US3583150A

US3583150A - World time indicator

Info

Publication number: US3583150A
Application number: US789166A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gerhard Falk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-11-19
Filing date: 1969-01-06
Publication date: 1971-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 1988-06-08
Also published as: DE1809782A1; DE1809782B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a world time indicator wherein a shadow is cast upon a cartographic image impressed on a translucent spherical segment which rotates by clockwork to indicate time and day and night conditions characterized by its simplified and economical construction.

Description

United States Patent Inventor Gerhard Fnlk Burchandstrasse 8, Hamburg 1, Germany Appl. No. 789,166 Filed Jan. 6, 1969 Patented June 8, 1971 Priority Nov. 19, 1968 Germany WORLD TIME INDICATOR 9 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 58/44,

Int. Cl. G04b 19/22 501 Field of Search ..ss 42.s, 43,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,370,415 2/1968 Mcllvaine Primary Examiner-Stephen J. Tomsky Assistant Examiner-Edith C. Simmons Attorney-Beaman & Beaman ABSTRACT: The invention relates to a world time indicator wherein a shadow is cast upon a cartographic image impressed on a translucent spherical segment which rotates by clockwork to indicate time and day and night conditions characterized by its simplified and economical construction.

PATENTEU JUN 8 |sn SHEET 1 OF 4 SHEET 2 0F 4 PATENTEU JUN 8 l9?! rfr PATENTEU JUN 8 I97! SHEET 3 0F 4 WORLD TIME INDICATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention lies in the art of world time indicators wherein a cartographic image is rotated by clockwork and light means within the image associated with shadow-producing means produce a shadow on the image indicative of day and night conditions. A time scale adjacent the image indicates the time and the shadow-producing means includes a light shield which may be adjusted to compensate for seasonal variations.

Known devices of the above type are large, cumbersome and expensive, and do not readily adapt themselves to contemporary furnishings. Many of the known devices are very complex in construction, requiring periodic maintenance and are difficult to read and interpret. The state of the more recently known art is represented by U.S. Pat. No. 2,513,465, 2,797,500 and 3,002,337. It is a purpose of the invention to provide a time indicator which is an improvement over known devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention includes a base supporting an image carrier or a map body rotatable relative to said base about its axis of symmetry and having an image of the earth surface at least across a part of the total range of geographic latitude in such an arrangement that the north-south axis of the image coincides with the axis of symmetry of the map body. A stationary time scale surrounds the map body and a clock work is adapted to rotate the map body with an angular velocity so that the relative movement between the map body and the stationary time scale corresponds to the natural lapse of time during rotation of the earth. An illuminating device is arranged within the map body, which is translucent, and an adjustable shield or diaphragm assembly is also arranged within the map body which is adapted to shade the light emanated by said illuminating device so that the image provided on the map body is directly illuminated only at a location which, at least, approximately corresponds to the natural illumination of the earth by the sun during a given time interval of the year according to the chosen setting ofthe diaphragm assembly.

In known world time indicators of this type, complicated mechanical means are provided for the movement of the shield or diaphragm assembly and/or the illuminating device, said means often requiring relatively expensive gear or worm type drives or transmissions which considerably increase the cost of manufacture.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a world time indicator of the type referred to which may be manufactured simply and economically without loss in reliability and appearance.

According to the invention, a world time indicator of the type referred to above is characterized in that (I) the map body has the form of a sphere cap or segment suspended at the cap axis, (2) the diaphragm assembly comprises a substantially flat diaphragm which is pivotable through a limited range around a diaphragm pivot axis extending in proximity of the edge of the map body perpendicular to the cap axis and has a form generally corresponding to an axial plane of the map body yet having a recess for the cap axis, (3) the diaphragm is connected to an adjusting member adapted to be moved by an adjusting force, and (4) the clock time scale is arranged relative to the diaphragm pivot axis so that the diaphragm pivot axis lies in the plane going through the cap axis and through the indications for 6 and 18 hours on the clock time scale.

