Improvements in Metallic Furniture.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd May, 1890
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Mar., 1891-Accepted, 22nd June, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Metallic Furniture.
I ROBERT WILLIAM ANDERSON, of 93, Mulgrave Street, Liverpool, in the
County of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention
to be as follows:-
This invention has for its object the manufacture or production of certain articles
of furniture, such as chairs, seats of various kinds, sofas, tables, drawers, ward-
robes, whatnots, chiffoniers, dressing tables, washing stands, and the like, of iron
or steel.
Generally speaking, the parts of furniture involving my invention hereinafter
described are made, as far as possible, of stamped metal, that is to say, the members
forming the different parts are made generally of metal stamped from plates into
the required forms or shapes; and further, where, and as far as possible, these
members are made of tubular form, whereby the maximum amount of strength is
imparted to the furniture with a minimum amount or weight of metal used. For
instance, the chairs are made up of backs and back legs stamped from sheets of
metal into hollow form, two of which may be secured together to make the parts
tubular, such securing being effected by seaming, rivetting, brazing, or the like.
Then in like manner, the seat frame may be stamped of hollow or channel section,
and adapted to receive suitable filling or seat bottoming, and the four legs being
made of tubular form. The seat frame and back would be fitted together by
suitable tongue and groove joints, so as to be capable of being taken to pieces and
stowed, the tongues and grooves being made of castings suitably connected to the
parts; or the above two parts can be connected by bolts passing through the back
of the chair. The four legs may be secured to the seat frame by socket couplings
or flange couplings, or by solid tongue and groove devices, or the two front legs
may be made in one piece, of tubular form, and suitably connected to the front of
the seat frame.
Another form of coupling of seat frame and back, which is not detachable, con-
sists in forming upon the back, by stamping, suitable projecting pieces to which the
seat frame may be securely rivetted or seamed.
When the chair seat frame is made of channel iron, with its web vertically
arranged, the legs may be adapted to be passed through the flanges thereof, and
suitably secured by bolts, pins, or rivets, or by dovetail joints.
Another form of seat frame consists in making it of inverted dish form, single or
double, and securing the legs thereto in any of the manners hereinbefore stated, or
it may be of dish form, the dish being filled with upholstery, or part upholstery and
part hollow. If partly hollow, the seat proper may be detachable and spaces pro-
vided within adapted to hold any articles. These latter forms provide a very
convenient mode of constructing stools. A single legged stool may be made in this
manner, the seat and its supports, the leg and the pedestal or foot, being made of
different parts, and held together by a central bolt. All these parts as well as
those hereinafter described, it must be understood, may be provided with suitable
flutings or mouldings, or have other ornamental devices imparted to them in the
process of stamping.
In the case of a fixed legged table, the top of the table will be stamped in an
inverted dish form, having suitable mouldings as required at the edges or flanges;
and it may be provided with channel, angular, or other strengthening strips, below,
to give it rigidity. The frame of the table, that is in the case where a frame is
used, may be of channel, angular, tubular, or other suitable shape, to which the
legs are attached, in any of the manners hereinbefore referred to with respect to

page_text: the taole may be secured to the frame by bolts
passing through snugs fitted to the top of the table.
It will be understood that where the table is an expanding one, the top would
be made in strips of the nature above referred to in the description of the fixed
table.
The form of the fixed table top may be conveniently used as a form of top also
for chiffoniers, chests of drawers, whatnot shelves, and the like.
1-'
In chiffoniers and other articles having horizontal divisions for drawers, shelves,
and so on, and apertures, the whole front and sides, if desired, can be stamped out
of one sheet of metal of a convenient size, the back being separate.
To these frames suitable snugs will be provided with pins, such as an eccentric
'pin, or a pin to receive a cotter, or bolt, or nut, to which the shelves or divisions
would be connected, then also to render the structure stiff, stringer or brace bolts
may be provided across the apparatus.
If this type of furniture is provided with a back projecting above the top, such
back may be made in the form of the chair backs above specified, and the back
proper of the article of furniture, to give strength to it, may be corrugated. The
drawers of a chest of drawers may be made with metallic sides, front and back and
bottom, formed or connected together in any suitable known way.
The base of chiffoniers, chests of drawers, wardrobes, and so forth, can be made
in the form, substantially, of the tops of tables or tops of drawers, etcetera, as above
described.
A suitable and convenient mode of connecting the backs and the rest of the frame
of chiffoniers, drawers, wardrobes, and the like together, consists in using eccentric
pins and corresponding holes in the two parts, so that by turning such pins the
two parts can be either locked or unlocked, or adapted to be connected together by
turning these pins.
To make the bottoms of drawers, or the bottoms of wardrobes and the like
sufficiently stable, I corrugate them, or provide them with analogous raised or
embossed portions.
As a means of connecting the plain surfaces or walls of the furniture together, I
form a joint at the corners, I may turn the corners in and hold them together by
pins and connect and brace the opposite corners together by diagonal braces, and
these braces may be connected to the corners in any suitable way.
Another corner connection consists in connecting the ends of the plates by
grooves and channel strips, into two of the grooves of which the two edges of the
plates fit, and these strips are coupled together diagonally by bracing bolts.
An analogous method to the latter one, of fastening these plates together, con-
sists in providing a double strip, the plates being fitted into and between the two
strip plates, and the bracing being effected as previously described.
In making expandable tables, the frames are conveniently made of tubular form,
and telescopic; separate telescopic tubes being provided with external screw and
nut to effect the expansion and contraction or telescoping of the table.
The mode of diagonal bracing just described may be applied to various forms of
furniture herein specified.
