US2766463A - Means for converting a bed to a chair - Google Patents

Description

Get. 16, 1956 's. BENDERSKY 2,766,463

MEANS FOR CONVERTING A BED TO A CHAIR Filed Feb. 19, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY.

Oct. 16, 1956 s. BENDERSKY 2,766,463

MEANS FOR CONVERTING A BED TO A CHAIR Filed Feb. 19, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. BMW

ATTORNEY.

Oct. 16, 1956 s. BENDERSKY 2,766,463

MEANS FOR CONVERTING A BED TO A CHAIR Filed Feb. 19, 1952 4 Shets-Sheet 3 rliiili'm' 11 INVEN TOR. Bender: K

Oct. '16, 1956 s. BENDERSKY 2,766,463

MEANS FOR CONVERTING A BED TO A cHAIR Filed Feb. 19, 1952 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR. J'AD/E Bf/VDfBS/U ATTOP/VEX MEANS FOR CONVERTING A BED TO A CHAIR Sadie Bendersky, South Orange, N. 3. Application February 19, 1952, Serial No. 272,393

13 Claims. (Cl. 5 92) This application is a continuation-in-part of my original application for patent on Arm Rests for Beds, filed February 15, 1944, Serial No. 522,426, now Patent No. 2,658,211.

,My invention relates to beds, such as hospital beds, and it relates more particularly to beds adapted to be used for patients, invalids, or for any healthy person who wishes to spend time in bed, eating, reading, or working, while resting the lower portions of the body.

Patients or invalids who are required by their physical condition to remain in bed for a considerable length of time, and healthy individuals who spend considerable time in bed, suffer from the unnatural condition in which they find themselves. Whereas the human body is normally subjected to a continuous series of muscular actions,'reactions, and reflexes resulting from the usual normal activity of the person going about his daily busimess, the patient lying in bed is denied the benefits resulting from this muscular activity. In the balance of muscular actions occurring in the human body resulting from the usual motions of the healthy person, there are the actions, reactions, and reflexes of the striped muscles of the arms, legs, and body movements, on the one hand, and the unstriped muscular activity of the internal organs such as those of the digestive system on the other. When there is difficulty in performing the usual functions of the unstriped muscles, as is sometimes the case, the striped muscles are often called into play to assist the unstriped. Thus, for instance, in the ordinary experience of bowel movement, the tensing of the striped muscles of the body can often be of great assistance in elimination. te'nsing, however, requires a foundation against which the muscles can strive. This is sometimes supplied by the striped muscles of the body striving against the stripedmuscles of another portion of the body, as when the body is in doubled-up position. This position is often achieved when the normal, healthy person is seated on a bowl during bowel movement.

- The hospital patient or invalid is denied this, however, for the patient is required to rest in a substantially reclining position during bowel movement. Moreover, the pa-- tient does not have the benefit of the healthy stimulus to the unstriped muscles afforded by the normal action, reaction and reflexes of the striped muscles, for the patient is not permitted to use, for other than a very limited activity, the striped muscles while lying in bed. Thus, the patient ,or invalid is hampered in the digestion of food while, at the same time, being denied the means for assisting in the elimination of undigested food. Experiences are thus common where patients become constipated while lying in bed and require frequent medication or internal baths to facilitate elimination. Such artificial means are admittedly undesirable, but physicians have been unable to find a substitute for the normal means of cooperation of the striped muscles with the unstriped muscles in effecting healthy elimination.

It is an object of my invention, therefore, to provide means on a bed to enable its occupant to utilize certain Such gtates Patent 0 striped muscles to assist the unstriped muscles in bowel movement, while permitting the remainder of the muscles of the body to continue in a substantially resting condition.

Another object of my invention is to provide a bed with means operable to afford a patient limited exercise, the extent of which is always within the control of the patient, operatively to enable the patient to render assistance to the digestive and other unstriped muscles by the exercise of the striped muscles.

A further object of my invention is to provide a bed with means adapted to make the condition of the occupant more comfortable.

. With the above and other objects in view, my invention consists of the combination of a bed comprising a head portion, afoot portion, spaced parallel rails connecting said head'and foot portions, a mattress support disposed substantially between said rails and intermediate said head and foot portions, a mattress reclining on said mattress support; a grasp handle mounted on one of said rails and adapted to be grasped by a patient reclining on said mattress.

My invention further consists of the combination of a hospital bed comprising a head portion, a foot portion, spaced parallel rails connecting said head and foot portions, a mattress support comprising longitudinal and transverse rails disposed substantially between said firstmentioned rails and intermediate said head and foot portions, and a mattress reclining on said mattress support; said mattress support being adjustable and adapted to be raised or lowered as desired, at selected portions thereof and at various angles with respect to the horizontal, means mounted on one of said rails adapted to be positioned in proximity to a portion of the body of a patient reclining on said mattress, operably to enable said patient to bring said portion of said body to bear against said means during the process of elimination.

My invention also consists of the combination of a hospital bed including means such as heretofore defined for assisting the patient in the process of elimination, said means comprising a base upon which selected muscles of the human arm may act.

My invention further consists of the combination of a bed adapted to support an occupant, said bed comprising a head portion, a foot portion, spaced parallel rails connecting said head and foot portions, a mattress support comprising transverse rails disposed substantially between said first-mentioned rails and intermediate said head and foot portions, and a mattress reclining on said mattress support; said mattress support being adjustable and adapted to be raised or lowered as desired, at a selected portion thereof and at .an angle to the horizontal; an arm rest, and means associated with said mattress support for removably securing said arm rest to said bed, operably disposing said arm rest in position to support an arm of said occupant.

My invention also consists of a conversion means for a bed having a longitudinally disposed rail member and a vertical-angle adjustable mattress support; said conversion means comprising a mounting device; means for securing said mounting device to said rail member; an arm rest; a bracket having a stanchion portion and an interlocking device; said arm rest being mounted on said bracket; and said stanchion portion comprising a shaft For the purpose of illustrating my invention, I have shown in the accompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred by me, since the same have been found in practice to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and organizations of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Referring to the drawings in which like reference characters indicate like parts:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a hospital bed combination embodying my invention, and a patient resting thereon in the act of elimination in accordance with my invention.

Figure 2 represents a fragmentary perspective view of a grasp handle and arm rest unit, mounted on the rail of a bed, and embodying my invention.

Figure 3 represents a sectional view of a grasp handle and arm rest unit mounted on a hospital bed, with the arm rest disposed in an out-of-the-way position, embodying my invention.

