CERTAIN APPARATUS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE HUMAN BODY
Year: 1839

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPH
AMESBURY, of Burton Crescent, in the Parish of Saint Pancras, and County
of Middlesex, Surgeon, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Twentieth day of March, One thousand eight hundred and
thirty-nine, in the second year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said Joseph Amesbury, Her especial licence,
full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Joseph Amesbury, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Joseph Ames-
bury, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and
no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of
"CERTAIN APPARATUS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE HUMAN BODY;" in which said
Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said Joseph Amesbury,
shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her said
Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in
and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Joseph Amesbury, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention,

page_text: and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly shown
and described in and by the Drawings hereunto annexed, and the following
description thereof (that is to say) :-
:-
In the course of my experience as a medical and surgical practitioner I
have found that not only the bony structure, but in many cases also the soft
parts of the human body, require well-adapted support, sometimes for ease
and comfort, and sometimes as a remedy for the prevention or removal of
disease. These cases arrange themselves into several classes, which are for the
most part distinguishable by their causes, and the removal of the effects of
which require the assistance of mechanical support. That part of my Inven-
tion which I call my "simple support" is used instead of the common stays,
and its advantages consist in giving comfortable support to the abdomen in
children, growing persons, and others, in whom it is desirable to effect this
purpose, and at the same time to increase the capacity of the chest. In
certain cases of slight unnatural fulness of the abdomen, with or without
flattening of the sides of the chest, this support is used with a curative
intention. In these cases it exerts a gentle pressure upon the abdomen, and
is found highly beneficial in enlarging the chest, in restoring the natural
figure of the body, and the healthy action of the affected parts. Figure 1 in
the annexed Drawing represents this "simple support" as it is commonly
employed. It is for the most part composed of the usual materials employed
in the structure of stays or corsets, but with the following variations :-A, A,
in Figure 1, represent gaps made by cutting out angular pieces in the lower
front part of the body support here shewn, and which can be opened or closed
more or less, as required in use, by the following contrivance:-B, B, repre-
sent three tapes, which are firmly secured at one end of each to the insides of
the gaps A, A, and are passed through eyelet holes formed on the outer sides
of the gaps A, A. They are then united together and attached to two stronger
tapes C, C, which are passed through a loop in front D, and can be tied tighter
or slacker as may be required. Buckles E, E, E, and corresponding straps
F, F, F, are affixed on the back parts of this support, and on putting it upon
the body of the wearer the two lower straps should be loosely fastened to
their corresponding buckles, the arrangement of tapes in the front of the sup
port having been also previously loosened. The arrangement of tapes at the
bottom of the front should then be tied sufficiently close over the lower end of
the front spring G, G, (which is here shown as inclosed or covered, but is shown
separately in Figures 2 and 3,) to keep this part of the spring close against the
lower part of the abdomen, and when this is done the back of the support is
to be comfortably fastened by means of the buckles and straps or laces, so as

page_text: to leave the upper part which surrounds the chest rather looser upon the body
than the lower part which covers the abdomen. In Figure 1 the back parts
are represented as being to be secured together partly by buckles E, E, E,
and straps F, F, F, and partly by eyelet holes and a lace; but they may also
be secured by buckles and straps only, and be properly padded underneath,
and as shewn at E, E, E, E, E, in Figure 5. Figure 4 represents a front
view of tempered steel back springs, which are introduced into the support,
Figure 1, at H, H, H, H. These springs may be either bent or straight, as
may suit the state and condition of the wearer and the object to be accom-
plished. In cases where the shoulder blades are prominent, approaching to
deformity, it better to employ straps and buckles to close the back of the
support, instead of doing it partly by straps and buckles and partly by lacing,
on account of the greater command which straps and buckles afford in main-
taining the shoulder blades in their natural positions. The arrangement above
described enables me not only to give general support to the body, but also to
produce partial pressure where it is required, for the purpose of affording
comfortable support, or correcting incipient deformity, or removing local
disease.
Another part of my said Invention consists in an apparatus to be applied in
greater degrees of abdominal fulness, and to which the apparatus just described
is not so applicable. This fulness may arise from constitutional debility, partial
weakness of the muscles, internal disease, or other causes. This apparatus is
nearly similar to that already described, but is provided with additional
contrivances to render it more applicable and effectual in various cases where
the enlargement is greater. Figure 6 represents this support. Here the
gaps A, A, are extended higher up, and are closed more or less, partly by
means of laces I, I, and tapes J, J, which are independent of each other;
the tapes being intended to confine the lower part of the support firmly, whilst
the laces I, I, admit of partial self-adjusting and regulating pressure through
the whole extent of those laces. In cases, however, where it is desirable to
compress the parts more or less and still more partially, as in certain cases of
tumour or rupture, I effect this object by substituting buckles and straps in
place of laces, and as shown in Figure 7, where, however, tapes are likewise
shewn for confining the lower part of the support. In other respects this
support is made similar to that already described. In some cases, where it
might be desirable to give additional strength to the upper portion of the
steel busk G, represented separately at Figures 8 and 9, I add an extra piece
of tempered steel K, as represented in Figure 10 viewed in front, and
Figure 10 sideways. This additional piece is united with the other part by

page_text: means of rivets or otherwise. This support may also be secured behind,
either by straps and buckles and a lace, or entirely by straps and buckles, and
as shewn at Figures 11 and 31. Figure 12 is an edge view of one of the
two back springs H, H. This support is used, in the cases above mentioned,
with a curative intention, and with the most beneficial effect, as by its
influence the protruding abdomen is supported and gradually reduced to its
natural figure. In cases of mesenteric disease, accompanied with a great
degree of abdominal enlargement, and with, or without flattening of the sides
of the chest, its curative influence is very remarkable. This state of the
abdomen, which frequently resists all other remedial agents, readily yields
under the operation of my "reducing support." In cases of abdominal rupture
and in cases of weakness of the abdomen, accompanied with protrusion, my
reducing support" will be found a great relief and benefit in sustaining and
strengthening the parts affected. In the case of pregnancy many persons
require the front of the body to be supported, and numerous contrivances
have been introduced to accomplish this desirable object, but hitherto with
little advantage to the wearer. During this state of the body it is
necessary to be especially careful that the support which is given be easy and
comfortable, and at the same time safe. The apparatus used should assist the
wearer in sustaining the weight without injurious pressure.
a
After childbirth
also there is commonly a degree of fulness and laxity of the abdomen which
frequently cannot be removed without a well-adapted support. I have been
enabled to succeed in my endeavours to relieve the female under these circum-
stances who may stand in need of support, either before or after childbirth, by
the use of my "adjustable support," which is worn as long as is desirable. By
means of my improved support the weight of the child is carried as it were in
pouch, which either adapts itself or admits of being adapted to suit the
varying form of the wearer, and by a peculiar arrangement the weight of the
child is in a great measure transferred by the use of this support from the
front of the body of the mother to the back of her hips, where it is more
easily carried. The adjustable support admits of being adapted by the mother
herself to suit her own feelings, and so as to support the front of the body
without injury to the child. After delivery the adjustable support allows of
being easily accommodated to suit the altered condition of the body, and should
then be made to bear upon the front of the abdomen, so as to assist in the
restoration of the muscles and other parts which have been stretched and
weakened during the progress of pregnancy. Figure 13 is a representation of
this "adjustable support" viewed nearly in front; and Figure 14 the same
viewed from behind, and showing its various parts in connection; Figure 15

page_text: represents the inside of the upper front, and also the binder and side parts;
and Figure 16 is an inner view of the front and lower part shown separately.
The back of this support nearly agrees with those represented in Figures 6
and 11, and may be secured either by buckling and lacing or buckling only,
HI, II, being the back springs or supports. In order, however, to render the
construction and connection of these two parts, Figures 15 and 16, more
evident, I have added another, Figure 17, representing a displayed view of
this support seen in front, and it is further illustrative of the manner in which
the different parts are connected. L, L, in Figures 13, 14, 15, and 17,
represent portions of the support intended to cover the hips of the wearer;
and M, M, Figures 13, 16, and 17, the lower front or abdominal portion of
it, and which is united with the back parts by means of the hip portion L, L,
and with straps and buckles or otherwise. In order to enable the wearer to
accommodate this support to the variable changes of the abdomen, I have
invented an extending, contracting, and adjustable steel busk, shown at Figure
18, composed of two principal portions N and O, shown with the two parts in
connection in Figure 18, which is a front view, and sideways in Figure 19, the
lower part N being likewise shown in its place in Figure 16. The two parts
N and O are united by means of screws and nuts P and Q, Figures 18 and
19. The screw and nut P, when fitted on, are so managed as to allow the
parts N and O to slide upon each other, but the screw and nut Q are made
capable of being bound tight in the manner now to be described. The upper-
most letter Qin Figure 20 represents the binding screwed nut as having two
gaps or notches in it to receive the fork or key R, shewn in front in Figure 21,
and sideways in Figure 22. In order to prevent the screw Q from turning
round in the act of tightening the screwed nut Q, a web or fin is formed
upon it, which is fitted into a hole Q, seen in Figure 23, and secured there by
riveting with a pin the nut to the part Q, in which is seen a hole by the side
of the hole Q, to receive the pin after it has passed through a hole in the head
of the screw. The screw then enters into the slit made in the part N, and
then has fixed upon it a screwed nut, which has two gaps in it for the con-
venience of turning it with the key R, Figure 21. After the screwed nut is
put on, the end of the screw is lightly spread out by hammering it, to prevent
the screwed nut from coming entirely off and being lost. The screw P and
its screwed nut are likewise applied nearly in a similar manner to the upper
end of the lower part of the spring busk N, as shown separately in Figure 18*,
but as its screwed nut need not be moved upon the screw so it has no gaps
or notches made in it for the key R to enter. S, S, in Figures 18 and 23,
represent two clips formed on the edge of the lower end of the piece O, and

page_text: made to fit the piece N, and which must be slidden underneath them previous
to affixing the binding nuts P and Q; by this arrangement it will be seen
that the parts O and N of the busk are capable of being extended and
contracted lengthways as required in use, and being retained at any required
length by tightening the binding screwed nut Q. Small holes are provided
near the outer edges of the parts N and O of the busk for the purpose of
affixing it by means of silk or thread stitches to the other parts of this support.
In order to show one of the alterations made in the general shape of the
adjustable steel busks, Figures 18 and 27, by sliding the two parts N and O of
them upon each other, I have given a representation of one of them upon a
greater scale at Figures 32 and 33, Figure 32 representing it in the lengthened
state, and Figure 33 as when shortened. I have likewise shown by dotted
lines, in Figure 32, the alteration above mentioned, as it would be quite
impossible to show the very numerous changes which occur in lengthening and
shortening it, but which I find in my practice to be most admirably suited to
the changes of shape continually occurring during the progress of pregnancy,
as well also to the total alteration of form in the abdomen afterwards. And I
can so regulate my adjustable steel busks as to meet these changes most
perfectly, and likewise accomodate the busks to the pleasurable feelings of
the wearer, a desideratum hitherto attempted in vain. In lengthening and
shortening these "adjustable steel busks " I likewise weaken and strengthen
them in particular places with great benefit, as for instance in Figure 32, the
part O becoming single on lengthening or extending the busk instead of being
double in that part N and O*, as shewn in Figure 33, or the shortened state
of it, it is evidently become more flexible or yielding than when that part of
it was double. On the contrary, by sliding the two springs N, O, upon each
other so as to shorten the busk, its strength is increased especially in its upper
part. This additional strength is afforded partly by the steel springs or plates
being doubled to a greater extent, and partly by the two curves N* and O*
oposing each other, as shewn in Figure 33, also in proportion; as the two parts
N and O are drawn out so as to increase the length of the busk, the whole
busk becomes weaker throughout, and these two actions of strengthening and
weakening are more or less in proportion to the lengthened or shortened state
of the busk. These alterations in strength or weakness are very important in
the use of the busk, as the wearer requires it to be in the strongest or most
unyielding state, and especially at its upper part when she needs it to be
shortened, as for instance after childbirth, and she also requires it to be weak
or yielding in its action throughout its whole length, as it should be from time
to time elongated during the process of pregnancy. The enlarged Figures at