'
As a special means of jointing plates and parts of furniture, specially adapted to
be taken to pieces for shipment or stowage, and closely packed, the parts or plates
thereof may be coupled or connected together by swivelling bars hinged, say in a
central portion of the plate, and adapted to grip when turned towards the horizontal
or vertical edges or parts of the adjoining plates.
Or, according to another mode, such parts may be coupled by a hook and eye
attachment, or by a hinged joint coupling, or by a staple, or plates passing over
and grasping heads attached to the plates, or by continuous or partial seams and
double channel fixing strips or pieces.
Of course it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the particular
details of construction herein described, as these may be varied in different ways
without departing therefrom, It is also to be understood that the different

page_text: Constructions and forms of parts herein described with reference to certain articles
of furniture may, where convenient, be applied to any other or others of such
articles.
Dated this 21st day of May 1890.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Metallic Furniture.
I, ROBERT WILLIAM ANDERSON, of 93, Mulgrave Street, Liverpool, in the
County of Lancaster, 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 :-
This invention has for its object the manufacture or production of certain articles
of furniture such as, chairs, seats of various kinds, sofas, tables, drawers, wardrobes,
whatnots, chiffoniers, dressing tables, wash-hand stands, and the like, of iron
or steel.
Generally speaking, the parts of furniture involving my invention hereinafter.
described are made as far as possible of stamped metal, that is to say, the members
forming the different parts are made generally of metal stamped from plates into
the required forms or shapes; and further, where, and as far as possible, parts are
made of tubular form, whereby the maximum amount of strength is imparted to the
iture with a minimum amount or weight of metal used. For instance, the
chairs are made up of back and back legs stamped from sheets of metal into hollow
form, two of which may be secured together to make the parts tubular, such securing
being effected by seaming, rivetting, brazing, or the like. Then in like manner,
the seat frame may be stamped of hollow or channel section and adapted to receive
suitable filling or seat bottoming, and the four legs being made of tubular form.
The seat frame and back would be fitted together by suitable tongue and groove
joints, so as to be capable of being taken to pieces and stowed, the tongues and
grooves being made of castings suitably connected to the parts, or the above two
parts can be connected by bolts passing through the back of the chair. The four
legs may be secured to the seat frame by socket couplings, or by solid tongue and
groove devices, or the two front legs may be made in one piece of tubular form, and
suitably connected to the front of the seat frame.
Another form of coupling of seat frame and back, which is not detachable, consists
in forming upon the back, by stamping, suitable projecting pieces to which the seat
frame may be securely rivetted or seamed.
When the chair seat frame is made of channel iron, with its web vertically
arranged, the legs may be adapted to be passed through the flanges thereof and
suitably secured by bolts, pins or rivets, or by dove-tail joints.
Another form of seat frame consists in making it of inverted dish form, single or
double, and securing the leg thereto in any of the manners hereinbefore stated;
or it may be of dish form, the dish being filled with upholstery or part upholstery
and part hollow. If partly hollow, the seat proper may be detachable and spaces
provided within adapted to hold any articles. These latter forms provide a very
convenient mode of constructing stools. A single legged stool or table may be
made in this manner, the seat or top and its supports, the leg, and the pedestal or
foot, being made of different parts, and held together by a central bolt. All these
parts as well as those hereinafter described, it must be understood, may be provided
with suitable flutings or mouldings or have other ornamental devices imparted to
them in the process of stamping or at other times.
In the case of a fixed legged table, the top of the table will be stamped in
an inverted dish form, having suitable mouldings as required at the edges or

page_text: flanges; and it may be provided with channel, angular, or other strengthening
strips below, to give it rigidity. The frame of the table, that is in the case
where a frame is used, may be of channel, angular, tubular, or other suitable
shape to which the legs are attached, in any of the manners hereinbefore
referred to with respect to the chair legs, and the top of the table may be
secured to the frame by bolts passing through snugs fitted to the top of
the table.
It will be understood that where the table is an expanding one, the top would be
made in strips of the nature above referred to in the description of the fixed
table.
The form of the fixed table top may be conveniently used as a form of top also
for chiffoniers, chests of drawers, whatnot shelves, and the like.
In chiffoniers and other articles having horizontal divisions for drawers, shelves,
and so on, and apertures, the whole front and sides, if desired, can be stamped out
of one sheet of metal of a convenient size, the back being separate.
To these forms suitable snugs will be provided with pins, such as an eccentric
pin, or a pin to receive a cotter, or bolt, or nut, to which the shelves or divisions
would be connected; then also to render the structure stiff, stringer or brace bolts
may be provided across the apparatus. -
If this type of furniture is provided with a back projecting above the top, such
back may be made in the form of the chair backs above specified, and the back
proper of the article of furniture, to give strength to it, may be corrugated. The
drawers of the chest of drawers may be made with metallic sides, front and back
and bottom, formed or connected together in any suitable known way.
The base of chiffoniers, chests of drawers, wardrobes, and so forth, can be made
in the form, substantially, of the tops of tables or tops of drawers, etcetera, as above
described.
A suitable and convenient mode of connecting the backs and the rest of the frame
of chiffoniers, drawers, wardrobes, and the like together, consisting in using
eccentric pins and corresponding holes in the two parts, so that by turning such pins
the two parts can be either locked or unlocked, or adapted to be connected together
by turning these pins.
To make the bottoms of drawers, or the bottoms of wardrobes and the like
sufficiently stable, I corrugate them, or provide them with analogous raised or
embossed portions.
