Convertible Settee and Bed (1897)
U.S. Patent No. 591,095, granted on October 5, 1897, to John H. Evans, describes a space-saving furniture design that transforms from a standard parlor settee into a two-story bunk bed. John H. Evans, an inventor based in Cleveland, Ohio, created this dual-use mechanism to maximize living space in urban residences and smaller quarters during the late 19th century.
This specific invention solved a common domestic challenge: providing multiple full-sized sleeping surfaces without permanently sacrificing floor space during the day.
The Innovation: The “Two-Story” Transformation
Unlike standard sofa beds of the era that folded out into a single wide mattress on the floor, Evans engineered a dual-sliding channel system paired with telescopic support rods. This enabled the piece to convert vertically into a stacked, two-story bed frame—utilizing upper air space rather than taking up additional floor area.
- Horizontal & Vertical Track Systems
- Reversible Seat (D): Fitted with rear corner pins (p) that slide along horizontal grooves (g) in the end frames (A A). The seat is pulled forward and flipped over to form the lower bed surface.
- Reversible Back (E): Equipped with lower corner pins (q) that travel upward along vertical grooves (h) in the main frame. At the top of these vertical tracks, safety recesses (k) catch and hold the pins in place once the back is raised into a horizontal position to form the upper bed.
- Telescopic Brace and Support (L)
- Structure: Metal telescopic rods are pivotally attached at their lower ends to the main end frames (A A) and at their upper ends to the back frame (E).
- Deployment: As the back frame is lifted into the upper bed position, the rods extend vertically into a rigid upright position.
- Locking Mechanism: A safety latch (16) on the upper member catches on the top edge of the lower member, preventing the rod from contracting under weight.
How the Apparatus Functions
Converting the settee into a two-story bed follows a simple structural sequence:
Step 1: Seat Extension — Pull the seat frame (D) forward along the horizontal grooves (g) and flip it over to expose the integrated lower bed.
Step 2: Elevation — Lift the back frame (E) upward; the guide pins (q) travel up the vertical grooves (h) until they drop securely into the resting recesses (k).
Step 3: Support Lock — As the upper frame reaches horizontal orientation, the telescopic braces (L) fully extend until the latches (16) engage, locking the upper bunk safely into place.
Step 4: Storage Access — The main frame bottom (C) between ends (A A) serves as an enclosed box for storing bedding, which can also be accessed via a slide-out drawer in the front (F).
Key Technical Components
| Component | Function |
| End Frames (A A) | Main structural end panels housing the vertical and horizontal guide tracks. |
| Seat Frame (D) | Reversible seating surface containing an integrated bed frame; glides forward on pins (p). |
| Back Frame (E) | Reversible backrest that elevates along tracks to become the upper bed platform. |
| Telescopic Support (L) | Collapsible support legs that extend and lock to carry the weight of the upper bed. |
| Storage Box (C) | Built-in lower compartment enclosed by front (F) and back (B) panels for storing linens. |
Summary of Claims
The patent explicitly claims:
- The combination of end frames (A A) containing integrated horizontal (g) and vertical (h) guide grooves.
- A reversible seat frame (D) guided by pins (p) sliding along horizontal grooves to convert into a lower bed.
- A reversible back frame (E) guided by pins (q) moving along vertical grooves to form an elevated upper bed.
- An adjustable, latching telescopic support (L) connecting the upper bed frame directly to the main end frames for vertical stabilization.
