Improvements in Stretchers, Ambulances, and the like, also applicable to Portable Bridges and Bedsteads.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 1st May, 1896
Complete Specification Left, 29th Jan., 1897-Accepted, 10th Apr., 1897
Improvements in Stretchers, Ambulances, and the like, also
applicable to Portable Bridges and Bedsteads.
I, BENJAMIN HARDCASTLE of No. 95 Park Road, Plumstead, in the County
of Kent, Patternmaker do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to certain improvements in stretchers, ambulances and the
like, also applicable to portable bridges and bedsteads, and has for its objects the
arrangement of parts so as to afford the maximum of structural strength with
the minimum of weight, and space occupied when not in use, and also affording the
greatest facility in preparing said structure for use in a short space of time.
In carrying my invention into effect, in constructing a stretcher for ambulance,
or field medical service 1 employ stretcher poles of bamboo, or other light material,
These are divided centrally,
forming the longitudinal members of the structure.
or approximately so, and coupled by a tongued hinge having a back stop so as to
check the hinge movement when the poles are fully extended. This hinge is
formed of a light metal casting and carries a short strnt inclined inwards diagonally.
Near each end of the pole is fitted a metal ferrule carrying a lug and a grooved
shoe. The pole projects sufficiently heyond said ferrule to form a handle. A truss
or longitudinal tie of metal, preferably steel rod of circular cross section, passes
through hoth lugs on the ferrules at each end of the pole aforesaid, and also
through the strut upon the central hinge. 'Lock nuts are fitted upon each end of
said truss where it passes through the lugs to limit the degree of tension, and said
truss is also hinged to correspond with the hinge upon the pole, the point of
connection with the strut forming said hinge. Thus, when the pole is closed by
closing the hinge, it occupies a space of only half its length when open, and the
truss closing also passes freely through the end lugs, and lies close to the pole.
When said pole is opened out, however, the truss or tie is in tension, the lock nuts
bearing on the lugs, and the strut resisting the bending force of the load in the
direction of its application. Two such poles being placed in juxtaposition, and
opened out, two transverse bars may be coupled up at each end by means of metal
tongues affixed to the ends thereof which engage with the shoes upon the ferrules
on the poles before described. A stop upon ench tongue regulates the distance of
insertion, and enables the rectangular frame thus formed to be perfectly rigid.
A web of canvas or other textile fabric, or netting is attached to each transverse
bar by straps or the like, and when said bars are detached from the poles for
purposes of transport, the canvas or other webbing is rolled around them tightly
and secured as a roll by straps suitably fixed thereon. When the transverse bars
are fitted to the poles in the manner hereinbefore described the webbing or netting
is distended longitudinally, and only requires attachment to the poles to render the
whole structure firm and rigid. This is effected by straps fixed to each side of the
webbing, which pass round and over the poles and are joined by a special fastening
which forms a portion of my invention. Said fastening consists of a flanged metal
shoe attached to one end of the strap, and a tongue with a transverse fillet, also of
metal, attached to the other end. A loop of leather is attached to said tongue in
order to obtain the tension necessary to cause the fillet to engage with the shoe

page_text: between the flanges thereof. This is rapidly done, and the webbing tensely
stretched between both the longitudinal and transverse members of the rectangular
frame. I preferably attach runners or rollers to the ferrules at each end of the
poles, and also to the central hinge, to prevent the truss from being distorted by
contact with the ground under any circumstances, and also to keep the webbing
clear thereof when loaded. I may also add sockets for the attachment of lega,
trestles or awning supports if desirable, and at all times construct the parts so that
they are interchangeable one with another. The metal parts referred to may
made of aluminium, or any other light metal or alloy in order to reduce the
weight.
In applying my invention to a portable bridge, the poles forming the longitudinal
members may be made of greater length and cross section, and the transverse bars
increased in number, the webbing being dispensed with. A portable bedstead
constructed according to my invention differs from the stretcher hereinbefore
described only in the addition of legs or supports thereto.
Dated this 28th day of April 1896.
FREDK. WALKER,
73 St. Stephen's Road, Upton Park, London, E.,
Agent for the Applicant.
