Improvements in Folding Tables, Desks, and the like.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Aug., 1899-Accepted, 11th Nov., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Folding Tables, Desks, and the like.
I, JOHN SHARP, of 88, Poole Road, Bournemouth West, Cabinet Maker, 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 an improved folding table capable of being used
for a variety of purposes including a sloping desk and which can be folded
into a small compass when not required for use.
The improved table is constructed by means of a pair of trestles of any
preferred shape or design the members of each being pivotted together where
they cross each other.
A table top is pivotted at its back and directly to one of the members of each
trestle, while at its front end, the table top is pivotted to links which are in
turn attached to the other members of each trestle. By this means the table
top may be used in the horizontal position or it may be sloped for use as a
writing or reading desk.
Suitable means hereinafter described are used for adjusting and fixing the
table top whether horizontal or sloping.
I will now describe my invention with reference to the accompanying draw-
ings in which :-
― :
:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the table ready for use with the top in a
horizontal position.
Fig. 2 shows a similar view with the top sloping.
Fig. 3 shows the table folded and propped up by a prop .
Fig. 4 shows a front elevation of the upper part of the table, shewing the
action of the hinged stops h by the dotted lines.
a, a', are the two members of one trestle and b, 61, are those of the other
trestle. The members are pivotted together where they cross at a² and ba
respectively and are strengthened by the cross stays 6. The members a, b, are
pivotted at c directly to the table top d. The members a, b, which are shorter
than a and b, are fitted at their upper ends at e' with links e and these links
in turn are pivotted to the table top d at f. This method of fitting enables
the table top to be adjusted at will. A small auxiliary shelf is fitted under-
neath d; this shelf is hinged at one end to a, b, and at its other end rests
loosely upon the ends a², b¹.
The upper ends of members a, b, are cut at such an angle that when the
table is open in a horizontal position and ready for use, the auxiliary shelf g
will be flat on the upper ends of a, b. When the table is opened and ready
for use, the upper ends of a¹,, engage with the cleat g¹ beneath the shelf g
and thus acts as a stop and holds the trestles in position.
The links e are provided with stops or pieces which are pivotted at their
upper ends to, and lie flush in, the links e. When the stops are turned inwards
as shewn in dotted lines Fig. 4, their lower ends will butt against the upper
surface of the shelf when the table top is in a sloping position and which
Price R77

page_text: is thus retained in that position, and also preventing the trestles collapsing.
In place of a shelf an open frame may be used or suitably shaped cross bars
may be substituted. When used in a sloping position, the table top is provided
with a cross rail d to prevent papers or books from sliding off.
ог
It will thus be seen that the improved table may be used for a reading
writing desk, or as a tea table or for any other purpose, and it may be folded
up and packed away into a small space when not required for use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. A folding occasional table, the top of which may be adjusted as required
to be either horizontal or sloping, substantially as shewn and described.
2. In a folding occasional table as claimed in Claim 1, the combination of
the trestles, a, a, b, b, links ec, table top d, auxiliary shelf g, or substitute
therefor, and hinged stops h, substantially as shown and described.
Dated this 19th day of August 1899
S. S. BROMHEAD,
Agent for Applicant, 33, Cannon Street, London, E.C.