Improvements in or connected with Tents for Military and other Purposes, Parts of which are Convertible into Stretchers.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 26th May, 1896
Complete Specification Left, 26th Feb., 1897-Accepted, 1st May, 1997
Improvements in or connected with Tents for Military and other
Purposes, Parts of which are Convertible into Stretchers.
I, AUSTIN FREDERICK BUDDEN; of Castle Leigh, Rochester, in the County
of Kent, Major in the Limerick City Artillery Militia, do hereby declare the
nature of the said invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in or connected with tents for military
and other purposes, parts of which are convertible into stretchers.
The ordinary bell tent, which is generally adopted for military purposes, affords
a comparatively small interior owing to its shape, whilst, in order to obtain this
very limited accommodation, it is necessary to form the same of considerable height
supported upon a heavy and cumbersome pole.
Now, the object of the present invention is to obtain a tent rectangular in shape
and which is of the same area or diameter from the ground line to the roof,
and the height of which comes within reasonable limits, whilst the various parts
are adapted to be folded together into convenient form for transport.
In carrying the invention into effect, a series of frames are employed somewhat
similar to those of an ordinary folding screen, and two of these frames are hinged
together vertically so as to be capable of folding bookwise.
These frames, in addition to the vertical joint, are divided horizontally at about
their mid-height and the upper parts are horizontally hinged to the lower parts so
that they will fold down upon the outside of the latter whilst their vertical hinges
are so constructed that they may be disconnected and thus when the lower parts
are folded together book wise the upper parts will occupy a similar position on the
exterior thereof.
In order to make an approximately tight joint between the parts of the frame
when the frame is in its extended position, the various parts are formed with half
round joints, that is to say, with a half round nose or projection upon one part
engaging a half round groove or recess in another part.
These frames are upon their exterior surface covered with canvas fixed thereto
in any suitable manner..
The frame, which may be of wood, bamboo, light metal, or other suitable
material, is furnished with spiked feet, in the case of wood provided with metal
shoes, in order that the feet may be driven into the ground.
Several of these sections are connected together at their edges by separate hinges
or other suitable fastenings in order to form the four sides of a rectangular tent or
apartment whilst in order to stiffen the horizontal joints, short vertical bars, are
employed fastened by thumb screws or other suitable means to the frame and
in order to stiffen the vertical joints and generally stay the structure horizontal
battens are employed which are similarly fixed across the frames above and below
the horizontal joints.
In order to form the roof, an inclined. or tapered bar is secured by bolts or other
suitable fastenings to the tops of the frames at each side of the tent, and over
these inclined bars is stretched and, lashed or otherwise secured cauvas to form
the roof whilst in order to stay the tent the inclined bars are provided with a
number of hooks, eye-bolts or other means to which the ordinary guys or stays
are secured.

page_text: The door of the tent may be formed by one of the frames, that is to say, by a
half section which may be hinged and provided with a turn button, lock, or other
fastening, or the front of the tent may be formed entirely of sheets or curtains of canvas
at their upper parts mounted to run upon a folding rod arranged beneath a horizontal
stay bar traversing the front of the tent and having the roof secured thereto,
the pole or bar being formed with a socket joint at its centre to facilitate folding
for transport.
The horizontal battens are provided with pegs, hooks, or other devices for the
reception of clothing, as will be readily understood.
In order to take the tent to pieces, it is only necessary to remove the top, to
unscrew the horizontal and vertical battens which stiffen the joints and to disconnect
the several sections from each other and to unfasten the upper vertical hinges of the
upper parts of each section when they may in a very short space of time be folded
in the manner hereinbefore described into compact form for transport.
Pockets are provided upon the interior of the sheets or curtains constituting the
front of the tent for the reception of the guy ropes, tent pegs and other loose
accessories wherein they are stowed for transport, when the tent is collapsed, and,
in that condition, the folded frames form a box or receptacle in which the sheets
or front canvas and accessories may be placed.
When the tent is dismantled or collapsed, the frames in their extended form but
folded vertically may readily be converted into stretchers by fastening along each
side of each frame, by thumb screws or like fasteners, one of the horizontal battens,
the projecting ends thereof serving as carrying handles.
In some cases, the canvas covering of the frames or parts thereof may be mounted
upon rollers so that the openings in the frames may, if desired, be more or less
uncovered for the purpose of ventilation or otherwise.
It will readily be seen, that a tent of the character hereinbefore described
possesses many advantages, amongst which may be mentioned that it is spacious,
light, capable of being easily dismantled and packed into a small compass for
transport, and as readily erected for use, thus rendering it suitable especially for
military purposes, but also for other purposes such as cricket refreshment tent or
the like.
