An Improved Portable and Collapsable Reading Desk.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Jan., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 4th Oct., 1889-Accepted, 7th Dec., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Portable and Collapsable Reading Desk.
EDWARD PILLOW 162 Wistaston Road, Crewe Cheshire Civil & Mechanical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my invention for AN IMPROVED PORTABLE &
COLLAPSABLE READING DESK, to be as follows:-
On opposite sides of a square, rectangular or other shaped board or slab, are hinged
square, rectangular or other shaped boards or slabs as side pieces or flaps.
A thin board or slab (called the main board or desk) is hinged to the upper edge of
the slab first mentioned & may be fixed in an inclined position by means of screws or
other fastenings. To the lower edge of this inclined board are fitted "buttons" for
supporting a strip upon which the edge of a book &c. may rest, or the strip may be
hinged to the board or otherwise suitably connected thereto. The inclined board may
also be provided with spring clips for holding the book or papers in position. The
board first mentioned is recessed or fitted with narrow side strips to receive the
inclined slab so that the desk may be folded completely together.
When used in dark rooms in connection with dissolving view entertainments the
inclined board may be supported on the top edges of the two side boards or flaps &
the latter may be adjusted to any required angle. A small lamp or lantern may be
fixed to throw light upon the book or notes & a hole with coloured glass (or plain) with
a shutter may be provided as a signal to the lantern manipulator or a bell may be
attached.
1000
EDWARD PILLOW. ...
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Portable and Collapsable Reading Desk..
EDWARD PILLOW 162 Wistaston Road, Crewe, Cheshire Civil & Mechanical
Engineer, 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 lecturers reading desks. Its object is the construction of
a desk more convenient and more suitable for lecture purposes than those hitherto
known. It is perfectly collapsable & portable & fitted with useful appendages herein-
after described.
It is constructed of wood or any other suitable material & may be best described
by reference to the accompanying drawings in which,
Figure 1 represents the desk in its collapsed form.
22
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Portable and Collapsable Reading Desk..
EDWARD PILLOW 162 Wistaston Road, Crewe, Cheshire Civil & Mechanical
Engineer, 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 statenient :-
This invention relates to lecturers reading desks. Its object is the construction of
a desk more convenient and more suitable for lecture purposes than those hitherto
known. It is perfectly collapsable & portable & fitted with useful appendages herein-
after described.
It is constructed of wood or any other suitable material & may be best described
by reference to the accompanying drawings in which,
Figure 1 represents the desk in its collapsed form.
Figure 2
Figure 3 represents the end views of the desk in its collapsed form.
Figure 4 is an elevation of the desk when in use.
Figure 5 is a plan of the desk when in use.
Figure 6 is a side view of the desk shewing-position of the inclined slab or leaf of
the desk (C).
Figure 7 shows the various uses to which the strip or support G may be applied.

page_text: A thin board or slab (called the main board or desk) is hinged to the upper edge
of the slab A. & may be supported in any inclined position by means of screws
B.
or other fastenings. The same screws. serve to screw the desk together in its
collapsed. form.
The slab C. can be recessed to receive a slate (composition or otherwise) paper or
other material on which notes may be made before, during or after a lecture, for
reference. A small sponge may also be attached to the desk.
The desk when resting on the flaps B. and at right angles to the slab A may be
used as a drawing board.
To the lower edge of the desk are fitted "buttons" F. for supporting a strip G
upon which the edge of a book &c. may rest, or the strip may be hinged to the board
or otherwise suitably connected thereto.
The strip or support bar G may be converted into a Tee square, rule with various
scales, protractor, paper knife & pen or pencil receiver as shewn in Figure 7.
The support bar G is enclosed in the collapsed desk as shewn in Figure 1.
The inclined board C may also be provided with spring clips or elastic bands for
holding the book or papers in position.
The board A is recessed or fitted with narrow side strips H to receive the inclined
slab C so that the desk may be folded completely together.
A recess may also be made in the slab A or desk to hold papers &c.
By folding up the two leaves or flaps B & opening out the desk or board C and
placing a book or other support underneath a very convenient double writing desk or
double drawing board may be at once formed or it may be supported at the required
angle by straps or rods suitably adjusted.
When used in dark rooms in connection with dissolving view entertainments the
inclined board C may be supported on the top edges of the two side flaps B. & the
latter may be adjusted to any required angle. A small lamp or lantern may be fixed
to throw light upon the book or notes contained beneath the desk C & between the
flaps B.
A small hole with or without plain or coloured glass & covered by a movable shutter,
may be made in the slab A, as a signal to the lantern operator or a small bell or
alarum may be attached.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
"
1st. A portable and collapsable reading desk, writing desk and drawing board
constructed in the manner shewn by drawings, substantially as & for the purposes
described.
2. In combination with a portable & collapsable reading desk, writing desk or
drawing board, the several adjuncts substantially described.
3. In combination with the strip G such as shewn at Figure 5 Rule, Tee Square,
Protractor scale, paper knife & Pen or pencil receiver substantially as described.
Dated this 1st day of October 1880
EDWARD PILLOW,
Of 162, Wistaston Road, Crewe.