As a means of connecting the plain surface or walls of the furniture together, I
form a joint at the corners, I may turn the corners in and hold them together by
pins and connect and brace the opposite corners together by diagonal braces, and
these braces may be connected to the corners in any suitable way.
Another corner connection consists in connecting the ends of the plates by grooved
channel strips, into two of the grooves of which the two edges of the plates fit, and
these strips are coupled together diagonally by bracing bolts.
An analogous method to the latter one, of fastening these plates together, consists
in providing a double strip, the plates being fitted into and between the two strip
plates, and the bracing being effected as previously described.
In making expandable tables, the frames are conveniently made of tubular form,
and telescopic, separate telescopic tubes being provided with external screw and
nut to effect the expansion and contraction or telescoping of the table.
The mode of diagonal bracing just described may be applied to various forms of
furniture herein specified.
As a special means of jointing plates and parts of furniture, specially adapted to
be taken to pieces for shipment or stowage, and closely packed, the parts or plates
thereof may be coupled or connected together by swivelling bars hinged say in a
central portion of the plate, and adapted to grip when turned towards the horizontal
or vertical edges or parts of the adjoining plates.
Or, according to another mode, such parts may be coupled by a hook and eye
attachment or by a hinged joint coupling, or by a staple, or spring plates or clips

page_text: passing over and grasping the plates, or by continuous or partial seams and double
channel fixing strips or pieces.
In the drawings hereto annexed 1 shew several examples of different kinds of
furniture and parts thereof of the nature hereinbefore generally described.
In Sheet 1 I shew five examples of different constructions of chairs or parts of
chairs constructed according to the invention.
Figure 1 shews a group of parts in which a is a chair back and back legs all
made in one part, whilst 6 are sockets dovetail or wedge shaped, adapted to receive
corresponding provisions on the seat of the chair. The chair back a is made of two
halves, stamped out of sheet metal of, say, about No. 20 to 24 B.W.G., the two
halves being brazed or soldered, or similarly connected together, or seamed, as
shewn in the sections. The socket joints are secured to the frame a by their
flanges or body b' which lie within the space between the two halves of which the
back is made, and are rivetted, soldered, or otherwise held therein.
Figure 2 is a group of views shewing the form of seat adapted to fit to the back
shewn in Figure 1. 63 are the parts which fit in the sockets b in Figure 1, such
parts being, say, of cast metal, and suitably connected to the seat frame c, which, in
this example, is of the section shewn.
Figure 2 is a group in which screws are used to attach the seat frame to the
back, nuts being screwed onto their ends in any suitable way.
Figure 3 is a group of views shewing a chair back of slightly modified form, that
is to say, the transverse back parts a' are separate from the upright parts of the
frame, and are connected thereto as shewn in the figures.
Figure 4 is a group of figures shewing another modification. In this, the back
half of the frame a, at the part where the seat joins same, is carried forward at a³,
and at the side a like projection a³ is also formed, to which the side of the seat
frame c is secured, by rivetting or equivalent means.
In Figure 5 I shew a chair, the section of the seat of which is that shewn in the
sectional elevation and cross section. In this instance the back frame and legs may
simply be secured to the seat by passing through holes 63 therein, and the back
having pins or cotters as shewn, to keep it in place; whilst the fore legs are
secured to the web of the seat frame by a bolt passing therethrough and a nut d¹
on the inside of said frame. Both the fore and the back legs may consist of plain
tubes of sheet metal.
Figure 6 is a sectional elevation of a settee; Figure 6ª is a modified construction
of central column; Figure 6 shews a modification of construction of the whole
settee; and Figure 6° illustrates several examples of section of metal of which the
main frame is made. f is the main frame, f¹ is a central socket, and 2 are wires
connecting the central socket and the frame f together, the whole frame con-
stituting a seat constructed after the manner of a velocipede wheel. Fitting into
the socket is a cup shaped foot g, having a central column g¹ provided at its
upper end with an inverted cap g³, and wires g³, of a like nature to f' supported
by the said cap and the foot o, these wires g³ and f form respectively a spring
back and a spring seat. The shoe g slips into the socket f1, and may be positively
fixed together if desired by bolts and nuts passing therethrough, or by any other
suitable means. are the legs of the settee, these being of circular or like form
and tubular and having flanges at the upper part to which they may be rivetted or
bolted to the frame f.
In the modification shewn in Figure 64, the socket f consists of two inverted
dished discs held to the column g' and adjustable thereon, as shewn, and supporting
the wires f
In Figure 6B the seat and back rest 9 are. formed of springs, say,
flat springs,
running from the frame f to the upper cap plate g², to which they are connected
at their extremities. The legs h, in this case, are simple tubes rivetted or bolted to
the frame f. The seats, frame, and back, in these cases, may be upholstered or covered
in. any desired way and to any.desired extent. And I may here state that any

page_text: parts of the furniture herein specified, which it is customary or desirable to
cover or upholster, may be done also with the furniture herein described.
On Sheet 3 I shew a number of stools or tables constructed of sheet metal
according to this invention.
In Figure 7 the frame consists of a plate having at the upper and lower edges
a split tube t, said tube fitting over the plate of the frame f, as shewn, and secured
thereto by solder, rivetting, or other suitable means. The seat proper consists of
a ring to which any suitable supporting material may be fitted, whilst the legs h
are fixed to a dished plate fix, which plate is secured to the frame by rivetting
or like means.
In Figure 74 the frame is of dish or saucer shape as shewn in section, whilst
the legs are of the form illustrated, and of the section shewn in the sectional plan,
they being secured to the frame f by rivetting, bolting, or other means.
In Figure 7B, the stool frame f is of shallower dished form, and is filled or
provided with upholstery or other cushion work f³.
