Improvements in connection with Invalids' Bedsteads and Mattresses.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Dec., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 1st Oct., 1894-Accepted, 3rd Nov., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in connection with Invalids' Bedsteads and
Mattresses.
I, SAMUEL ILSLEY WHITFIELD of Gladstone Works Watery Lane Birmingham
in the County of Warwick Bedstead Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to an arrangement in connection with that class of
bedsteads and mattresses for use in hospitals and sick rooms whereby the head and
shoulders of the patient can be raised or lowered, and the improvements consist
(when applied to bedsteads) of a combination spring bedstead having a separate
or movable part at the head end thereof which forms a "rest" when required and
is connected by means of hinges or other suitable method to the frame or angle
irons of the bedstead.
Transversely between the two hinges of the rest is attached similar spring mesh
to that composing the bed bottom this may be effected by an additional row of
springs or hinged links or other convenient means.
The movable rest is actuated by means of levers projecting downwards and
running beneath the bedstead in connection with a long screw from the foot end,
or a shorter screw and connecting rod may be attached to the ends of the levers;
a handle is fitted upon the screw to manipulate the arrangement.
In order to keep the flat or rigid part of the wire mesh in its proper position,
whilst the movable rest is being elevated or lowered as the case may be we tie or
otherwise fasten down the mesh at that part where it is jointed, by leather thongs,
chains, or other suitable method to a bar passing from side to side beneath the
bedstead.
When preferred we form the spring mattress on a separate frame in a similar
manner as above described, but in this case the whole frame moves actuated by a
screw and handle at the foot of the bedstead; wheels or rollers may be upon the
side frames of the mattress running upon the angle irons to facilitate the action,
also the jointed head part or rest is provided with grooved wheels or rollers which
travel up curved guides attached to the head end of the bedstead.
By these improved means the patient can be raised or lowered easily and without
discomfort.
n
1000
EDWD. J. PAYNE & SON,
104, Colmore Row, Birmingham, Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in connection with Invalids' Bedsteads and
Mattresses.
1, SAMUEL ILSLEY WHITFIELD of Gladstone Works Watery Lane Birmingham
in the County of Warwick Bedstead 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, reference being had to
the drawings accompanying this Specification and to the figures and letters shewn
thereon:-

page_text: mattresses chiefly employed for use in hospitals and sick rooms whereby the head
and shoulders of the patient can be raised or lowered at will easily & conveniently.
I will describe my invention as applied to bedsteads and my improvements consist
of a combination spring bedstead A having a movable part B. at the head end
thereof which forms a "rest" when required and is connected by means of hinges
or pins C. or other suitable method to the frame of the bedstead which frame may
consist of angle iron as shewn or may be of a tubular form, as may also the frame
of the "rest. B.
"
The movable part or rest B. has similar spring mesh attached to its frame to
that composing the bed bottom, this may be effected by having an additional row of
springs D or hinged links or other convenient arrangement.
The moveable rest B is actuated (i.. raised or lowered) by means of a lever E
on each side which may either be jointed to the frame or sides of the rest at the
hinges or pins C, or may be in one piece with the frame, when in two parts
strengthening bars E¹ may be used, the downwardly projecting levers E. are in
connection with horizontal levers F. running beneath the bedstead, these horizontal
levers terminate at the fore part with a crosspiece or block G, through which along
revolving screw H passes and works, from the foot end of the bedstead carried by
a flange piece I. and being manipulated by a detachable handle J.
Or a shorter screw with a connecting rod may be attached to the ends of the
horizontal levers.
In order to maintain the flat or stationary part of the wire spring mesh in its
proper position whilst the movable rest B is being elevated or lowered as the case
may be, I tie or otherwise fasten down the mesh at that part where it is jointed,
by chains K, leather thongs, or other suitable method, to a cross bar L. passing
from side to side beneath the bedstead. The mesh may be connected to the sides
of the bedstead by hooks M. or other suitable means.
The action is thus. When required say, to elevate the movable rest B. the
handle is fitted on to the revolving screw H, and turned forwards which causes
the horizontal levers F. to be pushed backwards thus raising the levers E. and
rest; and when lowering the same by turning the handle the reverse way obviously
the horizontal levers work forwards by the action of the revolving screw, when the
rest will lie in a plane with the bed bottom if desired.
By these arrangements effective means are provided whereby the head and
shoulders of the patient can be raised or lowered easily and without discomfort.
In some cases I adapt my improvements so that they may be applied to a spring
mattress when a separate frame will be used but the details of construction will be
similar to the above described.
It will be readily understood that I may vary the construction and general details
of my invention without departing from the principle of the same.
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
First. In the manufacture of invalids bedsteads the construction and arrangement
of movable rest actuated by means of levers as shewn and revolving screw and
handle for the purpose substantially as herein set forth and described.
Second. In the manufacture of invalids bedsteads and mattresses, the construction
and arrangement herein described.
Third. The general construction and combination of parts forming my improve-
ments or other similar acting arrangements for the purpose herein set forth and
described.
Tad his hoof C
AD 1801
EDWD. J. PAYNE & SON,
104, Colmore Row, Birmingham, Agents for the Applicant.