Aug. 21, 1956 E. o. MoKlNm-:Y 2,759,201 AMPHIBIOUS DEVICE OF THE FOLDABLE TYPE Filed Dec. 28, l953 4 Sheets-Sheet l

ATTORNEY Aug. 21, 1956 E. o. MQKINNEY 2,759,201 AMPHIBIOUS DEVICE OF THE FOLDABLE OUTRIGGER TYPE _

Filed Dec. 28, 1953 ` 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 21, 1956 E. o. MCKINNEY »2,759,201 AMPHIBIOUS DEVICE OF THE FOLDABLE OUTRIGGER TYPE Filed Dec. 28, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3

ELDoN O. McKlNNaY

BY

ATTORNEY Aug. 21, 1956 E. o. MCKINNEY 2,759,201 AMPHIBIOUS DEVICE OF- THE F'OLDABLE OUTRIGGER TYPE

Filed Dec. 28, 195s 4 Sheets-Sheet 4

mvENToR ELDON O. Mc KnNNaY

ATTORNEY 2,759,201 Patent C) ” 1C@ Patented Aug. 2l, 1956

2 In the drawings, where for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 15 designates generally a main frame or support 2,759,201 ing structure for the device. The main frame 15 is AMPHEBÍOUS DEVICE 0F THE FOLDABLE relatively narrow and elongated, as shown, and pref ÜUTRIGGER TYPE erably comprises upper and lower pairs of transversely spaced parallel longitudinal frame members or bars 16 Eldon 0. McKinney, Palm Springs, Calif. and 17, which are of stout or rigid construction. The Application December 23, 1953, Serial No. 400,407 forward and rear ends of the upper longitudinal frame bars 16 are rigidly connected by transverse horizontal 3 Claims. (Cl. 9_1) frame bars 18, rigidly secured thereto by welding or the like, as shown. The lower longitudinal frame bars 17 are somewhat shorter than the upper bars 16 and have their ends terminating inwardly of the ends of the bars 16. My invention relates to of the or The forward and rear ends of the lower longitudinal outrigger type. frame bars 17 are rigidly connected with the upper frame An important object of the invention is to provide bars 16 by means of inclined or diagonal braces 19 and a foldable catamaran which is amphibious, and including 20, rigidly secured thereto by welding or the like, and a retractable wheeled ninning gear. arranged in vertical planes. The diagonal bars 19 and A further important object of the invention is to pro 20 are rigidlly secured to the upper longitudinal bars 16, vide an amphibious catamaran which is particularly use slightly inwardly of their opposite ends. ful for Coast Guard and life saving work, as well as for Forward and rear transverse horizontal beams 21 and sports, such as ñshing, pleasure , beach landing 22 are welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the bot craft for the armed services and the like. toms of the upper longitudinal bars 16, somewhat in Another object is to provide an amphibious catamaran 25 wardly of their opposite ends, and the beams 21 and 22 or Outrigger , which when folded is narrow enough extend laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal bars to run on a highway, behind a towing vehicle or the like, 16 for substantial equal distances at the opposite sides and when extended or unfolded provides a broad deck, of the main frame 15. An intermediate transverse hori supported by pontoons near the sides of the deck, so that zontal beam 23, identical with the beams 21 and 22 is the boat may be launched in rough surf and used on the 30 rigidly secured to the bottoms of the longitudinal bars ocean, without upsetting. 16 at their longitudinal center, as shown. The ends of A further object is to provide a catamaran or boat of the beams 21, 22 and 23 terminate in longitudinal align the above-mentioned character having a deck section of ment, and the beams are at the same elevation, and lie permanent construction, and foldable auxiliary deck sec in a horizontal plane. The ends of the beams 21, 22 and tions. 35 23 are rigidly connected with the lower longitudinal bars A still further object of the invention is to provide a 17 by means of inclined or diagonal braces 24, as shown, catamaran which is simplified and light weight in con rigidly secured thereto by welding or the like. Addi struction, rugged and durable, reliable in operation, and tional vertical braces or bars 25 rigidly connect the trans inexpensive to manufacture. verse beams 21, 22 and 23 with the lower longitudinal Other objects and advantages of the invention will be 40 frame bars 1'7, as shown. Forward and rear horizontal apparent during the course of the following description. transverse frame bars 26 are rigidly secured by welding In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this or the like to the lower longitudinal bars 17, below the application, and in which like numerals are employed beams 21 and 22, and a simliar horizontal transverse bar to designate like parts throughout the same, p 27 is rigidly secured between