A SYSTEM OF SKELETON OR FRAMEWORK WITH CONTINUOUS FREE AIR CURRENTS, APPLICABLE TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF SEATS. OF ANY DESCRIPTION, MATTRESSES, SADDLES, AND UPHOLSTERY GENERALLY,. WITH A VIEW TO RENDER THEM HYGIENIC
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Eugène Dufossé, of No. 1, Place Valenciennes, or
No. 35, Rue Lafayette, Paris, in the Empire of France, for the Invention
of "A SYSTEM OF SKELETON OR FRAMEWORK WITH CONTINUOUS FREE AIR
CURRENTS, APPLICABLE TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF SEATS.
OF ANY DESCRIPTION, MATTRESSES, SADDLES, AND UPHOLSTERY GENERALLY,.
WITH A VIEW TO RENDER THEM HYGIENIC.''
Scaled the 11th October 1860, and dated the 29th May 1860.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Eugène Dufossé at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and Declaration,
on the 29th May 1860, pursuant to the 9th Section of the Patent Law
Amendment Act, 1852.
I, EUGENE DUFOSSE, of No. 1, Place Valenciennes, or No. 35, Rue.
Lafayette, Paris, in the Empire of France, do hereby declare the nature of
my Invention for "A SYSTEM OF SKELETON OR FRAMEWORK WITH CONTINUOUS FREE.
AIR CURRENTS, APPLICABLE TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF SEATS OF
ANY DESCRIPTION, MATTRESSES, SADDLES, AND UPHOLSTERY GENERALLY, WITH A VIEW
TO RENDER THEM 'HYGIENIC,'" and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, that is to say:-
My first combination for applying or carrying into effect this Invention con-

page_text: sists in constructing a framework or skeleton having horizontal channels for
free air currents that are continuous and pass through these channels, which are
located between two leaves or boards of wood, which are cut either circular,
round, oval, or square, and both these boards or leaves having an aperture in
the centre which is either round, square, or oblong. These two leaves or boards
are kept apart by means of cross pieces or blocks, which are so placed as to
form either radial partitions, or may be inserted pillar-like by using glue, nails,
screws, bolts, or any other suitable mode of fastening. The said framework
being arranged in the manner described for moveable seat cushions ("ronds-
de-siége"), and also applicable to fixed seats of wood only, are shewn at
Figs. 5 & 21 of the accompanying Drawings. This framework may also have
on one side only (Fig. 2), or on two sides (Fig. 9), a portion bolstered up
with horsehair or other stuffing, or be covered with leather, cloth, or any
other fabric. It may also have a set of springs or half-springs of the coiled
or any other kind, both conical and cylindrical, according to the use it may
be intended for, or the expense that it may be intended to be incurred.
this is fully elucidated by Figs. 1 to 7 included.
All
The second application or mode of carrying my Invention into execution
consists in carrying the same channels for free continuous air currents, as
above, through a similar framework, which instead of being of wood is made of
iron or iron wire, steel, brass, or copper, which may be galvanized and tinned,
or not. This framework is formed of two double concentric hoops, which are
fastened together by radial cross pieces or spokes, as seen at Figs. 10 and 11,
and these two double hoops are kept apart by perpendicular tenons or uprights
(Figs. 14 and 15), which are made either of one or several pieces, the whole
being clasped, hitched, fastened, or tied together with or without adjustment, or
joined together with or without screws, with or without rivets, with or without
soldering, according to the arrangement which it is desired to obtain with
respect to elegance and economy. Said framework comprizes two parts, top
and bottom, fitted with elastic springs of any kind, such as coiled, cylindrical,
or conical, the springs being covered over with cloth, and the whole bolstered
with horsehair, and covered with cloth or leather of any description and design
according to taste and expense. The whole of this second arrangement is fully
shewn at Figs. 8 to 15.
:
The third application or mode of carrying this Invention into effect is
similar to the first, the frame being made of wood, but the under board is
dispensed with as the surface on which these moveable seat cushions (ronds-
de-siège") are placed is intended to act, instead of the second board (see
Ti 161

