other Navigable Vessels.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Jan., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 11th Oct., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 16th Nov., 1888
other Navigable Vessels.
I, JOHN ALLEN, Head Master of Kilgrimol School, St. Anne's-on-the-Sea, in the
County of Lancaster, do hereby declare the nature of this Invention to be as
follows:-
According to this Invention the improved Life-boat or other navigable vessel
(hereinafter termed "the boat") is in the form of a boat divided from end to end
centrally and vertically, the two halves or sides of the boat being placed apart from
each other leaving an intervening space or waterway between them. The two halves
or sides are connected together at each end (fore and aft) by a platform or heading
whose underside is somewhat above the water line at that part where it crosses the
intervening space or waterway. The point or outer extremity of each of the two
platforms or headings dips, however, below the water line and is constructed as a
stern post for the reception of a rudder. The central rectangular space left within
the inner perpendicular sides of the divided boat and the inner ends of the platforms
or headings is occupied by a covered chamber or paddle box (whose top rises some-
what above the gunwale of the boat) within which is arranged propelling apparatus
of a novel character (hereinafter described); the covered chamber or paddle box
being open to the water at the bottom but closed at the top, sides, and ends. The
two ends of the boat are of corresponding configuration and construction and are
each provided with a rudder and steering appliances so that the boat may be propelled
in either direction without the necessity of turning it round; the two rudders
being preferably connected together by means of chains, rods, and pulleys (of the
usual kind) in order that both rudders may be simultaneously operated from either end
of the boat.
Running transversely across the paddle box at suitable distances from each other
but in the same horizontal plane are the axes or shafts of cranks (preferably arranged
to work together in pairs-although they can be worked in sets of three or more if
thought desirable) to which rotation may be imparted from the exterior of the paddle

page_text: box either by manual, steam, compressed air, electrical, or other motive power; the
axes of the cranks being connected with each other by means of wheels and chain
or other suitable gearing so that the rotation of one crank may cause a corresponding
rotation of the other cranks as will be well understood. The open part of the
cranks, that is to say, the space between the two side arms and the cross a crank pin
is made as wide as inay be to conveniently allow of the free rotation of the cranks
between the inner sides of the paddle box, and, in the case of the cranks being
worked in pairs, each pair works together by being connected by means of two or
more bars or coupling rods pivotted at their extremities upon the cross pins of the
two cranks forming the pair. Underneath each crank pin, and of such a width as
to pass freely through the open part of the crank, a vertically fixed paddle or float is
fastened to the underside of the coupling rods and stayed rigidly in position at right
angles thereto; the paddies or floats by being affixed to the coupling rods retaining
their vertical position through the entire radial sweep or traverse of the cranks, and,
consequently, descending into and rising out of the water and exerting their pro-
pelling power thereupon whilst in a vertical position, or, in other words, at right
angles to the water line.
The several sets of cranks and paddles constructed as above described are to be so
arranged in relation to each other that if, for instance, two sets of double cranks are
employed, the paddles or floats of one set will leave or rise out of the water as the
paddles or floats of the other set are descending into or entering the water; or, if
more than two sets are employed, then that they should follow each other successively
so that the several sets of paddles or floats may enter and leave the water consecutively
at corresponding intervals.
When the cranks are to be rotated by manual power, I employ crank handles
engaging with the extremities of the several crank axes or shatts projecting from
each side of the paddle box. Extra crank handles fitted upon the projecting
extremities of one or more straight shafts passing transversely through the paddle box
and arranged between each set of cranks and paddles are preferably employed, the
additional shaft or shafts being in gear at each side of the paddle box with the crank
shafts by means of the wheels and chain or other suitable gearing hereinabove
referred to.
I prefer to construct my improved boat so as to form against the sides of the
boat an airtight chamber or box which may also answer as a seat or seats for
the occupants or crew of the boat. Suitably constructed seat rests may also be
arranged to support and to which may be secured the men employed to rotate
the cranks.
If required, the lower part of the two halves of the boat may be braced or held
together by means of flat metal bars or ties crossing the intervening space between the
two half boats, and to the underside of the metal bars or ties metal keel running
along the middle of the waterway may be fastened.
