IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC BEDSTEADS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Wilson, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC
BEDSTEADS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Wilson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st August 1876. .
THOMAS WILSON, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Engineer.
PROVEMENTS IN METALLIC BEDSTEADS."
"
IM-
My Invention consists, firstly, of improvements in the angle frames or bodies of
metallic bedsteads. Instead of constructing the said angle frames with the smooth
or flat sides of the angle bars uppermost, as heretofore I construct the said frames
with the angle irons reversed, that is to say, with the smooth or flat sides of the
angle iron undermost, thereby forming with the upper sides or angles of the iron a
frame for receiving and holding together the spring mattress, paliasse, or other
mattress, the raised sides of the frame forming at the same time an improved and
convenient arrangement or support from which the bed vallances may be suspended
by hooks or other suitable fastenings.
In constructing my improved angle frames I prefer to form the side and half the
head and foot of the said frames together, that is to say, of one piece of angle iron,
by bending the ends to a right angle; I afterwards unite or attach the parts
together by a strong hinge at the head and foot of the frame, thus enabling the
said frame to be folded together and occupy less space. When detached from the
bedstead I fix or attach my improved angle frames to the pillars or head and foot
rails of the bedstead by means of projecting pieces or bars extending from the said
pillars or head and foot rails, and on which the said angle frame rests, and is
firmly secured by pins or other suitable fastenings; the said projecting pieces or
bars on which the angle frame rests are supported by short legs or pillars resting
on the floor of the bedroom, thus forming a sort of chain or head and foot trestles
for carrying the angle frame and serving at the same time to maintain the pillars or
head and foot rails” in a firm and upright position.

page_text: Instead of constructing my improved trestles with two pillars I sometimes prefer
to construct them with three pillars at the head and foot of the bedstead, by which
greater firmness and effect are secured.
My Invention consists, further, in forming on or attaching to the corners of my
improved angle frame dovetails or brackets with their free ends (that is to say, the
ends attached to the pillars or head and foot rails of the bedstead) in a line lower
than that of the angle frame, and I form the dovetails or corners on the pillars or
head and foot rails to suit the said free ends previously described, and instead of
one dovetail or point of connection on the said pillars or head and foot rails, I
prefer to form two or more, by which means greater firmness and rigidity of
attachment is secured.
Instead of forming the dovetails or brackets on the angle frame by casting, I
sometimes prefer to form them separately and of wrought iron, and afterwards
attach them to the angle frame by screw pins or otherwise.
The improved dovetails or brackets as above described I sometimes prefer to
apply to angle frames constructed in the ordinary way, that is to say, with the
smooth or flat side of the iron uppermost.
The laths, strips, or sacking in my improved angle frame arc attached to the head
and foot angle bars of the frame only, thus allowing the frame to be folded up
when detached from the head and foot trestles or supports without removing the
sacking.
Instead of constructing my improvel angle frames to fold at the head and foot
I sometimes fix the folding hinges to the sides of the angle frame, thereby enabling
it to be folded at the middle instead of the ends of the said frame. In this
modification the laths, strips, or sacking are fixed to the side bars of the frame,
thereby enabling it to be folded as described without detaching the said sacking
from the frame.
In both modifications of my improved angle frames suitable stretchers are or
may be applied either longitudinally or across the said frames if required to render
the said fraunes more firin and rigid when in use.
Instead of my improved chains or trestles for carrying my improved angle
frames I sometimes prefer to joint the said frames to the pillars or head and foot
rail corners of the bedstead, thereby enabling the bedstead to be folded in cases of
removal without detaching the frame from the pillars or head and foot rails of the
bedsteads.
Instead of jointing my improved angle frame to the pillars or head and foot rails
of the bedstead as above described I sometimes attach the said frame to the pillars
or head and foot rails by means of dovetails formed on the corners of the said
frames and pillars or head and foot rails of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in forming or fixing on the upper sides or corners
of angle frames of the ordinary construction (that is to say, frames with the angle
iron not reversed) projecting pieces or corners for the purpose of retaining the
palliass or mattress in its place on the said angle frame.