page_text: 34 also afford an opportunity of showing the parts Q, Q, Q, of the screw and
screw nut Q more perfectly. The lower part of the piece N of the busk is
placed in a pocket T, provided for it in the abdominal portion M of the suppor,
and as shewn in Figures 13, 16, and 17, and to the upper inner edge of this
pocket T a strap U is attached, which is passed up within an enclosure formed
in the front of the upper portion of this support, as shewn in Figures 15, 17,
and 26 at V, together with the upper part O of the busk, and is then passed
through a horizontal slit made in the part O at W, as shewn in Figures 18,
23, and 26, and which said slit is rounded off at its edges to prevent it from
galling the strap U when passed through it by means of a plate of metal X which
is affixed to the busk for that purpose. It also passes through a horizontal slit
made in the front part of the support, as shewn in Figures 17 and 26, and is
then passed through a buckle Y, which is affixed to the upper part of the
abdominal portion M, M, of this support, used as shown in Figures 13, 16, and
17. Care should be taken before this support is applied to the body of the
wearer to adjust the parts N and O of the front spring or busk to a proper.
length suitable to the person. If the busk should be too long or too short
the locking or binding nut Q, which is placed in the middle of the fore part of.
the busk under the loose abdominal portion M of the front of the support, should
be unscrewed a little by means of the key R; when the screwed nut has been
turned usually about once round the upper and lower portions of the busk will
be loosened, and then the part N below the nut should be shifted upon the
part O above or be drawn out from time to time, as may be required. When
the busk is thus adjusted to its proper length the parts N, O, of it should be
locked or bound together by turning the screwed nut Q in the opposite
direction; as soon as this is done and all the side straps, tapes, and laces are
loosened the support is ready for use. In applying this support the wearer
should place the front of it low upon the body, and then introduce the two
lower straps F, F, behind, as shewn in Figure 17, within their corresponding
buckles E, E; when this is done the tapes J, J, shown in Figures 13 and 17,
should be tied over the lower end of the busk, and as shown in Figure 13,
and where there is a loop fixed through which one or both of them should be
passed to keep them in their place; these tapes should be tied sufficiently
tight to bring the lower end of the busk close to the body. The whole of the
back parts of the support should then be fastened comfortably close by means
of straps and buckles, or straps and buckles and a lace, as seen in the view of
the hinder part of the support, Figure 14; next the gaps Z, Z, Figure 15,
must be comfortably secured by lacing in the manner shewn in Figures 13
and 17; and, lastly, the side straps a, a, &c. of the abdominal portion M

page_text: must be secured in their corresponding buckles b, b, b, &c., as shewn in Figures
13, 14, and 17, and the upper tapes c, c, of the abdominal portion M be
passed round the body and tied in front in that manner which is felt the most
agreeable, the cloth or other material forming the abdominal portion of the
support being kept in a state of tension upwards by means of the strap U and
buckle Y, as seen in the side view, Figure 25, and in the front view, Figure 13.
The breast covers d, d, in Figures 18, 15, and 17, are secured by means of
tapes, buttons, and button holes, or any other manner. In order the more
conveniently to remove the busk N, O, from the cloth or other materials of
the support, as may be desirable for the purpose of washing them, instead
of securing it thereto by stitching, in the manner above described, I have
provided holes in the parts N and O, as shewn at e, e, e, &c., in Figure 27, and
corresponding eyelet holes are formed through the interior and exterior
coverings of cloth, through which and through the holes in the busk, tapes
must be passed and be firmly secured by tying in front. ff, in Figures 13
and 17, represent flaps of clothing intended to close the apertures between the
hip and the abdominal portions of this support during the advanced period of
pregnancy; these are loosely and temporarily attached by means of ribbons
or otherwise, and may be removed when not required. In some cases it is
desirable to sustain the whole line of the human body or trunk by means
which allow of great facility of application without altering the proper adjust-
ments by which the support is made to act upon the particular parts. I attain
this object by using two back springs or standards j, j, Figure 28, which in
use can be drawn together or made to operate by straps and buckles placed
between them. Here the buckles for adjustment g, g, g, g, project laterally
from the right edge of one spring or standard and from the left edge of the
other, where they receive their corresponding straps h, h, h, h, which are
attached to the cloths or other soft materials of the support; the buckles and
straps or other fastenings, such as buttons and button holes, or systems of
laces and eyelet holes, or any other arrangements which will not derange the
proper action and effect of the adjusting straps and buckles used in putting on
or taking off the support, are placed between these two springs, as seen at i, i
where buckles and straps are employed. This Figure 28 is taken from
Figure 92 annexed to the Specification of my former Patent, entitled "Certain
Apparatus for the Relief or Correction of Stiffness, Weakness, or Distortion
of the Spine, Chest, or Limbs," dated the Fourth day of April, One thousand
eight hundred and thirty-seven; but with these exceptions the adjusting buckles
and straps g, h, Figure 8, are carried all the way up the back instead of
being partly buckles and straps and partly laces, as shewn in Figure 92 of my.

