Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 13th July, 1887
Complete Left, 13th Apr., 1888
Complete Accepted, 18th May, 1888
I, WILLIAM PARISH HOSKINS of Neptune Works, Charles Henry Street Birmingham
in the County of Warwick Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to that class of ships' sleeping berths, which admit of
being folded up when not in use.
By my improvements, the said sleeping berths, are greatly simplified in their
construction.
In carrying out my invention, I take an ordinary rectangular frame, having if
necessary, the head, foot and lee rails, and with two pivot or joint centres disposed at
the two opposite ends of the frame, and at or near the inside back edge thereof; that
is, the two opposite ends as aforesaid, have pivot centres, disposed at the extreme
back parts of the ends of the framing, and preferably in a line with the back rail.
The other opposite pivot centres are disposed inwardly to a considerable distance
from the said back end, thus constituting two fulcrum centres upon which the berth
frame turns, on the same being folded up or turned down for use.
These dual joint centres, work within quadrant shaped slots, formed within wall or
supporting plates, which are secured by screws or otherwise, to the bulk heads, or to
the sides of a berth room. These slots are arranged diagonally, or in a cross direction
with respect to the bracket; so that the bottom end of the front slot of each bracket,
comes opposite or in a line with the top edge of the back slot; and with the top end
of the front slot, coming nearly opposite the back end of the bottom slot, on a vertical
line being drawn from top to bottom. These ends form stops for limiting the motion
of the two pivot centres as aforesaid, on the berth frame being folded up, or turned
down.
The back pivot centre works in the back slot, while the inwardly disposed pivot
centre, which is not quite within the middle of the end of the frame, works within the
front slot.
Thus, the aforesaid pivot centres become moving fulcrums, travelling within the
quadrant slots.

page_text: The bracket plate and its slots instead of being secured to the bulk heads, may be
carried upon the inner ends of the frame. In this arrangement, the bracket plates
affixed to the bulk heads, have upon their faces, pivot centres, which work within the
slots carried by the berth frame.
In turning up the berth frame, or the berth against the bulk head, when not in use,
the front or outer side of the frame is raised, when the inwardly disposed pivot centres
upon the two opposite ends of the frame as aforesaid, work or travel up the first or
top quadrant slot, while the back pivot centres disposed at the inner portions of the
frame, move in a corresponding manner down the back or bottom slots.
By thus constructing and mounting berth frames, they are carried entirely at their
ends, without employing supporting arrangements placed either above or below, or
against the bulk head, against which the length of the berth frame is tilted or turned;
and although I have described that the frame is mounted with dual axes working
within quadrant slots, yet equivalents having a quadrant action or motion similar to
that already described may be used.

page_text: Improvements in Folding Ships' Berths.
I, WILLIAM PARISH HOSKINS of Neptune Works, Charles Henry Street,
Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, 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 :-
1.
This invention has reference to that class of ships' sleeping berths, which admit of
being folded up, when not in use.
By my improvements, the said sleeping berths, are greatly simplified in their
construction, and their working greatly improved.
In carrying out my invention, I take an ordinary rectangular frame, having head,
foot, and lee rails, and with two pivot or joint centres, disposed at the two opposite ends
of the frame, and at or near the inside back, edge thereof; that is, the two opposite
ends as aforesaid, have pivot centres, disposed at the extreme back parts of the ends of
the framing, and preferably in a line with the back rail.
The other opposite pivot centres, are disposed inwardly, to a considerable distance
from the said back end, and upon which, the berth frame turns, on the same being
folded up, or turned down for use.
These dual joint centres, work within slots, or quadrant shaped slots, formed within
wall or supporting plates, which are secured by screws or otherwise, to the bulk heads,
or to the sides of a berth room.
The back pivot centre, works in the back slot, while the inwardly disposed pivot
centre, which is not quite within the middle of the end of the frame, works within the
front slot.
Thus, the aforesaid pivot centres, become moving fulcrums, travelling within the
quadrant, or part quadrant slots.
The bracket plate and its slots, instead of being secured to the bulk heads, may be
carried upon the inner ends of the frame. In this arrangement, the bracket plates
affixed to the bulk heads, have upon their faces, pivot centros, which work within the
slots carried by the berth frame.
