CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN BEDS OR COUCHES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF FURNITURE
Year: 1851

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS. SHALL COME, I, JOHN
BLAIR, of Irvine, in the County of Ayr, North Britain, Gentleman, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Tenth day of September,
in the fifteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said John Blair, Her especial licence, full power,
sole privilege and authority, that I, the said John Blair, my exors, adñors,
and assigns, and such others as I, the said John Blair, my exors, adñors,
or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to. time
and at all times during the term of years therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the
Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
BEDS OR COUCHES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF FURNITURE;" in which said Letters
Patent is contained a proviso requiring that I, the said John Blair, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, shall particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, and shall cause the same to be enrolled in Her said
Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John Blair, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention, and in what manner

page_text: the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by this present Instrument in writing as follows, reference being had to
the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon,
that is to say:-
My said Invention relates to various arrangements of mechanism, apparatus,
or means, for the obtainment of superior portability in the framing of couches
or bedsteads and other furniture, combined with great strength and great
facilities of erection and removal, and economy and lightness of construction.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood, I shall
now proceed to describe the several Figures on the Sheets of Drawings here-
unto attached.
Figure I., on Sheet I. of my Drawings, is a side or longitudinal elevation of
one modification of a portable bed complete, as fitted with mosquito curtains,
and constructed according to my improvements. Figure 2 is a corresponding
end elevation of the same, as fitted with a tent or cover in addition to its
curtain hangings. Figure 3 is a transverse sectional elevation of the bed,
with its tent cover and curtains removed. Figure 4 is an external plan of one
of the side frames, as folded up to one half its real length by means of its
central joint, and exhibits the entire space occupied by the bed frame, with its
legs or supports, when folded up for removal. Figure 5 is a corresponding
view of the same parts reversed, that is, looking upon the under or lower
side of the folded side piece, shewing the pair of diagonal supporting legs
folded down into the recesses in the angle pieces, together with a transverse
end piece; also with its supporting legs folded up, deposited within the
recess of the angle iron, thus shewing the mode of packing the entire
frame. Figure 6 is a corresponding end elevation of the folded frame;
shewing the details of the corner-junction pieces. Figure 7 is an ex-
ternal elevation of one of the transverse fraine pieces, shewing its' pair of
diagonal supporting legs, as disconnected for packing, with a portion of 'the
free sliding leg, dotted in its position as directed. And Figure 8 is an end
elevation of the angle iron frame piece alone. Figure 9 is a plan of a portion
of one corner of the frame, as put together, shewing the species of joint
employed. Figure 10 is a corresponding external side elevation of the joint,
looking on the longitudinal piece. Figure 11 is an end elevation of the
same detail at right angles to Figure 10, and Figure 12 is a similar elevation
of one end of the transverse frame piece, with the longitudinal piece and
fastening removed. Figure 13 is an internal elevation of a portion of one of
the side pieces, with the transverse piece in transverse section. Figures 14,
15, 16, 17, and 18, are corresponding details of another modification of cornèr

page_text: joint; and Figure 19 is the same view as Figure 18, but with the transverse
frame piece removed and the connecting screw slackened. Figure 20 is a
plan of a portion of the bed frame corner, shewing a mode of attaching a
gutta percha, iron, or other support for the bedding. Figure 21 is a detailed
plan of a single gutta percha or other strap or web piece, shewing the mode
of its attachment to the side frame; and Figure 22 is a tranverse section of the
frame piece, shewing the attaching hook and strap in side elevation. Figure 23
is an elevation of one of the vertical curtain or tent supports, as broken away
in the middle, arranged to screw into the top flange of the main frame piece,
and having its ornamental head removed; and Figure 24 is a similar view,
with a plain taper square for adjustment at its lower end, and with its orna-
mental head in position. The essential feature of the construction of these
beds is the use of angle iron for the main framing, so as to secure great
strength with little weight, whilst the space inclosed between the side flanges
of the angle iron admits of packing the supporting legs and other details
therein.
$
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, on
Sheet I. of my Drawings, each longitudinal side piece of the main frame is
composed of two pieces of light angle iron A, A, of equal length, and jointed
together at B by a "rule" joint, opening horizontally or inwards towards the
centre of the frame, the joint being formed in the upper horizontal flange.
This disposition of the joint affords great stiffness to the frame, so as to
dispense with the necessity of internal stays, as the internal horizontal strain,
arising from pressure upon the bed itself, will be well resisted by the
abutting ends of the two pieces on the external opening side of the joint.
Each end of these longitudinal pieces is connected at C, D, with transverse
ends E of similar angle iron, the upper end of the latter piece being cut
away at the point of junction to the extent of the width of the longitudinal
flange, in order that the entire frame may be flush or level at all four
corners: The vertical flange at the end of each tranverse piece is slotted
through horizontally as at F, in Figure 7; and a vertical, angle piece or
flanged cud is formed upon the ends of the longitudinal pieces, as at G in
Figures 5 and 6, to receive the rivet joints of the connecting buttons .H.
These buttons are rivetted into the ends G so as to be capable of being turned
freely by the fingers applied to their broad flat heads. These heads being
turned horizontally, as in Figure 5, when the end pieces are to be attached so
as to cause them to coincide with the slots, and a quarter turn to the position
delineated in Figure 2 then brings the beads across the slots and binds the
ends together. In this form of joint no screws are required, and the buttons

page_text: being always connected to the frame, derangement and loss of the means of
connection are prevented. The rectangular frame thus formed is supported
by four pairs of diagonal legs I formed of flat bar iron, and connected by rivet
joints at the points I of intersection, the upper end of one leg in each case
being joint-rivetted at J to the inside of the vertical flanges of the framing,
whilst the opposite one K has a short-headed pin riveted transversely into it,
for the purpose of being passed through a horizontal slot in the vertical flange
of the frame, one end of the slot being expanded to admit the pin's head
during adjustment. In this way the diagonal legs form stiff supports for the
frame, the downward pressure on which forces the pin of the loose leg hard up
against the narrow end of the slot, thus securing it in its place. When it is
to be folded up the pin is slipped out of the slot, and the two then turn upon
their central rivet joint as well as upon the joint J, and are laid down side by
side in the recess of the angle iron. In the plan of corner connection, deli-
neated in Figures 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, a flush surface is obtained in
the manner herein-before described in reference to Figures 1 and 2, but the
studs of the flat button heads A are tapped and screwed into the vertical end
flanges B, being prevented from ever coming clear away by slightly riveting or
jumping up their ends. The ends of the transverse frame pieces have open
slots C through them, the narrow parts of which are just wide enough to pass
along the screwed studs when adjusting, untill the wider portion at the opposite
end comes opposite to the stud centre, when it may be slipped upon the
enlarged diameter of the latter at D. The button is then turned to screw the
pieces together, by causing the wide collar on the stud to bear against the
transverse piece, as in Figure 18. In the plan, Figure 20, of a portion of a
bed frame, the frame pieces A, A, which may be supposed to be connected at
the corners by any of the several modifications of my joints, are pierced at
regular intervals along their upper horizontal flanges, with small holes to
recieve the ends of the hooks B of brass or other suitable material, which are
riveted or otherwise connected to the ends of the bands C, or to whatever
support may be used for the bedding. These bands, which afford the necessary
support for the bedding, I propose to make of gutta percha, but they may be of
metal or other inaterial. They are disposed in two parallel rows at right angles
to each other, and underlaced just as in the ordinary metallic band arrangement.
Figures 21 and 22 exhibit the details of the bands and connections on a larger
and clearer scale. The ends of the hooks, being inclined inwards, become
firmly secured in their places, when once inserted in their holes, by stretching
or hauling tight the bands or other support; thus this species of bedding support
be adjusted with very great facility, whilst its details of construction are
may

page_text: simple. It is obvious that the hooks and their relative holes may be variously
modified to produce a similar effect.
The sectional elevation of the bed, Figure 3, shews another mode of
attaching the ticking or other support of the bedding, or the mattress itself, to
the framing by means of metal hook pieces P, which are sewn or otherwise
attached to the under side of the ticking in rows, so as to be easily hooked or
engaged with the under side of the external vertical flanges of the framing.
In this view the supporting fabric 2 is brought over the outside of the framing,
as at R, R, hanging downwards and finishing with an ornamental edging or
fringe S, the hooks P being attached at such a distance from the edge of the
fabric as will answer to hold it tight accross the frame. The same view also
shows how the two ends of the supporting fabric at the head and foot of the
bed are made to form head and foot boards to retain the bedding and add
to the comfort of the occupant. Each end of the fabric has a separate piece T
attached across its upper surface, the two upper loose corners U being drawn
upwards by a cord v suspended from the top of the curtain rod. In this way
the tension of the cord stretches the piece T as delineated in the Figure, and
causes it to answer for the purposes which I have described. When curtains
are to be fitted to these beds, light vertical rods L are screwed or stepped into
the upper flanges of the main framing, one at each end, as delineated in
Figures 1, 2, and 3, a portion of a rod being also represented in the detail,
Figure 7. Each end of the ridge M of the curtain has an eylet hole for
passing over the tops of the vertical rods to rest upon collars N immediately
beneath the ornamental heads, the ridge being thus strained slightly between
the two rods to give a taut support to the curtains. The same rods also answer
for the support of the tent O, as in Figure 2, when the bed is used in localities
which necessitate the use of such a protecting cover. The complete view,
Figure 2, represents the bed so arranged, one end of the tent being open to
exhibit the bed frame and curtains within.
Sheet 2 of my Drawings represents various views of further modifications.
of my improvements. Figure I. on that Sheet is a perspective view of an
angle iron bed frame put together, with corner and folding joints, similar
to those used in Figure I. on Sheet I., that is, with finger buttons and closed
slots wide at the centre. Figure 2 is an external plan of one of the main side
frames folded up to one half its real length by means of its central joint.
Figure 3 is a corresponding view of the same parts reversed, that is, looking.
upon the under or lower side of the folded side piece, shewing its legs as
folded down. Figure 4 is an internal elevation of one of the end frame
pieces, with its legs also folded down; and Figure 5 is a corresponding plan.

page_text: of the same parts reversed to show the lower side of the piece. Figures 6
and 7 are respectively side and front elevations of the intersecting joint of the
diagonal legs and their connecting rod and nut. In this arrangement each of
the flat bars forming the four sets of supporting legs is rivet-jointed at A to
the framing, the binding power at the points of intersection of the legs
being obtained by thumb nuts on the ends of the longitudinal and trans-
verse stays B, C, which are in this instance employed to bind each
opposite pair of legs together. The transverse stay B is in one piece,
each end being passed through holes punched through the points of inter-
section of the legs up to a shoulder formed on the end, when an ex-
ternal thumb nut D secures the whole together. The centre of this
transverse stay is forged with an eye E,. as also delineated in Figure 19,
to form the connection with the longitudinal stay C, which is in two pieces for
convenience of packing. The two inner ends of these lengths are screwed
into the eye E, whilst their opposite outer ends are attached to the supporting
legs by thumb nuts, as in the case of the transverse stay. The details
Figures 3, 4, and 5, shew the arrangement adopted for packing the legs into
the space in the angle iron framing, so as to secure compactness. In Figure 3
this is effectively secured by simply riveting each bar to the external vertical
flange of the frame as at A, so that when the latter is folded, each leg lays
parallel with its corresponding flange, leaving room between for the reception
of one of the end pieces with its legs. But in the case of the transverse ends;
which are in one solid piece, one leg only is jointed to the vertical flange of
the frame parallel to which it folds down. The other must necessarily fold down
clear of the first, and hence it is rivetted to a separate piece of metal E, which
is riveted to the under side of the horizontal flange of the frame, and near
the inner edge. This allows the two legs to fold down side by side, as repre-
sented in Figure 5. The whole is arranged to pack for transport in the same
way as the bed described in reference to Sheet I. of my Drawings, the two
side and two end pieces being first folded as I have described, the hollow left
in each of the folded sides being filled up by depositing therein one of the
ends with its folded legs and other minor details. In this condition the
hollow sides of the longitudinal pieces are laid together and strapped, or
otherwise attached, to come within the compass of Figure 2. The ticking or
other loose fabrics may then serve to envelope the frame, so as to form a
single compact bundle, which may be secured in a canvas or other case.
Figure 8 is an external side elevation of a modification of my angle iron bed'
frame with side frames folded vertically. Figure 9 is a view of the interior of
one of the folded side frames. According to this plan tlie central folding joint A.