Figure 4 represents a perspective view of a modified embodiment of my invention comprising a grasp handle and arm rest unit mounted on a bed.

Figure 5 represents a vertical sectional view of the modified embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 4 and showing the arm rest in an out-of-the-way position.

Figure 6 represents a fragmentary view of the rear of a chassis and rail assembly embodying my invention, illustrating a means for locking said chassis to the rail.

Figure 7 represents a perspective view of another embodiment of my invention.

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of an arm rest assembly of modified construction embodying my invention.

Figure 9 represents a perspective view of a further modified construction embodying my invention.

Figure 10 represents an end elevational view, partly in section, of an arm rest assembly of another modified construction, and embodying my invention.

Figure 11 represents a side elevational view, partly broken away, of the arm rest assembly illustrated in Figure 10, and embodying my invention.

Figure 12 represents a fragmentary side elevational view, somewhat enlarged, of the lower part of the stanchion portion of the arm rest assembly illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

Figure 13 represents a perspective view of various elements which may be used in the arm rest portion of the arm rest assembly illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, and embodying my invention.

Figure 14 represents a perspective view of a mounting device of an arm rest assembly embodying my invention.

Figure 15 represents a sectional view taken generally along the lines 15-45 of Figure 11.

Figure 16 represents a sectional view taken along the lines 1616 of Figure 10.

It is to be understood that wherever the phrase hospital bed is used, it is to be considered as applying as well to any bed, whether used or adapted to be used in a hospital or not, the term hospital being illustrative only. However, the conditions prevailing in hospitals are aptly suited for illustrating the needs of a patient or invalid in a bed such as that contemplated for use in my invention. Thus, whereas means for exercising a patient or for aiding in elimination are highly desirable, yet it is also of prime importance that no impediments be presented between the patient and the nurse, interne, or physician who must frequently have free access to the body of the patient. It is therefore, important that whatever aids are afforded the patient be either of small bulk, of facile mobility in removal when desired, or both.

generally Moreover, a convalescing patient who, although needing little care, spends virtually all of his time in bed, is subjected to bed sores, constipation and other unpleasant results if comforting and relaxing means are not provided for permitting limited but constructive exercise of selected muscles, while resting other selected portions of the body.

Nevertheless it is to be understood that my invention is equally adapted for use by healthy persons who desire to sit up in bed, resting, reading, or eating there in a relaxed position. Indeed, one result of the use of my invention is etfectually to convert a standard, adjustable hospital bed to a convalescent chair or what has been known in the furniture trade as a Cogswell chair, although it is susceptible of performing functions not achievable in convalescent chairs or Cogswell chairs presently available.

In accordance with my invention, there is provided abed 10 which may be of a standard hospital bed design, or may be of any desired structure. This bed preferably comprises a head portion 11, afoot portion 12, spacedparallel rails 13 and 14 connecting said head and foot portions, and amattress support 15 mounted on said rails. If desired, themattress support 15 may be adjustable, such as that illustrated in Figure 1, so as to enable a patient to rest in a seated position, a semi-reclining position, or in a reclining position, at the will of the physician or otherwise as desired. Asuitable mattress 16 is disposed on saidmattress support 15. Eachrail 13 and 14 may comprise an angle iron having a vertical-walled bar portion 23 and an upper, horizontal-walled bar portion 24 integrally formed therewith.

A mounting device, orchassis 17 is disposed on therail 13, and a similarly constructed mounting device, or chassis, 13 is disposed on therail 14. For purposes of description, I shall describe in detail one form ofchassis 17 with respect to therail 13; and it is to be understood that the chassis 18 may be similarly constructed with respect to therail 14.

Thechassis 17 consists of apanel 19 juxtaposed to theoutside face 20 of therail 13. Aslide bearing 21 is vertically disposed along one edge of thepanel 19, and if desired, aroller bearing assembly 22 may be provided, and in such event preferably projects toward the median axis of the bed, and will embrace, and be adapted to roll upon, the horizontal,bar portion 24 of therail 13.

Theroller bearing assembly 22 may be constructed in the following manner: Horizontally disposedrollers 25 and 26, preferably having an outer bearing surface of rubber or other suitable material, are respectively rotatably mounted onspindles 27 and 28, disposed along a horizontal plane intercepting saidvertical panel 19. Thespindles 27 and 28 are mounted on said panel in a cantilever manner and project from the inner face of said panel toward the median axis of said bed. A roller-mountingpanel 29 is secured to the inner ends of thespindles 27 and 28, and is carried thereby, saidroller mounting panel 29 being spaced from thepanel 19 sutficiently to embrace the horizontal-walled bar portion 24 of the bed-rail 13 therebetween.Suitable rollers 30 and 31 formed of rubber or other so-called silent roller" material are respectively mounted on suitable spindles 32 and 33 disposed along a horizontal plane beneath the plane of thespindles 27 and 28; said spindles 32 and 33 being mounted on the outer face of theroller mounting panel 29, and projecting outwardly toward thepanel 19. The lower edge of thepanel 19 is inwardly turned as at 34 a distance below the lower edge of therollers 25 and 26 equal to the height of the vertical-walled bar 23 plus sufficient space to allow free longitudinal motion thcrealong.

In operation, therollers 25 and 26 rest upon thehorizontal bar 24, and are retained in longitudinal and parallel moving relation to therail 13 by thepanels 19 and 29 depending from saidrollers 25 and 26 and embracing said rail. Therollers 30 and 31 outwardly projecting from the roller-mountingpanel 29 along a horizontal plane disposed beneath that of thespindles 27 and 28, enable saidrollers 30 and 31 to be carried by said roller-mountingpanel 29 beneath the horizontal-walled bar 24, and yet to prevent vertical angular displacement of said roller bearing assembly during longitudinal movement thereof, as well as to prevent angular displacement of the whole mountingunit 17 during the use thereof by the patient, which use will be more fully described hereinafter.

The inwardly turnededge 34 of thepanel 19 serves to cooperate with therollers 30, 31 to prevent upward displacement of the mounting unit when in use.

Theslide bearing 21 comprises avertical bearing member 35 secured to thepanel 19 by any suitable means such as theweld 36. A hollow, slide bearing 37 is formed through the upper face 38 of the bearingmember 35 and projects downwardly through said bearingmember 35 to a step bearing 39 comprising the lower end of saidslide bearing 37. A key-way 40 extends vertically along said slide bearing 37 through a substantial portion thereof.

