IMPROVEMENTS IN SEATS AND DESKS AND IN THE FITTINGS THEREOF
Year: 1885

page_text: "
I SYDNEY PITT of Sutton in the County of Surrey Gentleman do hereby declare
the nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SEATS AND DESKS AND IN THE
FITTINGS THEREOF a communication to me from abroad by Hermann George
Conrad Holscher of Castaneln Strasse, Chemnitz, Saxony Schoolmaster to be as
follows:-
The object of the hereinafter described form is to give children and adults of
every age and size a thoroughly healthy and at the same time perfectly comfortable
seat and working accomodation during School hours or at other times, and also to
obviate the injuries to health hitherto caused by unsuitable forms.
This is attained by the hereinafter described arrangements.
1. In the first place the height of the seat and that of the desk, as also the
distance of the back rest and of the edge of the desk from the front of the seat are
adjustable. The first three of these adjustments can be effected all at the same
time, by turning a single handle, according to the bodily size or bodily peculiarities
of the person using the form for the time being.
2. Secondly the desk slope can be put into a more or less oblique or horizontal
position just as may be required. It is capable not only of being pushed backwards
and forwards, as required, but it is so arranged that its upper part may at half or
full length be used as a reading desk or by running it to its full height as a standing
desk.
3. Thirdly the rest is so constructed that not only can the body be placed in the
necessary reclining attitude during all kinds of work, but it has this special
qualification, that it on the one hand only supports the spine while leaving all the
other side parts of the back fully unsupported and on the other hand by a special
moveable cross support it gives the back a firm rest at its weakest part.
4. Fourthly the form offers an improved sewing apparatus.
5. Lastly it furnishes a new and improved swinging inkstand, closing her-.
metically.
In the Drawing Figure 1 is a side view Figure 2 is a vertical section; Figure 3
a view of the desk from the right-Figure 4 a horizontal section. Figure 5 a view

page_text: of the desk and seat from above, Figure 6 a view of the seat from the left.
Figure 7 the sewing apparatus-Figure 8 a pen box with inkpot.
I. ADJUSTMENT OF THE SEAT AND DESK.
The desk a and the seat bare secured upon slides c. c. which run inside the
casings d. d. between L shaped borders. The sliding itself is effected by a right
and left hand screw e under the foot board, by which in the first place, two hori-
zontal cross bars ƒ and g are set in motion. By means of rods h the cross-bar g
coupled with a second cross bar g¹ and similarly f and f¹ so that these latter receive
motion from fand g. The ends of the cross bars however by means of studs which
at the same time slide on angle irons, act upon the ends of the two scissors i and i¹
so that according as the screw is turned to the right or the left they raise or lower
-to the exact height required to suit the body--the slides of the desk and seat to
which they are attached at k and . The seat and desk are secured from swaying
by the adjusting screws l. l. The screw is turned by the handle m and intermediate
shaft n and is connected with the latter by a simple coupling.
II. MOVEMENT OF THE REST.
The rest moves horizontally in guides o. o. on the seat board, which, in between,
has the necessary curved form for a comfortable seat, so that the seat surface suits
large and small shaped bodies; it is moved by the scissors which are attached to
these guides by the arms which run upwards. For fixed forms i.e for those which
are made once for all, for one and the same size of body-as in schools each of
the three above described parts of the seat and desk are of course made immoveable-
the height or distance of the three adjustable parts being determined by the size of
the person using the seat.
III. MOVEMENT OF THE DESK SLOPE.
The desk slope consists of several parts; in the first place an under part p which
is connected with the lower framework by means of the hinged rods q. q. so that
when raised it assumes an oblique position, and a double slab r moving in guides
and drawing out in such a way that at will it can be drawn close down to the body
of the person sitting on the seat or can be pushed so far back that there is ample
room for the person to stand up.
By a simple catch (not shown in the drawing) it can be fixed in any position.
The part p can be kept in its oblique position by means of two springs acting
at q Figure 2.
ay
This slide moreover has the peculiarity, as above mentioned that it consists of a
double slab (Figure 1 and Figure 2) that is to say of two slabs, of which the upper
one consisting of two equal parts can be moved upwards or backwards by means
of hinges at its upper end at pas also at its centre at p³ (see Figure 1ª and
Figure 2) thus formning, as in Figure 1° a reading desk or as in Figure 2 an
accessory desk against which while writing, books, maps drawings, music &
be rested. This upper divided slab is kept in its various positions, when up, by a
hinge which allows of a back motion over an angle of about 140 degrees and at
the sides right and left by little bolts p³ which catch in perforated bars fitted. to
the sides of the lower slab (p* Figure 5). This perforated bar of metal is pierced
at its lower end, and can be raised, so that the upper slab is supported in various
positions (oblique positions) Figure 1 and Figure 2b A standing desk is thus
formed for a person placing himself at the back of the desk. The proper. height
may be obtained by turning the handle m.
Finally under the lower slab, on the right hand side at w Figure 5, a pen and ink
'stand is fitted in such a way that when not in use it may be kept under the slab
by means of the hinged bars u¹ and ul and when, in use it may be brought out
into a suitable position.at the side. The ink-pot itself a, Figure 8 hangs swinging

