IMPROVEMENTS IN TABLES FOR VESSELS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Mc Cormick, of Boston, of the. State of Massa-
chusetts, of the United States of America, for the Invention of " IMPROVEMENTS
IN TABLES FOR VESSELS." A communication from Edward Paul Sawyer
Andrews, residing at Boston, aforesaid.
Sealed the 12th April 1876, and dated the 23rd February 1876.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Mc Cormick at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd February 1876.
WILLIAM MCCORMICK, of the City of Boston, of the State of Massachusetts, of
United States of America. IMPROVEMENT IN TABLES FOR VESSELS."
48
the
A communication from Edward Paul Sawyer Andrews, of Boston, aforesaid.
The object of my Invention is to furnish an improved table with swinging top
leaves for use on vessels, so that the leaves follow the motion of the vessel, and
retain a level position for the greater convenience of travelers.
My Invention consists of a table with a top of several leaves, which swing by
means of pivots and weighted connecting levers arranged on standards with suitable
bearings.
In the accompanying Drawing Figure 1 represents a top view of my table, with
part cut off to show the construction beneath; and Figure 2 shows an end elevation
of the same.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
In the Drawing A represents the top of a table intended for use on board of
vessels, and constructed of two or more leaves B, which swing on pivots a in
suitable bearings a¹ of supporting standards C fixed to the floor. Each leaf B is
connected near both ends by downward extending and tapering rods b with a lower
cross rod d, to which rods bare pivoted. The cross rods d or the central rods bare
provided with suitable weights D of ball or other shape, which act simultaneously
by means of the pivoted lever connections on all the leaves, so as to keep them in a
level position, following the rolling of the vessel.
The leaves are preferably placed about an inch apart to let the tablecloth hang
down.
The stationary position of the table may be obtained by turning the pivoted
bar e at the under side of the top into lateral position, and fasten the same by a set
screw.

page_text: The weights D are suspended under the table and near to the floor on which the
table stands, and if desirable they may swing in contact with suitable curved
segmental guide pieces affixed to the floor for the purpose of making their movements
steadier, but I do not consider such essential.
The table forms a convenient addition to the furniture of vessels, and increases
the comfort of passengers and crew.
Having thus described my Invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by
Letters Patent, the improved table for use on vessels constructed with sectional top
leaves swinging in suitable supporting standards, by means of weights connected to
them by pivoted lever rods for the purpose of retaining a level position of the top
during the rolling motion of the vessel, substantially as set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Mc Cormick, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of December 1875.
Witnesses,
F. P. HALE.
F. C. HALE.
WILLIAM MCCORMICK. (L.S.)