In a world time indicator in accord with the invention, a particularly advantageous compromise is obtained between a plastic image impression like that known from spherical globes, and a simple manufacture of the amp body, for instance, by deep drawing of a previously flat body of plastic material. The distortion which is present in contrast to the natural approximate spherical form is practically without importance for the image impression yet facilitates simultaneous viewing of all parts of the map body. Moreover, a considerable simplification and reduction of manufacturing costs is obtained in the world time indicator according to the invention by the fact that the natural conditions of illumination on the surface of the earth are simulated by a very simple diaphragm assembly, although it is inevitable due to the spherical cap form of the map body that the diaphragm has a greater distance from the interior surface of the map body in its two extreme position summer solstice and winter solstice, respectively, than in its intermediate position, vernal equinox and autumnal equinox, it has been found that the loss of definition of the diaphragm shadow which is caused thereby in the extreme positions of the diaphragm, is not objectionable.

In a further development of the invention, the map body is preferably covered by a transparent stationary dome, the edge of which is attached to the base. The clock time scale is preferably arranged on the dome at the marginal range thereof. The dome and the base may be provided with orientation of the dome and the base when the dome is assembled to the base.

Preferably, the shadow-producing diaphragm is simply secured to a diaphragm shaft constituting the diaphragm pivot axis, and an adjusting member is connected to the diaphragm shaft for rotation therewith. For example, the adjusting member may extend from the interior of the world time indicator through a recess provided in the dome and may carry the adjusting member on this extension so that the diaphragm shaft may be rotated manually in a most simple manner. The adjustment of the diaphragm may be facilitated by means of a diaphragm scale which is stationary with respect to the diaphragm pivot axis and is provided with time indications corresponding to the lapse of a year.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following, the invention is described with more detail in connection with several embodiments which are illustrated in the drawings.

FIG. I shows a schematic perspective view, partially in section, of a world time indicator corresponding to the present invention, wherein the geographic image which is normally provided on the map body has been omitted,

FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of a world time indicator according to the invention which corresponds generally to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, detail, elevational sectional view of the attachment of the transparent dome to the base,

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing another embodiment of attachment of the dome to the base,

FIG. 5 shows on an enlarged scale a perspective detail of further embodiments of the parts shown in the center of FIG.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the parts shown in the central portion of FIG. 1, on an enlarged scale,

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a bearing for the diaphragm shaft,

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment ofa diaphragm assembly according to the invention,

FIG. 9 illustrates in a schematic axial sectional view means for supporting the upper end of the map body shaft,

FIG. 10 illustrates in a schematic axial sectional view another embodiment for supporting the outer end of the map body shaft, and

FIG. I1 illustrates another embodiment of the adjusting member for the diaphragm which differs from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 of a world time indicator according to the invention comprises a base 2 in the form of a circular disc of wood, metal, plastic or other suitable material. On the lower side of the base 2, several spacers or blocks 4 are provided of which, preferably, at least one is formed as a hanging device so that the world time indicator may be attached to a vertical wall, if desired. On the upper side of the base 2, a map body 6 of a spherical segment configuration to define a sphere cap and consisting of a translucent material is supported for rotation about a central cap axis 10. On the map body 6, an image, FIG. 2, of the earth surface across at least a part of the total range of the geographic latitude is provided. Preferably, FIG. 2, the image provided on the map body 6 comprises approximately the northern or southern hemisphere so that the lower edge 7 of the map body generally corresponds to the equator, geographic latitude zero, and the apex 66 of the map body corresponds to one of the earth poles. The north-south axis of the image is thus arranged to correspond to the cap axis 10 which in this manner also forms the axis of symmetry of the map body. Corresponding to the image of the earth surface provided thereon, the map body carries the lines 11 of geographic latitude and lines 13 of geographic longitude. Preferably, the ends of the lines of Iongitude 13 are provided with clear zone time marks 9 adjacent the edge 7 of the map body 6. The geographic borders of the individual zone times are represented by zone time lines 5 which are shown as dotted lines in FIG. I; however, in actual embodiments of the world time indicator according to the invention, these zone time lines 5 are preferably distinguished from the lines of longitude 13 by another color. The zone time lines 5 are determined by the zones which have been adopted for the individual states or geographic ranges. For the sake of simplicity, the zone time lines 5 are shown in FIG. 1 as lying intermediate between the lines of longitude 13; it should be understood, however, that in actual embodiments of world time indicators according to the invention, these lines are located in correspondence to the actual time zones.

