364 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



IMPROVED LIFE-PRESERVER TRUNK. 



The method of rendering these trunks water and air-tight, is 

 very similar to that used for the wooden trunk before described. 

 Being made upon an iron frame instead of wood, the cushion is 

 either fastened upon the top of the frame, or secured in a groove 

 as represented, plate , fig. 



The body of the trunk is formed of caoutchouc whalebone 

 or board, wrought and cemented together so as to be as 

 light and strong as possible. This may be considered as one 

 among the most important applications of gum-elastic, on the 

 score of economy as well as utility. The saving of labor when 

 compared with the all-leather trunk, for which they are intended 

 to be substituted, is greater than in most articles of gum-elastic, 

 except shoes and some parts of harness. 



A common sized trunk of this sort, measuring three cubic 

 feet, allowing thirty pounds for weight, has buoyancy sufficient 

 to sustain one hundred and fifty pounds of baggage, so that they 

 may serve not onh^ all the purposes of a life-preserver, but at 

 the same time will carry safe a large amount of specie or other 

 valuables. A number of them lashed together will form a safe 

 raft, or if lashed upon the outside of a boat, will make it perfectly 

 safe for a much greater number of persons than it would other- 

 wise carry ; and even if the boat is staved or broken, it may be 

 made a perfect life-boat by lashing these trunks in it. This, 

 like the one well known as the all-leather trunk, has the least 

 weight combined with the greatest strength. The expense of 

 the all-leather trunk has been a great hindrance to its general 

 use, but the substitute here proposed, will probably be afforded 

 at a much less expense than that has heretofore been. 



WATER- AND AIR-PROOF VALISES. 



These do not require description further than has been given 

 of trunks of a larger size, except that being smaller they may be 