page_text: of the longitudinal pieces is formed in the external vertical flange of the angle
iron, so as to act vertically, the butt end of the angle iron being thus opposed
to resist direct downward pressure on the frame. As such joints do not
effectually resist horizontal strain, a transverse stay must be employed to
secure stiffness in this direction. The legs may be attached according to any.
of my plans.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a bed frame, with the ticking attached,
the supporting fabric being supposed to be hooked to the angle iron framing.
Figure 11 exhibits a side view, and Figure 12 a corresponding plan, of another
modification of diagonal legs and central joint for the stays. The cross stay.
connecting the opposite legs of the longitudinal frame pieces is in one piece,
and is forged with a central eye A. The longitudinal stay is in two lengths
for convenience of packing, each of the inner ends being formed with a hook
B engaging with a narrow slot in the eye A. The outer ends C of the stay
are formed with a shoulder and are simply entered through the crossed legs,
being secured by the cotters D chained to the rod. Figure 13 is a front view.
of this joint. Figure 13 is an internal view of a portion of a longitudinal
frame piece with its corresponding transverse piece in transverse section,
shewing a plan of connection by means of a separate stud pin and cotter; a
small pin with a shoulder is passed through the two vertical flanges of the
frame pieces from the inside, the end projecting outwards being slotted to
recieve a cotter, which is limited to an eye on the stud by a short chain, so as
to connect the two together, Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17 are details of another
variety of joint. In this plan each leg has a narrow longitudinal lot A, square
at one end and round at the actual centre of connection. The binding stay B
has its collared end C fitted to the width of these slots, its extremity having a
small rivet-jointed button D upon it. This button coincides in length with
the length of the slot A, and when the legs are to be bound together it is first
passed through one slot and then turned sufficiently far round to enter the
other, being finally set horizontally or vertically so as to cross both slots and
bind the legs. Figures 18 and 19 are front and edge views of a modification!
of joint, wherein all rivets, screws, cotters, or other separate details are
dispensed with. The parts forming the intersection of the two bars are
slotted or recessed about one half through on their upper inclined edges as. at
A, the four ends of the stays being made with a head, and collar B, the
distance between which is equal to the combined thickness of the pair of legs..
By this contrivance when the legs are crossed for setting up they are firmly
connected together and to the stays, by bringing the ends B of the latter.
directly over the intersection at C, when the parts B being pressed downwards

page_text: enter both recesses in the legs, as in the edge view, Figure 19. In this way
the mere weight of the stays binds the whole firmly together. The central
connection of the crossing stays is screwed, as herein-before described.
Figure 20 is a view of an intersecting joint slightly different. Each leg is
slotted longitudinally as at A, the lower end of each slot being considerably
expanded. This expanded portion then admits the head of the stay, which
is first passed through one and made to slide to the narrow end of the slot,
and is then similarly adjusted in the other. Figure 21 is an end view of
another form of stay, which may be adopted for connecting any variety of
diagonal legs. The end of the stay has a shoulder upon it, the portion out-
side being screwed and fitted with a thumb .nut, which is prevented from
ever being lost by jumping up or slightly riveting the end of the screwed
portion.
The details, Figures 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and
35, are various views of the parts of a bed frame of another kind, wherein
the main frame is connected at the four corners by a species of compound
dovetail joint. Figure 22 is an external plan of one of the folded longitudinal
frame pieces, and Figure 23 is a plan of the same reversed, with its legs
folded, and shewing one of the transverse frame pieces stowed within it.
Figure 24 is an end elevation of the folded frame, shewing the corner joint,
and Figure 25 is a corresponding view of the folding joint of the frame.
Figure 26 is an internal end elevation of one of the transverse frame pieces,
with its pair of legs partially folded down, the dotted portions representing
the positions of the two legs when erected. Figure 27 is a transverse section
of one of the longitudinal frame pieces, shewing the external dovetail thereon
in elevation, and in correspondence by vertical dotted lines with the internal
dovetail socket on the end piece. Figure 28 is an external elevation of one
of the corner junctions of the frame, looking on the longitudinal pieces; and
Figure 29 is a corresponding internal view, exhibiting the outside of the
dovetail. Figure 30 is an external view of the joint, looking on the transverse
piece; and Figure 31 is an internal view of the longitudinal piece, with
the transverse piece in section in position. Figure 32 is a plan of the corner,
and Figure 33 is the same reversed, to shew the exterior of the under side of
the joint. Figure 34 is an edge view of the joint of the diagonal legs, with
the end of a stay as fitted into one of them; and Figure 35 is an external
front view of the same. In this frame the folding joint A is not of the
"rule" kind, but is formed by riveting a flat plate of metal B to the under
side of the horizontal flange of the angle iron, the inner corners of the flange
being rounded off, to allow of the joint action. One only of the supporting

page_text: legs is attached to the frame in each case, a small bracket C being riveted to
the under side of the horizontal flange, and formed with an eye, to which the
upper end of the leg is joint-riveted. The opposite or free leg is rivet-jointed
to its neighbour at D, its upper end being formed with a small shoulder E
to enter a slot F, cut in the horizontal flange of the frame piece, wlien a
small button G may be turned across the opening to retain it in position, as
dotted in at H in Figure 26. The dotted lines at I represent the pair of
legs as folded down. The dovetail system of connecting the corners of the
framing dispenses with all loose details. It is effected by riveting to the ends
of the longitudinal frame piece a species of external wedge dovetailed piece J
by means of a bracket piece K, whilst a corresponding wedge dovetail piece
socket L is riveted to the end of the transverse frame piece. The connectiou
is effected simply by passing the wedge projection J down into its recess L in
the socket of the other frame, as delineated by the corresponding dotted lines
in Figures 26 and 27. .In this way the connecting surfaces are wedge-tight,
or tapered vertically, whilst they are dovetailed horizontally, so that by this
combination of wedges and dovetails a firm joint is secured in a very simple
manner against every species of strain. The diagonal legs in Figures 34
and 35 are joint-riveted at their intersections, their stays being attached to one
of the legs only, as at A, where the end of the rod is passed through a
small slot in the leg, and then secured up against its shoulder by a loose
button.
Figures 36, 37, and 38 exhibit three details of another modification of
wedge dovetail or self-adjusting and holding form; Figure 36 is a transverse
section of one of the longitudinal frame pieces, shewing the external dovetail
attached to it; and Figure 37 is a corresponding internal elevation of an end
of one of the transverse pièces with its internal dovetail; and Figure 38 is a
reciprocating plan. In this plan the wedge dovetail socket A is forged out
of a portion of the vertical flange of the transverse frame piece, a portion of
the horizontal flange being cut away. The vertical flange is bent back over
a half-round mandril of the section of the required socket, and the external
wedge dovetail piece B rivetted to the horizontal flange of the longitudinal
frame is entered into the socket. In this modification it is the combination of
the vertical wedge with the half-round section of the metal which constitutes
the wedge dovetail, the same binding effect being produced as in Figures
26 and 27.
Any modification of these corner joints may be used with the ornamental
cover delineated in Figures 30, 40, and 41, the cover or cap A being cast
or attached upon the end of the supporting pillar B, whilst the upper side of

page_text: the cap is screwed to recieve the lower end of the upright rod C, which may
proceed upwards, to carry curtains and form a four-post bed. The cap is
entered upon the corner of the frame by a suitable opening cut in its side,
and the whole is secured by the pressure of screwing down the upper pillar C.
In this way the joints may be rendered highly ornamental, the corner being
entirely hidden.
Although I have herein-before specified various distinct constructions
of beds, it will be obvious to the practical man that the several details
of my improvements may be combined and applied in many ways other than
those to which I have more especially referred. It will be obvious that the
general features of my improvements are applicable in the construction of
various other articles of furniture, as tables and chairs.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that I do, not confine or restrict
myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have had occassion to
describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of my Invention; but what
I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,
First, the systems or modes of securing strength and portability in the
framework and other details of beds, couches, and other articles of furniture,
as herein before described.
Second, the general arrangements of mechanism, apparatus, or means for
the obtainment of portability in beds, couches, and other furniture, as herein-
before described.
Third, the application and use of the recess in angle iron framing for the
reception of the minor details of beds and other furniture, as herein-before
described.
Fourth, the system or mode of constructing the framing of beds and other
articles of furniture with horizontal and other folding joints, as herein-before
described in reference to Figure I., on Sheet I. of my Drawings.
.
Fifth, the application and use of diagonal or inclined supporting legs, as
herein-before described.
Sixth, the application and use of longitudinal and transverse stays to
connect the diagonal legs to framing, as herein-before described.
Seventh, the adaptation and use of gutta percha bands or supports for
bedding, as herein-before described. .
Eighth, the system or mode of attaching the bedding support, or the bedding

page_text: itself, to the framing, as described in reference to Figures 20, 21, and 22, on
Sheet I. of my Drawings.
Ninth, the system or mode of attaching the bedding or bedding support to
the framing by connecting hooks, as delineated in Figure 3, on Sheet 1 of
my Drawings.
Tenth, the application and use of what I have termed my "wedge dovetail"
joints for connecting the framing of beds and other articles of furniture.
Eleventh, the system or mode of constructing the flush corner joints of bed
frames, as herein-before described.
Twelfth, the system or mode of forming the end connecting flanges for the
corner joints, as at G, in Figure 5, on Sheet I. of my Drawings, by turning
down a portion of the flange of the angle iron itself.
Thirteenth, the peculiar arrangement of tent coverings and curtains for
portable beds, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Blair, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
Enrolled the Tenth day of March, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.