Improvements in Adjustable Tables or Stands suitable for Use as Bed-tables or otherwise.
Year: 1899

page_text: Improvements in Adjustable Tables or Stands suitable for Use as
Bed-tables or otherwise.
I, CHARLES ALLAN JONES, of Hatherley Works, Gloucester, in the County of
Gloucester, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
The object of my invention is the production, at moderate cost, of a table or
stand suitable for, but not restricted to, use by a person reclining or sitting
on a bed or couch, and which is adapted to serve either after the manner of
an ordinary flat table or stand; or as an inclined book-support or desk, and
capable, when not in use, of being folded up into a comparatively small com-
pass, whether for storage or for transport.
It comprises a suitable standard furnished with appropriate base, and with
a vertically adjustable horizontal frame or compound bar, upon which there is
mounted a table top combined with adjusting and locking arrangements, whereby
the table top is adapted to be locked either in a horizontal or practically hori-
zontal position, or, as to part of it, to be moved into and locked in a more or
less sloping attitude, an additional part suitably jointed to battens of the table-
top being provided, which can be moved into and locked in a position in which
it forms a ledge along one edge of the table top, so that, when the latter is in
an inclined attitude, the ledge will serve as a support for a book or other
article.
An example of a convenient arrangement of table according to this invention
is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, whereof
Fig. 1 is a side elevation (partly in section) of the table complete in position
for use as a flat table.
Fig. 2 is an end elevation,
Fig. 3 shows an elevation of the standard with base, folded up, as for storage
or transport,
Fig. 4 shows, in side elevation the vertically-adjustable frame or compound
bar, folded as for storage or transport.
Fig. 5 shows a plan of the same,
Fig. 6 shows, to a larger scale, an underside view of the table top, with its
adjusting and locking appliances and ledge, and
Fig. 6. shows, to the like scale, partly in section and partly in elevation, the
upper portion of my improved table, with the tiltable part of the table-top in
an inclined attitude, suitable for use as a reading slope or desk.
1 is the standard, whose base comprises a pair of bars 2, secured to the
standard 1 by, and capable of being turned about, a hinge pin 3, and pro-
vided at their outer ends with an anti-friction wheel or roller 4, and also a
link 5 secured to the bars 2 by, and able to turn about, a hinge pin 6, the other

page_text: end of this link being jointed by a pin 7 to a pair of links 8 which in turn are
jointed by a hinge pin 9 to the lower part of the standard 1.
When the table is in use, the parts composing the base occupy the relative
positions represented in Fig. 1, and when not in use, they can be caused to
assume the compact position represented in Fig. 3, whether for storage or
transport.
For carrying the table-top with its adjusting and locking contrivances, the
arrangement illustrated comprises a couple of bars 10 fastened together, but
with interposed parts whereby the bars are maintained at a distance apart
imperceptibly exceeding the width of the standard 1, so as to be able to be
moved readily along it for the purpose of adjusting the table top to the desired
height, but so as not to be too loose a fit.
Combined with the bars 10 there is an arrangement comprising a strut 11,
whose upper end is located between the bars, and is secured thereto by a hinge
pin 12, about which it can turn. A pair of links 13 secured to the strut 11 by
a hinge pin 14, one of these links being located at each side of the strut and a
link 15 secured to the links 13 by a hinge pin 16 and to the bars 10 by another
hinge pin 17. Between the bars 10 there is provided a lever-like locking
device 18, able to turn about a hinge pin 19, by which it is secured to the
bars 10. That end of this locking device which is nearer to the link 15 is fur-
nished with a stud or nose 20 adapted to engage with one or other of a number
of holes or recesses 21 in the standard 1 and upward movement of the nose 20
is limited by a suitable stop, which, in the example, is a pin 22, against which
that arm of the locking device or lever 18 which is the further from the
standard, bears when the device is in locking position. This position is shown
in full lines in Fig. 1, where the dotted lines indicate a position of the device
corresponding to an unlocked condition of the table-carrying frame.
When the frame or compound bar is in use, its strut and links occupy the
relative positions represented by Fig. 1; when not in use, they can be caused
to assume the relative positions indicated in Figs. 4 and 5 for storage or
transport.
In Figs. 1 and 2, the table-top is shown in its flat or approximately hori-
zontal position for use after the manner of an ordinary table top.
I will now describe, with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, the construction and
arrangement of the table-top, its ledge, and their adjusting and locking
devices.
The top is in two parts, respectively 23 and 23. To the underside of the
part 23, there are secured two battens, 24; to the underside of the part 23ª there
are secured two other battens 25, these being of a length considerably exceeding
the width of the part 23. The battens 25 are connected to the battens 24 by
links 26, 27 and 28 being the hinge pins.
A bar 29 connects the projecting portions of the two battens 25. Each
said portion of those battens is, near its end, pivotted to a slide 30 which works
in a guide 31 secured to the underside of the part 23 of the table-top, the stroke
of each slide being limited by a stop 32.
The positions of these stops correspond to the extreme inclination of the part 23
of the table top. To secure that part at a smaller inclination according to
requirement, the slides 30 are prolonged, and for each there is provided an
arrangement comprising an abutment 33 fixed to the underside of the part 23
of the top and a jamming device 34 resembling a lever, whose shorter arm is
of an eccentric or cam-like formation, and which lever is pivotted at 35 to the
underside of the part 23 of the top.
36 is a ledge, rigidly secured to the free ends of a couple of arms 37 pivotted
at 38 to the battens 24. 39 is a slidable bar or bolt that serves a two-fold
purpose, viz.in one of its longitudinal positions it locks the part 23 of the
table-top to the part 23", so that the two are then in a common plane-in the
other, extreme longitudinal position, the bar or bolt 39 releases the part 23"

