US1658777A - Bed or attachment therefor - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 7, 1928.

M. C. NIXON BED OR ATTACHMENT THEREFOR Filed Sept. 2, 1922 f5 Z 2? 15 25 26 J6 ii i irsso s'r MQF'EE C. NIXON, F CHIGACH), ILLINOIS.

BED on nrriiciimmir mirnnnron.

Application filed September 2, Serial No. 585,939;

My invention relates to beds. the object being to provide means whereby the posture of the occupant of the bed may be changed without nduc strain or annoyance; and consists, r in lillGCOllil'lP-JZ hereinafter described, which may be varied without departing from the spirit of my invention.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a bed with my improvements attached, with lengthwise central portion broken out to reduce the width oi. the drawing; 2 is a side elevational view of Fig. 1; Fig 33 is a central part of Fig. l on an enlarged scale to better illustrate the operct'ng mechanism; 4; is an cnla d end viewcn line 4.--i of Fig 2, show 5" the operating mechanisni'iit one side of the bed, the side rail, castir t sup citing mono and the hid sectioni in A; cction; Fig. 5 IS a View 0i Fig. 6 end ot the joint between the knee and foot sections from the underside in which the brace is shown partly in dotted line to avoid ol'iscuring other parts; Fig. 6 is a side View of a transverse segment for closing the openings between extending parts and to for h anchorage iortheiab ric; Fig. 7 is stop View showing a inoditiczition in which a cup is substituted for the segment shown in Figs. 5 and 6'; Fig. 8 is an end View 0'? modification of means for connecting and disconnecting; the clutch; Fig. 9 is a side VlLW from the lett 0t 8i and Fig 10 is an end Vl'GW showing; a side rail in section with the supporting section or bracket and clampstrap in place.

In the drawings, simi "r numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different views, and, referring to the same. 1 and 2 denote the head and foot respec tively and 3 the side rails of a bed thereby furnishing a, supporting frame to which my improvements may be attached. Secured to these rails are supporting brackets 4. which in the present case forms the central section or seat member of the jointed frame. These brackets are formed with a base 5 a to rest upon the top oi the rails (see N. 10}. The central part ot the brackets extend upwarrh flush with the outoi'sidr: of the rails, and at the proper height turn inward to form anchorage 6 or ccntrai section of a joint to which the fabric that supports the mattress may be attached. The brackets turn over the inner-side and adapted to rest against the Vertical an e of the rails, thereby forming abrace "Z-against the strain in cident to the weight uponthe fabric. Beneath the rails andextending downward from this brace are hangers 8 adapted to support the operatii'ig mechanism, and eX- tendingupward above anchorage flare ears imparts cdepted to form a part othinges 10, the object of which will appear later. These brackets may be firm1y,-but preferably detochebly secured to the rails, as by clamp straps 1.1 formed of flat steel with a hole at each end, neer which they are bent to right angles. Midway the bracketsandne'zrr their base are openingslQ through which clamp-Straps pass, with others, toward each end, all of which are bent around the base of the brackets and the rails and drawn, as by bolts 13, thereby securing the formerto the latter with-mist pertorating the same. And, while these brackets are shown and described as integral stampings, it isinaniports the mattress is attached, as byhelicals 18. Since this jomtedframe of which the brackets and central section is a part turnishessupport for the fabric and the operating mechanisnnwit is apparent that a different base for the brackets could be usech to which the centralsectionyand the supports for the operating mechanism'couldbe firmly secured in any suitablemanner, and thebase extended as a supporting frame, thereby forming a self-contained independent structure.

1.9 with spacers 20 between, secured to the brackets byrivets or other suitable means, forms one part of the hinges, and parts'21 secured to the body and thigh :1nembers 'lorm the other part. It the pivotcenters are low down with sutiicientclearance to permit the pivoted members being raised to meet irequircments, it would leave an open space between the anchorage "6 and extending parts 22 perinittin the bedding to sag into it, and when the members are, raised damage is liable to occur. To avoid this contingency The upwardly extending parts 9 and parts llU pivot centers 25 are raised to near the level of said, anchorage. which is made possible by the upwardly extending ears 9, thereby permitting the anchorage and extending angles to be brought closer together, and the intervening space may be filled by an elongated rivet head 24. 'The openings that would occur below the pivots when the movable members are raised may be avoided by extending the lower portion 25 of parts 21, so as to continually lap with the upright portion of the brackets. l

The pivoted connection between the thigh andleg members are preferably made by shearing off the extending angles or parts 22 of both members and pivotally securing them together, as by rivets 26. This con struction leaves an open space between the extending parts and when the pivoted ends are raised permits the bedding to sag into it, and when lowered damage is liable to occur. To prevent this, parts 27 are provided (see Figs. 5 and 6), which are formed with a transverse segment of a cylindrical form 28 at one end and notches 29, 29 and 29 at the other. These parts may be firmly secured to either member but in the present case are secured to the thigh member and so positioned that the extending angles of the leg member will swing close to them while being raised and lowered, thereby closing the openings and preventing the bedding from sagging into them. These parts could also be made to fill another important place by attaching the fabric to them through holes 30, thereby preventing the sagging that would follow the bending of these joints if the fabric is attached to the extending angles further from them.