A stayed support and other accessories for the reception of a mast may also be
arranged on the top of the paddle box.
Although I have described my improved boat as constructed in the form of a divided
boat, two separate boats may also be arranged to be connected fore and aft and to have
a central paddle box and propelling apparatus of the kind herein above described as
applied to a boat in two halves.
Dated this 11th dor of Tann1000

page_text: other Navigable Vessels.
I, JOHN ALLEN, Head Master of Kilgrimol School, St. Anne's-on-the-Sea, in the
County of Lancaster, 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 :-
According to this invention the improved life-boat or other navigable vessel
(hereinafter termed the "boat") is in the form of a boat divided from end to end
centrally and vertically, the two halves or sides of the boat being placed apart from
each other, leaving an intervening space or waterway between them. The two halves
or sides are connected together at each end (fore and aft) by a platform or heading
whose underside is somewhat above the water line at that part where it crosses the
intervening space or waterway.
The point or outer extremity of each of the platforins or headings dips, however,
below the water line and is constructed as a stern post for the reception of a rudder.
The central rectangular space left within the inner perpendicular sides of the divided
boat and the inner ends of the platforms or headings is occupied by a covered chamber
or paddle box (whose top rises somewhat above the gunwale of the boat) within which
is arranged propelling apparatus of a novel character (hereinafter described); the
covered chamber or paddle box being open to the water at the bottom but closed at
the top and sides and partially at the ends of the chamber that is to say as regards the
ends at that part thereof which is above the waterway. The two ends of the boat are
of corresponding configuration and construction, and are each provided with a rudder
and steering appliances so that the boat may be propelled in either direction without
the necessity of turning it round; the two rudders being preferably connected
together by means of chains, rods, and pulleys (of the usual kind) in such manner
that both rudders may be simultaneously operated from either end of the boat.
Running transversely across the paddle box at suitable distances from each other,
and in the same horizontal plane, are the axes or shafts of cranks (preferably arranged
to work in pairs although they can be worked in sets of three or more if thought
desirable) to which rotation may be imparted from the exterior of the paddle box either
by manual, steam, compressed air, electrical, or other motive power the axes of the
cranks being connected with each other by means of wheels and chain or other
suitable gearing so that the rotation of one crank may cause a corresponding rotation
of the other cranks as will be well understood.
The open part of the cranks, that is to say, the space between the two side arms and
the cross or crank pin, is as wide as may be to conveniently allow of the free rotation
of the cranks between the inner sides of the paddle box; and the cranks being worked
in pairs, each pair acts together by being connected by means of two or more bars or
coupling rods pivotted at their extremities upon the cross pins of the two cranks
forming the pair.

page_text: upon
Underneath each crank pin and of such a width as to pass freely through the open
part of the crank a vertically fixed paddle or float is fastened to the underside of the
coupling rods and stayed rigidly in position at right angles thereto; the paddles or
floats, by being so affixed to the coupling rods, retaining their vertical position
through the entire radial sweep or traverse of the cranks and consequently descending
nto and rising out of the water and exerting their propelling power directly thereupon
whilst in a vertical position, or, in other words, at right angles to the water line. The
several sets of cranks and paddles constructed as above described are to be so arranged
in relation to each other that if, for instance, two sets of double cranks are employed,
the paddles or floats of one.set will leave or rise out of the water as the paddles or floats
of the other set are entering or descending into the water; or, if the length of
the boat is such as to allow more than two sets to be employed, then that
they should follow each other successively so that the several sets of paddles or floats
may enter and leave the water consecutively at corresponding or regular intervals.
When the cranks are to be rotated by manual power, I employ crank handles fastened
the extremities of the several crank axes or shafts projecting from each side of
the paddle box. Extra crank handles, fastened upon the projecting extremities of one
or more straight shafts passing transversely through the paddle box and arranged
between the sets of cranks, are preferably employed; the additional shaft or shafts
being in gear at each side of the paddle box with the crank shafts by means of the
wheels and chain or other suitable gearing hereinabove referred to.