Avertical shaft 41 of an external diameter slightly less or substantially equal to the internal diameter of theslide bearing 37 is adapted to be inserted into said slide bearing, and is limited against rotation therein by means of a key 42 projecting outwardly from one side of saidshaft 41. The lower end 43 of theshaft 41 is adapted to rest upon thestep bearing 39. Theupper end 44 of theshaft 41 is secured by any suitable means, such as freezing, welding, or integral formation, with ahorizontal arm 45 adapted to project inwardly toward the median axis of the bed when theshaft 41 is inserted within theslide bearing 37. Anarm rest 46 is secured to thearm 45, or otherwise projects therefrom, and is formed according to any suitable contour or conformation. If desired, this arm rest may comprise aportion 47 adapted to sustain the forearm, ahand receiving portion 48, and anelbow nest 49. Also, if desired, thearm rest 46 may be suitably padded.

Alug 50 is mounted on the outer face of thepanel 19 and has vertically disposed therethrough a slide bearing 51 opening through both the upper and lower faces of saidlug 50, said slide bearing 51 being of a diameter substantially equal to theslide bearing 37. A key-way 52 is disposed along said slide bearing 51 along the side thereof opposite to the side of theslide bearing 37 along which the key-way 40 is formed.

If desired, agrasp handle 53 is mounted on the upper edge of thepanel 19, and saidpanel 19 is hollowed out as at 54 to enable the fingers of a hand to pass therethrough in order to grasp saidhandle 53.

Also if desired, a suitable latch 55 may be mounted on the inner face of thepanel 19 and be adapted to interlock with any of a series ofinterstices 56 which may be disposed within thehorizontal bar portion 24 of therail 13. Theinterstices 56 may consist of holes drilled or otherwise formed through thebar 24, undulating crevices (not shown) formed on the upper face of said bar, or they may be formed in an auxiliary bar (not shown) mounted on therail 13 and adapted to sustain therollers 25 and 26 as well as interlock with the latch 55.

If desired, theslide bearing 37 may be formed without a key-way, as illustrated in Figure 1. In the assembly therein illustrated, the upper face 38 of the bearingmember 35 serves as a step bearing for the key 42 projecting from theshaft 41, and a suitable stud-bolt 57 is disposed through the bearingmember 58 of said assembly and is adapted to hold theshaft 41 against rotation therein.

In operation, where a roller mounted chassis is used, thechassis 17 is rolled out along therail 13 until it is in suitable position with respect to the body of thepatient 60, whereupon in one preferred form the latch 55 is inserted in thenearest interstice 56, to hold the unit against longitudinal displacement along therail 13. Theshaft 41 is then inserted through theslide bearing 37, thereby bringing the armrest 46 into operable position with respect to the body of thepatient 60. The patient can then rest her arm on therest 46, as desired for her comfort. During bowel movement, moreover, she is now in proper position for exerting muscular pressure against theelbow rest 49 and thehand rest 48, thereby tensiug striped muscles in her body to assist the unstriped muscles in evacuating the bowels. By this means, only a selected group of muscles is tensed, while all the remainder of the muscles of her body are permitted to remain at rest.

When it is desired to remove the arm rest from its position in proximity to the patients body, it is merely necessary to lift theshaft 41 out of theslide bearing 37, turn theshaft 41 upside down, and pass it vertically upward through the slide bearing 51 of thelug 50. In doing this, it is necessary to rotate it one-half turn in order to permit its key 42 to pass through the key-way 52 of thelug 50. When this is done, the arm rest is then again rotated one-half turn operably to cause the lug to slide along the upper face 59 of thelug 50 as a step bearing and to dispose thearm 45 and arm rest 46 beneath the bed in an out-ofthe-way position, as illustrated in Figure 3.

Then, when the patient is in fully reclined position on thebed 10, and a grasp handle is provided, she is enabled to grasp thehandle 53 to assist her in turm'ng or moving about in the bed, and also to enable her to hold on to something solid for purposes of mildly exercising the striped muscles of her arms, chest, abdomen, etc., said exercise being adapted to invigorate the unstriped muscles of her body so as to strengthen them for normal action. Moreover, the grasp handle 53 is likewise adapted to be used by the patient for exerting muscular tension to assist her in bowel movement.

When it is desired to withdraw the mounting unit from its operative position with respect to the patient, it is merely necessary to suspend thearm rest 46 through thelug 50 as hereinbefore described, release the latch 55 or other suitable holding means and roll the mounting unit rearwardly toward the head of the bed. It is then in a completely \out-of-the-way position, and is available for return to operative position whenever desired; such return being effectuated by merely rolling the mounting unit forward to its desired location and latching it to the rail 1'3, thereby anchoring it in place.

In Figures 4, 5, and 6 is illustrated a modified embodiment of my invention. In this embodiment, I provide a mounting unit, or chassis, 62 comprising a vertically disposedpanel 63, aroller assembly 64, similar to theroller assembly 22, or other suitable means for adjustably locating the mountingunit 62, abase member 65, and if desired, agrasp handle 66 mounted on thepanel 63 and.

forwardly projecting therefrom. Also if desired, alatch 67 may be disposed on the inner face of thepanel 63. This latch may be pivoted to said panel, as at 68 and may be shaped in the form of a bell-crank. One arm of the bell-crank latch may project downwardly as at 69 and be adapted to interlockwith a suitable device such as the interstice 70 in therail 13. The other arm of thebellcrank latch 67 preferably extends upwardly and is shaped at its outer end into a finger-receivingportion 71. A leaf-spring 72 may be secured at oneend 73 thereof to the inner face of thepanel 63, and preferably bears towards its other end against theforward face 74 of theupper arm 75 of the bell-crank 67 operably to urge thelower arm 69 of the bell crank into the interstice 70, thereby latching thechassis 62 against longitudinal displacement with respect to therail 13.

Thebase member 65 has formed therein abearing 76 opening through theupper end 77 of said base member. Thisupper end 77 is a step bearing adapted to support ablock 78. Ashaft 79 projects downwardly from theblock 78 and into thebearing 76; and is either frozen against rotation therein, or is otherwise locked in any desired manner against such rotation. Ablock 80 of conformation similar to theblock 78 is mounted on oneleaf 81 of a hinge 82, and secured thereto by any suitable means such as screws, (not shown). Anotherleaf 83 of said hinge 82 is secured to and mounted on, the upper face of theblock 78. Apost 84, preferably formed integrally with the block projects upwardly therefrom, and is pivotally secured at its upper end to one end of a horizontally disposedarm 85 by means of a vertically disposedtrunnion 87. The other end of thearm 85 is secured to anarm rest 86.

