IMPROVEMENTS IN CABINET DESKS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN CABINET DESKS." A communication from abroad by
Joseph Alexander Moore, of Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th December 1877.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CABINET DESKS" [A com-
munication from abroad by Joseph Alexander Moore, of Indianapolis, Indiana,
United States of America.]
The said Invention relates to cabinet desks, and consists in various novel features
of construction, as herein-after specified
The said Invention is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing, in which,―
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a desk embodying my Invention, shewing the
same open.
Figure 2 is a plan of a base, and a circular track thereon, showing also by dotted
lines the position of the various parts above them.
Figure 3 is a rear elevation of the said desk, showing compartments arranged for
the convenience of persons who may use this part as a standing desk.
Figure 4 is a partial sectional view, showing the manner in which the table is
attached and supported, and the end of one of the sections or wings of the desk,
and with a caster or truck attached thereto, and resting on the circular track.
A, A, are the wings of the desk; B is the writing table; C is an upright shaft, to
which the said wings or sections of the desk, and also the writing table, are attached,
and on which the said wings turn sufficiently to permit the desk to be changed from
an open to a closed position, or vice versa; C' is an arm on the said shaft, by which
the writing table is attached thereto; D is a base or foot for the desk, formed
preferably of crossed timbers, in which the upright shaft is set, and which, preferably,
supports the entire weight of the desk; E is a circular track, which I usually employ
on the said base to facilitate the easy movement of the aforesaid wings and to

page_text: condace to their better support; e is one of a set of rollers or casters placed on the
bottom of the wings, and above the track when the latter is used Instead of
placing this circular track upon the base, as shown in the Drawing, it may be divided
into segments and attached to the bottom of the wings, in which case the rollers
would be placed upon the arms of the base, and the track would run upon them
instead of their running upon the said track; F is a standard for the support of the
writing table, and which is usually situated under the front edge thereof. The top
of this standard is of such a construction as to receive the pin b which projects
downward from the under.side of the table; fis a thumbscrew or equivalent device
by which to secure the pin and the standard firmly together. By the use of these
devices the table can be raised and lowered to suit the convenience of the person
using it.
In each of the wings is formed a recess a large enough to admit the corresponding
end of the writing table. This construction allows the said desk to be closed at
any time without disturbing the table or the papers that may be lying thereon.
To those who have frequent occasion to close their desks, this feature will be found
of extreme value, as it will effect a very great saving of time.
Another feature of the said Invention is the utilization from the rear of the top
of the wings as standing desks. They are of such a depth as will permit the necessary
compartments to be made in the back as well as the front side for the reception of
papers and books. A large desk in this manner gives ample space for its convenient
use by three persons, and the wings can be used with equal facility as standing
desks in any position, and either when closed or when open. This feature of my
Invention may however be dispensed with in some instances in the smaller sizes of
desks.
In very large desks it may be advantageous to set the feet a under the outer
corners of the wings, to give them a firm support, in which case they will be provided
with casters.
The chief object of my Invention 18 to provide a convenient and commodious desk
which can be closed at one operation and locked with a single lock, and which can
also be so closed without in any way disturbing the writing table or the papers
lying thereon. This object is fully accomplished by the construction and arrange-
ment of the parts above set forth.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood 3
that I claim,—
First. A cabinet desk provided with two wings, pivoted or hinged to a common
shaft, upon which the wings rotate or turn in opening or closing, as above
described.
Second. In the said desk the wings of the cabinet, each provided with a recess
for the reception of the ends of the writing table when the desk is closed, as above
specified.
Third. In the said desk the combination of the table, supported by the shaft, with
the standard, as above specified.
Fourth. In a desk provided with rotating wings, the circular track attached to 4
either the wings or the base, and arranged in combination with the said wings, as
above specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven