CERTAIN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY IN CASES OF SHIPWRECK
Year: 1847

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, WILLIAM
DYNE, of Rochester Terrace, Stoke Newington, Middlesex, Corn Merchant,
and MORYS HAGGAR, of Church Street, Stoke Newington, Gentleman, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Twenty-second day of May, in the tenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the said
William Dyne and Morys Hagger, our exors, admors, and assigns, Her
especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that we, the said
William Dyne and Morys Haggar, our exors, adiñors, and assigns, and such
others as we, the said William Dyne and Morys Haggar, our exors, admors,
and assigns, might at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times during the term of years therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and
the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey,
Alderney, Sark, and Man, and in all Her Majesty's Colonies and Plantations
abroad, our Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING LIFE
AND PROPERTY IN CASES OF SHIPWRECK;" in which said Letters Patent is con-
tained, a proviso obliging us, the said William Dyne and Morys Haggar, to
cause a particular description in writing, under our hands and seals, of the
nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,

page_text: to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully
and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said provision, we, the said
William Dyne and Morys Haggar, do hereby declare that the nature of our
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are
fully described and ascertained in and by the following description thereof,
reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and
letters marked thereon (that is to say) :-
Our improvements consist first, in the construction of apparatus which -is
extremely portable, requiring very little stowage room, and which at the same
time can with facility be readily adapted for the preservation of a great
number of persons from drowning, and saving considérable amount of property,
if necessary, in cases of emergency at sea, such as shipwreck.
Secondly, our improvements consist in the adapting certain apparatus and
appliances to life, boats, such as are at present in use, so as to render them
safer and capable of sustaining a greater weight without decreasing or mate-
rially decreasing their stowage, capacity
o
Thirdly, our invention consists in rendering various articles used in vessels
applicable for the preservation of life and property, when necessary, without
at all interfering with their other useful.capacity.
•
Hitherto, in cases of shipwreck, especially whero-tho passengers have been
numerous, the supply of bohts. or other apparatus-bas generally been quite
inadequate to the wants of the occasion, and a great loss of human life has been
too often the. result... This want of the means of escape arises principally from
the great, stowage room being required for boats: or rafts of the ordinary
description, and therefore ships are unable to carry a sufficient number of life
boats; but if our Invention be used the necessary apparatus for the preservation
of the whole..of a ship's..crew, passengers, and valuable property besides, can
be stowed away. with less incumbrance than is caused by the present inadequate,
and often worse than useless; supply of: life boats. now-carried in ships.
Fig. 1, Sheet A, of the annexed Drawings, represents in isometrical: pro-
jection a:view of tour improved life raft; and Fig. 2; Sheet Aa view of the
same collapsed: This raft when intended to be carried by ships of the first
class, should be of the following dimensions: length about twenty feet, breadth
fourteen feet; & the height of the surrounding protection to be attached thereto
about five or six feet: A raft of this size and construction will accommodate
with ease and safety.at least one hundred persons, and will not occupy when