In operation, thearm 85 and arm rest 86 are swung about thetrunnion 87 as a pivot, until thearm rest 86 is in proper location with respect to the body of the patient to enable said patient to recline on saidarm rest 86. When it is desired to dispose of thearm rest 86, it is merely necessary to lift thearm rest 86 and rotate it about the hinge 82 until theblock 80,post 84, andarm 85 are freely suspended therefrom; thearm 85 is then rotated about thepivot 87 until thearm rest 86 is located beneath the bed.

When it is desired to again use thearm rest 86, it is merely necessary to swing thearm 85 outwardly about thetrunnion 87, and to lift thepost 84 about the hinge 82 until theleaf 81 supporting theblock 80 rests upon theleaf 83 mounted on theblock 78. If desired, any suitable means such as the stud-bolt 88 may be utilized adjustably to fixate thearm 85 on thetrunnion 87 when it is being positioned with respect to thepatient 60.

In Figure 7 is illustrated another modified embodiment of my invention. In this embodiment thechassis 90 comprises abody structure 91, which may be made of sheet material such as sheet metal, mounted on therail 13 by any suitable means; and, for purposes of illustration only, are shown as being mounted by aroller bearing assembly 92 which may be similar to theroller bearing assembly 22. Thebody 91 comprises abase portion 93, and may also comprise agrasp handle portion 94 forwardly projecting therefrom. Thebase portion 93 may have formed therein a double-slottedrecess 95 extending vertically through its top portion 96. This double-slottedrecess 95 may be formed by folding the sheet material inwardly and rearwardly against itself, as at 97, and then bending it inwardly and forwardly as at 98 to form a forwardly projectingwall 115 in spaced relation to the rearwardly foldedmaterial 97 and parallel to the plane of theoriginal sheet material 93. The forwardly projectingwall 115 is then outwardly and rearwardly bent at 101 until it is projecting rearwardly as at 99, when it is once more folded, this time outwardly and forwardly upon itself as at until the metal again projects forwardly in the same plane as theoriginal metal 93. The

folds 97 and 100 are preferably spaced a distance substantially equal to one-third the distance between thebends 98 and 101. If desired, abase lug 102 may be outwardly struck out of the bottom portion of the forwardly projectingwall 115 intermediate thefolds 97 and 100, saidlug 102 projecting into the downward path of therecess 95. If desired, asimilar recess 103 may be formed on thechassis 90 forwardly or rearwardly thereof. Theroller bearing assembly 92 may be secured to thebody portion 93 through suitableradial bearings 104.

Asuitable latch 105 may be secured, preferably, to the rearward portion of thechassis 90, and is adapted to interlock withsuitable interstices 56 on thebed rail 13.

Avertical shaft 106 may be for-med of sheet material such as sheet metal, or of other material as desired; and when formed of sheet material, may be crimped so as to form theslide panels 107 and 108 disposed along one plane and anintermediate rib 109 outwardly projecting therefrom; the rearward and forward edges of theslide panels 108 and 107 being spaced substantially equal to, or slightly less than the space intermediate therearward bend 98 and forward bend 101 of the double-slottedrecess 95, the width of therib 109 being substantially equal to or slightly less than the space intermediate therearward fold 97 and forward fold 100 of saidrecess 95, and the thickness of theslide panels 107 and 108 being sub:

stantially equal to or slightly less than the space between the forwardly projecting wall and the reverse folds 97 and 100. Thevertical shaft 106 is thus adapted to be slid into therecess 95, and to project downwardly therethrough until thelower edge 110 thereof abuts or rests upon thelug 102.

The upper portion of theshaft 106 may be inwardly bent as at 111 to form ahorizontal portion 112. Thishorizontal portion 112 may be downwardly bent along both its forward and rearward sides as at 113 and 114, and then bent generally toward the median axis of thehorizontal portion 112, opcrably to form a sleeve having a solidupper wall 116,side walls 113 and 114 and asplit bottom wall 117. Theoutward edges 118 of the split bottom wall bear against the inner faces of thevertical slide panels 107 and 108 operably to render additional support for thehorizontal portion 112. Aslide shaft 119, which may be made of sheet material is adapted to be disposed within thesleeve 112. This shaft is of a thickness and width substantially equal to the internal thickness and width of thesleeve 112 and is adapted to be frictionally or otherwise held against undesired longitudinal displacement therealong, said friction or other holding means 'being insuflicient however to retain said shaft against such displacement when it is desired intentionally to extend saidshaft 119 outwardly from, or inwardly to, saidsleeve 112. Anarm rest 120 is mounted on the inward portion of saidshaft 119 and is of such contour, texture, and position as to render it adaptable for supporting the arms of a patient sitting up in the bed.

In operation, when it is desired to withdraw the arm rest from juxtaposition to the patient, it is merely necessary to lift thevertical shaft 106 out of the double slottedrecess 95, turn theshaft 106 upside down, with the arm rest 1 20 positioned beneath the bed, and reinsert theshaft 106 upwardly through the bottom portion of the double slottedrecess 103. A suitable retaining means such as a locking pin 121 having a suitable releasing means such as the thumb release 122 may be used to retain said shaft against undesired downward displacement through therecess 103. When the locking pin 121 is used, a suitable recess such as theinterstice 123 may be formed through thevertical shaft 106, and adapted to receive the locking pin 121 in interlocking relation therewith. The outwardly extendingrib 109 of thevertical shaft 106 prevents this shaft from being inserted through therecess 103 in reverse position, with the arm rest portion extending outwardly instead of beneath the bed. If desired, when a grasp handle is used, the grasp handle 94 may be formed into a circular or semi-circular shape as shown, operable to render it more comfortable for grasping.

In Figure 8 is shown a modified embodiment of my invention wherein thearm rest 120 is mounted on thevertical shaft 106 by means of a horizontally disposedslide shaft 112 extending into asleeve 113 mounted on thevertical shaft 106. Adjustment means 124 are provi'ded for fixatingly adjusting the distance between thearm rest 120 and theshaft 106. In this embodiment of my invention, the friction between thehorizontal shaft 112 and thesleeve 113 may be reduced to a minimum, and any one of various retaining means such for distance as thethumb screw 125 may be used to hold saidshaft 112 against displacement within thesleeve 113.