The lower edge of the map body 6 is surrounded by a stationary circular clock time scale 12 indirectly mounted upon base 2. The total circumference of the clock time scale 12 is divided into 24 hours. In the embodiment shown, the clock time scale 12 forms the lower edge portion 56 of a transparent dome 54 covering the entire map body 6.

The map body 6 is rotated by a clock work 14 which is secured to the base 2 by attachment angles 16 welded or soldered thereto, and screws 18 (FIG. 6). The clock work 14 may be spring motor powered, but is preferably electrically driven and includes a driven shaft 20 rotating once every 24 hours and the map body 6 is coupled to this shaft for rotation thereby, as will be explained. In FIG. 1 an especially simple arrangement of coupling the map body 6 with a clockwork 14 is illustrated. According to this arrangement, a reinforcement 72 is provided at the apex 66 of the map body 6, for example by bonding, and this reinforcement supports and defines the upper end of a hollow map body shaft 70 which is frictionally slipped over the driven shaft 20 of the clockwork 14 to form a frictional connection which normally drives shaft 70, but provides slippage to permit the map body to be "set" relative to the time scale 12. Thus, the driven shaft 20 serves also as a bearing support for the map body 6 and the frictional connection between

shafts

20 and 70 permits the map body to be selectively rotated relative to shaft 20 for purpose ofsetting" the map body.

Since the driven shaft 20 rotates every 24 hours, the relative movement between the map body 6 and the stationary clock time scale 12 corresponds to the natural lapse of time during rotation of the earth. In order to represent the natural illumination of the surface of the earth by the sun and the changes thereof during rotation of the earth, an illuminating device and shadow-producing diaphragm assembly are provided within the interior of the map body 6. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the illuminating device consists of an electric bulb 22 which is screwed into a socket 24 secured to the base 2. An electrical cord 25 with a connection plug 27 serves to connect the electric bulb 22 to a power supply and since the clock work 14 is normally electrically driven it may also be connected to the cord 25. Of course, separate switches for switching the bulb 22 and the clockwork 14 on or off may be provided and switches of this kind are not shown in the figures since they are generally known. An access opening 26 is provided in base 2 through which the electric bulb 22 may be replaced without the necessity of disassemblying the parts of the world time indicator. The access opening 22 may also serve to make adjustments at the clockwork, for example, to effect corrections of the clockwork speed or the angular position of the map body shaft 70.

The diaphragm assembly 28 serves the purpose to shade the light supplied by the illuminating device 22 so that the image provided on the map body 6 is directly illuminated only at those locations which approximately corresponds to the natural illumination of the earth by the sun at a given time of the day and at a given season of the year. By adjustment of the diaphragm assembly, the illumination may be adapted to the various seasons of the year. The diaphragm assembly 28 includes a substantially flat

opaque diaphragm

30, 32 which is pivotable, to a limited extent, about a diaphragm pivot axis 33 extending in proximity to the edge 7 of the map body perpendicular to the cap axis 10. The

diaphragm

30, 32 has a form which generally corresponds to an axial plane through the map body 6, yet is provided with a slot 40 for the passage of the cap axis 10 and shaft 70 when pivoting the diaphragm assembly 28. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the diaphragm consists of two

separate parts

30 and 32 each of which is somewhat smaller than half of an axial section through the map body 6. At the lower edges, the

diaphragm portions

30 and 32 are secured to

sections

34 and 36, respectively, of a continuous diaphragm shaft by means of the

collar bands

42 and 44 illustrated in FIG. I.

The two

sections

34 and 36 of the diaphragm shaft are connected by a crank portion 38. The crank 38 serves to straddle the driven shaft 20 of the clockwork 14. Of course, the relative angular position of the crank 38 on axis 33 with respect to the plane of the

diaphragm portions

30 and 32 is such that when

portions

30 and 32 are pivoted to their extreme position away from light 22 the crank 38 will approach, but not engage clockwork l4, and when

portions

30 and 32 are pivoted to their extreme position toward light 22 the crank 38 will approach, but not engage, shaft 20. As may be seen from FIG. 1, an angular range of rotation of about is available for the crank 38, and this angular range is substantially greater than the angular range required for the pivotal movement of the

diaphragm

30, 32 which, as is commonly know, would be 2 23.5=47 in the case of a semi spherical maplaody butis somewhat greater here because the image is contracted on a spherical cap.