page_text: IV. ARRANGEMENT OF THE REST.
All the previous arrangements serve on the one hand to bring about the various
relations of height and distance between rest, seat and desk, required to meet the
exigencies of various sizes of body, and on the other hand to place written and
printed matter at a correct distance and in a correct position for the eye, as also to
afford a support for books etc, to be opened read and so on, independently of the
writing place; and lastly to enable the person working to do his work in a sitting
or standing position. The arrangement of the back rest serves to give the body
a position absolutely protective. and productive of health, assisting the normal
developement of the body and almost entirely relieving the whole of the upper
part of the body from its own weight during work in a sitting position. For this
purpose not merely a short lower vertical support s¹ Figure 6 with an oblique back.
81
board is used; but this oblique back board Figures 12 and 6 and also the adjust-
able cross support t Figures 1. 2 and 6 have an entirely peculiar and new form,
producing the effect aimed at. This effect is the widening of the chest; the rest is
therefore so constructed that it merely supports the dorsal vertebrae of the spine,
but cannot support the adjacent ribs and shoulder blades (see Figure 6). The
result is that when the body is in a reclining attitude the shoulders fall back, freely
with their own weight, and in that position the ribs are thrown out towards the
centre of the chest in an arched position, the respiratory organs and lungs obtain
free working space, the chest is expanded, and the sitter is at the same timẹ
compelled to draw deep healthy breaths, whereas all previous back rests have
directly hindered such respiration and healthy extension of the chest, especially in
persons of weak muscular developement. But in order that the lower vertebrae
may not suffer any pressure from the rest, it has a suitable longitudinal curve in
the middle (see Figure 6 8. 8) The adjustable cross support t is so constructed that
it only projects as far as is necessary from the front of the back rest, and forms its
continuation down to the vertical part of the rest and it therefore merely acts upon
the weakest and ribless part of the back, the so called "small" or lower part of
the basin bones. By the nature of its adjustment according to the extent of its
projection beyond the back rests and its height above the seat b-it accommodates
itself to the various sizes of the boay inasmuch as it is raised or lowered against
the back rest in grooved guides deviating distinctly from the direction of the back
rest (Figure 6 t. t.). This support therefore necessarily prevents any gradual sliding
down of the body on the narrow back rest and at the same time it keeps the
lower part of the body in a free position in which its functions are unhampered;
and prevents fatigue.
The peculiar section of the rest according to which it is constructed wider at the
top and narrower at the bottom Figure 6 is based on the idea that with smaller
and younger individuals, the spinal parts are narrower, and with bigger adults
broader and that the part where the rest is leant upon by the spine is lower down
with the former and higher up with the latter. The rest however exactly corre-
sponds with the growing differences in length and width hence the latter also
corresponds with the movements of the accessory cross support. Of course when