page_text: of the table-top and locks the ledge 36 in position at right angles to the top
surface of the part 23 of the table-top.
In the example, the bolt 39 is located between guide bars 40, fastened to the
underside of the part 23 of the top and the stroke of the bolt is limited by
fixed bridge pieces 41 and 42 with which shoulders 39" and 39b respectively
come in contact. 39° is a handle for moving the bolt 39. The bar 29 is of
a width corresponding to that of the space between the bars 10, and it has
fastened to it a block 43 of such a thickness that the combined thickness of the
block 43 and the bar 29 all but equals the depth of the bars 10. To the block 43
is pivotted a button 44, whereby, after the bar and block 29 and 43 have been
inserted between the bars 10, the table top can be secured to the bars 10 by
turning the button into a position approximately at right angles to those bars.
The details of construction may be more or less varied, the compound table-top
with adjusting and locking devices substantially such as described may be
employed in conjunction with supports differing more or less from those specified
and a vertically adjustable frame such as described may be employed in con-
junction with a top differing more or less from that described also in conjunction
with a stand differing from that described.
COMIDDIE DICITICATION.
Improvements in Adjustable Tables or Stands suitable for Use as
Bed-tables or otherwise.
I, CHARLES ALLAN JONES, of Hatherley Works, Gloucester, in the County of
Gloucester, Manufacturer, 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 my invention is the production, at moderate cost, of a table or
stand suitable for," but not restricted to, use by a person reclining or sitting
on a bed or couch, and which is adapted to serve either after the manner of
an ordinary flat table or stand; or as an inclined book-support or desk, and
capable, when not in use, of being folded up into a comparatively small com-
pass, whether for storage or for transport.
It comprises a suitable standard furnished with appropriate base, and with
a vertically adjustable horizontal frame or compound bar, upon which there is
mounted a table top combined with adjusting and locking arrangements, whereby
the table top is adapted to be locked either in a horizontal or practically hori-
zontal position, or, as to part of it, to be moved into and locked in a more or
less sloping attitude, an additional part suitably jointed to battens of the table-
top being provided, which can be moved into and locked in. a position in which
it forms a ledge along one edge of the table top, so that, when the latter is in
an inclined attitude, the ledge will serve as a support for a book or other
article.
An example of a convenient arrangement of table according to this invention
is illustrated in the drawings filed with my Provisional Specification, whereof

page_text: Fig. 1 is a side elevation (partly in section) of the table complete in position
for use as a flat table.
Fig. 2 is an end elevation.
Fig. 3 shows an elevation of the standard with base, folded up, as for storage
or transport,
Fig. 4 shows, in side elevation the vertically-adjustable frame or compound
bar, folded as for storage or transport.
Fig. 5 shows a plan of the same,
Fig. 6 shows, to a larger scale, an underside view of the table top, with its
adjusting and locking appliances and ledge, and
Fig. 7 shows, to the like scale, partly in section and partly in elevation, the
upper portion of my improved table, with the tiltable part of the table-top in
an inclined attitude, suitable for use as a reading slope or desk.
1 is the standard, whose base comprises a pair of bars 2, secured to the
standard 1 by, and capable of being turned about, a hinge pin 3, and pro-
vided at their outer ends with an anti-friction wheel or roller 4, and also a
link 5 secured to the bars 2 by, and able to turn about, a hinge pin 6, the other
end of this link being jointed by a pin 7 to a pair of links 8 which in turn are
jointed by a hinge pin 9 to the lower part of the standard 1.
When the table is in use, the parts composing the base occupy the relative
positions represented in Fig. 1, and when not in use, they can be caused to
assume the compact position represented in Fig. 3, whether for storage or
transport.
For carrying the table-top with its adjusting and locking contrivances, the
arrangement illustrated comprises a couple of bars 10 fastened together, but
with interposed parts whereby the bars are maintained at a distance apart
imperceptibly exceeding the width of the standard 1, so as to be able to be
moved readily along it for the purpose of adjusting the table top to the desired
height, but so as not to be too loose a fit.
Combined with the bars 10 there is an arrangement comprising a strut 11,
whose upper end is located between the bars, and is secured thereto by a hinge
pin 12, about which it can turn. A pair of links 13 secured to the strut 11 by
a hinge pin 14, one of these links being located at each side of the strut and a
link 15 secured to the links 13 by a hinge pin 16 and to the bars 10 by another
hinge pin 17. Between the bars 10 there is provided a lever-like locking
device 18, able to turn about a hinge pin 19, by which it is secured to the
bars 10. That end of this locking device which is nearer to the link 15 is fur-
nished with a stud or nose 20 adapted to engage with one or other of a number
of holes or recesses 21 in the standard 1 and upward movement of the nose 20
is limited by a suitable stop, which, in the example, is a pin 22, against which
that arm of the locking device or leter 18 which is the further from the
standard, bears when the device is in locking position. This position is shown
in full lines in Fig. 1, where the dotted lines indicate a position of the device
corresponding to an unlocked condition of the table-carrying frame.
When the frame or compound bar is in use, its strut and links occupy the
relative positions represented by Fig. 1; when not in use, they can be caused
to assume the relative positions indicated in Figs. 4 and 5 for storage or
transport.
In Figs. 1 and 2, the table-top is shown in its flat or approximately hori-
zontal position for use after the manner of an ordinary table top.
I will now describe, with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, the construction and
arrangement of the table-top, its ledge, and their adjusting and locking
devices.
The top is in two parts, respectively 23 and 23. To the underside of the
part 23, there are secured two battens 24; to the underside of the part 23" there
are secured two other battens 25, these being of a length considerably exceeding

