IMPROVEMENTS IN OPENING AND CLOSING ARRANGEMENTS APPLICABLE TO CASES, BOXES, TOILET TABLES, CABINETS, SECRETAIRES, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES HAVING WINGED OR SIDE OPENINGS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Albert Barker, of Daphne Terrace, Turnham Green, in the
County of Middlesex, Dressing Case Maker and Silversmith, and Richard
Quin, of Poland Street, in the said County, Jewellery Case Manufacturer, for
the Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN OPENING AND CLOSING ARRANGEMENTS
APPLICABLE TO CASES, BOXES, TOILET TABLES, CABINETS, SECRETAIRES, AND
OTHER LIKE ARTICLES HAVING WINGED OR SIDE OPENINGS."
<<
Sealed the 18th January 1878, and dated the 27th July 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Albert Barker and Richard
Quin at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th July 1877.
ALBERT BARKER, of Daphne Terrace, Turnham Green, in the County of Middle-
sex, Dressing Case Maker and Silversmith, and RICHARD QUIN, of Poland Street,
in the said County, Jewellery Case Manufacturer. " IMPROVEMENTS IN OPENING
AND CLOSING ARRANGEMENTS APPLICABLE TO CASES, BOXES, TOILET TABLES,
CABINETS, SECRETAIRES, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES HAVING WINGED. OR SIDE
OPENINGS."
In accordance with our Invention we connect the wings or side portions of a
dressing case or other article to a central compartment, tray, or receptacle by means
of studs or pins fixed to the bottom shelf or piece of the wings, and passing through
slots in the bottom of the central compartiment, in order that as the wings open they
cause the pins to travel and to force the compartment forward at the same time.
The compartment is guided in its travel by a grooved piece fixed under it, and
sliding on a tram at the bottom of the case. The objects of this travelling compart-
ment are to allow its contents to be moved under certain portions for compactness,
and also to afford superior display of the articles.
When the wings, central travelling compartment, and lid or cover are to be
opened simultaneously, we effect this by means of a guide arm attached at one end
to the lid or cover of the article, and having a projection at its other end working
in a grooved path or slot at or in the back of the central compartment. As the lid

page_text: is raised the arm is raised, and it pushes forward the compartment, and on its being
lowered it draws back the compartment.
In toilet tables the arrangement for opening the wings is similar to that described
for the dressing case, but we here dispense with the guide arm, and the central
compartment or tray is slotted and travels on a tramway, being guided thereon by
a pin or stud.
In the case of toilet tables, secretaires, and cabinets having pillars or legs, we
hang or joint the wings thereto by means of a hinge or joint, which we construct of
circular form with projecting leaves or flaps, and which resembles somewhat a right
angle, having a loop or ring at the meeting point or corner. The loop, or ring, or
circular portion embraces the pillars or legs, and the projecting leaves or portions
are attached to the wings, and thus permit such wings to be opened and swung or
turned round either of the whole or any portion of a circle in order that the legs of
the occupant of the article may be passed under at pleasure.
The wings may also be connected to a drawer in the article, to which may be
fitted a writing case, in manner similar to that described with reference to the
dressing case or toilet table, and so contrived that the action of opening the drawer
opens the wings or side portions. The writing case we prefer for this purpose is
the one for which Her Majesty's Letters Patent were granted unto me, the said.
Richard Quin, and bearing date the 18th of December 1875, and Numbered 4403.
When a looking-glass is fitted to the toilet table it is supported in the ordinary
manner between two uprights or pillars, and we now propose to utilize these pillars
for a two-fold purpose, the first being that we hang or attach our side portions or
wings to their lower part, and the second being that we make them hollow to
receive candles, beneath which are springs acting in the same manner as a "Palmer
candlestick." The looking-glass is preferably pivoted at its lower extremity between
the pillars, so that when it is to be adjusted there is no danger of its throwing over
any of the articles which may be in front of it on the top of the table. Side glasses
may be attached to these pillars by means of sliding or telescopic tubes and universal
joints, and which allow them to be turned at any desired angle.
Other candlesticks may be fitted to the upper portions of the wings, and may
serve as a means by which to open or close these wings; and when candles are in
them the light may be thrown in any direction required.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Albert Barker and Richard Quin in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 24th January 1878.
ALBERT BARKER, of Daphne Terrace, Turnham Green, in the County of Middle-
sex, Dressing Case Maker and Silversmith, and RICHARD QUIN, of Poland Street,
in the said County, Jewellery Case Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN OPENING
AND CLOSING ARRANGEMENTS APPLICABLE TO CASES, BOXES, TOILET TABLES,
CABINETS, SECRETAIRES, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES HAVING WINGED OR SIDE
OPENINGS."
