IMPROVEMENTS STANDS. HOLDERS, OR TABLES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PORTFOLIOS, PRINTS, LARGE BOOKS, AND SUCH LIKE ARTICLES
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Holt McLauchlan, of Seymour Place,
Wandsworth Road, in the Parish of Lambeth. in the County of Surrey,
Carver and Gilder, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
STANDS.
HOLDERS, OR TABLES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PORTFOLIOS, PRINTS, LARGE
BOOKS, AND SUCH LIKE ARTICLES."
Sealed the 19th July 1867, and dated the 25th January 1867,
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Holt McLauchlan,
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
25th January 1867.
1, FREDERICK HOLT MCLAUCHLAN, of Seymour Place. Wandsworth Road,
in the Parish of Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, Carver and Gilder, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDS,
HOLDERS, OH. TABLES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PORTFOLIOS, PRINTS, LARGE BOOKS,
AND SUCH LIKE ARTICLES," to be as follows:-
"
In this Specification the term "stands and the term
stands and the term "portfolio stands
are employed to include the several articles, whether stands, holders, or tables,
mentioned in and adapted to the uses set forth in the title of the Invention.
Such stands as heretofore generally constructed have been made with legs
or feet disposed at a fixed width or distance apart sufficient to afford the
base or stability required when the leaves or flaps of the stand (with portfolios
thereon) have been opened, such width or distance being more than requisite
for base or stability in the closed position, in consequence of which the said
stands have been more or less incompact and clumsy; moreover, to retain
[Price Sd.]

page_text: or support the leaves or flaps at any desired inclination a lever and strut
arrangement has been necessitated, the struts catching in notches or rackwork
near the feet.
The Invention comprises the constructing portfolio stands with the legs
or feet moveable in respect of base or stability (as above explained) under
the conditions, named, so that in the closed position of the leaves or flaps the
legs or feet may lie in or occupy a smaller space or compass than in the open
or expanded position of the leaves or flaps, and so that the action or movement
of opening or expanding the leaves or flaps shall cause the legs.or feet to
spread or diverge, and thus afford the required increased base or stability, and
vice versa.
Also the Invention comprises the so hinging, jointing, or supporting the
leaves or flaps upon the frame or carriage of the stand as that with portfolios
thereon they may be completely or more or less perfectly balanced at any
desired inclination and require but little effort or force to vary such inclination
or to open or close the stand as desired. Also it comprises the governing
or regulating the expanding and contracting action by a mechanical arrange-
ment producing a parallel or nearly parallel motion of the legs or parts of
the frame or carriage upon or by which the leaves or flaps are balanced or
supported.
The several improvements may be effected by the upper parts of the legs
being connected to each other, and to intermediate bars by the leaves or flaps,
and being made to open and close therewith, the lower parts of the legs
being also connected by radius bars or links to be intermediate vertical bars.
A fixing bar or other contrivance may be provided for locking or retaining
the stand in the open position so that it may be used temporarily as an
ordinary table. The leaves or flaps may if desired be so made as in the closed
position to box in or enclose a portfolio or loose drawings and prints, and
whether so constructed or otherwise a locking or fixing contrivance may be
added to retain the stand in such position.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Frederick Holt McLauchlan in the Great Seal Patent
Oflice on the 24th July 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, FREDERICK
HOLT MLAUCHLAN, of Seymour Place, Wandsworth Road. in the Parishi
of Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, Carver and Gilder, send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria. by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight. hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of Her
reign, did. for Herself. Her heirs and successors. give and grant unto me.
the said Frederick Holt McLauchlan, Her special licence that I, the said
Frederick Holt McLauchlan, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I. the said Frederick Holt MLauchlan, my executors,
administrators, and assigns. should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed.
should and lawfully might make. use. exercise, and vend. within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDS. HOLDERS, OR TABLES SPECIALLY
ADAPTED FOR PORTFOLIOS, PRINTS, LARGE BOOKS. AND SUCH LIKE ARTICLES," проп
the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Frederick Holt McLauchlan,
my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or
their, or one of their hands and seals should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Frederick Holt McLauchlan. do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement. thereof, that is to say:-
In this Specification the term "stands" and the term "portfolio stands "
are employed to include the several articles, whether stands, holders, or tables
mentioned in and adapted to the uses set forth in the title of the Invention.
