CA2039961A1 - World time clock - Google Patents
World time clockInfo
- Publication number
- CA2039961A1 CA2039961A1 CA 2039961 CA2039961A CA2039961A1 CA 2039961 A1 CA2039961 A1 CA 2039961A1 CA 2039961 CA2039961 CA 2039961 CA 2039961 A CA2039961 A CA 2039961A CA 2039961 A1 CA2039961 A1 CA 2039961A1
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- Prior art keywords
- hour
- time
- time zone
- map
- world
- Prior art date
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A geographical clock comprising a rotatable circular face having projected thereon a map of the world centred on the south or north pole, provided with a circumferential second time zone, a frame with a fixed first time zone, i.e. a clock scale, and central hour minute and second hands. The map distinctively shows the 24 conventional geographical time zones. The second time zone is divided in 24 even sectors. The geographical time zones and the first time zone sectors are correspondingly colour coded. In one embodiment, the map and the hour hand are rotated together by a 24 hour clock mechanism. For re/setting the time according to the selected zone of locations, a stop mechanism holds the map in place while the hour hand is rotated counterclockwise towards the indication on the frame corresponding to the actual hour.
In another embodiment, the map is rotated by the 24 hour clock mechanism, while the hour hand is rotated by a conventional 12 hour mechanism.
A geographical clock comprising a rotatable circular face having projected thereon a map of the world centred on the south or north pole, provided with a circumferential second time zone, a frame with a fixed first time zone, i.e. a clock scale, and central hour minute and second hands. The map distinctively shows the 24 conventional geographical time zones. The second time zone is divided in 24 even sectors. The geographical time zones and the first time zone sectors are correspondingly colour coded. In one embodiment, the map and the hour hand are rotated together by a 24 hour clock mechanism. For re/setting the time according to the selected zone of locations, a stop mechanism holds the map in place while the hour hand is rotated counterclockwise towards the indication on the frame corresponding to the actual hour.
In another embodiment, the map is rotated by the 24 hour clock mechanism, while the hour hand is rotated by a conventional 12 hour mechanism.
Description
The present invention relates to devices adapted to geographical clocks for facilitating the reading and the re/setting thereof.
Whilst devices, charts or scales for calculating the time relative to a selected geographical area for giving a correlation of world time have been proposed in the past they usually fail in clarity and ease of reading the time by having too many markings, scales or displays.
All these devices have required some level of geographical knowledge together with the execution of skilled operations on the part of the user.
U.S. Patent No~ 557,173 (Thompson) discloses a north and a south pole projection world map, rotated by a 24 hour clock mechanism. Rotatable means for partially shadowing the map for showing the day or night hour are provided, whlch worsen the reading. Only theoretical geographical time zones are represented on the map, i.e.
the time zones are separated by longitude lines.
Other solutions for representing the geographical time zones have been used in geographical clocks.
Moreover, various solutions for providing the clock mechanism with 24 and 12, counter/clockwise hour movements for rotating the map and the clock hands have been used by prior devices. However, none of the prior art geographical clocks uses a very simple, appealing colour codification for the geographical time zones, combined with a reliable mechanism for easy setting and resetting the local time zone and the time as in the present invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for determining the time anywhPre in the world, comprising a south or north pole projection of the world map wherein all geographical time zones are colour coded, a clock mechanism designed for rotating the map and the hour hand together or separately for reading the time on the first time zone, ti.e. the clock scale), and a circumferential second time zone ring fixed on the circular 2~3~
map, divided in 24 equal colour coded sectors, each csrresponding to the colour of a geographical zone. In this way, more geographical information may be represented on the map, since it is not overcrowded with geometric markings, separation lines or adjacent concentric scales as in prior geographical clocks.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a clock mechanism whereby the movement of the map and hour hand could be separated for setting the geographical clock in a specific location. The stcp mechanism enables the hour hand to be rotated counterclockwise for positioning it to show the time of the user's location on the clock scale. The map will rotate clockwise with the hour hand. Preferably, the device includes additional visual coding means associated with land areas of the map which are in half-hour time zones.
Accordingly, a device for determining the time in any location in the world relative to a selected geographical area, said device comprising: a frame; a clock mechanism rotating a hour, minute and second hand; a circular world map positioned over said frame and rotatable relative to said frame, wherein said world map, representing a modified south pole projection of the world, is rotated clockwise about the centre point of said map corresponding to the south pole and is divided into twenty-four geographical time areas according to the local time, wherein said geographical time areas are colour coded such that adjacent areas colour differs; a first time zone defined by an annular band located on said frame and concentric with said map, said first time zone representing a clock scale; a second time zone defined by a circumferential ring located on and around the perimeter of said rotatable circular map, said second time zone being evenly divided into twenty-four segments distinguished by a different adjacent colour, wherein every said second time 2 ~
zone segment is associated with a proximate geographical time area having the same colour; and a stop mechanism;
whereby aligning a second time zone segment associated to said selected geographical area to a first time zone segment according to the known local time of said selected geographical area, the local time of said any location in the world can be identified by reading the hour indication on the first time zone which is adjacent to a second time zone sector associated to said any location in the world.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operation of the device is automated by means of a twenty-four-hour clock mechanism, the hour hand of the clock mechanism advancing with the map (i.e. the map rotates together with the hour hand).
