US3849978A

US3849978A - Time indicating means

Info

Publication number: US3849978A
Application number: US00331227A
Authority: US
Inventors: E Davis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-02-09
Filing date: 1973-02-09
Publication date: 1974-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 1991-11-26
Also published as: CA984160A; DE2405667A1; CH584924B5; JPS49114461A; CH181474A4; JPS5732350B2; GB1442267A

Abstract

In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means which includes plurality of generally parallel discs arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an upright standard. The discs are fabricated of translucent material for transmitting light rays therethrough from the center of the discs, at the standard, to the outer marginal edges of the discs which define 360* time indicating reference strips whereby the time indication of the discs may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument. The discs are arranged in four relatively spaced clusters of three discs each in any number of twelve discs along the standard whereby each cluster may represent a three hour increment of time and/or each of the four clusters facilitate representing a one-quarter hour increment of time.

Description

United States Patent [191 Davis 1 Nov. 26, 1974 TIME INDICATING MEANS [76] Inventor: Edward W. Davis, Box 203, West Baden, Ind. 47469 [22] Filed: Feb. 9, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 331,227

[52] US. Cl. 58/50 R, 58/2, 58/127 R [51] Int. Cl G04b 19/30, G04b 45/00, G04b 19/06 [58] Field of Search 40/52 R, 130 R, 132 G; 58/2, 50 R, 125 C, 127 R, 125 B;116/1, 114

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,777,550 10/1935 Graig 40/130R 2,023,677 12/1935 Fowler 58/44 2,256,412 9/1941 Scott 58/50 2,970,426 2/1961 Kottmann 58/55 X 3,266,019 8/1966 Beckwith 40/52 R X 3,593,515 7/1971 Schockner et al. 58/127 R 3,611,705 10/1971 Niznik 58/125 C 3,673,787 7/1972 Kovacevic 58/50 R Primary Examiner-Edith Simmons Jackmon Attorney, Agent, or FirmCoffee & Sweeney [57] ABSTRACT In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means which includes plurality of generally parallel discs arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an upright standard. The discs are fabricated of translucent material for transmitting light rays therethrough from the center of the discs, at the standard, to the outer marginal edges of the discs which define 360 time indicating reference strips whereby the time indication of the discs may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument. The discs are arranged in four relatively spaced clusters of three discs each in any number of twelve discs along the standard whereby each cluster may represent a three hour increment of time and/or each of the four clusters facilitate representing a one-quarter hour increment of time.

18 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENIE I-IUVZB I974 RELAYS AND 1-MINUTE HOLDING VARIABLE RESISTORS SHEET 30F 3 I ||2 20C 20D 20E |6|A I68 |6CI6D ISE |6F I66 I6H ISI IIGJISKITL i-HouR HOLDING RELAYS AND- VARIABLE RESISTORS I08 us l-HOUR STEPPING SWITCH 1 MINUTE 5- MINUTE STEPPING STEPPING SWITCH SWITCH H FIG. ll

/'IOO I RPM.

5 MOTOR AND SWITCHES no VAC/I02 TIME INDICATING MEANS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed toward time pieces and particularly is directed toward clocks.

More particularly, the invention aims to provide indicating means for use in an electric clock or the like for the indication of time without employing an ordinary dial, including moving hands and the like, such as has been considered necessary in clocks heretofore, and to provide for the indication of time by stationary luminous indicia and for the indication of time in approximately all directions.

A standard clock dial normally is oriented in one plane, so that where it is desired to give time indication in other directions, separate clock dials are necessary with individual clock mechanisms. Obviously, such multiplicity of dials and clock mechanisms is expensive and normally is provided only in four-faced clocks. Theoretically, a single one-plane clock dial may be read at points of observation ranging through an angle of 180 (i.e., from any point of observation within 90 on either side of the perpendicular from the face of the clock dial). However, practically, such readability actually extends only through an angle of approximately 150, which angle is bisected by the perpendicular to the clock dial.