Improvements in Stretchers, Ambulances, and the like, also
applicable to Portable Bridges and Bedsteads.
1, BENJAMIN HARDCASTLE of No. 95, Park Road, Plumstead, in the County
of Kent, Patternmaker 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 certain improvements in stretchers, ambulances and the
like, also applicable to portable bridges and bedsteads, and has for its objects the
arrangement of parts so as to afford the maximum of structural strength with
the minimum of weight, and space occupied when not in use, and also affording the
greatest facility in preparing said structure for use in a short space of time.
In order that my invention may be the better understood, I have appended the
accompanying two sheets of drawings, in which,
Figure Sheet 1 is a plan view of the upper surface of a stretcher. Figure 2 is
a side view thereof,
Figure 3 is a back view of one of the side poles in the closed position, and
Figure 4 is a front view of the same.
Figure 5 is a plan view of the cross bars.
These views upon Sheet 1 are drawn to a scale of about one-sixth full size, but
the views of the details upon Sheet 2 are drawn to a scale of about one-half full
size.
Figure 6, Sheet 2 is a side elevation of the central hinge, and Figure 7 is an end
view thereof.
Figure 8 is an end view of the end sockets for retaining the crossbars, showing
a modification for raising the level of the pillow flap. Figure 9 is a side elevation
thereof.
Figure 10 is a front end elevation of a cross har socket (fitting Figures 8 and 9)
Figure 11 a side elevation thereof, and Figure 12 a back end elevation of the
same.

page_text: Figure 13 shows the adaptation of a leg to the cross bar so that the stretcher
may be used as a bed, and Figure 14 shows the same closed or folded, with the
details of the joint.
Figure 15 is a side elevation, and Figure 16 a front elevation of the metal shoe
for attaching the canvas or webbing and Figures 17 and 18 are corresponding
views of the tongue and fillet adapted to fit therein.
Figures 19 and 20 are respectively plan and elevational views of a strap device
carrying a shoe, tongue and fillet, and used for the same purpose.
Similar letters of reference are used throughout the several views to indicate
corresponding parts.
In carrying my invention into effect in constructing a stretcher for ambulance, or
field medical service, I employ stretcher poles A A Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 Sheet 1,
which may be made of light metallic tube, bamboo, or any suitable wood, and form
the longitudinal members of the structure. These poles are divided centrally or
approximately so, and are coupled together by means of a tongued hinge B with
suitable sockets for receiving and holding the ends of the poles. This device B is
shown more particularly by the side view Figure 6 and end view Figure 7, Sheet 2,
and is preferably a light metal casting, with sockets a a', and joined by an angular
hinge b. A short strut c to which is affixed a wheel bracket d, is also hinged by
the pin b so as to work with, but independently of, the hinged sockets. A tongue e
is formed upon one part of B, fitting, when open into a recess in the other part, as
shown, so that the pole may be rigidly locked in the direction of the strain.
Figures 3 and 4 Sheet 1 show the position of the poles and hinge when closed for
transport, from opposite sides. Near each end of the poles A A' is fitted a metal
ferrule C, the poles projecting sufficiently beyond ench ferrule to form handles H.
Said ferrules C are shown more particularly by the end view Figure 8, and the
side view Figure 9, Sheet 2. The bore f fits the pole A which is preferably
slightly shouldered on the inner side to withstand the tension. A lug g is formed
upon C which is bored so that a truss or tie hereinafter described may pass freely
through it. At the base is a recessed slot / or shoe to receive the tongue of the
transverse member or cross-tie. A hinged lever i, with a notch in its upper
extremity is arranged so as to be folded as shown by the dotted outline when not
in use, and its function is to provide an attachment for the pillow flap, by a cord or
the like at a higher level than that provided by the fixed fork i shown by
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 Sheet 1. A truss or longitudinal tie k of metal, preferably
steel rod of circular cross section passes through the lug g freely, and is hinged at c
within the fork of the strut attached to B. Thus when the poles A A' are open
as shown by the plan Figure 1 and side view Figure 2, Sheet 1, the truss or tie k
is tense, bearing upon the lock nuts 7 which press against the lugs g at each end,
and acts as a tie formed of a single rod. When, however, the poles A A' are
disconnected, and are folded for transport as shown by Figures 3 and 4, said truss
or tiek also bends where jointed to the strut c, and the free ends pass through the
lugs g in the manner shown by Figure 4, the lock nuts then being at a considerable
distance from g. Straps and buckles m, or other equivalent device, are provided
to retain the poles A A¹ in the closed position when required. I have found that
the best effect is produced when the strut c is inclined inwards at an angle of 48°,
then when the truss k is in tension by the opening of the pole A, and the lock nuts?
