GB2288246A

GB2288246A - Meteorological apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2288246A
Application number: GB9406922A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Peters
Original assignee: Helix Ltd
Current assignee: Helix Ltd
Priority date: 1994-04-07
Filing date: 1994-04-07
Publication date: 1995-10-11
Also published as: GB9406922D0

Abstract

A central pole P embedded in ground G supports a plurality of meteorological devices 2 to 6. The apparatus 1 comprises a portable weather station designed primarily for school children. The devices may include a thermometer 4, a weather vane 2, a wind-speed indicator 3 and a rainfall gauge 6. A sundial 5 is also provided. The wind speed sensor operates by converting wind speed into the vertical movement of a ball 3c. <IMAGE>

Description

METEOROLOGICAL APPARATUS This invention relates to meteorological apparatus more particularly but not exclusively suited to children.

It is well known to provide apparatus or instruments for making observations or performing measurements relating to the weather or meteorology. Various apparatus is often employed by school teachers in educating children about aspects of the weather and such apparatus may include rain collection and measuring apparatus (rain gauges) in addition to thermometers, sun dials and wind speed and/or wind direction indicating apparatus. Usually, each of these aspects is dealt with by using purpose-made apparatus for the particular task concerned. For example, purposemade rain gauge apparatus may be placed in one area for collecting rain and a separate sun dial in another, and wind direction apparatus (weather vane) may be positioned at yet another location. It is believed that the completely separate deployment of various apparatus to measure different meteorological aspects, more particularly with regard to the teaching of school children, may have certain disadvantages, or at least may not optimise the teaching or interest in the subject that might otherwise be afforded.

Also, there may be a tendency for separately deployed apparatus to become lost and/or damaged and it is believed that methods used for making meteorological observations, measurements or recordings could be made easier and perhaps more interesting more particularly to school children than at present.

An object of the present invention is to alleviate one or more of the aforementioned, or other, problems associated with making meteorological observations and/or to provide meteorological apparatus which is improved in at least some respect.

According to the present invention there is provided meteorological apparatus comprising a plurality of instruments or devices for measuring or monitoring different meteorological aspects, for example wind direction and rainfall, said apparatus comprising a common mounting member or pole on which said meteorological instruments/devices can be, or are, mounted.

Thus, the apparatus may provide a meteorological station capable of measuring or observing different meteorological aspects, which station is preferably portable/transportable.

Preferably, the devices or instruments measuring or monitoring said different meteorological aspects are releasably connected to said mounting member, to enable replacement thereof perhaps with an alternative device measuring a different meteorological aspect, or e.g. for storing the apparatus when not in use.

In one embodiment of the present invention, said devices or instruments comprise a rain gauge, a sundial, a thermometer, and wind direction and windspeed indicating devices. Preferably, the mounting member is a central pole about which said devices or instruments are mounted, and said pole is preferably firmly embedded into the ground, in use, in a substantially upright position. The wind direction and windspeed measuring devices are, preferably, located at an upper end of the mounting member or pole with a thermometer, a raingauge, and a sundial being arranged therebelow. The apparatus is preferably such that any combination of such instruments can be connected to the central member or pole.

The common mounting member or pole is, preferably, provided by two or more interfitting tubular sections with the lower or lowest section preferably being provided with a point for embedding firmly into the ground.

The apparatus could be provided with a plumb-bob or other means to set the mounting member/pole vertically.

Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus could be provided with a level indicator means (e.g. a bubble indicator) in order to set said meteorological instruments or devices level.

Where the apparatus includes an instrument for ascertaining wind direction this may consist of a weather vane mounted to the axis of the mounting member/pole (preferably at the upper end - thereof) to rotate freely (substantially without friction) on the axis of the pole.

The frictionless mounting may comprise a shaft on the weather vane engaging in a bearing tube held fixed relative to the mounting member/pole by means of a bush inserted in the mounting member/pole. Said shaft preferably has a collar defining an annular flange engaging a mouth of said bearing tube. The wind direction instrument preferably includes a "points of the compass" indicator (preferably in the form of a cross indicating the four compass points north, south, east, west) so that the angle the weather vane makes with respect to said points of the compass indicator yields the wind direction. The points of the compass indicator will usually be mounted in such a manner that it can be adjusted by hand about the axis of the pole to a selected fixed position with the north pointer pointing north but such that it remains in set fixed position, in use, with the weather vane being freely rotatable relative thereto.

The apparatus preferably includes a windspeed indicator. Where a weather vane is provided as aforesaid the windspeed indicator may advantageously be incorporated within the weather vane and may comprise a funnel or entrance (which effectively sets the weather vane in the direction of the wind) to a vertical tube containing a floating ball or indicator, said tube preferably being provided with graduations. Thus, the weather vane may be automatically set to the wind direction and air can enter the funnel or entrance causing the ball/indicator to rise higher up the tube the greater the windspeed, thereby giving an indication of the strength or speed of the wind.