In Figure 9 is illustrated another modified embodiment of my invention, wherein thevertical shaft 106 is disposed through double slottedrecesses 126 formed between thebed rail 13 and the retaining bar 127. The retaining bar 127 is preferably formed of a sheet material such as sheet metal and is securely mounted on the bed rail by means of suitable retaining means such as thescrews 128. Intermediate thescrews 128, the retaining bar is formed into a series ofrecesses 126, preferably each of which is formed in the following manner: The bar is outwardly bent as at 129 until it has traversed a distance from therail 13 equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of theslide panels 107 and 108, where 130 substantially parallel to thevertical wall portion 23 of thebed rail 13. Thevertical wall 130 is then extended forwardly a distance substantially equal to the width of theslide panel 108, whereupon it is bent outwardly, forwardly and .then inwardly to form a recessedwall 131 of a conformation and internal measurement substantially similar to the conformation and external measurement of therib 109 of thevertical shaft 106. The retaining bar is then b'ent forwardly to form aretaining wall 132 along the same plane as theretaining wall 130 until it has traversed substantially the width of (hevertical shaft 106, whereupon it is inwardly bent and reversely folded upon itself as at 133. The inner edge of thereverse fold 133 extends inwardly suflicient to traverse the thickness of theslide panel 107 and to bear against thevertical wall 23 of thebed rail 13. Thereverse fold 133 then begins the nextadjacent recess 126.

In operation, thevertical shaft 106 may selectively be disposed through any of therecesses 126 according to the requirements of the position of the patient in the bed. Thevertical shaft 106 is held against vertical displacement in therecess 126 by any suitable means, such for instance, as a step bearing (not shown). Or if desired,suitable recesses 134 may be formed in thevertical shaft 106, adapted to interlock with any desired retaining means, such as thepin 135 flexibly secured to theshaft 106, when said retaining means or pin 135 has been passed through theco-aligning recess 136 on the retaining bar 127. When it'is desired to withdraw thearm rest 120, from the upper portion of the bed, it is merely necessary .to withdraw the retainingpin 135 from the retaining bar 127 and to lift theshaft 106 out of therecess 126. The shaft may then be turned upside down and re-inserted through one of therecesses 126, and the re- .taining pin 135 re-inserted through therecess 136 andco-aligned recess 134, to interlock the shaft against vertical displacement within therecess 126.

In Figures to 16 inclusive are illustrated another modified construction embodying my invention. Herein I provide a mountingdevice 140 which is capable of being adjustabiy secured to any bed rail, such as therail 13 of a hospital bed. The mountingdevice 140 may comprise a substantially horizontally disposedarm 141, a vertically disposedarm 142 downwardly projecting from the outer end of thearm 141 and preferably integral therewith, a sleeve-member 143 outwardly projecting from thevertical arm 142 and incorporating the outer face 144 of thevertical arm 142 in its sleeve assembly, acoupling member 145 projecting preferably from a side portion of thesleeve member 143, a substantiallyhorizontal arm 146 disposed beneath thehorizontal arm 141, and having downwardly projecting from one end thereof, avertical arm 147, and nut andbolt assemblies 148 and 149 respectively securing to each other the inward ends of thehorizontal arms 141 and 146, and the lower end portions of the vertically disposedarms 142 and 147.

lo a preferred embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figures 10 to 16 inclusive, thehorizontal arms 141 and 146 are longitudinally slotted as at 150 and 151, thevertical arm 147 is similarly longitudinally slotted at its lower end, as at 152, and thevertical arm 142 is longitudinally slotted upwardly through its lower end as at 153. Thesleeve portion 143 is preferably formed with anouter wall portion 154 and substantially parallelside wall portions 155 and 156 which are spaced a distance substantially equal to the width of thevertical arm 142. Theside wall portions 155 and 156 are mounted on thevertical arm 142 by any suitable means such as thescrews 157 which are preferably countersunk so as to be substantially flush with the outer faces 158 and 159 of therespective side walls 155 and 156. Thecoupling member 145 preferably comprises a mountingwall 160 and acantilever wall 161 perpendicularly projecting therefrom.

Therearward face 162 of thecantilever wall 161 is pref- The nut andbolt assembly 148 preferably comprises a smooth-headed bolt 168 having an upper, square-cut portion 169 immediately adjacent thehead 170, and a lower, threadedportion 171. The square-cut portion 169 -is preferably of a width slightly less than the width of theslot 150, and the threadedportion 171 is preferably-of awidth slightly less than the width of theslot 151. A

wing-nut 172 is threadedly mounted on the bolt 168 beneath theslot 151 of thehorizontal arm 146.

The nut andbolt assembly 149 preferably comprises abolt 173 having ahead 174, square-cut portion 175 immediately behind thehead 174 and of a width preferably just slightly less than the width of theopen slot 153 of thevertical arm 142. The threadedportion 176 of thebolt 173 is disposed rearwardly of the square-cut portion 175 and is of a diameter preferably slightly less than the width of theslot 152 of thevertical arm 147. A wing-nut 177 is preferably threadedly mounted on thebolt 173 rearwardly of thevertical arm 147.

Abracket 178 is provided, having avertical stanchion portion 179 and ahorizontal cantilever portion 180. The

cantilever portion 180 may if desired be formed in an adjustable manner. Thus, I may provide a horizontalslide bearing portion 181 perpendicularly and inwardly projecting from thestanchion portion 179. Theslide bearing 181 comprises abase bearing section 182 which is preferably formed integrally with thevertical stanchion member 179, and extends inwardly toward the center of the bed with respect to which it is adapted to be mounted. Ahorizontal sleeve member 183 may be provided having an upperbearing wall portion 184 andside wall portions 185 and 186 downwardly projecting therefrom, and preferably formed integral therewith. Theside wall portions 185 and 186 are preferably spaced a distance substantially equal to the width of thebase bearing member 182. Suitable means, such as thecountersunk screws 187, are provided for securing theside wall portions 185 and 186 to the sides of thebase bearing member 182, with the heads of thescrews 187 flush with the outer faces of theside wall members 185, 186, and theupper bearing wall 184 in spaced, parallel relation to thebase bearing member 182. Ahorizontal slide shaft 188 is disposed through theslide bearing 181 and comprises astop member 189 which is preferably removable therefrom. Thus, thestop member 189 may consist of a threaded stud threadedly secured to theouter end 190 of theslide shaft 188 and upwardly projecting, from the upper face thereof, a distance sufdcient to abut theouter end 191 of thesleeve member 183 when theslide shaft 188 is in its inwardmost position. Theslide shaft 188 is preferably of a width substantially equal to the spacing between theside walls 185 and 186, and of a thickness substantially equal to the spacing between theupper bearing member 184 and the base-bear ing member 182. The inward end of theslide shaft 188 is preferably upwardly and reversely curved as at 192 to form a preferably substantial horizontal base supporting member 192'.