For re/setting the zone, (i.e. when re/installing the device in a selected geographical area) the hour hand should be positioned into the middle of the second time zone sector which is colour coded as the selected geographical area (i.e. the area of re/location). A stop mechanism enables the hour hand to be rotated counterclockwise for re/positioning it. The map will not rotate counterclockwise with the hour hand.
For setting the time, the hour, minute and second hands should be positioned at will as for any known clock, in accordance with the local time. The map will rotate with the hour hand in the clockwise direction.
In another preferred embodiment, the map is rotated by the clock mechanism to complete a rotation in 24 hours. The hour hand is rotated by a conventional twelve hour movement. On the first time zone, markings for a 12 hour conventional clock are provided, inserted between markings for the 24 hour scale. The two scales are distinctively indicating the local time and the time in the selected locations. In order to facilitate the reading in this proposed variant, only markings for hours 12, 3, 6 and 9 are inscribed on the 12 hour scale. The remaining hours 2~3~
are mar~ed by dots or squares. All the markings on the 24 hour scale, for reading the position of the map are marked on the same first time zone, using a different style, size or colour for the figures in order to obtain a sufficient visual distinctness between the two scales. In addition, the 24 hour scales may be represented on two separate circumferential rings. E.g. the 24 hour indications could by represented i.e. by smaller numbering on an inside scale whereas the 12 hour indications arranged around this scale, could have distinctively large numbering. Thus, at a first glance, the conventional clock is perceived for reading the local time and at a closer observation, the indications of the world time can be read. In another preferred embodiment, the map illustrates a north pole projection of the world. The clock mechanism rotates the hour hand clockwise for effecting a full rotation in 12 hours, and minute and second hands as for a conventional clock. The time i9 read against a 12 hour scale provided on the first time zone ring. As necessary with the north pole projection is used, the disk with the map rotates counterclockwise, effecting a full rotation in 24 hours.
The re/setting of the zone and of the time are effected independently. The re/setting of the zone is effected by rotating the map such that the middle of the second time zone segment, which is colour coded as the selected geographical area (i.e. the area of re/location), will indicate the known local time. The time is set subsequently, by positioning the hour, minute and second hands as for a conventional clock, to indicate the local time.
For both embodiments described above, after re/setting the zone and the time, the local time of any geographical area may be continuously read against the first time zone annular band, using the visual codification.
Furthermore, the possibility of- creating a computer data base containing the south pole projection of the world map in the form of a clock face, the first and i the second time zones (using an adequate visual codification), hour, minute and second hands is also envisaged. The clock image may be retrieved from the computer memory and displayed under supervision o~ a program capable also of re/setting the zone and the time, as described above.
Figure la illustrates a world time clock device embodying the invention;
Fi~ure lb illustrates a world time clock device embodying the invention having another type of clock scale;
Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the stop mechanism for the hand hour-map re/setting (of the zone);
Figure 3 is a lateral view illustrating the stop mechanism for the hand hour-map re/setting when hour hand and the map rotate together; and Figure 4 is a lateral view of the device illustrating the stop mechanism for the hand and hour hand re/setting, when they rotate independently.
The invention is described in detail in the following with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Each device item will be further referred b~ same reference numeral in all drawings. The embodiment of the invention of Figures 1 to 4 are selected for purposes of illustration only; it is to be understood by the reader that other embodiments might instead be selected if desired.
Referring to Figures 1, a world time clock device 10 is shown having a frame 15, a rotatable map S0 positioned thereover and a first time zone annular band 85.
The annular band 85 is evenly divided in twenty-four first time zone sectors 45, and in twelve first time zone sectors 20. It is fixed to the frame 15 and arranged partly beyond the outer boundary of the map 50. A second time zone 2~3~
circumferential ring 40, defined on and around the perimeter of the map 50 is divided into twenty-four evenly spaced second time zone sectors 30, 35.
The map 50 is a south pole projection of the world and, rotates in a clockwise direction about the centre point 150 which corresponds to the south pole. A
conventional twenty-four-hour clock mechanism 25 is installed below the map 50 and within the frame 15. The clock mechanism comprises an hour hand 60, a minute hand 70 and a second hand 80. In one embodiment, the hour hand 60 i5 fixed on a hour shaft 55 (Figure 3) together with the rotatable map 50 so that they are rotated together by the conventional (e.g. battery-operated) twenty-four hour clock mechanism 25. A full circular rotation of the hour hand 60, and therefore the map 50, occurs once every twenty-four-hour period. For a north pole projection map a counter-clockwise rotation of the map would be required.