page_text: former Patent, as above referred to, and two steel springs or standards are
employed in place of one only, as shewn in Figure 92. I can also provide a
means for facilitating the opening or closing this support in front as well as
behind without disturbing the adjusting buckles and straps, as follows:-Figure
29 represents the manner of accomplishing this object; k, k, k, k, represent.
the places of two steel busks or springs affixed in the usual manner to the
cloths forming the soft materials of the support. These standards or springs
can be united or brought together and retained by means of buckles and.
straps, as shewn at 7, 1, in that Figure 29, or else by buttons and button holes,
or by systems of laces and eyelet holes, or be tied or fixed in any other
manner which will not alter or derange the proper action and effect of the
adjusting straps and buckles, which are in this case placed behind in the
manner shewn in Figure 92 of my former Patent, but with this exception,
that the back spring or standard has buckles all the way up, as shewn in
Figure 30. I use that part of my apparatus which I have called my "simple
support," Figure 1, in slight cases of abdominal fulness where support is
required; where there is a greater fulness I employ what I call my "reducing
support," Figures 6 and 7; this differs from my "simple support," Figure 1,.
in the arrangement of the laces, as in Figure 6, or buckles and straps in the
front, as in Figure 7, and by which arrangement the support is better adapted
to produce the effect for which it is applied. This arrangement of laces or of
buckles and straps enables the operator or the wearer to act gradually upon
the protuberant abdomen or upon tumours projecting from the abdomen, as in:
cases of large rupture, as the circumstances of the different conditions of the
parts may require. This support operates like the former one in giving a
steady support to the abdomen in cases where it is applicable without bearing:
or pressing unnecessarily upon the chest. My adjustable support," par-
ticularly shewn in Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, is contrived for cases in
which the protuberance of the abdomen is still greater or the tumour more
extensive, and where variations in the shape to a still greater extent are likely
to take place. In cases of unnatural curvature of the spine I combine parts
of either of the above-described contrivances, as the case may require, with
some of the parts of my apparatus which I use in cases of spinal curvature,
and which I call my "spine support," and which will be found described at.
large in my former Patent above referred to, but in which no particular
provisions are shewn to adapt it to the several conditions of the abdomen or
soft parts of the body, for which support my present Patent is especially but
not exclusively obtained. In Figure 29 the exterior or outward adjusting:
straps h, h, h, h, are similar to those shown in Figure 28, and as also seen in
16

