Improvements in connection with Metallic Bedsteads and Bed Bottoms, especially applicable for Hospital Use.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Feb., 1894
Complete Specification Left. 28th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 29th Dec., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Improvements in connection with Metallic Bedsteads and Bed
Bottoms, especially applicable for Hospital Use.
I, SAMUEL ILSLEY WHITFIELD, of Gladstone Works, Watery Lane,
Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Bedstead Manufacturer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to means whereby I am enabled to suspend at will the
elasticity and natural springyness of the metallic wire mesh composing the bed
bottom, so as to make the same comparatively rigid in any desired portion of the
fabric, and is especially adapted to that class of bedsteads known as combination
spring hospital bedsteads in which the spring mesh is attached to the sides and
head and foot ends of the bedstead.
The arrangement consists of a method whereby wooden boards or metallic bars
may be inserted with facility at any given part of the bedstead where they may be
required to support fractured limbs or for other purposes.
This I effect by means of double sides to the bedstead, i.e. an upper bar is
situated upon each side above the lower ones, and may be attached thereto at one
or more points so as to provide a space between same, this admits of the wooden
or metal bar being passed between the upper and lower bars of the bedstead and
under the wire mesh.
The wire spring mesh is attached to the upper bar of the sides as in the usual
manner.
A precisely similar arrangement may be adopted at the head and foot ends if
necessary.
This method may with equal effect be applied to metallic bedsteads having the
bottom frame all in one piece, as to those with loose sides.
By my arrangement effective means are provided for the above named or for
similar purposes.
Dated this 26th day of February 1894.
EDWD. J. PAYNE & SON,
104, Colmore Row, Birmingham, Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in connection with Metallic Bedsteads and Bed
Bottoms, especially applicable for Hospital Use.
I, SAMUEL ILSLEY WHITFIELD of Gladstone Works, Watery Lane
Birmingham in the County of Warwick Bedstead Manufacturer, 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:—
My invention relates to means whereby I am enabled to suspend at will the
elasticity and natural springyness of the metallic wire mesh composing the bed

page_text: bottom so as to make the same comparatively rigid in any desired portion of the
fabric and is especially adapted to that class of bedsteads known as combination
spring hospital bedsteads in which the spring mesh is attached to the sides and head
and foot ends of the bedstead.
The arrangement consists of a method whereby wooden boards or bars, or
metallic bars may be inserted with facility at any given part of the bedstead where
required to support fractured limbs or for other purposes.
Referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar letters of reference
relate to similar parts.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bedstead as arranged according to my
improvements.
Figure 2 is a sectional view of a side fastening or clamp as an alternative method
of strengthening the double sides or ends.
For my purpose I extend the dovetail blocks or castings A. somewhat higher
than the angle irons or bars B, and also the corner pillar castings A¹ so as to carry
upper bars C, thereon thus forming double sides and ends and so providing a space
between same, rivets or pins D. connect the upper and lower bars, where required
to assist in strengthening and keeping them rigid, this arrangement admits of a
wooden or metal bar E or bars being passed between the upper and lower side bars
or ends C. B. of the bedstead beneath the wire spring mesh F, either transversely
as shewn or longitudinally if preferred, or from corner to corner.
The wire spring
mesh F. is connected to the upper bars C of the sides and head and foot ends as in
the usual manner, which bars form a perfectly rigid frame, elevated about
one and a half inches, more or less, above the angle iron frame of the bedstead.
Referring to Figure 2. In order to keep the space between the double sides
perfectly clear of the rivets or pins D. so that the transverse bar E, may be readily
moved to any required position beneath the wire mesh, without having to withdraw
same, I adopt a side fastening or clamp G. which may be riveted (or otherwise
attached) to the upper bar C. as at H. and to the lower or angle bar B. as at H¹,
thus leaving the intermediate free.
space
.
When required to suspend the elasticity of the wire spring mesh in any given
part of the bedstead bottom, the said wooden or metal bar E or bars, can be
placed in position between the bars C. B. and moved as required, the effect being
to suspend the elasticity of same for the time being, thus all or any part of the
wire mesh may be made quite rigid, and as required the bar, or bars, may be
withdrawn and the fabric at once resumes its perfect elasticity.
My improved arrangements will be found of eminent advantage for hospital
bedsteads where it may be necessary to support fractured limbs or for other purposes,
thus affording comfort and ease.
I have described my improvements as applied to the class of bedsteads known as
combination spring hospital bedsteads having loose sides and ends to which the
arrangements are especially applicable, as stated however I may with equal effect
combine the same in connection with metallic bedsteads of other kinds in which the
bottom frame is all in one piece.
I do not confine myself to the precise construction and arrangement as herein
set forth as I may sometimes vary the same with advantage without departing from
my particular principle.
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.
Firstly. In metallic bedsteads and bed bottoms the special construction and
general arrangement described and shewn and operating in manner and for the
purpose as herein set forth.
Secondly. In combination the arrangement and method of introducing moveable
wooden or metal bars beneath the wire spring mesh of the bed bottom either
transversely or longitudinally for the purpose described.

page_text: Thirdly. In combination the arrangement and construction of the double side
and end bars C. B. the extended dovetail blocks A. end corner pillar castings A¹ in
connection therewith, and the moveable wooden or metal bar E (or bars) all
operating in manner and for the purpose substantially as described and
illustrated.
Fourthly. In metallic bedsteads the arrangement and method of applying the
side fastenings or clamps G. in connection with the double side or end bars for the
purpose described and illustrated.
Dated this 27th day of Novambor & D 1001
EDWD. J. PAYNE & SON,
104, Colmore Row, Birmingham, Agents for the Applicant.