Improvements in Oars and Sculls.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 8th May, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 7th Aug., 1889-Accepted, 28th Sept. 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Oars and Sculls.
JOHN DU BOULAY of Donhead Hall Salisbury Wilts do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows
The bandles of the improved Oars and Sculls are free to revolve on their spindles
and are placed at an angle to the axis of the Oars and Sculls in such a position as not
to prevent the feathering of the Oars and Sculls.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Oars and Sculls.
I JOHN DU BOULAY of Donhead Hall, Salisbury, in the County of Wiltshire,
Gentleman 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 oars and sculls for propelling boats and like craft and
consists in a certain improvement or improvements in or relating to the handles
thereof whereby advantages such as those hereinafter enumerated are attained
The improved construction of the oars and sculls as regards the handles or means
for holding and operating them by the hands is illustrated in the accompanying
drawing in which Fig. 1 is a side view and Fig. 2 plan of an improved scull.
The improvement consists in making the handle so that it is free to revolve on its
axis which latter is set obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the scull in such a position
as not to interfere with the movement of the oar or scull known as feathering
The invention may be performed by fixing on the end of the scull which is of sufficient
length a metal socket A extending to form two lugs B B¹ of which the one extends to a
greater distance from the end of the scull than the other. Between these lugs B B¹ the
handle C is supported so that it lies obliquely as aforesaid, sufficient space being left
behind the handle for the hand. The handle C is free to revolve being preferably
supported upon a pin passing freely through it and fixed at the ends in the lugs B Bi.
The advantages which the improved oar or scull is designed to possess are.
1. By allowing the muscles of the arm their most free and natural play in pulling the
oar to the chest whereas in the ordinary oar, those muscles must be used in a cramped
position thereby involving a loss of power
2. The handles turning on spindles whilst allowing the feathering of the oar prevent
the friction (causing blisters) which is unavoidable in the rigid handle of the ordinary
oar
3. The handle being placed a little on one side of the direction of the axis the mere
act of pulling the handle keeps the blade in that exact position in the water in which
it ought to be.
4. The extra weight of the handle admits of a greater length of oar projecting
beyond the crutch but owing to the above mentioned advantages no greater muscular
exertion is needed to work this longer projection which of course propels the boat
with greater velocity.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In an oar or scull a handle free to revolve upon an axis set obliquely with regard
to the longitudinal axis of the oar or scull.

page_text: 2 An oar or scull having a handle C free to revolve on a pin set in lugs B B on a
socket A fitted on the end of said oar or scull substantially as illustrated and
described.
Dated this 7th day of August 1889.
HERBERT & Co,
18, Buckingham Street, Strand, London, W C., Agents to Applicant