Edwin J. Piper from Springfield, Massachusetts, received a U.S. patent for an improved school chair. Patent no. 138190 was issued on April 22, 1873.
The wooden slatted seat is secured onto a pedestal. His combination of slats, hinges, and flanges is new. The backrest is curved and connects to the seat, which gives lower back support. The ends of the slats are connected to a metal frame that outlines the entire seat. The stem is screwed into a wooden base. The seat is not adjustable and does not fold. The patent was recognized for its monobloc stem and brass colored metal frame.
Edwin J. Piper was born in 1849. He was an inventor and Known for being the manufacturer of the Springfield ruling machine. He died in 1933 at his home in Springfield, Massachusetts.