Improvements in the Methods of Mooring and Controlling Floating Docks, Pontoons, Landing Stages, and similar Structurės, and in Appliances connected therewith.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Nov., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 13th Aug., 1896-Accepted, 24th Oct., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Methods of Mooring and Controlling Floating
Docks, Pontoons, Landing Stages, and similar Structurės, and in
Appliances connected therewith.
I, EDWARD Box, of 2 Hylton Street, North Shields, Northumberland,
Draughtsman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
The object of this invention is improvements in the methods of mooring and
controlling floating docks, pontoons, landing stages and similar structures either in
tide or tideless waters, and in appliances connected therewith whereby they can be
safely and easily controlled during sinking and lifting operations within their
self-contained area where necessary and the less obstruction to quay space over
existing methods.
I make my floating docks or pontoons either double or single sided. To control
floating docks or pontoons, I employ a series of booms or struts connected at or
about flotation level. These said booms are connected by pins forming a hinged
joint to the side of the floating dock or pentoon. The shore ends of the said
booms, I fasten to suitable connections or anchorages, or to another floating
structure as the site may demand either by short links or rockers, or to roller
bearings in such a manner as to allow the booms to adjust themselves horizontally
to the vertical motion of the floating dock or pontoon.
At a suitable distance from the floating dock or pontoon, I erect on shore, or to
another floating structure, columns preferably in paire, between which the said
booms or struts pass. These said booms or struts I provide with sliding or roller'
bearings where they intercept the aforesaid vertical columns, so that as the said'
floating dock or pontoon is raised or lowered its motion is a vertical one.
At or near the top of the side or sides of the floating dock or pontoon, I connect
a series of short booms or links forming pairs with the said lower booms, and
connected to the floating dock or pontoon by pins so as to form a hinged joint in a
similar mauner to the aforesaid booms. The shore end of these said booms or
links I also connect by means of pins so as to form a hinged joint to sliding or
roller bearings, in contact with the vertical columns in a similar manner to the
lower booms already described.
.
The upper and lower systems of sliding or roller bearings, I connect together by
means of vertical struts having pin connections and forming distance pieces, the
object of which is to support the upper systems of sliding or roller bearings by
means of the lower booms, the whole system forming a parallel and vertical
motion.
In order to be able to accommodate my floating docks, or pontoons more readily
to vessels on an uneven keel, I may prefer to make the aforesaid upper booms or
link attachments with universal joints instead of a hinged joint as already described,
thereby taking off any torsional strain coming on the said booms or links due to
the floating dock or poutoon being tipped fore-and-aft way.
In place of the upper system of booms or links as described, I may prefer to
employ sheaves and ropes or chains in the form of single or multiplying pulley
blocks. I then employ balance weights suspended between the aforesaid vertical
columns, the object of which is to keep the said ropes or chains taut as the floating
dock, or pontoon tends to list inwards, to prevent an outward list beyond a desirable
4:j

page_text: wapan VE
said weights.
When using ropes or chains, I employ tightoning screws to take up the slack of
the said ropes or chains from time to time as extensions take place.
To prevent any undue strain coming on the said 'booms or links due to a sudden
list of the floating dock, or pontoon, I prefer when using this method of controlling
to connect the said booms or links to floating docks, or pontoons by helical or volute
springs placed inside such structure and in such a manner that should the said
spring or springs break, the floating dock or pontoon. would not be endangered
thereby.
When employing the system of sheaves and ropes or chains already described, I
may prefer to extend such system so as to be of corresponding or similar lengths to
the lower booms, I then erect the vertical columns already described directly over
the shore connections of the lower system of booms connecting the sheaves of the
aforesaid system of ropes or chains to the said vertical columns by means of pins
so as to form a parallel system with the lower booms, I then dispense with the
upper and lower systems of sliding or roller bearings, together with the connecting
struts already described, and connect the said lower booms directly to the said
vertical columns by means of pins forming a binged joint.