page_text: In the fourth application or mode of carrying this Invention into effect, the
free air currents are continuous, as before, and passing through horizontal
channels. The framework or skeleton may be round, oval, or square, as may
be found most convenient, but instead of wood or metal it is made up of india-.
rubber, india-rubber cloth, or such other material that the said framework,
whilst assuming a pocket or bag-like shape, may contain a vacuum; also it
may be run in one piece only, or made up of several pieces that are cast,
welded, or soldered, glued, stitched, or joined together in any suitable way;
also it may have an aperture through which air may be blown in or let out,
and which may be shut by means of a screw plug or any other suitable
device. Across the said framework or skeleton I arrange horizontal channels,
similar to those above described, lying in the middle of the empty space, and
extending from the inner periphery of the central aperture to the extremities,
and thus I obtain continuous free air currents radiating from the centre
to the outer portions, as seen at Fig. 17. These air channels are formed
by cross pieces or tubular rails, which may be round, square, or oval, and may
be placed or arranged either in a radial or in a circular position, as may be
found most suitable, and which may be made of the same or different material
as the skeleton frame, acting altogether as channels for continuous free air
currents, the same as above described, without any change either of system or
direction (see Figs. 17, 18, and 19.)
The fifth application or mode of carrying this Invention into effect com-
prizes the same arrangement as those above described, with this difference
only, that the system being applied to fixed seats, it is arranged between two
oblong boards having the same intermediate cross pieces; partitions, columns,
uprights, and also round openings, holes, apertures, the two boards being glued
and nailed together, and the whole being covered up or not in the same
manner as herein-before described under the first head. Figs. 20 and 21
relate to this application.
The sixth application or mode of carrying this Invention into effect com-
prizes the same arrangement of air channels with a similar modification to the
one described under the fifth head. This application refers to fixed seats, and
in it I use springs or half springs instead of partitions with cross pieces, rails,
or pillars; said springs or half-springs may be of the coiled, cylindrical,
conical, or helical kind, of copper, brass, steel, or iron, and are fixed, as above,
between two boards of round, oval, square, or oblong shape, as may be found
most suitable for fixed and moveable seats. In other respects the same system
of continuous and horizontal free air currents is used here as above (see
Figs. 22 and 23.)

page_text: The seventh application has the same arrangement as the one described
under the fifth head, and comprizes the same system, but the cross pieces are
made of wood or of metal, still retaining the air channels for free continuous
horizontal currents (see Figs. 24 to 29).
The eighth application has the same arrangement as the foregoing ones, and
as the fifth, relating to fixed seats also, with this difference only, that in this
application I substitute for the lower board receptacles placed under the upper
board. The framework and receptacles both are made of wood, iron, perforated
tin plate, zine, wire gauze, matting, twine, netting, fabrics, or any suitable
material whatever, the whole being arranged with several varieties of channels
for continuous free air currents, which do not differ as to principle and object
from those above described (see Figs. 30 and 31).
The ninth application involves the same arrangement of continuous free air
currents as those herein-before described applied to mattresses, especially for
the sick, one-third about, or more or less, of the length in the middle of the
inattress, and one-fourth or more or less. of its thickness in the middle between
the ends, are left empty for the frame with horizontal continuous free air
channels to be put in. These continuous air channels start from the inner
periphery of the central hole, and passing through the thickness of the
mattress, extend up to the sides (see Figs. 32 and 33). The air channels are
arranged on the same principle as those above described with cross pieces,
rails, partitions, uprights, tubing, or pipes (see Figs. 4, 13, 17, 18, 19, and
26), made of wood, iron, brass, india-rubber, or other material that may be
arranged so as to suit the motions of the mattress. It is to be observed that
the hole may be large or small according to requirements, its shape being
square, round, or oval as the case may be, and that the mattress may be
turned upside down as may be desired; and further, that one or both extre-
mities of the aperture aforesaid shall be so arranged that a tube or pipe may
be adapted for facilitating the evacuation of solid or liquid fecal matter of the
sick, also that by means of notches or hooks the said hole may be fitted to
receive a receptacle of any convenient form, having two lugs or other equivalent
arrangement of china, porcelain, wood, iron, zinc, which can be withdrawn
at pleasure, and another of the same kind be put instead of it, so as to avoid
exposure to cold draughts from underneath, which never take place with the
arrangement of horizontal free and continuous air currents that constitute the
principle or main feature of my Invention. The opening of the hole which
passes through the centre of the thickness of the mattress may also stop short
of passing entirely through the mattress, and may be arranged as described in
relation to fixed seats, so as to adapt it to general hygienic use for healthy

page_text: persons also, who are desirous of avoiding undue heat, without uncovering
themselves during hot seasons, and under any climates.
The arrangement of the framework and the air channels shall not take up
altogether more than about one-eighth of the whole mass in length, width,
and thickness, and said mattress shall have the same shape, and in other
respects be made up in the same manner as those now in use, viz., in the
shape of a cushion, which may be quilted or not, and stuffed with wool, horse-
hair, or any of its substitutes, hay, straw, the whole being covered and wrapped
up with twill, damask, or any other material suitable for mattress work.
The circumference and orifice of the hole may be lined on one side or both
sides of the mattress with oilcloth or any other suitable material of the
required dimensions so as to protect the stuffing of the mattress from moisture
(see Figs. 32 & 33). The mattress constructed according to this principle is
peculiarly advantageous, because patients need not be lifted off it, and may
have the necessary receptacles inserted without exposing the sick body to
dangerous shocks, and, besides its hygienic properties, it is highly commendable
for economizing washing, especially in hospitals, asylums, and other establish-
ments of public utility.
The tenth application is represented at Fig. 35, and embodies the same
framework or skeleton as the preceding ones applied to saddles. I fix the
framework upon the seat part of the saddle with one or several thicknesses,
or with tubes that are round, oval, square, and have the necessary dimensions
to suit the shape or use intended for the saddle and the fancy of the rider ; it
is also applicable to ladies' saddles. The skeleton or frame, and its details of
channels for continuous free air currents, are arranged in the same way as the
above, being made either of leather, iron, or steel, or other pliable material
that may be put into the shape of each particular kind of saddle. The said
arrangement or contrivance has to be fixed, attached, soldered, or sewed on
the seat of the saddle, and to be concealed and covered by a set of small
"quarters," whose extremities hang over the large "quarters" on each side of
the saddle, and receive the legs of the rider (see Figs. 34 & 35). This
system, as applied to saddles, besides producing hygienic effects, has the great
advantage, in an economical point of view, of being adaptable to ordinary
saddles now or formerly in use.
I would here observe that, as a means of promoting public health and
comfort, this system of framework is intended to be applied to the seats of
first, second, and third class railway carriages, of steamers and vessels, to seats
and cushions of any carriages, private and public, omnibuses, stage coaches,
and drivers' seats, in which cases the traveller always has a cool seat, and is

