Improvements in Bedsteads, Stretchers, and the like.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Nov., 1897-Accepted, 8th Jan., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bedsteads, Stretchers, and the like.
I, MADAME ROELS, Widow, nee HORTENSE VERONGSTRAETE, of Laeken, near
Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :--
These improvements have for their object to facilitate the fitting up and taking
to pieces of the bed proper as well as means for wedging or propping invalids and
holding them in position on the bed and for turning the latter if required.
Figure 1 shows the bed which consists of straps or bands of suitable width held
in position by double headed studs or rivets, said straps being supported at each
end by a rod or bar. Figure 1 is a perspective or plan view of the bed, Figure 2
being a similar view of the underside of the appliance. Figure 3 is a plan.
Figure 4 is a section showing the mode of attachment with the studs. Figure 5
shows the stud. Figure 6 is a similar view to Figure 4 with the addition of the
upper fastening means for wedging or propping up the patient on the bed.
Figure 7 shows the bed being a perspective view with the upper attachment.
Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 show similar figures to the above, the attachments being
carried on by means of buckles, instead of studs, which are sometimes easier and
more convenient.
Figure 12 is a plan of the bedstead and bed showing the pivot with small bolts
used to wedge up the bed when required, the pivot enables the bed to be tipped or
turned when needed. The advantage of the straps or bands is easy to be seen in
cases of surgical operations upon a special part of the patient's body, as the straps
corresponding to such a part can be removed while the rest of the body is
thoroughly at rest. When it is desired to turn the patient on his bed, he is
wedged up by means of the upper straps and the bedstead is turned upon its
pivot. The wedging up is effected by one end of the upper straps of having been
unfastened, passed over the patient's body and refastened again thus holding him
securely on the bed.
The same letters refer to the same parts in the several figures of the drawings.
a are the rods or bars supporting the straps b said straps having loops at each
end, the short portions at each end which are brought over to form the loop being
attached to the main strap either by studs c, Figures 4, 5 and 6, or by means of
buckles d, Figures 9, 10 and 11. e Figures 12 and 13 are the pivots on which the
bed is capable of turning, bolts el being provided for holding the bed rigid.
f Figure 7 are the upper straps which are for wedging or propping up the patient,
such straps being attached to the straps 6 either by means of studs such as c or
buckles d.
As another example of tying or wedging up the patient on the bedstead, such
wedging up may be effected in the manner shown in Figure 13 that is to say the
At each side of the
patient is covered over with a strong piece of canvas A.
patient is arranged an iron rod t t, the canvas being tightly fixed to these rods as
well as to the frame by the aid of cords or other suitable means. The patient
being properly wedged up, the bed can be safely turned over and to enable such

page_text: patients to enjoy absolute rest a strong sheet of canvas is passed under the bed
and fixed to the studs gg.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
1. A bed or stretcher consisting of a number of straps or bands according to the
length and width of the bedstead, substantially as herein described and shown.
2. A bed such as above claimed provided with upper straps or bands for
wedging or propping up the patient, substantially as described and shown.
3. A bed such as above claimed provided with studs, buckles and other similar
fastening means for the straps or bands substantially as herein described and
shown.
4. A bed such as above claimed provided with pivots and wedging up bolts
substantially as herein described and claimed.
5. A bedstead such as above claimed provided with the means above set forth
for tying and wedging up the patient on the bedstead with canvas and rods and
with a canvas sheet below the said bedstead, substantially as herein described and
shown.
JOHN P. O'DONNELL, Fel. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
Agent for the said Applicant."
70 and 71 Palace Chambers, Westminster, S.W.,