A modification of these segments are cups 28' (see Fig. 7) adapted to be secured in place, as by rivets 267, that form pivot connections between the thigh and leg members. The size of the cups should be suchthat the extending angles would swing close to them thereby closing and preventing the bedding from sagging into the openings, the fabric being attached through holes 30' as in the other case. It is understood, of course, that either'of the devices described may be used to fill the openings at the different plvoted joints, and are not limited to the .ocations as herein shown. I

If the leg member is permitted to drag while its connecting end with the thigh member isbeing raised until an acute angle 18 reached, the tendency would be to even tually damage the mattress and be less comfortable to the occupant of the bed. To avoid this. a bar or braceBl is provided. While they may be carried in any suitable manner by either the thigh or legmember, in the present case they are pivotally attached to the latter, as by rivets 32, with ends 33 extending beyond the pivot connecof which are bored and threaded.

tions of two members, the ends 3-1 being adapted to contact with the frame to which they are secured, holding the braces in 13051- tion to guide ends 321 into stops or notches 29, thus auton'mtically forming braces that will lift the free end of the leg member by further movement of the thigh member.

Then, if desired to further raise the tree end of the leg member it n'iay be done by lifting it and placing ends of the braces in stops or notches 21 or 29" as preferred. From the central part of these braces to their free ends they are reduced to avoid ii'itcrfering with the other parts when jointed frame is lowered to a fiat or normal position.

To prevent the sides of the jointed frame being drawn toward each other by the weight upon the fabric, a spreader is provided, which a: Firmly secured in any suitable manner to opposite sides of the frame, the number used being governed by requirements. This aprrwider is oll'set near its ends for enough to drop below the fabric to prevent the latter rwziing upon it, thus avoiding rigid resistance to the same when weighted by the occupant of the bed.

Pivotally supported in ljiearings 36 are supporting frames 37, each of which carry an operating mechanism, said Frames being COll'lllOSGil o'l' rastiugs 235i ecurod to ronnecting rods 39. 'llwse casings are provided with sockets and are slotted between cars 40 to permit contraction. Into these sockets the ends of connecting rods are placed, permitting adjustmmit, be "[iinly clznnpcd, as by bolts ll. The length of the rods and frames dept-ruling upon the width of the bed on which they are used. so that the pivot ends may rest in said bearings. To prevent frames 3? from slipping from bearings screws l -l are tapptal into the pivot ends i c l h and on said la rger diameter than that of the openir of the bearings, which will prevent said pn'ob from slipping therefrom. The castings are formed with openings 4-4. in which are gears it"), the hubs Quid ('llHl- Jugs are also provid d with transverse round holes. through which threaded rods i6 pass and around tin-an said gears revolve.

Castings n8 also furn h support and bearino s For driving shal which are ion! naled therein-21ml lo tb'uuare cured gears 48 that mate with and drive gears 4-5. which rerolve around too threaded rods. the latter being bent near their upper end to right angles and reduced with shoulders elf} there on and projecting ll'ur'uigh holes in brackets 50 (see Fig. -f!-l secured to the underside of. the ho lv and thigh members of the jointed frame. bv which the pivoted mcuibcw are raised and lowered in adjusting their pos lim t Tho e ends are further reduced and thwzdrd wi h a nut 5i thereon with sufficient screws are washers 4 with a after which they may 1 play between them: and the shoulders to permitadjustment to. compensate for variation.ofconstruction e r-width of beds. The operation of the mechanism. referred to is described in previous applications that resulted in Patents Nos. 1,348,820 and 1,398,917 1.

