An Improved Furniture Piece, Comprising an Inkstand or Escritoire or Writing Table and Copying Press.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 9th May, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 25th Jan., 1893-Accepted, 11th Mar., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Furniture Piece, Comprising an Inkstand or Escritoire
or Writing Table and Copying Press.
I, WILLIAM HASTIE of 162 Hospital Street, Glasgow, Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention has for its object the construction of an improved furniture_piece
comprising an inkstand escritoire or writing table and copying press so that a
person using the apparatus does not require to go into the public office to have his
private writings copied but has every facility conveniently at hand.
According to one arrangement I combine an inkstand with a copying press
preferably of the kind shown in my Specification No. 756989 whilst other modifica-
tions are well adapted for escritoires and writing tables. My improved apparatus
consists of a cabinet having a recess in which a board plate or platen is free to move
up or down between which and the external casing of the cabinet or stand the
copying book is placed.
In one modification movement is given to the platen by levers and curved slots in
the manner described in my earlier Specification above referred to. In other modi-
fications bell cranks, eccentrics or cams are used and where the upper plate moves a
spring of steel or india rubber or other suitable material acts in such a way as to
keep the lever handle in its normal position for convenience in lifting. In some
modifications for example where the bottom plate is made to move, the springs may
be dispensed with; the handle being kept in a vertical position by the weight of
the bottom plate and book upon it. In another modification the platen is raised
and lowered by a screw or the screw may be employed to give pressure only, the
platen being free to oscillate on pins which- project from the middles of its opposite
ends. This modification would perhaps be best suited for escritoires and writing
tables. The space in the external shell or casing above or below the recess occupied
by the press may contain a nest of drawers or pigeon holes which may be shut up
by one or more doors.
When one door is employed it is by preference hinged at its bottom or lower
edge and padded on its inner side so as to serve as a writing pad when in use-or a
separate board having its upper surface padded may be made to slide in underneath
and kept in its place by the doors when shut. Where it is convenient the ink
bottles are placed on the top but they may be set in drawers or spaces left for them
lower down. If desirable a ewer for damping purposes may also form part of the
combination.
Dated this 9th day of May 1892
CARPMAEL & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Furniture Piece, Comprising an Inkstand or Escritoire
or Writing Table and Copying Press.
I WILLIAM HASTIE of 162 Hospital Street, Glasgow in the County of Lanark
North Britain Engineer, 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 has for its object the construction of an improved furniture piece
comprising an inkstand escritoire or writing table and copying press so that a

page_text: person using the apparatus does not require to go into the public office to have his
private writings copied but has every facility conveniently at hand. According to
one arrangement I combine an inkstand with a copying press preferably of the
kind shown in my Specification No. 756988 whilst other modifications are well
adapted for escritoires and writing tables. My improved apparatus consists of a
cabinet having a recess in which a board plate or platen is free to move up or down
between which and the external casing of the cabinet or stand the copying book is
placed.
In one modification movement is given to the platen by levers and curved slots in
the manner described in my earlier Specification above referred to. In other
modifications bell cranks eccentrics or cams are used and where the upper plate
moves a spring of steel or india rubber or other suitable material acts in such a way
as to keep the lever handle in its normal position for convenience in lifting. In
some modifications for example where the bottom plate is made to move, the springs
may be dispensed with, the handle being kept in a vertical position by the weight
of the bottom plate and book upon it. In another modification the the platen is
raised and lowered by a screw or the screw may be employed to give pressure only,
the platen being free to oscillate on pins which project from the middles of its
opposite ends.
This modification would perhaps be best suited for escritoires and writing tables.
The space in the external shell or casing above or below the recess occupied by the
press may contain a nest of drawers or pigeon holes which may be shut up by one
or more doors. When one door is employed it is by preference hinged at its bottom
or lower edge and padded on its inner side so as to serve as a writing pad when in
use or a separate board having its upper surface padded may be made to slide in
underneath and kept in its place by the doors when shut.
Where it is convenient the ink bottles are placed on the top but they may be set
in drawers or spaces left for them lower down. If desirable a ewer for damping
purposes may also form part of the combination.