page_text: folded up; as.seen at Fig. 2, Sheet 'A, a space of more than eighty cubic feet, or
in other words, a square of about two feet side, and in length' the same as that
of the raft: The raft consists of four longitudinal timbers a, a; and b; b, and
two transverse' timbers c; c; the timbers a, a, are laid' on 'the upper surface of
the timbers c, c, as seen at Fig. 1; bolts d, 'd,:d, d, seen at Fig. 2, are passed
through these pieces of timber a; a, and c, 'c, firmly securing them together
in such a manner that they will move at the corners as on a. pivot; the
timbers c; c, are each constructed in two pieces, connected at e, e, by means of
joints ff very similar to the joint of a common carpenter's rule, which it
will be seen only admits of. the timbers c; c, being folded inwards, or towards
the centre of the raft. g, g, are strong spring catches, made of iron, steel, or
other material possessing sufficient elasticity for the purpose. These catches.
when the raft is expanded; as seen at Fig. 1, enter the eyes or staples. h, h, and
the ends ee, of the timbers c, c, abutting on each other render the two
pieces perfectly rigid: The hook part i,' of the catch can be released from
the staple by pressing it close to 'the timbers c; c; four standards k; k, k, k; are
attached to the timbers a; a; by means of hinges l, l; 1, 1; in order that they
may be folded down in the manner shewn in Fig. 2. These four standards
are each furnished with two spring catches 'm, m; placed on the outer sides;
these, like the former," are made of steel; "irón, or other suitable material
possessing sufficient elásticity for the purpose, and are strongly bolted to tlie
standards at the upper end by two bolts and nuts: Openings in;.n, n, n, are
formed'in the lower timbers c, c, for the reception of the catch; these may be
fitted with metal shoes in order to prevent injúry in the wood, and likewise
offer a more 'secure grip for the catch: The timbers b, b; are not affixed in
any way to the other timbers of the raft; but merely held in their propér
position by bars o, o, o, o, of iron or other suitable metal, which are attached
thereto by bolts, "screws, or other suitable means, and passing under the
timbers c, c, extend nearly to the centre of the raft, where they are attached to
the underside of the timbers b,b.. .This mode of combining the parts' admits
of the timbers 6,.b, being slid in a transverse direction for the purpose of
allowing the raft to be folded or colapsed as seen at Fig: 2. Fig. 3, Sheet' A;
represents an infloated case: or air cushion;'made of gutta" percha or other
suitable air-tight. and waterproof material.c. This is made of a rectangular
forin and otherwise fitted to suit the size and shape of the raft on which 'it is
laid when' extended, as shewn at Figil, Sheet.A;' and in order to render, it
more portable it is formed in four separate pieces, or it may be made 'äll in
one" piece) which are laced..orsilashed together, as: are represented in the.
Drawing Each of these divisions are furnished with: 'an inflation. tuba.

page_text: P. p. p. p, which are joined together and terminate in one common screw on
other cap, by which the orifice may be classed, or a condensing apparatus may
be attached permanently. thereto, and by that means render the whole air
tight. The material forming the sides of this inflated cushion.or case is
carried below the under surface thereof, forming projection r, r, by which it is
secured to the raft, as will be afterwards explained. Fig. 4, Sheet A, repre-
sents a chamber or case formed of gutta percha, or other suitable waterproof
material; and Fig. 10, Sheet A, an end view thereof. This is constructed to fit
between the uprights on the raft, to which it is lashed or hooked; this should
be about four feet in height, and of sufficient substance to render it strong
enough to resist the shock of the waves and afford protection from their
violence to persons on the raft. The upper surface of this chamber or cushion
is much lower on the inner side, and has an opening t, t, therein, into which
may be placed provisions, and likewise any valuable property it may be desirous
to save. This opening t, t, is furnished with a loose description of cover u, u,
formed of gutta percha, vulcanized india rubber, or other suitable waterproof
material, which is attached in a way that will render it water-tight. This can
be gathered together as the mouth of a sack, and represented in that state in
the Drawing, or it can be distended in order to introduce or withdraw anything
therefrom. By thus constructing the opening it may be readily rendered air-
tight, so as to enclose effectually the air contained in the chamber; this
opening may however be closed in any other suitable manner. In the event
of the waves rising thereto it is rendered buoyant by confining the air, and
consequently does not at all detract from the general buoyancy of the entire
raft. The standards or uprights k, k, k, k, by being constructed hollow may
also be rendered applicable for the purpose of stowing articles such as rockets,
blue or other lights, for the purpose of making signals, in which case, care
should be taken to make them impervious to water, otherwise the contents
would be rendered uselsss.
Having now described the several parts of our raft, we will proceed to
show how it may be readily adapted for the purpose intended. Supposing it
to be in a collapsed state, as seen at Fig. 2, Sheet A,. as it would be stowed
away on board ship, the two-timbers a, a, which are now side by side, have to
be drawn forcibly asunder by the crew, when the end timbers, which are
doubled underneath, will become straight, and the ends of the spring catches
9, 9, entering the staples h, h, they will be borne back by the inclined part
i, i, till past the hook or catch, when, by their elasticity, they will immediately
resume their position and retain the timbers in their distended form. The
standards or uprights k, k, k, k, are now erected when the inclined surface of