page_text: the width of the part 23. The battens 25 are connected to the battens 24 by
links 26, 27 and 28 being the hinge pins.
A bar 29 connects the projecting portions of the two battens 25. Each
said portion of those battens is, near its end, pivoted to a slide 30 which works
in a guide 31 secured to the underside of the part 23 of the table-top, the stroke
of each slide being limited by a stop 32.
The positions of these stops correspond to the extreme inclination of the part 23
of the table top. To secure that part at a smaller inclination according to
requirement, the slides 30 are prolonged, and for each there is provided an
arrangement comprising an abutment 33 fixed to the underside of the part 23
of the top and a jamming device 34 resembling a lever, whose shorter arm is
of an eccentric or cam-like formation, and which lever is pivoted at 35 to the
underside of the part 23 of the top.
36 is a ledge, rigidly secured to the free ends of a couple of arms 37 pivoted
at 38 to the battens 24. 39 is a slidable bar or bolt that serves a two-fold
purpose, viz. in one of its longitudinal positions it locks the part 23 of the
table-top to the part 23, so that the two are then in a common plane-in the
other, extreme longitudinal position, the bar or bolt 39 releases the part 23"
of the table-top and locks the ledge 36 in position at right angles to the top
surface of the part 23 of the table-top.
In the example, the bolt 39 is located between guide bars 40, fastened to the
underside of the part 23 of the top and the stroke of the bolt is limited by
fixed bridge pieces 41 and 42 with which shoulders 39 and 39 respectively
come in contact. 39° is a handle for moving the bolt 39. The bar 29 is of
a width corresponding to that of the space between the bars 10, and it has
fastened to it a block 43 of such a thickness that the combined thickness of the
block 43 and the bar 29 all but equals the depth of the bars 10. To the block 43
is pivoted a button 44, whereby, after the bar and block 29 and 43 have been
inserted between the bars 10, the table top can be secured to the bars 10 by
turning the buttons into a position approximately at right angles to those bars.
The details of construction may be more or less varied, the compound table-top
with adjusting and locking devices substantially such as described may be
employed in conjunction with supports differing more or less from those specified
and a vertically adjustable frame such as described may be employed in con-
junction with a top differing more or less from that described also in conjunction
with a stand differing from that described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:
1. My improved adjustable table as hereinbefore described and illustrated in
the drawings referred to.
2. The combination with a standard and a horizontal frame or compound
bar adjustable thereon of means substantially as described and illustrated for
supporting and locking the horizontal frame or compound bar at the desired
height.
3. The combination with a standard of a horizontal frame or compound bar
adjustable thereon, a table top adjustable along said frame or compound bar and
means for enabling said table top, or a part of it, to be tilted to different angles
and secured in the tilted attitude or in a horizontal position substantially as
described.
4. My improved table top with support and adjusting and locking arrange-
ments, whereby the table top can be locked either in a horizontal or practically
horizontal position, or a part of it can be moved into and locked in a more or
less sloping attitude, an additional part suitably jointed to battens of the table-
top being provided which can be moved into and locked in a position in which
it forms a ledge along one edge of the table-top, so that, when the latter is in

page_text: an inclined attitude, the ledge will serve as a support for a book or other article
substantially as described.
5. The combination of parts shown in and described with reference to Figs. 4
and 5 of the drawings referred to for the purpose specified.
6. For use in conjunction with a device such as represented in Figs. 4 and 5
a standard with base such as represented in Fig. 3, of the drawings referred to.
Dated this 25th day of November 1899.
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agent.