In accordance with our Invention we connect the wings or side portions of the
dressing case or other like article to a central travelling compartment, tray, or receptacle
by means of studs or pins fixed to the bottom shelf or piece of the wings, and passing
through slots in the bottom of the central compartment, in order that as the wings
open they cause the pins to travel and to force the compartment forward at the same
time. The compartment is guided in its travel by a grooved piece fixed under it,
and sliding on a tram at the bottom of the case. The objects of this travelling
compartment are to allow its contents to be moved under certain portions for com-
pactness, and also to afford superior display of the articles.
When the wings, articles, central travelling compartment, and lid or cover are to be
opened simultaneously, we effect this by means of a guide arm attached at one end
to the lid or cover of the article, and having a projection at its other end working
in a grooved path or slot at or in the back of the central compartment. As the lid
is raised the arm is raised, and it pushes forward the compartment, and on its being
lowered it draws back the compartment.
In the case of toilet tables, secretaires, and cabinets having pillars or legs, we
make the wings or side openings containing the drawers move or separate laterally,
and we guide them at top and bottom by means of guides travelling in grooves.
The object in causing the wings to separate laterally is in order that the legs of the
occupant of the article may be passed under it at pleasure.
The wings may also be connected to a drawer in the article, in which may be
fitted a writing case, in manner similar to that described with reference to tho
dressing case or toilet table, and so contrived that the action of opening the
drawer opens the wings or side portions. The writing case we prefer to use for
this purpose is the one for which Her Majesty's Letter Patent were granted unto
one of us, viz., unto me, the said Richard Quin, and bearing date the 18th December,
1875, No. 4403.
In toilet tables the arrangement for opening the wings is similar to that described
for the dressing case, but we here dispense with the guide arm, and the central
compartment or tray is slotted and travels on a tramway, being guided thereon by
a pin or stud.
When a looking-glass is fitted to the toilet table it is supported in the ordinary
manner between two uprights or pillars, and we now propose to utilize these pillars
for a two-fold purpose, the first being that we hang or attach our side portions or
wings to their hollow part, and the second being that we make them hollow to
receive candles, and beneath which are springs acting in the same manner as a
Palmer candlestick. The looking-glass is preferably pivotted at its lower extremity
between the pillars, so that when it is to be adjusted there is no danger of its throwing
over any of the articles which may be in front of it on the top of the table. Side
glasses may be attached to these pillars by means of sliding or telescopic tubes and
universal joints, or the like, which allow them to be turned at any desired angle.
Other candlesticks may be fitted to the upper portions of the wings, and may
serve as a means by which to open or close these wings; and when candles are fitted
in them the light may be thrown in any direction desired.
We now proceed with reference to the accompanying Drawings to show our
improvements as applied to dressing cases, toilet tables, and secretaires.
The saine letters of reference indicate similar parts in all the Figures.

page_text: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a dressing case to which one of our opening and
closing arrangements is adapted or applied, and shewing the position of the wings
and central travelling compartment or tray when the case is open; Figure 2 is a
plan of the same.
Figures 3 and 4 are transverse sectional views showing the case open and closed
respectively, in order that the opening and closing arrangement may be seen
clearly.
A is the body of the case; B, the wings; and C, the lid. Now in accordance
with our Invention the wings B are hinged or pivoted to the side of the case, and
they are also connected to the central travelling compartment or tray D by means
of a stud or pin a fixed to the bottom shelf or piece B* of the wings, and working
in a slot b contrived for that purpose in the bottom of the travelling compartment D.
To the bottom frame or "cut open" of the lid or cover C we fit two guide arms E, E,
terminating in a hook at their other ends, and which work in a path or slot c
formed in the back of the central travelling compartment or tray D, and which is
caused to advance or retire on the lid or cover being raised or lowered. f are
recesses or grooves formed in the thickness of the back of the dressing case for the
guide arms E, E, to lie in when the case is closed. The central compartment D is
guided in its travel by a grooved piece d fitted under it, and sliding on a tram or
rail e secured to the bottom piece or base A* of the case A. As a further means of
keeping this compartment in its proper direction of movement, we attach to the
inner portion of the back of the case a guide plate or blade g, which passes through
the compartment and holds it firmly on the tram, thus preventing it from moving
either upwards or downwards.
