US842908A - Foldable or collapsible boat. - Google Patents

Description

N0. ,842,9o8. PATENTED'PBB. 5, 1907.

I I. 0. PBRRING. POLDABLE 0R GOLLAPSIBLB BOAT.

APPLIUA'TION FILED rmlz.f1a, 1905. nmmwsn ocT. s, 1906.

z SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED FEB. 5, 1907.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

rn: Nwzmsrrrnrs co., wnsnmcron. n. c,

entre srafrns earner ornron.

IRA O. PERRING, OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO LIFE-SAVING FOLDING CANVASy BOAT COMPANY, OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, A COR- PORATION.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 5, 1907.

Application filed February 13, 1905. Renewed Octeber 3,1906. Serial No. 337,274.

T0 (1J/Z 11172/0711/ t ntctg/ 52071/06717@- Beit known that I, IRA O. PERRING, a citizen of the United States, residing at the citj,T of Kalamazoo,- in the countj,T of Kalamazoo and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding or Collapsible Boats, of which the following is a specification. j Y i This invention relates to improvements in folding or collapsible boats.

The objects of this invention are, first, to

provide an improved folding or collapsible` in a folding or collapsible boat an improvedy means for supporting and securing the ribs in position.

' Further objects and objects relating to structural details will definitely' appear from 'the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention bjr the devices and means pointed out in the following specification.

The invention is clearly' defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanjt'ing drawings, forming a part of the specification, in which Figure l is a central longitudinal sectional view of my' improved folding or collapsible boat, the combination keel and bottom being shown in full lines with one of rits side pieces E removed. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of my improved folding or collapsible boat, the central portion I) of the combination bottom and keel shown in full lines in the position in which itis placed in inserting. Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the central portion D of my improved combination keel and bottom, showing structural details. Figs. 4 and 5 are side elevation views of the side pieces E of my improved intermediate sections.

combination keel and bottom, showing structural details thereof; Fig. 6 is a plan view of my' improved combination keel and bottom in its disassembled condition, the bow and the stern keel extensions G being omitted. Fig. 7 is a plan view of my improved combination keel and bottom `in its assembled condition with the keel extensions G omitted. Fig. 8 isa perspective view of my improved folding or collapsible boat looking from one end. Fig. 9 is' a detail plan view of one of the supporting-straps C for the longitudinal ribs C of the boat. Fig. 1'0 is a detail planview showing the relation of lthe supporting-straps and .the longitudinal ribs of the boat. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the seat of n jf, folding or collapsible boat removed therefrom.

Fig. l2 is'a perspective view of the seat-board and its su port, showing the manner of securing tie seat-board. Fig. 13 is a perspective` View showing the seat-board support in its initial position in setting up. Fig. 14 isa plan view of one of the seat-supporting pieces II. Fig.

l5 is va side elevation view.V of the seat-board supports I-I folded.

In the drawings, similar letters of reference refer to. similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, the skin -or' when the boat is assembled. The main advantage of this strap is that it properlj7 spaces the ribs in assembling, and, further, keeps them all together when the boat is disassembled.

The longitudinal ribs C are made up. of sections c c c, the sections c being the end sections, c the central sections, and c the The end sections c are preferably hair-pin-like in form-that is, connected in pairs. The intermediate sections c are adapted to be telescoped ento the IOO end sections c when the boat is collapsed, which permits the folding of the skin. Thelongitudinal rib-sections are supported and their overlapped ends secured together by straps C', which are suspended from the gunwale of the boat. These straps C are arranged in pairs and are provided with suitable gromets 0 to receive the ends of the rib-sections. (See Figs. 9 and 10.) To further secure the sections c in place, their outer ends are looped about the ribsections c, as clearly appears in Fig. 10. l/Vhen thus arranged, if it is desired to collapse the boat the rib-sections c are telescoped upon the sections c. When the ribs are thus telescoped, it is evident that the skin may be folded longitudinally and rolled into a bundle without removing the longitudinal ribs. The gunwale is also made up of tele'- scoping sections,l which arev embraced in a fold or pocket in the upper edge of the skin A. The combination keel and bottom is made up of a central portion D and side portions FJ. The central portion D of the keel is made up of three sectionsd d d". These sections d d d are secured together by'hinges. The hinges of one end of the sections d to the central section d are located on the under side, and the hinges of the other section d to the central piece d are located on the top side. This enables the folding of the end sections upon the central section, the end sections lying flat thereon.

