WO1994015301A1 - Dispositif de guidage facilitant les calculs - Google Patents

Dispositif de guidage facilitant les calculs Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1994015301A1
WO1994015301A1 PCT/GB1993/002640 GB9302640W WO9415301A1 WO 1994015301 A1 WO1994015301 A1 WO 1994015301A1 GB 9302640 W GB9302640 W GB 9302640W WO 9415301 A1 WO9415301 A1 WO 9415301A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
calculator
rule
guide apparatus
support
ruler
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1993/002640
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marc Stephen Bennett
Richard Appleby
Original Assignee
Yahoo Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB929226983A external-priority patent/GB9226983D0/en
Priority claimed from GB939312020A external-priority patent/GB9312020D0/en
Application filed by Yahoo Limited filed Critical Yahoo Limited
Publication of WO1994015301A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994015301A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L7/00—Straightedges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F15/00—Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general
    • G06F15/02—Digital computers in general; Data processing equipment in general manually operated with input through keyboard and computation using a built-in program, e.g. pocket calculators
    • G06F15/0216—Constructional details or arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to guide apparatus for facilitating calculations.
  • Accountants, bankers, and analysts for example, frequently have a need to make arithmetic operations on rows and columns of figures.
  • calculators are now available to assist with the arithmetical operations, it is often difficult for the operator to accurately follow the rows or columns on which the operations are being performed because there is a visual interruption between the calculator and the data.
  • the operator will move a ruler over the page to keep track of the figures which have already been included in the calculation. Although this practice does assist, it is still not ideal.
  • a guide apparatus for facilitating calculations, said guide apparatus comprising a rule having a straight edge, and a calculator apparatus connected to said rule, said calculator apparatus being connected to a part of said rule spaced from the straight edge thereof.
  • Guide apparatus of an embodiment of the invention enables the rule and the calculator apparatus to be moved simultaneously and this can considerably shorten the operator's working time.
  • the calculator apparatus may be connected to said rule along an edge opposed to said straight edge or along an edge generally transverse to said straight edge.
  • connection between the calculator apparatus and the rule is made by way of hinge means.
  • said hinge means connecting the calculator apparatus and the rule comprises a double hinge.
  • the double hinge has two substantially parallel hinge axes which extend in different planes.
  • This enables the rule and the calculator apparatus also to be arranged in different planes.
  • One of the rule and the calculator apparatus may, for example, be supported on a paper or book, whilst the other of the calculator apparatus and the rule is supported on a work surface.
  • the provision of a double hinge is particularly preferred where the calculator apparatus is connected to said transverse edge of said rule.
  • Said hinge means may be arranged to enable the rule to be selectively positioned in a first, use, position extending to one side of said calculator apparatus and in a second, folded, position extending over at least part of said calculator apparatus.
  • the hinge axes of said double hinge may enable folding of the rule to said second position.
  • a pivot axis may be provided to enable the rule to be selectively positioned in a first, use, position extending away from said calculator apparatus and in a second, non use, position in which the rule extends substantially along one edge of said calculator apparatus.
  • a recess or slot for receiving at least part of said rule when in the second position may be provided in said calculator apparatus.
  • said hinge means comprises a cranked rod having one end engaged with said rule and its opposed end engaged with said calculator apparatus.
  • said cranked rod may be substantially Z-shaped.
  • the cranked rod is preferably rotatable and/or pivotable about a longitudinal axis thereof whereby the rule and the calculator apparatus can be arranged in different planes.
  • said one end of said cranked rod is connected to said transverse edge of said rule.
  • Said cranked rod may be arranged to enable the rule to be selectively positioned in a first use position extending to one side of said calculator apparatus and near to a top edge of the calculator apparatus.
  • the rule may be selectively positioned in a second use position extending to one side of said calculator apparatus and near to a lower edge of the calculator apparatus.
  • said cranked rod releasably connects said rule and said calculator apparatus.
  • said one end thereof is a push fit into a bore provided in said rule, and the opposed end is a push fit into a corresponding bore provided in said calculator apparatus.
  • the cranked rod may be selectively disengaged from said calculator apparatus and/or said rule as required.
  • recesses are provided in said calculator apparatus " for receiving said cranked rod and said rule when not connected to said calculator apparatus.
  • said calculator apparatus comprises a calculator having a housing. The opposed end of said cranked rod is engaged with said calculator housing. If required, the calculator may be an existing calculator which has been modified by the provision of at least one bore in its housing for releasably receiving said opposed end of said cranked rod.