The first time zone sectors 45 are marked to identify each hour of a 12 hour time period. The twenty-four first time zone sectors 45 are marked to identify eachhour of a twenty-four-hour time period from 12 a.m. to 11 p.m. For clarity and improved readability, these hourly markings may also include the marking "NOON" in association with the first time zone sector marked 12 p.m. and "MIDNIGHT" in association with 12 a.m. first time zone sector. The hour hand 60 traverses a first time zone sector 45 in one hour. The minute hand 70 rotates once every hour (the same as for conventional twelve hour clocks) and, therefore, traverse each first time zone sector 45 in two and a half minutes. Similar to the operation of the minute hand 70, the second hand 80 traverses each first time zone sector 45 in two and a half seconds. Accordingly, the time of the day indicated by the clock hands 60, 70, 80 shown in Figure 1 for all land areas corresponding to second time zone sector 30 is approximately 4:26:58.5 p.m. This is the time e.g. in ~J ~
Vancouver, Seattle and Los Angeles. The time in the place of location is 2:26:50:5 p.m. and is read against first time zone scale made by sectors ~5.
All land areas of the world are portrayed on the map 50 in a single plane relative to the south pole. The time zones, corresponding to geographical time areas of the map 50 are visually distinguished by means of colour coding. For example, with reference to Figure 1, the colour coding selected fox the geographical time area 180, comprising the Canadian province of Manitoba, the United States state of Minnesota downwards through to Louisiana, Me~ico and Central America is red (shown in Fiyure 1 by dark shading) and, as can be seen from the map 50, this area crosses over the longitudinal lines 175 and 185. The second time zone sector 35 is also colour-coded with the colour red such that all ~eographical time areas 180, which are colour-coded with the colour red correspond to the red colour-coded second time zone sector 35. The centre of the second time zone sector 35 indicate approximate 6:26:58.5 p.m., being positioned between the first time zone sector 45 indicating, in Figure 1, 6 p.m. and a first time sector indicating 7 p.m. For any given geographical area, the time can be read in a similar way. In any quadrant of the map 50, the colour selected for the visual coding of land areas within a geographical time area is not duplicated, to avoid confusion in identifying land areas. The colours may be duplicated in the opposite quadrants without risk of confusion. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 1, it was elected to also use the colour red for a second time zone and its associated land areas diametrically opposed to second time zone 35 and time areas 180. The time for that geographical time area is approximate 5:26:58.5 a.m.
To install the device 10 for use in the particular geographical area in which the user is located, two types of settings are required.
s~
A first step consists of setting of the zone. To this end, the hour hand should be rotated counterclockwise while the map is held immobile, towards a position where the hour hand lays in the middle of a second time zone of interest (i.e. having same colour with the geographical area of the new location). The hour hand should be aligned with that respective longitudinal line. This is obtained by the use of a stop mechanism as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. An hour shaft 55 has such length as to receive over it the disc with the map 50 and the hour hand 60. On the back face of the map, a disc 65 is attached. Its diameter is smaller than the map diameter. The assembly consisting of the map 50 and the disc 65 is mounted in such a way that it can slide over the hour shaft. Disc 65 has a flexible tab 75. The disc is rotated with the map 50 and with the hour hand ~0 by the hour shaft 55 of the clock mechanism 25 in a clockwise direction. At the base of the frame, along the circumference of a central bottom concavity 200, a circular row of ratchet teeth 95 is arranged. When the map moves with the hour shaft 55 in the clockwise direction, the tab 75 slides over the ratchet teeth of the circular row of ratchet teeth 95. When re/setting of the zone is requested, the hour hand 60 should be gently rotated counterclockwise toward the new desired position in the middle of the respective second time zone sector aligned with the central longitudinal line of the new zone. The tab 75 would oppose the rotation of the map 50, because it will be locked between two ratchet teeth.
The second step consists of setting the time and this takes place after the first step has been accomplished. To this end, the use of a classic twenty-four hour clock mechanism will allow the hour and minute hand to be rotated clockwise and positioned to show the correct time. The hour hand 60, the minute hand 70 and the second hand 80 will be positioned so as to indicate on the first time zone the hour, the minutes and seconds of that ~ ~s~
area (bearing in mind that each first time zone position corresponds only to two and a half minutes or seconds, respectively).
To account for land areas which are situated in half hour time zones, a different or a supplementary visual coding means is used to identify such areas. In the embodiment of Figure 1, vertical lines are used to indicate an area for which the time is one-half hour prior to the neighbouring land areas having the same colour code.
Therefore, India is colour-coded to be the same colour as Pakistan and is also coded by vertical lines to identify that the time in India is one-half hour prior to that in Pakistan. It can be assumed that embodiments where the base colour of half time zones is selected so that their time will be read by adding one half hour to the time of the neighbouring land areas having the same colour are also conceivable.
Furthermore, on the front face of the frame 15, three Gircular concentric concavities may be included; i.e.
a bottom, a middle and an upper concavity. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the bottom concavity 200, the circular row of ratchet teeth 95 is fixed along the circumference, as described above for the stop mechanism. The middle concavity 210 includes the circular map 50 so that it may freely rotate (i.e. without touching the concavity walls).
