Improvements in Apparatus for Propelling and Steering Boats and the like.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Nov., 1898-Accepted, 9th Sept., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Propelling and Steering Boats and
the like.
I, GERSON DE BEER, of 123", Diessemerstrasse, Crefeld, in the Empire of
Germany, Merchant, 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 object of this invention is a double screw boat, which is set in motion by
a velocipede-like arrangement, and is capable of being steered by the putting
into or out of engagement of the left or right hand screw. Attempts of this kind
may not be regarded as new, but they have nevertheless hitherto proved unsuccess-
ful. I remember the complete failure of an attempt to rotate a long helical screw
and to keep the same in continuous motion by means of pedal cranks.
Between a journey in a row boat and one in a sailing boat, there is the
difference between work and stillness, the rowing is tiring, and sailing only
possible in certain conditions as regards wind and water. The present construc-
tion arises out of the necessity for enabling boats to be used for conveyance, which
are free from the disadvantages mentioned, whilst embodying the advantages
already existing and therefore not dependent upon the above mentioned means
of propulsion, but having new driving arrangements and, at the same time, such
as can be employed for steering.
In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1, is a plan of the boat with a portion
removed for the purpose of shewing the driving apparatus.
Fig. 2, a longitudinal section of the boat.
The boat, propelled by a pair of pedal cranks a, is furnished with two screw-
propellers b, which, as shewn in Fig. 1, are placed one on each side. For driving
these propellers, and steering the boat, the following apparatus is employed.
Two shafts cd revolving one above the other, are connected together by
means of tooth wheels and wo. The upper shaft is provided with the pedal
cranks; in front of the shaft is the steering rod e. If the shaft c be set in
motion by a person seated on the saddles, the shaft d will be likewise rotated.
It should further be remarked that the shaft is hollow and scated on the
shaft which has its bearings in the boat. Sideways from the ends of the
hollow shaft, the shaft d carries conical wheels fright and left, these wheels
engaging with similar wheels . which are seated on the screw shaft h, and
transmit their rotary motion to the propellers. On the ends of the hollow shaft,
coupling halves y y are seated, which engage in other coupling halves connected
in their normal position with the wheels f. If the right hand coupling he put
completely into engagement, the left hand one is put entirely out of engagement
and vice versa. The engaging and disengaging is rendered possible by means of
a fork a, which is fixed to the steering rod. By the rotating of the steering rod
first the right, then the left screw may he put out of engagement and again both
simultaneously be working.
As the screws are put sideways in regard to the middle of the boat, it is hereby
rendered possible to steer the boat first to the right then to the left, according
as the right or left hand screw alone is working, without any special rudder.

page_text: 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:
Pedal-operated boat with two screw-propellers, which is set in motion by a
velocipede-like arrangement, the steering being effected by the steering rod with
the assistance of clutch-coupling by putting the left or right hand screw, or both
screws, together, in or out of engagement, substantially as described and as
illustrated.
T
Amb 1000
HUGHES & YOUNG,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.