US138083A - Improvement in invalid-bedsteads - Google Patents

Description

j Gr. W, GROTE. Invalid Bedsteads.

Patented'Aprilzznas..

AM, PHDT'LITHOGRFHIC C0, AlK- KOSBOHNES UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GORHAM WHITCOMB GROTE, OF ST. CATHARINES, CANADA.

IMPROVEMENT IN INVALID-BEDSTEADS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No: 138,083, dated April 422, 1873; application filed Y l January 20, `1873.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, GORHAM WHITcoME GROTE, M. D., of St. (latharines, county of Lincoln, Province of Ontario and Dominion of Canada, have invented a new and Improved Invalid and Fracture Couch, of which the following is a specification:

The Iirst part of my invention relates to the horizontal screw-shafts, nuts, and connecting bars at each end of the couch. The object of this part of my invention is, first, to `raise the patients head and shoulders from the recumbent posture' and incline them forward to any angle required. Second, to raise the patients lower extremities until they assume the shape of a double incline plane; the two positions thus giving the patient the sitting-posture or reclining-posture of any angle. These objects are attained with the greatest possible ease to the patient, and require the least power of any other contrivance for raising a patient.

The second part of my invention relates to the bed-pan adjuster, pad, and pan. Thel object of this part of my invention is to obviate the necessity of moving a patient for the use of the bed-pan; also, that the bed-pan can be used, no matter what position the patient may be placed in.- This is of the greatest importance in cases of fracture.

The third part of my invention relates to the canvas stretcher upon which the patient lies, mode of attachment to the couch, and eccentric lever for elevating the same. The object of this part of my invention is to provide a means of ventilation forv the patient and bedlinen, thus preventing in a great measurethe occurrence of bed-sores; also, to facilitate the making of the bed.

Figure 1 is a perspective viewof the couch,

showing some of the most important parts ofpan adjuster, seen in position in Fig. l. Fig. 6 is a section of the canvas-stretcher, elevated in a straight line from foot to head by means of eccentric lever T, Fig. 7.

A A, Fig. l, is the frame ofthe couch, which, like all the other framework, may be constructed either of wood or iron, and should be substantially fastened at the corners. As it is intended to be moved from room to room, adjustable casters willbe used, and can be removed if necessary. B, D, andE are sections upon which correspondin gsections of mattress rest. Sections B and D are iirmly hinged to a strong cross-board, G, 'by means of stro`ng4 double hinges, single hinges not being of sufficient stren gth'. D and E are hinged together by means of single hinges. Frames B and E have longitudinal laths fixed to them to support the mattress, while frame D has only a broad board fixed in the center, in the center of the upper end of which is an elliptical hole, through which the pad and pan are to pass. There is a corresponding hole in the mattress, exactly filled by the pad when in its place. G G are horizontal screw-shafts, placed in the center and on a level with the bottom of the couch, one end working in an ordinary bearing'ixed in the end of the couch, and the other is adjusted in a like manner to a cross-board, K,

which is secured to the bottom ofthe sides of the, couch. Upon each screw-shaft runs a square nut, with a turned shoulder on two of its opposite sides, at right angles to the thread in the nut, to which are attached the connecting-bars F F at one end, which are kept in their places either by spring-pins or nuts. The other endsare attached in a similar way to a head-block with turned shoulders,`and fixed to a cross-board secured to the longitudinal laths in section B; and the connecting-bars at y crank-lever M, and the positions shown in Figs.

1 and 4 are obtained. Foo section E is elevated at any angle by the hand, and supported in its place by prop Y, fitting in a rack on the under surface of the two side pieces of frame E.

The bed-pan adjuster, Fig. 5, consists of a strong quadrilateral frame, H H, of wood, with a perpendicular square post firmly secured in its center, upon which moves up and down an exactly-fitting box, upon one side of Which is a broad shoulder, upon which rests table I, which is firmly secured to it, and upon the other side is a round shoulder, which passes through a slot in the center of lever L, which slot takes the direction of the arc described by lever L while being moved up or down. Lever L is hinged to one perpendicular side of frame H, and movable at the other. Lateral motion of the movable end of lever L is prevented by guide N.

The object of the table I is to receive the pad or pan'When required for use. The pad is secured to a tray with beveled sides which exactly fit in corresponding grooves on table I. The bottom of the pan has also beveled edges, to follow the grooves on table I. The pan is as easily constructed as any other form of bed-pan, Whether made of' zinc or earthen- Ware, or other proper material.

When the pan is to be used, the pad is removedand the pan inserted in its place. In

" order to accomplish this movement, spring O Y ment is that the pan can be used quickly, and

Without disturbing the patient, Whatever position may be assumed by the same. A space is cut away in frame A ofthe couch, to admit of a more easy introduction of the pad and pan into the bed-pan adjuster.

The canvas stretcher, Fig. 6, consists of a frame the full size of the couch, and the sections P, Q, and R correspond to the sections B, D, and E, Figs. 1 and 4, and are hinged together at the joinings, so as to assume the different inclinations required. (See Fig. l.) When the canvas stretcher is to be raised, (which is done by means of eccentric lever T, Fig. 7, hinged to the center of head-section l? by means of a strong bolt. and resting upon a shoulder which is attached to the head of section B, and upon which it rotates,) sections P and Q are bolted together on each side at the hinges 'by bolt W. The foot-hinges do not require bolting, as the hinges are on the under side of the frame, thus maintaining the required rigidity of sections Q and R. V

The canvas stretcher is hinged to the foot of section E by means of a hookhinge, V, in order that it may be adjusted more readily.Y

When not required for use, it can be removed lWithout difticulty.

The canvas which rests upon the mattress lWhen in position has a hole through it corresponding with the one through the mattress,

. and is laced on the frame. by means of a strong cord, which can be tightened When required.

While the canvas stretcher is elevated lateral motion is prevented by guide-bolt X, which passes through section P, and is fixed in a socket in the head of section B, close to the bolt which supports eccentric lever T, and is removed when not required for use. (See Fi g.7

I claim as my invention- 1. The couch proper, combining the frame A A, sectional mattressframes B, D, and E, and adjusting screw-shafts G Gr, nuts, and connecting-bars F F, as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth.

2. The bed-pan adjuster H L NI, including pan and pad, combined with and attached to sectional mattress-frame D, as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth.

3. The upper frame or canvas stretcher with its sections P, Q, and R, (corresponding with sectional mattress-frames B, D, and E,) and draw bolt w, provided With adjusting eccentric lever T and guide-bolt X, and combined with and attached to sectional mattressframe at foot end of sect-ion E by adjustable hinges VV, as and for the purpose hereinbefore set orth.

GORHAM WHITGOMB GROTE, M. D.

Witnesses:

JOHN H. BARRY, JNO. W. GROTE.

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