The construction described provides for operating: the body and thigh members sep arately, but it is desired to provide mechanism whereby the pivoted members of the jointed frame may be operated simultaneously or singlyas preferred. To accomplish this, sprocket wheel 52 is mounted upon one ofthe driving shafts and secured thereto, as by pin 53, and loosely mounted upon the other driving shaft is sprocket wheel 5%, which is operatively connected therewith, as by clutch 55, the driving half being firmly secured to said'shaft, as by pin 56. The

wheel and its connecting half of the clutch being slidably mounted upon the shaft, the clutch may be operated by lever 5's", which is pivotally secured to ear 58 that extends from one of the castings 38", as by bolt 59, and is connectedwith the clutclnas by pins 60., that extend from above and; below into groove 61 in the sprocket wheel hub. At the opposite side of thebed i s a lever 62 pivotally' secured to a similar car 58 that tends from the other casting 38 and is e pbv eratively connected with the lever 57, rods63, thereby providing means for connecting and disconnecting the clutch from either side of the bed. The two sprocket wheels are operatively.connected, as by chain 64., and when the clutch is connected the pivoted members of the jointed frame may be simultaneously operated, as by crank 65, which may be applied at either end of shafts 47', made operative, as by pins 65, and by disconnecting the clutch, the operating mechanism and the pivoted 'ineinbers of the jointed frame with which they are connected may be operated singly. I

The ternrnormal position used in some of the claims is intended to mean the position of the pivoted members of the jointed frame when they are in a single plane or an position.

A modification of means for connecting and disconnecting the clutch is shown in Figs. 8 and 9, in which castings 38, connec ing rod 39 and dri ing shaft 4t? are similar to those described 89 and 47, 6X- cept that the castings are provided with additional bearings 67, and revolubly mounted therein is a shaft 68 on which is firmly secured a worm 69, as by pin 70. The sprocket wheel 54 and clutch 55 are similar to those described as 5% and except that the hub ofthe sprocket wheel is provited with a rim 71, instead of the groove or. that operates in conjunction with the worm, and by turning shaft 68 the worm causes the in shafts 4'?" it ma be 0 erated b the same crank 65, which may be applied at either end thereby connecting or disconnecting the clutch from either side'of the bed.

If desired to raise eith r the body and thigh members faster than the other, it is evident that may be accomplished by having one of the sprocket wheels larger than the other and the movement of the pivoted sections will be governed accordingly.

While the preferred embodiment of my in vent-ion has been described herein l do not wish to be limited to the details of construction shown as it is apparent that changes may readily be made without departing from the spirit of my invention, and having described one form of construction I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent the following:

'1. In a structure of the class described the combination of a member pivotally supported at one end, another member pivotallyattached to the free end of the supported member, and means pivotally attached to and normally extending beyond the end of one of said members and adapted to automatically form a brace as the pivotally connectedends of saidmembers are elevated whereby the free end ofthe attached member may be raised by the movement of the supported member.

2. In a structure of the ciass described, the combination of a jointed :t'rame having openings between extending parts at pivot connections, and means adapted to prevent bedding from sagging into said openings and furnish anchorage for a lll1btl6SS Sl1p porting fabric.

3. In a structure of the class described 7 the combination of a jointed frame embodymg a central section and members plvotally secured thereto, gears at each side of said structure, operative connections between the pivoted members and said gears, and means adapted torotate said gears around said connections whereby the position of said members may be adjusted either singly 01' simultaneously.

l. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a support a member pivotally supported thereby at oneend, another member pivotally attached to the free end of the pivotally supporhid member, and a brace between said members so arranged that the free end of the pivotally attached member may be raised by a rising movement of the pivotally supported meml said bracebeing releasable by contact of the plvotally attached member with the support upon lowering said members to normal position.

(ill

5. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a support, a member pivotally supported thereby at one end, another member pivotally attached to the free end of the pivotally supported member, and a brace between said members so arrangedthat the free end of the attached member may be raised by a rising movement of the pivotally supported member, said brace being" auto matically releasable as said members are lowered to normal pos' ion and so constructed as to permit the latter to be lowered to a Hat position.

6. in a structure (it the class described, the combination ot a member pivotally supported at one end, another member pivotally attached to the free end, of the pivotally supported mcn'iber, a member pivot-ally secured to one o'lsaidmembers and a co-acting member carried by the other pivoted member, and means adapted to guide one end of the sccured member into contact with its enacting member thereby forming a brace that is brought into action by elevating the pivotally supported member through which the free end of the attached member may he raised by a rising movement (it the pivotally supported member.

7. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a support a member pivotally supported thereby at one end and arranged so the free end thereof may be raised and lowered to different positions, another member pivotally attached to the tree end of the pivotally supported member, and a brace between said members so arranged that the attached member may be supported in a aised position by the pivotally supported member, said brace being adapted to release by engagement of the attached member with said support as said members are being lowered to normal position.

8. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a support anieinber pivotally supported therebyat one end and arran ged so the other end thereof may be raised and-lowered to dilierent positions, another member pivotally attached to the free end oil the pivotally supported member, and means adapted to form abrace between said members whereby the attached member may be supported by the pivotally supported member in a raised position, said brace automatically releasing and avoiding", interference with said members as the latter are low cred into normal position.

9. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a member pivotally supported at one end and arranged. so the other end thereof may be raised and lowered to di:ttcrent positions, another member pivotally attached to the free end o't thepivotally supported member, a member pivotally se cured to one of said pivoted members and a coacting member carried by the other pivoted member, and means adapted to guide a portion of the pivotally secured member into contact with its co-acting member thereby forming a brace which brought into action by elevating the pivotally supported member and adapted to support said attached member when its free end is in a raised position.

10. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a support a member pivotally supported thci'ch at one end, open atingmeans adapted to raise and lower the free end of said memljier to different positions. another n'iembcr pivot-ally attached to the :t'ree end oi? the pivotally suppruted incur her. a member pivotaily secured to one oi said pivoted members and a co-amtine part carried by the other pivoted member thereby forming a brace adapted to support said attached member when in raised position, said brace being adapted to release automaticall) as said pivoted members are lowered to normal position.

11. In a s ructure ol the class described, the combination of a support, a n'ieinhcr pivotally supported thereby at one end, open atom: means adapted to raise and lower the free end of said member to different positions. another member pivotally attached to the tree end of the pivotally supported memher. a member pivot-ally secured to one of said pivoted members and a CO21ClTlHg memher carried by the other pivoted member thereby forming a brace adapted to support said attached member when in a raised position, said brace being; adapted to release autoi'natically as said. pivoted members are being lowered to normal position.

12. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a fabric su iporting frame embodyingmembers having co-engacing portions, means adapted to pivotally secure said portions together, the coils of said members adjacent said; port-ions being; cut out to provide for tree swinging movement of said IHGD'IlDGTS, and means adapted to close the cutout places and to provide anchorage for the tabricat said cut out places.

13. In a structure of the clash-s dcscril'icd, the combination ot a :tabric supporting; frame embodying, ll'lQlllllQiS liuvinu' ire-engaginaportions, a pivot pin extending through said portions, the ends of said members adjacent said portions being cu out to provide for tree swinging movement of said mum bers, and means adapted to provide anchorage for the fabric at said cut out places.

14:. In a structure of the class described,

the combination of a jointed trau'ie embody ing a central. seat section and meinl iers piv-- otally secured to the respective ends of said central scat section, means connected with said pivoted members, and means rotatable around said connected means, and driving means for said rotatable means whereby the free end of the pivotedmembers maybe simultaneously or independently raised or lowered to difierent positions.

15,111 a structure of the class described,

the combination of a jointed frame embodying a central seat section and members pivotally secured to said central seat section, means connected with said pivoted members. and means rotatable around said connected means and so arranged that the free end of the pivoted members may be simultaneously or independently raised or lowered to dif ferent positions.

16, in a structure of the class described, thecombination of a support, a member pivotally supported thereby at one end, another member pivotally attached to the free end of the pivotally supported member, and a brace between said members so arranged that the free end of the attached member may be raised and lowered by raising and lowering the pivotally supported member, said brace being adapted to support the pivotally attached member in different positions relative to the pivotally supported member when the former is adjusted manually and being automatically releasable by the pivotally attached member engaging with said support upon lowering said members to normal position.

17. In a structure of the class described, the combination of frame members having co-engaging portions, a member extending through said portions for pivotally connecting said frame members, the ends of said frame members adjacent said, pivotal connection having cut-out portions to provide for free swinging movement of the frame members, and rigid means connected to one of said members and adapted to close said cut-out places for the purpose specified.

18. ln a structure of the class described, the combination of fabric supporting frame members having co-engaging portions, a member extending through said portions for pivotally connecting said frame members, the ends of said frame members adjacent said pivotal connection having cut-out portions to provide for free swinging movement of the frame members, and rigid means connected to one of said members, adapted to close said cut-out places and to provide an anchorage for the fabric at said cut-out places.

19. in a structure of the class described, the combination of frame members having co-engaging portions, a member extending through said portions for pivotally connecting said frame members, the ends of said frame members adjacent said pivotal connection having cut-out portions to provide for free swinging movement of the frame members, and rigid means connected to one of said members and having a convened portion adapted to close said cut-out places.

the combination of a 20. In a structure of the class described, the combinationof fabric supportingframe members having co-engaging portions, a member extending through said portions for pivotally connecting said frame members, the ends of said frame members adjacent said pivoted connection having cut-out portions to provide for free swinging movement of the frame members, andcon'vexed p01 tions adapted to close said'cut out places and to provide an anchorage for the fabric at such cut-out places.

