Improved Means of Propelling and Managing Boats and the like.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd May, 1890
Complete Specification Left 26th Aug., 1890-Accepted, 31st Jan., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means of Propelling and Managing Boats and the like.
1, FREDERICK WILLIAM ZIMER, of Coleman Street, in the County of London,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said invention to be as follows:-
Hitherto, treadle or combined hand and foot operated mechanism has not been
successfully applied to boats and the like for the purposes of propelling, stopping,
steering or otherwise managing the same, on account of the liability of the boat or
the like to capsize in consequence of the high position of the centre of gravity due
to the more or less standing position which the operator is required to take in
operating such mechanism.
This invention relates to the application to boats and the like for the purposes
aforesaid of suitable modifications of the combined treadle and hand driving
mechanism described in the Specification accompanying my application for Letters
Patent No. 74274 dated 3 May 1889, and to the like application of micans whereby
such mechanism may be so applied for such purposes as to avoid the liability of the
boat or the like capsizing as aforesaid, such means or suitable modifications thereof
being also applicable to boats and the like propelled and managed otherwise than
by such mechanism.
In carrying out the invention I hinge or otherwise secure to the outer sides of
the boat or the like in such a manner as to project therefrom vertically, horizontally
or in any suitable inclined position suitably formed floats or concaved structures or
equivalent means which by their displacement or buoyancy or by the resistance
offered by the water to their descent when operated or operating in the manner
hereinafter described or referred to will be effective in preventing the boat from
capsizing.
When applying the aforesaid combined treadle and hand driving mechanism
conjunctively with such means of preventing the boat from capsizing the hand
driving mechanism is constructed with independent handles which are, however,
adapted to be operated simultaneously and conjunctively with the depression of the
treadle driving mechanism in operating on a pawl clutch or other suitable means
transmitting the motion to a paddle or screw propeller shaft or the like substantially
in the manner described in my aforesaid Specification.
The hand lever rods are normally held in position by suitably supported stays
which are suitably connected to the aforesaid Hoats or the like in such a manner as
that the instinctive outward spread of the arms of the operator, upon his feeling any
tendency in himself or in the boat to overturn or capsize, is utilized and rendered
effective, by the connection of the handle rods to the said floats or the like, in causing
the latter, on the side to which the operator is inclined, to more or less enter the
water or bear thereon, which prevents the boat from capsizing and enables the
operator to recover his equilibrium.
When applying the improved means of righting the boat to ordinary row boats or
the like apart from the said treadle and hand driving mechanism, the floats or
equivalent parts may be connected to hand rests or other convenient parts in such a
manner as to be adapted to be put in operation by anyone in the boat by the afore-
said instinctive movement of the arms and hands or by the body bearing there-
against, or they may be so applied as to be operated automatically on any tendency
of the boat to capsize.
Dated this 2nd day of May 1890.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means of Propelling and Managing Boats and the like.
I, FREDERICK WILLIAM ZIMER, of Coleman Street, in the County of London,
Engineer, 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:
This invention relates to the application to honts and the like for the purposes of
propelling, steering and otherwise managing the same, of the hereinafter described
improved combined treadle and hand operating mechanism (hereinafter, for brevity,
referred to as the said mechanism" and of anti-capsizing devices operating is
hereinafter described.
On the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1. represents, in plan view, the application of the aforesaid improvements to
a paddle boat.
Fig. 2. represents a transverse section through the plane a-b, Fig. 1. looking in
the direction of the arrow c;
Figs. 3 to 6 are detail views on an enlarged seale.
Fig. 3 represents a longitudinal section through the plane de Fig. 1. looking
in the direction of the arrow the cover plate of one of the clutches being shown
as removed.
Fig. 4. represents a transverse section through the planes g, h, i, j, Fig. 1. looking
in the direction of the arrow e;
Fig. 5. represents a like section through the plane k 1, of the parts between the
planes k, l, and g, h;
Fig. 6. represents a like section through the plane a, but omits various parts
represented in Figs. 4 and 5.
Two modifications of the said mechanism are represented on the accompanying
drawings as used conjunctively, in one of which the hand driving mechanisin is
constructed with independent handle-, and in the other of which it is constructed
with a continuous double handle-bar. Either of such modifications may be used
separately in conjunction with the anti-capsizing means herein referred to, whether
such latter means be actuated solely thereby or also by means actuated by any other
occupant of the boat not aiding in effecting its propulsion.