The apparatus preferably includes a thermometer which would usually be set to face north and the thermometer may be mounted to the mounting member/pole by means of a mounting sleeve frictionally engaging same.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a sundial preferably having a collar that can be slotted onto the mounting member/pole to allow angular rotation of the sundial about the pole to a set position pointing south.

Advantageously, the arrangement may be such that a triangular vane or gnomon of the sundial rests in an upright position against or adjacent the mounting member/pole.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a rain gauge having a collection container (preferably with graduations) provided with a holder including a collar frictionally mounted onto the mounting member/pole. Where a sundial is provided as aforesaid, advantageously, the collar may be provided with means to engage and hold the sundial in position (preferably a notch on the collar of the rain gauge instrument engages the gnomon of the sundial).

The apparatus may also include a chart for noting down meteorological observations and this may be in the form of a white clean plastics sheet.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a kit of parts including a plurality of instruments or devices for measuring or monitoring different meteorological aspects, for example wind direction and rainfall, said apparatus being adapted for connection together as a portable unit and said kit preferably including a chart for noting down meteorological observations.

Further advantageous features of the present invention will be evident from the following description and drawings.

Further according to the present invention there is provided more generally meteorological apparatus comprising instruments or devices to measure different meteorological aspects, said instruments or devices being combined or linked together, or being adapted to be combined or linked together, in a unit or station, said devices or instruments preferably being separable from one another for replacement or easy storage of the apparatus when not in use.

An embodiment of meteorological apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying simplified drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows a front view of the apparatus in which a central pole is embedded into the ground; FIGURE 2 shows a more detailed view of a top portion of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1 looking in the direction of arrow "A", with a lower part thereof being shown in section; FIGURES 3 to 5 show detailed view of a thermometer of the apparatus; FIGURE 6 shows a plan view of a sundial of the apparatus; FIGURE 7 shows a sectional view of a sundial; FIGURE 8 shows a part-sectional, more detailed view of a rain gauge device; FIGURE 9 shows a plan view of said rain gauge device; FIGURE 10 shows a sectional view of a joint in the central pole of the apparatus, and FIGURE 11 shows a schematic chart that can be used in recording meteorological observations.

Referring to FIGURES -l to 10, meteorological apparatus 1 comprises a central mounting member or pole P about which a plurality of meteorological devices or instruments 2 to 6 are mounted. Thus, the apparatus 1 consists of a portable meteorological or weather station which is very versatile in nature since the apparatus can be erected with any combination of said devices or instruments 2 to 6 and indeed may employ additional or alternative instruments (not shown) mounted on the central pole P. Conveniently, the central pole is embedded into the ground G, so that it will remain in a vertical position whilst meteorological observations are made. Any other means could be employed for arranging the pole P vertically.

It should be evident when viewing apparatus 1, that it is intended mainly for fairly young school children (say between the ages of 5 and 10), and, therefore, has been designed to be appealing and user-friendly. Thus, the particular embodiment shown has aspects akin to a toy and has been designed to render meteorological observations a fun task to undertake.

The apparatus 1 comes in a kit form which can be readily assembled and disassembled when required. All parts may be of durable materials, for example plastics.

The central pole P is generally of two-part tubular construction comprising a lower pole portion P1 generally equal in length to an upper pole portion P2. Pole portion P1 is provided with a pointed end P3 to enable insertion of pole P (with devices 2 to 6 mounted thereon) into the ground G. Of course, if it is desired, the apparatus 1 could be permanently erected, for example by embedding the central pole P into concrete. Any alternative stand arrangement could be provided as long as a central pole P can be held in the upright position. A plumb-bob (not shown) could be employed to set the central pole P vertically and this could be provided as part of the apparatus 1. Pole portions P1 and P2 are fitted together via a friction joint J (see FIGURE 10) including an inner tubular portion P4 adhered to the inside walling of portion P1 but friction fitted with the inside walling of lower portion P2. Portion P2 can be disconnected from portion P1 simply by pulling the two parts P1 and P2 axially away from one another in accordance with the double headed arrow indicator X. Any alternative manner of fixing the upper and lower portions P1 and P2 of the pole together may be employed.

Meteorological device 2 is used to measure wind direction and consists of a weather vane 2a in the form of a cockerel's head mounted on to the axis of the central pole P by means of a vertical shaft 2b (see FIGURE 2 in which pole P is shown cut away and in section) substantially frictionlessly mounted into bearing tube 2c inserted into end bush 2d located at the top of the pole P.

Receiving tube 2c is held still by frictionally engaging the walling of the bush 2d defining the receiving bore 2e of the bush 2d in a manner which should be self-evident.