The edges of the central portion D of the keel are provided With projecting strips or cleats d, which form grooves adapted to receive the side pieces E. These strips d are preferably pieces 4'of band-iron and are arranged so as not to interfere with the hinges. 'IIhe side pieces E are each made up of two sections e, hinged together at a central point, so that the sections may be folded upon each other. The sections of these side pieces overlap the joints of the sections of the central portion of the keel, and the cen-v tral section d of the central portion of the bottom overlaps the jointsof the side sections, so that when the side pieces are in position a rigid structure is secured.

The side pieces E are secured in the grooves by pivoted rodsf, which have oppositely-disposed hooks f at their ends adapted to engage the screws or pins f in the side pieces.

Thus arranged, my combination bottom and keel can be very readily set up or knocked down, and when in the knockdown can be folded in to a very compact package. At Athe saine time, when set up it is very rigid, although it may be made of comparatively light material.

The central portion D of the keel is provided with sockets g at each end adapted to receive the bow and stem keel extensions G. By thus arranging the parts the skin may be stretched longitudinallyT by means of the keel. (See Figs. l and 2.)

In assembling the boat the longitudinal ribs are first arranged in the skin and the cross-ribs are then arranged with their ends engaged in the sockets in the gun'wale. The ends of the strap B are secured upon the keel extensions G and the central portion D of the keel placed in the boat, as is illustrated. in Fig. 2, with the keel extensions G engaging the sockets g thereof. By forcing the keel into the bottom of the boat the cross-ribs are drawn into their proper position by means of the strap B', and the skin is stretched longitudinally and also transversely by the straightening up of the cross-ribs. The side pieces E of the combination keel and bottom are then inserted and secured in position. This locks the parts together.

The hooks 7L of the seat-supports H are engaged over the gunwale of the boat, the initial position of the parts in doing this being illustrated in Fig. 13. These seat-supports are connected by braces i, which are pivotally secured thereto at i and to each other at t. rIhe pivots t are arranged transversely through the supports H, and the pivots i are arranged in a transverse relation to thepivots i, so that the braces may be folded upon each other and then folded upon the sup ports, as is illustrated in Fig. l5.`

On the under side of the supports H are loops 7L", adapted to receive the ends of the seat-board H. As the braces t' are forced downwardly in placing the supports in position the seat-board is inserted in the loops, and when the braces i are in their lower position the seat-board is clamped by these loops. (See Fig. 11.)

Secured to the braces i by the pivot if is a standard im, which after the braces are Ico forced down into contact with the bottom is turned up to serve as a central support for the seat-board. (See Fig. ll.)

By' thus arranging the parts they may be of comparatively light material and at the same time possess sufficient strength for all purposes. The structure is also capable of being folded very compactly when the boat is in the knockdown.

I have illustrated and described my iinproved collapsible or folding boat in detail in the form preferred by me on account of its structural simplicity, durability, and convenience.' I am aware, however, that the same may be varied very considerably in structural details without departing from my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitableiiexible skin suitable gunwales lon-- gitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sec-- tions adapted to telescope upon each other,

the sliding section having eyes therein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped; supporting-straps arranged in pairs adapted to receive the overlapping ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a coinbined keel and bottoni consisting of a central portion inade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions inade up of sections hinged together; arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof over lap the joints of the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at their ends adapted to engage the said pins7 pivoted to the said central portion; sockets in the ends of said centralportion; keel eX- tensions adapted to be arranged in said sockets; arranged through the ends of the said cross rib connecting strap; seat supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunivales; braces pivoted to said seatsupports and to each other by transverselyarranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seatboard, 'whereby the said seat board is clainped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to said braces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board7 for the purpose specified.

2. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin; suitable guii'Wa-les; longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sec# tions adapted to telescope upon each other; the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telescoped; supporting-straps arranged in pairs adapted to receive the overlapping ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a coinbined keel and bottoni consisting of a central portion inade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions inade up of sections hinged together, arranged in the said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the ljoints of the said central portion;

sockets in the ends of the said central por-' tion; keel extensions adapted to be arranged in said sockets, arranged through the ends of the said cross-rib-connecting strap; seat-supports' having hooks thereon adapted to enA gage over the said gunWales; braces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board, whereby the said seatboar-d is clainped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to said braces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board, for the purpose specified.

3. ln a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fieXible skin; suitable gunwales longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other7 the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped; supporting-straps arranged in pairs adapted to receive the overlapping ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a conibined keel and bottoin consisting of a central portion inade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arrangedY hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions inade up of sections hinged together; arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at their ends adapted to engage the said pins, pivoted to the said central portion; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunWales; braces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transverselyearranged pivots; a seat-board; loopson said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board7 whereby the said seatboard is clamped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to said braces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board, for the ypurpose specified.

4. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; suitable gunWales; longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped; supporting-straps arranged in pairs adapted to receive the overlapping ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a cornbined keel and. bottoni consisting of a central portion inade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions inade up of sections hinged together, arranged in the said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunWales; braces pivoted to said seat-support and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board, whereby the said seatboard is claniped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; anda standard pivoted to said bracesI adapted to be ego ICC

turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board, for the purpose specified.

5, In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin; suitable gunwales; suitable ribs; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and conf nected by oppcsitely-arranged hinges; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at their ends adapted to engage the said pins, pivoted to the said central portion; sockets in the ends of said central portion; keel extensions adapted to be arranged in said sockets7 arranged through the ends of the said cross-rib-connecting strap; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; braces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board, whereby the said seatboard is clamped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; anda standard. pivoted to said braces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of said seatboard, for the purpose specified.

6. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin; suitable gunwales; suitable ribs; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged in the said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; sockets in the ends of said central portion; keel extensions adapted to be arranged in said sockets; arranged through the ends of said cross-ribconnecting strap; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales;braces pivoted tosaid seat-supports and to each other by `ransverselyerranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board; whereby the said seat-board is clamped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to said braces; adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board, for the purpose specified.

7. In a folding boat; the combination of' a suitable flexible skin; suitable gunwales; suitable ribs; a combined koel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to endand connected by oppositely arranged hinges; grooves 1n the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together; arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the oints of the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; rods having oppositely-disposod hooks at their ends adapted to engage' the said pins, pivoted to said central portion; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; braces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board, whereby the said seat-board is clamped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to said braces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board; for the purpose specified.

8. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin; suitable gunwales; suitable ribs; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together; arranged in the said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; braces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to re-` ceive said seat-board7 whereby the said seatboard is clamped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to said bra-ces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board, for the purpose specified.

9. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable skin; suitable gunwales; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other; the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections uponwhich they are telescoped; supporting-straps adapted to receive the overlapping ends of' said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs a collapsible keel arranged over said cross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strap thereof when inserted into position; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; braces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transverselyearranged pivots; adapted to engage said keel when in position; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board; whereby the said seat` board is clamped to said seat-supports as said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to said braces; adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board, for the purpose specified.

ICO

IOS

10. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable skin; suitable gunwales; longitudinal ribs; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a collapsible keel arranged over the` said cross-ribs7 adapted to apply tension to the said connectingstrap thereof When inserted into position; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunvvales; braces pivoted to the said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots, adapted to engage said keel'When in position; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board; whereby the said seat-board is clamped to said seatsupports as said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to said braces adapted to be turned up to engage the underside of said seat-board; for the purpose specified.

11. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable skin; suitable gunwales longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other; the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telescoped; supporting-straps adapted to receive the overlapping ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribsiarranged over the said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connectingstrap for said cross-ribs; a collapsible keel arranged over said cross-ribs; adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strap thereof when inserted into position; seatsupports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; braces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots7 adapted to engage said keel when in position; a seatboard; and loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board;whereby the said seat-board is clamped to said seat-supports as said braces are forced into position; for the purpose specified.

12. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable skin; suitable gunwales longitudinal ribs; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a collapsible keel arranged over the said cross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strap thereof When inserted into position; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; braces pivoted to said seatsupports and to each other by transverselyarranged pivots; adapted to engage said keel when in position; a seat-board; and loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board; whereby the said seat-board is clamped to said seat-supports as said braces are forced into position; for the purpose speci- 13. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telescoped; supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged ecnnecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a cornbined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion rnade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions made up sections hinged together; arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; rods having oppositel -disposed hooks at their ends; adapted to engage the said pins; pivoted to the said central portion; sockets in the ends of the said central portion; and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets arranged through the ends of said crtss-rib-connecting strap, for the purpose specified.

14. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telesooped; supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlapped end of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a cornbined keel and bot-torn consisting of a centralJ portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; sockets in the ends of the said central portions, and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets arranged through the ends of said cross-rib-connecting strap, for the purpose specified.

15. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped; supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a coinbined keel and bottorn consisting of a `central portion inade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected byoppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion ;`up-

IOC

IIO

Wardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; and rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at their ends, adapted to engage the said pins, pivoted to the said central portion, for the purpose specified.

16. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telescope d supportingstraps adapt-ed to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; centra yarranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a conlbined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; and side p'eces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portieri, for the purpose specihed.

17. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; crc-ss -ribs; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion, side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at their ends, adapted to engage the said pins, pivoted to the said central portion;sockets in the ends of the said central portion; and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets arranged through the ends of said cross-rib-connecting strap, for the purpose specified. 18. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin cross -ribs; a cornbined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the ysides of said central portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections'hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion; sockets in the ends of the said central portions; and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets arranged through the ends of said cross-rib connecting-strap, for the purpose specified.

19. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; cross -ribs; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion upwardly-projecting pins on said. side pieces; and rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at their ends, adapted to engage the said pins, pivoted to the said central portion, for the purpose specied.

20. ln a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; cross-ribs; a com-4 bined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion, and side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion, for the purpose specified.

2l. ln a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telcscope upon each other; supporting-straps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a 'combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of sections; side pieces or portions, arranged to overlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto; sockets in the ends of said central portion; and keel extensions `adapted to be arranged in the said sockets, arranged through the ends of said cross-rib-connecting strap, for the purpose specified.

22. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other; supporting-straps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a coinbined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of sections; and side pieces or portions, arranged to overlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto; for the purpose specified.

23. In a folding boat,the combination of a suitable exible skin; cross-ribs; a centrallyarranged conneoting-strap for said cross-ribs a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of sections; side pieces or portions, arranged to overlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto; sockets in the ends of said central portion; and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets, arranged through the ends of said cross-ib-connecting strap, for the purpose specified.

24. In a folding-boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; cross-ribs; a centrallyarranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs a combined keel and bottom consisting of a IOO central portion made up of sections, and side pieces or portions, arranged to overlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto, for the purpose specified.

25. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fiexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telescoped; supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely arranged hinges; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged to overlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto; sockets in the ends of the said central portion; and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets, for the purpose specified.

26. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable 'flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telescoped; supporting-l straps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositelyarranged hinges; and side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged to overlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto, for the purpose specified.

27. ln a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other; supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a centraloportion made up of three lsections arranged end to end and connected by oppositelyarranged hinges; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged to overlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto; sockets in the ends of the said central portion; and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets, for the purpose specified.

28. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to. telescope upon each other; supporting-straps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositelyarranged hinges; and side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged to overlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto, for the purpose specified.

29. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fiexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped; supportingstraps arranged in pairs, adapted to receive the 'overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; and a keel arranged over said cross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strap therefor, for the purpose specified. l

30. ,In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs in ade up of overlapping sections adapted totelescope upon each other; supporting-straps, arranged in pairs, adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; crossribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting strap for said cross-ribs; and a keel arranged over said cross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strap therefor, for the purpose specified.

31. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fiexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped; and supporting-straps arranged in pairs, adapted to 'receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections, for the purpose specified;

32. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other; and supportingstraps arranged in pairs, adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections, for the purpose specified.

33. In a folding boat, the combination of a i suitable flexible skin; longitudinal ribs'made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped; supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting strap for said cross-ribs; and a keel arranged over said cross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strap therefor, for the purpose specified.

34. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fiexible skin; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telescoped;Y and supporting-straps adapted to receive the over- IIO lapped ends of said rib-sections, for the purpose speciiied.

35. In a folding 1ooat, the combination of a suitahle flexible skin; longitudinal rihsin ade up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other; supportingstraps adapted to reeeive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-rips arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said oross-riigs; and a keel arranged over said cross-rits, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strap therefor, for the purpose specilied.

36. In a folding boat, the co ination of a suitable flexible skin; longitudinal rics Wade up of overlapping sections adapted to telescope upon each other; and supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rile-sections, for the purpose specified. 37. In afolding hoat, the eo hination of a suitable ilexible skin, cross-r es; a centrallyarranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs 3 and a keel arranged over said cross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strap therefor, for the purpose specified.

38. In a folding boat, the co` hination of seat-supports having hooks thereon, adapted to engage over the gunwales of the boat; Toraces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other hv transversely-arranged pivots; l a seat-hoard; loops on said seat-supports, adapted to receive said seat-hoard, wherehy the said seat-hoard is clamped to said supports as said 1:":races are forced into position 5 and a standard pivoted to said hraces, adapted to he turned up to engage the under side of said seat-hoard, for the purpose specified.

39. In a folding boat, the conination of seat-supports having hooks thereon, adapted to engage over the gunwales of the 1moat; hraces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other hy transversely-arranged pivots; a seat-hoard and loops on said seat-supports, adapted to receive said seat-board, whereby the said seat-hoard is clamped to said supports as said braces are forced into position, for the purpose specified.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set iny

Images