page_text: 11. EMBROIDERING APPARATUS.
Figures I. II and III. The embroidery frame d placed in an oblique position on
the bar e can, through the rectangular bore of the double socket f be moved back-
wards and forwards, as also up and down the rod g. The pillar g is held by a
forked wedge with clutch h. The apparatus can be taken to pieces in every part.
III. STANDING DESK.
Figures I. II and IV. By means of hinge jointed flat pieces of iron i on both
sides of the desk slope catching in the hinges of the double desk slope k. k¹ the
support or standing desk gets a firm basis and hold so that it can stand the
heaviest pressure. By means of holes pierced in the flat piece of iron ¹ and
hooks e attached right and left to the lower slab k the upper slab can be placed as
high or as low as may be desired. When not in use this frame can be folded up by
means of the hinges and the flat pieces of iron then lie down at the two sides right
and left of the desk slope k.
IV. THE UNLOCKER.
Figures V VI and VII. The unlocker m, consists of two moveable parts n n¹
which are connected by an intermediate piece o and a pin p, this is moveable on
the plate q. If the handler is turned with one hand, the two bent wires n and n
press simultaneously on the catch springs s thus releasing the hinged rods t, and
the desk slope can be put down to its horizontal position again.

page_text: '
Improvements in Seats and Desks and in the Fittings thereof.
I SYDNEY PITT of Sutton in the County of Surrey Gentleman (a communication
to me from abroad by Hermann George Conrad Holscher, Castanien Strasse
Chemnitz Saxony Schoolmastor) 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:-
The object of the hereinafter described form is to give children and adults of
every age and size a thoroughly healthy and at the same time perfectly confortable
seat and working accommodation during School hours or at other times, and also
to obviate the injuries to health hitherto caused by unsuitable forms.
This is attained by the hereinafter described arrangements.
In the first place the height of the seat and that of the desk, as also the distance
of the back rest and of the edge of the desk from the front of the seat are adjustable.
The first three of these adjustments can be effected all at the same time by turning
a single handle, according to the bodily size or bodily peculiarities of the person
using the form for the time being.
Secondly the desk slope can be put into a more or less oblique or horizontal
position just as may be required. It is capable not only of being pushed backwards
and forwards as required but it is so arranged that its upper part may at half or full
length be used as a reading desk or by running it to its full height as a standing
desk.
Thirdly the rest is so constructed that not only can the body be placed in the
necessary reclining attitude, during all kinds of work but it has this special
qualification that it on the one hand only supports the spine while leaving all the
other side parts of the back fully unsupported, and on the other hand by a special
moveable cross support it gives the back a firm rest at its weakest part.
Fourthly the form offers an improved sewing apparatus.
Lastly it furnishes a new and improved swinging inkstand, closing hermetically.
In the Drawing Figure 1 is a side view-Figure 2 is a vertical section. Figure 3
a view of the desk from the right. Figure 4 a horizontal section. Figure 5 a
view of the desk and seat from above, Figure 6 a view of the seat from the left.
Figure 7 the sewing apparatus. Figure 8 a pen box with inkpot.
'
I. ADJUSTMENT OF THE SEAT AND DESK.
The desk a and the seat bare secured upon sliding uprights c. c. which run inside
the casings & d. between L shaped guides. The sliding itself is effected by a right
and left hand screw e under the foot board, by which in the first place, two hori-
zontal cross bars ƒ and g are set in motion. By means of rods h, the cross bar g, is
coupled with a second cross bar g¹, and similarly f with f¹ so that these latter receive
motion from f and g. The ends of the cross bars however, by means of studs which
at the same time, slide on angle irons, act upon the ends of the two scissors i and i
so that according as the screw is turned to the right or the left they raise or lower

