Improvement in Music Desks and Panel Fronts of Pianofortes and American Organs.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Apr., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 29th Jan., 1890-Accepted, 15th Mar., 1890
TRUVINIUNAL DI MUIFICATION.
Improvement in Music Desks and Panel Fronts of Pianofortes and
American Organs.
I, WILLIAM HENRY CHIGNELL, of Croft House, New Barnet, Herts, Agent for
Pianoforte Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
By the use of metal bars of two different lengths, hinged or rivetted at each end
to plate or plates of metal, and fixed to panel-frame and desk, the desk upon being
pulled forward obtains a sloping position (similar to that shewn in accompanying
drawing) and rises to varying heights, according to length of bar used, and arcs
described. At the top of desk I place either one or two ratchets, so hinged and fixed,
as to fall automatically into position on rail, or top of frame, when raising desk,
which is thus held in position at desired elevation and slope. The desk may be of
any length or size, in accordance with the instrument or requirements of design, and
when closed appears as integral portion of panel. By reversing the motion, the
movement inay be made to lower the desk, as applicable to American Organs with
raised & panelled backs.
The accompanying drawing gives in Fig. 1 and 2 sectional view of desk open and
closed, Fig. 3 shewing appearance of a desk when closed and fig. 4 a bar as hinged or
centered upon rivet.
D
صي
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvement in Music Desks and Panel Fronts of Pianofortes and
American Organs.
I, WILLIAM HENRY CHIGNELL, of Croft House New Barnet, Hertfordshire, Piano-
forte Agent, 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:-
My Invention relates to an improved arrangement of music desks or of the panel
front of a pianoforte, American organ or the like whereby the whole or a portion of
it will become available as a music desk or rest.
According to my Invention the desk or rest is enabled to assume different heights
and angles and is at the same time brought forward so as to be nearer the eyes of the
performer or any person standing at the instrument.
To clearly explain the nature of my Invention reference is made to the accom-
panying drawing in which :-
Figure 1 is a view of the piano front, the position of the desk (which here forms
part of the front) when raised, being shown in dotted lines.
Figure 2 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale on the line x-x of Figure 1 with
the desk advanced.
Figure 3 represents the same closed, and,
Figure 4 is a view of one of the pivoted bars which I employ.
The desk A may be the entire length of the piano front if desired, in which case it
is convenient for holding a quantity of music, but as shown it occupies only the
centre portion and when closed appears an integral portion of the panel.
It is carried by bars BB of different lengths which are pivoted to lugs or
ears C C. D D secured upon the back of the desk and the sides of the opening in the
panel respectively, the arrangement being similar at either end of the desk. About

page_text: the centre of the back of the desk is a rack bar E pivoted to a lug secured to same,
the teeth of said rack being adapted to engage with a metal edge piece F carried
by the top rail G which forms part of the frame of the instrument. The usual hinged
support H is provided for the music to rest upon.
When closed the desk is in the position shown in Figures 1 and 3 and to bring it
out for use it is only necessary to take hold of the handles I (or other device) and
pull it forward when the rack E will slide up the front of the rail G and engage
automatically with the metal edge F so as to hold the desk in the desired position.
To replace the desk the rack E is lifted and the desk will fall back into position.
By reversing the motion the movement may be made to lower the desk and bring
it nearer the keys, such an arrangement being convenient in the case of American:-
organs and the like with raised and panelled fronts.
By advancing the front or a portion of same it will be seen that the piano front
will be left open or partly open which will enable the sound to escape into the room.
The opening left may be covered with fabric if desired.
It will be understood that I do not confine myself to the particular construction
shown for advancing and raising (or lowering) the desk as there are other arrange-
ments of parts which will answer the same purpose (viz.) by which the desk may be
advanced and raised (or lowered) and be held at different heights and angles. It
will be evident also that the arrangement is adapted to music desks attached to the
front of the instrument.
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
A music desk forming the front, or a portion of the front of a pianoforte, or the
like, or attached to same, adapted to be advanced and raised (or lowered) and be held
at different heights and angles substantially as described.
Dated this 29th day of January 1800.
PHILIP M. JUSTICE,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.