Such stands as heretofore generally constructed have been made with legs or
feet disposed at a fixed width or distance apart sufficient to afford the base or
stability required when the leaves or flaps of the stand (with portfolios thereon)
have been opened, such width or distance being more than requisite for base
or stability in the closed position, in consequence of which the said stands
have been more or less incompact and clumsy; moreover. to retain or
support the leaves or flaps at any desired inclination, a lever and strut arrange-
ment has been necessitated, the struts catching in notches or rackwork near
the feet.
The Invention comprises and consists in the constructing portfolio stands
with the legs or feet moveable in respect of base or stability (as above
explained) under the conditions named, so that in the closed position of the

page_text: leaves or flaps the legs or feet may lie in or occupy a smaller space or compass
than in the open or extended position of the leaves or flaps, and so that the
nction or movement of opening or expanding the leaves or flaps shall cause
the legs or feet to spread or diverge, and thus afford the required increased
base or stability, and vice versa.
Also the Invention comprises and consists in the so hinging. jointing. or
supporting the leaves or flaps upon the frame or carriage of the stand as that
with portfolios thereon they may be completely or more or less perfectly
balanced at any desired inclination and require but little effort or force to
vary such inclination or to open or close the stand as desired. Also, it com-
prises and consists in the governing or regulating the expanding and con-
tracting action by a mechanical arrangement producing a parallel or nearly
parallel motion of the legs or parts of the frame or carriage upon or by which
the leaves or flaps are balanced or supported.
The several improvements may be effected by the upper parts of the legs
being connected to each other and to intermediate vertical bars by the
leaves or flaps, and being made to open and close therewith, the lower parts
of the legs being also connected by radius bars or links to the intermediate
vertical bars. A fixing bar or other contrivance may be provided for locking
or retaining the stand in the open position so that it may be used temporarily
as an ordinary table. The leaves or flaps may, if desired, be so made as in
the closed position to box in or enclose a portfolio or loose drawings and prints,
and whether so constructed or otherwise, a locking or fixing contrivance may
be added to retain the stand in such position.
The accompanying Drawing No. 1 represents an improved portfolio stand,
in accordance with the Invention, constructed mainly of hard wood, such as
oak, walnut, or mahogany.
Figures and 2 are side elevations of the stand in the closed and open
positions respectively: Figures 1 and 2 are corresponding end elevations
of half or part, and Figures 2 and 2° part longitudinal and transverse
sections respectively in the open position; Figures 3 and 3, longitudinal
section and (part) transverse section respectively in the half closed position:
and Figure 4 an inverted plan view, one half showing legs and intermediate
bar bin section. On each side of the stand are two moveable legs or feet
, a, an intermediate moveable bar b. and the moveable radius bars or links
c, cross bars a*, ax, being fixed to and connecting the legs on one side to
those on the other. The leaves or flaps d. d, and central piece or cross frame
or sole bar e, e, extend from side to side; these are hinged or jointed
together at .. the leaves being also hinged to the legs at 9. 9. and the sole

page_text: The outer ends of the
bar e being fixed to the upper ends of the bars b.
radius bars are pivot hinged to the legs at a, and the inner ends are hinged
to the lower ends of the bars b. and connected with each other in the
manner herein-after specially described.
The varied space occupied by the legs of the stand when in the different
positions represented is apparent from the several views. and more particularly
from the Figures 1, 2, and 3, and also it is evident that such variation is
caused by the action or movement of opening or expanding the leaves or flaps,
and vice versa. The degree of perfection of balancing of the leaves or flaps
with portfolio thereon depends partly upon the size and weight of portfolio
used; the stand is intended to take a portfolio somewhat larger than or over-
hanging the leaves. The position and proportion of parts represented is from
an actual stand which fulfils its purpose in a perfectly satisfactory manner.