Anarm rest 193 is mounted in any suitable manner on thecantilever portion 180 of thebracket 178, and may for instance as the countersunk screws 195. A substan-.

. tiallyhorizontal base member 196 which may be made of wood or other suitable lightweight sturdy substance is provided with a size and shape suitable for forming a a e n wh h he o e rm hand. can. om ab y rest.Thebase member 196 is secured to the base plate 1 4,1 any suitable means such as the countersunk wood screws 197. If desired,suitable padding 198 is provided with the general configuration of thebase member 196, but preferably oversize with respect thereto. Thispadding 198 may be made of any suitable material such as foam rubber, kapok, or the like, and may if desired be contained in any suitable washable covering. Acover 199 may be provided, having a configuration generally similar to, that of thebase member 196, but substantially oversize with respect thereto. Thecover 199 is preferably made of heavy percale, muslin or other suitable washable material, and is adapted to be disposed about the side and upper surfaces of thepad 198 when such is in use, and about the upper portion, sides and preferably the marginal area of the lower face of thebase member 196. Suitable attaching means are provided for securing the covering 199 in place, and may consist of the drawstring 20.0, passing through a suitable orifice 281 formed withih the hem of thecover 199. In practice, the pad 198-, when such is used, is laid on thebase member 196 in. substantial registry therewith, and thecover 199 is laid over and about thepad 198 and thebase member 196 with theedges 202 of thecover 199. substantially parallel to the edges. 263 of thebase member bar 196 and disposed therebeneath. The tying string 290 is then drawn sufficiently to draw the edge portions 292 of thecover 199 toward one another beneath thebase member 196, and the ends. of the draw-string 290 are. tied together beneath thebase member 196. i

Thestanchion 179 preferably comprises a T-beam or other suitably sturdily designedconstruction 204, and aslide shaft portion 205 of a width substantially equal to the spacing between theside walls 158 and 159 of the vertical;sleeve bearing member 143, and of a thickness substantially equal to. the spacing between the outer wall portion 154: thereof and thevertical arm 142. Theslide shaft 205 projects downwardly from the lower end 286 of the outer projection 267 of the T-beam 204, or of any other suitable projection on thestanchion 179, a distance suficiently to enable the shaft 265 to slide into, and be held by, thesleeve bearing member 143. The lower end 266 of the T-beam 2107 or other suitable projection (not shown) of thestanchion member 179 serves as a step adapted to abut against the upper edge 2% of thesleeve member 143 which thus serves as a step-bearing adapted to support thestanchion 179 against further downward displacement when the shaft 295 is inserted in thesleeve 143.

A suitable slide coupling device 299 is formed on theslide shaft 205, and may comprise a longitudinally disposedslot 210 having anenlarged portion 211 at its upper end. The slot 219 is substantially equal to the width of the stud, 166, and theenlarged portion 211 is preferably formed circular; and is slightly greater in diameter than the diameter of thehead 167 of thecoupling pin 165.

In operation, the horizontallydispcsed arm 141 is placed on "thebed rail 13 or 14 in the desired location therealong with respect to the patients arms when said patient is in sitting-up position. The mountingdevice 140 is adapted to be secured to a bed rail of any construction, and when said rail comprises an angle iron construction, theam 141 preferably rests upon the upper face of the horizontal,bar portion 24 of theangle iron 13, with thevertical arm 142 extending downwardly and bearing against the outside face of said rail. Thearm 141 is preferably disposed intermediate thesprings 212 of themattress support 15. To facilitate the ready disposition of the mountingdevice 140. on thebed rail 13, thethumb screw 177 is released from tightening contact with thevertical arm 147, and thethumb screw 172 is turned downwardly so as to permit the disengagement of thebolt 149 from the slottedend 153 of thevertical arm 142. Thebolt 158 is thus. tendered free to rock on its mounting in, the hori ont l. arm .1, n t r y th t he assembly 146, 147 free of contact with the 142. Thearm assembly 146, 147 is thus permitted to be inserted inwardly of therail 13 and between the springs- 2 1 2 it extends downwardly therebelow. The lower part of the bolt 168 is then rocked forwardly until thebelt 149 is in juxtaposition to theslot 153 of thevertical arm 142. Thehorizontal arm 146 is then moved upwardly until it bears against thelower edge 213 of therail 13, carrying with it thebolt 149 through theslot 153 of thevertical arm 142. Thethumb screw 172 is then turned upwardly until it tightens thehorizontal arm 146 against thelower end 213 of therail 13. Thethumb screw 177 is then turned outwardly until it tightens theverticalarm 147 against thevertical arm 142. The sleeve-bearing 143 is now in secured and properly disposed position for mounting thestanchion 179 and rigidly holding. thearm rest 193 place, as well as for disposing said: arm rest in an ou-t-o -the-way position beneath the bed when not use. The mounting device once placed in position, need not be removed therefrom and may be retained in place as long as a given patient desires the privilege of using an arm rest. Should another patient of different physical build or size require the use of an arm rest on the same bed, the mountingdevice 140 may if desired be withdrawn from this position by simply loosening the thumb-screw 177 and lowering thethumb screw 172; until the horizontal andvertical arm assembly 146, 147 is lowered away from the slot 153-and thearm 141, together with thebolt 148 and thearm assembly 146, 147 carried thereby, are lifted out of their position between the bed springs 2 12, and reinserted at any desired position along therail 13 between adjacent springs 212' at said location, The mounting device 141) is then reassembled in the same manner as outlined above.

When it is desired to use the arm rest, thestanchion 179 is grasped and turned so as to dispose thearm rest portion 193 interiorly over the bed while thestanchion portion 179 is held above thesleeve member 143 and in vertical alignment therewith. Thestanchion 179, with thearm rest 193 carried thereby, is then lowered until the slide shaft portion 295 penetrates the sleeve member 1419 and extends therein until the step 2126 bears against thestep bearing portion 208 of thesleeve member 143. If desired, theslide shaft 188 may be moved inwardly or outwardly through theslide bearing 181 according to the desires or requirements of the patient. The arm rest is now in proper position, ready for use.

