A Wood or Metal Bedstead Folding or Closing without Removing the Side Bars and Laths.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd May, 1887
Complete Left, 18th Feb., 1888
Complete Accepted, 29th Mar., 1888
A Wood or Metal Bedstead Folding or Closing without Removing
the Side Bars and Laths.
I GEORGE TAYLOR of 10 Hulme Street Hyde in the county of Chester Moulder
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The bedstead may either be of wood or of metal. The head and foot are similar
in construction to those of an ordinary metal bedstead with the following exceptions.
(1) The snugs on which the sides of the bedstead (from head to foot) are to rest
are not horizontal but slightly inclined those at the head and foot on one side of tho
bedstead being highest on the inside those on the other side highest on the outside.
(2) The sides are not dovetailed into the snugs at the head and foot but simply rest
upon them and at each corner a round bolt passes through both the side bar and the
snug on which it rests fastened with nuts below allowing the sides to work smoothly
round the bolt. (3) The two upright supports at the head of the bedstead have each
a hole or slit through them about the height of the bed two or three inches long
through which pass short horizontal rods for the purpose described afterwards. There
are also a few additions mentioned afterwards.
The horizontal side posts of the bedstead running between the head and the foot
are not long bars extending from head to foot but each consist of two bars of equal
length joined at the ends halfway between the head and the foot by a hinge which
works inwardly, so that when the foot of the bedstead is pushed towards the head the
horizontal side bars move inwards towards each other. The inclination of the snugs
causes the bars on one side to escape the bars on the other one moving slightly
upwards to other slightly downwards and when the foot is close to the head the
side bars lie over one another. The laths are not fastened permanently to the hori-
zontal side bars as usual but rest on them at various points. Assuming that there
are only three such points on each side marked A, B, C on one side and X Y Z on
the other side the laths are arranged as follows. A short one runs from the middle
of the horizontal bar at the head of the bedstead (where it is fastened) to the point A
another from the same place to the corresponding point X. A long lath runs from
"A" to "Y" and one from B to X which intersect and bisect each other. Similarly

page_text: long laths run from B to Z, and from C to Y which intersect as before. Then two
short laths run from C and Z respectively to the middle of the horizontal bar at the
foot of the bedstead where they are fastened. Thus two ends of laths meet at cach
of the six points named where they are rivetted together by loose washers which
permit them to work easily, when the foot of the bedstead is pushed towards the head.
Similarly at each of the points where the laths cross one another (which always
occurs at a point in a straight line drawn parallel to and halfway between the two
sides) the laths are rivetted together by loose washers as at the sides.
When the head and foot are pushed together the laths also close together.
The bedstead can therefore be readily and easily closed or folded the foot being
brought to the head or opened out again at pleasure without removing the sides or
the laths.
To prevent the bedstead collapsing when in use a strong bar is placed from
side to side halfway between and parallel to the head and foot. The ends of tho rod
are slightly bent so as to enable it to rest under the hinge at each side. Underneath
this and at right angles to it (halfway between and parallel to the sides) is another
strong bar with a small bend in the centre into which the other bar fits. This bar
fits into a socket at the head of the bedstead and into an open socket at the foot where
when it is placed a fastener worked on a swivel is slipped under it.
To render it unnecessary to removes the mattresses &c. when closing the bedstead,
at the foot fastened on one of the horizontal bars are two brass plates working round
screws one near each end. The mattresses are turned on these edgeways and pre-
vented from falling back by keys placed vertically in slits at the end of the plates.
At the head of the bedstead a similar contrivance can be placed or at either head
or foot the following contrivance. Through the holes in the vertical posts mentioned
before run horizontal rods or plates which lie upon the laths. When the bedstead has
to be closed the mattress is turned over on these plates so as to rest on its edge. The
end portion of the plates works on a hinge and is turned up when the mattress is in
position. A bar also may run across from one plate to the other so as to support
the mattress all across. This may be further protected by the insertion of keys as in
the former contrivance. When the mattress is so fixed the plates are raised about an
inch to enable the laths to close freely.

page_text: A Wood or Metal Bedstead Folding or Closing without Removing
the Side Bars and Laths.