page_text: 33
Figures 82 and 92 of my former Patent, the lower straps 104 being likewise
similar to those in Figures 82. and 92; so likewise the shoulder pieces 100,
Figure 84, and 100, 100, Figure 29, are similar in the two. Patents, but with
slight variations made to adapt them to the particular cases; for instance, I
have now under my care married ladies having spinal distortions and who are
also in a state of pregnancy, and consequently require a support adapted to
both those cases. In these more complex cases I employ parts of my "spine-
support," which are already shewn and described in Figures 29 and 30, and.
which are particularly indicated by the letters g, h, i, j, and also by 100, 100,
and 104, 104, in Figure 29. These parts of my "spine support
are used in
connection with those parts of my "adjustable support" shewn and described
in. Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, & 17, with the adjustable spring shown at
Figure 18. In these cases the compound body support might be closed up
behind in the manner shown in Figure 28, or with one standard only, as is
shown at Figure 92 of my former Patent, as for spinal curvature.
The parts
of the front of this compound body support are to be adjusted and used in the.
same manner as the separate parts already described are to be used in cases.
of pregnancy or otherwise, and where no distortion of the spine exists. In.
cases of considerable enlargement of the abdomen, but which, however, may
not be such as to require the use of the adjustable spring, Figure 18, the con-
trivance of laces and tapes shown at A, A, and J, J, Figure 6, or the buckles
and straps and tapes, shown in Figure 7, might be used in connection with
those parts of the spinal support above described or alluded to. By this
arrangement the support might be better adapted to the particular case under.
treatment. In slight cases of protuberance of the abdomen, the apparatus
shown at A, A, and C, C, in Figure 1, may be advantageously adapted to the
"spine support," and used in connection wit it.
I now proceed to declare, firstly, that I disclaim the right to the exclusive
use of any part or parts of the said apparatus separately which part or parts
were previously known and in use.
Secondly, I disclaim the exclusive right to the use of any of the various parts
of the said apparatus, however variously constructed, and which are herein-
mentioned and described, that were previously known and in use, except when
I use the said part or parts in new and useful combination or combinations.
Thirdly, I disclaim the exclusive right to the use of any of the different
materials of which the various parts of the said apparatus are composed,
excepting so far as the said materials are used by me in the construction of
such part or parts of the said apparatus as are new in principle, or in new and
useful combination or combinations.

page_text: Fourthly, I claim the various apparatus herein described in new and useful
combinations together, or in various new and useful combinations suitable to the
circumstances of each particular case; and such of the said apparatus or parts
thereof as I am entitled to claim to use separately, I claim so to use separately
and exclusively, as well as in new and useful combination or combinations
with other part or parts of the said apparatus herein mentioned and described.
Fifthly, I claim the exclusive right to the use of the old or known part or
parts of the said apparatus, so far as the same are or may be used in new and
useful combination or combinations with the said newly constructed part or
parts thereof therein described.
And, sixthly, I do hereby declare that the apparatus, as the same are herein
described, made, used, combined, and constructed, do together make up "my
apparatus for the support of the human body," or that part of the person
especially which is commonly called "the trunk."
Having thus described the construction of the various apparatus, and the
manner of their application in use, I now proceed to distinguish those parts
which I particularly claim, as believing the same to be new; and with the
exception of those parts which I do so claim, I expressly disclaim the other
portions of the said apparatus, except when used in new combinations as before
mentioned. In the apparatus shown in Figure 1, I claim the improvements
made in the parts indicated at A, A, B, B, C, C, in combination with the
buckles and straps indicated at E, E, E, F, F, F, and either with eyelet holes
above, as seen in this Figure, and which are used with laces in part to close
the back parts of this support, or with the buckles all up the back, as indicated
at E, E, &c., Figure 5, with their corresponding straps. I close up the back
partly with buckles and straps and partly with a lace, when the person is
slender and does not require the shoulders to be particularly supported; but
in cases where the person is fat or disposed to corpulency, and in cases of
slight malposition of the shoulders, to remedy which the shoulders require to
be especially supported, I use buckles and straps all up the back parts. When
this construction is employed, the support is made to produce upon the shoulders
and shoulder blades much of the effect of the common backboard, but for the
most part without its inconvenience or unsightly appearance.
In more
aggravated or extreme cases of malposition of the shoulders, I can produce a
more powerful effect by the addition of braces attached to the back parts of
the support; when these are used in connection with this support, they are
passed from the back parts round the shoulders, one round each shoulder, and
are then buckled together behind with that degree of tightness which the case
may require, and as shewn at Figure 31 at m, m. In either of these constructions,