The working is as follows:-On the lid being raised the guide arms E, E, which
are attached thereto, are caused to rise, and as they travel upwards in the path or
slot c they push the central compartment D forward, which being connected
to the wings by means of the pins a, a, oblige the said pins to travel in the slots b, b,
and thus force the wings outwards. On the lid being lowered these guide arms,
travelling downwards in the path c, withdraw the central compartment, which as it
retires causes the wings to return to their closed position. The objects of this
travelling compartment are to allow some of its contents to be moved for com-
pactness under the shelves fitted in the wings, and also to afford a full display of all
the articles when the case is open. A tray is fitted over the recess or space in which
the guide arm works, but it is not shown in the Drawings.
Figure 5 is a front elevation; Fig. 6, a plan; Fig. 7, a transverse sectional eleva-
tion of another arrangement for opening and closing simultaneously the lid, wings,
and central travelling compartment of a dressing case. In this arrangement we
dispense with the guide arms E, E, and the opening and closing action is effected
from the quadrant joint or hinge G, which connects together the lid and body of the
case. To that portion of the quadrant joint entering the side of the case is arti-
culated a rod h, guided in its travel by a stud * entering a slotted plate h²; this
rod is in connection with a bell crank H, provided with a pin or stud i, which
travels in a slotted, flanged, or rectangular plate J sliding in a groove in the bottom
of the case. The horizontal portion of this plate carries a pin or stud j, which
travels in a slotted plate K placed obliquely to the side of the case, and secured to
the bottom of the wing. As the lid is raised or lowered the quadrant joint G causes
the bell crank H to turn on its pivot g¹, and its pin or stud i travelling in the
rectangular plate causes the wings to open or close, and the central compartment D
to move outwards or inwards.
In order to prevent any portion of the hinge or joint connecting the wings or
side openings to the fixed side of the case being seen from the outside when the
case is closed, or from the upper edge of the case when the lid is raised, we construct
a special hinge which consists of two leaves or flaps G*, G*, each having a circular-
shaped portion g*, gx, projecting therefrom, and forming a right angle therewith.
One of these projecting portions is placed over the other, and they are connected
together by a pin or rivet in such manner as to permit them to move or turn freely.

page_text: One leaf or flap is secured to the inner side of the case A, and the other to the
wing B, and the circular projecting portions g*, g*, fit into the wing. This hinge
or joint is shown in plan at Figure 8 in the position it would occupy when the case
is open. The central compartment is also connected to the wings, and travels on a
tram e in like manner to that described in the preceding arrangement.
Figure 9 is a transverse sectional elevation of a dressing case showing another
arrangement or modification to that shewn in Figures 5, 6, and 7. In this arrange-.
ment we dispense with the bell crank, and the connecting arm h* terminates in a
plate H furnished with a pin or stud k, which slides in a vertical slot / contrived in
a rectangular guide plate L fixed to the bottom of the case. At the same time that
this pin moves it forces the sliding flange plate J to travel forwards and backwards
by means of a slot * cut in its vertical portion at an angle of 45°, and thus the
wings and central compartment are caused to move outwards or inwards on the lid
or cover being raised or lowered.
Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 show an arrangement by which we are enabled to
bring the wings, trays, or side openings against the fixed side of the case A, i.e., to
permit them to form a half circle (180°). Figure 10 is a transverse sectional eleva-
tion; Figure 11, a fragmentary plan view shewing one of the wings against the fixed
side of the case (the position it occupies after having performed its half revolution);
and Figure 12, a horizontal section taken on the line 1, 2, of Figure 10. Figure 13
is a plan shewing the under side of the case.
Figure 13* shows a further opening and closing arrangement or modification to those
shewn in the preceding Figures, but in this arrangement a coiled spring h* is placed
around the connecting rod h for the purpose of assisting the rising of the lid or
cover of the case or box on the same being opened by the key, or by latch, or
otherwise.
For the purpose of carrying the improvement into effect, as shewn in Figures 10,
11, 12, and 13, we construct a double joint M, to the outer end of which is hinged
the innermost portion of the wings, and to the inner end of which is hinged the
sliding flanged plate, herein-before described in reference to the arrangement shown
in Figures 6, 7, and 9. B is the wing, and J the slotted sliding plate; M is the
double joint, which is hinged at m to the plate J, and at mx to the wing B. The
inner end of this joint is deeper than the outer end, and extends below the side of
the case; it terminates in a curved piece n, which passes into a slot n* cut for its
reception in the bottom of the case A, and abuts on the wing being closed against
a pin p secured to the under edge of the fixed side of the case, and projecting down-
wards into the slot. The object of this curved piece n is to permit the smooth and
ready action of the wings without shock or strain to them on their performing their
closing movement.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of a dressing case with its fittings removed and
in its open position, showing the wings against the fixed sides of the case, to which
is adapted our opening and closing arrangements described with reference to Figures.
10 to 13, both inclusive.
