CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS FOR MAKING OR CONSTRUCTING OF BEDSTEADS, SOFAS, COUCHES, AND OTHER ARTICLES FOR EASE OR REPOSE
Year: 1832

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
SELBY, of Burleigh Street, in the Strand, in the County of Middlesex, Wine
Merchant, send greeting.
WHEREAS His present most Gracious Majesty King William the Fourth,
by His Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twentieth day of
December, in the third year of His reign, after reciting that the said Robert
Selby was in possession of an Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS FOR MAKING
OR CONSTRUCTING OF BEDSTEADS, SOFAS, COUCHES, AND OTHER ARTICLES FOR EASE OR
REPOSE," did give and grant unto the said Robert Selby, his exors, adшors,
and assigns, the special licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, for the
full term of fourteen years, to make, use, exercise, and vend the said Invention
as therein mentioned; and by the said Letters Patent it is provided that the
said licence and authority thereby given and granted unto the said Robert
Selby, as aforesaid, shall be void and of no effect if the said Robert Selby, his
exors, admors, or asssigns, should not within the period of six calendar months
from the making and granting of the said Letters Patent, duly inrolled in His
Majesty's High Court of Chancery pursuant to the Statute in that case made
and provided, under his hand and seal, the mode and manner of constructing
the said bedsteads, sofas, couches, and other articles of ease or repose.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, and these presents witness, that I, the said Robert Selby,
by this present deed poll, under my hand and seal, do hereby declare and make
known the mode and manner of constructing of the said bedsteads, sofas,
couches, and other articles of ease and repose, to be as delineated and drawn
on the Plan or Drawing annexed to these presents, and as the same, with
the several descriptions, are more particularly described and explained in the
references herein-after contained, that is to say :-.
Figure 1st represents a camp bedstead fixed. The letters A, B, represent two
round solid metallic bars forming the side rails of the bedstead; these bars or
side rails may be made of solid or tube iron, brass, or any other metal or
composition of metals, and either round, oval, or any other shape, the points at
the extremities being rounded so as not to tear the sacking, Figure 3, and one
end of the side rails raised so as to elevate the head. No precise length
or dimensions can be given as the maximum or minimum for the scale or pro-
portion of these side rails, as the same must depend on particular circumstances
and the fancy of the party intending to use the bedstead, sofa, or couch, and
also according as it is intended to be used for one or more person or persons,
or the description of person or persons to use the same, or other particular purpose
for which the bedstead, sofa, or couch is intended, but according as the end or ends
of the side rail is or are prolongated or extended in length, as delineated in
Figures numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, a greater pliability or spring is given
to the metal whereof such side rails are made or composed, consequently the
same end or ends must be more or less bent outwards to counteract the effect
of such pliability or spring in the metal, thereby giving the required stretch and
tightness of expansion to the ends of the sacking, Figure 3. The letters C
represent swells or shoulders braised, welded, or soldered on the side rails,
being made of the same quality and description of metal as the side rails, and
tapped for the purpose of the legs or feet G being screwed into them. The
letters D, E, F, represent broad flat branches with rule double hinges folding
one side and not on the other, for the purpose of compressing or expanding
the side rails, and in a paralel line therewith, and socket arms welded or
soldered at each extremity thereof, for the purpose of enabling the branches D
to revolve on the leg G on the compression or expansion of the hinge and
branch D and E; these branches, rule hinges, and socket arms may be made of
wrought or cast iron, or of brass or other metal wrought or cast, and the rule
hinge may and can be a single hinge instead of a double hinge, and the
branch D, instead of being one entire branch, with one entire socket
arm at the extremity, may and can be made, as according to letter L,
Figure 2, that is, of wrought or cast iron, or brass, or other metal wrought

