GB2187027A - Divided map - Google Patents

Abstract

A map comprises a plurality of rectangular rigid sheets 11 provided on a face 12 with a part of the area covered by the map, each sheet 11 being provided on side edges with projections 16 which can be engaged in slots 19 to connect the sheets 11 in edge-to-edge relationship. Thus in use of the map 10 the user need only connect together a small number of sheets 11 showing the area in which he is interested and sheets can be removed and others added as desired so that the user always has a compact arrangement of sheets 11 which can be handled in a confined area, such as the cock-pit of an aircraft. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Divided map This invention relates to a map. Maps are usually printed on a sheet of paper or linen and folded so that when not in use they take up little space. However, when a map is unfolded and opened out to its full size, it is difficult to handle, particularly in a confined area such as in a motorvehicle or in the cabin of a small aircraft. Itis usual to fold the sheetto a smaller size so that it only shows the particular area in which the user is interested. Frequent folding and unfolding however creates wear and the map soon becomes torn.

When using a map in the cock-pit of a small aircraft in order to navigate, it is necessary to use in conjunction with the map instruments, such as a protractor, in order to check the heading of the aircraft relative to a fixed ground position, such as a radio beacon. With a conventional folded map it is difficult in such a confined area to fold the map to a smaller size only showing the area in which the pilot is interested, to apply and hold an instrument on the map in a fixed position and at the same time to operate the controls ofthe aircraft.

According to the present invention there is prov idedamapcomprisinga plurality of rectangular sheets formed of a rigid material, each provided on at least one face with a part ofthe area covered by the map, each sheet being provided on at least two side edges with connector means enabling the sheet to be connected in edge-to-edge relationship with another sheet having an adjacent part of the area ofthe map thereon.

Preferably the rectangular sheets are formed from a plastics material and the connector means preferably consist of projections extending from a side edge engageable in recesses provided in a side edge of an adjacent sheet.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, byway of an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a map divided into forty eight rectangles; Figure 2 shows in plan view four rectangular sheets joined together; Figure3 is a perspective view showing three separated sheets; Figure4is a plan view of a sheet; Figure 5is a side elevation taken in the direction of arrow5shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6is a side elevation taken in the direction of arrow 6 shown in Figure 4.

As will be seen from Figure 1,the complete map 10 is divided into forty eight rectangular sheets 11 each provided on one face 12 with the corresponding re ctanguiar area ofthe map 10. Each sheet 11 isformed of a rigid material, preferably a plastics material. The reverse face 13 of each sheet 11 may be provided with an area of another map, preferably a map which forms a continuation ofthe map 10. Each sheet 1, except those forming the outer edge areas of the map 10, is provided on two side edges 14and 15with projections 16 and on two side edges 17 and 8with slots 19. On those sheets 11 which form the outer edge areas, the edges which form the edges ofthe map 10 are left plain.

In order to secure two adjacent sheets 11 together, the projections 16 on one sheet 11 are entered into slots 19 on the adjacent sheet 11. In orderto hold the projections 16 firmly in their respective slots 19 it is possibleto provide each projection 16 with raised surface portions 20 which engage in recesses provided in thewalls ofthe slot 19.Any othersuitable means can be provided for this purpose.

On certain maps, such as maps used for aerial navigation, it is usual to indicate the position of radio beacons. At each location of a radio beacon there is provided on the sheet 11 a stud 21 which can been- gaged in a hole provided in a protractor.

Itwill be appreciated that in use of the map 10 the user need only connect together say four sheets 11 showing the area in which he is interested. Sheets 11 can be removed and others added as desired and the user always has a compact arrangement of sheets 11 which can be easily handled in a confined area and which form a rigid supportfor instruments used in navigation.

Preferably the number of the area shown on the face 12 of a sheet 11 is indicated on the projections 16. When not in use, the sheets 11 are disposed verticallyin a box one behind anotherand in numerical order with the projections 16 uppermost so that the numbers can be easily read. A reproduction ofthe map 10 on a small scale, such as shown in Figure 1, showing the numbered rectangles 11, can be provided on say the lid of the box so thatthe user can readily identify the number of the area of the map which he wants to use.

With the present invention a map having an area of four feet (1.22 metres) by three feet (0.91 metres) can be divided into six inch (15.24cm) squares. Usually it is sufficientto merely have six sheets 11 joined together in two rows ofthree at any one time of use and therefore the user only has to handle a map of one foot, six inches (45.72 cm) by one foot (30.48 cm) and he can readily apply instruments to the rigid map.

The studs 21 may comprise the male part of a press-stud fastener whose base is embedded in the sheet11.

1. A map comprising a plurality of rectangular sheets formed of a rigid material and each provided on at least one face with a part of the area covered by the map, each sheet being provided on at leasttwo side edges with connector means enabling the sheet to be connected in edge-to-edge relationship with another sheet having an adjacent part of the area of the map thereon.

2. A map as claimed in claim 1, in which the connector means comprise projections extending from a side edge and recesses provided in a side edge of a sheet, the projections being engageable in the recesses provided in a side edge of an adjacent sheet.