I will now proceed to describe with reference to the accompanying drawings, the
manner in which the same is to be performed.
Figure 1 represents a perspective view, of a folding ships' berth, constructed and
arranged according to my present invention; and which said invention is an improve-
ment, or improvements upon, my well known shifting and dual fulcrumed ships' berths
patent, No. 13,304, dated the 19th of October 1886.
The berth or berth frame, is shown partially folded or tilted, in respect to the bulk
head to about an angle of 45 degrees, in order to thus better exhibit the positions of
the two opposite pivot centres or shifting fulcrums, and their bearing slots, wherein
they work, on the folding and unfolding of a berth.
Figure 2 represents one of two bracket carriers, wherein the quadrant slots and
races of which, the double and shifting fulcrums of the ship's berth, work; and which

page_text: said bracket carriers, are fixedly attached to the partition walls, or end uprights of a
ship's cabin or berth. This said figure 2 represents the pivot centres or moving
fulcrums, in the positions, which they normally assume, when the berth frame is
unfolded, or in a horizontal position.
It will thus be seen that the inner pivot centres, studs or moving fulcrums, rest upon
the forwardly directed ends of the quadrant or arc slots, wherein they work, and
which said slots form extended fulcrum bearings, for them to work upon, and turn
within, while the end pivot centres, or fulcrums, work within combined arc and upright
races.
Figure 3 represents a like view as figure 2, but with the berth frame folded, and
with the dual and shifting pivot centres or fulcrums, resting at the lower ends of their
respective slots or races. It will be seen that the berth frame has a rear and balanced
action, alike unto my former Letters Patent as before cited.
Figure 4 represents partly in plan, and partly in horizontal section, the two ends,
and part framing of my said ship's berth figure 1.
The same letters of reference, indicate corresponding parts in figures 1 to 4.
a a, are end bars, or angle bars of the berth framing, is the front bar of the said
framing, and c is the back or inner elevated bar of the framing. dare carrier brackets,
secured to the partition walls or uprights e, of a ships' cabin or berth, by screws or
otherwise, passed through holes made in the web or flanged parts of the said bracket
carriers.
The inner ends of the opposite parts a, of the framing, have pivot centres or moving
fulcrums f, g, which respectively work within quadrant, and combined quadrant and
straight slots d', d³; that is, the outer and elevated pivot centres f, work within a
combined quadrant and upright slot or race d², with a bearing cowl d³, at its upper
end, against which the upper crown part a², of the upwardly cranked part a¹, takes its
bearing, when the berth is horizontal or unfolded, as in figures 2 and 4.
The other and inwardly directed pivot centres, or shifting fulcrums 9, work within
the quadrant or are slots or races d³; and when the berth is folded, the said centres g
rest like those of f, against the lower ends of the slots.
The pivot centres or shifting fulcrums, are provided with anti-friction rollers f¹, g',
so that the said pivots, shall freely traverse the slots.
On the berth requiring to be folded, or its position changed from that of figure 2, to
that of figure 3, the outer side b is taken hold of, and raised, when the inner end of
berth frame, moves slightly forward, and then partakes of a rear action, by the pivots
or dual fulcrums, sliding or moving down the races, to the positions as in figure 3, and
by which rear action, the berth frame is partly balanced or counterpoised. It will be
also seen that the berth frame is made to rest folded, in a state of equilibrium, by
the inclined position, taken by the end bars of the framing, and by the outer pivot
centres passing to the lower ends of the inwardly directed arc portions of the slots or
races d
To unfold the berth, pull downwardly the fore part of the framing, when the shifting
pivot centres or fulcrums, traverse the respective slots, and the berth assumes the
position as represented in figure 2, with the underside of the berth frame resting upon
the block support d', which thereby transfers the strain from the inner pivots to the
carrier brackets.
Figures 5 and 6 represent in side and front elevation, another form of carrier
bracket, arranged according to my invention. This bracket is designed to stand
outwardly, at right angles to a bulk bead or other support, whereby berths can be
fitted up, or mounted in position, without party walls or uprights to the berths or
cabins.
The slots or races d³, d³, are hooded in, or closed upon one side, while the inner
ends or sides, are provided with standing out attachment flanges d', where-through
screws pass, in securing the said outwardly directed carrier bracket, to an upright or
other support.