page_text: the catches m, m, m, m, come in contact with the timbers of the framework;
this will force them from the standards, till falling into the shoes or opening
n, n, n, n, in the timbers c, c, which will retain them in a vertical position,
and at the same time confine the raft to a rectangular form, it being before free
to move on the bolts d, d, d, d, at the corners. The timbers b, b, aro then to
be slided to the position shewn at Fig. 1, Sheet A, or as near as possible to
divide the space into three equal divisions. The cushion or case shewn ȧt
Fig. 8, Sheet A; is next unfolded and laced together, as shown on the
Drawings. The inflation is then conducted by means of a farce pump,
bellows, or other suitable means which may have been previously provided.
This may be performed before or after it has been attached to the raft, which
is effected by means of the bars v, v, of metal or other material, between
which and the edge of the timbers we interpose the lugs or projections r, r,
through which, as well as the bars v, v, the bolts w, w, w, w, pass, thereby
securing the whole firmly together. Four protecting chambers, such as
represented at Figure 4, Sheet A, are now placed on the extreme edges of
the raft and secured to the uprights k, k, k, k, by lashings or otherwise forming
stays or supports thereto. The provisions, or whatever is necessary, is then
introduced by the opening t, t, and the mouth drawn together in the manner
'before described, or by two cords, in manner similar to an ordinary bag.
Further stays, such as ropes, may be attached to the top part of the uprights,
if necessary. Instead of this chamber, Figure 4, Sheet A, the sides of the
large inflated cushion, Figure 3, may be continued upwards in the same
manner as the lugs r, r, are carried below, but to a much greater extent, say
three or four feet. This being lashed to the uprights k, k, k, k, will afford
equal protection, but without the stowage capacity. The raft having been so
far completed may be fitted with a rudder and furnished with oars, or other
means of propulsion, as also a mast and sail, and an awning may.be attached
to the four uprights k, k, k, k, so as to afford protection from the weather when
necessary. Any water shipped by the raft would pass through between the
openings where the cushions are laced together, or, if insufficient for the
purpose, permanent openings niight be made by means of tubes through the
body of the cushion for that purpose. In describing our improved raft, we
have supposed it to be made of wood, instead of which it may be formed of
plate iron, or other suitable metal, which, from being made hollow, may éven
be lighter and more buoyant than timber. Neither do we confine ourselves
to the form of raft represented, as the principle of folding, as described, may
be retained, although of a different shape. Instead of the inflated cushion,
shewn at Figure 3, Sheet A, being removed from the raft for the purpose of