Shaft 2b has a collar 2f defining an annular flange or seating 2g engaging flared mouth 2h of receiving tube 2c in order to establish substantially frictionless movement of the shaft 2b about the pole axis, with the weather vane 2a In order to establish the direction in which the weather vane 2a points when the wind is blowing, a "points of the compass" indicator 2i is provided. The "points of the compass" indicator 2i is in the form of two bars 2j and 2k (see FIGURES 1 and 2) connected to make a cross having an appropriate animal shape 2h to 2n mounted at an appropriate end of the cross. Thus, in setting up the device 2, animal 2h in the form of a polar bear is set to point north with camel 21 pointing south, panda 2m pointing east and donkey 2n pointing west in a manner which should be self-evident.

Once the points of the compass indicator 2i has been set as shown it remains in this position whilst weather vane 2a is free to rotate about shaft 2b such that a determination of wind direction can be made by viewing the weather vane relative to the points of the compass indicator 2i in a manner which should be self-evident. Additionally, weather vane 2a incorporates a wind speed monitoring device in the form of funnel 3a which allows airflow communication to vertical tube 3b containing a floating ball 3c The greater the wind speed the higher the ball 3c travels up the tube 3b passed graduations 3d which can be coded to give a rough approximation of the wind speed, for example "gale force wind" etc. The compass points indicator 2i is mounted to the receiving tube 2c by means of collar 20 such that it remains in a fixed angular orientation unless positively set to a different angular orientation by hand, in a manner which should be generally evident from FIGURE 2.

Meteorological instrument 4 comprises a thermometer which is set on the said pole to point north (as shown in FIGURE 1). The format of the thermometer 4 should be apparent from FIGURE 5, said thermometer being provided with a mounting sleeve 4a frictionally engaging the central pole P.

Meteorological instrument 5 comprises a sundial fashioned with a collar 5a that can be slotted onto pole P in a manner which should be generally self-explanatory, to allow rotation of the sundial 5 on the pole about the pole axis. It should be noted that the vertical edge 5b of the gnomon or triangular vane 5c rests in an upright position against the pole P. Sundial 5 is provided with two tapered supporting legs 5d on the underside thereof for strength.

In use, the sundial S is arranged to point towards the south as shown.

Meteorological instrument 6 comprises a rain gauge having a collection container 6a with graduations 6b and flared connection mouth 6c. Instrument 6 has a holder portion 6d including a collar 6e frictionally mounted onto the central pole P in a manner which should be selfevident. Once again, tapered support leg 6f is provided on the underside of the holder 6d for strength purposes.

Additionally and advantageously, the collar 6e is provided with a lower notch 6g that engages the upper end of gnomon 5c of sundial 5 in order to keep gnomon 5c in an upright position.

It is to be appreciated that alternative combinations of meteorological instruments of the devices could be mounted on the central member or pole P without departing from the spirit of the invention and in the embodiment shown all devices 2 to 6 can be removed from the apparatus 1. Collection container 6a can easily be removed from its holder 6d if required.

FIGURE 11 shows a recording chart 7 for recording meteorological results or observations. The format of the chart 7 should be self-explantory and may be provided as a wipe-clean plastics board. It is believed the inclusion of such a chart along with the meteorological apparatus 1 should engender additional encouragement for small children to be involved in various meteorological observations.

Thus, it is believed to be advantageous to include such a chart as part of a kit for measuring or monitoring the weather.

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced or supplemented by any equivalent or generic term.

Further it is to be understood that individual features, method or functions related to the meteorological apparatus or devices or instruments thereof might be individually patentably inventive. The singular may include the plural and vice versa. In particular, it is believed that the mounting of a sundial on a central pole near the periphery of the sundial such that the sundial can be rotated about the axis of the pole is particularly innovative.

Additionally, the design of weather vane with wind speed indicator and funnel mouth for automatically setting the vane in the direction of the wind (said mouth preferably designed to be the mouth of a cockerel) is believed to be innovative.

Therefore, further according to the present invention there is provided a wind speed indicator comprising a vane and deflector means (e.g. in the form of a mouth or funnel) for automatically setting or aligning the vane in the direction of the wind, wind speed indicator means being incorporated into said vane and preferably comprising a floating ball or indicator movable different distances along a tube according to different wind speeds.

Claims

1. Meteorological apparatus comprising a plurality of instruments or devices for measuring or monitoring different meteorological aspects, for example wind direction and rainfall, said apparatus comprising a common mounting member or pole on which said meteorological instruments/devices can be, or are, mounted.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 which provides a meteorological station capable of measuring or observing different meteorological aspects.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 which is portable/transportable.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 in which the devices or instruments measuring or monitoring said different meteorological aspects are releasably connected to said mounting member/pole.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said devices or instruments comprise a rain gauge, a sundial, a thermometer, and wind direction and windspeed indicating devices.

