Improvements in Life Rafts.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Apr., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 17th Feb., 1894-Accepted, 27th Apr.,
1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Life Rafts.
JAS. LINKLETER, 3, Percy Street, Tynemouth, Northumberland, Patentee and
Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to certain Improvements in Life Rafts. The object being
to construct a life raft (to meet the Board of Trade requirements by having a
number of metallic air cases,) without the framework giving resistence to the
propulsion or navigation of the raft, and at the same time be light and easily
handled on deck, or, when making ready for launching, such as, when converting
from use as seats into raft form.
To this end I make a number of cross sectional frames, the outer surface of the
sectional frames being the size of the outer surface of the metallic air cases, so that
when a number of sectional frames and air cases are placed alternately in a longi-
tudinal position they form a continuous surface, which is easily held together by
longitudinal scantlings, with the end air cases made in bow & stern like form, the
framework and air cases give boatlike shape, and so accomplish results aimed at
above.
All the sectional frames projecting at one part of section form a strong and
reliable connection between two of these boats & so make a seaworthy raft.
When used as deck seats the platform or footboards of the raft rise to form a
back rest, while the thwarts of the raft form arm rests & protections for water and
provision cases & so help to make the equipment complete for leaving a wreck.
Dated this 26th day of April 1893.
JAS. LINKLETER.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Life Rafts.
JAMES LINKLETER 3, Percy Street, Tynemouth, Northumberland, Patentee
and Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :—
My invention relates to certain Improvements in Life Rafts, the object being to
construct a life raft, (to meet the Board of Trade requirements, by having a
number of metallic air cases, without the framework giving resistance to the
propulsion or navigation of the raft & at the same time be light and easily handled
on deck or when making ready for launching such as when converting from use
as seats, into raft form.
To this end I make a number of cross sectional frames, the outer surface of the
sectional frames being the size of the outer surface of the metallic air cases, so that
when a number of sectional frames and air cases are placed alternately in a longi-
tudinal position they form a continuous surface which is easily held together by
longitudinal scantlings with the end air cases made in bow & stern-like form, the
framework & air cases give boatlike shape, and so accomplish results aimed at
above.
All the sectional frames projecting at one part of section, form a strong &
reliable connection, between two of these boats, & so make a seaworthy raft.

page_text: when used as deck seats the platform or footboards of the raft, rise to form
backrests, while the thwarts of the raft form armrests & protections for water &
provision cases, and so help to make the equipments complete for leaving a wreck.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
In reference to the drawings which form part of the Specification, like letters
represent like parts throughout the Figures 1, 2, 3, 4.
Fig. 1 shows plan of one end of my invention in raft form.
Fig. 2 sectional frame when in the water,
Fig. 3 elevation when in seat form.
Fig. 4 sectional frame when in seat form..
A are the air cases the outside surface being flush with the outside of frames, F.
B. b. are projecting parts of frame with metallic hinges M, on which the two
seats hinge to raft form. b, also carrying the platform or backrest P.
Tare the thwarts or armrests under which the water & provision cases W.
are stowed.
L, are longitudinal scantlings, which with seat S hold alternate air cases &
sectional frames together, makeing a continuous raft or boat. The width of
scantling, will vary according to class of vessel.
.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. Making a life.raft having the outer surface of the sectional frames flush with
the outer surface of the air cases.
2nd. Making a continuous surface of boat by alternate air cases and sectional
frames.
3rd. The adoption of this construction of boat, as deck seats.
Deted
7
JAS. LINKLETER.