My Invention consists further in extending the side bars of ordinarily con-
structed angle frames, and bending the said ends or continuations in the shape of
the letter U, and forming or casting dovetails on the free ends of the said extensions
or continuations of the said angle bars for attaching or fixing the said angle frames
to the pillars or head and foot rails of the bedstead.
Instead of casting the dovetails on the free ends of the said continuations I some-
times prefer to form the dovetails by stamping or shaping the free ends of the
angle bars themselves into the form required for attachment to the pillars or head
and foot rails of the bedstead, and instead of the last described method I some-
times prefer to form the continuations by casting the same in chills, the said chills
being formed so as to give the U shape or notch to the said continuations as well as
the required dovetails for attaching the angle frame to the pillars or head and foot
rails of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in the use and application of T or three ribbed

page_text: iron in the construction of the frames or bodies of metallic bedsteads. By this
means greater strength and rigidity of frame, with other advantages, are secured.
My Invention consists further in the construction and application of my improved
chairs or trestles to the carrying of ordinarily constructed angle frames, thereby
dispensing with the ordinary cast dovetails on the said frames and pillars or head
and foot rails of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in forming or making slots or openings in the
angle frames of metallic bedsteads, and shaping the iron laths or sacking so as to
take into the said slots or openings, and in rivetting or otherwise securing the said
laths or sacking to the said angle frames, by which means a smoother and more
even surface for the mattress to rest upon is produced than by the ordinary mode
of fastening.
Instead of the slots or openings above describod for fastening the laths or
sacking to the frame, I sometimes prefer to form countersunk holes in the said
frames and press the laths or sacking into the countersunk holes and fasten the
said laths or sacking by rivets, thus securing a smooth surface for the mattress to
rest upon.
My Invention consists further in attaching the ornamental parts of head and
foot rails to the pillars of bedsteads as follows:--I fix to the pillars two or more
cross tubes or bars; the said cross tubes or bars are pierced with holes at certain
distances; I then apply short vertical tubes between the said cross tubes or bars
and pass screw pins or rods through the centres of the vertical tubes; the said screw
pins or rods take into the upper or lower cross tube or bar and bind the whole
firmly together. Instead of the rods screwing into the cross tubes or bars they
inay pass through the said tubes or bars, and be secured by screw caps or nuts on
the outside.
My Invention further consists in constructing the ornamental parts of head and
foot rails in frames separate from the pillars, and so forming or arranging the pillars
that the said frames may be readily slided between or otherwiso attached to the
said pillars. By thus constructing the ornamental parts of head and foot rails in
separate frames I am enabled to produce a variety of designs in wire not otherwise
so readily obtainable, and the said frames being made on the interchangeable
principle will fit any bedstead of similar size and number, and thereby afford
purchasers greater choice of pattern or design.
My Invention consists further in forming dovetails on the pillars or head and
foot rails of metallic bedsteads, and constructing the ornamental parts of head and
foot rails with corresponding dovetails, so that the said ornamental parts may be
readily attached to the pillars or head and foot rails of the bedstead, the said
ornamental parts being constructed on the interchangeable principle as previously
described.
My Invention consists further in constructing the ornamental parts of head and
foot rails, with suspending hooks or fastenings for hanging or suspending the said
ornamental parts to the cross tubes or bars of the head and foot rails of metallic
bedsteads. Instead of the suspending hooks, above described, I sometimes prefer to
forin pins on the said ornamental parts, the said pins passing through holes in the
said cross tubes or bars are secured by screw caps to the said cross tubes or bars.
My Invention consists further in constructing the pillars or head and foot rails
of metallic bedsteads with curled ends or tops instead of straight tops and vases,
the said curls may be made to form towards or approach each other or the opposite,
or they may be made to curl outwards from the head and foot of the bedstead. I
prefer the latter arrangement, which affords great facilities for attaching the
ornamental parts of the head and foot rails and for introducing the sliding frame
previously described.
My Invention consists further in constructing the ornamental parts of head and
foot rails of flat metal strips, crossing each other and rivetting the said strips
together by brass or other metal rivets instead of securing them by casting.
My Invention consists further in the application and use of six sided or hexagon

page_text: iron bars or tubes in the construction of the head and foot rails of metallic bedsteads.
When using the hexagon bars or tubes I prefer to steel bronze them, by which a
novel and pleasing effect is produced.
My Invention consists further in constructing or forming the upper parts of the
pillars or head and foot rails of metallic bedsteads separate from the lower parts,
and so forming the said upper parts as to fit into or on to the lower parts, and thus
secure or fix themselves to the said lower parts of the pillars or head and foot rails
of the bedstead. By this arrangement I am enabled to construct the said parts on
the interchangeable principle, so that any upper part or head and foot rail will fit
any bedstead of similar size or number as previously intimated.
My Invention consists further of an improved construction of foot or shoe for
metallic bodsteads. In carrying out this part of my Invention I form or cast the
foot or shoe tho required shape and size separate froin the pillars, I then coat or
enamel the said foot or shoe with glass and afterwards attach or secure the said
foot or shoe to the pillars or legs of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in constructing or forming the pillars or bead and
foot rails of metallic bedsteads with a bend or crook outwards from the angle frame;
the said bend or crook in the rail permits the ornamental part of the rail to be
carried below the angle frame, and at the same time affords space for the bed
clothes to fall freely between the said rail and the angle frame of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in an improved construction of tester bows of
metallic bedsteads. I make the said tester bows hollow or tubular and with an
'opening or slit on their under sides. I then fit into the said tube and open side
or slit sliding pieces, rollers, or knobs, to which the curtains are attached by suitable
hooks or other fastenings.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 25th January
1877.
THOMAS WILSON, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Engineer. "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN METALLIC BEDSTEADS."
My Invention consists, firstly, of improvements in the arrangement or construc-
tion of the angle frames or bodies of metallic bedsteads. Instead of constructing
the said angle frames with the smooth or flat sides of the angle bars uppermost I
construct the said frames with the angle iron reversed, that is to say, with the
smooth or flat sides of the angle iron undermost, thereby forming with the upper
sides or angles of the iron a frame for receiving and holding together the mattress
or palliass, the raised sides of the frame forming at the same time an improved and
convenient arrangement or supports from which the bed vallances may be suspended
by hooks or other suitable fastenings.
In constructing my improved angle frames I prefer to form the sides and half the
head and foot ends of the said frames together, that is to say, of one piece of angle
iron, by bending the ends of the head and foot angle bars to a right angle. I after-
wards unite the parts together by a strong projecting knuckle hinge attached to
the under side of the head and foot ends of the frame, thus enabling the said frame
to be folded together and to occupy less space when detached from the bedstead
pillars. I fix or attach my improved angle frames to the pillars or head and foot
rails of the bedstead by means of projecting pieces or corners extending from the
said pillars or head and foot rails, and on which corners the said angle frame rests,
and to which it is firmly secured by pins or other suitable fastenings on the frame,
and engaging in corresponding holes in the corners. The projecting pieces or corners
on which the angle frame rests are supported by short legs or pillars resting on the
floor of the bedroom, thus forming a sort of chair or head and foot trestles for
carrying the angle frame, and serving at the same time to maintain the pillars or

page_text: head and foot rails in a nrm and upright position when the said frame is detached
from the bedstead.
Instead of constructing my improved trestles with two front pillars I sometimes
prefer to construct them with three pillars at the head and foot of the bedstead, by
which greater firmness and effect are secured.