page_text: combination, or several combinations, I claim these several parts in connection
with other parts which are usually made in common stays or corsets, and by this
combination or combinations I am able to give support to those parts of the
human body which need it, and without producing improper pressure upon any
part. I claim the exclusive use of this, which I call my "simple support," in its
various combinations in such cases as may indicate that its employment would
be useful to the wearer. I would here observe, that I can vary the modes of
closing the gaps shown at A, A, Figure 1, more or less by buckles and straps,
or by buttons and button holes, or by hooks and eyes, or by the sides being
tied together by several sets of tapes, and in a variety of other ways, as likewise
by the introduction of elastic cloth or by cloth with wire springs, &c., which
may be used with or without tapes or other comparatively unyielding fastenings,"
as above mentioned; but that plan which I have represented is the best,
according to my present experience, for the comfort and benefit of the wearer.
I can also use for closing the back parts systems of tapes or laces or other
fastenings, but I know not of any construction or plan so good for this purpose
as those I have described. I also claim the mode of closing the lengthened
gaps shown at A, A, in the combination represented in Figure 6, by the tapes
and laces as at I, I, and J, J, or by straps and buckles and tapes, as shewn in
Figure 7, or by straps and buckles only, instead of straps and buckles and tapes
in combination with either or any of the modes of closing the back parts
already described, and as also shown in Figures 1, 5, 6, and 11, and with or
without braces attached to the back parts of the support, and used as above
described. I can also use for closing the gaps in front A, A, systems of tapes
or laces or other fastenings as above mentioned, as the same might be used for
closing the gaps in that combination of my apparatus shown in Figure 1, and
in other Figures illustative thereof. I use laces to close the gaps shewn in the
combination, Figure 6, with tapes or other partial fastenings at the bottom,
when the object is to give a general support to the abdomen from the lower to
the upper parts. And I use straps and buckles instead of laces, when the object
is to bear more especially upon particular parts of the abdomen, as in some cases
of rupture and of swellings or tumours. I also claim any local or partial strength-
ening or weakening of the steel busks by widening, narrowing, thickening, or
thinning them, or by applying additional plates or springs thereto, and as shown
at Figures 10 and 10%, and as the case may require, as new in principle and
useful in application, and either when applied with my patent "body supports,"
or independently. I also claim the partially strengthened steel busk as new
and useful in combination with those parts of my apparatus which I have already
claimed. The use of busks made upon these principles is to give greater

page_text: strength where it is needed, to prevent pressure where it is generally improper
to apply it, and to bear up or support the breasts in certain cases more
effectually, while at the same time greater flexibility is allowed in those parts
of the busks which in use are applied to the lower parts of the abdomen, and
where greater flexibility is in certain cases more especially required.
I likewise claim the compound alterable and conveniently adjustable steel
busks shown in Figures 18, 19, 27, and as shown in parts in Figures 18", 20,
23, 24, and on an enlarged scale in Figures 32, 33, and 34, and whether used
separately or in combination with those parts of my apparatus shown in
Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 25, and as herein described, and also in
combination with parts of "my spine support," as described in my former
Patent above mentioned, and as shown in Figure 30, and also in Figure 29
at 100, 100, and 104, 104, and at h, h, and with parts also indicated in
Figure 28, and already described in my former Patent, as the same might be
applicable; but in the latter Figure 28 there is likewise provided an additional
central set of straps and buckles, shewn at i, i, for the convenience of putting
on and taking off the support without disturbing the adjustment of the
buckles and straps g, h, and which said arrangement I likewise claim with
or without its combination with other parts of my "body supports." By the
contrivance of central straps and buckles the wearer is enabled to put on or take
off the support without disturbing the arrangement of the side straps and
buckles as determined by the operator. This central arrangement of straps
and buckles might be used in connection with parts of my "spinal support,"
or with my adjustable busks and other parts of my "body supports," as may
be required. I claim the adjustable busks as being new in principle and
combination in their various applications to the human body, the principle
being extension or contraction in length, and weakening or strengthening the
busks as may be required in use.
I likewise claim the enabling the operator or wearer, as the case may
require, to regulate and adjust the position of the abdominal portion of my
apparatus, shown separately in Figure 16, and in combination in Figures 13
and 14.
I also claim the abdominal portion, Figure 16, in its combinations with
the adjustable busks, and as the same are connected with the upper, back,
and lateral parts of my apparatus, already claimed, in combination or com-
binations, or as the said abdominal portions and busks are combined with
those parts shown in Figure 15, and in combination in Figures 13, 14, 17,
and with the several modes of fastening the back parts, already claimed, in