I provide my floating docks, or pontoons with indicators to guide the operator
during raising and lowering operations, and so that the trim of the floating dock or
pontoon can be ascertained in the following manner:-On the top of the vertical
columns already described or on the side of the floating dock, or pontoon, erect
diaphragms or ordinary railway siguals or lamps which I connect either to the
weights, or by clips to the aforesaid system of ropes, or chains, or links by rods
and bell cranks in such a way that any list, either inwards or outwards raises or
lowers the said signal or diaphragm.
I also provide my floating docks, or pontoons with adjustable painting or
repairing stages. I arrange these said stages in tiers along the vertical side of
the floating dock, or pontoon dividing each tier into convenient lengths. I connect
these said stages to the side or sides of the floating dock or pontoon by means of
long arms or suspenders to short brackets either above or below the said stages.
I arrange these said arms in pairs which are connected to the said brackets by pins
or bolts on the principle of, a parallel ruler, so that the said stages may be either
lowered or hauled out to the ship's side, maintaining at the same time a horizontal
platform. I make these said arms or suspenders of such a length as will
accommodate any beam of vessel requiring such staging. To retain these said
stages when not in use, I provide swivel bolts, pins, or clamps to retain them to
the side or sides of the floating dock or pontoon. I also apply this said system of
staging to graving docks.
may choose to work these said stages by ropes or chains worked by winches
from the keel deck of the said floating duck or pontoon. I balance these said
stages with weights.
In the case of one sided floating docks, or pontoons I erect portable staging on
the outer side in the following manner:- provide a number of long poles which
1 ship into metal sockets rivetted to the keel deck of the floating dock or pontoon.
I so distribute these sockets as to accommodate any beam of vessel. I attach to
the said poles, guy ropes having adjustable screws and hook connections which
1 attach to eye bolts distributed in suitable relation to the said metal sockets and
fastened to the keel deck of the floating dock or pontoon..
At convenient distances I fasten on the said poles, brackets so shaped as to form
a combined step or attachment for horizontal beams, one end of which I fasten to
the brackets by a bolt or pin, the other or ship end of the said beams being
supported by ropes from the side of the vessel, ordinary planking is then laid across
from beam to beam forming portable working or painting stages. To the side of
the floating dock, or pontoon, I attach brackets, into which the said poles and
beams are housed when not in use. 1 provide these said brackets with pawls so

page_text: that the said poles and beams will not float out when the floating dock or pontoon
is being raised or sunk.
I also provide my floating docks or pontoons with automatic bilge shores in the
following manner:-I form a cradle of timbers, one end of the said timbers
I support on and near the centre of the keel deck of the flating dk, or pontoon,
the other ends being supported by racks forming props. I fasten to the keel deck
of the floating dock or pontoon, massive wrought iron or steel pawls which engage
with the said racks.
+
I provide these said pawls with balance weights to keep them in gear.
I connect to these balance weights, ropes or chains which I pass round pulleys
and thence to the upper deck of the floating dock or pontoon, and these I connect
to foot levers, by means of which they can be held froin engaging.
I also provide a second system of ropes or chains, one end of which I connect to
thin top of the aforesaid props, the other end I connect to suitable winches on the
upper deck of the floating dock or pontoon within reach of the aforesaid levers.
When docking a vessel, the bilge timbers are held down by the aforesaid winches.
As soon as the vessel has taken the keel blocks, the pawls of the winches are lifted
allowing the said bilge timbers to float up to the bilges of the vessel, and there
retained by the aforesaid pawls.
When undocking a vessel the said pawls are withdrawn from the racks by means
of the foot levers already described, and the said bilge timbers are wound down by
the aforesaid winches; the pawls on the winches and the pawls engaging the racks,
as already described, being in opposite action to one another.
Instead of controlling the aforesaid rack pawls by means of chains or ropes, as
described, I may prefer to use rods and bell cranks.
Date L
c AT
1002
H. GARDNER,
Patent Agent, 166 Fleet Street, London,
Agent for the said Edward Box.
Improvements in the Methods of Mooring and Controlling Floating
Docks, Pontoons, Landing Stages, and similar Structures, and in
Appliances oconnected therewith.