page_text: The desk slope consists of several: parts in the first place an under part p which
is connected with the lower framework by means of the hinged rods q. q. so that
when raised it assumes an oblique position, and a double slab r moving in guides
and drawing out in such a way that at will it can be drawn close down to the body
of the person sitting on the seat or can be pushed so far back that there is ample-
room for the person to stand up.
By a simple catch (not shown in the drawing) it can be fixed in any position.
The part can be kept in its oblique position, by means of two springs acting at Չ
Figure 2.
This slide morcover has the peculiarity, as above mentioned that it consists of a
double slab (Figure 1 and Figure 2) that is to say, of two slabs, of which, the
upper one, consisting of two equal parts can be moved upwards or backwards by
means of hinges at its upper end at p¹ as also at its centre at p² (see Figure 1º and
Figure 2) thus forming as in Figure 1ª a reading desk, or as in Figure 2ª an
accessory desk against which while writing, books maps, drawings, music & may
be rested. This upper divided slab is kept in its various positions, when up by a
hinge which allows of a back motion over an angle of about 140 degrees and at
the sides right and left by little bolts p³ which catch in perforated bars fitted to
the sides of the lower slab (p* Figure 5) This perforated bar of metal is pierced at
it's lower end, and can be raised so that the upper slab is supported in various
oblique positions, Figure 1b and Figure 2b. A standing desk is thus formed for
a person placing himself at the back of the desk-The proper height may be
obtained by turning the handle m.
Finally under the lower slab on the right hand side at u Figure 5 a pen and ink
stand is fitted in such a way that when not in use it may be kept under the slab
by means of the hinged bars u¹ and " and when in use it may be brought out
into a suitable position at the side. The inkpot itself a, Figure 8 hangs swinging
on two axles b. Figure 5. fitted to the sides of the pen box, and it has a glass
stopper with india rubber packing, which when not in use is stuck in a small hole
in the pen box b. Figure 8. The groove in which the inkpot hangs is open at the
bottom so that the latter can easily be taken out and cleaned,
Of course in school forms with fixed seats the sliding slab retains its adjustability
upwards and downwards and its capability of changing the position of the upper
slab, but whether it shall be arranged so as to retain the possibility of placing and
using the sliding slab in an oblique or horizontal position, or whether it shall be
fixed in one of these positions, must depend upon the requirements of..the case;
for such forms the pen and ink stand is, as usual fitted under the upper end of the
Blide.

page_text: THE REDI
All the previous arrangements serve on the one hand to bring about the various
relations of height and distance between rest, seat and desk, required to meet the
exigencies of various sizes of body, and on the other hand to place written and
printed matter at a correct distance and in a correct position for the eye, as also to
afford a support for books etc, to be opened read and so on, independently of the
writing place; and lastly to enable the person working to do his work in a sitting
or standing position. The arrangement of the back rest serves to give the body a
position absolutely protective and productive of health, assisting the normal
developement of the body, and almost entirely relieving the whole of the upper
part of the body from its own weight during work in a sitting position. For this
purpose not merely a short lower vertical support s¹ Figure 6 with an oblique back
board is used; but this oblique back board Figures 1. 2 and 6 and also the adjust
able cross support't Figures 1. 2 and 6 have an entirely peculiar and new form,
producing the effect aimed at-This effect is the widening of the chest; the rest is
therefore so constructed that it merely supports the dorsal vertebrae of the spine,
but cannot support the adjacent ribs and shoulder blades (see Figure 6). The
result is that when the body is in a reclining attitude the shoulders fall back freely
with their own weight, and in that position the ribs are thrown out towards the
centre of the chest in an arched position, the respiratory organs and lungs obtain
free working space, the chest is expanded, and the sitter is at the same time com-
pelled to draw deep healthy breaths whereas all previous back rests have directly
hindered such respiration and healthy extension of the chest, especially in persons
of weak muscular developement. But in order that the lower vertebrae may not
suffer any pressure from the rest, it has a suitable longitudinal curve in the middle
(see Figure 6 8. 8.) The adjustable cross support t is so constructed that it only
projects as far as is necessary from the front of the back rest, and forms its con-
tinuation down to the vertical part of the rest, and it therefore merely acts upon
the weakest and ribless part of the back the so called "small" or lower part of the
basin bones. By the nature of its adjustment according to the extent of its pro-
jection beyond the back rest 8 and its height above the seat b-it accommodates
itself to the various sizes of the body, inasmuch as it is raised or lowered against
the back rest in grooved guides deviating distinctly from the direction of the back
rest (Figure 6 tt)-This support therefore necessarily prevents any gradual sliding
down of the body on the narrow back rest and at the same time it keeps the lower
part of the body in a free position in which its functions are unhampered, and
prevents fatigue.
The peculiar section of the rest, according to which it is constructed wider at the
top and narrower at the bottom, Figure 6, is based on the idea that, with smaller
and younger individuals, the spinal parts are narrower and with bigger adults
broader, and that the part where the rest is leant upon by the spine is lower down
with the former and higher up with the latter-The rest however exactly corre-
sponds with the growing differences in length and width; hence the latter also
corresponds with the movements of the accessory cross support. Of course when
this rest is used in forms with immoveable parts, the back rest must not be wedge
shaped but must be made with equal width from top to bottom according to the
size of the individual or of the seat.