I GEORGE TAYLOR of 10 Hulme Street Hyde in the County of Chester Moulder
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 :-
The bedstead may either be of wood or metal. The head and foot of the bedstead
are similar to those of the ordinary metal bedstead with the following exceptions or
the following additions. (1) The snugs upon which the side bars rest are not
horizontal on the top but slightly inclined or tapered those at the head and foot on one
side of the bedstead being highest on the insido those at the head and foot on the
other side being highest on the outside. (2) The sidebars are not dovetailed or
slipped into the snugs at the head and foot as in the case of an ordinary metal bed-
stead but simply rest upon them and at each snug a round bolt passes through both
the side bar and the snug on which it rests fastened with a nut or pin below allowing
the side bars to work smoothly round the bolts. The snugs may either be fixed.
permanently to the head or foot of the bedstead or separate as shown in the accom-
panying drawings and attached to the ordinary snug of an ordinary metal bedstead
by dovetailing as the ordinary side bars of an ordinary metal bedstead are fastened to
the head and foot respectively.
The horizontal side bars of the bedstead running between the head and the foot.
are not long bars extending from head to foot but consist of two short bars on each
side of the bedstead of equal length joined at the ends halfway between the head and
the foot by a hinge or joint which works inwardly so that when the foot of the
bedstead is pushed towards the head the horizontal sidebars move inwards towards
each other. The inclination of the snugs causes the bars on one side to escape the
bars on the other side (as shewn in figure 1 sheet 3 of the accompanying drawings)
one moving slightly upwards the other slightly downwards and when the foot of
the bedstead is close to the head the side bars lie over one another (as indicated in
figure 2 sheet 3).
a'
25
The laths are not fastened to the side bars in the usual way but rest upon them at
various points. Taking the figure in sheet 1 of the accompanying drawings the points
referred to are indicated by the letters a, b, c, d, e, f, g on one side and a' b c d e¹ f¹
and g on the other side. The laths are arranged as follows. A short lath runs from
the horizontal bar at the foot of the bedstead from the point marked "
on the
said figure (where it is fastened) to the point, "a" and another short lath runs
from the point "y" (where it is fastened) to the point "a." Long laths then
run from "a" to "61" and from "a1" to "6" from "b" to "c" and from
"" to "c" and so on as shown in the said figure short laths running from the
points "g" and "g" respectively to the points "x" and "y" respectively in
the horizontal bar at the head of the bedstead where they are fastened. Thus two
ends of laths meet at each of the points a, b, c, d, e, f, g and a¹ b' c² d'e¹ƒ and g¹
where they are rivetted together by loose washers which permit them to work easily
when the foot of the bedstead is pushed towards the head. Similarly at each of the-

page_text: points h, i, k, l, m, n where the laths cross one another as shown in the said figure
(which always occurs at a point in a straight line drawn parallel to and halfway
between the two sides) the laths are rivetted together by loose washers as at the sides.
When the head and the foot of the bedstead are pushed towards each other the laths
close together. The bedstead can be readily and easily closed or folded the foot
being pushed towards the head or opened out again without removing the side bars
and laths.
To prevent the bedstead from collapsing when in use a stiffening bar or stretcher
of the ordinary description is placed from side to side about halfway between and
parallel to the head and foot. At right angles to this (halfway between and parallel
to the sides) is another stiffening bar. This bar fits into a socket or pocket at the
head of the bedstead and into another open socket at the foot of the bedstead both
of which are indicated in sheet 2.
The hinges or joints at the centres of the two sides may be strengthened by placing
a cap over them to which a leg may be attached (figure 5 sheet 4). The cap is attached
by thumb screws placed underneath.
The invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
Sheet 1 Figure 1 represents the bedstead opened out.
Sheet 2 Figures 1 and 2 respectively show the arrangement at the foot and head
of the bedstead for receiving the long bar extending from head to foot. The sockets
there shown may be attached to or detached from the head and foot of any ordinary
bedstead at pleasure. Sheet 3 Figure 1 represents the bedstead without the laths
partially closed.
Sheet 3 Figure 2 represents the bedstead closed.
Sheet 4 Figure 1 reprsents a top view of detached snug on which the side bars rest
and also of the end of the sidebar resting upon it. Figure 2 a side view of the same.
Sheet 4 Figure 3 represents a top view of the centre hinge or joint connecting
the side bars on each side of the bedstead. Figure 4 reprosents a side view of the
same.
Sheet 4 figure 5 represents a front view of cap or support fitting over the centre
hinge or joint and of the leg attached thereto. Figure 6 represents a side view of
the same.
