Improvement in Bedsteads

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

A new method of attaching the parts of the j common bedstead together, has been invented by Westley E. Merrill and Freeman Tupper, of Nashua, N. H. This method is simple as well as permanent, and recommends itself, also, for its cheapness. The rails are fastened to the posts by means of cast-iron clamps screwed upon each, which so interlock each other that a simple metal key, pressed down between the clamps, confine the rails and posts effectually together; the castings cost but a trifle, and they are very readily secured to the I posts of the bedstead, ready for use. The manner in which the head and foot board are kept in their place is still more simple, nothing being required for each connection of the board and post but two castings or pieces ol flat metal with a dovetailed groove cut upon the side of one, and a key upon the other corresponding to this groove. The parts being j secured in their position by screws, all that is necessary to put them together, is to slide the board down to its required place, and the whole will then be firmly united. The canvas which covers the springs is also buttoned upon the side rails in a very convenient manner. The inventors have taken measures to secure a patent.

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American