IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING THE SUDDEN CAPSIZING OF SHIPS OR VESSELS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Shaw, Bookbinder, of 94, Aldersgate St., E.C.,
London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING
THE SUDDEN CAPSIZING OF SHIPS OR VESSELS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Shaw at the Office
"IMPROVEMENTS
of the Coinmissioners of Patents on the 3rd April 1878.
JAMES SHAW, Bookbinder, of 94, Aldersgate St., E.C., London.
IN APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING THE SUDDEN CAPSIZING OF SHIPS OR VESSELS."
This Invention has for its object improvements in the means or apparatus for
preventing the sudden capsizing of ships or vessels during squally or gusty weather,
The
and consists in having two blocks or apparatus, the one to fit into the other.
block which is intended to fit into the outer block has one or more springs attached
to it; it has also attached to it by any suitable means a hook, so that when set the
hook is attached to the eye of the sail. The outer block has ropes attached to
secure it to a suitable portion of the vessel.
Immediately upon an unusual pressure coming upon the sail by the force of the
wind the springs attached to the inner block become compressed, and thus leave the
suil to move a certain distance before the wind, and if the pressure becomes so
great as to endanger the capsizing of the vessel the springs are drawn through the
block, and thus the sail is released at once.
I do not confine myself to any material that may answer my purpose for the
manufacture thereof.
I may also modify the Invention without departing from the principle.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said James Shaw in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th September
1878.
"IMPROVEMENTS
JAMES SHAW, Bookbinder, of 94, Aldersgate St., E.C., London.
IN APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING THE SUDDEN CAPSIZING OF SHIPS OK VESSELS."
My Invention has for its object "Improved means or apparatus for preventing the
sudden capsizing of ships or vessels during squally or gusty weather, and also the
same appliances can be used in cases of moorings at sea or at piers, and as means
of attaching vessels in such a manner that any immediate release can be obtained if
necessity or circumstances require the same.
The said Invention will not in any way interfere with the ordinary sailing or
proper navigation of the vessel; on the contrary, there will be greater security than
has hitherto been had, and there will also be less watchfulness required.
There have recently been numerous accidents at sea owing to sudden squalls, but
with my Invention, if adopted, there will be little if any danger of such catastrophies
occurring.
Human life has been sacrificed through the inability to adapt or shorten sail when
a sudden squall overtakes the vessel.
Now my Invention consists in having spring blocks, so that in case of sudden
squalls, contrary winds, or other dangers and emergencies, an immediate detachment
or release may be effected, and the ship, yacht, or boat prevented from capsizing or
otherwise being in danger. The block consists of two parts, one an outer part,
which is attached to any convenient part of the vessel, and the other is composed of
a head or upper part made of wood, metal, or other suitable material having for its
basis or end strong springs made of steel or other suitable material.
To the upper
part of such inner portion is attached in any suitable manner a strong hook, or a
chain, rope, or cord may be passed through or otherwise fastened to the head, so
that when the block is in use the hook, chain, or cord is attached to the eye of the
sail or to the moorings at sea or piers.
The spring can be attached to the head of the inner portion of the block in any
suitable manner, and such springs can be of any strength desired, and of any shape
best suited to the purpose to which it is intended to apply.
The outer block can be of any suitable shape or form, but it is by preference
pyrimidical or conical. The top of the inner portion of the block is of course made
so that it may pass easily through the outer portion, and then the resistant power
of the springs commence.
The gripping power of the springs are made to suit any size sail to which they
may be intended to be attached, and to the size of the vessel intended to be moored
or attached to a pier.
It will be understood from the foregoing description that the pressure of the
wind upon the sail, or the hauling upon the rope, chain, or cord gradually release
the springs from the outer portion of the block, and that should at any moment a
very strong pressure come, which would in any way tend to capsize the vessel, the
springs will at once give way, and all danger will cease. Rollers can, if necessary,
be inserted in the block.
The apparatus described will be more fully understood by reference to the accom-
panying Drawing.
Figure 1 shews a plan of the block complete; Figure 2 shews the outer section;
Figure 3 shews the inner portion with spring.
Having now described the object and nature of my Invention, and the means for
carrying it into effect, what I wish to secure by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent, is, having a spring block, as substantially set forth, and for the
purposes set forth; but be it understood that I do not confine myself to the precise

page_text: configuration set forth, nor do I confine myself to the means of attachment, as the
same may be varied or modified as circumstances may require.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Shaw, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Fifth day of September, One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-eight.
Witness,
JOHN FRASER,
7, Gough Street,
Stainsby Road,
Poplar,
London,
E.
JAMES SHAW. (L.S.)