US41418A - Improvement in knapsack-hammocks - Google Patents

Description

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.,

GRANVILLE ABBOTT, OF THEIINITED STATES ARM Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN KNAPSACK-HAMMOCKS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 41,418, dated February 2, 1864.

`stakes,'the outer covering being removed to show the manner of forming the hoods or covering for the head and feet. Fig. 2 represents the same as it appears when used as a hammock swung from and between two trees, with the outer covering in place. Fig. 3 represents the same adapted for use as a litter. Fig. 4 represents a top View of the same opened and spread out on the ground. Fig. 5 represents the same rolled up into the form of a knapsack. Fig. 6 represents a similar View of the same provided with a handle.

The nature of my invention consists in the construction of a knapsack adapted for use I construct my knapsack principally of rub- I ber or oil cloth and canvas, with straps and buckles attached thereto, in order that it may be conveyed in the same manner as the knapsack now used.

My knapsack, when unrolled and swung, resembles a hammock very much, but differing from it in its combined construction, and in the improvement I have made in swinging it where there are no permanent xtures for that purpose.

I make my knapsack six feet long, two feet and three inches broad, (when unrolled,) with small ropes passing through a hem at the edge in each side, and extending three feet (more or less) from each end thereof, to be used in swinging the hammock from trees or stakes, as may be most convenient. The lining A (shown in Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawings) I make of canvas, and the outside or back B of rubber or oil cloth, with an extension, M, of one foot and six inches by three feet and nine inches at each end, to turn over the head and feet of the occupant and form covers therefor when used as ahamr'nock, said covers being fastened to a suspended line, F, above by a hook, b, in the center ofreach, as shown in Fig. l. The rubber or oil cloth I use for the back B is intended to keep out all dampness and cold winds. I make a pocket at D, the dimensions of which may be ten by fourteen inches, in which to carry extra clothing, and, when the soldier is in bed, answers for a pillow.

The knapsack should be accompanied by a rubber blanket, E, six feet long and three feet and nine inches broad, to be placed across and fastened to the suspensionline F at night for a shelter to the bed. This blanket can be used with another one where two swing their k napsacks close together, to make thema shelter-tent over their beds or it may be used on a march when it rains.

I use one light wool blanket, G, six feet long and four feet and six inches broad, with this knapsack, buttoned to the side, one half to sleep on and the other to cover with, or may be detached and be warm enough for sum` mer.

H represents straps, buckles, &c.

I represents the suspension-cords, and I2 guy-ropes.

.I represents spread-sticks, and K stakes. The stakes and spread-sticks are not intended to be transported, except for ofcers, as they are very quickly and easily made.

To use this knapsack to convey the wounded from the eld, it should be unrolled, the spread-sticks put in, the soldierplaced on the knapsack, and each end of the knapsack fastened to a pole above by the suspension-cords. Then he can be carried off at ease.

Vhat I cla-im as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Paten t, is

The back B, formed of water-proof material lined with canvas-cloth A, with an extension, M, at each end, to form hoods or covers for the head and feet of the occupant when u sed as a hammock, in combination with a water-proof blanket, E, suspension-cords I I, and line F, the former passing through hems in the sides of the back B, when the whole is constructed and arranged, so as to form a con-A vertible knapsack, hammock, and litter, in the manner described.

Witnesses: GRANVILLE ABBOTT.

SAM. MAGILL, J oHN D. HUNT.

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