Improvements in Means for Propelling and Steering Boats.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 18th May, 1898-Accepted, 6th Aug.,
1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for Propelling and Steering Boats.
We ANDREAS MARX, Shopkeeper, and WILHELM DODSCHWEIT, Gentleman, both
of 264, Wallstrasse, Furstenberg, Mecklenburg, Germany, 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:-
The object of the present Application for Letters Patent consists of a treadle
motor boat in which by aid of the treadle mechanism actuated by the feet of the
driver a shaft provided with a screw is caused to revolve, and the boat is propelled
thereby.
The invention is illustrated in longitudinal section in Figure 1 of the accompany-
ing drawing, and in Figure 2 the same is shewn in plan with a part of the bottom
removed. The remaining figures are detail drawings on an enlarged scale of the
apparatus.
On the line of the keel of a boat there is placed about in the middle of the same
a narrow box A which bears a saddle S and a wheel H serving for the steering.
From the box projects an axle b carrying the treadle cranks a and having keyed
upon it a fly wheel c. This fly wheel is so loaded at its periphery that when it is
left to itself it takes such a position that the one crank projects horizontally
forward, and consequently remains in the position most favourable for the tread-
ling. Beside the fly wheel is fixed a chain wheel d around which passes the chain e
by means thereof the motion of the treadles is transmitted to the small chain
wheel f. With this wheel the larger chain wheel is connected, and from this
latter the motion is transmitted through the chain h to another small chain
wheel i, and thence to the large bevel wheel k. The wheel k engages with another
smaller bevel wheel k¹ which last is connected to the screw shaft ? placed as usual in the
stern of the ship, and projecting through the same. Owing to the triple trans-
mission the screw will receive a very considerable number of revolutions without
specially quick revolution of the treadles. It will be obvious that at all points
where it is suitable the moving parts can be supported in roller or ball bearings
in order to minimize the friction as much as possible.
The mechanism is placed partly under the floor of the boat, and partly covered
by the box A, but in such a manner that it can be at any time easily uncovered,
for the purpose of cleansing, and so forth. The width of the box A is so small
that it does not exceed that of an ordinary bicycle.
In order to keep the two hevel gears always engaged with one another the
arrangement shewn in Figure 3 is made use of. The spring applies itself with its
head against the end depressed in the middle of the shaft of the bevel gear k,
A screw 2 permits
and presses the same firmly against the smaller bevel gear k¹.
of the regulation of the pressure or of an adjustment of the spring if in course of
time it loses a portion of its power. Before the saddle there is fixed upon the box
at a convenient height a hand wheel H which serves on the one hand for steering,
and upon which on the other hand the operator can lean. The spindle thereof is
prolonged into the interior of the box, and here provided with a sleeve upon which
two pieces of steel wire are wound in such a manner that when the one piece is

page_text: being wound up the other is simultaneously unwound to the same extent. This
wire is then carried over rollers to the stern and attached to the rudder, the same
being under the control of the hand wheel H. The rudder itself is prevented from
springing out of its place by means of a spring.
The improved boat can be constructed either for one or for several persons, and
several treadles can be provided one in front of another in the manner of a
tandem. By a little alteration a saddle can also be arranged for use by ladies.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is: -
The improved treadle motor boat for one or more persons characterized by the
construction that by means of a multiple transmission actuated by the treadle axle and
transmitted by means of chain wheels and bevel gear the screw is caused quickly
to revolve; the said boat having a suitable steering device placed in front of the
saddle which device serves also for a support to the person working the treadles, all
substantially as described and shewn in the accompanying drawing.
Dated this 18th day of May 1898
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
322, High Holborn, London, W.C., Patent Agents for the Applicant.