The upper concavity 220 is created for fixing the first time zone annular band 85. The annular band 85 preferably will partially obturate the second time circumferential ring on the map 50, for creating a guide for the map into the frame 15. For the automated embodiments of the device, the clock mechanism is arranged under the face of the frame 15. The hour, minute and second shafts traverse the front face of the frame for engaging the hour hand and the map, the minute hand and the second hand respectively. A cover may be provided as a back and front face of the frame for protecting the clock mechanism.
2 ~
The embodiment illustrated in Figure 4c shows a variant wherein the hour hand 60 is rotated clockwise by a conventional twelve hour clock mechanism. Simultaneously, the map 50 completes a clockwise rotation in 24 hours. The clock hands are driven by a twelve hour conventional clock mechanism. The time is indicated in Figure 1 on a 12 hour scale formed on the first time zone 85 by the large figures 86 (i.e. 12, 3, 6 and 9) and the indicating squares 87.
The time in any selected location in the world is read against a 24 hour scale formed also on the first time zone 85 by the small figures 88 followed by the abbreviation pm or am. In proposed variant "B" both scales are shown independently.
For setting the device, in the case of the embodiment of Figure 4c, the local time should be ; separately set for the conventional twelve hour clock, by correspondingly rotating the clock hands to indicate the known local time, against the 12 hour scale. The map should be rotated for aligning the centre of the second time zone, associated to the selected geographical area (i.e. where the person is located), to indicate the known local time, against the 24 hour scale.
While the foregoing specific description is directed to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment. Many variations of the specific features described above might be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. For example, as stated previously, the clock mechanism need not be included if, say, a manually operable pocket device, according to the invention, were to be instead desired. In the case of a hand-operated device, the user may prefer to rotate the frame in counter-clockwise direction relative to the map to set the time zone sectors for a pre-selected land area, rather than to rotate the map, the two manners of operation being equivalent.
~3 Furthermore, the conventional incorporation of a particular geographical area in a time zone may vary, because of political or economical reasons, without altering the scope of the present invention as claimed in the following claims.
Whilst devices, charts or scales for calculating the time relative to a selected geographical area for giving a correlation of world time have been proposed in the past they usually fail in clarity and ease of reading the time by having too many markings, scales or displays.
All these devices have required some level of geographical knowledge together with the execution of skilled operations on the part of the user.
U.S. Patent No~ 557,173 (Thompson) discloses a north and a south pole projection world map, rotated by a 24 hour clock mechanism. Rotatable means for partially shadowing the map for showing the day or night hour are provided, whlch worsen the reading. Only theoretical geographical time zones are represented on the map, i.e.
the time zones are separated by longitude lines.
Other solutions for representing the geographical time zones have been used in geographical clocks.
Moreover, various solutions for providing the clock mechanism with 24 and 12, counter/clockwise hour movements for rotating the map and the clock hands have been used by prior devices. However, none of the prior art geographical clocks uses a very simple, appealing colour codification for the geographical time zones, combined with a reliable mechanism for easy setting and resetting the local time zone and the time as in the present invention.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for determining the time anywhPre in the world, comprising a south or north pole projection of the world map wherein all geographical time zones are colour coded, a clock mechanism designed for rotating the map and the hour hand together or separately for reading the time on the first time zone, ti.e. the clock scale), and a circumferential second time zone ring fixed on the circular 2~3~
map, divided in 24 equal colour coded sectors, each csrresponding to the colour of a geographical zone. In this way, more geographical information may be represented on the map, since it is not overcrowded with geometric markings, separation lines or adjacent concentric scales as in prior geographical clocks.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a clock mechanism whereby the movement of the map and hour hand could be separated for setting the geographical clock in a specific location. The stcp mechanism enables the hour hand to be rotated counterclockwise for positioning it to show the time of the user's location on the clock scale. The map will rotate clockwise with the hour hand. Preferably, the device includes additional visual coding means associated with land areas of the map which are in half-hour time zones.
Accordingly, a device for determining the time in any location in the world relative to a selected geographical area, said device comprising: a frame; a clock mechanism rotating a hour, minute and second hand; a circular world map positioned over said frame and rotatable relative to said frame, wherein said world map, representing a modified south pole projection of the world, is rotated clockwise about the centre point of said map corresponding to the south pole and is divided into twenty-four geographical time areas according to the local time, wherein said geographical time areas are colour coded such that adjacent areas colour differs; a first time zone defined by an annular band located on said frame and concentric with said map, said first time zone representing a clock scale; a second time zone defined by a circumferential ring located on and around the perimeter of said rotatable circular map, said second time zone being evenly divided into twenty-four segments distinguished by a different adjacent colour, wherein every said second time 2 ~
zone segment is associated with a proximate geographical time area having the same colour; and a stop mechanism;
whereby aligning a second time zone segment associated to said selected geographical area to a first time zone segment according to the known local time of said selected geographical area, the local time of said any location in the world can be identified by reading the hour indication on the first time zone which is adjacent to a second time zone sector associated to said any location in the world.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operation of the device is automated by means of a twenty-four-hour clock mechanism, the hour hand of the clock mechanism advancing with the map (i.e. the map rotates together with the hour hand).