3. A map as claimed in claim 2, in which each projection is provided with a raised portion on at least

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (9)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Divided map This invention relates to a map. Maps are usually printed on a sheet of paper or linen and folded so that when not in use they take up little space. However, when a map is unfolded and opened out to its full size, it is difficult to handle, particularly in a confined area such as in a motorvehicle or in the cabin of a small aircraft. Itis usual to fold the sheetto a smaller size so that it only shows the particular area in which the user is interested. Frequent folding and unfolding however creates wear and the map soon becomes torn. When using a map in the cock-pit of a small aircraft in order to navigate, it is necessary to use in conjunction with the map instruments, such as a protractor, in order to check the heading of the aircraft relative to a fixed ground position, such as a radio beacon. With a conventional folded map it is difficult in such a confined area to fold the map to a smaller size only showing the area in which the pilot is interested, to apply and hold an instrument on the map in a fixed position and at the same time to operate the controls ofthe aircraft. According to the present invention there is prov idedamapcomprisinga plurality of rectangular sheets formed of a rigid material, each provided on at least one face with a part ofthe area covered by the map, each sheet being provided on at least two side edges with connector means enabling the sheet to be connected in edge-to-edge relationship with another sheet having an adjacent part of the area ofthe map thereon. Preferably the rectangular sheets are formed from a plastics material and the connector means preferably consist of projections extending from a side edge engageable in recesses provided in a side edge of an adjacent sheet. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, byway of an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a map divided into forty eight rectangles; Figure 2 shows in plan view four rectangular sheets joined together; Figure3 is a perspective view showing three separated sheets; Figure4is a plan view of a sheet; Figure 5is a side elevation taken in the direction of arrow5shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6is a side elevation taken in the direction of arrow 6 shown in Figure 4. As will be seen from Figure 1,the complete map 10 is divided into forty eight rectangular sheets 11 each provided on one face 12 with the corresponding re ctanguiar area ofthe map 10. Each sheet 11 isformed of a rigid material, preferably a plastics material. The reverse face 13 of each sheet 11 may be provided with an area of another map, preferably a map which forms a continuation ofthe map 10. Each sheet 1, except those forming the outer edge areas of the map 10, is provided on two side edges 14and 15with projections 16 and on two side edges 17 and 8with slots 19. On those sheets 11 which form the outer edge areas, the edges which form the edges ofthe map 10 are left plain. In order to secure two adjacent sheets 11 together, the projections 16 on one sheet 11 are entered into slots 19 on the adjacent sheet 11. In orderto hold the projections 16 firmly in their respective slots 19 it is possibleto provide each projection 16 with raised surface portions 20 which engage in recesses provided in thewalls ofthe slot 19.Any othersuitable means can be provided for this purpose. On certain maps, such as maps used for aerial navigation, it is usual to indicate the position of radio beacons. At each location of a radio beacon there is provided on the sheet 11 a stud 21 which can been- gaged in a hole provided in a protractor. Itwill be appreciated that in use of the map 10 the user need only connect together say four sheets 11 showing the area in which he is interested. Sheets 11 can be removed and others added as desired and the user always has a compact arrangement of sheets 11 which can be easily handled in a confined area and which form a rigid supportfor instruments used in navigation. Preferably the number of the area shown on the face 12 of a sheet 11 is indicated on the projections 16. When not in use, the sheets 11 are disposed verticallyin a box one behind anotherand in numerical order with the projections 16 uppermost so that the numbers can be easily read. A reproduction ofthe map 10 on a small scale, such as shown in Figure 1, showing the numbered rectangles 11, can be provided on say the lid of the box so thatthe user can readily identify the number of the area of the map which he wants to use. With the present invention a map having an area of four feet (1.22 metres) by three feet (0.91 metres) can be divided into six inch (15.24cm) squares. Usually it is sufficientto merely have six sheets 11 joined together in two rows ofthree at any one time of use and therefore the user only has to handle a map of one foot, six inches (45.72 cm) by one foot (30.48 cm) and he can readily apply instruments to the rigid map. The studs 21 may comprise the male part of a press-stud fastener whose base is embedded in the sheet11. CLAIMS

1. A map comprising a plurality of rectangular sheets formed of a rigid material and each provided on at least one face with a part of the area covered by the map, each sheet being provided on at leasttwo side edges with connector means enabling the sheet to be connected in edge-to-edge relationship with another sheet having an adjacent part of the area of the map thereon.

2. A map as claimed in claim 1, in which the connector means comprise projections extending from a side edge and recesses provided in a side edge of a sheet, the projections being engageable in the recesses provided in a side edge of an adjacent sheet.

3. A map as claimed in claim 2, in which each projection is provided with a raised portion on at least one face thereof engageable in a recess provided in a wali of a said recess provided in a side edge ofan adjacent sheet.

4. A map as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the parts of the area ofthe map are numbered sequentially and the number of the part of the area provided on each sheet is indicated on the projections.

5. A map as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said sheets are formed of a plastics material.

6. A map as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at a specific location on the map a stud is provided on a sheet which can be engaged by a protractor.

7. A map as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the otherface of each sheet is provided with part of an area of another map.

8. A map as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sheets are disposed vertically in a box one behind another when not in use.

9. A map substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.