page_text: .
folding it up, it may.
be made in one piece and permanently fixed thereto, so
that it will collapse with the raft, and in which case the ends, in place of being
attached, as described by the. barv, it must be laced or hooked thereto, so
..that it may be readily disconnected, for the purpose of folding the timbers c, c,
underneath.
Figure 11, Sheet A, represents a small raft or life buoy, something
similar in its construction to the large one just described, consisting of a
permanent rectangular framework a, a, having uprights b, b, b, b, erected
at each corner. These uprights are hollow, as in the large raft, the tops
unscrewing at c, c, and are intended to contain provisions or apparatus,, such
as rockets, blue lights, &c., for making signals of distress. This life buoy is
filled with a cushion similar to that in Figure 3, Sheet A, but in one entire
piece. This cushion is inflated by means of, a bellows or force pump, the
inflation tube being afterwards sealed by a screw or other cap, .as before.
This cushion, as in the last case, is attached to the framework. a, a, by project-
ing lugs, which are secured by the bars or strips of metal d,.d, screwed to the
frame ȧ, a. As this buoy is intended for saving one or two persons only
where they may have accidentally fallen overboard, it is made light and
portable, and can always be kept in readiness by being suspended over the
stern of the ship from an arm for that purpose, the manner of suspending
being such that it may readily be disconnected by the man at the helm, when
it immediately drops into the sea. This buoy being suspended by the
upright g, a fusee is attached thereto, which, is ignited by friction in the act of
falling; the light therefrom will point out the position of the buoy in the event
of its being night time or foggy weather, and will enable a. man in the water
to see the buoy which he can then make for. The end of a line made fast to
the buoy is lowered over the stern of the vessel, when, as the ship is under weigh,
the line will be unwound from a roller on which it is coiled, running out in the
manner of a log line, and the buoy will drop astern for the rescue of the
person immersed. This raft or buoy should also have a permanent railing or
protection run round the uprights b, b, b, b, in order to prevent persons from
falling off the raft. To this railing is attached short life lines, which hang in
the water and have pieces of cork affixed thereto in order to keep them
floating on the surface of the water.. In. event of shipwreck, this raft or buoy
might with safety be resorted to, or it might be made useful for communicating
with the shore.
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, Sheet B, represent another apparatus, which is
also collapsible for the purpose of stowage, as in the large raft, Figure 1,
Sheet A; being a side view. thereof; Figure 2, a plan; Figure 3, a side view

page_text: .
when in a collapsed state; Figure 4, a transverse section of Figures 1 and 2;
and Figure 5 an end view of Figure 3. This apparatus is constructed so as
to assume the form of a boat, the skeleton part of which may either be made
of wood, metal, or other suitable material, and the covering or bottom of gutta
percha or other similar water-tight flexible material, or the boat may be con-
structed entirely of gutta percha. It consists of a number of ribs a, a, a, a, which
are similar in form to the ribs of an ordinary boat. These ribs have each
a pivot b, b, b, in the centre of the lowest part, which are fitted into suitable
bearings in the keel c, c, and in which they are free to turn round. The keel c, c,
is continued upwards at d and e, forming the stem and stern posts of the boat.
At the upper parts hinges or joints f. f. ff. are..secured, by which the gun-
wales 3.9, are attached thereto, so, that they can be folded down, as repre-
sented at Figures 3 and 5, Sheet B. The ribs a, a, have seats h, h,h,.
attached to them; these are supported on pivots i, i, and, when required, are
held in a horizontal position by a bolt pressed into and entering a hole in the
rib a little above or below the seat. When this bolt is withdrawn one side
of the seat immediately falls by reason of the pivots being out of the centre ;
thus they assume a vertical position, occupying no more room than the
thickness of the rib. The covering or bottom of this boat, in lieu of planking,
is formed, as before stated, of gutta percha, or other suitable flexible material
k, k; this we prefer should be slightly elastic, and may be formed in one or
two pieces, and is attached to the keel c, c, and gunwales g, g, by strips 1, 1, of
metal or other suitable material. These are attached as in the raft by bolts
or screws, which pass through the edge of the gutta percha or other material
interposed between the gunwales g, g, and the strips of; metal l, l. For the
purpose of better and more regularly securing this, material,, and thereby
preventing its becoming drawn from between its fastenings, we sometimes run
a cord along the edge or leave the material thicker at that part, which will be
found of great assistance, as it prevents any undue strain on it at that part
where the bolts pass through. The ribs a, a, a, are all connected with each
other by means of a rod m, which is attached thereto by hinges, so that the
whole of them may be moved simultaneously. This rod requires also to be
jointed in its length, so that it may accommodate itself to the form of the boat,
and also become-straight when in the position shewn by the dotted lines in
Figure 2, Sheet B, and in the collapsed state, represented at Figures 3 and 5,
Sheet. B. It will be evident that a boat, of this construction occupies a very
small space when collapsed, and can readily and with facility be prepared for
service, it being only necessary to raise the gunwales g, g, and by means of the
rod m to move the whole of the ribs a, a, to their position across the boat;. the

page_text: upper part of the ribs passing below the gunwales and retain them in their
. elevated position; the ribs a, a, at the same time distends the gutta percha
or other flexible material of which the bottom consists. The stems of the row-
locks n, n, pass through the gunwales and enter the upper part of the ribs a, a,
thus effectually securing them in their proper position, producing a good and
serviceable boat. The flooring may then be placed on the ribs in the bottom,
in order to avoid treading on the outside material, which, however, must be
sufficiently strong to give resistance to such usage. Provision may also be
made for rigging up a mast and sail, and the boat must necessarily be
supplied with oars or other suitable means of propelling the same.
We will now proceed to describe that part of our Invention which relates
to the rendering boats of the ordinary construction safer, more buoyant, and
otherwise better adapted for the preservation of persons in cases of shipwreck.
Our improvements consist, first, in attaching air cushions a, a, as represented
in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, Sheet B, immediately below the gunwale of the
boat, on the outside. These cushions are made of gutta percha, or other
suitable air-tight material, and are divided by partitions, as represented by the
dotted lines in Figure 6, each separate compartment being furnished with a
small force pump 6, 6, or other apparatus for the purpose of inflation. These
cushions are attached to the gunwale of the boat by strips of metal 6, 6, or
other material, in a similar manner to the way described for attaching the
bottom or outside covering of the last herein-before described boat or apparatus,
and like that the material has a cord run along the edge, or it is made
of an increased thickness, in order to prevent its being drawn from between
its fastenings. The lower edge of the cushions a, a, are secured to the bottom
of the boat a little below the water line, or they may be carried down to the
keel. In either case the material will be secured by the strips c, c, of metal
or other material, which are attached as usual by bolts or screws. The lower
edges of the material forming the cushions have also the cord run along, or
it is made of an increased thickness for the purpose herein-before explained.
These cushions must necessarily consist of a double thickness of the material,
one part of which is placed close to the planking, which otherwise would not
be air-tight. The other thickness a, a, represented as being distended, should
be of a stronger description, as it would be liable to receive damage, it being
intended, besides giving buoyancy to the boat, to act as a sort of fender to
protect it from injury. The lockers of this boat are furnished with a lining
d, d, of gutta percha or other suitable waterproof material. This may either
be secured, over the entire interior surface of the lockers, or only attached at
the bottom and upper corners thereof. This lining d, d, is gathered together

page_text: at the mouth or opening, as represented in the Drawing, or it may
he secured
in any other suitable manner which will have the effect of excluding the
water, keeping the provisions or whatever they may contain perfectly dry,
at the same time giving additional buoyancy to the boat, by confining the
air contained in the unoccupied space in the lockers. In connection with
this boat we have also represented an apparatus forming an awning or cover
so as entirely to enclose the boat, preventing the shipping of water in boisterous
weather, and rendering a boat so provided comparatively. comfortable. This
awning consists of a number of hoops or stretchers e, e, e, e, e, e, which extend
from stem to stern. of the boat, and are fitted at the ends into eyes or staples
ff, and it will be seen by reference to the transverse section Figure 8 that
these stretchers are of such a form that when the awning is not required they
fall down on the seats or lid of the lockers. Sheets of gutta percha or other
suitable flexible material are attached at one edge to the gunwale by the strips
of metal b', 6', by which the cushions are secured, and having a similar cord
or thickened edge to that before described. These sheets g, g, are attached
by any suitable means to the stretchers e, e, e, e, e, e, they being placed at
equal distances from each other. The upper ones of each set coming together
are lashed in the position shewn at Figures 6 and 9, thereby including the
greater portion of the water which would be shipped in an open boat, entailing
the necessity of baling. out, as well as other inconveniences. In connection
with this boat we have represented an improved method of laying down the
flooring, which is as follows:-Two ribs h, h, are run along the bottom of
the boat, and on the front of the lockers is fixed a bead or projection i, i,
which extends throughout the whole length of the flooring, with the exception
of a small piece in the centre, or other convenient position in the boat. This
opening is of sufficient width to admit the several pieces forming the flooring
k, k, which are introduced thereby and slid under the beads i, i, thus securing
the flooring in its proper position. A number of perforations are formed in
this flooring, in order to pass any water that may get into the boat. In the
space between the flooring and the bottom of the boat we place receivers. to
contain water, and, if necessary, the covers of the openings thereto may be
rendered water-tight, and the air by that means retained within these receivers,
in order to employ them to give additional buoyancy to the boat if necessary.
Cushions similar to those placed on the outside of this boat (as shewn in
Figures 6 x 7, 8 x 9, Shcet B,) may be attached in a similar manner to
the skeleton boat Figure 1, Sheet B, in order to give increased buoyancy,
and also to serve as a fender to protect the boat from damage. These cushions