bearing upon the lugs o, the resistance to deflection is greatest in the direction of
the application of the load. The two poles A. A¹ being opened, and placed as
shown by Figure 1 Sheet 1, two transverse or cross bars D may be coupled thereto
by means of metal tongues E affixed to or formed upon sockets F, which engage
with the recessed slots or shoes in the ferrules C, Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5. Sheet 1
and Figures 8 and 9 Sheet 2. This cross bar is shown separately by the plan view
Figure 5 Sheet 1, from which it will be seen that two cam handles -n n' are
pivotted upon the sockets F, n' being shown in the position before fixing the cross
bar D and n when it is desired to obtain a transverse tension. A modification is
shown by the end view Figure 10, side view Figure 11, and opposite end view

page_text: Figure 12, Sheet 2. In this case the handles a n³ are dispensed with, and a stop of
is formed upon the end of the tongue E to limit the tension transversely. The
juxtaposition of these figures on the drawing with regard to Eigures 8 and 9 show
the manner in which the tongues E engage with the recessed slots or shoes
without further description. A web of canvas or other textile fabric, or netting, G.
Figure 1 Sheet 1, is passed over the cross bars or transverse members D by a fold
sufficiently large to admit of their withdrawal when the whole is taken to pieces.
When said eross bars D are in position, as herein before described, the fabric G-is
in tension longitudinally as shown by the drawing, and only requires attachment to
the poles A A to render the whole structure firm and rigid. This is effected by a
special fastening which forms a portion of my invention, and consists of a flanged
metal shoe p fixed to the pole A, and a tongue 2 with a transverse fillet fitting the
recess in the shoe p, fixed to the edge of the fabric G. This arrangement is
shown more particularly by the side and front elevations of the shoe, Figures 15
and 16 Sheet 2 and the side elevation and plan of the tongue Figures 17 and 18.
Said shoe p has a flange r shaped to conform to the poles A A', and is slotted in
front at a to receive the neck of the tongue g the fillet & upon it lying within the
hollow of the shoe p and being retained by the edges of said slot A flange u
allows of the attachment of the tongue g to the fabric G by rivetting, stitching, or
other means, and a loop of cord, leather, or the like is attached to it for procuring
the necessary tension in the action of fastening and unfastening the tongue g and
fillet & from the shoe p. A modification of this device is shown by the plan view
Figure 19 and side view Figure 20 Sheet 2. In this case the tongue q is furnished
with a strap band u to which a short leather or other strap is attached, to allow of
the free movement of said tongue g the other ends being rivetted or otherwise
fixed to the fabric G. A short strap H is fixed by the same means to the under
side of G, and the shoe p attached to the free end of it, instead of to the poles A A'.
In this case, said strap is passed round the poles A A, and the fillet t dropped into
the shoe p by tension upon the loop v as hereinbefore described. By this method,
and means as described the fabric G may be stretched between the cross bars D,
and the poles A A', the movement of the cam handles n n' in the position shown by
Figure Sheet 1 and by n Figure 5 forcing the poles A A apart upon the
tongues E sufficiently to produce a perfect transverse tension.
In stretchers ns beretofore made and used, a detachable pillow has been found
to be a serious disadvantage, therefore to obviate this, I attach a fixed pad or neck
support I to the fabric G, with a flap J fastened below it, Pigures 1 and 2, having
cords with knots or buttons ; so that it may be fastened back to the forked lugs i
on the ferrules C, and form a raised head support, or still more effectively to
the forked lever i shown by Figures 8 and 9 Sheet 2, and hereinbefore fully
described.
