US2370372A - Desk appliance - Google Patents

Description

Feb.27,1945. F. RIGGIO y 2,370,372

DESK APPLIANCE Filed May 12, 1942 M MM Patented Feb. 27, 1945 UNITED STATES. PATENT (OFFICE DESK APPLIANCE Frank Biggie, `Los Angeles, Calif., assigner to Anderson School Equipment Co., Los Angeles,

Calif., a corporation of California Application May 12, 1942, Serial No. 442,589

z'olaims. `(el. 311-17) v This .invention relates to means for mounting or supporting typewriters, adding machines, etc., and has more `particular reference to means for adapting a conventional desk, table, or'l the like,

to carry or mount a typewriter, adding machine, l

or similar device. A general object of this invention is to provide a simple, practical and highly effective device applicable to a typical oiiice desk, or the like, and operable to support a typewriter or adding machine in position for convenient use;

Many devices have ybeen developed for supporting typewriters and adding machines on office desks and tables. So far as I am aware all of these prior devices embody metal brackets, metali braces, metal attaching parts, etc., and, in most instances, the prior devices have been heavy' and costly and required permanent or semi-permanent attachment to the desk or table.

Another object of this invention is to provide a means for mounting or supporting a typewriter Aon a typical oiice desk, table, or like article oi furniture that may Abe constructed entirely of wood. The improved' device of the present invention does not involve or require any metal brackets, braces, or other metal parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a typewriter mounting means of the character mentioned that may be securely and dependably` or adding machine on a'desk, table, or the like,v

that may be very easily and quickly installed for use and readily removed after use. The installation and removal oi the device require only a few seconds and do not necessitate the use of tools.

The various objectsv and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, throughout which description reference is Amade to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a conventional deskshowing a'preferred embodiment of the invention in the operative position thereon. Fig. 24 is an enlarged fragmentary verelevation of another form of the invention `rel moved from the deskf y The typewriter mounting means of the present invention is adapted to be applied to previously constructed desks andvit is al feature ofthe invention that the device may be used with conventional desks, tables, etc., withoutqany'modication whatever in the original desk' or table structure. The use of the devicedoes'not necessitate the alteration of any desk partsand upon the removal of the device the desk may be restored to its original or; normal condition with its full drawer capacity: It is to 'be understood that the proportions of the' device maybevaried to adapt it for use with different makes, styles and kinds of desks and tables and that minor variations may be necessary in the device in certain instances. Accordingly,v the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted tothe specic forms and applications of the invention herein described.

The desk illustrated inthe drawingr is ofua type used in ofces, schools, residences', etc., and comprises a top l0 and supporting legs II'. Theportion of the desk illustrated has ay pair of" front legs II and, in accordance with the usual practice, a tier of drawers- I2 is providedV between the legs. A center drawer I3 is also provided and is rather shallow tol leave ample space for the knees of the user. A pulleout writing board I4 is directly above. the drawers I2 and is below the top I0. The fronts oi the drawers I2 havel suit-v able pulls I=5 and thedrawerffronts may normally lie hush with the front ofthe desk. In accordance with the usual practice: the drawers I2k are spaced apart at theiry fronts by horizontal spacing members IB; The members` I6. extend: be-

' `tween the legs II and are: rigid or fixed parts of the desk. An upper member I 6 occurs between I2 because this places the device in position' for the support of the typewriter at a correct elevation for use by a. person seated at the desk The improved typewriter mounting means of the invention may be said to comprise, generally, a supporting or mounting board I1 for the typewriter, or the like, means I8 on the board I1 for bearing in and occupying the mouth of the drawer space and means I9 for latching or retaining the device in the drawer space.

The board I1 is provided to carry the typewriter, adding machine, or other machine that is to be used at the desk. rThe board' I1 is a generally rectangular or substantially square member and preferably has substantial thickness to have ample mass and weight to give stability -to the device. In practice the board I1 may be formed of the same stock as the desk top III and, if desired, may have the same finish as the desk top and other parts of the desk. In accordance with the invention the board I1 is adapted or intended to occupy a horizontal position where it projects forwardly from the front of the desk. In the preferred construction the exposed major portion of the board I1 is broader or wider than the top drawer space. In the case illustrated the board I1 is of substantial width to have two opposite longitudinal edges in the same vertical planes asthe outer sides of the spaced legs I I.

The board I1 has an inner or rear portion of reduced width which I will term a tongue 20. The tongue 20 is of such Width that it may be readily entered in the top drawer space of the desk. Rearwardly facing shoulders 2| occur at the opposite longitudinal edges of the board I1 where the tongue 20 joins the body of the board. These shoulders 2I are engageable with the forward faces of the legs II to limit the inward movement of the board. The shoulders 2I formed on the thick board I1 are of extensivey area and have ample bearing engagement with the legs II. The reduced portion or tongue 2|) of the board is preferably proportioned so that its opposite edges may cooperate with the inner sides of the legs II to further steady the devicev and to assist in holding it against lateral shifting. As best illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawing the tongue 20 is adapted to extend a considerable distance into the drawer space. It will be observed that the board I1 is a simple one piece member of wood, or the like.

The means I8 is operable to iit or bear in the drawer space to support or mount the board I1. The'means I8 includes a strip member 22 on the upper side of the board I1 and a similar strip member 23 on the under side of the board. The members 22 and 23 are rigidly iixed to the board I1 and extend transversely thereof. The members 22 and 23 are located to engage in the mouth of the drawer space or opening, the members occurring in a common vertical plane where the tongue 20 joins the body of the board I1. This isbest illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawing where it will be seen that the forward faces of the members 22 and 23 are in the same vertical plane asA drawer opening to assist in steadying the device and to hold the device against horizontal or lateral movement. The members 22 and 23 are preferably proportioned to completely occupy those parts of the drawer opening above and below the board I1. In other words, 'the lower edge of the member 23 is adapted to rest on the desk member IE, which defines the lower wall of the drawer receiving opening and the upper edge of the member 22 may cooperate with the lower side of the member I6 which denes the upper wall of the drawer opening. The lower rear corner of the member 23 is bevelled off or rounded away as at 24 to facilitate the insertion and removal of the board I1, as will be later described. It will be -seen that the engagement of the members 22 and 23 in the drawer opening holds the board I1 against lateral movement in both directions and holds the board against bodily downward movement; and against bodily upward movement. Further, the members 22 and 23 occupy or close the mouth of the drawer space to give the desk and desk attachment a finished appearance.

The means I9 serves to removably latch the board I1 in the operative position on the desk and to dependably support the board against downward tilting or swinging. I'he means I9 includes one or more latch blocks 25 for cooperating with the inner side of the uppermost member I6 to securely hold the board I1 against downward swinging. In the preferred construction illustrated there are two latch blocks 25 xed on the upper side of the tongue 20 and spaced apart to run along the longitudinal edges of the tongue. The latch blocks 25 may extend rearwardly from the member 22 to the rear end of the tongue. The blocks 25 may be simple members of wood. As clearly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 5 of the drawing, the latch blocks 25 are of greater height than the member 22 to project upwardly beyond the member so that their forward ends 26 constitute forwardly facing shoulders 26 for cooperating with the rear face of the uppermost member I6. The cooperation of the shoulders 26 with the rear side of the member I6 positively holds the board I1 against bodily forward movement. and prevents downward tipping or swinging of the board I1 under the weight of the typewriter or other object `placed on the board. The upper edges of the blocks 25 preferably remain clear of the pull-out writing board I4 but, in some cases, it may be desired to proportion the blocks 25 so that their upper edges may bear on the writing board I4.

' to hold the board I1 against the upward swinging movement required as a preliminary to withdrawal or removal of the device. The latch 29 may be a simple elongate part pivotally secured on the forward face of the member 22 by a pivot pin 30. The latch 29 is movable between a substantially horizontal position Where it is clear of the drawer defining member I6 and a substantially vertical position, such as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, where it cooperates with the member I6 to hold the board I1 against upward swinging and inward movement. The latch 29 is not required in every application of the invention and is an optional element.

It is to be understood that where the device is to be used in a table drawer space the parts may be proportioned to lit the table drawer space which is usually shallower than a typical desk drawer space.

Fig. of the drawing illustrates an embodiment of the invention having an apron 3| on the board II. the outer edge ofv the board I'I, that is, from the edge of the board that is most remote from the knee hole of the desk. The apron 3I may be proportioned so that its lower edge is a substantial distance above the oor and so that its inner edge engages or is immediately adjacent the front face of the desk. It is preferred to either hingedly or removably secure the apron to the base or board. In the case, illustrated hinges 32 secure the apron 3| to the board II so` that it may be folded against the board for storage purposes, etc.

It is believed that the utility and practicability' of the typewriter mountingA means will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. Preparatory to using or installing the device the selected drawer is removed from the desk. In this connection it should be observed that the device may be mounted at either side of a desk having two spaced tiers of drawers. It is usually preferable to remove the uppermost drawer of the selected tier. With the drawer removed the tongue is entered in the drawer space and the board I'I is manipulated or, tipped up and then swung down, to engage the latch blocks y behind the uppermost member I6. This brings the shoulders 26 against the member I6 and positions the members 22 and 23 in the mouth of the drawer space so that the lower edge of the member 23 rests on the member I6 which defines the lower wall of the drawer space. Where the device embodies the latch 29 the latch may then be pivoted to cooperate with the forward face of the uppermost member I 6. The device is then in-condition for use. A typewriter, adding machine, or the like, may be placed on or secured to the horizontal board I1 proliecting from the face of the desk.

When it is desired to remove the boardI'I the latch 29 is swung free of the uppermost desk member I6. The board I'I is then swung upwardly from its outer end and its inner part is moved downwardly to disengage the shoulders 26 from vthe uppermost member I6 of the desk. With the latch blocks 25 disengaged from the uppermost member I6 the board may be readily withdrawn from the desk. The rounded corthe invention may be constructed of wood, or

The apron 3I may depend from the like. The board I l, the members 22 and 23 and the latch blocks 25 areall of such nature that they may be constructed of wood.

Having described typical preferred' forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A device for use on a desk having a drawerreceiving opening with a member extending across the top of the entrance to theppening, the device including a supporting board having a tongue of reduced width adapted to be introduced into the entrance of said opening, a transversely disposed strip on the upper side of the tongue adapted to engage in the entrance of said opening and bear upwardly against the under side of said member, a transversely disposed strip on the under side of the tongue adapted to engage in the entrance of said opening and rest against the lower wall of said entrance, and blocks on the upfper side of the tongue extending rearwardly from the first named strip, the forward ends of the blocks being adapted to latch with the rear side of said member to re-' leasably hold the board in the supporting position.

2. A device for use on a desk having a space for receiving a drawer or the like with a member extending across the top 'of the entrance to the space, the device including a supporting board having a tongue ofl reduced width adapted to be introduced into the entrance of said space, a transversely disposed strip on the upper side of the tongue adapted to engage in the entrance of said space and bear upwardly against the under side of said member, a transversely disposed strip on the under side of the tongue adapted I to engage in the entrance of said space and rest against the lower wall of said entrance the tongue and said strips completely occupying said entrance of the space, one or morelatch blocks on the upper side of the tongue for cooperating with the rear side of said member to latch the board in supporting position, and a latch on ther first named strip for cooperating with1 the forward side of said member to prevent upward swinging of the board.

FRANK RIGGIO.

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