Figure 7 is a stool in which the frame f is a simple inverted dished plate which
may be perforated or not, as desired, and to which the legs are directly
connected.
By providing the above stools with a flat top, they may be used as tables.
In Figure 7, the article of furniture may be adapted and made to be used as a
stool or a table. In this case the frame is of curved section, having a plate f
covering the top, whilst the lower inward flange serves to receive the upper ends
of the tubular legs h. The base of this stool, or table is an inverted curved ring h¹,
to the upper part of which the lower ends of the legs are directly secured,
whilst its lower edge is surrounded by a tube t' similar to t above described, and
forming the bearing edge.
Figure 7 shews another stool or table in which the sheet metal ring f forming
the frame is outwardly turned. The legs in this case are bent tubes secured at their
upper ends to the frame f by rivetting or bolting, as shewn, whilst at their lower
parts are connected together by a frame has shown.
The stool or table shewn in Figure 7 consists of an inverted dished plate f, as
the top of the table, and having a rimmed tube t thereon; a central tubular leg h;
a curved connecting plate F** by which the top and the central leg hare
connected together; and a pedestal frame connected to the leg hat its lower
end. There may be in connection with this a central stay-bolt having washer
plates at the top and bottom thereof, by which the top of the table leg and the
pedestal might be connected together; this, however, is not required when the
connecting plate f** and the pedestal h¹ are rivetted or bolted to the leg h. There
may be also used in connection with these parts, when or if the article is to be used
as a stool, an upholstered or other seat surface ff".
In Sheet 4 of the drawings I shew a series of different constructions of legs h
made, mainly, of tubular form and of sheet metal. These legs are provided or
constructed at their upper parts with flanges, loops, and other equivalent provisions
by which they may be attached to the articles for which they are intended. It will
of course be seen and understood that these different connecting provisions may be
used and adapted in the different applications of the invention, in which it is con-
venient and desirable so to do. Their special constructions are clearly shewn in
the drawings.
The leg shewn in Figure 8 is provided with a screwed part which passes
through the article of furniture to which it is adapted to be fitted, and is secured thereto
by the nut x, the metal of the piece of furniture of course coming between the nut
and the shoulder at the top of the leg. Figure 8 shewe a leg having a means of
attachment 6 consisting of a split angle-flange, soldered or rivetted to the leg h,
and having holes in the flanges, through which the rivets or bolts employed to
fasten it to the article of furniture pass. Figure 8B shews a leg having a side
means of attachment. This means consists of a plate or piece 6 secured to the

page_text: inside of the leg by screws, rivets, or other means, and provided with laterally
extended screws 62, which screws are adapted to pass through the metal of the
article of furniture to which the leg is fitted, and to be held by nuts.
The means
of attachment of the leg shewn in Figure 8c to the article of furniture to which
it is fitted, consists of a strap 6, rivetted to the upper part of the leg h. The part
of the furniture to which the leg is to be attached will of course lie within the
space between the strap and the upper part of the leg h. In Figure 8 the
means of attachment of the leg is of the same kind, mainly, as that shewn in
Figure 8B, except that the parts & are dovetails instead of screws, and will be fitted
into suitable dovetail recesses in the article of furniture to which it is to be attached,
as will be understood.
Figures 8 and 8 shew two forms of ornamented legs. That shewn in Figure 8*
is provided with circumferential beadings at the top and bottom at z, and flutings
at z whilst in that shewn in Figure 8 the ornamentations consist of rings of
metal z of suitable form slipped onto the leg and fastened thereto by solder,
brazing, or by pins or other means. These examples shew merely two modes of
ornamenting legs or similar parts of furniture according to this invention.
The means of attachment of the legs shewn in Figure 8 consists in slitting the
upper part of the leg laterally and vertically and bending it out into the form of
lugs, as shewn. In the example of legs shewn in Figure 8, the top of the leg is
provided with a dovetail part 6, which fits into a corresponding dovetail part
which is attached to the article of furniture. In Figure 8 the part of the leg is
a rectangular tongue piece. This piece will of course be fitted into a corresponding
recess provided in the article of furniture to which it is to be attached, and secured
thereto by pinning or rivetting to the metal of such article. The means of
attachment of the leg shewn in 8 is of the same kind as that shewn in Figure 8ª
except that the flange is solid instead of split. In Figure 8 the leg is provided.
with a ring having pins on its interior surface 2*, whilst the provision on the
article of furniture to which the leg is to be attached is provided with a downwardly
projecting part having angle slots & therein, through which the pins × pass
when the leg is fitted: this makes a bayonet joint attachment. In Figure 8 the leg is
provided with a screwed part which screws into the flanged part which is
secured to the article of furniture. Figure 8 shews the converse arrangement of
the last described construction, that is to say, the part is hollow and internally
threaded, whilst the part b' of the flanged part is externally threaded and screws
into ². The means by which the leg shewn in Figure 8 is secured to the article
of furniture consists in cutting the leg laterally and vertically at the top in two-
places and bending such parts into lugs & as shewn.
In Sheet 5 I shew a frame constructed according to this invention and means of
connecting the parts together for a chest of drawers and other analogous furniture ;
but it is to be understood that their means of connection, and forins of parts, may be
applied and used in other articles of furniture. The sides i, back j, and front k are.
in Figures 9 and 94 made of sheet metal plates with outwardly turned corners as
shewn in Figure 94, over which a split tube is fitted and fastened, and by which
the four vertical parts are secured together. The front is provided with
apertures for the different drawers, as shewn, the edges of which aperture: are
inwardly flanged, as shewn in Figure 9B, this flanging being done, as is or may be
all the bending and forming of sheet metal plates used in the furniture herein
described, by stamping or pressing. The top m is, in Figure 9, a dished plate
simply. In Figure 9 it consists of a plain flat plate m having an attached ring of
channel form m¹; or it may be made in any suitable form. The tops may be
attached to the vertical parts by pins, bolting, or other equivalent means. The
base n is also of a dished form and may be connected to flanges or other equivalent
portions of the uprights by clips, bolting, or by any of the means herein set forth.
