GB321135A - Improvements relating to folding tables or seats for use on motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

321,135. Auster, Ltd., and Lane, P. March 11, 1929. Folding seats; rests, foot.-A folding seat or table for use on vehicles is adapted when not required, to be collapsed into a tray or base and used in an inclined position as a foot rest. The invention is described in connection with tables which are modifications of that described in Specification 310,651. The table shown in Fig. 1 is disposed behind the front seats of a vehicle, and the top 5 is supported at each end by two pairs of toggle-like links 1, 2 above a shallow tray 3, hinged to the floor, into which the table collapses. The table is divided longitudinally into two halves 4. 5, Fig. 3, which lie one over the other when the table is collapsed. The legs 1, 2 are maintained in their extended positions by the bars 17 &c. shown in Fig. 1. The links 2 are extended upwards beyond their pivot joints 11, and are connected, at the left-hand side, by links 13<a> to a lever 15, which is pivoted at 16 to the links 1 and pivoted also to the bars 17. At the other side the links 13 are longer, and are connected by a cross-bar 18 forming a handle, by means of which the parts are moved. On the bars 17 are spring catches 20 which engage with pins 19 on the links 13 and hold all the parts rigid. Lugs 21 on the links 1 prevent the levers 15 from falling too far. The catches 20 may be omitted. When the table is raised, the top is unfolded. For this purpose the part 5, Fig. 3, is raised on links 24 pivoted to framing 6, and turned down until the links are supported by pins 25, projecting parts of the strips 22 engage under other studs 26 on the framing 6, and hold the parts 5 in the same plane as the part 4. To provide additional support a draw-out frame 28, Fig. 1, may be fitted under the part 4. When the table is collapsed, the tray 3 may be turned up so that its underside, which may be covered with rubber, may be used as a foot-rest. To facilitate this, the tray is provided with extensions 31 pivoted to semi-circular slotted plates 33 mounted on the outer ends of sliding rods 37 each adjustably secured in a sleeve, 38 by a screw 41. The table is turned up to a suitable inclined position and secured by screw-and-nut fastenings 36. Handles 42 are fitted to facilitate the lifting of the table. In a modification, Fig. 10, the extensions 2a of two diagonally-opposed links 2 are inwardly cranked, and their upper ends engage with leaf-spring catches 43, which retain the table in its opened-out position. A hook 48 positively retains the parts in that position. A sliding member 49 has pins 29 adapted to engage with holes in the frame 6 and hold in the parts in their folded-up position.