page_text: .
might be protected by an external casing, to prevent damage to the air
chambers; but these being divided by the partitions, as before stated, and
represented by the dotted lines in Figure 6, Sheet B, any flaw arising
between any two of these partitions would only suffer the air contained between
them to escape, without at all affecting the other chambers.,
S.
The next part of our Invention relates to the rendering various articles
carried on board ship suitable for preserving persons from drowning when
required. Figure 5, Sheet-A, represents a camp stool, having its seat formed
of a double thickness of gutta 'percha, or other suitable air-tight material,
which is, always kept perfectly inflated. This will not at all interfere with
the other purposes of the stool, and will be found sufficient for the 'support
of one or two persons in the water. Other like articles may also have similar
cushions, but which it will be unnecessary to describe. Figure 6, Sheet A,
represents a front view of a double elastic inflated jacket, which may be
readily. slipped on the body; and Figure 7, Sheet A, a transverse section of the
same. This may be formed of gutta-percha web, vulcanised india rubber, or
other suitable elastic material, and is furnished with a tube a.by applying
which to the mouth it may-readily be inflated by the breath, the orifice being
closed by an internal valve; or a screw cap may be placed on it when suffi-
ciently inflated. Figure 10, Sheet B, 'is a representation of the means we
employ for sustaining trunks, portmanteaus, chests, desks, bales of goods, or
any other merchandize, and all similar articles which may contain valuable
property, and will also render them serviceable to sustain several persons in
the water. It consists in the application externally of inflated bands, or cork
strips, or bands 'lined or filled with cork or other light substances a, a, and b, b,
to these articles; the bands b, b, must be slipped over the ends of the box, as
they are formed in one piece, and the ends of the band a, a, passed through the
loops d, d, which will retain them in a proper position, the ends being drawn
together by the straps & buckles c, c. These bands are furnished with inflation
tubes or otherwise, as in other cases, and may either be inflated before or after
they are attached to the chest or other article. Round gutta-percha bands or
ropes e, e, are secured to the bands. These may also be inflated, and will offer
a good hold to persons requiring such aid. These inflated bands may be also
applied to support cattle and other beasts in the water, by placing them round
the belly or neck of the animal. Another means of supporting trunks, port-
manteaus, &c. is by, attaching an air-tight lining of gutta percha or other
suitable materials to the inside of the trunk. This is secured to the corners,
and when not inflated will lay close to the sides, bottom, and cover, consequently