Such anti-capsizing means may also be used apart from the said mechanism, and
may be operated solely by an ocempant or occupants of the boat not aiding in
effecting its propulsion.
"
In carrying out the invention I secure to each side of the boat one or more anti-
capsizing devices (hereinafter termed floats") which normally are automatically
retained in inoperative positions, but are so connected to the said mechanism or to
means intended to be grasped by any occupant of the boat not aiding in effecting its
propulsion, as to be capable of being displaced thereby by the instinctive movement
of the arms of the operator or operators upon his or their feeling any tendency in
himself or themselves or in the boat to capsize, so as to cause such instinctive
movements to be utilized in eansing the floats to more or less enter the water and
by the external buoyancy thus brought into operation to be rendered effective in
preventing the hont from capsizing and in enabling the operator or operators if
propelling the boat to recover equilibrium.
7. represents the floats which may consist of air-tight easings of any suitable
construction strengthened by skeleton bulkheads 8, or of sheet metal or wooden
casings packed with cork or other suitable buoyant material. The Hoats are
supported by rods 9, hinged in alignment longitudinally of the boat at 100 to a
casing 10 (which is so shaped or adapted as at 102, as to prevent the floats from
having endway movement relatively thereto) and are directly actuated by other
rods 11, connected to lovers 12, centred on a rod 13, supported by bearings 14, also
carried by the casing. The casing 10, also carries the bearings 15, of the shafi 16,

page_text: supporting the paddle-wheels 17. The whole of such mechanism on each side of
the boat is vertically adjustable, the casing carrying all the parts being connected
to vertical screwed slides 18, depending from a stay bar 19, running longitudinally
of the casing and supported by bearings, 101, the slides being fitted to guides 20,
bolted to the outer side of the boat and capable of being secured by top and bottom
set screws 94.
The levers 12, at each side of the boat are connected by adjustable bars 21, to
levers 22, centred to bearings 23, bolted to the gunwale 24, of the boat. The
opposite floats are normally retained in inoperative positions by two of such
opposite levers 22, being connected to squared rods 25, connected to springs 26, the
other ends of which are respectively connected to the adjacent ends of tubes 27,
within which the rods 25, are free to move end wise to a limited extent. The
adjacent ends of the tubes 27, are connected by an outer tube 28, which is secured
to the one tube 27, and is detachably secured to the other at any desired position
by a set screw 29, or like means. This facility of lateral adjustment allows of the
opposite apparatus being adjusted to boats of various widths. The springs 26, are
of just sufficient strength to overcome the gravitating tendency of the floats to rotate
about their hinged connections to the casings 10.
The tubes 27, 28, act as a handle-bar, and in consequence of their connection
with the floats, any longitudinal movement instinctively imparted to such handle bar
by any occupant of the boat having hold thereof will cause the float on the side
towards which the movement is made, to be displaced and to more or less enter the
water, and to be operative as aforesaid.
In the modification of the said mechanism represented in Fig. 6, the handle-
rods 30, are independent of each other, but are intended to be simultaneously raised
coincidently with each depression of each pedal 31. Each rod 30, is made with an
enlarged spherical termination 95, which works in a cylindrical cupped recess 32,
made in the arm of a lever 33, to which it is secured. The upper part of the
recess 32, is reduced in diameter and made of a conical formation, and after the
rod 30, has been passed through the recess and the enlargement 95, bedded therein
it is secured by a screw plate 34, inserted into the large end of the recess.
The upper end of the rod 30, is secured to the handle 35, and works in a
sleeve 36, supported by a collar 37, suitably secured to the rod. The sleeve 36, of
the rod 30, is flattened at opposite sides and is connected by set screws 38, to a
forked tubular rod 39, which is fitted with an inner adjustable rod 96, and set
screw 97.
The outer ends of the opposite rods 96, are connected to two of the aforesaid
opposite levers 22. The aforesaid connections of the rods 30, and 39, permit of
any required turning of the rods 30, about their axes, and of an outward lateral
thrust of either of the rods 30, and 39, to the position indicated in Figs. 6,
and 2, and of the required vertical reciprocations of the rods 30, to operate the
propelling mechanism.