  • said rule is preferably a ruler.
  • This ruler may be made of any appropriate material, for example, of wood, plastics material or metal and preferably has a substantially planar underneath support surface and at least one straight edge extending longitudinally thereof.
  • said ruler is made of a transparent material and/or has a window therein.
  • Part of said ruler may comprise, or may include, a magnifying lens.
  • the transparent material of the ruler may be shaped to form a magnifying lens.
  • the ruler is marked along its length with a scale.
  • the scale and the markings can be chosen as required.
  • At least one moveable marker may be supported on said ruler and is arranged to be moveable longitudinally thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, two moveable markers are provided.
  • Said calculator apparatus may comprise support apparatus on which a writing pad, calculator, or other equipment may be supported.
  • said support apparatus is a substantially planar support member having at least one bore therein for receiving said opposed end of said cranked rod.
  • said support apparatus is substantially rectangular in shape having two opposed long sides joined by two opposed short sides.
  • a respective bore for receiving sa ' id opposed end of said cranked rod is provided in at least one of said long sides and in at least one of said short sides. This enables the orientation of the support apparatus relative to said rule to be chosen as required.
  • a respective bore is provided in each of said sides of the support to selectively enable left-handed and right-handed use in either orientation of the support.
  • said support apparatus has a substantially planar support surface on which said calculator or other equipment is received.
  • the equipment on said support apparatus may be supported to be immobile relative to said support apparatus.
  • retention means for retaining equipment on said support apparatus is provided. The provision of retention means enables an operator to use both hands to operate a calculator, for example, and guide the calculator apparatus, it being unnecessary for the operator to support the calculator.
  • Space Space may be provided on the support apparatus for logos or trademarks, for example, or for other information.
  • Said retention means may comprise one or more clips fastened to said support apparatus, one or more grooves or recesses provided in such support apparatus, one or more surf ace .
  • said support apparatus may form part of a housing of the calculator.
  • said support apparatus has a substantially planar support surface on which a calculator or other equipment may be supported.
  • the support surface may be provided with a recess to receive the calculator, for example.
  • the size of the support surface is adjustable to enable differently sized calculators to -be selectively supported thereon.
  • the size of the retention means may be adjustable.
  • said support apparatus comprises a substantially flat, hollow support body in which a corresponding substantially flat extension body is telescopically received.
  • Said retention means comprise cooperating projections carried on both said support body and on said extension body whereby relative positioning of the support body and the extension body selects the distance between corresponding projections.
  • a base surface of said support apparatus carries wheels, rollers or bearings to facilitate movement of the guide apparatus over a work surface.
  • said calculator apparatus comprises a calculator having a housing.
  • the opposed end of said cranked rod is engaged with said calculator housing.
  • the calculator housing is preferably provided with at least one bore for releasably receiving said opposed end of said cranked rod.
  • existing calculators may be simply modified by the provision of at least one bore therein in order to facilitate the connection of a rule thereto in accordance with the invention.
  • rule apparatus for releasable connection to a calculator, said rule apparatus comprising a ruler having a straight edge, the ruler being provided with a bore in an edge thereof which extends generally transverse to said straight edge, and a cranked rod having spaced ends, one of said ends of the cranked rod being releasably receivable within said bore in said transverse edge.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of guide apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a plan view from above of the apparatus of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 shows an end elevation of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 in its use position
  • Figure 4 shows an end elevation of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 in its folded position
  • Figure 5 shows a perspective view of guide apparatus of a further embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the guide apparatus of Figure 5 in an alternative use position
  • Figure 7 shows a view of the underside of support apparatus of the guide apparatus of Figures 5 and 6.
  • the embodiments of the guide apparatus illustrated are each arranged to enable a straight edge forming a guide to be moved horizontally down a page of vertical columns of figures, that movement simultaneously moving a calculator apparatus relative to the page.
  • a calculator supported on, or forming part of, the calculator apparatus may be positioned so that its display is substantially horizontally arranged relative to the straight edge such that the straight edge and the display are within a single visual field for the user. This facilitates the performance, on figures given on the page, of arithmetic operations utilising the calculator.
