Improvements in Rescue Apparatus, chiefly designed for Saving Life at Sea.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 29th May, 1894
Complete Specification Left, 27th Feb., 1895-Accepted, 24th May, 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Rescue Apparatus, chiefly designed for Saving
Life at Sea.
I, FRANÇOIS BARATHON Aîné, of 21 Boulevard Poissonnière, Paris, in the
Republic of France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The mechanical rescue apparatus chiefly designed for saving life at sea which
forms the subject of the present invention is distinguished from other apparatus in
that it is adapted not only to sustain itself on the water, but also to be moved or
propelled to any desired place of refuge.
It constitutes also at the same time an apparatus of propulsion which the person
who makes use of it or takes his place thereon can manoeuvre with the greatest
ease without any previous training.
The arrangement of parts forming this improved apparatus is such, that they
occupy the minimum space when it is not in use and can be quickly fixed together
so as to be ready for use.
The rescue apparatus whatever its form is composed of an air bag serving as a
seat for the person using it, and a rotating screw designed for propelling the same;
it may also comprise a second rotatable screw to prevent it sinking.
The rotation of the screws is effected by suitable gearing operated either by the
hand by means of a handle or by the feet by means of pedals or by both these
devices acting simultaneously.
The air bag or seat is placed behind the body of the apparatus which, by means
of braces passed over the shoulders, is conveniently secured to the person who is in
position on said apparatus.
The bag is traversed by the shaft of the screw which shaft is connected by bevel
pinions to the vertical shaft at the upper part of which is fixed a pinion gearing
with a wheel keyed on a shaft provided with crank handles.
A chain connects
the pedal shaft situated at the lower part of the apparatus with the crank handle
shaft in such a manner that the action of the feet is added to that of the hands.
The vertical shaft may carry the screw the effect of which has been indicated
above. This shaft can be divided to form two independent parts which permits
the screw to be put in or out of gear.
A rudder operated by means of a lever allows of the steering of the apparatus.
On a vertical rod held in a socket are fixed at suitable height, a compass and a
lantern. A mast fixed in a hole in the body of the apparatus and in a step permits
a sail to be set to aid propulsion.
The pedals are mounted on pivoted axles and a spring retains the same in a
position perpendicular with the crank. By turning aside said springs the pedals
can be flattened against their respective cranks so as to occupy the minimum of
space. The crank-handles are arranged in the same manner.
The pedal is mounted to slide in its supports so that the chain can be tightened
if desired. The said supports are secured by means of a bolt to the body of the
apparatus so as to be detachable at will.
The vertical screw shaft is in two parts the lower part being guided in a tube.
A small socket or sleeve attached to a chain allows of connecting the two parts of
the vertical shaft so as to practically make it one piece. In this case the drawing
of the screw is direct.

page_text: By taking away the socket the movement of the screw is stopped. By raising
the vertical shaft to the level of the pinion which is secured to or in gear with the
pinion on the shaft of the propelling screw a gearing is arranged which turns the
screw on the vertical shaft in the opposite direction. This reverse rotation may
be necessary in certain cases.
The shaft of the pro pelling screw is in two parts connected by a universal joint
which permits of the raising of the seat vertically when the apparatus is not in
use. One part of the shaft of the propelling screw passes through a tube which
can be fixed in respect of its length or telescopic so that the length of the seat can
be varied; in this last case the other part of the shaft would be arranged in the
same manner.
The tube is always pivoted to the body of the apparatus and is maintained in the
flattened position and in the raised position by means either of a spring catch acting
on a curved piece or by a forked arrangement or other suitable means.
The screws have their arms or wings pivoted on a common centre so as to be
able to be flattened or closed up like the wires of an umbrella and occupy the
minimum amount of space when not in use. Any method of fixing them in one or
other of the positions which they can occupy may be employed. A sliding sleeve
may be used fixing the bent part square with the arms or a spring gripping the
said bent parts in a manner similar to that employed for the pedals and the handles
proper. The braces are fixed to the upper part of the body of the apparatus; they
pass over the shoulders and are attached to a girdle round the body of the person
sitting on the seat of the apparatus; then they are fixed to the rear part of the
said seat. The braces can be attached to the tube of the seat by means of a
metallic rod fixed to the said tube by a collar. The metallic rod in question. can
be pivoted so as to leave the person mounted on the apparatus more freedom of
action.
In another form. or modification the handle shaft and pedal shaft are connected
by chains to a horizontal shaft on which the bevel pinion is mounted for
transmitting the motion to the shaft of the propelling, screw.
It will be understood that in this modification the lower part of the vertical
shaft which carries tlie screw is arranged and driven, in the manner hereinabove
indicated. The rudder may also be removed behind the apparatus although the
operating lever is always placed in front.
"The connection between the rudder and its operating lever is then made by
means of a cord or small chain passing through suitable guide tubes and forming.
with the beams to which they are attached a jointed' parallelogram which transmits
the movement, of the lever to the rudder.
In the first described arrangement as in that of the modification the body of the
apparatus. encloses a chest which filled with air by any suitable means assists the
apparatus and permits it to float more easily.
In another modification all the parts are folded up and enclosed in a case in the
form of a light portmanteau which every passenger can easily carry with him.
The parts are the same as those above described. They comprise a seat or air
cushion; a propelling screw; a rudder and other parts.
The seat traversed by the shaft of the screw is mounted on a flap or shutter
which is pivotally connected to the case and which is maintained in the horizontal
position by an automatic gripping sector of suitable and appropriate construction.
On the axis of this gripping sector the universal joint of the shaft of the screw is
made. The driving of this shaft is always accomplished by two bevel wheels, one
belonging to the propelling screw shaft and the other belonging to the vertical
shaft which supported at the bottom of the case for receiving the seat when the
shutter is closed, extends to the upper part of the case or portmanteau. constituting
the body of the apparatus and receives a handle which is there adjusted for
driving. This handle at ordinary times is placed in one of the two compartments
situated at the sides of the cavity and which contains at the same time the mast and its
sail the rudder its rod and operating lever also various other accessories hereinafter

page_text: mentioned. These compartments are closed by a single cover hinged and furnished
with a fastening by which it may be tightly secured. The mast is mounte:l in the
step fixed to the exterior of the box or case. It is the same with the rudder the
rod of which made of two pivoted parts to occupy less space in the box is
maintained by the socket. The operating lever of the rudder is furnished with a
spring catch and acts in combination with a sector for the purpose of being
maintained immovable in the position assigned to it. On the case or box are also
mounted rods for receiving a compass and a lantern.
In this arrangement of the apparatus the pedal driving is dispensed with but the
feet may be placed in stirrups arranged on the sides. Moreover the case is always
connected to the person sitting on the seat by means of the braces and a girdle as
hereinbefore mentioned.
At the side of the compartments and of the cavity is found a larger compartment
furnished with a drawer enclosing toilet articles and boxes of preserved meat and
fresh water.
This compartment is closed at the top by means of a cover the opening of which
is inade possible by the folding of the operating lever of the rudder, which
folding does not hinder the operation of the latter since that occurs perpen-
dicularly to the plane of action of the lever. The cover is provided with a tight
joint.
Moreover the case is made with double sides to avoid damage which might
happen and at the same time to serve as air chambers to assist the apparatus and
enable it to float. It will be understood that cavity formed by the double walls
is divided into air tight compartments that is to say compartments independent of
each other.
Any person using the apparatus above described whatever may be the arrange-
ments of the same may be clothed with air inflated clothing or kept up on the water
in any other manner.
It is obvious that the mechanical rescue apparatus above described may be made
of any suitable size, shape proportions and materials.
Dated this 29th day of May 1894.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Rescue Apparatus, chiefly designed for Saving
Life at Sea.
