Combined Cot, Hammock and Stretcher.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Dec., 1898-Accepted, 14th Jan., 1899
Combined Cot, Hammock and Stretcher.
I, LEONARD COLLINS BAILEY, Banker, of 609, F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.,
United States of America, 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:—
This invention has relation to a combined cot, hammock and stretcher.
The object of the invention is to combine in one simple device an article
which can be used for three separate and distinct purposes, and of such construc
tion that it may be folded up into small compass, and be conveniently wrapped
up in the trooper's blanket, without adding material weight.
With this object in view, the invention consists in certain features of construc-
tion and combination of parts which will be hereinafter more fully described and
claimed.
In the accompanying drawings:-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of my invention set up as a cot.
Figure 2 is a similar view as it appears when folded or rolled for transportation.
Figure 3 is a transverse section on the lines of one of the stretcher bars.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device set up as a hammock.
Figure 5 shows the device in use as a stretcher.
1 denotes the body of the hammock, which consists of textile material, preferably
canvas, having on its longitudinal edges hems, 2, and along its ends hems, 3, of
less length than the width of the textile body. 4 denotes stretcher bars which
are inserted through the hems 3, and are provided with leg sockets 5, and with
apertures 6, the latter extending through the uncovered ends of the bars.
7 denotes
an endless rope or band which extends through the hems 2, along the sides of the
fabric and projects through the apertures 6, of the bar 4, to form suspending
bales 8. 9 denotes two sets of folding legs, the upper ends of which are formed
with tenons 10, that project into the sockets 5, of the bars 4. 11-11 denote
lanyards which are connected to the suspending bales 8.
When it is desired to set the device up for use as a cot, the legs are inserted
into the sockets of the bars and the lanyards are drawn taut around suitable
anchors, such, for instance, as stakes 12, driven into the ground. The legs, which,
during the stretching of the hammock, have been lying out flat, are now forced
inward to raise them in an upright position, thus securing an additional stretching
of the body of the cot, to render it practically rigid.
When it is desired to use the device as a hammock, the legs are removed, and
the lanyards are fastened to trees or posts, so as to permit of the device having
a free swinging movement.
The device is also invaluable as a stretcher, to carry the wounded off the field.
When used for this purpose, the wounded is placed on the body of the device and
the suspending bales passed around the shoulders of his comrades, who may then
have free use of their hands, for assisting the wounded in any of his wants, or for
grasping the stretcher bars.

page_text: 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. In a device of the character described, the combination with the flexible body
portion having longitudinal side hems extending throughout its entire length and
end hems of less length than the width of the body portion, stretcher bars extend-
ing through the end hems and provided with apertures in their uncovered ends
and with sockets in their lower faces, an endless rope extending through the
longitudinal side hems and through the apertures in the uncovered ends of the
stretcher bars, and removable folding legs inserted in the sockets in the said bars,
substantially as set forth.
2. In a device of the character described, the combination with the flexible body
portion having longitudinal side hems extending throughout its entire length
and end hems, stretcher bars extending through the end hems and provided with
apertures in their ends, and an endless rope extending through the longitudinal
side hems and through the apertures in the ends of the stretcher bars, as and for
the purpose set forth.
Dated this 1st day of December 1899.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.