For re/setting the zone, (i.e. when re/installing the device in a selected geographical area) the hour hand should be positioned into the middle of the second time zone sector which is colour coded as the selected geographical area (i.e. the area of re/location). A stop mechanism enables the hour hand to be rotated counterclockwise for re/positioning it. The map will not rotate counterclockwise with the hour hand.
For setting the time, the hour, minute and second hands should be positioned at will as for any known clock, in accordance with the local time. The map will rotate with the hour hand in the clockwise direction.
In another preferred embodiment, the map is rotated by the clock mechanism to complete a rotation in 24 hours. The hour hand is rotated by a conventional twelve hour movement. On the first time zone, markings for a 12 hour conventional clock are provided, inserted between markings for the 24 hour scale. The two scales are distinctively indicating the local time and the time in the selected locations. In order to facilitate the reading in this proposed variant, only markings for hours 12, 3, 6 and 9 are inscribed on the 12 hour scale. The remaining hours 2~3~
are mar~ed by dots or squares. All the markings on the 24 hour scale, for reading the position of the map are marked on the same first time zone, using a different style, size or colour for the figures in order to obtain a sufficient visual distinctness between the two scales. In addition, the 24 hour scales may be represented on two separate circumferential rings. E.g. the 24 hour indications could by represented i.e. by smaller numbering on an inside scale whereas the 12 hour indications arranged around this scale, could have distinctively large numbering. Thus, at a first glance, the conventional clock is perceived for reading the local time and at a closer observation, the indications of the world time can be read. In another preferred embodiment, the map illustrates a north pole projection of the world. The clock mechanism rotates the hour hand clockwise for effecting a full rotation in 12 hours, and minute and second hands as for a conventional clock. The time i9 read against a 12 hour scale provided on the first time zone ring. As necessary with the north pole projection is used, the disk with the map rotates counterclockwise, effecting a full rotation in 24 hours.
The re/setting of the zone and of the time are effected independently. The re/setting of the zone is effected by rotating the map such that the middle of the second time zone segment, which is colour coded as the selected geographical area (i.e. the area of re/location), will indicate the known local time. The time is set subsequently, by positioning the hour, minute and second hands as for a conventional clock, to indicate the local time.
For both embodiments described above, after re/setting the zone and the time, the local time of any geographical area may be continuously read against the first time zone annular band, using the visual codification.
Furthermore, the possibility of- creating a computer data base containing the south pole projection of the world map in the form of a clock face, the first and i the second time zones (using an adequate visual codification), hour, minute and second hands is also envisaged. The clock image may be retrieved from the computer memory and displayed under supervision o~ a program capable also of re/setting the zone and the time, as described above.
Figure la illustrates a world time clock device embodying the invention;
Fi~ure lb illustrates a world time clock device embodying the invention having another type of clock scale;
Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the stop mechanism for the hand hour-map re/setting (of the zone);
Figure 3 is a lateral view illustrating the stop mechanism for the hand hour-map re/setting when hour hand and the map rotate together; and Figure 4 is a lateral view of the device illustrating the stop mechanism for the hand and hour hand re/setting, when they rotate independently.
The invention is described in detail in the following with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Each device item will be further referred b~ same reference numeral in all drawings. The embodiment of the invention of Figures 1 to 4 are selected for purposes of illustration only; it is to be understood by the reader that other embodiments might instead be selected if desired.
Referring to Figures 1, a world time clock device 10 is shown having a frame 15, a rotatable map S0 positioned thereover and a first time zone annular band 85.
The annular band 85 is evenly divided in twenty-four first time zone sectors 45, and in twelve first time zone sectors 20. It is fixed to the frame 15 and arranged partly beyond the outer boundary of the map 50. A second time zone 2~3~
circumferential ring 40, defined on and around the perimeter of the map 50 is divided into twenty-four evenly spaced second time zone sectors 30, 35.
The map 50 is a south pole projection of the world and, rotates in a clockwise direction about the centre point 150 which corresponds to the south pole. A
conventional twenty-four-hour clock mechanism 25 is installed below the map 50 and within the frame 15. The clock mechanism comprises an hour hand 60, a minute hand 70 and a second hand 80. In one embodiment, the hour hand 60 i5 fixed on a hour shaft 55 (Figure 3) together with the rotatable map 50 so that they are rotated together by the conventional (e.g. battery-operated) twenty-four hour clock mechanism 25. A full circular rotation of the hour hand 60, and therefore the map 50, occurs once every twenty-four-hour period. For a north pole projection map a counter-clockwise rotation of the map would be required.
The first time zone sectors 45 are marked to identify each hour of a 12 hour time period. The twenty-four first time zone sectors 45 are marked to identify eachhour of a twenty-four-hour time period from 12 a.m. to 11 p.m. For clarity and improved readability, these hourly markings may also include the marking "NOON" in association with the first time zone sector marked 12 p.m. and "MIDNIGHT" in association with 12 a.m. first time zone sector. The hour hand 60 traverses a first time zone sector 45 in one hour. The minute hand 70 rotates once every hour (the same as for conventional twelve hour clocks) and, therefore, traverse each first time zone sector 45 in two and a half minutes. Similar to the operation of the minute hand 70, the second hand 80 traverses each first time zone sector 45 in two and a half seconds. Accordingly, the time of the day indicated by the clock hands 60, 70, 80 shown in Figure 1 for all land areas corresponding to second time zone sector 30 is approximately 4:26:58.5 p.m. This is the time e.g. in ~J ~
Vancouver, Seattle and Los Angeles. The time in the place of location is 2:26:50:5 p.m. and is read against first time zone scale made by sectors ~5.
