IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BOTTLES FOR CARRYING MESSAGES AT SEA."
Year: 1880

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by George Cruikshank Pulford at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th June 1880.
54
GEORGE CRUIKSILANK PULFORD, of 77, Cannon Street, in the City of London.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BOTTLES FOR CARRYING MESSAGES AT
SEA."
This Invention consists in improvements in the construction of bottles to be
carried by vessels at sea for the purpose of having deposited therein any communi-
cation and of being thrown into the water in the ovent of the vessel being exposed
to the danger of shipwreck, or in any other emergency. The bottles are so formed
and colored as to be observable froin a long distance and so as to be recognized as
the holder of a message from some vessel in danger.
The body of the bottle is formed of any desired size and shape, and is constructed
of india-rubber or waterproofed canvas, or a combination of both, or, of any suitable
waterproof material which will not be acted upon injuriously by exposure, and
which, whilst being rigid enough to maintain an extended shape, will be sufficiently
elastic to give slightly on the bottle coming into contact with a rock or other hard
obstacle. The neck of the bottle, which is formed of india-rubber and, if desired,
coated with canvas, is made sufliciently elastic and flexible as to admit of its being
collapsed by means of two clips arranged on either side of the mouth, and the
outer ends of which are forced against the said inouth for the purpose of keeping it
firmly closed by means of a spring; the mouth of the bottle is opened by pressing
together the opposite ends of the said clips. In some cases I dispense with the
said clips and employ any other suitable and known contrivance, such as a spring,
screw, or cord, which can be attached to the neck of the bottle and can, when
desired, be caused to bring the sides of the neck together and thereby to close the
mouth in an expeditious and effectual manner. When desired a small tape or cord
is arranged at the top of the bottle to receive a seal in order to prevent the bottle
being tampered with while it is on the vessel ready for use. It is advisable that
a piece of parchment or paper and a pencil should always remain suspended within
the bottle by means of a cord, the outer end of which projects beyond the mouth of
the bottle, and.is-provided with a knob for-the-purpose of preventing it slipping
within the interior of the latter, so that every thing is ready for use in the case of
an emergency arising. If the said knob is found to be in the way in closing the
mouth of the bottle it can be broken off. The bottle is, by preference, painted red,

page_text: as that color can be readily perceived at a great distance, and the name of the
ship can be formed on or attached thereto in embossed or raised letters. If desired
a rope or cord can be arranged on the exterior of the bottle for the purpose of
rendering the same available for supporting persons in the water.
It will readily be understood that in the event of all vessels being required to
carry bottles constructed in accordance with a particular design, the nature of
the same when perceived in the water will be immediately known, and as the
bottle will bear the name of the vessel to which it belonged, its genuineness will
be established.