the longitudinal bars 17, Figure l is a plan view of a foldable 45 below the beam 23. A pair of parallel longitudinal deck or catamaran embodying my invention, part broken suporting beams 28 are rigidly secured by welding to the away, and showing the folded condition of the catamaran tops of the beams 21, 22 and 23, adjacent their outer in broken lines, y ends, and the beams 28 are preferably somewhat shorter Figure 2 is a side elevation of the catamaran with the than the upper longitudinal bars 16, and spaced lat wheeled running gear lowered, the running gear being 50 erally outwardly of, in parallel relation therewith. The shown elevated in broken lines, beams 28 lie in the same horizontal plane as the upper Figure 3 is a rear end'elevation of the catamaran in longitudinal bars 16. the extended or unfolded condition with the running gear The parts thus far described make up the main frame lowered, and showing the folded condition of the same 15, and constitute a rigid unit, forming the body portion and the running gear elevated in broken lines, 55 of the device. This unit or frame 15 is clearly shown dis Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical associated from the remainder of the device in Figure 5 section taken on line 4_4 of Figure l, of the drawings. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the main rigid frame A central horizontal permanent deck section 29, formed or body portion of the device disassociated from the of wood or the like, rests upon the tops of the upper other parts thereof, 60 longitudinal frame bars 16 and the deck supporting beams Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken 28, and is rigidly secured thereto, by bolting, or any substantially on line 6_6 of Figure 4, parts omitted and other suitable means. The deck section 29 is uninter parts broken away, rupted between the beams 28, and its forward and rear Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of front ends terminate at the forward and rear ends of the beams 28, as shown. The opposite end portions of the upper wheel means, 65 and lower longitudinal frame bars 16 and 17 project longi Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section tudinally beyond the ends of the deck section 29, as taken on line 8_8 of Figure 1, shown. Figure 9 is a vertical section taken on line 9_9 of Fig Horizontally swingable Outrigger arms or frames 30 ure 8, and, are provided upon the opposite sides of the main frame Figure 10 is a vertical section taken on line 10-10 70 15, adjacent to the transverse beams 21, 22 and 23. of Figure 6. ’ Each outrigger frame _30 comprises a vertical pivot shaft 2,759,201 «s» or tube 31, at the inner end thereof, and arranged adja In order to lock the Outrigger frames 30 in the ex cent the rear side of the associated beams 21, 22 or 23. tended positions, perpendicular to the sides of the main The pivot shafts 31 are disposed adjacent to the ends frame 15, I provide U-shaped locking elements 49, rigidly of the lower >transverse bars 26 and 27, and just rear secured to the bottoms of the auxiliary deck sections 47, wardly thereof, the bars 26 and 27 being varranged in near the outer longitudinal edges Of the same, and adja the same vertical planes as the beams 21, 22 and 23. cent to the several Outrigger frames 30. The U-shaped Upper horizontal support plates 32 are rigidly secured locking elements 49 are adapted to engage over the to the .transverse beams 21, 22 and 23 and upper .longi upper arms 38 of the Outrigger frames, when the frames tudinal frame bars 16, Figure 6, adjacent -to the rear are at right angles to .the sides of the main frame 15, sides of the beams 21, 22 and 23, and the -outer sides Figure 4, to releasably and positively hold the pontoons of the .bars 16. The shafts 31 are provided at their 43 and Outrigger frames in their extended positions. lower ends with reduced pivot extensions or ytrunnions When the auxiliary deck sections 47 are folded inwardly 34, rigidly secured thereto, and journaled within `open upon lthe central deck section, the elements 49 release ings 35 `of .the horizontal support plates 33. Depending the Outrigger arms 38 so that the pontoons may be shifted trunnions 36 .on the upper horizontal plates 32 engage to their retracted positions. within openings 37 in the tops of the vertical shafts 31, It is to be noted that the outer portions of the trans as shown. The Outrigger frames 30 are thus journaled verse beams 21, 22 and 23 overlap the upper Outrigger adjacent to the rear sides of the beams 21, 22 and 23, at arms 38 for a considerable distance .outwardly of >the the outer ends yof the lower transverse bars 26 `and 27. vertical