page_text: is also secured and rendered adjustable at will, without the employment of any kind
of screw apparatus.
The rod o has at its lower extremity two studs which move in two horizontal
grooves os. The rod is kept in an upright position by means of a bolt o'-this is
removed when the rod is laid down and the rod rests horizontally in the slit o¹.
On sheet 2 of the drawings are shown
is also secured and rendered adjustable at will, without the employment of any kind
of screw apparatus.
The rod o has at its lower extremity two studs which move in two horizontal
grooves os. The rod is kept in an upright position by means of a bolt o'-this is
removed when the rod is laid down and the rod rests horizontally in the slit o¹.
On sheet 2 of the drawings are shown
(1.) A rest holder of bent wood or iron with adjustable slide.
(2.) An adjustable embroidering apparatus.
(3.) A support for the standing desk, made to fold up.
(4.) An unlocker for the catch springs of the hinged rods.
RESTHOLDER.
Figures I and II. The rest holder a is made of bent wood or iron, and attached
to the slide underneath the seat, so that above the seat there are no wooden parts
of the rest to catch in the clothes, and room is afforded for bulky clothes and for
very stout persons. The slide b of iron slides up and down the rest c in a groove
and can he raised or lowered at will to take the hooin bona
II. EMBROIDERING APPARATUS.
Figures I. II and III. The embroidering frame d placed in an oblique position
on the bar e can (by means of the rectangularly bored double socket f) be moved
backwards and forwards, as also up and down the rod g. The pillar g is held by a
forked wedge with clutch . The apparatus can be taken to pieces in every part.
III. STANDING DESK.
Figures I. II and IV. By means of hinge jointed flat pieces of iron i on both
sides of the desk slope catching in the hinges of the double desk slope k. ¹ the
support or standing desk gets a firm basis and hold so that it can stand the heaviest
pressure. By means of holes pierced in the flat piece of iron and hooks e attached
right and left to the lower slab k, the upper slab can be placed as high or as low as
inay be desired.
When not in use, this frame can be folded up by means of the
hinges and the flat pieces of iron then lie down at the two sides, right and left of
the desk slope k.
IV. THE UNLOCKER.
Figures V VI and VII. The unlocker m consists of two moveable parts n. n¹
which are connected by an intermediate piece o and a pin p; this is moveable on
the plate q. If the handler is turned with one hand, the two bent wires n and n¹
press simultaneously on the catch springs 8 thus releasing the hinged rods t, and the
desk slope can be put down to its horizontal position again.
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
As respects the arrangements illustrated by sheet 1 of the drawings. .
(1.) The simultaneous proportionate adjustment of the desk a and the seat bas
to their height and of the distance of the rest from the edge of the desk by means
of the double coupled scissors i and i and the screw e.
(2.) The adjustment of the desk in an oblique position by means of the oscillating
hinged rods of unequal length q. q. in the manner shewn in the drawing.
(3.) The arrangement of the upper slab convertible into a reading desk, support'
and standing desk (Figures 1° 1° 2°) with the adjustable desk slope p.
.. (4) The arrangement of the swinging inkpot and pen box u.

page_text: (5.) The arrangement of the back rest s supporting the dorsal vertebrae between
the shoulder blades and the moveable cross support t fitting to the body.
(6.) The arrangement of the sewing apparatus with rod o moving in the slit o
and made to stand up and lie down.
Also as respects the arrangements illustrated by sheet 2 of the drawings.
(7.) The bent rest holder a with its slide b.
(8.) The adjustable embroidering apparatus d with its fastening fork h.
(9.) The hinge jointed standing desk support i, i¹.
(10.) The unlocker m as applied to the catch springs 8.