The diaphragm pivot axis 33 is, of course, arranged so that it intersects the indications for 6 and 18 hours, respectively, on the clock time scale 12. The

diaphragm shaft

34, 38, 36 is rotatably supported in the

bearings

46 and 48 mounted on base 2. In the simplest form, these bearings are formed as blocks having cylindrical recesses which extend around slightly more than half the circumference of the diaphragm shaft, and the bearing blocks are formed of a material which has enough elasticity to allow radial snap-in of the diaphragm shaft, similar to the bearing block embodiment of FIG. 7. The bearing blocks 46, 48 are attached to the base 2 in any suitable manner, for example, by bonding or bolting.

Attached to the diaphragm shaft is an adjusting member 50 which is preferably rotatable by hand. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment member 50 consists of a disc sector which projects through a slot 51 defined in the base 2 beyond the lower side of the base 2, FIG. 2, and is secured to the

diaphragm shaft

34, 38, 36 for rotation therewith. Normally, the

bearings

46 and 48 are made so that the

diaphragm shaft

34, 38, 36 is engaged with sufficient friction to avoid the necessity of special locking devices for the diaphragm. The setting of the

diaphragm

30, 32 may be indicated in several manners. A particularly simple arrangement is shown for use with the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the provision of a stationary diaphragm-setting scale 92 located on the transparent dome 54 as illustrated in FIG. 2. This diaphragm-setting scale 92 carries marks corresponding to the period of a year. The center of the diaphragm-setting scale lies on the circumferential line of the dome which goes through the indications for 6 and 18 hours on the clock time scale 12 and the adjustment of the diaphragm assembly can be observed by the shadow cast on the scale 92. v

The transparent stationary dome 54 can be made of any transparent material, for example, transparent plastic or glass, and is secured with its lower edge portion 56 to the base 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. I, the edge portion 56, which also serves to carry and support the clock time scale I2, is made somewhat flatter than the adjacent portion of the dome 54 and is snappingly engaged in a circular groove 58 of the A base 2.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, two different embodiments ofthe dome 54 and the map body 6 are illustrated with more detail and primed references are used to indicate similar components. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the marginal portion 56 of the dome 54 is not, as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 4, made flatter than the adjacent portion of the dome. The marginal portion is backed by a blackening 57, and the clock time scale 12' is represented by transparent and colored engravings in the outer surface of the dome 54'. The circular groove 58' in the base 2 into which the dome S4 snaps is provided with an upper outer rim 59 slightly projecting inwardly, and groove 58 is in communication with downwardly extending openings 63 defined in base 2 which open into chambers 62 in which lights 64 are located. For example, a plurality of such lights 64 in the form of elongated incandescent lamps may be distributed around the circumference of the base 2. The light emitted by the lights 64 enters through the end face of the dome edge 56 into the transparent dome 54 and serves to illuminate the recessed indicia of the time scale 12' and can also serve for the illumination of additional recessed representations provided on the dome 54 such as indicated at 68 in FIG. 3 which may be, for example, signs of the zodiac or constellations.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the marginal edge portion 56" of the dome 54" is made flatter than the dome configuration, as is also shown in FIG. I, and this edge portion preferably consists of an opaque material. The main portion of the dome 54", however, is transparent, and the lower margin 7 of the map body 6 lies below the borderline between the dome transparent main portion and the opaque marginal portion 56" so that the light emitted from the illuminating

device

22, 24 in the interior of the world time indicator cannot directly pass through portion 56". In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the map body 6 consists of two interconnected, preferably bonded or cemented parts I5 and 17. This embodiment is especially recommendable when a map body 6 of sufficient stiffness is made by means of a deep drawing process from a flat blank. In this case, for example, a map-carrying body of transparent or translucent plastic material of sufficient stiffness can be united with a considerably thinner image carrier 17. For example, in the case of map body 6' in which the greatest diameter is about 40 cm., the map-carrying body 15 may have a thickness of about 3 mm., whereas the image carrier ll7 bonded to the map carrier body I5 may consist of a very thin foil of, for example, 0.15 mm. thickness which foil may readily be deep-drawn from a flat blank to the desired from of a spherical cap without causing unequal distortion in partial ranges of the geographic image which is printed on the foil,