tubes 31, and limit the forward or .counterclock Each Outrigger frame 30 further comprises spaced 20 wise swinging movement of the Outrigger frames 30 in :upper Vand lower substantially horizontal bars or .arms Figure l. When the vOutrigger frames 30 ,are swung 38 and 39, having their inner ends rigidly secured Aby forwardly, they engage the rear sides of the beams 21, welding to the vertical shaft .31, as indicated at 40. Di 22.and 23, yand the beams serve as positive stops for the agnonal braces 41 for the and its lower end attached to with .their outerfends swung toward .the rear end îof .the :the axle.52,fat»64’. The shaft 63 is provided at one end main frame, see the broken line showing the pontoons in 60 with a hand crank ,65, and carries a ratchet wheel 66, for Figure 1. .engagement with .apawl 67 pivoted near the rear end of I provide auxiliary deck sections 47, outwardly of the .the .adjacent upper longitudinal frame bar 16. 'When central .permanent deck section 29. The .auxiliary Vvdeck the crank 65 ­is turned for winding the cable 64 upon .the sections 47 have .their inner sides hingedly secured at -48' shaft 63, the rear wheels 53 and associated elements are 'to ,the .outer longitudinal sides of the central deck section elevated or retracted in the manner shown in ‘the draw 29., and are adapted to ,be folded over the Vcentral .deck ings, andthe wheels 53 ltravel upwardly and assume ele section Vto stowed horizontal positions, when ­the pon vated positions just below the longitudinal beams 28. >In toons 43 are folded or retracted. When the pontoons such positions, the 'bottoms of the wheels 53 are sub are extended to their 4outermost positions, the hinged> stantially at 'the tops of the pontoons V43. The wheels 53 auxiliary vdeck sections 47 yare foldable outwardly >to ex andfaxle .'52iswing .in an arcas they are raised yand low tended horizontal positions, wherein they rest upon the ered, Figure 2, due to the pivotal connection of «the lrods »tops of .theoutrigger frames 30, and providea continuous ¿61 withlthe` main iframe, ¿through the medium of the rock deck of»substantiallyincreased width. The auxiliary deck shaft 60. When the wheels 53 are fully lowered, .due to sections -47 are lpreferably ».of the same length as :the Amiwinding 0f :the vcables 64 ïfrom 4the shaft 63, the fbot vpermanentcentral deck section .29. I'OmS 0f the Wheels are well below the pontoons v43, and 52,759,201 6 the rear end of the device is held elevated by the rear ment of the main frame 15, and associated elements, rel wheeled unit 51 for transportation on the ground. ative to the lowered wheel units. When traveling on The forward retractable wheel unit 50 is substantially wheels, the auxiliary deck sections 47 are folded inwardly the same as the rear unit 51, and embodies identical up upon the central deck 29, and the entire device is now nar standing posts 54 and brace bars 55 and 56. Additional row enough to travel safely along the highway. sleeves 57 are pivoted to the inner sides of the upper The catamaran is launched in the water from a beach, frame bars 16, adjacent their front ends, and the posts 54 river bank or other ground with the wheel units 50 and of the forward unit 50 are slidably received by the sleeves 51 down. The pontoons 43 may be swung to their outer~ 57. An identical cable winding shaft 63 and cable 64 are most positions prior to launching in the water, or after mounted upon the forward ends of the frame bars 16, in l0 the boat is afloat, and when the deck sections 47 are the same manner that the corresponding parts are swung to their outer horizontal positions, the U-shaped mounted upon the rear ends of the frame bars 16, and locking elements 49 will engage the Outrigger frames 30 these elements coact in the forward retractable wheel unit and lock them and the pontoons in the extended positions, 50 in the identical manner that they coact in the rear with the arms 38 engaging the transverse beams 21, 22 unit 51 to raise and lower the same. An additional rock 15 and 23, as previously explained. Once afloat, the wheel shaft 60 and pivoted connecting rods 6l and associated units Si) and 51, may be elevated, as previously described, elements are arranged below the forward portions of the by cranking the shafts 63 and winding up the cables 64 lower frame bars 17, for the same purpose that the cor thereon. The pawls 67 will engage the toothed ratchet responding elements of the rear unit 51 serve, and no wheels 66, and lock the wheel units in their retracted posi» further description of these elements in the forward unit ‘tions above the pontoons. The wheel units are thus ele 5l) is necessary. vated above the