No doubt some variation of position of hinge is admissible. but regard must.
he had to preserving the proper (approximate) parallelism of the several
limbs, and particularly to making the radius bars c. c. of proper length and
hinging or jointing them to the legs and intermediate bars in proper
positions. A perfectly true or exact parallelism is not requisite, and, indeed.
in respect of the lines x, x, passing through the working centres or joints is
sacrificed partly on account of the necessary thickness of material used and
partly for compactness and convenience of arranging. the joints, especially the
joints at b
Figures 5 and 6 shew details of the joints or hinges and
respectively.
and the Figures 7 to 10 of the hinges or joints at b and connection iogether
by toothed wheelwork of the pairs of radius bars con each side of the stand.
To avoid clumsiness and to obtain sufficient strength the construction of this
part, which requires some care. is as next described.
Figures 7 and 8 are vertical sections through centre lines of bar b; Figure 9,
horizontal section through centres of toothed wheels, one only of these being
shewn and Figure 10, vertical transverse section through A. B. in Figure 7.
is lower end of intermediate bar; 1, . are a pair of checks or pieces
halved upon or fitted to b2 (see Figures 8 and 9), and at the fitting, where their
strength is diminished, strengthened with cross lying covers or picces 1, 1;
m is axis or centre for inner end of radius bar c; and m is toothed (half)
wheel fitted and fixed to the said bar and turning with same upon the axis m.
For better illustration some of the parts are not repeated in these four
Figures, but it is to be understood that each bar c of the stand has a (half)
wheel, and that these gear together in pairs, the effect of which is to maintain
the stand in an upright position. whether closed or partly or entirely opened.

page_text: In several of the general Figures n shews a fixing bar or turn buckle pivoted
underneath the sole bar lying out of the way when the stand is not fully
opened, but capable of being turned into the position shown in Figures 2. 2. 2
and 4. when it is fully opened. whereby it will become locked, fixed, or pre-
vented from closing, and may be used, as an ordinary flat table: on again
turning the fixing bar into the position shewn by dotted lines in Figure 4 the
stand may be closed. It is convenient in smaller stands to connect the legs
in pairs across the stand at the joints by means of metal or wooden rods,
and to use one only instead of two systems or sets of intermediate bars with
toothed wheels and radius bars, the outer ends of the radius bars being hinged
or jointed on the cross rods. Also metal or wooden rods may be used to
connect the pairs of legs together across the stand at the upper parts g: and
on these rods the leaves or flaps may be made to turn instead of on hinges:
and when such upper cross rods are used the joints f connecting the leaves
with the sole bar may be made with hinges, which will allow the leaves to be
brought not only to a flat or table position, but beyond such position down-
wards to any slope or angle desired (see Diagram. Figure 11.) the projecting
ends bx of the blocks over the intermediate bars (see Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4,)
being dispensed with. A small edging piece attached to the leaves (marked z
in the Diagram) will enable the stand to be used on or at each end for the
holding or exhibition of prints or drawings.
Another and convenient modification is as follows:-Parts of one or both
leaves may be arrested in their motion or the degree of motion diminished
during the opening of the stand by an arrangement of struts or rods. The
application to one side only being probably more convenient than to both sides
is herein so described; the leaf on this side is so constructed as to consist of
two portions, both hinged to the sole bar and when closed lying in the same
plane the leaf may be framed, as shewn in plan view in Figure 12;
Figure 13 shews corresponding elevation of entire stand with part of one leaf
"arrested in its motion. The inner part p (shaded in the Figure 12) and
the outer part q are both hinged, but separately. to the sole bar c, and the
part p is also hinged to the upper part of the legs as before described; not
so the part y. but a rods (or rods), straight or curved as may be required. is
attached thereto at its upper end, and at its lower end to the intermediate
bar b, or to such part of the nearest radius bar c (so shewn in Figure 13) as
may be found convenient (in case of two intermediate bars b being used
two rods & should be used); the effect of this. arrangement is to place the
outer portion q of one leaf and the entire opposite or other leaf at different
angles, and thus to afford a means of exhibiting prints or drawings, which is

page_text: sometimes preferred. A notched strut applied as shewn may be used for
detaining or holding the stand open at any desired angle.