The present invention is directed to the provision of new and improved indicating means for use in time pieces such as clocks or the like for indicating time in all directions, 360, whereby its time indication may be read and understood from any point of observation laterally of the device. This is possible in the present invention without any appreciable increase in cost in the construction of the device.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, an upright standard in the form ofa central, vertically oriented column spans the vertical height of the time indicating instrument. It is within this column that appropriate lighting means and circuitry well within the purview of one skilled in the art is disposed. A plurality of indicating elements are arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along the upright column. The indicating elements are generally disc-shaped and are fabricated of translucent material for transmitting light rays therethrough from the centers of the discs, at the upright standard, to the outer marginal edges of the discs which define 360 time indicating reference strips i whereby the time indication of any one or more of the strips may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument. The discs may be fabricated of plastic, fiber glass or other appropriate material.

The translucent time-indicating discs are arranged in four relatively spaced clusters of three discs in any number of twelve discs extending along the upright standard. In this manner, while each disc may represent an hour increment of time, each cluster may represent a 3-hour increment of time and, with proper lighting effects, each of the four clusters of three discs may also represent a one-quarter hour increment of time. This arrangement and division ofthe discs into such clusters greatly facilitates the readability ofthe time represented by the indicating means by individuals who have become accustomed to the manner in which present clock dials most often are arranged, particularly where the 3-6-9-12 hours are highlighted.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of time indicating means in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view similar to that of FIG. 1 of another form of the invention;

FIG. 3. is an elevational view of a form of the invention utilizing an exterior relatively movable cylindrical member for exposing the time indicating discs;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a cluster of three laminated discs;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view ofa cluster of three discs having concave peripheral edges;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hexagonally shaped time indicating element;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view, on a reduced scale, of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 2 and surrounded by a transparent spherical enclosure;

FIGS. 8a through 8c are still other forms of the invention similar to those shown in FIGS. I and 2, but with different size relationships for the time indicating discs;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a form of the invention for indicating time over a 24-hour period;

FIG. 10 is another form of the invention for indicating time over a 24-hour period; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of appropriate circuit elements which may be utilized with the indicating elements I6-a through 16-! and 20-a through 20-c in the above Figs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As stated above, the time indicating means of the present invention is designed for the purposes of time indication which may be seen from any point of observation 360 laterally of the instrument in which the indicating means is used. In other words, at the present time, with most clocks, an observer not only must face the clock, but the clock dial itself must be facing the observer in order to read the time. Should the clock dial be facing in a different direction, the observer must move into position in order to be able to read the time on the dial. With the present invention, it is only necessary that the observer himself face the clock in order to tell the time indicated thereby because, due to the new and improved design, .the time indication is radimost clocks available at the present time.

In carrying out the aforementioned objects and/or purposes, and, referring first to FIG. 1, the time indicating means of the present invention, generally designated 12, includes an upright elongated standard 14 which is in the form ofa generally hollow tubular member within which may be housed the electrical circuitry,

including lighting means, for progressively illuminating one or more of a plurality of indicating elements l6-a 3 through 16-1. The circuitry may include known devices such as cam operated or electrically operated stepdown counters for progressively illuminating appropriate lighting means. Reference can be made to prior US. Pat. Nos. to Scott 2,256,412; Vissing 2,193,992; Demby 3,258,906; Goldman 3,003,305; and Adams 2,169,208 which show various types of appropriate circuitry and which are incorporated herein by reference.

The time indicating elements 16-a through 16-1 are disc shaped and are fabricated of translucent material, such as plastic or fiber glass, for transmitting light rays therethrough from the centers of the discs, at the upright standard 14, to the outer edges of the discs which define 360 time indicating reference strips. Thus, the edges of the discs may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument. Appropriate slits or apertures are made in the tubular upright standard 14 for transmitting light from the inside thereof through the discs to their outer peripheries. The light initially would enter the discs by means of apertures 18 (FIG. 6) which surround the tubular upright standard 14. By utilizing the translucent discs 16-a through 16-1, twelve hours in a day would be represented thereby, by progressive illumination of the discs sequentially from the top disc l6-a through the bottom disc 16-1. More particularly, by illuminating the top disc 16-a, the l oclock hour would be represented thereby. Illumination of the second disc 16-b would indicate the 2 oclock hour. Illumination of the third disc 16-c would indicate the 3 oclock hour, and so on through the twelfth disc l6-1which would represent the 12 oclock hour. Preferably, the discs would be illuminated progressively from the disc 16-a through the disc 16-1, and all previously illuminated discs would remain illuminated to facilitate reading the so indicated time. Of course, only one disc could be illuminated at any one time, if so desired.

