IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSABLE FRAMEWORK OF WOOD OR IRON WHICH MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR FORMING PORTABLE BEDSTEADS, HOUSES, PARTS OF HOUSES, OR BRIDGES, AND OTHER SIMILAR STRUCTURES WHICH MAY OCCASIONALLY BE REQUIRED TO BE REMOVED FROM PLACE TO PLACE WITH FACILITY, ECONOMY AND DISPATCH
Year: 1853

page_text: In the Matter of a Patent granted to JEAN BAPTISTE LEVANCHY, of
Tannidge, in the Kingdom of Savoy, Machinist, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSABLE FRAMEWORK
OF WOOD OR IRON WHICH MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR FORMING PORTABLE
BEDSTEADS, HOUSES, PARTS OF HOUSES, OR BRIDGES, AND OTHER SIMILAR
STRUCTURES WHICH MAY OCCASIONALLY BE REQUIRED TO BE REMOVED FROM
PLACE TO PLACE WITH FACILITY, ECONOMY, AND DISPATCH," bearing
date the Twenty-ninth day of January, One thousand eight hundred
and fifty-three; and which said Letters Patent and all interest
therein have duly assigned to and are now vested in Charles
Bradlaugh, late of Elysium Villa Park, Tottenham, in the County
of Middlesex, now of No. 12, St. Helen's Place, in the City of
London, Gentleman.
LAIMER proposed to be entered by the said Charles Bradlaugh, as
such Assignee as aforesaid, pursuant to the Statutes in that case made
and provided.
HEREAS I, the said Charles Bradlaugh, have been advised that it is
tful whether those parts of the Invention which are described in the

page_text: Specification to the said Letters Patent, and shewn by Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, and 14 of the Drawings annexed to the Specification are new, I
for this reason wish to disclaim and I do hereby disclaim all parts of the said
Specification which describe and claim such parts of the said Invention; and
for the reason aforesaid I wish to disclaim and do hereby disclaim those parts 5
of the title of the said Letters Patent which are in the words following:-
Houses, parts of houses, and other similar structures which may occasionally
"be required to be removed from placé to place with facility, economy, and
despatch."
"
86
And in order that the effect of the Disclaimer may be better understood, I 1
annex a copy of the Specification as it will appear when such Disclaimer has
been made. as aforesaid.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the Twenty-ninth day of July, One thousand eight hundred and fifty- 1
three.
1
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JEAN
BAPTISTE LAVANCHY, of Tannidge, in the Kingdom of Savoy, Machinist, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters 2
.Patent, bearing date the Twenty-ninth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the sixteenth year of Her
reign, did, for -Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, Her special license that I, the said Jean
Baptiste Lavanchy, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others 2
as I, the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, my executors, administrators, and
'assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the 'term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Inven- 3
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE "CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSABLE FRAMEWORK OF
WOOD OR IRON, WHICH MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR FORMING PORTABLE BEDSTEADS OR
BRIDGES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Jean Baptiste
Lavanchy, by an instrument 'in writing under my hand and seal, should par-
ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what 3
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to 'be filed in the
Great Seal Patent 'Office within six calendar months 'next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, do hereby
declare the nature of my said 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 hereunto annexed,
and to the figures and letters marked thereon (that is to say):→
The object of this Invention is by the employment of a collapsable frame-
work constructed in a peculiar manner, and made either of wood or iron, to
be enabled to construct bedsteads and bridges in such a manner that they may
be closed up, and thereby be made to go into a small space when required to be
removed, and when brought to the spot where they are intended to be re-erected.
This operation or re-erection may be performed with facility by merely drawing
out the ends of the framework, which when extended and secured at both ends
will form a strong and firm structure suitable for the intended purpose. This
object is effected by constructing the framework of a series of levers combined
together on the principle of the lazy-tongs, and so arranged that the several
parts will shut up close, and when required for use may be extended out, and
when combined with other similar collapsable frames may form a structure of any
convenient length. In order to prevent too great a strain on the joints, stops
are placed at each end of all the levers so as to prevent them from extending
beyond a certain distance, and in some cases the frame is further strengthened
by adapting to the upper end a horizontal rail as an abutment or strut.
In constructing bridges the flooring or planking may without inconvenience
be attached to the levers, so as to fold up with them in a similar way to the
parts of a fan or a Venetian blind. In this way a bridge of moderate span
may be carried about with convenience, and may be thrown across a river in
a few minutes after placing the framework in its closed up state in a boat,
barge, or other floating vessel, from which the ends of the framework are
extended to the shore, where they must be secured in any suitable
manner.
In the accompanying Drawings, Fig. 1, Sheet 1, is a side elevation of a bed-
stead constructed upon the improved system; in this Figure the collapsable
framework is shewn as extended; Figure 2 is a side view of the same, with the
framework closed up or collapsed; Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the bedstead
shewing the framework closed; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the bedstead divided into
as many compartments as may be required for a given number of persons;
Fig. 5 is a side view of one of the stretchers, which serve to divide the
bedstead into compartments and also to support the sacking.
The construction of the framework is so clearly shewn in the Drawing that
it is scarcely necessary to give any further description. I will therefore say