surface of the Water, and the catamaran The forward retractable wheel unit 50 differs from the is now ready for use afloat. rear wheel unit 5l only in that the forward wheels 68 The ñoating catamaran has a very wide flat horizontal are adapted to be steered. The forward axle 69 is secured deck, and the pontoons 43 are spaced far apart beyond to the lower ends of the posts 54 in the identical manner 25 the »opposite longitudinal sides of the deck, so that the that the rear axle S2 is secured to the posts 54. How catamaran is practically impossible to upset, even in rough ever, ythe wheels 68 of the forward unit 50 are journaled surf. It should be mentioned there that the shape and upon L-shaped steering levers or bell cranks 70, pivotally size of the pontoons 43 may be varied, as found desirable, connected with the ends of the axle 69 for horizontal to provide better buoyancy and performance. swinging movement by means of steering knuckles 71. 30 My catamaran is useful for a variety of purposes, like A horizontal transverse drag link 72 connects the steering life saving work by the Coast Guard and at beach resorts. bell cranks '70, as shown, and a forwm‘dly extending It will also serve as a light weight sports or pleasure craft, horizontal towing tongue 73 is pivoted at “I4 to the center for and the like, as well as a small landing craft of the axle 69. A rear extension 75 of the tongue 73 is for troops assaulting a beach, or the like. pivoted at 76 to the center of the drag link 72, and when 35 When the catamaran is to leave the water and come the tongue 73 swings from side to side, the front wheels upon the land, the wheel units 50 are fully lowered while 68 are steered. The tongue 73 is connected with a towing the device is still alloat. The pontoons 43 will support vehicle, not shown, when the device is to be transported the main frame 15, as the wheels lower by gravity, and the over a highway, or the like. The forward portion of the locking pins 80 are then slipped into place. The device tongue 73 is detachable, as shown, and may be removed 40 can then travel from the water onto a beach or other solid if desired when the forward unit 50 is elevated or re ground, and the wheels will again support and transport tracted. The forward unit 50 is raised and lowered in the device, the pontoons 43 being now elevated as they the identical manner of the rear unit 51, and no further­ leave the water. Either to leaving the water or after the description of its operation is necessary. r device is on land, the pontoons and Outrigger frames 30 In use, the device is readily transportable over a high may be returned to and locked in their retracted positions, way or roadway with the wheel units 5l) and 51 lowered as previously described. and the main frame 1S and pontoons 43 elevated. At Although not shown in the drawings, I also contemplate this time, the pontoons 43 are placed in the retracted or building my with an engine suitably mounted folded positions, and the inner sides of the pontoons are upon the main frame 15, and operatively connected arranged close to the outer sides of the rear wheels 53, 50 through suitable gearing with the rear wheels 53, to drive as shown in Figure 1. the same. A steering wheel for the front wheels 68 may It should be mentioned, that means are provided to be provided, instead of the tongue 73, and the device will lock the Outrigger frames Si) and pontoons in the folded then be self-propelled on land. or innermost positions. This means comprises a pair of It is to be understood that the form of the invention 55 readily removable vertical locking pins 77, Figure l0, herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred which are placed through openings 73 and 79 of the in example of the same, and that various changes in the termediate mounting plate 32 and arms 38 of the inter shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, mediate outrigger frame 36 respectively. These open without departing from the spirit of the invention or ings 78 ‘and 79 will register to permit the passage of the scope of the subjoined claims. locking pins '77 therethrough, when the pontoons 43 and 60 Having thus described my invention, I claim: Outrigger frames 30 are in their proper folded positions. l. A foldable catamaran comprising a substantially If desired, additional locking pins 77 between the other rigid main frame including upper and lower horizontal Outrigger frames 30 and the forward and rear mounting frame members and transverse vertical frame members, a plates 32 may be provided, but it is believed that a single central deck mounted on top of the main frame and sub pair of lthe pins 77 will