Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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~0 ~IELD OE THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to folding or
collapsible platforms such as altars or pulpits.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
. .
The prior art, as exemplified by U. S. Patent num-
bers 2,547,966; 1,616,198; and 3,120,410 is generally
illustrative of various devices of this type. While
such devices are generally acceptable for their intended
purpose they have not`proven to be entirely satisfactory
in that they are either complex and expensive to manu
~0 facture, or bulky and inconvenient to use, or require
unusual skill and/or dexterity to operate. As a result
of the shortcomings of the prior art, typified by the
above, there has developed and continues to exist a sub-
stantial need for devices of the character described.
Despite this need and the efforts of many individuals
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and companies to develop such devices, a satisfactory
device meeting ihis need has heretofore been unavailable.
The principal object of the invention is to provide
a device or article of this character which combines
simplicity, strength and durability in a high degree,
together with inexpensiveness of construction so as to
encourage widespread use thereof.
Other objects of this invention will in part be
obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.
The invention accordingly consists in the features
of construction, combinations of elements, and arrange~
ment of parts which will be exemplified in the con-
struction hereinafter described, and of which the scope
of application will be indicated in the following claims.
S_MMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention resides in a pulpit, altar or other
platform may be retracted into an opening in the floor
of a building such as a church. In one form of the
invention, the pulpit assembly is connected to means for
moving it vertically into and out of the opening.
In another form, the pulpit is foldable and can be
stored in the opening after folding the retable of the
pulpit assembly and contains two flanking side tables
swingably hinged thereto.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWING
In the accompanying drawing, in which are shown two
of the various possible illustrative embodiments of
this invention, wherein like reference character identify
the same or like parts:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an unfolded altar
according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable
pulpit in accord with the invention;
FIG. 3 is the same as FIG. 2 but shows same folded;
FIG~. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the same
of the invention shown; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another version of
the invention.
DESCR_PTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to the drawing, there is shown and
illustrated a foldable platform constructed in accord-
ance with the principles of the invention and designated
generally by reference character 10. The illustrated
tangible embodiment of the invention includes a retable
12 for supporting a book 14. Retable 12, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 is flanked by side tables 16 and 18 which
are hingedly secured thereto from the inner wall 20 of
their top 22 to the depending side walls 24 of retable
12 and to its bottom arms 25 and hinges 26. ~s shown
in FIG. 5, side tables 16 and 18 swing out from retable
12 as indicated by the arrows to use position.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this version of the in-
vention is associated with a central, substantially
rectangular opening 28 in the main floor 30 of a build-
ing such as a church, temple or the like. This main
floor 30 provides the support for the audience seating
accomodation including a bench 32 for the celebrants,
and may include steps 34 leading toward the front or
back of the edifice.
It will be appreciated that the assembly above
described folds down into opening 28 which is lined with
panels to give it a box-like configuration. The front
panel 38 of retable 12 is hinged to the front panel 40
in opening 28 by hinge 42 so as to allow the assembly
to fold down therein as shown in FIG. 3 after it has
been folded on itself to the configuration shown on
FIG. 4.
As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, the upper surface
44 of front panel 38 is recessed to receive thereon top
~0 folding panel 46 hinged to back panel 48 by hinges 26
to form a folded arrangement which is flush with main
floor 30 as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 shows another version of the invention where-
in the foldable assembly previously described as con-
sisting of the retable 12 flanked by the side tables
16 and 18 foldably secured thereto is provided with
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elevating and lowering means designated generally by
reference character 50 and shown somewhat diagran~atical-
ly. This means includes a vertically disposed ram suit-
ably connected at one end to the underside 52 of the
assembly while its other end is disposed in a well 54
formed below the level of the floor 54 of opening 28.
Suitable conduits are provided for conducting hydraulic
fluid under pressure from a hydraulic pump (not shown)
to the ram 50 to elevate the assembly; conventional con-
trol means tnot shown) are also provided for supplying
well 54 with fluid under pressure to elevate the assembly
and for permitting the fluid to exhaust to a sump to
lower the assembly so that its upper surface 51 is flush
with floor 28. The control means can include a push
button located at any desired place such as the top of
retable 12.
The operation and use of the invention hereinabove
described will be evident to those skilled in the art
to which it relates from a consideration of the fore-
going.
It will thus be seen that there is provided a device
in which the several ob]ects of this invention are achieved,
and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of
practical use. Its advantages are easily seen.
It is thought that persons skilled in the art to
which this invention relates will be able to obtain a
clear understanding of the invention after considering
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the foregoing description in connection with the accompany-
ing drawing. Therefore, a more leng-thy description is
deemed unnecessary.
It is to be understood that various changes in shape,
size and arrangement of the elements of this invention
as claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if
desired.