All land areas of the world are portrayed on the map 50 in a single plane relative to the south pole. The time zones, corresponding to geographical time areas of the map 50 are visually distinguished by means of colour coding. For example, with reference to Figure 1, the colour coding selected fox the geographical time area 180, comprising the Canadian province of Manitoba, the United States state of Minnesota downwards through to Louisiana, Me~ico and Central America is red (shown in Fiyure 1 by dark shading) and, as can be seen from the map 50, this area crosses over the longitudinal lines 175 and 185. The second time zone sector 35 is also colour-coded with the colour red such that all ~eographical time areas 180, which are colour-coded with the colour red correspond to the red colour-coded second time zone sector 35. The centre of the second time zone sector 35 indicate approximate 6:26:58.5 p.m., being positioned between the first time zone sector 45 indicating, in Figure 1, 6 p.m. and a first time sector indicating 7 p.m. For any given geographical area, the time can be read in a similar way. In any quadrant of the map 50, the colour selected for the visual coding of land areas within a geographical time area is not duplicated, to avoid confusion in identifying land areas. The colours may be duplicated in the opposite quadrants without risk of confusion. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 1, it was elected to also use the colour red for a second time zone and its associated land areas diametrically opposed to second time zone 35 and time areas 180. The time for that geographical time area is approximate 5:26:58.5 a.m.
To install the device 10 for use in the particular geographical area in which the user is located, two types of settings are required.
s~
A first step consists of setting of the zone. To this end, the hour hand should be rotated counterclockwise while the map is held immobile, towards a position where the hour hand lays in the middle of a second time zone of interest (i.e. having same colour with the geographical area of the new location). The hour hand should be aligned with that respective longitudinal line. This is obtained by the use of a stop mechanism as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. An hour shaft 55 has such length as to receive over it the disc with the map 50 and the hour hand 60. On the back face of the map, a disc 65 is attached. Its diameter is smaller than the map diameter. The assembly consisting of the map 50 and the disc 65 is mounted in such a way that it can slide over the hour shaft. Disc 65 has a flexible tab 75. The disc is rotated with the map 50 and with the hour hand ~0 by the hour shaft 55 of the clock mechanism 25 in a clockwise direction. At the base of the frame, along the circumference of a central bottom concavity 200, a circular row of ratchet teeth 95 is arranged. When the map moves with the hour shaft 55 in the clockwise direction, the tab 75 slides over the ratchet teeth of the circular row of ratchet teeth 95. When re/setting of the zone is requested, the hour hand 60 should be gently rotated counterclockwise toward the new desired position in the middle of the respective second time zone sector aligned with the central longitudinal line of the new zone. The tab 75 would oppose the rotation of the map 50, because it will be locked between two ratchet teeth.
The second step consists of setting the time and this takes place after the first step has been accomplished. To this end, the use of a classic twenty-four hour clock mechanism will allow the hour and minute hand to be rotated clockwise and positioned to show the correct time. The hour hand 60, the minute hand 70 and the second hand 80 will be positioned so as to indicate on the first time zone the hour, the minutes and seconds of that ~ ~s~
area (bearing in mind that each first time zone position corresponds only to two and a half minutes or seconds, respectively).
To account for land areas which are situated in half hour time zones, a different or a supplementary visual coding means is used to identify such areas. In the embodiment of Figure 1, vertical lines are used to indicate an area for which the time is one-half hour prior to the neighbouring land areas having the same colour code.
Therefore, India is colour-coded to be the same colour as Pakistan and is also coded by vertical lines to identify that the time in India is one-half hour prior to that in Pakistan. It can be assumed that embodiments where the base colour of half time zones is selected so that their time will be read by adding one half hour to the time of the neighbouring land areas having the same colour are also conceivable.
Furthermore, on the front face of the frame 15, three Gircular concentric concavities may be included; i.e.
a bottom, a middle and an upper concavity. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the bottom concavity 200, the circular row of ratchet teeth 95 is fixed along the circumference, as described above for the stop mechanism. The middle concavity 210 includes the circular map 50 so that it may freely rotate (i.e. without touching the concavity walls).
The upper concavity 220 is created for fixing the first time zone annular band 85. The annular band 85 preferably will partially obturate the second time circumferential ring on the map 50, for creating a guide for the map into the frame 15. For the automated embodiments of the device, the clock mechanism is arranged under the face of the frame 15. The hour, minute and second shafts traverse the front face of the frame for engaging the hour hand and the map, the minute hand and the second hand respectively. A cover may be provided as a back and front face of the frame for protecting the clock mechanism.