In addition to indicating an hour in a given time period, the discs could be utilized to indicate or represent -minute increments by the use of flashing lights within the tubular upright standard 14. In other words, ifdiscs 16-a through 16-c were illuminated, the 3 o'clock hour. would be indicated. Should disc 16-@ be flashing, the instrument would indicate 25 minutes past 3 oclock.

Actually, the flashing of disc 16-( would represent a full 5-minute increment and the time might be anywhere from 25 to 29 minutes after the hour.

Should yet smaller increments of time be desired, additional discs 20-a through 20-e could be employed on the tubular standard '14 for indicating l-minute intervals of any S-minute time period as represented by a flashing disc l6-a through 16-1. In other words, should discs 16-a through 16-c again be illuminated along the flashing disc 16-e, and the disc 20-a also is illuminated, the time obviously would be 26 minutes past 3 oclock. Should disc 20-b also be illuminated, the time would be 27 minutes past 3 oclock, and so on.

In addition to being omni-directional, the illuminatable discs of the present invention would have many other advantages such as being readable from much greater distances than a standard clock of the same size. Furthermore, when practically all of the discs 16-a through 16-1 are lighted, one immediately would know for instance, represent 3-hour increments of time, but,

with the discs also being utilized to indicate 5-minute increments, a one-quarter hour increment of time is readily ascertainable.

The indicating means of the present invention could take many configurations. FIG. 1 shows the discs 16-a through 16-1 in a global type pattern. This could represent earth time. FIG. 2 shows the discs in somewhat of-a cone shape. It might be pointed out that the smaller discs 20a through 20e also could take the form of a cone conforming to the contour of the discs l6-a through 16-1. FIG. 8a shows the discs in a cylindrical size relationship which possibly might be more easily read from a greater distance. The discs shown in FIGS. 8b and take somewhat the form of an hour-glass shape. I

FIG. 3 shows the discs arranged in a cylindrical configuration such as that shown in FIG. 8a, and a hollow cylindrical member 22 is positionable about the series of discs. With this arrangement, the cylinder 22 could be provided for progressive movement relative to the discs longitudinally of the upright standard to expose the discs progressively from 16-a through 16-1. In other words, the identification of the discs with this arrangement would not be limited to internal progressive lighting. As the cylinder is moved vertically, in the direction of arrow A for instance, the discs would be exposed one at a time (including half discs as shown) to indicate the time.

FIG. 4 shows a cluster of three

discs

24, 25 and 26 which are laminated in layers. These three discs correspond to discs l6-a through l6-c, for instance. The layers facilitate a single disc indicating both an hour increment as well as a 5-minute increment, as described above. In other words, the top layer 24a of disc 24 would represent an hour increment of time, such as 1 oclock. The bottom layer 24b of disc 24 would indicate the first 5-minute interval after-the hour, and so on along the upright standard 14 as described above with reference to the discs 16-a through l6-I. The layers of any one of the laminated discs could be differently colored for ease of identification, or the lighting for the layers of the discs could have different intensities.

FIG. 5 shows a cluster, generally designated 28, of three discs 30 which have concave edges in order to provide better reflection of light as viewed from various transverse angles relative to the plane of the discs. Alternatively, greater light reflection also could be provided by making the edges of the discs convex in configuration. 1

FIG. 6 shows a disc 32 which, instead of being circunally shaped. This shape would provide a plurality of distinct facets or flat edge portions 34, 360 about the disc. Of course, other irregularly shaped edges are contemplated.

FIG. 7 shows the time indicating discs in the configuration of FIG. 2, with the entire instrument enclosed by a spherical transparent cover 36 of plastic, glass, or the like, to prevent dust and dirt from settling on the discs.

IQS. 9 a n d 10 show the invention incorporated in 24 hour time indicating devices whereby eight clusters, generally designated 38, of three discs in each cluster are arranged in relatively spaced relationship along an upright standard 14a, with a cluster 40 of five smaller discs at the bottom of the standard 14a for l-minute increment time indication. The arrangement shown in FIG. 9 is similar to that shown in FIG. 2 but with two sets of the discs l6-a through 16-! (FIG. 2) along the upright standard 14a. This arrangement would facilitate the telling of time where the day is divided into two 12-hour A.M. and RM. portions.