page_text: that each end of the levers. a, a, are provided with stops or studs b, .b, .which
will effectually prevent the framework from sinking in the middle, which it
cannot do until the pins or stops b, b, are broken or removed.. .Some of the
levers a, a, are jointed to the bedposts in any convenient and suitable
manner, and when the framework is extended the side rail c, c, serves to
steady it.
up,
In Sheet II. I have shewn my improvements as applied to the construction
of portable bridges. Fig. 15 represents the framework and other parts folded
and mounted on the deck of a boat or other floating vessel ready for use
in forming a bridge; Fig. 16 represents an elevation of the same, expanded
or drawn out as it would be when forming a bridge from one bank of a river.
to the opposite one; Fig. 17 is a transverse section of the same.
The framework of the bridge is constructed upon the same principle as that
already explained in reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, with addition to the
uprights ffff, which tend considerably to strengthen the structure, and also
serve as posts to support a hand rail, chain, or cord g, g, to prevent persons from
accidentally falling over. The upper pins h, h, h, h, of the levers or arms a, a,.
work in slots made in the uprights f, f, and in pins i, i, i, i, extend from side
to side of the framework, and serve to support. the platform or roadway j,j.j.j.
In order still further to support the roadway I have adapted a suspension
chain k, k, k, k, which extends from uprights 1, secured on shore to other
uprights m on the boat or floating vessel; from these suspension chains
descend vertical chains n, n, n, which are hooked on to and assist in
supporting the pins or horizontal rods i, i, which support the platform or
roadway.
· Having now described my Invention, and the best means with which I am
at present acquainted for carrying the same into effect, I would observe, in
conclusion, that I am aware that bedsteads, bridges, and other structures have
hitherto been made or constructed of a series or combination of levers, I do
not therefore mean or intend to claim the exclusive right for such purposes of
a framework composed of a combination or arrangement of levers, except
when constructed, combined, or arranged, substantially as herein shewn and
described, nor do I intend to confine myself rigidly to the precise arrangement
or construction of parts herein set forth and described, as they may perhaps be
varied without departing from the nature and object of my improvements;
'but that which I consider to be new and therefore wish to claim as the Inven-
tion secured to me by Letters Patent as aforesaid is, constructing collapsible
framework for the purposes herein shewn and described of a framework
composed of a combination. of levers or bars, so arranged that they are self-

page_text: supporting; I claim particularly the use and application of studs or pins to
the ends of such levers to act as stops to render the framework more rigid and
prevent it from giving way in the middle, as shewn and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, the Twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
supporting; I claim particularly the use and application of studs or pins to
the ends of such levers to act as stops to render the framework more rigid and
prevent it from giving way in the middle, as shewn and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, the Twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
J. B. LAVANCHY. (L.s.)
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Bradlaugh, have hereunto set
hand and coal this Eighth dox of July One thousand eight
Witness,
CECIL D. JOHNSON,
Clerk to M. R. Leverson,
12, St. Helen's Place, E.C.
C. BRADLAUGH. (L.B.)
0
Temple, July 9th, 1862.
WILLIAM ATHERTON,
Attorney General.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, of Tannige, in the
Kingdom of Savoy, Machinist, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSABLE FRAMEWORK OF WOOD OR
IRON, WHICH MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR FORMING PORTABLE BEDSTEADS,
HOUSES, PARTS OF HOUSES, OR BRIDGES, AND OTHER SIMILAR STRUCTURES,
WHICH MAY OCCASIONALLY BE REQUIRED TO BE REMOVED FROM PLACE TO
PLACE WITH FACILITY, ECONOMY, AND DESPATCH."
Sealed the 29th July 1853, and dated the 29th January 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jean Baptiste
Lavanchy at the Office. of the Commissioners of Patents, with
his Petition, on the 29th January 1852..
I, JEAN BAPTISTE LAVANCHY, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS. IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSABLE
FRAMEWORK OF WOOD OR IRON, WHICH MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR FORMING
PORTABLE BEDSTEADS, HOUSES, PARTS OF HOUSES, OR BRIDGES, AND OTHER
SIMILAR STRUCTURES, WHICH MAY OCCASIONALLY FE REQUIRED TO BE REMOVED
FROM PLACE TO PLACE WITH FACILITY, ECONOMY, AND DESPATCH," to be as
follows:-

page_text: The object of this Invention is by the employment of a collapsable
framework to be enabled to construct bedsteads, parts of houses,
bridges, and other similar structures in such a manner that they
may be closed up, and thereby be made to go into a small space
when required to be removed, and when brought to the spot where
they are intended to be re-erected the operation may be performed
with facility by merely drawing out the ends of the framework,
which, when extended and secured at both ends, will form a
strong and firm structure suitable for the intended purpose. This
object is effected by constructing the framework of a series of
levers combined together on the principle of the lazy tongs,
which will shut up close, and when required for use may be ex-
tended to any convenient length. In order to prevent too great a
strain on the joints stops are placed at each end of all the levers,
so as to prevent them from extending beyond a certain distance,
and in some cases the frame is further strengthened by adapting to
the upper end a horizontal rail as an abutment. In constructing
bridges the flooring or planking may without inconvenience be
attached to the levers, so as to fold up with them in a similar way
to the parts of a fan or a Venetian blind. In this way a bridge
of moderate span may be thrown across a river in a few minutes,
after placing the framework in its closed up state on a boat, barge,
or other floating vessel.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 29th July 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
JEAN BAPTISTE LAVANCHY, of Tannige, in the Kingdom of Savoy,;
Machinist, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-ninth day of January,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-
three, in the sixteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her

page_text: heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Jean
Baptiste Lavanchy, Her special license that I, the said Jean
Baptiste Lavanchy, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, my exccutors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF COLLAPSABLE FRAMEWORK OF
WOOD OR IRON, WHICH MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR FORMING PORTABLE
BEDSTEADS, HOUSES, PARTS OF HOUSES, OR BRIDGES, AND OTHER SIMILAR
STRUCTURES, WHICH MAY OCCASIONALLY BE REQUIRED то BE REMOVED
PROM PLACE TO PLACE WITH FACILITY, ECONOMY, AND DESPATCH," upon
the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Jean Baptiste
Lavanchy, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, do
hereby declare the nature of my said 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 hereunto annexed, and to the letters and
figures marked thereon (that is to say):
The object of this Invention is by the employment of a collapsable
framework, constructed in a peculiar manner, and made either of
wood, iron, or other suitable materials, to be enabled to construct
bedsteads, parts of houses, bridges, and other similar structures in
such a manner that they may be closed up, and thereby be made to
go into a small space when required to be removed, and when
brought to the spot where they are intended to be re-erected this
operation or re-erection may be performed with facility by merely

page_text: drawing out the ends of the framework, which, when extended and
secured at both ends, will form a strong and firm structure suitable
for the intended purpose. This object is effected by constructing the
framework of a series of levers combined together on the principle of
the lazy tongs, and so arranged that the several parts will shut up
close, and when required for use may be extended out, and when com-
bined with other similar collapsable frames may form a structure of
any convenient length. In order to prevent too great a strain on the
joints stops are placed at each end of all the levers,, so as to prevent
them from extending beyond a certain distance, and in some cases
the frame is further strengthened by adapting to the upper end a
horizontal rail as an abutment or strut. In constructing bridges
the flooring or planking may without inconvenience be attached to
the levers, so as to fold up with them in a similar way to the parts
of a fan or a Venetian blind. In this way a bridge of moderate
span may be carried about with convenience, and may be thrown
across a river in a few minutes, after placing the framework in its
closed up state on a boat, barge, or other floating vessel, from which
the ends of the framework are extended to the shore, where they
must be secured in any suitable manner.
In the accompanying Drawings I have shewn my improved con-
struction of collapsable framework as applied to various purposes.
Fig. 1, Sheet I., is a side elevation of a bedstead constructed upon the
improved system; in this Figure the collapsable framework is shown
as extended. Figure 2, is a side view of the same with the framework
closed up or collapsed. Fig. 3, is an end elevation of the bedstead
shewing the framework closed. Fig. 4, is a plan view of a bedstead
divided into as many compartments as may be required for a given
number of persons. Fig. 5, is a side view of one of the stretchers,
which serve to divide the bedstead into compartments, and also to
support the sacking. The construction of the framework is so
clearly shewn in the Drawing that it is scarcely necessary to give
any further description; I will only therefore say that each end of
the levers a, a, are provided with stops or studs b, b, which will
effectually prevent the framework from sinking in the middle, which