And in order that my said invention and the manner of performing the same may
be properly understood I hereunto append a sheet of explanatory drawings to be
hereinafter referred to and showing by way of example some applications of my
improvements. It is to be understood that the examples shown in combination
with an inkstand are equaly applicable to an escritoire or writing table and
vice verse.
Figures 1. and 2. on the accompanying drawings are respectively an end elevation
and a sectional front elevation whilst Figure 3. is a transverse vertical section as at
right angles to Figure 2. and showing one modification of a combined inkstand and
copying press.
Figures 4. and 5. are respectively a sectional end elevation and sectional front
elevation of a second modification of a combined inkstand and copying press.
Figure 6. is an end elevation of a third modification and
Figure 7. is a sectional front elevation of the same.
Figure 8. is a sectional front elevation of a part of a combined escritoire or
writing table and a copying press and
Figure 9 is a transverse vertical section of the same part as at right angles to
Figure 8,
Figures 10. and 11. being similar views of part of a second modification of my
improvements applied to escritoires or writing tables.
In these drawings the same reference letters and numerals are used to mark the
same or like parts where ever they are repeated.
°
My combined inkstand and copying press as shown in Figures 1. 2. and 3. consists
of a cabinet or inkstand A. which may be closed up in front by one or more doors.
These doors are not shown in Figure 2. In the cabinet A. there is a recess B. in
which a board or platen C. is free to move up or down and in which the copying
book is to be placed. A board D. forming the bottom of the recess B. is rigidly
fixed to and forms part of the cabinet A. The platen C. and board D. are each

page_text: strengthened by metal pieces E. in the manner described in my earlier Specification
hereinbefore referred to. And pins F. projecting from the middles of the opposite
ends of the platen C. work in guide slots formed in a piece with, and projecting up
from the metal strengthening pieces E. of the board D. On pins G. cast on the
strengthening pieces E. of the board D. are centred two levers H. H 1 connected
by a crossbar or handle and having curved slots formed in them at a little distance
from their centres in the manner described in my earlier Specification above referred
to, and the pins F. are made long enough to project through these slots in the
levers H. H1. The slots in the levers H. H 1 are shaped eccentrically so that
when the levers are vertical (Figures 1. 2 and 3) the platen C. is by means of its
pins F. held at its greatest distance from the bottom board D. As the levers are
pressed down by means of their crossbar or handle the edges of the curved slots
acting on the pins F. causes the platen to descend in a sufficiently forcible manner
for the copying operation. One of the pins G. on the board D. projects further
out than the other and serves to guide the end of a bell crank lever centred on a
snug J. on the lever H. This bell crank lever has the lower end of its long arm K.
flattened out and a hole is made in it to receive one of the pins F. of the platen C.
when the lever H is vertical whilst a slightly elongated hole allows the end of the
lever K. to slide freely to a limited extent on the longer pin G. of the board D.
The short arm L. of the bell crank lever has formed on it a button M. and a slight
projection of the arm L. below the button M limites the amount of depression of
the arm L. and movement of the arm K. A spring N. fixed to the under side of
the arm L and pressing on the crossbar connecting the levers H. H 1. keeps the
arm K. hard up against the lever H. when that lever is vertical, and the platen C
being in its highest position, the pin F. on the platen C. enters the hole in the
lever K. and becomes securely locked.
When used for copying the button M. is pressed down by the thumb of the hand
with which the handle or crossbar is grasped and the flat end of the lever K. guided
by the pin G. moves clear of the pin F on the platen C. and allows the handle or
crossbar to be turned down as indicated by dotted lines on Figure 1.
When the handle is again raised to the vertical, the action of the spring N. alone
brings the lever K. into the locking position on the pin F.
The board D. may be made to form the bottom of the cabinet A. But when the
cabinet is closed by two doors I form a recess below the board D into which I place
a board or writing pad O. having two pins P. near its back edge and projecting
from its opposite ends.
These pins slide in grooves Q made in the inner sides of the gables of the
cabinet A. and extend from the back to a short distance from the front of the
cabinet.
When used for writing the pad O. is drawn out as shown in dotted lines in
Figure 3. the pins P. coming in contact with the front ends of the grooves
prevents the board or pad from being drawn entirely out.
When not in use the pad O. is pushed into the recess or space between the
board D. and a board R. which last forms the true bottom of the cabinet A. and is
retained in this position by the doors when shut.