Dated this 26th day of May 1896.
VAUGHAN & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in or connected with Tents for Military and other
Purposes, Parts of which are Convertible into Stretchers.
J, AUSTIN FREDERICK BUDDEN, of Castle Leigh, Rochester, in the County
of Kent, Major in the 'Limerick City Artillery Militia, 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 said invention relates to improvements in or connected with tents for military
and other purposes, parts of which are convertible into stretchers.
The ordinary bell tent, which is generally adopted for military purposes, affords
a comparatively small interior owing to its shape, whilst, in order to obtain this
very limited accommodation it is necessary to form the same of considerable height
supported upon a heavy and cumbersome pole.
Now, the object of the present invention is to obtain a tent rectangular in shape
and which is of the same area or diameter from the-ground line to the roof, an

page_text: the height of which comes within reasonable limits, whilst the various parts are
adapted to be folded together into convenient form for transport.
In carrying the invention into effect, a series of frames are employed somewhat
similar to those of an ordinary folding screen, and two of these frames are hinged
together vertically so as to be capable of folding book wise.
These frames, in addition to the vertical joint, are divided horizontally at about
their mid-height and the upper parts are horizontally hinged to the lower parts so
that they will fold down upon the outside of the latter whilst their vertical hinges
are so constructed that they may be disconnected and thus when the lower parts
are folded together bookwise the upper parts will occupy a similar position on the
exterior thereof.
In order to make an approximately tight joint between the parts of the frame
when the frame is in its extended position, the various parts are formed with half
round joints, that is to say, with a half round nose or projection upon one part
engaging a half round groove or recess in another part.
These frames are upon their exterior surface covered with canvas fixed thereto
in any suitable manner.
The frame, which may be of wood, bamboo, light metal, or other suitable
material, is furnished with spiked feet, in the case of wood, provided with metal
shoes, in order that the feet may be driven into the ground.
Several of these sections are connected together at their edges by separable
hinges or other suitable fastings in order to form the four sides of a rectangular
tent or apartment whilst in order to stiffen the horizontal joints, short vertical bars
are employed fastened by thumb screws or other suitable means to the frame and
in order to stiffen the vertical joints and generally stay the structure horizontal
battens are employed which are similarly fixed across the frames above and below
the horizontal joints.
In order to form the roof, an inclined or tapered bar is secured by bolts or other
suitable fastenings to the tops of the frames at each side or end of the tent, and
over these inclined bars is stretched and lashed or otherwise secured canvas to form
the roof, whilst in order to stay the tent, the inclined bars are provided with a
number of eye bolts or other means, to which the ordinary guys or stays are
secured.
The door of the tent may be formed by one of the frames, that is to say, by a
half section, which may be hinged and provided with a turn button, lock, or other
fastening, or the front of the tent may be formed entirely of sheets or curtains of
canvas at their upper parts mounted to run upon a folding rod arranged beneath a
horizontal stay bar, traversing the front of the tent and having the roof secured.
thereto, the pole or bar being formed with a socket joint at its centre, to facilitate
folding for transport.
The horizontal battens are provided with pegs, hooks, or other devices for the
reception of clothing, as will be readily understood.
In order to take the tent to pieces, it is only necessary to remove the top, to
unscrew the horizontal and vertical battens which stiffen the joints, and to
disconnect the several sections from each other, and to unfasten the upper vertical
hinges of the upper parts of each section, when they may in a very short space of
time be folded in the manner herein before described, into compact form for
transport.
Pockets are provided upon the interior of the sheets or curtains constituting the
front of the tent for the reception of the guy ropes, tent pegs and other loose
accessories wherein they are stored for transport, when the tent is collapsed, and,
in that condition, the folded frames form a box or receptacle in which the sheets or
frout canvas and accessories may be placed.
When the tent is dismantled or collapsed, the frames in their extended form but
folded vertically may readily be converted into stretchers by fastening along each
side of each frame, by thumb screws or like fasteners, one of the horizontal battens,
the projecting ends thereof serving as carrying handles.

page_text: In some cases, the canvas covering of the frames or parts thereof may be mounted
upon spring or other rollers so that the openings in the frames may if desired be
more or less uncovered for the purpose of ventilation or otherwise.
And, in order that the said invention may be more clearly understood and readily
carried into effect, I will proceed, aided by the accompanying drawings, more fully
to describe the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1. is a perspective view of a complete teut constructed according to the
present invention and suitable for military purposes.
Figure 2. is an end elevation thereof with the roof canvas removed.
Figure 3. is a front elevation with the front and the roof canvas removed.
Figure 4. is a horizontal section of the complete tent taken on the line 1-1 of
Figure 3.
Figure 5. is an inside view of one of the frame sections.
