IMPROVEMENTS IN BEDS OR COUCHES APPLICABLE FOR SURGICAL PURPOSES
Year: 1885

page_text: I, GEORGE WOODBURN of 45 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Cabinet Maker, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BEDS OR COUCHES APPLICABLE FOR SURGICAL PURPOSES," and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The object of this invention is to provide a bed or couch the height of which
from the floor may be altered at pleasure, either with or without a person sitting
or reclining thereon. It is intended more particularly for doctors and surgeons use
though it may be used by invalids and others. It is known that many patients
object to or are unable to mount onto a high couch, while at the same time a
doctor, surgeon, or other operator may find it more convenient to have his subject
raised up to a considerable height to facilitate his operation, and it is further
desirable that the height can be altered, either raised or lowered as required.
This invention consists in making a bed, couch, or other similar article, so that
its height may be altered to suit the convenience of the operator.
Referring to the drawings.
Figure 1, Elevation of couch made according to my invention the bottom part
being partly in section.
Figure 2 End elevation enlarged showing the actuating mechanism.
Figure 3 Part plan enlarged with top part of couch removed.
A is a framework of ordinary construction with legs or feet a resting on the
ground to sustain the weight of the couch. To this framework I fit a second
framework B which is covered in any ordinary or known way to form the bottom
of the bed or couch. To this second framework I attach one or more, preferably
A metal
four, racks C extending downward from beneath towards the floor.
frame D is fitted transversely across the framework A at the head and foot of the
couch. Two shafts E run longitudinally between the framework A and are carried
in bearings d in the frame D. The racks C work in slides c in the frame D; these
slides serve as guides in the upward and preferably perpendicular movement of the
racks which as they rise raise the movable frame B. Pinions F fixed to the
shafts E gear with the racks C. These pinions are actuated by a handle G on a

page_text: transverse shaft H which carries a worm I gearing into a worm wheel J connected
to which is a pinion ; which gears into one of the pinions F. The pinions F are
geared together at the foot and head of the couch as shown.
The head or arm K of the couch I make in two parts hinged at k so that when
an operation has to be performed on any part of the head, particularly the eye of
the patient, the operator may be able by turning it back as shown in dotted lines
to so place his subject with the head drawn back that he can get completely over
or round it. When not required for this purpose or when the couch is not in use
the part K will be placed in normal position.
The centre L of the couch is hinged at 7 and may be raised up for a support for
the back or for special cases.
The invention is not limited to the exact details herein shown, as it is evident
that such may be varied as circumstances may require. The actuating shafts may
be placed transversely or instead of four racks a less number may be used and
slides passing into the legs or supports may be substituted.
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
1st. A bed or couch applicable for surgical, purposes having a fixed and a movable
framework one of which is provided with lifting wheels or pinions, and the other
with racks engaging with said pinions, by means of which the movable frame is
supported raised or lowered substantially as described.
2nd. A couch applicable for surgical purposes, having hinged head or arm which
may be folded down and form a bearing or rest for the head of the patient,
substantially as described and shown.
3rd. A couch applicable for surgical purposes arranged and constructed sub-
stantially as and for the purposes described.