I, FRANCOIS BARATHON Aîné, of 21 Boulevard Poissonnière Paris, in the
Republic of France, 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 :-
The mechanical rescue apparatus chiefly designed for saving life at sea which forms
the subject of the present invention is distinguished from other apparatus for the
same purpose in that it is adapted not only to sustain itself on the water but
also to be moved or propelled to any desired place of refuge.
The improved device constitutes also at the same time an apparatus of propulsion
which can be manoeuvred with the greatest ease without any previous training.
The arrangement of parts forming this improved apparatus is such, that they
occupy the minimum space when not in use and can be quickly fixed together so as
to be ready for use.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rescue apparatus in use:

page_text: Figure 2 15 a side view and Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus fixed together.
Figures 4 to 10 show details of the apparatus.
Figures 11 and 12 are side and front views respectively of a modification.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the apparatus arranged in the form of a trunk
or portmanteau and which, when fixed together as shewn permits of taking position
thereon and serving for the navigating of the same.
Figures 14 and 15 are respectively a longitudinal and a horizontal section
of this form of apparatus.
and
Figure 16 is a perspective view of an air bag for use with the improved apparatus
Figure 17 shows a rudder adapted to be operated by the feet.
The rescue apparatus whatever its form is composed of an air bag A. serving as a
seat for the person using it, and a rotating screw B designed for propelling the same;
it may also comprise a second rotatable screw C to prevent it sinking.
The rotation of the screws B and C is effected by suitable gearing operated
either by the hand by means of handles m, m¹ or by the feet by means of
pedals p, pl or by both these devices acting simultaneously.
In the Figures 1, 2 and 3 the air bag or seat A is placed behind the body of the
apparatus which by means of braces b, b' passed over the shoulders is conveniently
secured to the person who is in position on the said apparatus; (Figure 1).
The bag A is traversed by the shaft u of the screw B which shaft is connected
by bevel pinions a, a to the vertical shaft at the upper part of which is fixed a
pinion c gearing with a wheel keyed on a shaft on which is formed or fixed the
crank handles m, m¹. A chain d connects the pedal shaft situated at the lower part
of the apparatus with the crank handle shaft in such a manner that the action
of the feet is added to that of the hands. The vertical shaft may carry the
screw C the effect of which has been indicated above. This shaft can be divided
ata to form two independent parts which permits the screw C to be put in or out
of gear.
A rudder G operated by means of a lever g allows of the steering of the apparatus.
On a vertical rod t held in a socket t' are fixed at a suitable height, a compass t²
and a lantern t³. A mast M fixed in the hole n in the body of the apparatus and in
a step n' permits a sail to be set to aid the propulsion.
The pedals p, p' (Figures 8 and 9) are mounted on axles pivoted at a and a
spring retains the same in a position perpendicular with the crank. By turning
aside the said springs a² the pedals can be turned up against their respective cranks
so as to occupy the minimum amount of space, as indicated in Figure 10. The
crank handles m, m' are arranged in the same manner so that they can be turned up
against the cranks as shewn in Figure 4.
The pedal shaft p, p' is mounted to slide in its supports so that the chain d can be
tightened if desired. The said supports are secured by means of a bolt to the body
of the apparatus so as to be detachable at will.
The vertical screw shaft is made in two parts v, vl the lower part v' being guided
in a tube. A small socket or sleeve v² attached to a chain allows of the connection
of the two parts r, v¹ of the vertical shaft so as to practically make it one piece. In
this case the driving of the screw C is direct.
By removing the socket 2 the movement of the screw C is stopped. By raising
the vertical shaft v' to the level of the pinion a3 which is secured to or in gear with
the pinion a on the shaft u of the propelling screw B, gearing is arranged which
turns the screw C in the opposite direction. This reverse rotation may be necessary
in certain cases.