When it is desired to remove the arm rest from operable position over the bed, it is merely necessary to grasp thestanchion 179 and lift it out of thesleeve member 140, turn it upside-down so as to dispose thearm rest 193 beneath themattress support 15, pass theenlarged portion 211 of thecoupling member 209 over thehead 167 of the coupling pin until theinner face 213 of thestanchion 179 bears against thecoupling member 145. The grasp is then withdrawn from thestanchion 179, and it drops of its own weight, causing the stud 166 to penetrate the slot 219 thereby locking thestanchion 179 against outward displacement against thehead 167. Thearm rest 193 is now in an out-of-the-way position beneath the bed. When it is desired to use itagain, it is merely necessary to lift thestanchion 179 until theenlarged portion 211 is in registry with the head167, and to pull thestanchion 179 outwardly until it has uncoupled from saidcoupling pin 165. Thestanchion 179 is then turned upside-down, with thearm rest portion 193 disposed over themattress support 15, and mounted within the mountingdevice 140 in the same manner as hereinabove described.

When it is desired to ship or store this arm rest and mounting device assembly, it is readilydemounted and knocked-down. Thus, thestop member 189 may readily be removed from theslide shaft 188 and said shaft withdrawn from theslide bearing 181. Thestud 189 is preferably reinserted in place in theslide shaft 188 for safe-keeping. The mounting device 1451 may then be stored or shipped along with thebracket assembly 178 from which theslide shaft 188 has been removed, and thearm rest 193 including the various parts attached thereto may be stored or shipped with said bracket assembly and mounting device. If further knocking-down is required, thepadding 198 and cover 199 may readily be removed, or thebase member 196 may be unscrewed from thebase plate 194. Other methods of knockingdown may readily'be seen from the foregoing description.

It will thus be readily seen that by my novel construction I have provided a conversion means for transforming substantially any adjustable hospital bed to a convalescent chair.

Moreover, the arm rest assembly included in the conversion means of my invention is so constructed, and by my novel combination is so related to the inclinable backand-head portion of the bed, as to provide comfortable and facile support for repetitive grasping, leaning and resting, on the part of the patients ambulatory arm. Not only so, but a necessary element is provided to the novel combination of patient, arm rest, back-an-d-head portion, and base portion of the mattress, whereby the patient may readily and comfortably lift his body to permit the insertion and removal of a bed pan, and to rest his body during the use of the bed pan while at the same time exercising controlled strains through the use of the comfortable arm rest disposed beneath his elbow, to assist him in elimination. Then, when physician, orderly or nurse wish to have access to the patients body, the arm rest may be instantly and easily translated from its position adjacent his body, to an out-of-the-way position beneath the bed; and when the patient is again ready to sit up, it may as readily and quickly be reinserted in position next to his body and in fully operative use as a component part of a convalescent chair or Cogswell chair, to which the bed has thus by my novel invention, been converted.

I am aware that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and I therefore desire the present embodiments to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to obtain by Letters Patent, is:

1. Conversion means for, a bed having a longitudinally disposed rail member; said conversion means comprising a mounting device having a coupling means; means for securing said mounting device to said rail member; an arm rest; a bracket having a stanchion portion and an interlocking device; said arm rest being mounted on said bracket; and said stanchion portion .omprising substantially a step shaft portion; said mounting device comprising a vertically disposed slide bearing and a step bearing portion, adapted releasably to receive and to support said shaft portion of said stanchion, and said coupling means being adapted to engage and releasably to interlock with said interlocking device on said bracket when said stanchion 'is in upside-down position.

2. Conversion means for a bed having a longitudinally disposed rail member; said conversion means comprising a mounting device having a coupling means; means for securing said mounting device to said rail member; an arm rest; a bracket having a stanchion portion and 'an interlocking device; said arm rest being mounted on said bracket; and said stanchion portion comprising substantially a step shaft portion; said mounting device comprising a vertically disposed slide bearing and a step bearing portion, adapted releasably to receive and to support said shaft portion of said stanchion, and said coupling means being adapted to engage and releasably to interlock with said interlocking device on said bracket when said stanchion is in upside-down position, said coupling means and 14 said interlocking device being so related as to be operable, when said bracket is suspended from said coupling means, only while said arm rest is disposed beneath said bed.

3. Means for converting an adjustable hospital bed to a convalescent chair, comprising a mounting device, a bracket and an arm rest; said arm rest being mounted on said bracket; said mounting device comprising a coupling member, a vertically disposed slide bearing, and including a step bearing portion, and means to secure said mounting device on said bed; said bracket including a slide shaft portion, a step, and an interlocking device; said slide shaft portion being adapted to be substantially vertically, slidably inserted into and held by said slide bearing and to be slidably removed therefrom, said step being adapted to bear downwardly against, and to be supported by, said step bearing portion; and said interlocking device being adapted to engage and be held by said coupling member when said arm rest is disposed in an out-of-the-way position beneath said bed.

4. Means for converting into a convalescent chair, a hospital bed having a mattress support comprising an adjustable back-and-head portion; said means comprising a mounting device, a bracket and an arm rest; said arm rest being mounted on said bracket; said mounting device comprising a coupling member, a vertically disposed slide bearing, and including a step bearing portion, and

means to secure said mounting device on said bed; said bracket including a slide shaft portion, a step, and an interlocking device; said slide shaft portion being adapted to be substantially vertically, slidably inserted into and held by said slide bearing and to be slidably removed therefrom, said step being adapted to bear downwardly against, and to be supported by, said step bearing portion; said slide bearing, bracket, and arm rest, being so disposed with relation to said adjustable back-and-head portion of said bed that when said back-and-head portion is in raised condition, said arm rest will overlie a portion thereof and substantially abut a mattress disposed on said back-and-head portion; and said interlocking device being adapted to engage and be held by said coupling member when said arm rest is disposed in an out-of-the-way position beneath said bed.