Figure 15 is a front elevation, and Figure 16 a plan of a combined toilet glass
and table to which another our opening and closing arrangements is adapted.
The doors or winged openings are connected with the central travelling compart-
ment D in manner similar to that shewn in the preceding Figures, but they are
hung or fitted around the pillars or uprights P, which support the looking-glass.
This glass is pivoted at its lower extremity at q, in order that when it be desired to
adjust it there will be no danger of the articles placed in front of it being over-
turned. By these means we remedy an inconvenience often experienced. R is a
rest or support placed at the back of the glass to keep it in its inclined position.
We make the pillars P hollow, and fit them with candles acting on the same prin-
ciple as the well-known Palmer's candlesticks. Side glasses or mirrors Q* may also
be attached to these pillars by means of double hinges, universal joints, ball-and-
socket joints, or other like contrivances; and when candlesticks P* are fitted to the
wings or side openings B, as seen in the Drawings, they will be found useful in

page_text: reflecting the light at any angle desired. These candlesticks P* may also serve as
a means whereby to open and close the wings or side openings. Buttons or knobs
may also be added to the winged or side openings. The dot and dash lines in
Figure 16 represent the wings in their closed position.
Figs. 17, 18, and 19 show an opening and closing arrangement adapted to a secre-
taire or writing table, Fig. 17 being a front elevation; Fig. 18, a plan; Fig. 19, a
vertical section taken on the line a, 3, of Fig. 17. A is the table, between the
legs of which slide the wings or side openings B, furnished with drawers, and
provided with pins or studs a travellings in slots b cut at an angle of 45° in the
drawer C. The wings B are guided at top by two guide bars or projections at c,
and at bottom by means of guide bars or tongues d sliding in grooves e contrived in
the bottom piece or base A* of the table. By this arrangement it will be easily
seen that on opening the drawer C the slots b in the drawer C will force the pins a
to travel therein, and to cause the wings to separate from the centre of the writing
table, so as to allow the legs of the occupant to pass under the table and between
the wings at pleasure. On the drawer C being closed the wings B will then return
to their normal or closed position.
The drawer C is preferably fitted with the improved writing case for which Her
Majesty's Letters Patent were granted unto one of us, viz., unto me, the said Richard
Quin, and bearing date 18th Dec. 1875, No. 4403.
The object attained by fitting the drawer C with this writing case is that on its
being opened the writing case shall be opened simultaneously with it, and be found
ready for use on the drawer opening to its full extent.
Although we have described our opening and closing arrangements as adapted or
applied to a dressing case, combined toilet table and glass, and to a writing table or
secretaire, they may be applied or adapted in obviously similar manner to jewel
cases, cigar cabinets, game boxes, liqueur cases, despatch boxes, and other like
articles having winged or side openings.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same may be performed, we declare that we claim,-
First. The opening and closing arrangement herein described, and in shewn in
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the accompanying Drawings, as applied by way of example
to a dressing case, the same arrangement however being applicable to other cases or
boxes having similar openings.
Second. The opening and closing arrangement herein described and shewn as
applied by way of example to a dressing case in Figures 5, 6, and 7 of the accom-
panying Drawings.
Third. The opening and closing arrangement herein described and shewn as
applied by way of example to a dressing case in Figure 8 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Fourth. The improved construction of hinge or joint herein described and shewn
in Figures 5 and 9 of the accompanying Drawings, for the purpose set forth.
Fifth. The construction and use of the double joint herein-before described and
shewn in Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the accompanying Drawings, for the purpose
of permitting the wings or side openings to lie (when opened) against the fixed sides
of the dressing case or other similar article, such joint being preferably adapted to
the arrangements shewn in Figs. 5 to 12 of the Drawings.
Sixth. The opening and closing arrangement, as shewn in Figure 13* of the
Drawings, the same being provided with a coiled spring, for the purpose herein-
before set forth.
Seventh. The opening and closing arrangement herein-before described and shewn
as adapted or applied to a combined toilet table and glass.
Eighth. Forming the pillars or uprights hollow which support the looking-glass,
and fitting them with candles, as herein set forth.
Ninth. The method of hanging or supporting the wings or side openings of toilet
glasses, toilet tables, and the like, as herein-before described.
Tenth. The opening and closing arrangement, as herein described and shewn in

page_text: Figures 16, 17, and 18 of the Drawings, as applied or adapted to a secretaire or
writing table.
In witness whereof, we, the said Albert Barker and Richard Quin, have
hereunto set our hands and seals, this Eighteenth day of January, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
ALBERT DARKER. (LS.)
RICHARD QUIN.
(L.S.)