When the pro-
pelling apparatus is actuated manually through the medium of crank handles as
above described unskilled as well as skilled labour is equally available for the pro-
pulsion of the boat. I prefer to construct my improved boat so as to form against
its inner sides an air-tight chamber or box which may also answer as a seat or seats
for the occupants or crew. Suitably constructed "seat rests are also arranged to
support and increase the effective power exerted by (and to which may be secured)
the men employed to rotate the cranks. If required, the lower part of the two halves
of the boat may be braced or held together by means of flat metal bars or ties crossing
the intervening space between the two baif boats, and to the underside of the metal
bars or tics a metal keel, running along the middle of the waterway, may be fastened ;
although in practice I prefer two keels as hereinafter mentioned. A stayed support
and other accessories for the reception of a mast or masts may also be arranged on
the top of the paddle box.
In the accompanying drawings
Fig. 1 is a side view of my improved boat and
Fig. 2 is a similar view with part of the boat's side removed in order to shew
the arrangement of crank handle and chain gear mechanism for actuating the
propelling apparatus.
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section and
Fig. 4 a cross section.
a a are the two halves of the divided boat and the intervening space or waterway.
cc are the platforms or headings the top of which are preferably in the form of raised
"turtle-back decks as shewn. d. d are the rudders operated simultaneously by the
steering wheel e through the medium of chain, rod, and pulley mechanism (not shewn
in the drawings) of the usual kind. f is the paddle box within which the propelling
apparatus is enclosed. gg are the cranks shewn connected in pairs by means of
coupling rods h.
i. are the paddles or floats fastened to the underside of the
coupling rods and stayed rigidly at right angles thereto by angle bars j; j.
As shewn in the drawings the propelling apparatus is arranged to be actuated by
manual power, although it will be obvious that other motive power, of the description
hereinabove referred to, may be employed for that purpose.
kk are the crank handles; 1, 1 wheels which engage or are in gear with the pitch
chains m so that the two sets of cranks and the intermediate straight shaft n may
rotate in unison. o, o are airtight boxes or cavities running along each side of the
boat; PP
seats for the occupants or for rowers ; and 94 seat rests for the men
who work the crank handles. The " seat rests are a peculiar arrangement of seats

page_text: placed between the crank handles which together with stays for the feet give strength
and security to the workers in a semi-standing position on the bottom of the boat
along each side of the paddle box.
The gunwale of the boat may be provided with rowlocks (as shewn) so that
when required the boat may be propelled by means of oars in the ordinary way
either in addition to or without the employment of the propelling apparatus above
described.
Masts s. s. may be arranged to stand above the paddle box and may be affixed and
stayed thereupon in any convenient manner.
tt are the flat metal bars or tie rods for bracing together the lower part of the
divided boat.
I prefer to provide each half of the boat with its own keel (as shewn at Fig. 4).
Although I have described my improved boat as constructed in the form of a divided
boat, two separate or distinct boats may also be arranged to be connected fore and aft,
and to have a central paddle box and propelling apparatus of the kind hereinabove
described as applied to a boat in two halves.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. The construction and arrangement substantially as described and shewn in the
drawings of a life-boat or other navigable vessel divided longitudinally in two halves
so as to leave an intervening space or waterway between them this arrangement being
designed partly with the view to render the boat uncapsizable and partly to accommo-
date the hereinbefore mentioned novel propelling apparatus.
2. For the purpose of propelling life-boats or other navigable vessels the use or
employment of apparatus in which two or more cranks connected together by coupling
rods carrying vertically arranged paddles or floats are caused to be rotated in manner
substantially as described and shewn in the drawings.
3. In combination with propelling apparatus of the kind hereinabove described and
shewn in the drawings the arrangement and construction of seat rests such as 97
placed between the crank handles for the purpose set forth.
4. In combination with the said crank and paddle or float apparatus the use or
employment of one or more straight shafts in gear with the crank shafts by means of
chain wheel gearing or equivalent mechanism thereby affording accommodation for
the employment of additional workers for effecting the required propulsion of the
life-boat or other navigable vessel substantially as described and shewn in the
drawings.
1000