Figure 6. is a plan or top view thereof but with the battens removed.
Figure 7. is an edge view of Figure 5.
Figure 8. is a side view of one of the frame sections folded in readiness for
transport.
Figure 9. is a plan or top view thereof.
Figure 10. is a sectional view of several of such folded frame sections arranged
to form a receptacle for the storage of various articles.
Figure 11. is a face view of one of the horizontal battens.
Figure 12. is an edge or top view thereof.
Figure 13. is an end view thereof.
Figure 14. is a sectional view illustrating a form of joint suitable to be employed
between the meeting edges of the frames.
Figure 15. is a side view of a stretcher constructed according to the said
invention.
Figure 16. is an end view therecf.
Figure 17. is a front elevation with part of the canvas removed representing a
modified form of tent suitable for cricketing or like purposes.
Figure 18. is an end elevation thereof but showing the tent complete.
Figure 19. is a front view partly in section of parts illustrating the method of
supporting the stay bar and the rod upon which the front canvas is hung.
Figure 20. is a plan thereof with parts removed, and,
Figure 21. is a vertical section of a frame illustrating a modified method of
mounting the canvas covering thereon.
In the several figures in which like parts are indicated by similar letters of
reference, Figures 2. to 16, and 19. to 21. are drawn to an increased and variable
scale with respect to Figures 1, 17 and 18.
Referring to Figures 1. to 14, a. represents the frames which are similar to
those of an ordinary folding screen and two of these frames a. are connected
together at their vertical edges by means of hinges a¹ a¹ so as to be capable of
folding book wise, as represented by the dotted lines in Figure 6.
These frames a. in addition to the vertical joint are divided horizontally at about
their mid-height and the upper parts are connected to the lower parts by horizontal
hinges a located upon the outside thereof so that they will fold down upon the
outside of the lower parts as represented by the dotted lines in Figure 7, and by
Figures 8, and 9, whilst the hinge al connecting the vertical edges of the upper
parts is provided with a loose pin a¹** connected with the frame by a chain so as
to prevent the accidental loss thereof, and thus the hinges al may by withdrawing
the pin abe disconnected, and when the lower parts are folded together bookwise
the upper parts will occupy a similar position upon the exterior thereof, as
represented at Figures 8. and 9.
In order to make an approximately tight joint between the frames or parts of
the frames a. when they are in their extended position, the various meeting parts

page_text: are formed with half round joints that is to say, with a half round nose or
projection a upon one part which engages a corresponding half round groove or
recess a in the other part, as represented more particularly at Figure 14.
These frames a. are upon their exterior surface covered with canvas a fixed
thereto by uailing or in any other suitable manner and the frames a. which may
be of wood, light metal or other suitable material are furnished with spiked feet a®,
in the case of wood provided with metal shoes in order that the feet may be driven
into the ground and the frames thereby fixed with relation thereto.
The tent is made up of a number of sections such as that represented at
Figure 5. each composed of two frames a. united by hinges a' al and in constracting
the tent the sections are connected together at their edges by separable hinges
such as those represented at a' in Figure 5. The pin part of the hinge being
carried by one meeting section and the socket part by another meeting section and
the several sections are thus connected together to form the four sides of a
rectangular tent or apartment.
In order to stiffen the horizontal joints between the upper and lower parts, short
vertical bars b. are employed fastened by thumb screws screwing into fittings a
carried by the frames a. or any other suitable fastenings might be employed to fix
the vertical bars b. to the frames a, whilst in order to stiffen the vertical joints,
between the frames and generally to stay the structure horizontal battens or bars c.
are similarly fixed by thumb screws e engaging corresponding fittings a carried
by the frames a. so as to extend across the frames a. above and below the horizontal
joints, and these horizontal battens c. are provided with pivotally mounted hooks
or pegs or they might be provided with other devices for the reception of
clothing, as will be readily understood.
In order to form the roof, an inclined or tapered bar d. is employed at each end
of the tent which is secured by bolts d' or it might be by other suitable fastening
means to the tops of the frames a. whilst extending from one bar d. to the other is
a wire or other rope or it might be a bar d and over this rope d and the inclined
bars d. is stretched and lashed or otherwise secured to the bars d. at the ends of
the tent and the frames a. at the front and back of the tent, a sheet of plain or
dressed canvas e. to form the roof, whilst in order to stay the tent and to efficiently
strain the rope d" the inclined end bars d. are provided with a number of eye bolts,
hooks or other means to which the ordinary guys or stays f are secured.
The door a of the tent in this example, as represented at Figure 1, is formed
by one of the frames a, that is to say, by a half section which is hinged to the
adjacent section and provided with a turn button, lock, or other fastening, by means
of which it may be secured in its closed position.