page_text: spared the insalubrious inconvenience of sitting on a seat warmed by its
previous occupant.
My system is also applicable to all kinds of seats for articles of ancient and
modern furniture, such as easy chairs, sofas, divans, benches, footstools, stools
for theatres, colleges, concert rooms, public offices and establishments, seat
cushions ("ronds-de-siège "), and also, without changing the system, to head
cushions for carrying loads on the head, (see Figs. 1, 2, 8, and 9,) mattresses
for the sick, saddles, hammocks, folding chairs, and in all these different
applications my system is found most salubrious or hygienic for persons of
sedentary habits of all classes, such as students, clerks, professional meu,
working people, and artizans, some of whom are constantly seated at work,
and riders; but above all the use of my improved seats affords great relief to
persons who suffer or are diseased in those parts on which they are seated, said
relief being obtained by means of the free issues which I have contrived for
the gradual escape and circulation of the gases, and continual internal heat
developed by the body through the continuous free air channels, herein-before
described with reference to the framework, which channels act without any
external pressure, the weight of the body being likewise of no effect in this
respect, both for fixed and moveable seats.
I would finally point out that this unprecedented system herein-before
described, which is both simple and effective in its constructive details, and its
applications mainly aims at universal public utility, being especially intended
to prevent the seats getting heated, thereby removing the cause of various
local diseases referrible to that part of human economy, thus procuring
comfort and health.
Having thus fully described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in
which it is or may be carried into effect, I wish it to be distinctly understood
that I do not limit myself to the precise details above referred to; but what I
claim as novel, and therefore secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent, is,-
All and any of the combinations for applying the framework or skeleton,
and its arrangements of channels for continuous free air currents placed in a
more or less horizontal position of any shape whatever, and with long, oblong,
square, round, or oval openings.
Also, using for said air channels any of the girdling, terminal, or encircling
pieces of any ancient or modern seats, air holes being pierced in said pieces,
and the channels being formed by hollow rods of metal, or any other suitable
substance having the shape of tubes, with or without serew threads on them,
and ornamented according to elegance and expenditure.

page_text: I would further particularly observe that I do not limit my claim to the
modes described, but the channels for said continuous free air currents may
be formed in all applications above described by means of drilling tools, &a.,
either by hand or by a lathe, in the centre of the horizontal thickness of the frame-
work above described, which may be made of one block or piece, or of several
thicknesses of metal, wood, &a., as above described, so as to do away with
nailing, screwing, and glueing of the cross rails, partitions, uprights, with a
view either to improvement, comfort, or economy.
Also, for rendering the moveable seat cushions (" ronds-de-siège ") and other
suitable articles of round, square, oval, or other shape, and of any thickness
more portable for travelling purposes.
I claim using (instead of cross rails, partitions, and springs,) girths, string
mats, or thongs or strips of sheet iron, or iron with which the framework or
any other of the above applications is wrapped up, and the framework being
divided into two parts by a hinge or joint in the middle allowing it to be folded
in two or more portions that are more or less equal in size, so as to render
its volume less and make it more portable.
up
Also, all the arrangements that may result from combining those above
described, either with or without stuffing, and covered up with fabrics of any
design and elegance.
Also, the arrangement of closing the mouth of the air channels by means of
thin strips of wood, leather, trimmings, or any fabric whatever, or of metal
perforated with holes, screwed, nailed, or glued on.
Also, any modifications in the upholstery part which may be found suitable
for any of my arrangements of channels conveying continuous free air currents.
And, finally, the totality of the above described system of framework or
skeleton with continuous free air channels for the purpose of forming
"hygienic "seats, mattresses, saddles, which are not liable to heating the seated
parts.
In witness whereof, I, the said Eugène Dufossé, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twelfth day February, A.D. 1860.
EUGENE DUFUSSE. (L.S.)