Sheet 4 figure 7 represents a side view of the bar socket at the foot end
of the bedstead and figure 8 a view of the same from the top. Sheet 4 figure 9
represents a front view of the bar socket at the head of the bedstead and figure 10 a
side view of the same. Sheet 4 figure 11 represents a portion of the bar extending
from head to foot of the bedstead.
دو
Tho snug or support which sustains the side bar of the bedstead is of the form
(looking from the top) of the figure shown in Sheet 4 figure 1 as surrounded by the
lines, a b, bc, cd, de and the curved line a e and a circular platform shown by the
concentric circles the outermost of which adjoins the curved line " a e. The circular
platform is not seen in figure 1 but its position is indicated by the concentric circles.
When this snug is not a fixed part of the head or foot of the bedstead it is attached
to an ordinary snug by the ordinary arrangement. This is shown (top and side
views) by the figure marked M in figures 1 and 2 sheet 4. The circular platform
referred to above is about one inch below the rest of the top of the snug. The plat-
form includes besides the circles the figure ef g. The circular platform is not quite
horizontal but inclines a little. In the snugs on one side of the bedstead the inclina-
tion of the circular platform is down towards the side indicated by the line "de" and
its continuation-in those on the other side of the bedstead the inclination is down
towards the side indicated by the line "bc."
Sheet 4 figure 2 shows the side of the snug represented by the figure enclosed by
the lines a b, c, cd, de, e f, and ƒ a. The portion of the figure shaded shows the.
bend of the side. The line e f indicates the edge or circumference of the circular
platform and the side af the depth of the platform below the top of the snug. The
side of the snug shown in this figure is the side towards the bed. The end of the
side bar which meets the snug is of similar configuration to the snug with the position
reversed. The position and view when the end of the side bar is at rest upon the

page_text: snug is shown in figures 1 and 2 sheet 4. In figure 1 the top of the end of the side-
bar is represented by the figure enclosed by the lines ab, bh, hi, ig and the curved
line afg and in figure 2 the side is represented by the figure enclosed by the lines a f,
fe, ed, dg, the curved line gh and the lines hi and i a.
The shaded portion
near a represents the bend of the side supporting the circular platform. The two
circular platforms lie upon each other and a circular bolt passes through both the
side bar and the snug at the centre of the platforms. The end of the bolt is indicated
in figure 2 sheet 4 and marked by the letter N. This is secured by a pin passed
through the hole there shown. The end of the side bar revolves upon the snug through
a right angle the side bar being then parallel to the head and foot of the bedstead
as indicated in sheet 3 figure 2. In sheet 4 figure 2 the parallel lines marked O
indicate the place where the angle iron of a metal side bar is fitted to the end above
described.
The ends of the side bars not connected with the head and foot of the bedstead aro
connected to each other by means of a centre joint as indicated by figures 3 and 4
sheet 4. In figure 3 the straight dotted lines indicate where the angle iron of a metal
bedstead is attached to the centre hinge or joint. The hinge is constructed as follows.
It consists of two parts. In figure three the top view of one of these parts is repre-
sented by the figure surrounded by the lines a b, bc, cd, de, and the curved dotted.
line e a.
The top view of the other part is represented by the rest of the figure. The
circular portion of the latter part of the hinge represented by the circle a, e gf shown
on figure 3 extends a depth indicated by the line ab on figure 4. For a depth
indicated by the distance between b and c in the last named figure the circular portion
above referred to is attached to the first named part of the hinge and treating figure 3
as a horizontal section of both parts of the hinge upon any line between and parallel
to H H and H Has shown in figure 4 the second part of hinge is bounded at its
junction with the first mentioned part of the hinge there shown by the line d,e and
the curved line e y. At a depth represented by the distance from a to c in figure 4
the two parts of the hinge again become precisely similar to the top view shown in
figure 3 and first described. This continues for a depth indicated by the distance
from c to d in figure 4 i. e. treating figure 3 as a horizontal section on any line between
and parallel to H'H' and K K in figure 4 the first named part of the hinge is
bounded at its junction with the second named part there shown by the line de and
the curved lino e a. The two parts of the hinge are thus complimentary. Through
the centre of the circular portions of both parts of the hinge indicated in the top view
figure 3 by the point marked O a pin or bolt passes fastening the two parts together.