Figures 7 represents a modification of the preceding arrangements, and is designed
for the purpose of facilitating the introduction of the pivot centres or shifting

page_text: fulcrums, into their respective slots or races. The said figure 7 represents the inner
end of the berth frame, or the pivot centres thereof being placed within the said slots
or races.
Figure 8 represents the berth frame in position, unfolded. Figure 9 is an end
elevation of an inner end of the berth framing, and figure 10 is a plan of the
same, showing one of the anti-friction rollers removed from its pivot centre, and in
section.
a are the end framings of a ships berth, and f, g are the pivot centres or fulcrum
bearings, disposed at the two opposite inner ends of the said framings a, and
which pivot centres work within races or slots d², d³, access to which is gained
through the gate or opening do, wherethrough the said pivot centres, or shifting
fulcrums pass.
The berth frame is supported in position, when unfolded, by a rest , carried by
the carrier bracket frawing.
Figure 11 represents another form of my invention, in which the slots or races, are
carried by the inner end of the berth frame, and the pivot centres, or dual fulcrums as
aforesaid, are carried by the carrier brackets, secured to the bulk head, cabin walls, or
other uprights of a ship.
The berth has a rear action in folding, and becomes partly counterpoised, as in the
form arrangements.
It will be seen that in this particular form of my invention, that the slots or races,
are made to run over, or traverse, the studs or fulcrums, which pass through the
slots.
The said figure 11 represents in side elevation, one end of the inner end of a berth
frame, when the berth frame is in a horizontal position, or unfolded.
Figure 12 represents the same, when folded.
a are the two opposite end framing bars, of a berth frame, and a' is an enlarged
inner end, with slots a³, a', wherethrough fixed studs or fulcrum centres d³, d³, of a
stationary carrier bracket d, pass.
The slot or race a³, runs through a portion of its length, in the direction of the berth
framing, and with the rear portion curved downwardly, or inwardly, into an arc, and
terminating in the same axial plane, as the plain and straight slot a*.
Thus on the fore part of a berth frame being raised, the rear or inner part, dips
downwards, and with the arc part of the slot a³, moving over the stud or fulcrum d²;
and on the straight parts of the slots or races, becoming vertical, or nearly vertical,
the berth frame falls rearwardly, until the studs or fulcrums as aforesaid, come against
the inner ends a, a, of the slots a³, a respectively, and rest in the said position
figure 12, with the bedding of the berth between its inner side, and the back supporting
framing.
To unfold the berth, it is only necessary to pull forward the front of the berth frame,
then slightly raise it, when the slots or races move over the studs or centres, into
the position as represented in figure 11, and with the underside of the framing,
resting upon a stop d', which may be placed in any suitable position, with respect
to the underside of the berth frame, with the ends of the slots a', as, resting against the
studs a², a³.
Figure 13 represents another form of my invention, in which a single stud or
fulcrum centre, carried by fixed carrier plates or brackets, passes within snail slots or
races, made within the inner opposite ends of a berth framing.
a are opposite end bars of the berth framing, and a³ are the inner ends. a³ is a snail
shaped slot or race, and d³ is a stud or fulcrum centre, about which the inner end of the
berth frame turns, and over which the slots or races a³ traverse or move, on a berth
being folded or unfolded.
The studs d, are carried by carrier brackets d, secured to the end walls or other
uprights, of a cabin or bulk head.
The berth frame, when in its horizontal position, rests upon a fixed stop d*.
On folding a berth from the position figure 13, to the folded position figure 14, raise
the fore part of the berth framing, into an elevated position, when the slots a³, move

page_text: over the studs or fulcrum centres d, and allow. the berth to make a rear action, by the
change of position of the slot or race, with respect to the stud, as represented in
figure 14, which shows the berth in its folded position, and with the stud d³, at the
end a*, of the race or slot a³.
To unfold the berth, pull the fore part of the berth downwards, when the slot or race,
is made to move over the stud or fulcrum as aforesaid, and so bring the berth into the
position as represented in figure 13.
Figure 15 represents the converse, or essentially the converse of figures 13 and 14.
