Year: 1898

page_text: We, THE NORTH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL FURNISHING COMPANY LIMITED, of
Blackwellgate, Darlington, in the County of Durham, and JOHN WILKS, of
Thornaby on Tees, in the County of York, Commercial Traveller, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a desk or seat the top of which may be moved back-
wards or forwards to or from the scholar and is designed to provide for the
parallel movement of such top or the simultaneous movement of both ends even
though the pressure be applied unequally or at one end only.
In carrying out the invention metal arms or links or the like are pivoted to
the framework of the desk or seat. These are disposed preferably two at either
end of the top or moveable part and are pivoted on separate centres. The links
work in pairs and are so pivoted or adjusted in length that the desk when in use
for writing is inclined or slanting and when pushed back is horizontal.
One or both pairs of the links are connected together by a rod or bar of iron
or wood so that on the moving of the link at one end, the corresponding link is
moved at the same time. The links may be connected together either at their
top or bottom ends or at both ends if desired. This action of this cross bar or rod
is to operate both ends of the desk at the same time and thus secure a parallel
or even movement of the desk or seat irrespective of the position of the person
moving it.
In a modified construction we may use only one pair of links with rod as
described and by making a joint or swivelling connection near the desk top, the
said top may be turned into a vertical position.
Instead of connected links the top of the desk or seat may be provided with
a pinion at each end connected together by a rod or spindle the pinions working
in racks attached to the frame or a rack may be attached at each end of the top
to be moved and travel over coupled pinions carried in bearings in the frame.
Or a couple of pairs of links working in lazy tongs fashion, the ends sliding
upon a bar or rod, may be employed for the same purpose.
The parts may be secured in any position by means of a suitable catch.
The invention is applicable to various well known forms of desks and seats.
The advantage of this arrangement is that the desk is brought into a more
convenient position for writing purposes while allowing extra space for the
scholar in rising and moving along between desk and seat.
Dated this 11th day of February 1898.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
6, Bank Street, Manchester, Patent Agents.

page_text: Improvements in School Desks and Seats.
We, THE NORTH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL FURNISHING COMPANY, LIMITED, of
Blackwellgate, Darlington, in the County of Durham, and JOHN WILKS, of
Thornaby on Tees, in the County of York, Commercial Traveller, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement: —
This invention relates to a desk or seat the top of which may be moved back-
wards or forwards to or from the scholar and is designed to provide for the
parallel movement of such top or the simultaneous movement of both ends even
though the pressure be applied unequally or at one end only.
The invention will be fully described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Fig. 1. Side elevation of desk (partly in section) constructed in accordance
with the invention, shown as a writing desk.
Fig. 2. Side elevation of desk (partly in section) constructed in accordance with
the invention, shown as a desk for Kindergarten work.
Fig. 3. Detached perspective view of connecting rail.
Fig. 4. Side elevation showing a modified arrangement.
Fig. 5. Side elevation showing another modification.
Figs. 6 & 7. Plan showing lazy tongs joint extended and closed.
Fig. 8. Side elevation showing another modification.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 the top or table A of the desk is supported at each
end on two metal arms or links B C which at their lower ends are pivoted to the
frame D on pins or pivots d and at their upper ends are pivoted to the top or
table A by pins or pivots a.
The links B and C are of such a length or so placed relatively to each other
that when the desk is in position for writing with the top drawn forward the top
is inclined or slanting and when pushed back the top is horizontal. Or the top
may be horizontal in both positions.
The pair of links B-one at either end of the top A-are rigidly connected by
a rod or bar E of iron or wood so that on the moving of the link at one end of
the desk the link at the other end moves at the same time thus giving a per-
fectly parallel and synchronous movement, to the top of the desk. Similarly
the two links C are connected together. Or if desired one pair only of the links
may be thus connected.
.
The links may be connected by the bar E at their top or bottom ends or at
both ends forming a frame but we at present prefer to connect them at the top
ends as in Fig. 3 the links B and bar E being formed in one piece.
Referring to Fig. 4 one pair of links B only is employed connected together
by the bar E the top or table A being pivoted thereto. The frame D or the
links B are. fitted at each end with a stop G to prevent the top moving too far
in either direction and the top A is also provided with stops H to regulate or
control the distance it will swivel but at the same time permitting it to be moved
into a vertical position at the side furthest from the seat to present a back to
the seat next adjacent to it.
Referring to Fig. 5 the desk is provided with two links B and C¹ at each end
the links B being connected by the bars E as described. The links C¹ are pivoted
to the table A at their upper ends and the lower ends slide in a slot groove or
guide in the frame D. The slot d¹ is provided with notches at intervals to
support and hold the table or top A in any position or any inclination. Instead

page_text: of or in addition to the notches a bolt and nut may be employed to secure the
back link or stay C¹ in position.
Referring to Figs. 6 and 7 a similar parallel movement of the top A of the
desk is obtained by mounting it upon a pair of links B¹ working in lazy tongs
fashion the ends of the links B' sliding upon the bar or rod E.
Referring to Fig. 8, instead of connected links the top A of the desk may be
provided with a pinion H¹ at each end connected together by a rod or spindle E¹
the pinions H working in racks K attached to the frame or a rack may be
attached at each end of the top A to be moved and travel over coupled pinions
carried in bearings in the frame.
In either of the arrangements or modifications shown the top A may be secured
in position by a spring catch or the like.
The action of the cross bar or rod E is to operate both ends of the desk at the
same time and thus secure a parallel or even movement of the desk or seat
irrespective of the position of the person moving it.
The invention is applicable to a movable seat as well as to the top of a lesk
and is applicable to various well known forms of desks and seats.
The advantage of this arrangement is that the desk is brought into a more
convenient position for writing purposes while allowing extra space for the
scholar in rising and moving along between desk and seat.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:
-
1. A desk or seat constructed with a movable top mounted upon links to enable
it to move backwards and forwards such links at the opposite ends of the desk
move together sub-
being connected by a rod or bar to cause them to act or
stantially as described.
2. A desk or seat constructed with movable top in combination with links B
and C at both ends and a connecting har such as E to cause both ends to move
at the same time substantially as and for the purpose described.
3. A desk or seat with movable top constructed and arranged substantially as
described and shown with reference to either of the figs. of the drawings.
ember 1808
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Manchester, Liverpool, and London, Patent Agents.