| The Murphy bed mechanism is a patented, special use | | | | Consequently, fewer beds were constructed, even |
| device that allows the bed to be effortlessly lifted up | | | | though replacement parts continued to be made. After |
| into its recess or easily pulled down into a sleeping | | | | the war, people moved from their small apartments in |
| position. The basic concept of the mechanism is over | | | | the cities to roomier houses in the suburbs. Interest in |
| one hundred years old. It was invented and patented | | | | the Murphy bed waned until the movement back to |
| by William L. Murphy in the early 1900s. | | | | city living in the 1980s. |
| Mr. Murphy's design was constructed of steel bolted to | | | | Meanwhile, the mechanism itself was gradually |
| the door jamb of a closet. The lifting mechanism | | | | improved as new patents were granted. The basic |
| consisted of two steel springs that were strong | | | | Murphy bed mechanism, two springs that needed |
| enough to do most of the work of lifting and tight | | | | periodic adjustments, was modified until the unit can |
| enough to keep the bed in a vertical position when out | | | | now function well without any adjustments for years, |
| of use. The unit was counter-balanced to also keep it | | | | and can be guaranteed for ten years or more. Many |
| in the horizontal, open position when needed. Early | | | | units are no longer attached to the floor or to the back |
| improvements allowed the mattress to pivot so it | | | | of a closet, but are part of custom cabinetry. The unit |
| would glide from one position to another. Many of | | | | now locks in place in both the vertical and horizontal |
| these beds are still in use, especially in the older | | | | position. There are even mechanisms that are |
| apartments of San Francisco and New York City. | | | | gas-piston driven or electric, especially useful for the |
| During World War II, steel was in short supply. | | | | handicapped and elderly. |