5. Means for converting into a convalescent chair, a hospital bed having a mattress support comprising an adjustable back-and nead portion; said means comprising a mounting device, a bracket and an arm rest; said arm rest being mounted on said bracket; said mounting device comprising a coupling member, a vertically disposed slide bearing, and including a step bearing portion, and means to secure said mounting device on said bed; said bracket including a slide shaft portion, a step, and an interlocking device; said slide shaft portion being adapted to be substantially vertically, slidably inserted into and held by said slide bearing and to be slidably removed therefrom, said step being adapted to bear downwardly against, and to be supported by, said step bearing portion; said slide bearing, bracket, and arm rest, being so disposed with relation to said adjustable back-and-head portion of said bed that when said back-and-head portion is in raised condition, said arm rest will overlie a portion thereof and substantially abut a mattress disposed on said back-andhead portion; and said interlocking device being adapted to engage and be held by said coupling member when said arm rest is disposed in an out-of-the-way position beneath said bed; said coupling member and said interlocking device being so related as to be operable, when said bracket is suspended from said coupling member, only While said arm rest is disposed beneath said bed.

6. Conversion means for a bed having a longitudinally disposed rail member; said conversion means comprising a mounting device having a coupling means; means for securing said mounting device to said rail member; an arm rest portion; a bracket portion; said arm rest por tion being disposed on said bracket portion; said bracket portion having a stanchion portion and an interlocking device; and said stanchion portion comprising a base portion and having a step. portion; said mounting device comprising a socket portion adapted releasably to receive and to hold said base portion, and a step bearing portion adapted to support said step portion of said stanchion portion, and said coupling means being adapted to engage and releasably to interlock with said interlocking device on said bracket portion when said stanchion portion is in upside down position.

7. Conversion means for a bed having a longitudinally disposed rail member; said conversion means comprising a mounting device having a coupling means; means for securing said mounting evice to said rail member; an arm rest portion; a bracket portion; said arm rest portion being disposed on said bracket portion; said bracket portion having a stanchion portion and an interlocking device; and said stanchion portion comprising a base portion and having a step port-ion; said mounting device comprising a socket portion adapted releasably to receive and to hold said base portion, and a step bearing portion adapted to support said step portion of said stanchion portion, and said coupling means being adapted to engage and releasably to interlock with said interlocking device on said bracket portion when said stanchion is in upside down position, said coupling means and said interlocking device being so related as to be operable only when said bracket portion is suspended therefrom while said arm rest portion is disposed beneath said bed.

8. Means for converting an adjustable hospital bed to a convalescent chair, comprising a mounting device, a bracket portion and an arm rest portion; said arm rest portion being disposed on said bracket portion; said mounting device comprising a coupling member, a socket portion, and including a step bearing portion, and means to secure said mounting device on said bed; said bracket portion including a base portion, a step, and an interlocking device; said base portion being adapted to be slidably inserted into and held by said socket portion and to be slidably removed therefrom, said step being adapted to bear downwardly against, and to be supported by, said step bearing portion; and said interlocking evice being adapted to engage and be held by said coupling member when said arm rest portion is disposed in an out-ofthe-way position beneath said bed,

9. Means for converting into a convalescent chair, a hospital bed having a mattress support comprising an adjustable back-and-head portion; said means comprising a mounting device, a bracket portion and an arm rest portion; said arm rest portion being disposed on said bracket portion; said mounting device comprising a coupling member, a socket portion, and means to secure said mounting device on said bed; said bracket portion including a base portion, and an interlocking device; said base portion being adapted to be slideably inserted into and held by said socket portion and to be slideably removed therefrom; said base portion, bracket portion, and arm rest portion, being so disposed with relation to said adjustable back-and-head portion of said bed that when said back-and-head portion is in raised condition, said arm rest portion will overlie a portion thereof and substantially abut a mattress disposed on said back-and-head portion; and said interlocking device being adapted to engage and be held by said coupling member when said arm rest portion is disposed in an out-o-f-the-way position beneath said bed.

10. Conversion means for a bed having a longitudinally disposed rail member; said conversion means comprising a mounting device having a coupling means; said mounting device being adapted to be fixedly disposed on said rail member; an arm rest device having an arm rest portion, a base portion and an interlocking device; and said base portion comprising a step portion; said mounting device comprising means for releasably retaining said base portion, and a step bearing portion adapted to support said step portion of said base portion; and said coupling means being adapted to engage and releasably to interlock with said interlocking device when said arm rest portion is disposed in an out-of-the-way position beneath said bed.

11. Conversion means for a bed having a longitudinally disposed rail member; said conversion means comprising a mount-ing device having a coupling means; said mounting device being adapted to be fixedly disposed on said rail member; an arm rest device having an arm rest portion, a base portion and an interlocking device; and said base portion comprising a step portion; said mounting device comprising means for releasably retaining said base portion, and a step bearing portion adapted to support said step portion of said base portion; and said coupling means being adapted to engage and releasably to interlock with said interlocking device when said arm rest portion is disposed in an out-of-the-way position beneath said bed, said coupling means and said interlocking device being so related as to be operable only when said arm rest device is suspended from said coupling means while said arm rest portion is disposed beneath said bed.

12. Means for converting an adjustable hospital bed to a convalescent chair, comprising a mounting device and an arm rest device; said mounting device comprising a coupling member, a retaining means, and including a step bearing portion; said mounting device being adapted to be fixedly disposed on said bed; said arm rest device including a base portion, an interlocking device and a step portion; at least a portion of said base portion being adapted to be slideably engaged with and rcleasably retained by said retaining means; said step bearing portion being adapted to support said step portion when said base portion is thus retained by said retaining means; and said interlocking device being adapted to engage and be held by said coupling member when said arm rest device is disposed in an out-of-the-way position beneath said bed.

13. Means for converting into a convalescent chair, a hospital bed having a mattress support comprising an adjustable back-and-head portion; said means comprising a mounting device and an arm rest device; said mounting device comprising a coupling member and retaining means; said mounting device being adapted to be fixedly disposed on said bed; said arm rest device including an arm rest portion, a base portion, and an interlocking device; at least a portion of said base portion being adapted to be slideably engaged with and releasably retained by said retaining means; said arm rest device being so disposed with relation to said adjustable back-and-head portion of said bed that when said back-and-head portion is in raised condition, said arm rest portion will substantially abut a mattress disposed on said back-and-head portion; and said interlocking device being adapted to engage and be held by said coupling member when said arm rest portion is disposed in an out-of-the-way position beneath said bed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 120,110 Schindler Oct. 17, 1871 709,945 Wade Sept. 30, 1902 781,328 Brown Jan. 31, 1905 1,219,158 Rose Mar. 13, 1917 1,904,800 Pittman Apr. 18, 1933 1,993,437 Ferguson Mar. 5, 1935 2,592,702 Sprung Apr. 15, 1952 2,607,401 Pruyne Aug. 19, 1952

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