GB190901053A - Improved Invalid's Mattress. - Google Patents

Abstract

1053. Lunn, J. T. Jan. 15. [Cognate Appli. cation, 5462/09.] Invalids' bedsteads.-An invalid's mattress consists of a number of sections, any one of which may be lowered independently of the others so as to leave a space beneath any particular part of the patient requiring attention. In one form, each of the sections consists of two superimposed boxshaped parts, the abutting surfaces of which are inclined. The withdrawal of the lower part causes the upper part to fall, which part can then be removed if desired. In a modification, the sections are supported by links which can be lowered by means of a screwed spindle. Figs. 1 and 2 show a front and end sectional elevation of a mattress consisting of a number of sections k, each supported by two box-shaped parts d, e. The parts d, e are connected by a tongue and groove, and the meeting surface of the two parts is inclined as shown in Fig. 2. The mattress support g is separated from the part d by springs h. A hinged side piece c keeps the sections in position. To remove any one of the sections k, the corresponding lower section e is first withdrawn whereupon the part d and the mattress k are lowered from the patient and can then be removed. The sections are wedge-shaped in plan. Fig. 8 shows a modification in which each section l is supported by four pairs of links m terminating in pivoted plates n, which form bearings for spindles carrying rollers adapted to run on a bottom frame o. Corresponding links m on opposite sides of the frame are connected by bars p having central bosses riding on a rod q screwthreaded at its ends. The bosses of the two outer rods p are screwed, the bosses of the inner rods p being adapted to slide loosely on the central portion of the rod q. Connecting-rods r unite the outer and inner links m as shown. Rotation of the rod q causes the plates n to travel along the base o, thus lowering the mattress frame l. A number of similar sections are arranged, as shown in Fig. 5, on transverse bars t, on which they can slide to allow their withdrawal when collapsed. The bars t are supported on a frame consisting of a central portion u and two hinged end portions u<1>, u<2>, the the part u<1> being adapted to be lowered as shown in dotted lines. The part u' can be raised, and is hinged to an upright v which consists of two pivoted parts, one of which is hinged to the central part u so that it can be turned outwards to permit the sections which it overlaps to be removed. The raising of the section u' is effected by rotation of a screwed shaft y which carries a sliding block z connected by rods to the underside of the portion u<2>. The collapsible sections may be used with an ordinary bedstead, and the adjustable end sections may be dispensed with. Instead of the arrangement of links m described above, the connexion between the frame l and base o may comprise a suitably - formed air - bag, telescopic uprights, articulated levers, or other means.