A Convertible Table, suitable for Playing Parlour Games.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 31st Oct., 1894--Accepted, 1st Dec., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A Convertible Table, suitable for Playing Parlour Games.
I, ARTHUR CLEMENS DEDO SEIFERT, Cabinetmaker, of 71 Zschopauerstrasse,
Chemnitz, in the Kingdom of Saxony, 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 has for its object, to provide a table which is specially adapted for
playing a variety of games.
In the accompanying drawings;
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a table embodying my invention,
Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same, showing its conversion into a writing
desk,
-
Fig. 3 an end elevation, after the outer table or upper plate has been turned out
of the way, so as to expose the parts to be used for playing billiards,
Fig. 4 a cross section of the complete table,
Fig. 5 a perspective view of the table, after it has been opened.
The table is constructed as follows:-
The outer table or upper plate a is hinged at one edge and may have on its upper
surface a number of squares or designs suitable for playing the desired games, or
it may be fitted like a saloon table, while to the inner surface there are secured
billiard cues b, writing pencil c, marking disc d, writing slate e, chalk, and a spirit
level or other movable accessories.
Underneath the upper table a there is a billiard table f, and underneath the
latter a writing desk which can be drawn out and then folded into the position
represented by Fig. 2.
The lower part of this convertible furniture contains a small skittle race h
capable of being folded and then shifted into the table, one quarter of the length
of the skittle race (when in use) projecting over each end of the table, so that the
position of the skittles may be observed during the game. On the same level with
the skittle race, the table contains drawers i serving to receive a draught-board and
chessboard together with the necessary figures, dominoes, a dice-box, a box of
building bricks, Fröbel's game boxes or other small apparatus for playing parlour
games. The drawers are specially divided to receive these appliances.
Below the skittle race, there is a Tivoli game k (also called German billiards)
capable of being drawn out, and below the saine there is a compartment m capable
of being opened from the side and containing the following objects;
A doll's theatre, with various ornaments and figures, a musical box, and electric
light fittings for the doll's theatre.
All the drawers, including the skittle race and the Tivoli game, may be completely
inserted into the table, and the corresponding openings may be closed with
ornamental covers s.
The table may be provided with a cover l, on which is printed a map.
If the table is to be used for playing billiards, the ball castors are removed from
the legs, and adjusting screws are fitted to the legs, by means of which an exactly
horizontal position of the table can be easily obtained. The plate a is then turned
back and down into the position represented by Fig. 3.
For using the skittle race, the latter is drawn out of the table, extended (by
turning on its hinge joint) and then again pushed into the table, until it occupies
the position shown by Fig. 5.
For using the Tivoli game, it is also drawn out of the table, until it occupies the
position represented by Fig. 5.

page_text: To use the table for writing, the folded desk g is drawn out of the table, the
upper half is turned up and the desk pushed back, so that the upper half rests upon
the plate a at the desired angle (Fig. 2). Other means may, however, be adopted
for supporting the upper half of the desk g.
Games, such as chess, draughts, dominoes, dice, Fröbel's games, tiddledy winks,
may be played directly upon the upper plate.
T'he games mentioned above, may, however, be replaced by others, according to
local requirements. The number of drawers or compartments may be increased by
applying small drawers and boxes also to the sides of the table or by fitting the
same into the sides.
The new game table is therefore suitable for playing a great variety of games
and for storing the various appliances used for the same.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is ;-
A convertible table comprising in its construction a hinged upper plate fitted on
its outer face like a drawing room table, while its inner face carries or is adapted
to carry billiard cues, pencil, writing slate, marking disc, chalk and spirit level, a
lower plate or table proper constructed or adapted to serve as a billiard table; and
below the billiard plate a writing desk adapted to be drawn out and folded, a Tivoli
game or similar games, several drawers for chess and draught-boards with
accessories, domino box, dice box, Fröbel's toys, doll's theatre with ornaments and
figures, musical box and electric lighting apparatus, and the combination of the
above with a table cover adapted to serve as a map, substantially as described and
for the purposes specified.
Dated this 30th day of October 1894.
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents.