Improvements in Life Saving Appliances.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Mar., 1894-Accepted, 21st Apr., 1894
Improvements in Life Saving Appliances.
We, THOMAS WILLIAM BEWERS and ALFRED GLASER both of 33, Jewry
Street, Aldgate, London E. Merchants, 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 :-
This invention relates to an improved construction of cushion and seats for
yachts and other vessels, which can be used as life saving appliances in case of
accident.
The object of the invention is to provide a cushion of this description which will
retain its buoyancy under all circumstances, even when thoroughly penetrated by
the water. To effect this the cushion is stuffed with reindeer hair which is not in
any way damaged by soaking in water, and is much lighter than water, so that a
cushion of this material will support a considerable weight in proportion to its size
when immersed. The buoyancy will thus not be affected by any injury to the
covering of the cushion, as long as the hair is held together. Our invention
provides a means for the water escaping from the cushion, and also for its ready
admission, so that the cushion if soaked will rapidly dry. At suitable points
around the edges, a number of small eyeletted holes is furnished allowing the water
to enter and pass out freely, covered at the back with a strip of thin muslin to
prevent the hair escaping or projecting through the holes.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings illustrating various forms of cushions.
Figs. 1 & 2 show a side elevation and plan respectively of a special form of
cushion intended for the seat and back of canoes or like purposes,
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a double cushion,
Fig. 4 is a section of one end or side showing the perforation, and
Figs. 5 & 6 show a life belt made in a similar manner also suitable as a cushion
when unfolded, or pillow when doubled over.
Referring to Figs. 1 & 2 AA are the cushions, of square form, connected
together by the line B which passes through the eyes a at each corner. The
cushions are thus strung together and can be moved on the line until they meet,
the cord sliding through the eyes. When used in the water the shoulders can be
supported between them on the line B, the cushions buoying up the body on each
side. The line may of course be simply grasped, and the person support himself.
by his hands.
In Fig. 3 the cushions A' are connected together to form a folding cushion, the
lines B are attached to the corners. It is obvious that single cushions may be
made in the same way, the lines being fitted at the corners.
The lifebelt C is shown in Fig. 5 in extended form serving as a cushion, and in
Fig. 6 ready for application. It is made up of sections e of suitable dimensions,
with the bands c' for attachment to the body. The sections can be folded over on
top of one another to form a pillow if required.
The eyeletted holes D as shown are formed in the sides or ends of the cushion.
Over the back of the holes is placed the strip of thin muslin d preventing the
passage of the hair without materially obstructing the flow of water.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
(1.) A life saving annliance for usa ot 200 consisting of

page_text: reindeer hair having loose life lines attached and furnished with a number of
eyeletted holes covered at the back with open textile material, substantially as
described and for the purposes specified.
(2.) The improved life saving appliance for use at sea, consisting of two
rectangular cushions having eyes fitted to each corner, and a life line connecting
them passing loosely through the said eyes, the cushion being stuffed with reindeer
hair, and provided with eyeletted holes for the passage of water, substantially as
described and shown in Figs. 1 & 2.
(3.) The improved life belt suitable also as a cushion and pillow stuffed with
reindeer hair and formed in sections, substantially as described and shown in
Figs. 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 2nd day of March 1894.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicants.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicants.