Improvements in Shelves or Show Tables with Adjustable Leaves.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 8th June, 1897-Accepted, 28th Aug., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Shelves or Show Tables with Adjustable Leaves.
JAMES SOMERVILLE of 72 North McNab Street, in the City of Hamilton, in the
Cotinty of Wentworth in the Province of Ontario, Dominion of Canada, Merchant,
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:-
My invention relates to a commercial show table consisting of a central
leaf rigidly supported on side framework, and a series of leaves which are capable of
adjustment to different positions, each leaf being level.
The objects of my invention are, first, to provide a show table composed of a series
of leaves on one plane, and which may be adjusted to different positions, or levels,
suitable for showing goods, and second, to afford facilities for the proper adjustment
of the leaves to their respective positions either on a level plane or on different level
planes.
In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1, represents the series of leaves of the
show table as they appear when adjusted to different levels, as viewed in side
elevation.
Figure 2; is a front elevation in detail of the detached centrally connected levers
which when in position are pivoted to the central and rigid leaf.
Figure 3, is a plan of said levers as seen held in closed position in the horizontal
slots of the side frames by means of a centrally located spring.
Figure 4, is a plan of the two upper leaves of Figure 1, viewed from the front, and
Figure 5, is a reduced plan of the leaves, as seen on a plane and viewed from the
front.
The side framework of this show table is indicated by A, and the central leaf by B,
which is secured on brackets 2, which are secured to the upper and inner sides
of said framework. Between the ends of this rigid leaf and the framework a space is
allowed in order that the side straps C, may freely operate. These straps are
pivoted at 3, to each end of and near to the front of the rigid leaf, and also pivoted
at 4, to the ends of the adjustable leaves D, in the same relative position. These
leaves are hinged at 5, to the rear brace E, so that when the four outer leaves are
raised or lowered each seperate leaf will be level, or parallel, and in horizontal line
with the floor.
The levers F, are connected pivotally at 6, and are each pivoted to the underside
of the central rigid leaf at 7, and the outer ends are forced to a forward position in
their horizontal slots 8, in frame, by means of a spring S, which engages with the
front part of the pivotal connection of said levers.
In order to adjust these four outer leaves to different heights and positions in
relation to the central leaf, it will be necessary to hold one of the leaves and to push
to the rear one of the protruding ends of the levers F, from its locked position. This
locked position is when the outer ends of the levers F, are locked into one of the
openings or stops 10, which are in the semi-circular parts of the side straps C, this
locking is accomplished by means of the spring S, previously mentioned. The slots 8,

page_text: previously referred to are of sufficient length to allow the levers to fully leave the
openings or stops in the semi-circular parts of the straps, therefore, allowing this
semi-circular part to operate freely and independently of the levers.
The centres of these semi-circular forinations on straps C, are the pivotal centres 3,
at, each end of the rigid leaf. These series of openings, or stops 10, in which
the levers F, engage, allow a series of positions to the leaves, though in any
position, each leaf as also the table will be level, this feature being an important
element in the construction thereof, and essential for the proper exhibition of the
goods placed upon the table, or the leaves, in no matter what adjusted position
they may be.
It will be observed that the particular construction and adaptation of these
levers for the purpose set forth is very important, by the fact of their being
centrally connected in pivotal form, and their pivoted connection to the rigid leaf,
in conjunction with the applied spring which presses the said connected ends to the
rear, that the outer ends may engage with certain stops from a radial centre,
affords a very decided lock to the leaves of the table.
The front edges of the leaves are of convex form and the rear edges of concave
form, so that when in proximity as a table, they fit into each other, this particular
design may be reversed, or be on a perfect straight line if desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I do declare that what
I claim is :-
.
"
1st. A table of the character described consisting of a rigid leaf supported by end
frames, space between ends of leaf and frame, straps pivoted to the forward part of
the ends of leaf and to the forward parts of the ends of a series of corresponding
leaves, a rear brace or braces hinged to said leaves, levers pivotally connected and
pivoted underneath to said rigid leaf, the outer ends of levers to engage with openings
or stops formed in the central semi-circular formation of said straps to adjust the
leaves, a spring to engage with the connected part of said levers, and slots in frame
to allow the protrusion of the ends of levers for manipulation, substantially as
described.
2nd. A show table of the character described consisting of a central rigid leaf
supported by a framework, a strap pivoted to the front part of each end of
the leaf and to the front part of the ends of a series of corresponding leaves,
each said strap having a central semi-circular part with openings, or stops,
to engage with the outer parts of levers pivotally connected, and pivoted
to the underpart of said supported and central leaf, a spring to engage with
the front of said connected levers between their two pivotal parts, slots in frame to
allow the outer ends of levers to operate and to protrude for manipulation, each
leaf connected by a rear hinged brace, as described.
3rd. A show table consisting of a central rigid leaf, and a series of leaves, pivoted
at their forward ends to end straps, and hinged to a rear brace or braces and
capable of different level adjustments and held by means of pivotal connected levers,
the outer ends of which are pressed in openings as stops formed in semi-circular parts
of said straps, and said levers held in locked position in said openings, by means of a
controlling spring acting upon the front part of said levers between the pivotal points
thereof, substantially as described.