serve to properly hold the pon stantially covering it, horizontally swingable Outrigger toons in the folded position during transportation of the arms pivoted to opposite sides of the main frame and device on wheels. adapted to extend transversely of the main frame and It should also be mentioned that means are provided generally longitudinally thereof, the Outrigger arms ex to lock the main frame 1S in the elevated position, rela tending vertically from substantially the elevation of the tive to the lowered wheel units 56 and 51. This means 70 upper horizontal frame members to the lower horizontal may comprise removable pins 80, extending through frame members, said arms extending for substantial dis~ transverse openings 81 and 82, in the vertical posts 54, tances beyond the longitudinal edges of the central deck and shoes 57, as shown. When the wheel units 50 and when positioned transversely of the main frame, pontoons 5l are fully lowered, the openings 31 and 82 will register carried by the outer ends of the Outrigger arms, auxiliary to receive the pins 80, for preventing downward move 75 decks hinged to the centraly deck adjacent the longitudinal .2,759,3951 7 edges _of the .same and ,adapted t9 swing :vertically -into nigger arms and spaced y'<1 _substantial `tiistrmee above :said stowed nos' 'ons ion top :of the ,central .desk and .to ,eX lower horizontalframe .membersend said pontoons. ' tended Apositions .resting vupon said ontnisser farms., :the f3~ An amphibious .device Comprising a substantially auxiliary deeks tthen,forming with Lthe _Central .deels :a oon rigid _main «frame „of considerable depth, a `central .deck tinnons and unobst-rneted fbroad horizontal deelt arranged mounted ,on tor» o_f‘the mainiframe'ontrigger armspivoted bodily above the main trame., ontrigger arms yand Pon tothe sides of >'the main frame for horizontal Asvt/„inging toons, „means earriedfby the auxiliary deeks to engegethe movement «to ,positions transversely and generally longi ontrigger >arms -for ,locking them in their transversely -ex tudiïrrally ,of „the mainframe, said Íoutriggerarmsl extend tended positions, .and-,rnea-nsior loelsingthe ontrigger arms ing vertiçallygfor substantially ,the full vdepth of the main in `their positions generally Alongitiniin.ally „of >the mein 10 frame, ¿pontoons Icarried by the bottoms of the Outrigger trame. arms adjacent their outer ends and spaced below the bot ;2. _A foldable lcatamaran _comprising a .main ¿substan tom of ,fthernain frame, lauxiliary decks hinged tozthe cen tially ¿rigid trarne, said trame including nager and lower tral deck adjacent its longitudinal edges and being verti horizontal frame :members and transverse vertieel iframe cally „swingable to `lie >horizontally upon the main ,deck members, a :central derek inonnted ¿upon and substantially 15 oroutwardly „of the maindeck ,and upon the 4tops of ,the eovering vsaid upper horizontal ¿fra-me members, hori Outrigger arms, elements ycarried by the ¿bottoms of .the zontally swingable Outrigger-arms pivoted to the sides of auxiliary decks and engaging the outrigger‘arms .forreleas thegmainframefand `extending `vertically‘from Asubstantially ably ,locking them in theii­­ positions' transversely .of the the «elevation of :the upper horizontal trame members to main frame .while supporting the auxiliary decks, and the lower _horizontal-frame members, Asaid `_Outrigger arms 20 separate ‘means for ylocking the Outrigger arms in Vtheir being vadapted to extend 4trrmsversely .of the mein >frame positions generally longitudinally of the main frame. and outwardly of the longitudinal edges yof -sjaiçl central deck, said arms thenbeing in _parallel contacting ¿relation v4References Cited in the ñle of this patent with said transverse frame -membersLpontoons connected UNITED STATES PATENTS 25 with the bottoms of the outriggerarms adjacenttheir‘outer ¿22;175 'Furbush ______Nov. 30, 1858 _ends and thereby disposed below the elevation of »said bottom horizontal frame members, auxiliary decksghinged 392,407 __Chorman ______Nov. 6, 1888 to ;the.,centr_al deck adjacent the Alongitudinal ¿edges of .the 650,479 Pepin ______May 29, 1900 latter and adapted-to swing vertically into overlying con A1,681,07g1 Vitanyi ______Aug. 14, y1928 tactingrelation with the centraldeckand _alsotoextended 30 [2752335240 Boldis et al. ______Feb. 25, 1941 horizontal positions outwardly ofthe central deck and '2,570,528 `Davis ______Oct. 9, -1951 resting upon the‘tops of -theoutrigger arms, ythe central and FOREIGN PATENTS auxiliarydecks then forming a broad Ahorizontal unob 357,1124 »Germany ______Aug. 16, 1922 structed deck spaced bodily above the mainframe and out