Improvements in Unsinkable or Insubmergible Vessels.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Sept., 1898--Accepted, 10th Dec., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Unsinkable or Insubmergible Vessels.
I, CLAUDIUS DAMOND, of No. 25, Rue Louis Blanc, Paris, in the Republic of
France, Commission Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
The present invention relates to a novel and improved construction of unsink-
able or insubmergible vessels. It is applicable to vessels of all kinds and sizes
from the smallest pleasure boats to the largest sea-going ships...
The following is a description of my invention with reference to the accompany-
ing diagrams illustrating several modifications in the arrangement of parts of
same, in which :-
Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5 shew cross-sections of the vessel, in each of which the
water-tight floating compartments or chambers are differently arranged or com-
bined.
Figure 2 is a plan of the vessel according to the construction shewn in cross-
section in Figure 1.
The insubmergibility of the vessel is due to the two closed water-tight air-
containing floating compartments or chambers A and B which when required may
be charged with a suitable amount of ballast. They may be constructed of metal
or any other suitable material or materials. Their shape is as shewn, the part of
the exterior surface which is usually submerged being curved to the usual keel
shape.
These compartments A and B may be fixed together in various positions as
illustrated to produce vessels of different form. Figures 1, 2 and 3 shewing them
fixed apart from each other suitable for shallow draft, and Figures 4 and 5
illustrating the method of joining or combining them suitable for deep draft.
In order to enable this variation in the position of the parts A and B at will,
they are provided with tubular penetrating holes K, which holes serve for the
reception of connecting tie-bolts G and G¹ which are secured in position by means
of abutting collars or heads H at one end and the screw-threaded nuts I at the
other end, the threaded end of the bolt passing through the substance of the body
or hull of the vessel as shewn.
The body or hull X shewn in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is supported upon and between
the above-described buoyant chambers A and B, the latter being fixed apart from
one another, and serves for holding passengers or cargo, and may vary con-
siderably in shape and size, according to the office or purpose of the vessel. It
may either cover the whole top or only part of the said water-tight buoyant
chambers A and B, and may likewise be constructed of metal or any other suitable
material or materials.
Should the vessel be required as a rowing boat, seats or benches may replace the
body X. The external contour and ornamentation of the whole vessel may vary
according to purpose or taste, and according to requirements. Rowing, screw,
paddle or other motive power device or mechanism may be employed as a means
of propulsion and the vessel fitted out accordingly.

page_text: 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. An insubmergible vessel composed of a body or hull, which may be fitted
out for the accommodation of passengers or cargo, supported upon two or more
hollow water-tight chambers such as A and B capable of being fixed to it or
together in various relative positions by means of bolts such as G engaging in
holes such as K, substantially as described and shown.
2. An insubmergible vessel composed of two separate floating bodies, the latter
being formed in cross-section in such a manner that on bringing the longitudinal
sides together or opposite a vessel of deep draft, and on bringing the ends or
transverse sides together or opposite, a vessel of shallow draft, is formed, substan-
tially as described and shewn.
Dated this 6th day of Sontombor 1808
PHILIPS & LEIGH,
No. 22, Southampton Br dings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.