page_text: it cannot do until the pins or stops b, b, are broken or removed.
Some of the levers a, a, are jointed to the bed-posts in any convenient
and suitable manner, and when the framework is extended the side
rail c, c, serves to steady it. Fig. 6, is a back elevation, and Fig. 7,
an end view of a moveable expanding shield for protecting sol-
diers from musketry, leaving openings for them to shoot through.
Fig. 8, represents an elevation of a
shop shutter as seen from the
inside. It is constructed of plates of sheet iron, wood, or other
suitable material, which are raised and lowered by means of a chain
or chains. Fig. 9, is an edge or sectional view of the same; the
several plates d, d, of which the shutter is composed, are connected
together by the levers or bars a, a, one end of each of which is
jointed or secured to one of the plates of the shutter, while the
other end is provided with a stud which moves in a slot e made
in a bar which is fixed to the back of the shutter. Fig. 10, re-
presents the same arrangement applied to the end of a portable
house, which is constructed of plates of sheet iron, wood, or other
suitable material, and may be reduced to a small compass by col-
lapsing or closing up the levers or arms.
This Figure represents
the inner side of the house. Fig. 11, is a partial plan view of a
house constructed in this manner: the corners, roof, and angles of
the house are connected together by means of bolts, of which I pro-
pose to place three at each angle, but any other number may be
employed. Fig. 12, is a back view of an arrangement in which the
levers are so combined that, the several parts expand simultaneously
in both directions, that is, both vertically and horizontally; at the
same time. Fig. 13, is a front view of the same; and Fig. 14;
represents this construction or arrangement collapsed or closed up.
In Sheet II. I have shewn my improvements as applied to the
construction of portable bridges or other similar erections. Fig. 15;
represents the framework and other parts folded up and mounted
on the deck of a boat or other floating vessel ready for use in form
ing a bridge. Fig. 16, represents an elevation of the same expanded
or drawn out as it would be when forming a bridge from one bank
of a river to the opposite one. Fig. 17, is a transverse section of

page_text: the same.
The framework of the bridge is constructed upon the
same principle as that already explained in reference to Figs. 1, 2,
3, and 4, with the addition of the uprights ƒ, ƒ,ƒ,ƒ, which tend con-
siderably to strengthen the structure, and also serve as posts to
support a hand-rail, chain, or cord g, g, to prevent persons from
accidentally falling over. The upper pins h, h, h, h, of the levers
or arms a, a, work in slots made in the uprights f, f, and the pins
i, i, i, i, extend from side to side of the framework, and serve to
support the platform or roadway j,j,j, j. In order still further to
support the roadway I have adapted a suspension chain-k, k, k, k,
which extends from uprights l, secured on shore to other uprights
m on the boat or floating vessel; from these suspension chains
descend vertical chains n, n, n, which are hooked on to and assist
in supporting the pins or horizontal rods i, i, which support the
platform or roadway..
i
Having now described my Invention, and the best means with
which I am at present acquainted for carrying the same into effect,
I would observe, in conclusion, that I am aware that bedsteads,
bridges, and other structures have heretofore been made or con-
structed of a series or combination of levers; I do not, therefore,
mean or intend to claim the exclusive right for such purposes of a
framework composed of a combination or arrangement of levers,
except when constructed, combined, or arranged substantially as
herein shewn and described; nor do I intend to confine myself
rigidly to the precise arrangement or construction of parts herein
set forth and described, as they may, perhaps, be varied without
departing from the nature and object of my improvements; but
that which I consider to be new, and therefore wish to claim as the
Invention secured to me by Letters Patent as aforesaid, is, con-
structing collapsable framework for the purposes herein shewn and
described of a framework composed of a combination of levers or
bars so arranged that they are self-supporting. I claim particularly
the use and application of studs or pins to the ends of such levers
to act as stops to render the framework more rigid, and prevent
it from giving way in the middle, as shewn and described. I

page_text: claim also the use and application of the grooved or slotted bars to
which the levers are connected or jointed, and in the slots or
grooves of which certain of the joint pins of the levers are made
to work, and whereby the rigidity, strength, and firmness of the
structure is considerably increased.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jean Baptiste Lavanchy, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, the Twenty-ninth day of
July, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and fifty-three.
Witness,
FRED. WALKDEN,
66, Chancery Lane.
J. B. LAVANCHY. (L.s.)