This latter object is effected by the connection of each of the levers 33, (which
are supported in standards 40,) by a rod 41, to a pin 42, projecting from a recessed
clutch 43, engaging with rollers 44, working on a hub 46, keyed to a shaft 47,
which is supported in the standards 40, or may be otherwise suitably supported and
is actuated by the pedals 31, operating alternately, each operating being operated
coincidently with the raising of the rods, 30, by both of the hands simultaneously.
The pedal shaft 45, is supported in bearings 48, and has keved thercon a chain-
wheel 49, by which its motion can be transferred by a chain 50, to a similar
wheel 51, keyed on the shaft, 47, vide Fig. 1.
In the modification of the said mechanism represented in Fig. 5, a double
handle-bar 52, is used, but is so adapted as to be capable of operating the floats
through the instrumentality of the handle bar 27-28. The double handle bar 52,
is mounted in a fork 53, which permits of its being reciprocated about its hori-
zontal axis for actuating the clutch 43* hereinafter referred to, and the fork
terminates in a rod 54, which is mounted in a standard 55, with facility of being

page_text: reciprocated about its vertical axis for actuating the rudder and the floats, as
required. On the lower end of the rod 54, is a key 56, adapted to engage with
a groove 57, in a rising and falling hoss 38, from which projects an arm 59, ride
also Fig. 3 from the opposite sides of the end of which chains or other suitable
connections 60, guided by suitably supported pulleys 61, extend to eyes 62, secured
to the handle bar 27, 28. The boss of the arin 59, is connected by a cord or other
suitable comection 63, passing through guide eyes 64, to a hell crank 65, centred
to one of the arms of the fork 53, and frian which bell-crank a cord or other
suitable connection 66, leads to a thumb pull 67. fitted with a spring catch 88.
attached to one end of the handle bar 52. This connection permits of the operator
of such mechanism raising the arm 59, into and retaining it in engagement with the
key 56 on the rod 51, so that the operator in instinctively grasping the handle and
turning the rod 54. upon his feeling any tendency in himself or in the craft to
capsize, will cause the appropriate float to be actuated through the aforesaid
connections 59, 60, 82, 27, 22, 21, 12. Centrally of the length of the hand-bar 32,
and actuated by its reciprocations, there is keyed thereon an arm 69, tride Fig. 3),
which by an adjustable rod 70, is connected to an adjustable lever arm 71, which
is centred at 72. to a collar 73, secured to the standard 55, and is connected to a
rod 41*, operating a clutch B', on the pedal-shaft 45, to which the operator
imparts motion by a direct upward pull upon the handlebar 32, by both hands
simultaneously with each depression of each pedal 31. If the arrangement of
combined hand and treadle operating mechanism lastly described be used conjune-
tively with that firstly described the motion of the judul haft 45, will also be
communicated to the shatt 47, by chain wheels 49.51. and a connecting chain.
in like manner as hereinbefore described relatively to the operation of such shaft by
the operator working the independent hand-levers,
The connection of the rod 70, with the lever arm 69, is arranged vertically above
the axis of the rod 54, and with a spherical termination 95". and recess 32, closed
by a screw plate 34*, in like manner as hereinbefore described with reference to
the connection of the rod 30, with the lever 33, so that the turning movements of
the handle-bar about the axis of the rod 64, will not affect the connection of the
lever arm 69, with the mechanism it operates.
The turning movements of the roil 51, about its axis may also be rendered
instrumental in effecting the steering of the craft by connecting the rudder lines 74.
to the ends of arms 75, projecting from opposite sides of a boss 76, mounted on
the lower end of the rod 54, and raised from and kept out of engagement with
such rod or lowered into and kept in engagement therewith by like means 36*,
63*, 65*, 06*, 67, 68%, to those 56, 63, and 65, to 68, hereinbefore referred to
with reference to the operation of the lever-arm 39, so that, if required, the lever
arins 75, operating the tiller may be raised out of engagement with the rod 54,
simultaneously with the lever arm 59, being raised into engagement therewith, and
vice-vers, or otherwise as desired.
