An Improved Stretcher for Ambulance and such like Use.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Apr., 1895-Accepted, 11th May, 1895)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION...
An Improved Stretcher for Ambulance and such like Use.
1, WILLIAM GEORGE HAYWARD, No. 6, Dale Street Tunbridge Wells Kent,
Plumber, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention relates to stretchers and consists in so constructing same that it
may be readily folded up so as to occupy a much smaller space and the same is
carried out as follows:
The two side bars of the stretcher are hinged so as to fold over upon one another
being connected at their ends by a hinged rod. The hinged rods are connected
together by a cord or the like so that upon opening the stretcher the hinged rods
are caused to assume approximately a straight line and thus cause the stretcher to
be extended for use. Pivoted caues or rods of flexible material are employed for
forming an arch upon which a cover may be laid; the free ends engaging in
sockets.
In order that my invention may be fully understood I now refer to the annexed
drawings in which :-
Figure 1 is a plan view of my improved stretcher open showing the underside of
same.
Figure 2. side elevation of my improved stretcher when folded up, or collapsed.
a are the two rods or side bars which are hinged at b. These sido bars are
connected together by the rods c hinged at d and pivotally attached to the side
bars a at g. The hinged rods c fold in the direction of the arrows 1. when the
stretcher is folded or collapsed. e is a rope, cord or connecting piece which is
attached at or about the hinge d to a ring for such like. The length of the rod or
connecting piece e is so arranged that when the stretcher is opened out for use, the
hinged levers c are brought to their extended position as shown in Figure 1. The
hinge d is so arranged that the levers e cannot continue their opening movement
beyond the position shown in Figure 1. Thus it will be seen that when the
stretcher is being opened the cord or connection e will extend the rods c. h is
the ordinary canvass or support upon which the individual or person is placed.
Canes or rods of flexible material may be pivoted to one of the bars a, and the
other ends of said canes or rods can be placed in sockets of any well known form
attached to the other bar a, so that the arch formed by said canes or rods form a
support for a cover when desired. The canes or rods when not in use lying
against the bar a to which they are pivoted. By this construction the stretcher is
rendered most portable; and compact when folded up as shown in Figure 2. i are
legs or supports.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that
what I claim is :-
In stretchers for ambulance and the like uses, hinged levers pivoted to the side
bars which are jointed, a cord or connection between said hinged levers so that
when the stretcher is opened, the hinged levers connecting the side bars, are
extended; canes or rods of flexible material pivoted to one side bar and engaging

page_text: when desired in sockets of any well known form attached to the other side bar, all
in combination and substantially as described and illustrated herein.
Dated this 1st day of April 1895.
E. EATON,
Agent for Applicant.