The doors in this example are by preference hinged to the sides or gables of the
cabinet A. in the usual way and the upper part of the cabinet A. above the
platen C. may contain one or more drawers.
In the modification shown in Figures 4 and 5. the levers H. H 1. have cam
surfaces instead of eccentric slots and are centred on pins G formed on a vertical
projection S. of the metal strengthening pieces E. on the board D.
Flanges round a slot in this projection S pass through the gables of the cabinet A
and serve to guide or block T. on a vertical projection U. of the strengthening
pieces E. on the platen C.
A pin W. is screwed into the block T. or it may be cast on, and has a friction
roller on it which bears up against and is acted on by the underside of the cam
surfaces of the levers H. H 1.

page_text: The roller has a flange on its inner side and is kept in its place on the pin W. by
the sides of the cams on the ends of the levers H. H 1.
A steel spring X. or it may be of rubber or other suitable material is interposed
between the under surface of the block T. and the flange forming the bottom of the
guide slot in the projection S. of the strengthening pieces E. on the board D.
When the handle or crossbar is turned down the cams on the levers H. H 1. acting
on the friction rollers on the pins W. depresses the platen C. and effects the copying.
The cam surfaces are at the end of their widest part made with prongs to act as
stops so as to limite the movement of the levers H. H 1. to a quarter of a circle on
each side of the vertical centre when the handle is in its normal position.
When the pressure is taken off and the handle returned to the vertical the
spring X. expanding lifts the platen C. and releases the copying book.
In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5. the board D. forms the bottom of the
cabinet, which is closed by a single door hinged by preference at its lower edge to
the board D.
The inside of this door serves as a writing pad O. and can be shut up and locked
when not in use. .
The ink wells in this example may be placed in drawers at any convenient height
and the top of the cabinet A left clear.
In the modification shown in Figures 6 and 7 the ends of the levers H. H 1. are
made to form disc cranks. The board D is also placed above the platen C. and
fixed rigidly to, and forms a part of the cabinet A.
The metal strengthening pieces E of the board D. are as in the other examples
secured to the gables of the cabinet A. These strengthening pieces E. have a
vertical projecting part S which has on its upper end a boss passing through the
gables of the cabinet A. This boss has a hole bored through its centre to, receive
the centre pins G. cast on the disc cranks on the ends of the levers H. H 1. The
discs have cast or otherwise fixed on their outer sides crank pins G 1.
The pins F. on the platen C. project through guide slots in the gables of the
cabinet A. and are attached to the crank pins G 1. by connecting rods G 2. In
this example the turning of the handle down raises the platen C. and copying book
upon it and presses it up against the board D. with sufficient force to effect the
copying. When the handle is again brought to its normal position the weight of
the platen C. and book upon it keep it vertical.
In this modification also the cabinet is closed by a single door hinged to a
board R. which forms the bottom of the cabinet and on which the platen C. rests
when not in use. The door can be made to serve as a writing pad O. when turned
down as shown in dotted lines in Figure 6. In Figure 7 the door is removed to
show details.
In the modification shown in Figures 8. and 9. representing a part of an
escritoire or writing table the angle pieces E. are made with a vertical slot in them
and pins G cast on at a little distance above the slot form centres for the
levers H. H 1. These levers H. H 1. have eccentric slots in them and pius F on the
platen C. pass through the eccentric slots in the levers H. H 1. and are guided in
the vertical slots in the pieces E. The metal angle pieces E. are made with a
flange by which they are securely fixed to the top of the table, whilst the vertical
sides forms part of the walls of a recess made in a nest of pigeon holes or drawers.
A pin Y. on the inside of the lever H. engages with a spring catch Z fixed to
the wall of the recess (seen best in Figure 9) and retains the handle in its normal
position when not in use.
With this arrangement the platen C is free to oscillate to a limited extent which
facilitates the entering of the copying book into the press.
In the modification shown in Figures 10. and 11. the metal angle pieces E. are
joined together, at their bottom ends by a metal strip or bar by which they are
fixed to, the table. The upright cheeks at each end of this bar are sliped up
through holes cut in the top of the table and form part of the walls of the recess
formed in a nest of pigeon holes or drawers.

page_text: These cheeks have pins G. cast on to form centres for the levers H. H 1.