page_text: or cast, with the extremity of the branch dividing into two branches, forming
the shape or form of a horse's shoe from the centre of the straight branch to the
two ends of the dividing branches, having a welded socket arm, ring, or other:
wide circular aperture at each extremity of the dividing branches through.
which the legs or feet G are to pass, screw, and revolve, as aforesaid, with
a similar metallic rule hinge, either double or single, and folding in a parallel.
line, as herein-before specified; or, instead of the branch D being connected
with and to the legs or feet G by either of the ways or means aforesaid, the
same may and can be made according to letter M, Figure 2nd, that is to say,:
of either of the metals aforesaid, wrought or cast, with the double part of the
hinge at each extremity thereof, the single eye or joint of such hinge being
made of wrought metal welded or soldered on to the legs or feet G, and the.
hinge fastened or held together by means of a pin or pivot, either rivetted at
each end or by a pin to drop in or through, with a nut to screw. thereon.
at the lower end, or by means of a spring cotter or linch pin. The thickness,
strength, and dimensions of the branches, hinges, and socket arms, represented;
by the several letters D, E, F, L, and M, respectively, must be in proportion
to the size and strength of the bedstead, sofa, couch, or other article of:
ease or repose to which the same is and are intended to be applied, and the,
use or purpose for which such bedstead, sofa, coucli, or other article of
ease. or repose is to be adapted; the said socket arm, branches, and.
hinges, of whichever way the same may be constructed, are not only
applicable, but the same are part and parcel of and made by either of
the ways aforesaid, are to be used for each and every of the bedsteads, sofa,
couch, or other articles of ease or repose, or to those herein-after described in
and by Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. The letter G represents the legs or feet of-
the bedstead, sofa, couch, or other article of ease or repose, as fixed, passing.
through the socket arm F and screwing into the swells or shoulders C. The
letter H represents a welded or soldered collar or shoulder whereon the lower
extremity of the socket arm F rests, which, collar or shoulder may be either.
round, with a hole tapped, drilled, or perforated through the solid leg beneath
it to apply a lever, or partly round and square, or altogether square, for the
more easily unscrewing the leg G in the swell or shoulder C. These legs or
feet G should be of solid metal, either iron, brass, or other metal, or a com-
position of metals, but from the collar or shoulder whereon the socket arm F
rests to the extremity thereof the same may and can be beautified and orna-..
mented by cast iron, brass, or other metallic ornaments, to the taste and fancy;
and the same legs may and can be tapped at the end thereof, so as to permit
of a metallic or other castor being screwed or otherwise fastened therein,,
whereby the bedstead, sofa, couch, or other article of ease or repose, can and

page_text: may be moved on castors, and instead of the legs or feet G being separated
from and screwing into the swells or shoulders C, the same legs or feet, swells,
and shoulders, can and may, if required, be one entire solid piece of metal,
welded, rivetted, or soldered on to the side rail A, B, as delineated in Figure 4;
and the socket arm F, instead of being welded or soldered to the branch D,
may and can fold, lap, or roll over the leg or foot G, or the leg or foot G,
instead of screwing into the swells or shoulders C, can and may be made so as
for the upper part of the leg or foot to slip or fit into the swells or shoulders C,
and be fastened at the side by a colter, linch pin, or peg passing through
the swells or shoulders C and the leg or foot G, the socket arm, branches, and
hinge being the same as represented in Figures 1 and 2; or the socket
arm can be made as lastly described, whichever way is found to be most
desirable; but in order to support the socket arm F, when passed on the leg
or foot G, as delineated in Figure 4, a metal collar, shoulder, or ring or other
socket can and may be screwed or pinned on the leg or foot G, just beneath
the socket F.
Figure 2nd represents the same camp bedstead taken to pieces, showing
in profile the several and respective component parts of one side thereof, the
other being alike, as herein-before particularly described or referred to by letters
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, L, and M,' in Figure 1st, except the roundings at the
extremities of the side rails, which are shewn in Figure 2 by letters a and b.
The letters d, e, and f, shew, with a bird's eye, the branch hinge and socket
arm described in Figure 1st, but in a different form, the socket arm f being.
bent or welded on the opposite side to the hinge; and the letter j represents
the same last-mentioned hinge on a larger scale. The letter k represents a'
different kind of hinge, answering the same purpose as letter E in Figure 1st,
folding only on one side, and made or capable of being made of similar metal
or metals, as herein-before described, either wrought or cast.
Figure 3rd represents a cover as turned the underneath part upwards, to be
drawn over the bedstead, Figure 1, forming on the surface, when on and the
bedstead is opened by reason of the expansion of the branches and hinges D
and E, Figure 1, a tight elastic substitute for a mattress and bolster, or the
ground or surface whereon a mattress or bed and pillow can be laid or placed.
The covering, and the particular dimensions, and mode and manner of making
the same, as herein-after particularly described, is applicable not only to the
bedstead, Figure 1, but is also the covering for the bedsteads, sofa, couch, and
other articles of case or repose, represented by Figures numbers 1, 4, 5, 6,
7, and 9, and it can and may be made of any strong stuff, either hempen such
as sacks or sacking or sail cloth are and is made of, but "of a close wove strong
aud elastic description, or of linen, cotton, silk; or woollen stuff, or of hair or

