i projecting from each side of the
opposite end of the shutter, near to the front end of it, and standing immediately in
front of the respective edge of the slot. The loop i holds the shutter up to the
foundation A at one end of the slot, while the fingers i, i hold the front end of the
shutter up to it. is a knob fast to the front end of a shutter, by which the latter
can be drawn forward or pushed back along its slot. The figures in question shew
a knob and fingers i, as incorporated in one piece. They may all three
be advantageously made out of an ordinary paper fastener. This conversion of a
paper fastener into a knob and a pair of fingers is distinctly shewn in Figure 2.
The fangs of the fastener are bent to stand out from the edge of the head of the
fastener and parallel with each other for a short distance, at the end of which they
are brought together abruptly, thereby providing shoulders to rest upon the face of
the shutter. These approximated fangs are then pushed through a central hole in
the shutter end, bent in opposite directions transversely of the shutter, returned
through the latter to the front side of it, and bent outwards still transversely of the
shutter, this bending outwards producing the fingers a, i, above mentioned.
The shutter guides illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 consist of an angle bar j
standing up from the rear face of the foundation A to which it is made fast, close
up to and parallel with each side of a slot C, the horizontal flanges overhanging the
side edges of the shutter. The knob illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8 is a
duplicate of that illustrated in the previous figures, the fingers i, i, being dispensed
with for the reason that in the type of guide, now being specified, a pair of
j,j, holds the respective shutter up to foundation A, wherever they overhaug
it. The material of which the shutters are made is no part of the invention; and
further, it may be either opaque or semi-transparent, as may be preferred. Bright
coloured (e.g., green) gelatine or celluloid is very suitable, because it is light and
bars

page_text: bright its presence is distinct, and its semi-transparency fails to give the calendar
a blind look when the shutters are drawn over the majority of the ordinal
figures.
Figures 9 to 11 illustrate a changeable calendar consisting of a ribbon fast by its.
ends to two rollers and thereby adapted to be wound off one on to the other. L is.
the calendar ribbon in question. m, m' are the two rollers. Each one is mounted
in a case m² within which it is capable of an independent rotary motion by reason
of the roller having its bearings in the ends m³ of the case, and a thumb piece m' on.
one end of the roller. m³ is a slot in each case large enough to allow the ribbon L
to pass through. The roller cases m², m², are made fast to the margins of the
foundation A, opposite to each other. Whether they are attached to the top and
bottom or to the side margins of it, depends entirely upon the direction of the travel
of the ribbon L. According to the construction of the calendar illustrated in
Figures 9 to 11, such travel is horizontal. For that reason the two cases are made-
fast to the respective side margins of the foundation A. If the construction of the
calendar required the travel of the ribbon to be vertical, the cases would be fixed to
the top and bottom margins.
It will be obvious that the detail construction of the guides may be varied
considerably and that such variation comes within the ordinary capacity of the
skilled mechanic in the branch of manufacture to which the invention belongs..
I consider any type of guide adapted to provide for the above mentioned to and fro
motion of the shutter to be within the scope of the present invention.
Whether a shutter is in front or behind its respective slot is immaterial..
Figures 1 to 8 shew it on the back of the foundation: Figures 9 to 11 illustrate the
shutters as adapted to slide and stand in front of their respective slots. Each
shutter guide consists of a slot n in the foundation A. and through which the shutter
is passed, two fingers n' projecting from each side of the shutter near to the front
end of it and standing immediately behind the respective edges of the slot C..
The combination of fingers n¹, n' and knob, i illustrated is substantially identical
with that described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the only difference being that
the fingers n', n', stand behind the foundation A instead of in front of it, a change
of position necessitated by the change in that of the shutter.
The use of the invention is distinctly indicated in the figures.
Figure 1 shews the calendar exhibiting the calendar for the month of January of
the current year. At the end of each day, the respective shutter has been drawn
forward till its front end stands over the respective ordinal number F.
14 days are.
indicated as having elapsed-the current day being the 15th of the month..
Figure 6 shews that 10 days of the month of February of the same year have
elapsed, and that the 11th is the current day. Figure 9 shews that 10 days of the
month of March of the same year have elapsed and that the current day is the 11th.
of that month.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said.
invention and in what mauner the same is to be performed, I declare that what.
I claim is :-
1. The combination of a slotted foundation; calendar behind it, and a series of
independent shutters adapted to obscure the ordinal figures on the calendar
otherwise visible through the slotted foundation.
2. The combination of foundation; a series of slots in it; a calendar behind it: a
provision for making the calendar present the proper portion of it at the said slots ;.
and an adjustable shutter to each slot capable of being moved along it.
3. The combination of slotted foundation; a calendar behind it; and an
adjustable shutter to each slot capable of being moved along it in front of the
respective ordinal numbers in the said calendar.
4. The combination of foundation; calendar sheets held detachably to the back
thereof; a backing held to the back calendar sheet; provision consisting of a hinge
in the said backing and rows of perforations through the said calendar sheets for

page_text: the removal of each front calendar sheet from its fellows; slots in the foundation
respectively opposite the rows of or columns of ordinal figures on the calendar
sheets; names of the days of the week on the face of the foundation; shutters
movable to and fro along the respective slots in the foundation and adjustable in
front of the calendar sheet; name of the respective month on each calendar sheet
and a slot in the foundation opposite such naine.
5. The combination of foundation; slots therein, names of the days of the week,
against the said slots respectively; changeable calendar sheet behind the foundation
and held thereto and in a proper position for presenting the ordinal numbers on it
behind the said slots respectively, and adjusted in front of the ordinal numbers on
the calendar sheet for the time being exhibited.
6. A calendar comprising a slotted foundation ; calendar behind it having a
series of ordinal figures thereon arranged consecutively; and a shutter arranged to
slide along the series of ordinals to obscure one after the other in succession.
7. The combination of shutter; slot; shutter guides; and shutter knob, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
בד
101 1
1000
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
No. 22 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.