The levers H. H 1 are made with eccentric slots and are of the kind shown in
Figs. 1. 2. and 3. of the accompanying drawings.
A cross beam 12. has its ends projecting through the slots in the levers H. H 1.
and also through a vertical slot formed in the cheeks of the metal angle pieces E.
at a little distance above the centre pins G.
The extreme ends 13. of the beam 12. are by preference square or oblong in
section so as to prevent the beam 12. from turning when the levers H. H 1. are
brought down in the copying operation. The beam 12 is at its middle swelled
out to form a boss 14. which is bored and tapped to receive an adjustable screw 15.
which has a cross handle 16. at its upper end..
The lower end of the screw 15. has a disc formed on it
upper surface and spherical on its under or pressing surface.
platen C. pass through and are guided in vertical slots formed
in the cheeks of the metal angle pieces E.
which is flat on its
The pins F on the
below the pins G.
These pins F. are connected by a metal bar passing over and fixed to the
These
platen C. and having two prongs 17. standing up in the middle.
prongs 17. hook on to the disc formed on the end of the screw 15. whilst the
main body of the metal bars serves as a bolster to receive the pressure of the
screw 15. This arrangement allows the platen C. to oscillate to a small extent
when placing the book in the press. The levers H. H 1. are kept in their normal
position by the blade spring Z. which is fixed to the wall of the recess and is made
so as to embrace the lever H. when that lever is in its vertical position.
When about to copy, the copying book is entered into the recess B.
The height of the platen C. is then adjusted by turning the screw 15 with its
bandle 16. and the levers H. H 1. are then pulled down by means of their crossbar
or handle to give the required pressure, or pressure may be given to the platen C.
by means of the screw 15. and handle 16. alone, the levers H. H 1. being kept in
position by the spring Z and resistance of the copying book.
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 :
1. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting an improved furniture
piece substantially as herein before described and as shown in Figures 1. 2 and 3.
of the accompanying drawings.
2. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting an improved furniture
piece substantially as herein before described and shown in Figures 4 and 5. of the
accompanying drawings.
3. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting an improved furniture
piece substantially as herein before described and shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the
accompanying drawings.
4. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting an improved furniture
piece substantially as herein before described and shown in Figures 8 and 9. of the
accompanying drawings.
5. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting an improved furniture
piece substantially as herein before described and shown in Figures 10 and 11. of
the accompanying drawings.
6. In the improved furniture piece the device for lifting and depressing the
platen of a copying press and consisting of the eccentric slots in the levers and the
pins on the platen arranged and operating substantially as herein before described
and as shown in Figures 1. 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
7. In the improved furniture piece the locking device consisting of a bell crank
lever centred on the lever (H) and guided and operating substantially as herein
before described and as shown in Figures 1. 2 and 3 of the accompanying
5 drawings.

page_text: 8. In the improved furniture piece a board or writing pad and recess for same
substantially as herein before described and as shown in Figures 1. 2 and 3 of the
accompanying drawings.
9. In the improved furniture piece a door in front hinged so as when open to
serve as a writing pad substantially as herein before described and as shown in
Figures 4. 5 and 6. of the accompanying drawings.
10. In the improved furniture piece the combination and arrangement of parts
whereby the levers (H. H 1) centred on upright projections fixed to the bottom of
the cabinet, act by cam surfaces on friction rollers on pins (W) in blocks (T) on
upright projections (U) fixed to the platen (C) and kept up by springs (X) sub-
stantially as and for the purposes herein before described and as shown in
Figures 4 and 5. of the accompanying drawings.
11. In the improved furniture piece the raising of the platen by means of cranks
on the levers and connecting rods substantially as herein before described and as
shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.
12. In the improved furniture piece the device for lifting and depressing the
platen of a copying press and consisting of the eccentric slots in the levers and
the pins on the platen arranged and operating substantially as herein before
described and as shown in Figures 8 and 9. of the accompanying drawings.
13. In the improved furniture piece or platen adjustable by means of a screw
in a beam arranged and operating in combination with eccentrics slots in the
levers and pins on the platen substantially as and for the purposes herein before
described and as shown in Figures 10 and 11. of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this Twenty-fourth day of January 1893.
WILLIAM HASTIE.