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 in which the mounting member is a central pole about which said devices or instruments are mounted.

7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 in which, in use, said pole is embedded into the ground in a substantially upright position.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7 in which the wind direction and windspeed measuring devices are located at an upper end of the mounting member or pole with the thermometer, the raingauge, and the sundial being arranged therebelow.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claim 5 to 8 such that any combination of said instruments can be connected to the central member or pole.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the common mounting member or pole is provided by two or more interfitting tubular sections.

11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 in which the lower or lowest section of said member/pole is provided with a point for embedding into the ground.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims provided with a plumb-bob or other means to set the mounting member/pole vertically.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims provided with a level indicator means.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims including an instrument for ascertaining wind direction consisting of a weather vane mounted to the axis of the mounting member/pole to rotate freely on the axis of the pole.

15. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 in which the weather vane is mounted to an upper end of said member/pole.

16. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 or 15 in which the frictionless mounting comprises a shaft on the weather vane engaging in a bearing tube held fixed relative to the mounting member/pole by means of a bush inserted in the mounting member/pole.

17. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 in which said shaft has a collar defining an annular flange engaging a mouth of said bearing tube.

18. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 14 to 17 in which the wind direction instrument includes a "points of the compass" indicator.

19. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 18 in which the points of the compass indicator is in the form of a cross indicating the four compass points so that the angle the weather vane makes with respect to said points of the compass indicator yields the wind direction.

20. Apparatus as claimed in Claims 18 or 19 in which the points of the compass indicator is mounted in such a manner that it can be adjusted by hand about the axis of the member/pole to a selected fixed position with the north pointer pointing north but such that it remains in set fixed position, in use, with the weather vane being freely rotatable relative thereto.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a windspeed indicator.

22. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 when dependent from Claim 14 in which the windspeed indicator is incorporated within the weather vane.

23. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 22 in which the windspeed indicator comprises a funnel or entrance to a vertical tube containing a floating ball or indicator.

24. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 23 in which said tube is provided with graduations.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a thermometer.

26. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 25 in which the thermometer is mounted to the mounting member/pole by means of a mounting sleeve frictionally engaging same.

27. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a sundial having a collar that can be slotted onto the mounting member/pole to allow angular rotation of the sundial about the pole to a set position pointing south.

28. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 in which a triangular vane or gnomon of the sundial rests in an upright position against or adjacent the mounting member/pole.

29. Appparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a rain gauge having a collection container provided with a holder including a collar frictionally mounted onto the mounting member/pole.

30. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 29 when dependent from Claim 27 in which the collar is provided with means to engage and hold the sundial in position.

31. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 30 in which a notch on the collar of the rain gauge instrument engages the gnomon of the sundial.

32. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a chart for noting down meteorological observations.

33 Apparatus as claimed in Claim 32 inwhich the chart is in the form of a wipe clean plastics sheet.

34. Meteorological apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the FIGURES of the accompanying drawings.

35. A kit of parts including a plurality of instruments or devices for measuring or monitoring different meteorological aspects, for example wind direction and rainfall, said apparatus being adapted for connection together as a portable unit.

36. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 35 in which said kit includes a chart for noting down meteorological observations.

37. Meteorological apparatus comprising instruments or devices to measure different meteorological aspects, said instruments or devices being combined or linked together, or being adapted to be combined or linked together, in a unit or station.

38. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 37 in which said devices or instruments are separable from one another for replacement or easy storage of the apparatus when not in use.

39. A wind speed indicator comprising a vane and deflector means (e.g. in the form of a mouth or funnel) for automatically setting or aligning the vane in the direction of the wind, wind speed indicator means being incorporated into said vane and preferably comprising a floating ball or indicator movable different distances along a tube according to different wind speed.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

40. Meteorological apparatus comprising a plurality of instruments or devices for measuring or monitoring different meteorological aspects, for example wind direction and rainfall, said apparatus comprising a common mounting member or pole on which said meteorological instruments/devices can be, or are, mounted, said apparatus being portable/transportable.

41. Meteorological apparatus comprising a plurality of instruments or devices for measuring or monitoring different meteorological aspects, for example wind direction and rainfall, said apparatus comprising a common mounting member or pole on which said meteorological instruments/devices can be, or are, mounted, said instruments or devices including wind direction and wind speed indicators, the wind speed indicator comprising a vane and deflector means for automatically setting or aligning the vane in the direction of the wind, wind speed indicator means being incorporated into said vane.

42. Meteorological apparatus comprising a plurality of instruments or devices for measuring or monitoring different meteorological aspects, for example wind direction and rainfall, said apparatus comprising a common mounting member or pole on which said meteorological instruments/devices can be, or are, mounted, said instruments or devices including a wind direction indicator and wind speed indicator, the wind speed indicator being incorporated into the wind direction indicator.