page_text: leather, but of whatever stuff the covering is made the same must be of
exactly the breadth of the bedstead, sofa, couch, or. other article: of. ease or
repose; for. which it is intended. The stuff must measure twice the length of the
side rail of the bedstead, sofa, couch, or other article for .which: the cover.is
intended; and off either end of the stuff a piece must be taken or cut the length
of the distance from one of the feet on the side rail to the other foot on the same
side rail, and which piece when so cut is shewn by letters. B in Figure 3; 'the
remaining piece of stuff is then to be folded or doubled over at each end thereof
so much and so far, according to the prolongation or length of the side rail of
the bedstead, sofa, couch, or other article for. which the cover. is, intended, as
aforesaid, at each end thereof beyond the feet, and sewn or otherwise fastened
down on each side so as to form a bag or case at each end, as represented
by the letter A in Figure 3. The piece B must also be sewn or fastened on
each side to the sides of the other piece, leaving appurtures or open spaces the
width of the swell or shoulder C, Figure. 1, between the respective ends," as
represented by letter C, Figure 3. .The dotted lines across the piece: of stuff B
represent girths or straps at right angles, for the purpose of assisting to keep
the bedstead, sofa, couch, or other.. article, in a proper position, and to
prevent the side rails moving in the action of a parallel ruler; these
girths or straps may be made of hempen stuff, or woollen and hair, or
worsted and hair, or of leather, and may either, be stitched : or
i
on to the middle piece of stuff B; or girths, or straps, with a buckle at
one end of two of such girths or straps, and the other end plain, may be sewn
or fastened at each end of the dotted lines, so as, in addition to the other
purpose of the girths or straps, to tighten the cover, according as the same
may stretch by use or otherwise. The cover, instead of being a double, cover;
as herein-before described, can and: may be made a single cover of the stuffs
aforesaid, or either of them, by being sewn. or. otherwise, fastened with straps
and buckles to the side rails of the bedstead, sofa,: couch, or other article of
ease or repose, for which the same is intended.
sewn
Figure 4th represents one of the side rails and legs. of a bedstead; the other
being alike made or capable of being made of the same metal or metals, and
in like manner, and with and upon the principles with respect; to the socket
arms, branches, and. hinges, are heṛein-before particularly described and spe-
cified, except as to one end of the side.rail, which, instead of being straightened,
is in this Figure turned up so as to form a foot.board. The variation between.
the legs or feet in this Figure, and the legs or feet of Figure 1, have been
already. herein-before explained, as to the mode and manner of manufacturing
the same, and the fixing the sockets thereon....

page_text: Figure 5th represents one of the side rails (the other being alike) of a bed
stead, made or capable of being made of the same metal or metals, and. with
and upon the same principles with respect to the socket arms, swells or
shoulders, branches, and hinges, as are herein-before particularly described and
specified; having the two ends or extremities of such side rails raised so as to
form two backs, or head and foot board: These ends or extremities are capable
of being more or less curved, to meet the wish or fancy of, the person intending
to use the bedstead.
Figure 6th represents one of the side rails (the other being alike) of a sofa or
couch; made or capable of being made of the same metal or metals, and upon and
with the same principles with respect to the swells or shoulders, socket arms;
branches, and hinges, as are herein-before particularly described and specified..
Figure 7th represents one of the side rails, the other being alike, of a bed
stead, with the addition of a kind of semicircular metallic: bar, welded, 'sol-
dered; or rivetted on it, and two circular metallic rings, with a welded, brazed;
or soldered metallic pin thereon, fone 'passing through the side rail at one end
thereof, by means of a hole drilled; tapped, or perforated therein; the other as
it appears when out, made or capable of being made of the same metal ór
metals, and upon and with the same principles with respect to the swells or
shoulders, socket 'arms, branches, and hinges, as are herein-before particularly
described and specified, the object and purpose of this additional semicircular
metallic bar being to give to the cover or sacking of the bedstead, when on
and expanded, the effect of a spring or air mattress, by means of the-flexibility
or pliability of this metallic bar being brought into play: or counteraction to
the pressure or weight on the surface cover, or sacking above, through the
medium of the cover or sacking under the metallic bar, according as the pres
sure or weight on the surface of the upper cover or sacking is greater or less.
The two metallic rings A aré for the purpose of forming a bolster, when covered
with stuff made of a. similar description to the cover or sacking, Figure 3.
This metallic elastic bar, as also those metallic rings for a bolster, may and can
be applied to either of the other bedsteads herein-before particularized or
referred to.
Figure 8th represents one of the side rails (the other being alike) of a tra-
velling or camp bedstead, of the form of Figure 4, made or capable of being
made, as to the 'two divided extremities thereof, letters A, of the same
description and quality of metal or metals, and with and upon the same prin-
ciple, with reference to the swells or shoulders; socket arms, branches, and
binges, as herein-before particularized and described. The letter B in this
Figure represents a metallic tube to slide, screw, or fit on to the two lower