My Invention consists further in forming on or attaching to the corners of my
improved angle frame dovetails or brackets with their free ends (that is to say, the
ends attached to the pillars or head and foot rails of the bedstead) in a line lower
than that of the angle frame, and I form the dovetails or corners on the pillars or
head and foot rails to suit the said free ends previously described, and instead of
one dovetail or point of connection on the said pillars or head and foot rails I prefer
to form two or more, by which means greater firmness and rigidity of attachment
is secured.
Instead of forming the dovetails or brackets on the angle frame by casting I
sometimes prefer to form them separately and of wrought iron, and afterwards
attach them to the angle frame by screw pins or otherwise.
The improved dovetails or brackets, as above described, I sometimes apply to
angle frames constructed in the ordinary way, that is to say, with the smooth or
flat side of the iron uppermost.
The laths, strips, or sacking in my improved angle frame are by preference
attached to the head and foot angle bars of the frame only, thus allowing the frame
to be folded up when detached from the head and foot trestles or supports without
removing the laths or sacking from the frame.
Instead of constructing my improved angle frames to fold at the head and foot İ
sometimes fix the folding hinges to the sides of the angle frame, thereby enabling it
to be folded at or about the middle of its length instead of at the ends of the said
frame. In this modification the laths, strips, or sacking are fixed to the side bars
of the frame, thereby enabling it to be folded when removed from the pillars with-
out detaching the laths or sacking from the frame.
In both modifications of my improved angle frame suitable stretchers are or may
be applied either longitudinally or across the said frames to render the said frames.
more firm and rigid when in use.
Instead of my improved chairs or trestles for carrying my improved angle frames
I sometimes prefer to joint or hinge the frames to the sides of the pillars or head
and foot rail corners of the bedstead, thereby enabling the frame or body of the bed-
stead to be folded in cases of removal without detaching the frame or body from the
pillars, corners, or head and foot rails of the bedstead.
Instead of jointing my improved angle frame to the pillars or head and foot rails
of the bedstead, as above described, I sometimes attach the frame to the pillars or
head and foot rails by means of corresponding dovetails formed on the corners of
the said frames and pillars or head and foot rails of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in forming or fixing on the upper sides or corners
of angle frames of the ordinary construction (that is to say, frames with the angle
iron not reversed) projecting pieces or corners for the purpose of retaining the
palliass or mattress in its place on the said angle frame.
My Invention consists further in extending the side bars either my improved
angle frame or of the ordinarily constructed angle frames and bending the said ends
or continuations in the shape, or nearly the shape, of the letter U, and forming or
casting dovetails on the free ends of the said extensions or continuations of the said
angle bars for attaching or fixing the said angle frames to the pillars or head and
foot rail corners of the bedstead.
Instead of casting the dovetails on the free ends of the said continuations I some-
times prefer to form the dovetails by stamping or shaping the free ends of the angle
bars themselves into the form required for attachment to the pillars or head and
foot rails of the bedstead; and instead of the last described method I sometimes
prefer to form the continuations by casting the saine in chills or other moulds, the

page_text: said chills or other moulds being formed so as to give the U shape or notch to the
said continuations as well as the required dovetails for attaching the angle frame to
pillars or hend and foot rails of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in the use and application of three-ribbed iron of a
step form, consisting of two vertical and one horizontal flange in the construction
of the frames or bodies of metallic bedsteads. By this means greater strength and
rigidity of frame with other advantages are secured.
My Invention consists further in the construction and application of my improved
chairs or trestles to the carrying of ordinarily constructed angle frames, thereby
'dispensing with the ordinary cast dovetails on the said frames and pillars or head
and foot rails of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in forming or making slots or openings in the
angle frames of metallic bedsteads, and shaping the ends of the iron laths or sacking
so as to take into the slots or openings, and in rivetting the laths or sacking to the
angle frames, by which means a smoother and more even surface for the mattress to
rest upon is produced than by the ordinary mode of fastening.