  • 1 to 4 of the drawings comprises an elongate ruler 2 having a straight edge 4 extending longitudinally thereof.
  • the ruler 2 is made of a plastics material which is either transparent or clear.
  • the ruler 2 has a substantially planar base surface and a curved top surface whereby the body of the ruler forms a magnifying lens.
  • a scale indicated at 6 having appropriate indicia is provided to extend longitudinally of the ruler 2.
  • the support 10 has a first hollow, substantially flat, body part 12 and a second, substantially flat, extension part 14 which is telescopically received within the body part 12.
  • the extension part 14 defines one outer transverse edge 16 of the support 10 and it will be appreciated that the relative positions of the body part 12 and of the extension part 14 can be varied to adjust the spacing between the one outer transverse edge 16 of the support 10 and the opposed outer transverse edge 18 thereof.
  • each of the parts 12 and 14 of the support 10 carries a respective pair of upstanding projections 20 arranged to form retention means for the calculator to be supported on the upper surface of the support 10.
  • the body part 12 carries two spaced, transversely aligned projections 20 which face two similarly spaced and transversely aligned projections 20 on the extension part 14. It will be appreciated that adjustment of the extension part 14 relative to the body part 12 also varies the spacing between the two pairs of projections 20.
  • a planar base surface of the body part 12 of the support 10 is provided with wheels 22 to facilitate friction free movement of the support 10 over a work surface.
  • the hinge means 8 is arranged to enable planar base surfaces of the ruler 2 and of the support 10 to extend in offset planes and is also arranged to enable the ruler 2 to be folded relative to the support 10 when the guide apparatus is not in use.
  • the hinge means 8 defines a first hinge axis 24 which is arranged to extend substantially transversely and parallel to the outer transverse edges 16 and 18 of the support 10.
  • the hinge means 8 also comprises a second hinge axis 26 which is spaced from, and extends substantially parallel to, said first hinge axis 24.
  • the hinge means 8 may be arranged such that the hinge axes 24 and 26, whilst remaining parallel to one another, extend in different planes whereby the base surfaces of the ruler 2 and of the support 10 extend similarly in different planes. As is also clear from Figure 4, the hinge means 8 enables the ruler 2 to be folded to extend over the support 10 when not in use.
  • the ruler 2 When it is required to use the guide apparatus illustrated, the ruler 2 is unfolded from the folded position shown in Figure 4 to the use position shown in Figure 3 in which the ruler 2 extends from one side of the support 10.
  • the base surface of the support 10 In the use position, the base surface of the support 10 is supported by way of the wheels 22 on a work surface.
  • the hinge means 8 is adjusted so that the base surface of the ruler 2 is resting on an adjacent book or other document.
  • the surface of the document will be higher then that of the work surface so that the base of the ruler 2 will generally need to be higher than the base of the support 10 as indicated in Figure 3.
  • the length of the support 10 is adjusted by pulling the extension part 14 outwardly of the body 12 and a calculator or other equipment is positioned on the surface of support 10 between the projections 20.
  • the extension part 14 is then moved inwardly relative to the body part 12 until the calculator is effectively gripped between the projections 20.
  • the guide apparatus is then ready for use.
  • the body part 12 and the extension part 14 of the support 10 are provided with cooperating means to define the limits of their relative movement.
  • the cooperating means comprise cooperating cut-outs and projections indicated at 30 and 32 provided on the upper support surfaces thereof to act as stops defining the limit of the inward movement of the extension part 14 relative to the body part 12.
  • Appropriate stops may also be provided, for example, internally of the body part 12, to limit the outward movement.
  • the operator positions the calculator on the support 10 so that the visual display thereof is substantially aligned with the ruler 2, for example, with its straight edge 4 or with its magnifying lens.
  • the operator then moves the guide apparatus, for example, by way of the ruler 2, down the page and operates the calculator to add up each of the figures uncovered by the straight edge 4.
  • the guide apparatus moves the guide apparatus, for example, by way of the ruler 2, down the page and operates the calculator to add up each of the figures uncovered by the straight edge 4.
  • the guide apparatus is moved over the page, the straight edge and the visual display of the calculator remain in exactly the same position relative to one another.
  • FIG. 5 to 7 A further embodiment of guide apparatus of the invention is illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, and in these figures features of the guide apparatus which are substantially the same as those of the apparatus of Figures 1 to 4 have been accorded the same reference numerals.
  • the embodiment of the guide apparatus shown in Figures 5 to 7 of the drawings similarly comprises an elongate ruler 2 with a straight edge 4.
  • a scale (not visible), having appropriate indicia, may be provided to extend longitudinally of the ruler 2.
  • the calculator apparatus to which the ruler 2 is connected by way of hinge means 8, comprises a substantially rectangular support 10 having a substantially planar, upper support surface 50.
  • a calculator (not shown) may be arranged to sit on the support surface 50 and in this respect the surface 50 may be covered or configured to retain the calculator in position, and/or to restrain the calculator against movement relative to the surface 50.
  • the support surface 50 may be covered with a plush or ridged fabric arranged to res'train movement of the calculator relative to the surface 50.
  • adhesive pads or other physical retention means may be provided and engaged with the calculator and the surface 50.
  • the support 10 has two opposed long sides 52 which are joined by two opposed short sides 54.
  • a respective bore 56 is provided substantially centrally along the length of at least one of the long sides 52 and of at least one of the short sides 54.
  • the provision of bores 56 in both long and short sides 52, 54 enables the orientation of the support 10 relative to the ruler 2 to be chosen as is required.
  • Figures 5 and 6 in that, in Figure 5 the support 10 is arranged with its maximum dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the ruler 2.
  • the support 10 has been rotated through 90°.
  • the hinge means 8 is formed by a cranked rod 60 having two spaced ends which are not only spaced longitudinally along the length of the rod but are also offset with respect to one another.
  • the cranked rod 60 is substantially Z-shaped. As can be seen, one end of the rod 60 is received within a bore 58 provided in a transverse edge of the ruler 2. The opposed end of the rod 60 is received in a selected one of the bores 56 in the support 10. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 the rod is engaged in a bore 56 in one of the long sides 52 of the support 10, whereas in the arrangement illustrated in Figure 6 the end of the rod 60 is engaged within a bore 56 in one of the short sides 54.
  • the ends of the rod 60 are a push fit in the respective bores 56, 58 in the ruler 2 and in the support 10. The connection is such that each end of the rod 60 is rotatable within its respective bore but can be released from the bore when required.
  • the hinge means 8 shown in Figure 5 provided by the cranked rod 60 enables the planar base surfaces of the ruler 2 and of the support 10 to extend in offset planes. In this respect, it is necessary only to move the ruler 2 to the desired orientation relative to the support 10, rotation of the ends of the rod 60 relative to the bores in the support and/or ruler enabling the required movement. Furthermore, the ruler 2 in Figure 5 may be moved from the position illustrated in which the straight edge 4 thereof is near the top one of the short sides 54 of the support 10 to a second position in which the ruler 2 extends substantially parallel to its original position but is nearer to the bottom short side 54 of the support 10.
  • the apparatus is set up for use by a right- handed person.
  • the ruler 2 For use by a left-handed person the ruler 2, cranked rod 60 and support 10 are disconnected, one end of the cranked rod is then inserted in a further bore 58 provided in the other transverse edge of the ruler 2, and the opposed end of the cranked rod 60 is then inserted in a further bore 56 provided in the opposite long side 52 of the support 10 .
  • Figure 7 shows a view of the underside of the support 10 of Figures 5 and 6.
  • the underside of the support 10 is provided with a recess 62 in which the ruler 2 may by received.
  • the Z- shaped rod 60 is clipped into a guide path therefore defined in the underside of the housing 10 and is held, for example, in position by appropriate ribs 64 formed on the underside of the housing.
  • the underside of the support 10 may be provided with rollers, skis or other means to facilitate movement of the support 10 over a page or other surface.
  • a substantially rectangular support 10 is provided on which a calculator is to be supported.
  • a calculator is generally provided in a housing and it is possible for said support to provide the calculator housing.
  • the housing of a conventional calculator may be provided with bores, as 56, in one or more of the sides thereof.
  • a standard calculator provided with bores in its housing may then have a ruler 2 connected thereto by way of a cranked rod 60.
  • a calculator housing is provided with formations on its underside and clearly it would be possible to enable such recesses to hold the cranked rod and/or the ruler when not in use.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Drawing Aids And Blackboards (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif de guidage comprend une règle allongée (2) à bord droit (4), reliée par un élément d'articulation (8) à un dispositif (50) à calculatrice. Ce dispositif de guidage permet de déplacer le bord droit (4) de la règle, en même temps que le dispositif à calculatrice, de manière horizontale de haut en bas sur une feuille comprenant des colonnes verticales de chiffres. Une calculatrice soutenur par le dispositif (50) ou incorporée dans ce dernier est placée de façon que son affichage et le bord droit soit situés dans le même champ visuel de l'utilisateur afin de faciliter l'exécution des calculs arithmétiques. Le dispositif (50) à calculatrice peut soutenir une calculatrice ou peut constituer cette dernière. Selon un mode de réalisation, le dispositif (50) à calculatrice et la règle (2) présentent des trous (56, 58) leur permettant de recevoir les extrémités d'une tige coudée (60) formant l'élément d'articulation (8).
PCT/GB1993/002640 1992-12-24 1993-12-23 Dispositif de guidage facilitant les calculs WO1994015301A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9226983.6 1992-12-24
GB929226983A GB9226983D0 (en) 1992-12-24 1992-12-24 Guide apparatus for facilitating calculations
GB939312020A GB9312020D0 (en) 1993-06-10 1993-06-10 Guide apparatus for facilitating calculations
GB9312020.2 1993-06-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994015301A1 true WO1994015301A1 (fr) 1994-07-07