The width of the tent in the present case being that of three frames it is
necessary to insert a single or odd frame a to make up the necessary width.
In order to take the tent to pieces it is necessary to remove the end bars.d.
together with the rope d² and the canvas of the roof e. to unscrew the vertical and
horizontal battens & and c. which stiffen the joints, and to separate the several
sections from each other by disconnecting the hinges a' and to unfasten the upper
vertical hinges al by withdrawing the loose pin al when each section may in a
very short space of time be folded in the manner hereinbefore described into a
compact form for transport, as represented at Figures 8. and 9, and a number of
such folded sections may be piled one upon the other and secured together by
means of straps g. as represented at Figure 10, in which case, the removal of the
canvas from the folded frames will enable the same to form a box or receptacle in
which the canvas roof and other accessories may be packed.
In the example given at Figures 15, and 16, an illustration is given of the
method of utilising the frames of the collapsed tent as stretchers in case of
necessity.
In this case, the frame section is folded vertically book-wise, and along the .
under part of each side of the frame is fixed by thumb screws e' or it might be by
like fasteuers screwing into corresponding fittings in the frame a, one of the

page_text: horizontal battens c. with the ends thereof projecting so as to serve as carrying
handles.
It will be obvious that such a device as this would be of great service on the
battle field.
In the example given at Figures 17 to 20, the device is substantially the same as
that hereinbefore described with the exception that the front of the tent instead of
being formed of frames a. as in the previous arrangement provided with a door
-such as a*, is, in the present case, formed entirely of sheets or curtains of canvas a*
which at their upper parts are furnished with rings to run upon a folding rod h
shown more particularly at Figures 19. and 20. and this rod h. is for purposes of
transport separable into two parts or lengths at their ends provided with eyes A' by
the aid of which and as shown more particularly at Figures 19. and 20. the rod h. is
secured beneath a horizontal stay bar a.
The horizontal stay bar a traverses the front of the tent from end to end
thereof and is at its ends fixed with the end bars d. as shown more particularly at
Figures 19. and 20, and to this stay bar a is securely fastened the front part of
the canvas or other roof e, whilst in order to render the stay bar a capable of
being compacted for transport- it is formed in two parts united by a socket
joint a by means of which it may be readily taken apart for transport or put
together for use.
Pockets a are provided upon the interior of the sheets or curtains a
constituting the front or doors of the tent for the reception of guy ropes, tent pegs
and other loose accessories wherein they are stowed for transport when the tent is
collapsed, and in that condition the folded frames may also be employed as a box
as hereinbefore described with respect to the previous arrangement.
In the example given at Figure 21, the canvas covering a' of the upper parts of
the frames instead of being fixed therewith is mounted upon spring or other
rollers a and at its lower end is furnished with a lath, bar, or rod a adapted in
the case of a spring roller, by its ends to take under undercut projections a
upon the frame a. so that the spaces in the frames a. may when desired be more
or less opened like windows or uncovered for the purpose of ventilation or
otherwise.
It will readily be seen that a tent of the character hereinhefore described
possesses many advantages amongst which may be mentioned that it is spacious,
light, capable of being easily dismantled and packed into a small compass for
transport and as readily erected, for use, thus rendering it especially useful for
military purposes and also for other purposes such as a cricket refreshinent tent or
"the like.
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 tent, the walls of which are composed wholly or partly of hinged folding
.frames covered with canvas or other suitable material and stiffened at the joints by
removeable battens, substantially as herein shown and described.
2. A tent, the walls of which are composed wholly or partly of frames covered-
with canvas or other suitable material and vertically hinged together in pairs so as
to fold book wise and divided horizontally and hinged in such manner that th
upper parts will fold on to the ontside of the lower parts, substantially as herein
shown and described.
3. A tent, the walls of which are composed wholly or partly of hinged folding
frames covered with canvas or other suitable material and provided with half round
weather tight joints, substantially as herein shown and described.
4. A tent, the walls of which are composed wholly or partly of hinged folding
frames and the roof of which is composed of inclined bars over which canvas or the
dike is strained, substantially as herein shown and described.
5. A tent, the walls of which are composed of frames covered with canvas or the

page_text: like some of such canvas coverings being loose and mounted upon spring or other-
rollers, substantially as herein shown and described.
6. A tent, the walls of which are composed of hinged folding frames stiffened by
horizontal battens such parts being furnished with screws or other fastenings so-
that in the folded position of a frame a horizontal batten may be fixed longitudinally
at each side thereof in order to form a stretcher and so forming a stretcher,.
substantially as herein shown and described.
Dated this 26th day of February 1897.
VAUGHAN & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.