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment which generally corresponds to that illustrated in FIG. I, and the parts which are present in the vicinity of the clockwork 14 are shown on a somewhat enlarged scale as compared with FIG. I. Again, the

diaphragm shaft

34, 38, 36 is shown, to which the two

diaphragm parts

30 and 32 are secured by means of

collar bands

42 and 44 and screws 43. Of course, a plurality of collar bands may be provided for each

diaphragm part

30, 32. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, two lamp sockets 24 and 24' are provided into each of which a lamp may be screwed. This arrangement offers the advantage that the slot 40 between the two

diaphragm parts

30 and 32 is not directly illuminated by the lamps. Of course, the light sources may also be arranged in another manner, for example, they may be secured to the

diaphragm parts

30 and 32. The arrangement shown in FIGS. I and 5, however, offers the advantage that no movable electrical conductors are required.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, a sliding friction clutch connection between clockwork shaft 20 and map body shaft is shown. The sliding clutch connection consists of slotting shaft 70 at 71 whereby the slotted shaft end may resilient grip shaft 20 whereby a frictional connection is achieved which permits the map body 5 to be rotated relative to the shaft 20 for the purpose of setting the world time indicator.

FIG. 6 shows, in a manner similar to FIG. 5, another embodiment wherein several parts have been omitted. In this embodiment, the map body shaft 70 is additionally supported in a bearing 90. This bearing is shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 6 and it is to be understood that other embodiments of bearings may be used for the additional support of the map body shaft 70. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the additional support 90 is arranged at the end of a two-piece bolted bearing body 82 which is located in the part of movement of the slot 40 of the

diaphragm

30, 32 and is branched in its lower portion into two

legs

84 and 86 which are secured to the base 2 by means of bolts 88.

FIG. 7 shows in a radial section an embodiment ofa bearing block 46 for the

diaphragm shaft

34, 38, 36. This bearing block substantially corresponds to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 and includes a radial slot 53 at the lower end of its bearing recess 49; this slot improves the natural resilient properties of the bearing block 46'. Further, two threaded bores 52 are shown in FIG. 7, which serve to secure the bearing block to the base 2.

FIG. 8 illustrates another possible embodiment of a diaphragm. In this embodiment, the two diaphragm parts 30 and 32' are portions of an integral diaphragm, and the recess 40' is formed by a channellike profile 41. In this embodiment, it is sufficient to secure only the portion 30 to the diaphragm shaft 34 by means of collar bands 42 and 44'; however, it is as well possible to secure both

diaphragm portions

30 and 32 to the diaphragm shaft in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG. ii.

In FIGS. 9 and 10, further embodiments for obtaining an additional support for the map body shaft 70 are illustrated and primed references indicate similar components. Particularly in cases where the world time indicator is hung from a wall and the map body shaft 70 is arranged substantially horizontal, it is recommendable to support this shaft in a second bearing; an example therefore being the additional bearing 90 which has already been described in connection with FIG. 6. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 9 and 10, an opening 55 is provided in the apex of the dome 54, and an extension 78 of the map body shaft 70 projects beyond the map body 6 and enters into the opening 55 where it is supported in an additional bearing 73 mounted in opening 55. In the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the extension 78 is provided at the apex reinforcement 72' of the map body 6, and the free end of the map body shaft 70 is introduced into a bore of the apex reinforcement 72'. Here, the apex reinforcement 72 is secured in the apex 66 of the map body 6 by means of screws 76.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the map body shaft 70 is of sufficient length to form the extension 78' itself, and the apex reinforcement 72", which is bonded to the apex portion of the map body 6, is slipped over the free end of the map body shaft 70 and secured thereto by means of a setscrew 74. In both embodiments according to FIGS. 9 and I0, the outer end of the extension projecting from the dome 54 is provided with detachable cover members 80 and 80'. In the figures, this cover member is shown as being a knob which is screwed onto the

extension

78 or 78 by means of threads 75 or 75'; By rotation of this knob, the time indicated by the world time indicator may be adjusted manually. In many cases, the bearing 73 can be eliminated, for example, in cases where the extension 78 as well as the dome 54 consist of low-friction material; in this case, the opening 55 in the apex of the dome 54 may itself form a bearing for the extension 78 and in such case is formed with a sufficiently small diameter.