Family

ID=26302232

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1993/002640 WO1994015301A1 (fr) 1992-12-24 1993-12-23 Dispositif de guidage facilitant les calculs

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1994015301A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7801766B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2010-09-21 You Technology Brand Services, Inc. Method, system, and computer readable medium for facilitating a transaction between a customer, a merchant and an associate

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3918635A (en) * 1974-09-16 1975-11-11 Restaurant Technology Menu and price calculator
GB2114759A (en) * 1982-02-08 1983-08-24 Gerber Scient Products Inc Automated measuring scale
JPS60190801A (ja) * 1984-03-10 1985-09-28 Shinko Electric Co Ltd 電子スケ−ル
WO1990008938A1 (fr) * 1989-01-24 1990-08-09 Jacques Chazal Instrument de mesure d'angle et de traçage avec affichage direct de l'angle et/ou des valeurs trigonometriques correspondantes

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3918635A (en) * 1974-09-16 1975-11-11 Restaurant Technology Menu and price calculator
GB2114759A (en) * 1982-02-08 1983-08-24 Gerber Scient Products Inc Automated measuring scale
JPS60190801A (ja) * 1984-03-10 1985-09-28 Shinko Electric Co Ltd 電子スケ−ル
WO1990008938A1 (fr) * 1989-01-24 1990-08-09 Jacques Chazal Instrument de mesure d'angle et de traçage avec affichage direct de l'angle et/ou des valeurs trigonometriques correspondantes

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 10, no. 45 (P - 430) 21 February 1986 (1986-02-21) *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7801766B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2010-09-21 You Technology Brand Services, Inc. Method, system, and computer readable medium for facilitating a transaction between a customer, a merchant and an associate
US8321291B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2012-11-27 You Technology Brand Service, Inc. Method, system and computer readable medium for facilitating a transaction between a customer, a merchant and an associate
US8332277B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2012-12-11 You Technology Brand Services, Inc. Method, system and computer readable medium for facilitating a transaction between a customer, a merchant and an associate

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