page_text: ends or extremities A, and which metallic tube may and can be made of wrought
or cast iron or brass, or any other metal, a composition of metals wrought or
cast, and. may be in two or more pieces separated and divided, but fitting,
screwing, or sliding on to each other, as and in the same manner as the tube B
slides and fits on to the lower extremities or ends A, for the purpose of more
conveniently packing the bedstead for travelling or otherwise; and the, prin-
ciple of sliding tubes, as delineated in this Figure 8, may and can be applied
to each and every of the bedsteads and sofa herein-before described,..except
the bedstead Figure.7; but if applied to the bedstead, Figure 4 and the parti-
cular mode of manufacturing the same bedstead, as herein-before described
with reference thereto, then and in that case the branches and hinges must
fold or collapse outwards instead of inwards; so that the branches and hinges
may be packed in the same space as would be necessary to contain or pack the
leg and end of the side rail.
Figure 9th represents one side of a chair (the other side being alike) as
folded or collapsed together by means of the hinge, branch and socket arm
D, E, F, in Figure 1, made and capable of being made of the same quality and
description of metal or metals as is herein-before particularized and described;
each leg thereof being welded or soldered together at the collar or shoulder H,
and divided into two expanding arched legs. The curve of the back seat and
legs can and may vary according to the taste and fancy of the person intending
to use the same.
Figure 10th represents the cover, turned underneath part upwards, to be
drawn on and over the chair and end of the piece B in Figure 3. The mode
and the particular manner of making the same, and the stuff whereof the cover
is or can be made, is and are precisely the same as specified in the description
of Figure 3, the only difference being, the cover, Figure 10, being one entire
piece of stuff, folded or doubled at each end in proportion the prolongation or
length of the side rail of the back and seat of the chair.
And I, the said Robert Selby, do hereby acknowledge, declare, and make
known that the Invention for Certain Improvements in Making and Con-
structing of Bedsteads, Sofas, Couches, and other Articles of Ease or Repose,
consists of the adaption and application of the socket arm, branches, and
hinge or hinges herein-before referred to respectively by the several letters
D, E, F, L, and M, in the Plan or Drawing annexed to these presents, made
or capable of being made as herein-before mentioned, to the legs or feet
referred to by the letter G in the said plan, also made or capable of being
made as aforesaid, thereby connecting, collapsing, and expanding the two side
rails herein-before referred to by the letters A, B, in the said Plan contained,

page_text: and connected as the several bedsteads, sofas, couches, or other articles of ease
and repose are with the improved mode or manner of making and constructing
the cover or sacking applicable to such bedsteads, sofas, couches, and other
articles of case or repose, as and in the manner herein-before particularly
mentioned and described, and referred to by Figures 3 and 10 in the said Plan,
so as, without the aid or assistance of any metallic or other bar or bars, rod or
rods, pin or pins, screw or screws, or other device or means, to give a firm,
elastic, and secure surface for reclining or sitting on, and to counteract at the
same time the possible action or feet of a parallel ruler, and to give an equal
degree of pressure or strain to the surface, cover, or sacking on all sides, parts,
and ends thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Selby, have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed my seal, this Nineteenth day of June, in the year
Inrolled the Nineteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.