Generally the construction of the leaves or flaps may be further varied by
making them solid or pannelled instead of as shown, and the surfaces of the
pannels or the entire surfaces, either inside, outside, or both, may be covered
with cloth, leather, or other material; also a rim, the depth of which is half
the width of the sole bar, may be used round three sides of each leaf and
inside of it. When the stand is closed these rims will meet and form a box
excluding dust and dirt, and a catch or lock may be added to secure the
contents. This is the boxing in modification before referred to, and admits
(if desired) of the position of the toothed half wheels being altered. Instead
of being placed as before described they may be inserted in the ends of the
rims, which should then project beyond the edges of the leaves and be shaped
to pitch line of the wheels. In this case the radius of the wheels (to the
pitch line of the teeth) must be half the width of the sole bar from hinge to
hinge.
A reference to the account book stand represented in Figures 17 to 22
(herein-after described), and in which the wheelwork is similarly placed, will
assist the above description.
The following Figures in Drawing No. 2. are side views of the improved
stands constructed to take portfolios of very large size, or to be used when
the height of an ordinary table is not required. In each of these varieties the
same top or upper framework of leaves and sole bar. excepting as mentioned.
is employed, balanced as before described, and instead of the four vertical legs
a more solid base is also employed.
In Figure 14, a. a* represents one side of the base, the parts a and a being
made moveable to or from each other. and fitted together by dovetailed and
grooved slides (not shown) or in other ordinary manner.. Radius bars b. b.
are hinged or pivotted to the base a, a, at f, j; the lower ends of the bars b. b.
have tail pieces or projections meeting at c, where they are hinged or jointed
together: the "top" d is hung or hinged at the upper ends of the bars b.
It is evident that in opening and closing the "top" the notion of the parts a
and u, to or from each other, is effected; the dotted lines in the Figure
shew the stand partly open. In Figure 15 the same arrangement of parts
is shewn. except that instead of the axes of the radius bars being pivoted
to the moveable parts a, a, they are connected together and their equal
motion secured by toothed wheels e. e. as in the stand firstly described.
The
motion of the parts a, a, may be effected by the toothed wheels e. e. taking
into rackwork attached to the parts a, a, but not represented; the doited

page_text: lines in the Figure show the stand wide or fully open.
When it is so desired
the opening of the leaves at unequal angles may be effected in any of the
following different ways:-Firstly, the wheels e, e, (Figure 15) may be made of
different diameters; or, secondly, the radius bars b, b. (Figure 15) may be made
of different lengths; or. thirdly, one leaf d may be firmly attached instead of
hinged to its adjacent bars b, see Figure 15, the other leaf being hinged as
before the open position is shewn, but the full lines in Figure 15 serve to
represent the closed position; or, fourthly, the bars b, at one end of the stand
may be rigidly fixed to the base a. as shewn in Figure 16, which represents
the stand open and the sole bar divided, and its parts hinged together at the
centre instead of its being hinged at its two edges to the leaves. The same
treatment of the sole bar may also be adopted in other cases, and it should be
noted that although the balancing action is preserved the base is not shewn
as spreading, but may be made to spread as in the other cases, Figures 14. 15.
and 15 and also that the stands represented at Figures 15 and 15" may, if
desired, be made with non-spreading bases.
The following Figures exhibit a further illustration of the manner in which
my Invention is to be and may be performed. The improved stand therein
represented, which is more particularly adapted for large books, such as thick.
heavy account books and the like, has the upper framework or "top." con-
sisting of sole bar and leaves (balanced as before described), mounted on a
different under framework or arrangement of the legs. the base shewn in the
lastly-mentioned Figures being dispensed with, and the radius bars being
prolonged beyond their axes to cross each other and form or constitute the
legs.