21. In a structure of the class described, the combination of frame members having (Jo-engaging portions, a member'eXtending through said poi tionsfor pivotally connecting said frame members, the ends of said framemembers adjacent said pivotalconnection having cut-out portions to provide for free swinging movement ofthe frame members, and a member connected to one of said members and having a convexed portion with which the adjacent end of the other frame member co-ope rates thereby substantially closing said cut-out places. i

22. In a structure of theclass described, the combination of fabric supporting frame members having co-engaging portions, a member extending through said portions for pivotally connecting said frame members,

theends of said frame members adjacent said pivotal connection having cut-out portions to provide for freeswinging movement of the frame members, and a member connected to one of said frame members andhavinga convexed portion with which the adjacent end of the other frame member co -operates, thereby substantially closing said icut-out places, and providing an anchorage forthe fabric at said cut-out places,

23. In a structure of the class described, central section, members each pivotally secured at one en d to the respective ends of the centralsection, elements pivotally secured to said membersand supported for reciprocating movement, 'operating means for imparting such movement to said elements, and means whereby the op erating means may be caused to drive said elements simiiltaneously orindependently.

24. In a 'structure'of the class described, the combination of a central section members each pivotally secured at one end to the respective ends of the central section, elements pivotally secured to said members intermediate of their ends and supported for reciprocating movement, rotatable means for imparting such movement to said elements, and means whereby the rotatable means may be caused to drive said element-s simultaneously or independently.

25. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a central section, members each pivotally secured at one end to the respective ends of the central section, ele- Q to said elements, and

ments pivotally secured to said members, rotatable means adapted to impart a reciprocating movement to said elements, and means for driving said rotatable means whereby the free end of said members may be raised or lowered simultaneously or each independently.

26. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a central section, members each pivotally secured at one end to the respective ends of the central section, elements pivotally secured to said members intermediate of their ends, operating means adapted to impart a reciprocating movement means for driving said operating means whereby the free end of said members may be raised and lowered simultaneously or each independently;

27. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a central section, members each pivotally secured at one end to the respective ends of the central section, elements pivotally secured to said members and supported ior reciprocating movement, operating means for imparting such movement to said elements, pivoted support for said operating means, and means for driving said operating means whereby the free end of said members may be raised and lowered simultaneously or each independently.

28. In a structure of the class described,

the combination of a central section, members each pivotally secured at one end tothe respective ends means with operative connection with said members, pivoted support for said rotatable means, and means for driving said rotatable means whereby the free end of said membersmay be raised and lowered simultaneously or each independently. 29. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a central section, members each pivotally secured atone endto the respectiveends of the central section, elements pivotally secured to said members, op erating means adapted to impart a reciproeating movement to said elements, and means for driving said operating means whereby the osition of said members may be adjusted simultaneously or each independently.

30. In a structure of the class described,

of the central section, rotatable.

the combination of frame members having co-engaging portions, a member extending through said portions for pivotally connecting said frame members, one of said frame members having a cut out portion adjacent said pivotal connection to rovide for free swinging movement of t ie other frame member, and an extending portion carried by one of the members and adapted to prevent bedding from sagging into the opening caused by said out out portion.

31. In a structure of the class described, the combination of frame members having co'engaging portions, a member extending throughsaid portions for pivot'ally connectingsaid frame members, a portion of said frame menlbers cut away adjacent said pivotal connection to provide for free swinging movement ofsaid frame members, and extending means carried by one of said members and adapted to approximately close the opening caused by said cut out portion.

32. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a n'lember pivotally supported at one end and arranged so the other end thereof may be raised and lowered to different positions, another member pivctally attached to the free end oi the pivot-ally supported member, elements carried by one of said pivoted members and enacting means carried by the other pivoted member, one end oi? each of said elements being so arranged as to guide the other end thereof into contact with the co-acting means thereby forming a brace which is brought into action by elevating the pivotally supported member and is adapted to support said attached member as its free end elevated.

In a structure of the class described, the combination of frame members having co-engaging portions, a pivot connection ex tending through said portions for pivotally connecting said 1" nine members, the ends of said fram members adjacent said pivotal connection having cutaway portions to provide for free swinging movement of the frame members, and means extending from the pivot connection adapted to substantially close the opening caused by said cut-away portions. I

. MOSES G. NIXON.

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