Instead of the slots or openings above described for fastening the laths or sacking
to the frame I sometimes prefer to form countersunk holes in the frames, and press
the laths or sacking into the countersunk holes, and fasten the laths or sacking by
rivets, thus securing a smooth surface for the mattress to rest upon.
My Invention consists further in attaching the ornamental parts of head and foot
rails to the pillars of bedsteads as follows:-I fix to the pillars two or more cross
tubes or bars; the cross tubes or bars I pierce with holes at certain distances. I
then apply short vertical tubes between the said cross tubes or bars, and pass long
screw pins or rods through the centres of the vertical tubes; the screw pins or rods
take into the upper or lower cross tube or bar, and bind the whole firmly together.
Instead of the rods screwing into the cross tubes or bars they may pass through the
said tubes or bars, and be secured by screw caps or nuts on the outside of the
cross tubes or bars.
My Invention consists further in constructing the ornamental parts of head
and foot rails in frames separate from the pillars, and so forming or arranging the
pillars that the frames may be readily slided between or otherwise attached to the
pillars. By thus constructing the ornamental parts of head and foot rails in separate
frames I am enabled to produce a variety of designs in iron or other metal wire not
otherwise so readily obtainable, and the said frames being made on the inter-
changeable principle will fit any bedstead of similar size and number, and thereby
afford purchasers greater choice of pattern or design.
My Invention consists further in constructing the ornamental parts of head and
foot rails with suspending hooks or fastenings for hanging or suspending the said
ornamental parts to cross tubes or bars formed on or fixed to the head and foot rails
of metallic bedsteads. Instead of the suspending hooks above described I sometimes
prefer to form pins on one side of the said ornamental parts, the pins passing
through corresponding holes in the cross tubes or bars, and secured by screw caps
to the cross tubes or bars.
My Invention consists further in constructing the pillars or head and foot rails
of metallic bedsteads with curled ends or tops instead of straight tops and vases;
the said curls may be made to form towards or approach each other or the opposite,
or they may be made to curl outwards from the head and foot of the bedstead. I
prefer the latter arrangement, which affords groat facilities for attaching the orna-
mental parts of the head and foot rails, and for introducing the sliding frames
previously described.
My Invention consists further in constructing or forming the upper parts of the
pillars or head and foot rails of metallic bedsteads separate from the lower parts,
and so forming or shaping the said upper parts at the points of junction with the
lower parts as to fit into or on to the lower parts, and thus secure or fix themselves
to the said lower parts of the pillars or head and foot rails of the bedstead. By this

page_text: arrangement I am enabled to construct the said parts on the interchangeable prin-
ciple, so that any upper part or head and foot rail will fit any bedstead of similar
size or number, as previously intimated.
My Invention consists further of an improved construction of foot or shoe
for metallic bedsteads as a substitute for the ordinary castors. In carrying out this
part of my Invention I form or cast the foot or shoe the required shape and size
separate from the pillars; I then cast or enamel the said foot or shoe with glass,
and afterwards attach or secure the said foot or shoe to the pillars or legs of the
bedstead.
My Invention consists further in constructing or forming the pillars or head and
foot rails of metallic bedsteads with a bend or crook outwards from the angle frame;
the said bend or crook in the rail permits the ornamental part of the rail to be
carried below the angle fraine, and at the same time affords space for the bedclothes
to fall freely between the said rail and the angle frame of the bedstead.
My Invention consists further in an improved construction of tester bows of
metallic bedsteads. I make the said tester bows hollow or tubular, and with an
opening or slit on their under sides. I then fit into the said tube and open side or
slit sliding pieces, rollers, or knobs, to which the curtains are attached by suitable
hooks or other fastenings.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner in which
the same is to be performed, I claim, without limiting myself to these precise details,
the several improvements in metallic bedsteads, substantially as herein more fully
set forth and specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Wilson, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Nineteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.