The arrangement shown in FIG. 10 is such that clusters 42 of these discs in each cluster are arranged in a progressively uniform decreasing pattern and would be more appropriate when time is read and recorded in full 24-hour indications, such as in military organization where time is read over a full 24-hour period, such as 15:06 oclock. For that specific time, the top five clusters 42 of three discs each would be illuminated, the top disc in the top cluster thereof would be flashing, and the top disc of the cluster 40 of the minute discs would be illuminated.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of appropriate circuit components which may be utilized for lighting the discs l6-a-l6-1 and -a20-c. The diagram is a block diagram and shows a one-fifth rpm motor and appropriate switches designated by block 100, the motor deriving its power from an appropriate source as at 102. The motor could have a five lobed cam operating appropriate electrical switches which would send an electrical pulse through line 104 to a stepping switch 106. Each time the stepping switch 106 progresses, one of five holding relays, indicated by block 108 closes to send current to any type of appropriate lamps, indicated by the numerals 20-a through 20-e, as at 110, for lighting the discs 20-a through 20-e. Any appropriate lighting disposed within thecolumn 14 in registry with the discs so as to radiate light rays outwardly therethrough may be used. Similarly, appropriate lighting means, as at 112, may be disposed within the column 14 behind the discs l6-a through 16-! for lighting the same through a 5 minute stepping switch 114, a 1

hour stepping switch

116 and 12 1 hour holding relays, indicated by the single block 118. The 5 minute stepping switch may be operatively associated with any known type of flashing mechanism to flash the lighting means behind the discs to indicate 5 minute intervals as described in the foregoing specification. The one hour stepping switch would be connected to the 1 hour holding relays for indicating through any appropriate lighting means the hours represented by the discs 16-a-l6-l. Of course, it is to be understood that the circuit components shown in FIG. 11 are exemplary only and other wiring diagrams, cam operated switches and other circuit components may be utilized with the indicating means shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, such as the full wiring setup shown in the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 2,256,412.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom as some modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of indicating elements arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, each element defining a 360 time indicating reference strip whereby its time indication may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument, and means arranging said indicating element in four relatively spaced clusters of three elements in any number of 12 elements along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a 3-hour increment of time and each of the four clusters of three elements may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time.

2. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of indicating elements arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, each element defining a 360 time indicating reference strip whereby its time indication may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument, said indicating means being discshaped and fabricated of translucent material for transmitting light rays therethrough from the centers of the discs, at said standard, to their outer peripheries which define said reference strips, and means arranging said indicating elements in four relatively spaced clusters of three elements in any number of 12 elements along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a 3-hour increment of time and each ofthe four clusters of three elements may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time.

3. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of indicating elements arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, each element defining a 360 time indicating reference strip whereby its time indication may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument, means arranging said indicating elements in four relatively spaced clusters of three elements in any number of 12 elements along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a three-hour increment of time and each of the four clusters of three elements may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time, and a plurality of spaced apart 360 time indicating sub-elements at one end of said standard, said sub-elements being substantially reduced in radial dimensions than said first mentioned indicating elements for representing one-minute increments of time.

4. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of indicating elements arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, each element defining a 360 time indicating reference strip whereby its time indication may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument, means arranging said indicating elements in four relatively spaced clusters of three elements in any number of 12 elements along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a three-hour increment of time and each of the four clusters of three elements may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time, and an opaque tubular member surrounding said indicatingelements, said elongated standard being generally on the axis of said tubular member, whereby the tubular member may be moved axially of said indieating elements to progressively expose the elements for time indicating purposes.

5. The time indicating means of claim 2 wherein the peripheries of at least some of said indicating discs are concave substantially continuously about the discs to provide annular concave light indicating bands.

6. The time indicating means of claim 2 wherein at least some of said indicating discs are formed of generally radially coextensive, axially laminated disc portions.

7. The time indicating means of claim 19 wherein at least some of said indicating discs are polygonal in shape to provide a plurality of straight edge surfaces about the periphery of the discs.

8. The time indicating means of claim 2 wherein said indicating discs progressively increase in diameter from one endmost disc to a central disc along said standard and then progressively decrease in diameter from the central disc to the opposite endmost disc so as to give a globe effect over all the discs.