The upper and lower flanges of the uprights to which the tops and pedestals are
secured are designated n¹ and n². Figure 9° shews three different constructions of
the pedestals or lower portions n, all of which will be understood by the drawings

page_text: without further description. The left hand view of the modifications of this figure
also shews a modified form of finish to the top edges of the upright or vertical
plates, consisting of a split tube m¹ fitted over and secured to said edges. This
form of finish may also be provided on or adapted to the front of the furniture.
Examples are given in Figures 9, 9E and 9 of this kind of finish.
In Figure 9 the tube o is fixed to the front edge of a plate, whilst the tubes o¹
form the horizontal divisions between the different drawn apertures. Or, these
divisions o may be made of the section shewn in Figures 9 and 9F and let into or
otherwise equivalently secured to vertical tubes o. These tubes may, if desired, be
made of brass or other bright metal where a handsome appearance is desirable or is
required.
In Figures 94 and 9B are illustrated the means of supporting and guiding the
drawers. These consist of bars having rollers thereon, and said bars are
secured or shipped in place in the back and front frame of the piece of furniture.
Or, in lieu of these, straight bars p, such as are shewn at the right hand side in
Figure 94, and the upper part of Figure 9B, may be employed, and the surface of
which may, if desired, be covered with india rubber or other substance to make
them slide freely.
If desired, the front and the sides may be pressed out of one piece, and the back
made separate, and the ornamentation added afterwards. For simplicity, the
surfaces shewn are plain, but they may be panelled or embossed or otherwise
decorated in any desired manner.
In the group of views under Figure X, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, are shewn a
number of corners and corner connections for chests of drawers, and other metal
furniture. In X', the side i has a flange ¹ pinned or otherwise connected to the
back j, which back is extended as shewn and provided with a split tube j¹ to give it
a finish.
In X the plates i and j are bent in at their edges as shewn, and then the outside
are pinned or screwed to a tube j', which makes the corner.
In X the plates i and j are flanged inwards, as shewn, at all the corners, and
the opposite corners and angles are coupled together by rods, which have means
such as nuts for adjusting them and screwing them up. In this case, therefore, the
furniture will have diagonal bracing, which bracing also serves, or may serve, to
fix or connect the different plates together. A modified diagonal braced con-
struction is shewn in Figure X', the bracing bars being connected to the corner
corrugated or grooved strips j', which fit over the ends of the plates i and j, and
keep them together.
In X the plate is flanged outwardly, the plate being extended to corre-
spond with the flange, and the two are connected together by the split tube j'.
In X, the ends of the plates i and j are provided with a bulbous finish, the ends
of such plates being turned in diagonally, and over such ends is slipped a spring
clip j', which clip may be intermittent or continuous throughout the lengths of the
plates ij. Or, a plurality of separate clips may be used for this purpose.
The connection shewn in X' consists in bending one plate round and inwards, as
shewn, and the other plate outwards, and providing on one plate a hinged button j',
which when turned so as to press the plate i into the groove formed by the end of
the plate j, makes a tight connection between the two plates.
In X the plates at their ends are connected together by an outer curved plate j'
and an inner angular plate or bar j³, said two bars j' and being connected together
by bolts, rivets, pins, or like means.
In X one plate i is merely angled, and is connected to the other by eccentric or
revolving locking studs which pass through a corresponding aperture in the
flange of i, and when turned, as in Figure X, lock the two plates together.
In Sheet 6 I shew a number of drawers made of sheet metal adapted to be used
in connection with the furniture herein described. In these, Figure 10 shews, in
plan, a sectional elevation, and sectional side view, a drawer consisting of sides and
back
made of sheet metal, the upper and lower edges of which are enclosed in.

page_text: the split tube q' sprung over same.
The end of the draw is of dished form, and
is connected to the other part of the draw by screws screwing into the ends of
the tubes q. q is the bottom of the draw.
In Figure 10 the end of the drawer is an angularly dished plate whilst the sides
and bottom consist of a plain plate fitting into the end whilst the back end q
consists of a dished plate. The sides are flanged over at the top at q¹ as shewn,
and the ends are connected to the same by rivets, pins, or the like.
Figures 10, 10° and 10 are cross sections shewing three different constructions
of bottoms and sides of drawers. In 10 the top edges are flanged or bent round
into the section shewn, whilst the bottom edges are turned inwardly and upwardly.
The bottom is also turned up, and spring clips ship over these inwardly
projecting edges and connect the bottom to the sides. In Figure 10° the upper
edges of the drawer sides are turned inwardly and downwardly, whilst the bottom
has downward flanges fitting into recesses in the drawer sides by turning up the
lower edges of same. In Figure 10 the top edges are turned outwardly and
downwardly as shewn, as are also the lower edges, the bottom * at its edges being
lapped or seamed outside said outward flange of the sides.
In Figure 11, I shew a collapsable construction of drawer in which the front,
back, and sides, are hinged to the bottom at 78. The sides q are turned down and
inwards at ', which part, towards the ends, is cut away as shewn, and at each end
is carried round at 7. The front and back are also carried round as shewn at the
top, and the ends of these parts fit into the space between the portions g¹ and q', as
shewn, and are secured in position by small locking bolts 9', the ends of which pass
through holes formed in the top turned down portion q¹ of the front and back ends.