In this arrangement, the stud or fulcrum centre, is carried near the two opposite inner
ends of the opposite end framings.
a are the end framing bars of the berth frame, a¹ are inner side pillars, upon the
upper end of which, is an anti-friction roller a², which works or traverses against the
flanged upright d², of a carrier bracket d, provided with a snail shaped slot or race d³,
wherein the fixed stud or fulcrum a³, carried by the berth framing, works; so that on
the berth frame being tilted, for folding or unfolding, the stud or fulcrum a³, traverses
the slot d³, while the roller a² of the upwardly cranked end a', traverses the inner face
of the flange or upright strip d². Thus, on the folding of the berth, from the position
figure 15, the fore part of the framing is elevated, when the studs or fulcrums a³,
traverse the slots d³, of the fixed carrier brackets d, while the rollers a², traverse the
upright flanges d², until the studs reach the inner ends d, of the said slot or race, and
in which position, the berth frame is in a state of equilibrium, with the rear part
depending below the plane of the berth frame, when the framing is in the position as
in figure 15.
Figure 16 represents another form of my invention, in which the studs or fulcrums
are carried by the carrier brackets, and work within straight slots or races, directed in
planes preferably parallel to the berth framing, and with the rear part of the said
framing, provided with anti-friction rollers, which roll upon and traverse vertical
uprights.
a are the two opposite end bars of the berth framing, a² are mounted anti-friction
rollers, at the inner end, and a³ are straight grooves or races, disposed at a lower plane,
than the rollers a²; and within which said grooves or races, are fixed studs or fulcrum
centres d², carried by carrier brackets d.
When the berth is required to be folded, the fore part of the framing, is tilted or
raised, when the slots or races a², pass over the anti-friction roller fixed studs d²; and
at the same time, the rear end of the berth frame, makes a rear action, and causes the
roller a³, to traverse or roll down the upright d³, into the position as represented in
dotted lines.
The slot or race a³ instead of being applied on the underside of the berth
framing as represented, it may be placed on the same plane, as the framing, or
above it.
When the berth frame is in use, as in figure 16, its underside rests upon a fixed
stop d, placed in any required position, on the underside of the berth framing.
"It will be understood that the foregoing representations, other than figures 1 and 4,
are only the brackets, and inner end parts, of one side of a berth franie, but which are
used at both ends of the said framing.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is.
First. In a folding and partly counterpoised rear action ships' berth, mounting the
two opposite inner ends of the berth framing, upon double or two shifting pivot
centres, studs or fulcrum bearings, which take and work respectively within slots or
races, of stationary carrier brackets, plates or their equivalents, substantially as set
forth in figures 1 to 10 both inclusive of the drawings.
Secondly. The combination with the slot or race d², of a carrier bracket d, of an
are or quadrant slot d³, substantially as set forth in figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of the
drawings.

page_text: Thirdly. Gaining access to the slots or races of the brackets, of folding ships berths,
as herein described, by a gate or opening d³, and the channel below it leading to the
said slots, substantially as set forth in figures 7 and 8.
Fourthly. Mounting and carrying the two opposite inner ends of folding ships"
berths, by providing the said opposite inner ends of the framing, with two slots or
races, which work upon, and slide over, two fixed studs, carried by a carrier plate or
bracket, as set forth in figures 11 and 12.
Fifthly. Mounting and carrying the two opposite inner ends of folding ships' berths,
upon a single fixed fulcrum or stud, which works within a single slot or race, formed
within, or carried by, the inner end of the said framing, as set forth in figures 13
and 14.
Sixthly. Mounting ships' berths upon a movable fulcrum, which works within a
fixed curved slot or race, carried by a carrier bracket or plate, as set forth in
figure 15.
Seventhly. Providing the opposite inner ends of the framings, with anti-friction
rollers, which work and traverse planes or upright fixed brackets, as set forth in
figures 15 and 16.
Eighthly-Mounting the two opposite inner ends of folding ships' berths, upon a
fixed stud, pin or fulcrum, upon which an elongated slot, made within the inner part of
the framing, works and slides, as set forth in figure 16.
Lastly. The improvements in the construction and working of folding ships' berths,
or the parts of ships' berths, as described and set forth in the several figures of the
drawings.
Dated thin ni
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+1 1000