page_text: will not occupy more room than is required for the thickness of the material,
but when distended by inflation it will project into and diminish the capacity
of the trunk, in proportion to the amount of buoyant power. required. Instead
of lining the trunk in the manner described we sometimes..attach an air-tight
cover thereto, which is more, applicable for desks. This covering, being
attached at the corners, leaves the entire superficial surface disconnected, and
if slightly elastic will lay close to the surface of the trunk or desk, and yet
when distended by inflation will possess considerable buoyaut power. Each of
these sides may be furnished with an inflation tube, or air, passages may.be
formed through, the corners, so as to connect the whole, thereby enabling the
inflation of the entire surface to be effected, by means of one inflation tube.
This may also be the case with the air-tight lining.
.
Our next and last Invention relates to improvements in snaps or fastenings
for articles known as life belts. This improved snap is calculated to, afford
greater facility in connecting the ends of a life belt, as it is. often necessary
to effect the same while a person requiring such, assistance is in the water.
Figure 8, Sheet A, represents the two ends the life belt, with the snap
disconnected; and Figure 9 is a longitudinal section thereof, shewing the snap
closed. It is constructed on the principle of the bracelet snap, and consists
of two pieces of metal a,.a', formed in a manner suitable for connecting with
the ends of the belt b, b. The piece a¹ has a tube c projecting.at or near the
centre, by which the belt is inflated by the breath. It is furnished with .an
internal valve d, by which the air is prevented from again escaping. This-valve
is pressed close by a spring e. The spring f.of the snap is at one end
attached to the tube c, and at the other end terminates in a button.g, by
depressing which the snap is released, and the two ends of the belt may be
disconnected. The piece of metal a, attached to the other end of the 'belt,
has an internal cylinder h which forms the socket for the catch. or snap f
which enters by a large conical opening, as will be seen in the Drawing and
readily understood. The piece a may, instead of being permanently fixed, be
filled or screwed into a ring of brass or other metal fixed to the belt, so
as. to readily admit of the piece a being removed, and introducing papers
or any valuable articles inside the belt when not required for any other purpose.
Another description of clasp is represented at Figure 11, Sheet B. This
is formed of two pieces of brass or other metal a, a, to which the belt is
attached in a water-tight manner. The piece a has four spring catches b, b, b,'b,
attached thereto, and the piece a has a projecting flange c, c, to which the
catches bbb, attach themselves when the two ends of the belt are pressed

page_text: together. An ivory or other mouthpiece d is placed in the end piece a for
the purpose of inflation, the air being retained by a valve, as in the last case.
In the piece a a recess is formed to receive the mouthpiece, allowing the
pieces a and a to come in close contact.
Having now clearly explained the nature of our Invention, and described
the best manner of carrying the same into effect, we wish it to be understood.
that we do not confine ourselves to the precise details herein-before set forth,
so long as the principle involved by our several improvements is retained; but
what we claim is,-
First, the construction of a collapsible raft, as herein-before described with
reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet A..
Secondly, we claim the construction of a small life buoy or raft, representedl
in Figure 11, Sheet A, and as herein-before described, as also the manner of
using the same, also herein-before described.
Thirdly, we claim as of our Invention the method of constructing the
collapsible boat, as represented in Sheet B, Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and as
herein-before described.
'
Fourthly, we claim the construction and application of an awning, made of
gutta percha or other waterproof materials, as herein-before described, to be
applied to our life boat or to ordinary life boats; also the mode of affixing the
air-cushions, as herein-before described; also the method of laying down the
flooring of the boat, all which are represented and described in reference to
Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, in Sheet B.
Fifthly, we claim attaching inflated cushions to articles of furniture, and to
all other articles on board ship, as represented and described with reference to
the camp stool:
Sixthly, we claim the application of the inflated bands or strips of cork or
band lined or filled with cork or other light substances to trunks, chests, and
other articles on board ship, as represented in Sheet B, Figure 10; and also
the inflated linings and covers for trunks, chests, boxes, portmanteaus, cases,
and other articles as before described. We also claim placing goods or
trunks, and other articles, in loose air-tight bags, cases, or coverings, which
are to have the unoccupied spaces inflated, so as to render them buoyant
in water.
Seventhly, we claim the double inflated jacket, represented in Sheet A,
Figures 6 and 7, and also herein-before described.
Eight and lastly, we claim the snap or coupling for connecting the ends of
a life belt, as represented in Sheet A, Figures 8 and 9, and also in Sheet B,

page_text: Figure 11, both of which are herein-before described; and we also claim the
placing of belts or bags to be inflated with air in walking sticks and umbrella
handles to be used as life preservers.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our respective hands and seals,
this Twenty-second day of November, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
WILLIAM (L.s.) DYNE.
MORYS (L.S.) HAGGAR.
WILLIAM (L.s.) DYNE.
MORYS (L.S.) HAGGAR.
Enrolled the Twenty-second day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.