The turning movements of the independent handle-rod 30, about their axes (or
of either thereof about its axis) may also (if such mechanism be separately used
as aforesaid) he utilized in actuating the rudder lines, by means of lateral
extensions 77, to which the tiller lines may be connected, as represented by dotted
lines in Fig. 1.
The motion of the shaft 47, is communicated to the paddle wheels 17, by chain
wheels 78, 79, respectively loosely mounted on the shati 47, and keyed on a
shaft. 80, and an adjustable connecting chain 81. The shaft 80, works within the
tubular paddle shafts 16, which latter can be Interally adjusted thereou and set
in any desired position by set screws 82. The shaff 80, is also supported by
bearings 83, which can ho vertically adjusted on standards 84, and set thereon in
any desired position by set screws 85. The wheel 78, engages with a clutch 86,
keyed on the shaft 47, and which by a hand-lever 87, may be moved into
engagement either with the wheel 78, or with a hoisting pulley 88, also loosely
mounted on the shaft 47, so that the combined hand and treadle mechanism may

page_text: De used to actuate the propelling mechanism or the hoisting gear as circunstances
may require.
92, represents suitably supported saddle seats for the use of the operators of
the combined pedo and manu-motive apparatus. 93, represents a thwart for the
use of those having hold of the handle-bar 27-28. 94, represents another thwart.
98, represents side seats, and 99 represents stays by which the casings 10, can be
rigidly connected to the gunwales or sides of the boat.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion. and in what manner the same is to be performed, declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The application to boats and the like for the purposes aforesaid, of the
hereinbefore deseribed improved combined treadle and hand operating mechanism
in combination and conjunctively with anti-capsizing devices hinged or connected
in alignment to the sides of the boat and operated and operating substantially as
hereinbefore described.
2. The like application of the improved arrangement of combined treadle and
hand driving mechanism operated with independent handle rods as hereinbefore
described with reference to Fig. 6, conjunctively with anti-capsizing devices
hinged or connected in alignment to the sides of the boat and operating substantially
as hereinbefore described.
3. The like application of the mechanism and devices referred to in Claim 2,
conjunctively also with means such as those hereinbefore described with reference
to Fig. 4, for simultaneously actuating the anti-capsizing devices by other occupants
of the boat not aiding in effecting its propulsion.
4. The like application of the improved arrangement of combined treadle and
hand driving mechanism operated by a continuous double handle bar as herein-
before described with reference to Fig. 6, conjunctively with anti-capsizing devices
hinged or connected in alignment to the sides of the boat and operating substantially
as hereinbefore described."
5. The like application of the mechanism and devices referred to in Claim 4,
conjunctively also with means such as those hereinbefore described with reference
to Fig. 4, for simultaneously actuating the anti-capsizing devices by other occupants
of the boat not aiding in effecting its propulsion.
6. The application to boats and the like of anti-capsizing devices hinged or
connected in alignment to the sides of the boat and adapted to be operated by
the instinctive movements of occupants of the boat not aiding in effecting its
propulsion, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 4.
7. In anti-capsizing devices applicable to boats and the like, one or more floats
hinged or connected in alignment to the sides of the boat in combination with
springs of just sufficient strength to overcome the tendency of the floats to
gravitate from the boat's side to or into the water, and with handle-bars so applied
as that any longitudinal movement instinctively imparted thereto by any occupant
of the boat having hold thereof will cause the appropriate Hoat or floats to be
displaced and to more or less enter the water and restore equilibrium by the external
buoyancy thus brought into operation.
8. The construction of the actuating means referred to in Claim 7, as hereinbefore
described with reference to Fig. 4.
9. The hereinbefore described improvements in or applicable to the handle-rod
mechanism of the combined hand and treadle mechanism described with reference
to Fig. 6, for the purpose of rendering such mechanism applicable to the aforesaid
purposes.
10. The hereinbefore described improvements in or applicable to the continuous
handle bar mechanism and its connections of the combined hand and treadle
incchanism described with reference to Fig. 5, for the purpose of rendering such
mechanism applicable to the aforesaid purposes.
11. Constructing the anti-capsizing devices and the mechanism adapted to operate

page_text: the same and the paddle wheels or other propelling apparatus in separable parts
rendered capable of vertical and lateral adjustment relatively to each other and to
the boat so as to render the apparatus applicable to boats of different dimensions.
Dated this 25th day of August 1890.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.