The shaft u of the propelling screw B is in two parts u, u connected by a
universal joint 3 which permits of the raising of the seat A vertically when the
apparatus is not in use. The part u of the shaft of the propelling screw B passes
through a tube u² which can be fixed in respect of its length or be made telescopic
(Figure 7) so that the length of the seat cau be varied; in this last case the other
part of the shaft would be arranged in the same manner.

page_text: The tube u is always pivoted at y to the body of the apparatus and is maintained
in the flattened position and in the raised position by means either of a spring
catch e' acting on a curved piece c or by the device shewn in Figure 5 or by other
suitable means.
The screws B and C have their arms or wings pivoted on a common centre so that
they can be closed up like the wires of an umbrella and occupy the minimum
amount of space when not in use. Any method of fixing them in one or other of the
positions which they can occupy may be employed. A sliding sleeve may be used
for fixing the propelling screws B and C in their operative positions, or a spring may
be employed which acts in a manner similar to that employed for the pedals and the
handles. The braces b, b' are fixed to the upper part of the body of the apparatus ;"
they pass over the shoulders (Figure 1) and are attached to a girdle round
the body of the person sitting on the seat of the apparatus; then they are fixed to
the rear part of the said seat A. The braces bb can be attached to the tube u²
of the seat A by means of a metallic rod fixed to the said tube by a collar. The
metallic rod i in question can be pivoted at (Figure 6) so as to leave the person
mounted on the apparatus more freedom of action.
In another form or modification shewn in Figures 11 and 12 the shaft carrying
the crank-handles m m' and pedal shaft carrying the pedals ppl are connected by
chains dd to a horizontal shaft on which the bevel pinion a' is mounted
for transmitting the motion to the shaft u of the propelling screw B.
It will be understood that in this modification the lower part of the vertical
shaft which carries the screw C is arranged and driven in the manner hereinabove
indicated. Figures 11 and 12 also shew the rudder G removed to the rear of
the apparatus although the operating lever y is always placed in front.
The connection between the rudder and its operating lever is then made by
means of a cord or small chain passing through suitable guide tubes and forming
with the armsj and j' to which they are attached a jointed parallelogram which
transmits the movement of the lever g to the rudder G.
In the arrangement shewn in Figure 1 as in that of the modification Figure 11
the body of the apparatus encloses a chest F (Figure 1) which is filled with air
by any suitable means and assists the apparatus and permits it to float more
easily.
The apparatus above described may also be arranged as shewn in Figures 13, 14
and 15.
All the parts are in these figures adapted to be folded up and enclosed in a case
in the form of a light portmanteau which every passenger can easily carry with
him. The parts are the same as those above described. They comprise a seat or
air cushion A a screw B a rudder G and other parts.
The seat A traversed by the shaft u of the screw B is mounted on a flap or
shutter V which is pivotally connected to the case as shewn in the abovementioned
figures and which is maintained in the horizontal position by an automatic gripping
sector of suitable and appropriate construction. On the axis of this gripping
sector the universal joint of the shaft u of the screw B is male. The driving
of this shaft is accomplished by two bevel wheels a and a', one al belonging to the
propelling screw shaft and the other a belonging to the vertical shaft which
supported at the bottom of the box F for receiving the seat A when the shutter V
is closed, extends to the upper part of the case or portmanteau constituting the
body of the apparatus and at its upper extremity receives a handle M' which
is there adjusted for driving. This handle at ordinary times is placed in one of the
two compartments N, N' situated at the sides of the cavity and which
contains at the same time the mast and its sail, the rudder its red and operating
lever also various other accessories hereafter mentioned. These compartments are
closed by a single cover K hinged and furnished with a fastening by which it
may be tightly secured. The mast M is mounted in the step a fixed to the exterior
of the box or case. It is the same with the rudder G the rod of which made of two

page_text: pivoted parts to occupy less space in the box is maintained by the socket k, k¹.
The operating lever g of the rudder is furnished with a spring catch and acts in
combination with a sector for the purpose of being maintained immovable in
the position assigned to it. On the case or box are also mounted rods t for receiving
a compass t² and a lantern 3 (Figure 13).