In FIG. 11, another embodiment is illustrated to make the diaphragm instead of 34, 38, 36 externally adjustable. In this embodiment, the free end of the portion 34 of the diaphragm shaft projects through a slot 60 provided in the marginal range 56 of the dome 54 between the base 2 and the edge 7 of the map body, and this free end of the portion 34 carries the adjusting member 50 which is shown in FIG. 11 as being a simple lever with a pointer 94 moving in front of the diaphragmsetting scale 92 mounted upon the dome 54. The diaphragmsetting scale is shown here as being provided with numbers indicating the months. Here, as well as in FIG. 2, the intermediate or central position of the diaphragm corresponds to the natural illumination conditions on the earth in March and Sept., more exactly, on March 21st and Sept. 23rd, respectively, whereas the extreme positions correspond to the natural illumination conditions in Dec., at winter solstice, and in June, at summer solstice, respectively. In the embodiment according to FIG. 11, an additional function of the slot 60 consists in being an orientation means for the correct assembly of the dome 54 and the base 2. This is of importance in all cases where indicia or pictures are present on the dome, for example, the diaphragm-setting scales shown in FIGS. 2 and 11, or the constellations or signs of the zodiac indicated at 68 in FIG. 3. Of course, other types of orientation means may be used instead of the slot 60 in FIG. II. For example, an insert, now shown, may be provided at a point in the groove 58, and a notch corresponding in dimension to the dimension of the insert may be provided at a corresponding point in the edge of the dome 55.

lclaim:

l. A world time indicator comprising, in combination, a generally flat base, a translucent, hollow, convex map body of a generally spherical segment configuration having an axis of symmetry and a circular terminating edge, means mounted upon said base supporting said map body for rotation about said axis wherein said terminating edge is disposed adjacent said base, a cartographic image of at least a portion of the world defined on said map body, the polar axis of said image coinciding with the axis of said map body, a light within said map body, a shadow-producing diaphragm pivotably mounted within said map body about an axis substantially perpendicular to said axis of symmetry, said light and diaphragm being so related as to cause a portion of said map body and image there to be illuminated to indicate day and night conditions on said image, manual adjustment means connected to said diaphragm for the adjustment thereof about its axis, said shadow-producing diaphragm including a pivot shaft rotatably mounted upon said base, a pair of opaque diaphragm portions mounted upon said pivot shaft in spaced relationship to each other defining a slot therebetween, said slot providing clearance between said diaphragm portions-and said means supporting said map body, said diaphragm adjustment means being mounted upon said pivot shaft, clockwork means connected to said map body rotating said body about said axis of symmetry and a time scale fixed relative to said base circumscribing said map body terminating edge.

2. In a world time indicator as in claim I wherein a circular groove is defined in said base, said dome edge being received within said groove, and means defined in said groove retaining said dome edge within said groove.

3. In a world time indicator as in claim 2, said time scale comprising recessed indicia defined on said dome, and light means mounted within said base communicating with said groove and said dome edge received therein introducing light into said transparent dome illuminating said time scale indicia.

4. In a world time indicator as in claim 1 wherein a diaghra rn position indicating scale is defined on said dome, sai in icating scale being symmetrically related to the plane in which said axis of said diaphragm lies which is parallel to said map body axis of symmetry.

5. In the world time indicator as in claim 4 wherein said diaphragm is mounted upon a shaft having an end extending through said dome, a pointer mounted on said diaphragm shaft end, said diaphragm position indicating scale being disposed on said dome adjacent said pointer.

6. In a world time indicator as in claim 5, outboard bearing means mounted upon said base and engaging said support shaft at an axial location spaced from said clockwork means drive shaft.

7. In a world time indicator as in claim 6 wherein a transparent, convex dome is mounted upon said base encompassing said map body, said supporting shaft including a portion extending through said dome, said outboard bearing means being defined on said dome cooperating with said supporting shaft portion extending therethrough, and an exteriorly accessible map body adjustment knob affixed to said supporting shaft portion extending through said dome.

8. A world time indicator comprising, in combination, a generally flat base, a translucent, hollow, convex map body of a generally spherical segment configuration having an axis of symmetry and a circular terminating edge, means mounted upon said base supporting said map body for rotation about said axis wherein said terminating edge is disposed adjacent said base, a cartographic image of at least a portion of the world defined on said map body, the polar axis of said image coinciding with the axis of said map body, a light within said map body, a shadow-producing diaphragm pivotably mounted within said map body about an axis substantially perpendicular to said axis of symmetry, said light and diaphragm being so related as to cause a portion of said map body and image therein to be illuminated to indicate day and night conditions on said image, manual adjustment means connected to said diaphragm for the adjustment thereof about its axis, clockwork means connected to said map body rotating said body about said axis of symmetry, a time scale fixed relative to said base circumscribing said map body terminating edge, and a transparent, convex dome disposed over said map body, said dome including a planar circular edge secured to said base, said dome edge being disposed adjacent and radially outward of said map body terminating edge, said time scale being defined on said dome adjacent said planar, circular edge thereof.

9. A world time indicator comprising, in combination, a generally flat base, a translucent, hollow, convex map body of a generally spherical segment configuration having an axis of symmetry and a circular terminating edge, means mounted upon said base supporting said map body for rotation about said axis wherein said terminating edge is disposed adjacent said base, a cartographic image of at least a portion of the world defined on said map body, the polar axis of said image coinciding with the axis of said map body, a light within said map body, a shadow-producing diaphragm pivotably mounted within said map body about an axis substantially perpendicular to said axis of symmetry, said light and diaphragm being so related as to cause a portion of said map body and image therein to be illuminated to indicate day and night conditions on said image, manual adjustment means connected to said diaphragm for the adjustment thereof about its axis, clockwork means connected to said map body rotating said body about said axis of symmetry, said clockwork means including a drive shaft axially coincident with said map body axis of symmetry and said means supporting said map body for rotation about said axis includes a support shaft fixed to said map body axially coincident with said drive shaft and frictionally interconnected thereto whereby said support shaft is rotated by said clockwork means drive shaft, and a time scale fixed relative to said base circumscribing said map body terminating edge.

Claims

1. A world time indicator cOmprising, in combination, a generally flat base, a translucent, hollow, convex map body of a generally spherical segment configuration having an axis of symmetry and a circular terminating edge, means mounted upon said base supporting said map body for rotation about said axis wherein said terminating edge is disposed adjacent said base, a cartographic image of at least a portion of the world defined on said map body, the polar axis of said image coinciding with the axis of said map body, a light within said map body, a shadowproducing diaphragm pivotably mounted within said map body about an axis substantially perpendicular to said axis of symmetry, said light and diaphragm being so related as to cause a portion of said map body and image there to be illuminated to indicate day and night conditions on said image, manual adjustment means connected to said diaphragm for the adjustment thereof about its axis, said shadow-producing diaphragm including a pivot shaft rotatably mounted upon said base, a pair of opaque diaphragm portions mounted upon said pivot shaft in spaced relationship to each other defining a slot therebetween, said slot providing clearance between said diaphragm portions and said means supporting said map body, said diaphragm adjustment means being mounted upon said pivot shaft, clockwork means connected to said map body rotating said body about said axis of symmetry and a time scale fixed relative to said base circumscribing said map body terminating edge.

2. In a world time indicator as in claim 1 wherein a circular groove is defined in said base, said dome edge being received within said groove, and means defined in said groove retaining said dome edge within said groove.

4. In a world time indicator as in claim 1 wherein a diaphragm position indicating scale is defined on said dome, said indicating scale being symmetrically related to the plane in which said axis of said diaphragm lies which is parallel to said map body axis of symmetry.