In Figure 12, I shew a modified means or construction by which the sides are
connected to the back and fronts.
It consists in providing the sides, and if desired
the bottom also, with projecting lugs which fit into corresponding recesses in the
fronts and backs, as shewn and through which pins are passed. These recesses at
the ends of the lugs are covered and protected by the turned over portion q' and
are thus hidden.
In Sheet 7 I illustrate a chiffonier having all its parts, or main parts, detachable;
and I wish it to be understood that this construction is applicable also to other like
or analogous forms of furniture.
In Figures 13 and 14 and 144, the chiffonier has its parts connected together in
one mode, whilst in Figures 15, 16 and 17 the connection of parts and construction
is somewhat different. With reference in the first instance to Figures 13 to 144,
the front and sides k and i are made in three parts, as shewn, the ends of the plates
at the joints of these parts being provided with split tubes o screwed or pinned to
the plates; whilst the connection of the sides to the back j is made by a flange
connected with a tube l, of split form also, passed over the end of the plate i, the
tube and back being fastened together by a pin, screw, or like connection. The
base: n consists of dished or flanged plate, as will be seen, and the plates forming
the uprights passed through apertures in same (see Figure 144), and are caught on
the underside by locking bolts m² mounted on or secured to the base n.
The top m
is a plate turned downwards at its edge as shewn, such edge being adapted to fit
against or touch the top parts of the plates i j k, and they may be drawn up thereto
by screw pins m².
The front portion is provided with doors r, and the apertures in which these
doors fit are flanged at r¹ as shewn, the doors themselves being recessed plates
having their edges turned over as shewn, or equivalently made.
The method of securing the front, sides, and back, to the base plate m in
Figure 15, consists in turning the lower edges of these parts inwards, as shewn at ³,
and connecting these flanges by revolving locking bolts of the type set forth with
reference to Figures X and X. The mode of connecting the plates forming the
front, back, and sides, is also different to that shewn in Figures 13, 14, namely, the
ends of the plates are bulged out at o and turned inwards, the ends being caught
together by bolts and nuts, spring clips of the type described, or equivalent means;
B

page_text: whilst at the back, the corners are coupled together by having the plates at that
part turned round in reverse directions, and adapted to engage with each other
as shewn.
In Figure 17 the plates are flanged at is, as in Figure 15, but the connection of
these flanges to the base m is made by hooks j Fig. 16 which engage with pins
above the flanges, the hooks being hinged to the base m, and the pins being also
fixed therein. In lieu, however, of the hooks j¹, cotters may pass through the
pins The front edges of the plates k and i are flanged inwards as shewn at o,
and spring clips passed over them to hold them together; whilst at the back corners,
a simple flanged connection is used to couple the plates j and i together.
Figure 17 shews in sectional plan a modified construction in which the front and
sides are made in one piece having flanges 3 by which they are connected to the
In this figure swivel buttons j' are shewn at the back for the purpose of
securing the base to the back plate, these buttons may be employed throughout, if
desired; or, of course other modes of securing described may be employed.
base m.
Figure 19 Sheet 7 illustrates a top, or base, of dished form having a tube o
covering its edge.
Sheet 8 illustrates a wash-hand stand or dressing table constructed according to
my invention. It consists mainly of an upper part having a drawer therein, a back,
legs, and a base.
Figure 19 Sheet 8 is a front elevation; Figure 20 is a side view; Figure 21 is a
plan of the base; and Figure 22 is a sectional plan through the upper part.
Figure 23 is a detail shewing the section of the upper part; and Figure 24 is a
group shewing different sections of which the side may be made.
The upper parts is made of a plate s¹ and split tubes s² thereon, and having a
covers thereon. The tubes are connected to the back frame-consisting of
the tubes by screw pins t2; and there is also connected to the tubes and
the tubes t¹, side rails s. The legs are connected to the lower tubes, the
back frame tubes t', and the base n, a section of which is shewn in Figure 20.
The drawer may be made in any suitable way, such for instance, as any
of the constructions shewn in Figures 8 to 12, and is preferably supported by
rollers p¹, mounted on the rods p secured to the upper parts, as shewn. The frame
or upper portion 8, in lieu of being made of the section shewn in Figure 23, may be
constructed of any of the sections shewn in the group in Figure 24.
In Sheet 9 I shew a sheet metal sofa constructed according to this invention.
The sides are made of pressed flanged form, or of any of the sections shewn in
Figure 25. Figure 26 shews the sofa in longitudinal section. Figure 27 is an end
view. And Figure 28 is a plan; whilst Figure 29 shews two forms or shapes to
which the end of the sofa can be made. u are the side flanged frames which are
shaped as shewn, u' is a plate at the head connecting the frames together.
2 and u³ are other connecting plates; whilst the end is connected by one of the
frames u being bent, as in Figure 28, or, by a separate frames us, as shewn in
Figure 29. The legs h, which may be of any of the types hereinbefore shewn, are
fixed to the plates u² u³, or to provisions which may be formed on the frames u. The
back rail u is secured to one of the frames u by uprights u and by a direct
connection at the head of the sofa, as shewn. The covering of the sofa may be
woven wire, or other springs, and may be upholstered in any desired way.
In Sheet 10 I shew a modified construction of sofa, in which all the main framing
is made of bent and straight tubing.
Figure 30 is a sectional elevation of the sofa; Figure 31 is a plan; and Figure 32
an end view. With reference to these figures, the side frames are simple straight
tubes for the horizontal portion, and these are bent up, as shewn, at the head. At
the foot the two side tubes are bent round and jointed together as shewn in Figure 31
These frames are coupled transversely by strips u¹ of metal, say sheet metal; o
equivalent means may be used. The foot also may be differently made if desired
that is of a separate piece, such as those set forth with reference to Figure 29 in

page_text: Sheet 9. The frames u are supported by tubular frames or legs h as shewn, such
legs or frames h being connected to the frames u by screws.
In Sheet 11 I shew means of connecting together-serving also as distance
pieces-the front and back plates forming the frames a of chairs such as shewn in
Sheet 1 of the drawings, or other parts. In this sheet Figure 33 is a sectional plan
of a chair frame provided with a distance piece or ferrule. Figures 34 and 35 are
respectively sectional elevation and cross section of a modified construction and
arrangement; whilst Figures 36 and 37 are two other modifications. In Figure 33 vis
the distance piece or ferrule which is placed between, and fills the space within, the
frame a, and is a rivet (which if desired may be countersunk and flush as in
Figure 38) passing through both the frame and the distance piece or ferrule. This
construction is particularly applicable to cases where brazing or seaming is not
resorted to. In Figures 34 and 35, the distance or spacing ferrule v has a fixed
stud o at cach side adapted to fit into corresponding holes in the frame a or indents
formed therein may be provided instead of the through holes. Figure 36 shews a
stud-ferrule having a solid body instead of a hollow one as in Figures 33 and 34.
In Figure 37 the distance piece has flattened sides and the two portions of the
frame a are drawn up together and held by the screws which pass therethrough
and screw into the block v. These means of holding together the parts of hollow
or tubulous frames or parts of furniture may be used in any articles where
applicable, if desired, and the ferrules, when acting solely as distance pieces, or
means for strengthening or keeping apart or in place such frames, may likewise be
used where suitable and desirable.
อ
With respect to the construction of the legs herein described, and particularly
shewn in Sheet 4, it is to be understood that the metal of which they are mainly
made is thin sheet metal, say iron or steel-or brass or alloys if desired-and
preferably of about from 20 to 24 B.W.G. and that they are seamed at their joint
or joints, that is vertical joints, or brazed, rivetted, or fastened as set forth with
reference to Figures 33 to 37; the particular kind of connection depending upon
the uses to which the legs would be put, and to the class of work and finish
required.
It will be seen that some of the articles of furniture can, by simply withdrawing pins,
bolts, buttons, spring clips, split tubes, and so forth, be taken to pieces quickly, and
likewise quickly re-erected. By this construction and arrangements of parts, it will
be plainly seen, that furniture according to this invention may be stowed or packed in
a small space and afford great facilities thereby, for instance if intended for use
abroad. It is moreover very applicable for army purposes, and ships; and is very
suitable also for hot climates.
In cases where it is not desired that the furniture should have its parts capable
of being readily taken to pieces and put together, such parts may be connected by
more or less permanent fastenings.
Having now fully described, and illustrated by examples, the nature of my
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, in conclusion I
desire to remark, I have described in the foregoing Specification in connection
with the accompanying drawings complete articles of furniture-as well as
details having various novel features above generally described; but it is to be
understood, that these novel features may be employed individually as well as
conjointly in different forms and articles of metallic furniture, as, it will be plain,
they are by no means necessarily, in many cases, dependent on each other; they
may obviously, therefore, be employed, one or more of them, in metallic
furniture or articles of furniture, which, in other features, differ radically from
what I have shewn.
I desire it also to be distinctly understood that my invention is not limited to
the precise forms or constructions of parts or combinations of parts illustrated,
since they may be modified and equivalents employed, not differing or departing
from their essential or controlling features or purposes, without departing from

page_text: either the principle, object, or purposes, of the said various features of the invention.
On the other hand I wish it to be understood that I make no claim generally to
furniture made of metal, as I am aware that heretofore different articles of furniture
have been made of metal, and therefore, what I claim in respect of metallic
furniture is such furniture, or parts of furniture, when made as, or substantially as,
hereinbefore described that is to say,-
1. Metallic chairs or other seats having frames or main parts made of tubular
form and of sheet metal brazed seamed, rivetted, or equivalently connected;
substantially as set forth.
2. The portions of chairs or seats formed or constructed of sheet metal and
provided with connections, substantially as described and shewn in the various
figures of the drawings.
3. A settee or analogous seat having its frame formed or constructed substantially
of sheet metal and arranged and combined substantially as set forth with reference
to Figures 6 to 6º.
4. The settees made mainly of metal and having their parts arranged as set
forth with reference to and shewn in Figures 6 and 6B.
5. Sheet metal stools or tables substantially as set forth with reference to
Figures 7 to 7 of the drawings, consisting mainly of the top f³, frame f, and leg
or legs h.
6. The particular construction and combination of parts of the metallic stools
or tables set forth respectively with reference to Figures 7, 74, 7B, 70, 70, 78, and 7,
of the drawings.
7. In metallic furniture made in hollow or tubulous form, fixing connections
for different parts, such as sockets or corresponding fitments, within the tube, the
part forming the connection proper being passed through the sheet metal and
standing outside same (such as the socket set forth with reference to the chair
shewn in Sheet 1 of the drawings).
8. In furniture made of sheet metal and of hollow or tubulous form, the use
within the tubes or hollow spaces, of ferrules or pieces whereby the tubes are
spaced, and by which they are strengthened.
9. In furniture made of sheet metal and of hollow or tubulous form, the employ-
ment within the tubes or hollow spaces of pieces or ferrules v, and rivets, screws,
or the like, whereby the metal parts of the furniture are secured together;
substantially as set forth.
10. In tubes or frames of sheet metal furniture made in halves as set forth
with reference to Sheet 1, and Figures 33 to 37, the ferrules or pieces v
arranged and constructed as set forth with reference to said Figures 33 to 37.
11. The construction of metallic legs of furniture, substantially as set forth
with reference to the drawings-and particularly Sheet 4-consisting in making
them of tubulous form and of thin sheet metal, seamed, riveted, or similarly
fastened at their edges, and adapted to be secured to the body or frame of the
furniture by the means and in the manner shewn and set forth.
12. The different particular constructions and combinations of tubular legs h
and their means or devices for connecting them to articles of furniture shewn
in and set forth with reference to the different views, or sets of views, given
in Sheet 4, excepting Figures 8 and 8.
13. A tube or member of metallic furniture made in halves and connected
together by a pin or rivet recessed or countersunk substantially as set forth with
reference to Figure 38.
14. Furniture such as drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, chiffonieres, book-cases,
cupboards, and the like, constructed of a plurality of sheet metal sheets, and
having their parts or edges connected together substantially as described.
15. In metallic furniture having its upright portion or portions, or body, made
of sheets of sheet metal, the coupling or connecting the edges thereof substantially
as herein set forth with reference to the drawings.

page_text: 16. The use in connection with metallic furniture of a spring clip or clips,
substantially as described, by which the edges of the plates of said furniture
are secured together.
17. The particular combinations of spring clips or tubes and edges of plates,
by which they are fastened together, set forth and shewn in the accompanying
drawings.
18. In metallic furniture in which sheet metal plates are employed, the use
of diagonal tie-bars by which said plates are held together; substantially as
described.
19. Furniture such as drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, chiffonieres, book-cases, cup-
boards, and other analogous furniture, constructed of sheets of sheet metal and
having tubes or tubular frames such as o, o', or j', or 1, at their angles or other parts,
for the purposes set forth.
20. The combination with the body of furniture, such as drawers, cabinets, ward-
robes, chiffonieres, bookcases, cupboards, and other analogous furniture, of a metallic
base n, or top m m³, or both, suitably connected to the body; substantially as set
forth.
21. Furniture, such as drawers, cabinets, wardrobes, chiffonieres, book-cases,
cupboards, and other analogous furniture, having their bodies or other main parts
attached to their bases or tops by locking pins, or by buttons, or hooks and pins,
substantially as set forth with reference to Figures X', X and X, and Figures 9
to 9, and 13 to 17 of the drawings.
22. In metallic furniture made of sheet metal, such as described, and having
drawers, the construction of the plate or plates in or through which the drawers
slide with inwardly turned flanges; substantially as set forth.
23. In metallic furniture made of sheet metal such as described, and having
drawers, the combination of the bars p and rollers pl arranged and operating
substantially as set forth; or, of bars p only, substantially as set forth.
24. The construction of the sheet metal chest of drawers, or analogous articles
of furniture, set forth with reference to Figures 9, 94 and 9B, and also the modifi-
cations and constructions of parts set forth with reference to Figures 9c, 9, 9%,
and 9.
25. In sheet metal furniture, such as herein described, drawers constructed
substantially as set forth with reference to Figures 10, 10ª, 10B, 10%, and 10º,
respectively.
26. In sheet metal furniture a drawer constructed of sheet metal and having its
parts hinged together, by which said drawer can be collapsed or put up, for the
purposes, amongst others, of easy stowage for and when in transit.
27. The construction of parts of collapsable sheet metal drawer, and means
of fixing the different parts together; as set forth with reference to Figure 11.
28. The construction of sheet metal drawers substantially as set forth with
reference to Figure 12, whereby parts of the drawer can be connected together, or
disconnected, at will; also the construction or formation of the front of a metallic
drawer substantially as shewn in said figure: and also a drawer having a dished
front such as that shewn in Figure 8.
29. In articles of furniture made of sheet metal, and having sheet metal door
frames and doors, the construction of the sheets in connection with which said doors
are provided and work, with inwardly turned flanges, such as r¹, and the doors
being hinged to said plates; substantially as set forth.
30. The construction of sheet metal chiffonieres, cupboards, or other like
articles having doors, substantially as set forth with reference to Figures 13
and 14, 15, and 16 and 17 of the drawings; and also the construction and combi-
nation of parts by which the main parts of such articles of furniture are connected
together.
31. Wash-hand stands, dressing tables, desks, escritoires, tables, and the like,
constructed of sheet metal having an upper part or body, such as s, and a stand

page_text: or leg frame, such as t¹; substantially as set forth with reference to Figures 19
to 22.
32. The sheet metal article of furniture (which may be used as a wash-hand
stand, dressing table, or for other purposes) constructed as and of the form shewn
in Figures 19 to 24 of the drawings.
33. The base n of or for sheet metal furniture constructed as set forth with
reference to Figures 19, 20, and 20ª of the drawings.
34. A sofa made of sheet metal having longitudinal flanged frames, such as u,
suitably connected together.
35. The metallic sofa constructed as set forth with reference to Figures 25 to 29
of the drawings.
36. A metallic sofa having its main parts of tubes substantially as set forth
with reference to Figures 30 to 32.
37. The tubular sofa having its side frame connected together by transverse
members u¹ set forth with reference to Figures 30 to 32.
38. Metallic furniture, such as of the kinds herein described, constructed and
adapted to be readily taken to pieces and put together; substantially ns set
forth.
Dated this 21st day of March 1891.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.