page_text: combination, and also with the several modes of connecting the lateral part
of the abdominal portion with the other parts of my apparatus, shown in
Figures 13, 14, 15, and 17, and as either of those several modes, connections,
or any of them, might be applicable to the particular case or cases; I, how-
ever, prefer the plan of laces and tapes, as partly shewn in Figure 6, for
connecting the abdominal portion laterally to the other parts of my apparatus,
or of straps, buckles, and tapes, as seen in Figure 13.
I also claim the gaps represented in the front and middle part of my
apparatus at Z, Z, Figure 15, and as also shown with connecting laces in
Figures 13 and 17.
"
I also claim the arrangement of central straps, buckles, and springs in front, as
shown at k, l, k-k, l, k, in Figure 29, in connection with my "spinal support,"
in order to enable the wearer to put on or take off the support with more
facility than when straps and buckles behind are employed, and also without
disturbing the arrangement of the side adjusting straps and buckles, as
. determined by the operator, and as in connection with parts of my body
supports. In Figure 29 are also seen two gaps A, A, closed by means of
straps, buckles, and tapes, and which may be used when required. These
several supports, each being complete in itself for the particular use to which
it is applied, form together my apparatus for the support of the human body,
as the same may be applicable separately or in combination, and especially to
that part of the person usually termed the trunk or body, and either in health
or diseased. It will be seen from what I have before stated that I have
provided for the support of the human body in various conditions in which
the same individual may be found at different periods of life. For instance,
at one time a female may require that combination of my apparatus which
I have called my "simple support;" afterwards, from an alteration in her
condition, she might stand in need of a variation more suited to her altered
condition, and which she might procure in that variation of my apparatus
which I term my "reducing support." This might serve its purpose for the
time. Then again, from a further alteration in her state, she may require
a still greater variation in the needful apparatus to meet the altered cir-
cumstances which have taken place in her body, and which she may find in
that variation and combination of my apparatus which I have named my
"adjustable support." In the case, however, of spinal deformity likewise
existing at the time she would find assistance in the combinations of my
spinal with my body supports. These combinations of my spinal with my
body supports I also claim as new, as the same are suited to such cases. In

page_text: general appearance certain combinations of my apparatus vary but little from
the ordinary stays or corsets, but in mechanical effect they differ much from
them, giving to the wearer or the operator the power of producing a modified
and easily determined degree of effectual support or bearing upon those parts
of the body which in the female especially are considered to require it, without
necessarily bearing upon other parts of the body where pressure is not needed,
and might even be injurious. This principle of combination I claim as new.
in its application to stays or corsets. My "body supports," which I claim as
new in their several combinations, are made upon this principle; and in
carrying it into effect I combine in my Invention parts of the ordinary stays
or corsets which are useful in mechanical action with my newly invented
parts, thus producing apparatus having the general form of stays or corsets,
but which in use are found much more comfortable and advantageous to the
wearer, and by which the injurious consequences the ordinary stays are
deemed to produce can be easily avoided. The several combinations above
mentioned may be made with the shoulder braces above described, and used
to supply the place and produce the effects of abdominal belts and of back-
boards, as the same may be required, and have been used separately with
stays or otherwise. I claim the several body supports herein mentioned as
combinations each of which might be made to produce certainly and effectu-
ally the advantages hitherto sought to be obtained by abdominal belts, back-
boards, and the ordinary stays worn together. I can produce by either of
my body supports, made to suit the particular case, as above stated, the
benefits hitherto sought to be obtained by three independent apparatuses,
namely, the ordinary stays, backboards, and abdominal belts, and which
might also be made and advantageously used for all the objects sought to be
obtained by ordinary stays or corsets separately, the ordinary stays and back-
boards, or the ordinary stays and backboards and abdominal belts when worn
together. This principle of combination I claim as new, and include the
same in my Invention. I claim also the privilege of using any material or
materials that may be fit and proper in the construction of my supports
herein mentioned, as the same may be required in their several combinations.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Amesbury, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of September, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.
JOSEPH (L.S.) AMESBURY.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Nineteenth day of September, in
the third year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, the said Joseph
Amesbury came before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and
acknowledged the instrument aforesaid, and all and every thing therein con-
tained and specified, in form above written. And also the instrument aforesaid
was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made in the fifty-fifth year
of the reign of His late Majesty King George the Third.
Inrolled the Twentieth day of September, One thousand eight hundred
and thirty-nine.