IMPROVEMENTS IN DESK BENCHES FOR SCHOOL USE
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Bernhard Fawerkamp, of the Firm of A. Lickroth & Co.,
in Frankenthal, in the Palatinate, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
DESK BENCHES FOR SCHOOL USE."
ed the 4th August 1876, and dated the 8th February 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Bernhard Fawerkamp at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th February 1876.
BERNHARD FAWERKAMP, of the Firm of A. Lickroth & Co., in Frankenthal, in
the Palatinate. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DESK BENCHES FOR SCHOOL USE."
This Invention relates to improvements in desk benches for school use, and
consists mainly in constructing the frames of iron and the other parts of wood fitted
in such manner that the seat or seats at the back may fold in under the flap or
desk proper, this being also capable of folding over to the opposite side of the frame
to reduce the width and to give space for the proper cleansing of the room in which
a number of my benches may be placed.
The seats, forned preferably of slats of wood, are attached to end frames, these
being connected rigidly by cross stays or ties, which when the seat proper is in
either position rest against rubber pads which act as buffers.
I fit angle or other plates with other stays to limit the fall or descent of each
seat, the lower end of the frame of which bears upon a lead or other yielding and
soft step piece to prevent noise.
Immediately behind where the back of the flap rests I arrange at a lower level
a dip or pocket for pens and pencils, also a hole for the ink well, over which a
cover can be slid when not in use to protect it from dust. I also form a space
through this recessed portion, down which a slate or copy book can be slipped on
edge, the lower part finding a lodgment on a ledge formed by the cut away portion
of a strip of wood. The flap when down in the position for writing on is supported
by swing brackets, which can when necessary be turned out of the way, the flap
being then folded over upon other strips of wood which serve as a back for the
boy or girl using the desk in front to lean against.
I provide a slope under the flap for other books, the front of it being clear of the
boy or girl's knees using the seat next behind.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Bernhard Fawerkamp in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th
August 1876.
BERNHARD FAWERKAMP, of the Firm of A. Lickroth & Co., in Frankenthal, in the
Palatinate. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DESK BENCHES FOR SCHOOL USE."
This Invention relates to improvements in desk benches for school use, and
consists mainly in constructing the frames of iron and the other parts of wood
fitted in such manner that the seat or seats at the back may fold in under the flap
or desk proper, this being also capable of folding over to the opposite side of the
frame to reduce the width and to give space for the proper cleansing of the room
in which a number of my benches may be placed.
The seats, formed preferably of slats of wood, are attached to end frames, these
being connected rigidly by cross stays or ties which when the seat proper is in
either position rests against rubber pads which act as buffers.
I fit angle or other plates with other stays to limit the fall or descent of each
scat, the lower end of the frame of which bear upon a lead or other yielding and
soft step piece to prevent noise.
Immediately behind where the back of the flap rests I arrange at a lower level
a dip or pocket for pens and pencils, also a hole for the ink well, over which a cover
can be slid when not in use to protect it from dust. I also form a space through
this recessed portion down which a slate or copy book can be slipped on edge, the
lower part finding a lodgment on a ledge formed by the cut away portion of a
strip of wood. The flap, when down in the position for writing on, is supported by
swing brackets which can when necessary be turned out of the way, the flap being
then folded over upon other strips of wood which serve as a back for the boy or
girl using the desk in front to lean against.
I provide a slope under the flap for other books, the front of it being clear of the
knees of the boy or girl using the seat next behind.
My Invention is clearly represented in the annexed Sheet of Drawings, in which
Figure 1 is an end view of a desk bench and seat combined; Figure 2 being a
back face view, on a smaller scale, of a desk bench with two seats.
A, A, are the two end frames (of the shape shown in section, Figure 3) on broad
feet B, B, to give rigidity to the structure when screwed down to the floor. These
end frames are held at the respective distance apart by cross stays or ties C, D, E,
F, and C, which also serve for other purposes, as hereafter explained. The upper
ends of the frames A, A, have each a pin or axle a, which support the desk H,
this resting upon projecting arms or brackets I, I, (one only of which is shown)
and against buffers b, where it is held by the screw nuts c to give solidity. Beneath
the desk is an inclined shelf J, upon which the school books can be placed as
desired. This shelf runs from one end frame to the other and is screwed to them
at the ends.
The upper parts of the end frames carry a slab hollowed on the top to receive
pens and pencils, and is recessed for the ink wells d, which should be of glass or
pottery of shape, that the last drop of ink can be taken out by the pen. Where
the slab is recessed I fit sliding plates to cover the ink wells when not in use.
At the back of the slab is a recess e, e, to permit a slate or a copy book being
dropped into it vertically, the edge of the slate resting upon the fixed piece f.
The seat K is distinct from the desk and has end frames L, L, of its own, as will
be seen particularly in Figure 2, and in section, Figure 4. These end frames are
held at the proper distance apart by the cross pieces M, M, and by the slats g
forming the seat. The seat frames rest upon buffers h, h, within the stay or tie E,
which is pocketed for the purpose of receiving the frames L, L, as on a centre,
whereby the seat frame can be " put over" into the position shown in dotted lines
by the child in the act of rising from his seat, the seat frame being free to move in
and be guided by the pieces N, N.

page_text: The stays of ties C, D, have yielding buffers i, i, upon them for the seat frame
to impinge against when thrown over to either side, to dispense with noise that
would otherwise disturb the school.
The contour of the desk frame A, A, is such that the slats P, P, P, are in con-
formity with the backs of the sitters, and these are used in conjunction with the
"shaped" seat, the two being adapted to preserve the physique of the children by
the ease and comfort with which they can sit.
The seat proper pivoted on the buffer can be thrown back clear of the path
between that and the next desk, as indicated; the desk H being also available
for folding over on to the slats P, P, to enable the school to be cleaned without
inconvenience.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention and in what manner the
saine is to be performed, I declare that I claim,-
The construction of school desk or hench and seat, as set forth and as shown.
Secondly. I claim the employment of a movable seat acting in the manner set
forth when fitted or arranged in or with a school desk or bench, as described and
substantially as shown.
In witness whereof, I, the said Bernhard Fawerkamp, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifth day of August One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-six.
BERNHARD FAWERKAMP. (L.S.)