19,174. Mitchell, F. W. Aug. 28. Back-rests; - bedsteads.-The mattress frame of an invalid bedstead is divided into four independently adjustable sections, namely, a head section, a middle section with facilities for inserting bed-pan, and two foot sections. One side frame is formed by a continuous rail B, Fig. 5, connected to the head, and foot posts and secured by vertical bars to the bottom rail A<2>. The other side frame consists of fixed downwardly-curved rails b, b<2>, between which is pivoted an inverted U-shaped drop rail b<1> with its ends connected to a bar b<4> passing through openings in the rails b, b<2>. A spring catch b<5> engages with holes in the rails b, b<2>, and serves to lock the section b<1> in its vertical position. The bead section of the mattress frame, having angleplates d' pivoted at d<5> to the bed frame, is adjusted by means of spur-wheels c', meshing with curved racks d<3> and worked by a crank-handle c<2>, the frame being locked in any position by means of a spring pawl c<4>. The mattress frame consists of springs d<4> supported on cross-straps and carrying the mattress section e<1>, which is preferably detachable. To facilitate the changing of sheets &c., a sheet E is held in an inclined position between the bead posts and rails B, b<1> by means of straps provided with snaps and staples, Fig. 7. When out of use, the sheet hangs behind the head posts, or may be placed on the mattress beneath the ordinary sheet. The foot end of the mattress frame is made in two parts F, F<1>, pivoted on a cross-rail f<1> and held in an horizontal or inclined position by means of pivoted notched rods f<2> engaging the ends of the sections F, F<1>.By disconnecting the bars f<2> from the frames, the latter may be dropped down independently, so that the limbs of a patient may be placed on one section, while the other is being made up. The sections of the bed are preferably covered by slips instead of sheets. Inclined bars h<2>, extending downwardly from one side rail to the other, support the middle section H, which is hung by braces h<1> pivoted at h<3> to the rail section b<1>, so that, when the braces h' are swung about their hinges, the frame H is moved outwardly and downwardly with its rear end sliding on the inclined bars h<2>.A bed-pan J, Fig. 6, carrying on its underside a bracket j<3>, Fig. 1, adapted to contain an alcohol stove, is supported on the bars h<2> and is placed in position when the frame H has been swung aside. The pan may be supported at the feet of the invalid with its ends resting upon the rails A<2>, one side on the rail A<3>, and one corner supported by a pivoted latch f<6>.