2 ~
The embodiment illustrated in Figure 4c shows a variant wherein the hour hand 60 is rotated clockwise by a conventional twelve hour clock mechanism. Simultaneously, the map 50 completes a clockwise rotation in 24 hours. The clock hands are driven by a twelve hour conventional clock mechanism. The time is indicated in Figure 1 on a 12 hour scale formed on the first time zone 85 by the large figures 86 (i.e. 12, 3, 6 and 9) and the indicating squares 87.
The time in any selected location in the world is read against a 24 hour scale formed also on the first time zone 85 by the small figures 88 followed by the abbreviation pm or am. In proposed variant "B" both scales are shown independently.
For setting the device, in the case of the embodiment of Figure 4c, the local time should be ; separately set for the conventional twelve hour clock, by correspondingly rotating the clock hands to indicate the known local time, against the 12 hour scale. The map should be rotated for aligning the centre of the second time zone, associated to the selected geographical area (i.e. where the person is located), to indicate the known local time, against the 24 hour scale.
While the foregoing specific description is directed to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment. Many variations of the specific features described above might be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. For example, as stated previously, the clock mechanism need not be included if, say, a manually operable pocket device, according to the invention, were to be instead desired. In the case of a hand-operated device, the user may prefer to rotate the frame in counter-clockwise direction relative to the map to set the time zone sectors for a pre-selected land area, rather than to rotate the map, the two manners of operation being equivalent.
~3 Furthermore, the conventional incorporation of a particular geographical area in a time zone may vary, because of political or economical reasons, without altering the scope of the present invention as claimed in the following claims.
Claims (8)
1. A device for determining the time in any location in the world relative to a selected geographical area, said device comprising:
a frame;
a clock mechanism rotating an hour, minute and second hand;
a circular world map positioned over said frame and rotatable relative to said frame, wherein said world map, representing a modified south pole projection of the world, is rotated clockwise by said clock mechanism about the centre point of said map corresponding to the south pole and is divided into twenty-four geographical time areas according to the local time, wherein said geographical time areas are colour coded such that adjacent areas colour differs;
a first time zone defined by an annular band located on said frame and concentric with said map, said first time zone representing a clock scale;
a second time zone defined by a circumferential ring located on and around the perimeter of said rotatable circular map, said second time zone being evenly divided into twenty-four segments distinguished by a different adjacent colour, wherein every said second time zone segment is associated with a proximate geographical time area having the same colour: and a stop mechanism; whereby aligning a second time zone segment associated to said selected geographical area to a first time zone segment according to the known local time of said selected geographical area, the local time of said any location in the world can be identified by reading the hour indication on the first time zone which is adjacent to a second time zone sector associated to said any location in the world.
a frame;
a clock mechanism rotating an hour, minute and second hand;
a circular world map positioned over said frame and rotatable relative to said frame, wherein said world map, representing a modified south pole projection of the world, is rotated clockwise by said clock mechanism about the centre point of said map corresponding to the south pole and is divided into twenty-four geographical time areas according to the local time, wherein said geographical time areas are colour coded such that adjacent areas colour differs;
a first time zone defined by an annular band located on said frame and concentric with said map, said first time zone representing a clock scale;
a second time zone defined by a circumferential ring located on and around the perimeter of said rotatable circular map, said second time zone being evenly divided into twenty-four segments distinguished by a different adjacent colour, wherein every said second time zone segment is associated with a proximate geographical time area having the same colour: and a stop mechanism; whereby aligning a second time zone segment associated to said selected geographical area to a first time zone segment according to the known local time of said selected geographical area, the local time of said any location in the world can be identified by reading the hour indication on the first time zone which is adjacent to a second time zone sector associated to said any location in the world.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said map further comprises coding means for geographical areas located in half hour time zones, said coding means including additional hatched lines, wherein said half hour time zones' time is one half hour apart from the time identified on said first time zone.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stop mechanism comprises:
detain means, fixed on the back face of said circular world map and rotated thereby, said detain means being positioned for cooperating with a circular row of ratchet teeth; and said circular row of ratchet teeth fixed on the clock frame for cooperating with said detain means;
wherein when the hour hand is manually rotated counterclockwise for re/setting the device, the circular world map movement is retained by said detain means which is intercepted between two ratchet teeth of said circular row of ratchet teeth and when the hour hand is rotated clockwise, the circular world map rotates with the hour hand, said detain mean sliding over said row of ratchet teeth.
detain means, fixed on the back face of said circular world map and rotated thereby, said detain means being positioned for cooperating with a circular row of ratchet teeth; and said circular row of ratchet teeth fixed on the clock frame for cooperating with said detain means;
wherein when the hour hand is manually rotated counterclockwise for re/setting the device, the circular world map movement is retained by said detain means which is intercepted between two ratchet teeth of said circular row of ratchet teeth and when the hour hand is rotated clockwise, the circular world map rotates with the hour hand, said detain mean sliding over said row of ratchet teeth.