9. The time indicating means of claim 2 wherein said indicating discs progressively increase in diameter from one endmost disc, along said standard to the opposite endmost disc.

10. The time indicating means of claim 2 wherein said indicating discs progressively decrease in diameter from one endmost disc to a central disc along said standard and then progressively increase in diameter from the central disc to the opposite endmost disc so as to give an hourglass effect over all the discs.

11. The time indicating means of claim 1 including two sets of 12 indicating elements lengthwise along said standard, each set comprising four of said clusters of three elements, and each set being distinguishable from the other to provide a 24 hour A.M.-P.M. indicating means.

12. The time indicating means of claim 11 wherein said sets of indicating elements are made distinguishable from each other by forming two identically tapered sets of 12 indicating elements, with the elements of each set progressively decreasing in diameter from one end thereof to the other.

13. The time indicating means of claim 1 including a spherical transparent enclosure for said indicating means.

14. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of disc-shaped indicating elements arranged in generally parallel, spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, the discs being fabricated of substantially solid translucent material for transmitting light rays through the bodies of the discs from the centers thereof, at said standard, to the outer peripheries thereof which define 360 time indicating strips which may be illuminated and seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument.

15. The time indicating means of claim 14 wherein the peripheries of at least some of said indicating discs are concave substantially continuously about the discs to provide annular concave light indicating bands.

16. The time indicating means of claim 14 wherein at least some of said indicating discs are formed of generally radially coextensive, axially laminated disc portions.

17. The time indicating means of claim 14 wherein at least some of said indicating discs are polygonal in shape to provide a plurality of straight edge surfaces about the periphery of the discs.

18. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: means defining a plurality of elongated, generally parallel time indicating strips which may be distinguishably set out from each other visually,

increment of time and each of the four clusters of three strips may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time.

=r r l r=

Claims

1. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of indicating elements arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, each element defining a 360* time indicating reference strip whereby its time indication may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument, and means arranging said indicating elements in four relatively spaced clusters of three elements in any number of 12 elements along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a 3-hour increment of time and each of the four clusters oF three elements may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time.

2. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of indicating elements arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, each element defining a 360* time indicating reference strip whereby its time indication may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument, said indicating means being disc-shaped and fabricated of translucent material for transmitting light rays therethrough from the centers of the discs, at said standard, to their outer peripheries which define said reference strips, and means arranging said indicating elements in four relatively spaced clusters of three elements in any number of 12 elements along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a 3-hour increment of time and each of the four clusters of three elements may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time.

3. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of indicating elements arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, each element defining a 360* time indicating reference strip whereby its time indication may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument, means arranging said indicating elements in four relatively spaced clusters of three elements in any number of 12 elements along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a three-hour increment of time and each of the four clusters of three elements may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time, and a plurality of spaced apart 360* time indicating sub-elements at one end of said standard, said sub-elements being substantially reduced in radial dimensions than said first mentioned indicating elements for representing one-minute increments of time.

4. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of indicating elements arranged in spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, each element defining a 360* time indicating reference strip whereby its time indication may be seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument, means arranging said indicating elements in four relatively spaced clusters of three elements in any number of 12 elements along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a three-hour increment of time and each of the four clusters of three elements may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time, and an opaque tubular member surrounding said indicating elements, said elongated standard being generally on the axis of said tubular member, whereby the tubular member may be moved axially of said indicating elements to progressively expose the elements for time indicating purposes.

7. The time indicating means of claim 2 wherein at least some of said indicating discs are polygonal in shape to provide a plurality of straight edge surfaces about the periphery of the discs.

14. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: a plurality of disc-shaped indicating elements arranged in generally parallel, spaced apart relationship lengthwise along an elongated standard, the discs being fabricated of substantially solid translucent material for transmitting light rays through the bodies of the discs from the centers thereof, at said standard, to the outer peripheries thereof which define 360* time indicating strips which may be illuminated and seen from any point of observation laterally of the instrument.

18. In an instrument for indicating time, indicating means, comprising: means defining a plurality of elongated, generally parallel time indicating strips which may be distinguishably set out from each other visually, as by appropriate lighting, means arranging said strips in four generally parallel, relatively spaced clusters of three strips in any number of 12 strips along said standard whereby each cluster may represent a three-hour increment of time and each of the four clusters of three strips may represent a one-quarter hour increment of time.