I preferably attach wheels, runners, or rollers w, Figures 2, 3 and 5 Sheet 1, and
Figures 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12 Sheet 2. to the end sockets F of the cross bars D and
also to the central binge B to prevent the truss & from being distorted by contact
with the ground under any circumstances, and also to keep the fabric G clear therenf
when loaded. In cases of serious accidents, where it is inadvisable to move the injured
person by lifting, the fabric G may be passed under, and the whole structure
built up, the raising being thus gradually effected without harmful results.
In adapting my invention to a portable bedstead I employ a joint shown fixed
for use by Figure 13 Sheet 2, and closed by Figure 14. In this case a socket K
carries a vertical leg L, and is furnished at the top with a tongue E and stop o,
corresponding to that shown by Figures 10, 11, and 12, and similarly fitting the
recessed slot or shoe in the ferrules C upon the poles A A. The cross bar Dis
furnished with a socket, F terminating in a hollow shoe M, into which a projection N
upon K engages, and is pivotted thereto by a pin y passing through a slot in N,
shown by a dotted outline in both figures. A second pin z in M is arranged to
pass through a central opening O in a slot in the upper part of N. When this is
done, and any weight or pressure is imposed upon the cross bar D, as in the pozition

page_text: shown by Figure 13, the pins and y are at the lowest parts of their respective
slots, and with y as a fulcrum, all side strains are resisted by r. When it is desired
to fold the leg L parallel to the cross bar D as shown by Figure 14, said leg L is.
lifted to allow the pin z to pass through the opening O when it may be folded upon y
as a pivot, and held by a strap or the like, for transport.
In applying my invention to a portable bridge the poles A A' may be made of
greater length and cross-section, and the transverse bars increased in number,
planks or the like being substituted for the fabric G.
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 1
claim is ;-
First. In stretchers, ambulances, portable bedsteads and bridges the combination.
of two longitudinal members A A', and hinges B, trusses with cross bars D,
joints F and C, K and F Figures 13 and 14 Sheet 2, substantially as herein
described and shown by the appended drawings.
Second. In stretchers, ambulances, portable bedsteads and bridges, the con-
struction and use of a socketted hinge B, having an angular strut c in combination
with longitudinal members A A' and a truss or tie k substantially as herein
described and shown by the drawings, with especial reference to Figures 6 and 7
Sheet 2.
Third. In stretchers, ambulances, portable bedsteads and bridges, the construction
and use of ferrules C, with lugs g shoes h and forked lugs or levers i in combination
with longitudinal members A A' and cross bars or transverse members D,.
substantially as herein described and shown by the drawings, with especial
reference to Figures 8 and 9 Sheet 2.
Fourth. In stretchers, ambulances, portable bedsteads and bridges, the con-
struction and use of cross bars or transverse members D, with terminal sockets F.
tongues E, and cam handles n n' in combination with longitudinal members A. A
and ferrules C substantially as herein described and shown by the drawings, with
especial reference to Figures 10, 11 and 12 Sheet 2.
Fifth. In a portable bedstead, the construction and use of a joint formed of a
socket K carrying a leg L, a socket with a shoe M and pins y engaging
with slots in projection N in combination with longitudinal members A. A', ferrules C,
and cross bars or transverse members D, substantially as herein described and
shown by the drawings with especial reference to Figures 13 and 14 Sheet 2.
Sixth. In stretchers, ambulances and portable bedsteads, the construction and use
of a shoe p, tongue q and fillet t in combination with longitudinal members A A',.
cross bars or transverse members D, and fabric G substantially as herein described
and shown by the drawings with especial reference to Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,.
and 20 Sheet 2.
Seventh. In stretchers, ambulances, portable bedsteads and bridges, the method
of, and means for putting the structure together, and dismantling it and packing-
for transport substantially as herein described and shown by the appeuded.
drawings.
Dated this 16th day of Conuer 1907
FREDK. WALKER,
73 St. Stephen's Road, Upton Park, London, E.,
Agent for the Applicant.