Figures 17 and 18 are side and end elevations of the stand in the closed
position: Figures 19 and 20, side view and plan, in the open position, and
Figures 21 and 22. transverse section and plan view, also in the open position
but with the top turned round upon the centre d, herein-after described, from
the position shewn at Figures 19, 20, to the extent of a quarter of a revolu-
tion in the direction of the arrows . .
The stand in the position shewn at
Figures 21. 22. and with or without account book therein. will lie firmly as a
desk or table without tendency to close. On turning the top back again in the
direction shewn by the arrows z, z, the stand, with or without account book
thereon, may be closed.
hinged or jointed together and made to cross each other after the fashion of
an ordinary tray stand, also an ordinary cloth or webbing b, b, b, is employed
to limit the full extent or degree of opening, but it is to be noted that the legs
are specially curved to admit of the "top" when in the folded or closed
In this account book "stand the legs a and a* arc

page_text: position (see Figure 17) lying between them, and to bring the crossing or
hinge joints nearer to the lower than to the upper ends of the legs, and yet
in such position that the lower ends may stand wider apart than the upper
ends, and sufficient stability be obtained. The webbing carries fixed to it an
under sole bar or piece c which does not turn round with the top. but which
carries a pin or pivot or pivot hole or centre d upon which the "top" turns.
The differing lengths of the legs a and is intended to give a slope to the
top when in the position (Figures 21 and 22) for use. but they may be made.
if preferred, of such length as that the top may lie level upon them. The
leaves are not hinged to the legs, but rest or lie against or upon the upper
cross bars A and Ax connecting the opposite pairs of legs. The sole bar e
connecting the leaves rests upon the under sole bar c carried by the webbing.
and when the stand is in the fully open position may with the leaves be turned
round upon the pivot d, which for convenience of obtaining the position of the
"top" shewn in Figures 21 and 22 is placed somewhat out of or away from
the middle or true centre of the sole bars. The leaves and the sole bar e also
(or the sole bar e instead of the leaves) may be made to keep the legs firmly
strutted open and fixed or firmly closed and fixed to them by being provided
on their under sides with small buttons, lugs. claws, or projections (not shewn
in the Figures) to lock into or press against the upper cross bars A and A*,
connecting the legs; and f* are rims or edgings to the leaves, and
The rims also
form stops to regulate the complete closing of the top.
serve to prevent an account book falling off the sloping top when open as
at Figures 21 and 22, and the rims * carry the toothed wheelwork g, g, for
ensuring equality of action or motion of the leaves as herein previously and
When it is desired to close the stand, the top
more particularly described.
being turned round will release the legs and both top and legs may be folded
To assist the closing and
into the position shewn at Figures 17 and 18.
also the balancing when heavy portfolios are placed in the stand it will be
convenient to employ india-rubber or other springs as shewn by the dotted
lines h in Figures 17 and 21.
It is to be observed that instead of toothed wheels as described to be used
for the purpose of securing equal or unequal motion, other known contrivances
for producing the same result may be substituted, as for instance crossed straps
of metal, leather, or other material passing round the circumferences of wheels.
Also it is to be observed that though the construction is described as of wood.
metal or other material may be in part or entirely employed, the scantling
And I would remark that
being varied to suit the nature of the material.
the leaves or covers of an ordinary portfolio or book may be adapted to or

page_text: used in the construction of a stand for the purposes of my Invention in place
of the leaves of a stand as hercin-before described.
The Figures 1 to 4 and 17 to 22 are drawn to a scale of about one-eighth,
Figures 5 to 10 of about one-half, Figures 11 to 13 of about one-sixteenth,
and Figures 14 to 16 of about one-twenty-fourth of the full size linear
dimensions. But such dimensions admit of considerable variation.
In witness whereof, I, the said Frederick Holt McLauchlan, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of July, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.
F. H. MOLAUCHLAN. (L.S.)