To this arrangement of the apparatus the pedal driving is dispensed with but the
feet may be placed in stirrups, 2 arranged on the sides as shewn in Figure 13.
Moreover the case is always connected to the person sitting on the seat A by means
of the braces and a girdle as hereinbefore mentioned.
At the side of the compartments N N' and of the cavity H is formed a larger
compartment L furnished with a drawer T enclosing toilet articles and boxes of
preserved meat and fresh water.
This compartment is closed at the top by means of a cover L¹ the opening
of which is made possible by the folding at g of the operating lever g of the
rudder, which folding does not hinder the operation of the latter since that occurs
perpendicularly to the plane of action of the lever g. The cover L' is provided
with a tight joint.
Moreover the case is made with double sides to avoid damage which might happen
and at the same time to serve as air chambers to assist the apparatus and enable
it to float. It will be understood that the cavity formed by the double walls
is divided into air tight compartments that is to say compartments independent of
each other.
It is understood that the person who uses the above described apparatus, whatever
may be its construction, may be clothed with a garment inflated with air for
keeping himself above the water in any desired manner; for example he may use
an air bag placed upon his back and retained in position by straps. This air
bag which is represented in Figure 16, has secured to it all the necessary straps for
the attachment; it is moreover provided with a tube which is passed over one of the
shoulders and can be used for inflating the air bag.
It is also understood that the mechanical life-saving apparatus herein before
described may be made of any suitable shape, size, and materials. The rudder G whose
operation is effected by hand in the preceding examples may be arranged in such
a manner that it can be actuated by the feet. In this case as shown in Figure 17
the rudder G is suspended from a chain suitably hooked to the front part of
the apparatus and upon its rod is provided a cross-piece which, fixed perpendicularly
to the plane of the said rudder, enables the feet to be placed thereon and the
rudder to be operated without having to use the hands.
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 :-
1. A mechanical life-saving apparatus characterized by the combination of an air
bag A forming a seat, a rotary serew B and a rudder G, the whole being arranged
upon a frame of suitable form, the rotary screw being set in operation by the
combined action of a shaft with hand-cranks and of a pedal shaft; the said apparatus
being designed for supporting a person clothed or not with a garment of indiarubber
inflated with air and for carrying such person to any place of refuge, substantially
as hereinbefore specified.
2. A mechanical life-saving apparatus comprising, besides the combination before
claimed, a second screw C extending perpendicularly to the propeller screw and
designed, according to the direction of the rotation imparted to it by suitable
transmitting gear, to act upwards or downwards, upon the apparatus; the said screw
being mounted upon an independent shaft capable of being connected to or separated
from the general transmitting gear, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
3. In the mechanical life-saving apparatus above referred to the articulated
arrangement and the spring engaging device for the cranks, pedals, arms of

page_text: the screw, so as to be able to fold or unfold these parts, according as it is desired to
store away the apparatus or put it in condition for use, the said articulations being
arranged substantially as shown with reference to the accompanying drawing.
4. In the mechanical life-saving apparatus above claimed the articulation of the
shaft of the propeller screw B traversing the seat A, in combination with an
engaging device, for the purpose of keeping the said seat in the raised position,
substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5. In the mechanical life-saving apparatus above claimed the telescopic sheath
of the shaft of the screw propeller and the similar connection of this shaft for the
purpose of permitting the lengthening and shortening of the seat, substantially as
bereinbefore specified with reference to the accompanying drawings.
6. In the mechanical life-saving apparatus above referred to the removable
arrangement of the frame supporting the screw C, substantially as herein before
described.
7. The mechanical life-saving apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
8. The mechanical life-saving apparatus as herein before described with reference
to Figures 11 and 12 of the accompanying drawings.
9. The mechanical life-saving apparatus as herein before described with reference
to Figures 13, 14 and 15 of the accompanying drawing.
Dated this 27th day of February 1895.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.