The first named part of the hinge inoves round the second named part through two
right angles until the line a b (figure 3) lies along the line gk and the curved line ea
lies along the curved line y f. In this position the bedstead is closed. Figures 3
and 4 sheet 4 show the position of the hinges when the bedstead is extended or drawn
out. Figures 5 and 6 sheet 4 represent respectively a front view and a side view of
a support and leg to strengthen the centre joint or hinge last described. It is optional
whether this is used or not. The support of the hinge may also be used without the
leg. The support clasps and covers entirely the circular portion of the hinge shown
in figure 3 sheet 4 and the parts immediately adjoining the semicircular portion
projecting beyond the lines ba and gk (figure 3) fitting into a socket of similar
shape indicated by the shaded portion of figure 5 marked G. The portions marked a b
and cd figure 5 project a distance equal to the depth of the pocket referred to and
cover the whole hinge to that depth. A side view of this is represented in figure 6.
by ef and the shaded portion between them representing the space into which the
hinge fits. fg and Im in the same figure represent the depth of the pocket into
which the projecting portion of the circular part of the hinge fits. The screws in c d
figure 5 hold the support firmly to the hinge.
Figure 7 and 8 sheet 4 represent respectively a side view and a view from the top
looking downwards of the bar socket at the foot of the bedstead. The position and
a view of this is shown in Sheet 2 figure 1 marked D-the view being one looking
from the foot towards the head of the bedstead. In the position last described figure 7

page_text: sheet 4 would represent a side view looking from right to left. In the same figure
the portion below a b shows the arrangement for fitting the socket to the angle iron
of the bedstead as shown at D in figure 1 sheet 2. The socket may be attached to
the angle iron in other ways. When the bedstead is ready for use as in figure 1
sheet the bar which extends from head to foot rests in the lower grove indicated in
sheet 2 figure 1 and there marked a and indicated in figures 7 and 8 sheet 4
respectively by the shaded portion between c and d. When the bedstead is required
to be closed the bar is lifted and then rests in the upper groove indicated in sheet 2
figure 1 and there marked 6 and indicated in figures 7 and 8 sheet 4 respectively by
the shaded portion between e and f. In this position the bar keeps the laths from
contact with the side bars while the bedstead is being closed. When the bedstead is
closed the bar is removed.
Figures 9 and 10 sheet 4 represent respectively a front view (looking from foot to
head of the bedstead) and a side view of the bar socket at the head of the bedstead
as shown in figure 2 sheet 2 there marked E. The bar socket may be cast with, or
otherwise attached to, the head of the bedstead but as shown in figures 9 and 10
sheet 4 it consists of two parts attached together and to the angle iron of a metal
bedstead by a pin or bolt as indicated by the dotted lines ab in figure 10. When
attached to a metal bedstead the angle iron occupies the position indicated, by the
dotted lines c d and de figure 10 sheet 4.
Figure 11 sheet 4 represents the bar which extends from head to foot of the bed-
stead the handle being at the foot of the bedstead as shown in figure 1 sheet 1.
Having now particularly ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what
nanner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is
1. The snug upon which the side bars rest (whether forming an integral part of
the head or foot of the bedstead or connected thereto in anyway) as shown in sheet 4
figures 1 and 2 and the corresponding end of the side bars as there shown to rest
upon the snug and the arrangement (especially the inclination of the circular plat-
forms) whereby the side bars are enabled to revolve upon the snugs so that when the
bedstead is being closed the sidebars escape each other those on one side having an
upward inclination those on the other side a downward one.
2. The arrangements of two short bars at each side of the bedstead joined together
by a joint or hinge of the kind before described or of any other kind so that when
the foot of the bedstead is pushed towards the head or vice versa the side bars
move inwards towards each other and the application of a joint or hinge to that a
purpose.
3. The arrangement of laths crossing each other diagonally as before described as
applied to a closing or folding bedsteads so that when the foot of the bedstead is
pushed towards the head or vice versa the laths close together.
4. The arrangement of side bars and laths before described as applied to a folding
or closing bedstead so that the foot of the bedstead may be pushed towards or away
from the head or vice versa without removing either the side bars or the laths.
5. The application of a cap or support to strengthen the centre hinge or joint.
6. The application of a stiffening bar running midway between and parallel to the
sides of the bedstead fitting into sockets at the head and foot of the bedstead.
7. The socket at the foot of the bedstead to receive the stiffening bar as before
described containing the arrangement for raising the bar while the bedstead is being
closed.
1 T
1000