4. A device as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said detain means comprises a disc, concentrically fixed on the back face of said circular world map, said disc being centrally traversed by an hour shaft of a twenty-four hour mechanism and having a flexible tab positioned on an exposed face, whereby when the hour hand is rotated counterclockwise for re/setting the device, the circular world map movement is retained by said flexible tab which is seized between two ratchet teeth of said circular row of ratchet teeth and when the hour hand is rotated clockwise by the clock mechanism, the circular world map rotates with the hour hand shaft, said detain means sliding over said row of ratchet teeth.
5. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame is manufactured with central concentric concavities for including in a spatial relationship said circular row of ratchet teeth in a bottom concavity, said circular world map in a middle concavity and said first time zone annular band in a upper concavity;
wherein said first time zone annular band is arranged in said upper concavity as to partially obturate said second time zone circumferential ring for creating a guide for the circular world map into said frame.
wherein said first time zone annular band is arranged in said upper concavity as to partially obturate said second time zone circumferential ring for creating a guide for the circular world map into said frame.
6. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clock mechanism comprises: a twenty-four hour clock movement which rotates said circular world map and a twelve hour clock movement which rotates an hour, minute and second hand;
wherein said first time zone is evenly divided in twenty-four segments marked with hour indications as for a calibrated twenty-four hour clock scale and is additionally divided into twelve segments marked with hour indications as for a calibrated twelve hour clock scale such that the local time of said selected geographical area can be identified by reading the hour, minute and second according to the indications of said twelve hour clock scale and the local time of any location in the world can be identified by reading the hour indication given by one of said 24 segments marked on said first time zone which is adjacent to a second time zone sector associated to said any location in the world.
wherein said first time zone is evenly divided in twenty-four segments marked with hour indications as for a calibrated twenty-four hour clock scale and is additionally divided into twelve segments marked with hour indications as for a calibrated twelve hour clock scale such that the local time of said selected geographical area can be identified by reading the hour, minute and second according to the indications of said twelve hour clock scale and the local time of any location in the world can be identified by reading the hour indication given by one of said 24 segments marked on said first time zone which is adjacent to a second time zone sector associated to said any location in the world.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said map further comprises coding means for geographical areas located in half hour time zones, said coding means including additional hatched lines wherein said half hour time zones' time is one half hour apart from the time identified on said first time zone.
8. A device for determining the time in any location in the world relative to a selected geographical area, said device comprising:
a frame;
a clock mechanism rotating an hour, minute and second hand;
a circular world map positioned over said frame and rotatable relative to said frame, wherein said world map, representing a modified north pole projection of the world, is rotated counterclockwise by said clock mechanism about the centre point of said map corresponding to the north pole and is divided into twenty-four geographical time areas according to the local time, wherein said geographical time areas are colour coded such that adjacent areas colour differs;
a first time zone defined by an annular band located on said frame and concentric with said map, said first time zone being evenly divided into twenty-four segments marked with hour indications as for a calibrated twenty-four hour clock scale; and a second time zone defined by a circumferential ring located on and around the perimeter of said rotatable circular map, said second time zone being evenly divided in twenty-four segments distinguished by a different adjacent colour wherein every said second time zone segment is associated with a proximate geographical time area having the same colour;
a stop mechanism; whereby aligning a second time zone segment associated to said selected geographical area to a first time zone segment according to the known local time of said selected geographical area, the local time of said any location in the world can be identified by reading the hour indication on the first time zone which is adjacent to a second time zone sector associated to said any location in the world.
a frame;
a clock mechanism rotating an hour, minute and second hand;
a circular world map positioned over said frame and rotatable relative to said frame, wherein said world map, representing a modified north pole projection of the world, is rotated counterclockwise by said clock mechanism about the centre point of said map corresponding to the north pole and is divided into twenty-four geographical time areas according to the local time, wherein said geographical time areas are colour coded such that adjacent areas colour differs;
a first time zone defined by an annular band located on said frame and concentric with said map, said first time zone being evenly divided into twenty-four segments marked with hour indications as for a calibrated twenty-four hour clock scale; and a second time zone defined by a circumferential ring located on and around the perimeter of said rotatable circular map, said second time zone being evenly divided in twenty-four segments distinguished by a different adjacent colour wherein every said second time zone segment is associated with a proximate geographical time area having the same colour;
a stop mechanism; whereby aligning a second time zone segment associated to said selected geographical area to a first time zone segment according to the known local time of said selected geographical area, the local time of said any location in the world can be identified by reading the hour indication on the first time zone which is adjacent to a second time zone sector associated to said any location in the world.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2039961 CA2039961A1 (en) | 1990-09-28 | 1991-04-08 | World time clock |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CA1990/000327 WO1991005291A1 (en) | 1989-09-28 | 1990-09-28 | World time device |
| CACA90/00327 | 1990-09-28 | ||
| CA 2039961 CA2039961A1 (en) | 1990-09-28 | 1991-04-08 | World time clock |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2039961A1 true CA2039961A1 (en) | 1992-03-29 |
Family
ID=25674542
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2039961 Abandoned CA2039961A1 (en) | 1990-09-28 | 1991-04-08 | World time clock |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2039961A1 (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-04-08 CA CA 2039961 patent/CA2039961A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |