GB304405A - Improved portable writing desk - Google Patents

Abstract

304,405. Bartlett, A. J. Nov. 5, 1927. Portable writing-desks.-A portable writing- desk to facilitate writing when travelling in a moving vehicle comprises an upper pad or sheets supporting plate mounted resiliently upon a base member by means of a series of springs or one or more blocks of sponge rubber so as to be capable or both lateral and substantially vertical movement relatively to the base. In one form, Fig. 1, two plates or boards 1, 2 are connected together at their edges by strips 4 of tape or other flexible material, and light helical springs 3 are arranged between them adjacent to the edges, the ends of the springs not necessarily being connected to the boards. Alternatively, or in addition to the tapes, a covering of leather or the like adapted to secure sheets of blotting-paper may be applied to the ends of the device. By connecting the ends of the springs to the boards the tapes &c. may be dispensed with. A box or casing may be provided to receive the desk, which is inserted laterally therein after compressing the springs. In another form, Fig. 3, the upper plate 7 is suspended at its corners by springs 10 connected to uprights 8 on a base plate 9 which may be provided with a central aperture 11 to reduce its weight; this form may be modified by providing uprights or corner supports which are either hinged' to the base and held by struts, or fit removablv into sockets in the base. In a further modification upper and lower plates with interposed vertical springs have a co-operating auxiliary pad or plate which may move freely in any direction upon the surface of the upper plate by providing balls or smooth bosses upon either of the contacting surfaces. The springs may be enclosed so as to operate in a vertical direction only.