-
I, EDWARD Box, of 2 Hylton Street, North Shields, Northumberland,
Draughtsman, 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 this invention, is the improvement in the methods of mooring and
controlling floating docks, pontoons, landing stages, and similar structures, either
in tide or tideless waters, and in appliances connected therewith, whereby they can
be safely and easily controlled during sinking and lifting operations practically
within their self-contained area where necessary, and the less obstruction to quay
space over existing methods.
I make my floating docks or pontoons either double or single sided.
Figure 1 shows a single sided pontoon dock.
A is one of a series of booms or struts. B is a link or pair of links, through
which A is connected by bolts to columns or pile anchorages C. These booms
pass between the columns D and are connected to the pontoon dock E by a
bolt.
1
At F, F, are shown roller carriages or bearings connected through a vertical
strut to the boom A by bolts. The carriages F, F, are provided with double
flanged wheels which are embraced by rails built in the vertical girders D.

page_text: The upper carriages F are connected through links K by a bolt to the side of tho
pontoon dock E.
When the pontoon dock is sunk to receive a vessel, the controlling gear travels
down the vertical columns D, at the same time maintaining the stability of the
structure.
Figure 2 shows the controlling gear attached to a floating box or series of
boxes H which retains the pontoon docks stability when required to be worked in
deep water, or for depositing vessels on a gridiron.
Instead of suspending the booms by a link B Figure 1 I may choose to attach a
flanged roller to the end of the booms and allow them to traverse as shown
at J, J, Figure 2 or turn the link upside down so as to form rockers.
Figures 3 and 4 show one of the upper carriages F with its attachments in
detail, K, K, being the connecting links. D, D, D, the vertical columns. E the
pontoon dock. L is a spring or pair of springs which provent any undue etrain
coming on the pius due to the pontoon dock listing in or out,, these springs will
compress until the through pin M has travelled the extent of the slotted hole N,
the strain will then be taken by the bracket O until the pontoon is brought back to
its vertical position.
It will be readily seen that the stability of the pontoon is not endangered should
the springs break as they fall out of use as soon as the strain becomes excessive.
In attaching the links K, I slightly elongate the bolt hole so as to allow plenty
of freedom for the pontoon dock tipping fore and aftways and tending to twist the
said links. The links being made long enough can accommodate themselves to a
considerable angle.
The slight tipping met with in working pontoon docks enables the carriages to
readily accommodate themselves, sufficient clearance being left between the tread
of the wheels and the rails for that purpose.
Figure 5 shows a poutoon dook controlled by means of a series of lower booms in
conjunction with a series of systems of ropes or chains J' forming together a parallel
motion.
P, P, P, Figures 5 and 6 indicate such a system of sheaves round which the rope
or chain is wound, the ends being fastened to the weights W, W, which keep it
always taut. Q, Q, are guide sheaves to, keep the weights between the vertical
columns D, D.
The number of sheaves I employ depends upon the number of booms and size of
pontoon.
Figures 7 and 8 show the system of ropes. or chains in detail, D, D, D, being the
vertical columns between which the sheaves are placed. W, W, the weights to
which the chain or rope is fastened by means of tightening screws R, R, R,,for
taking up the stretch and adjusting the ropes as required.
This arrangement of controlling pontoon docks allows ample freedom for tipping
the dock fore and aft-ways and can be accommodated to suit vessels having
considerable list at the same time being perfectly stable during sinking and
raising operations.
Figures 9 and 10 show the attachment of the sheaves to the pontoon dook.
Figure 11 shows an alternate method of connecting to the weights by introducing
a second system of sheaves attached to the weight and fastening the ropes or chains
to the vertical' columns.
Figure 12 shows this system of ropes or chain controlling gear applied in place
of the links K, Figure 1. The strut G passes through the weight thereby forming
a guide for same.
I affix an indicator to the side of the poutoon dock shown at S, Figure 1, which
is worked by being fixed to the bolt of the upper link which being compressed or
extended indicates which way the pontoon dock is tending to list.
At T, Figure 5, is shown a similar indicator which is attached to the weight W
and is thereby raised or lowered.
I may provide my pontoon docks with adjustable painting or repairing stages,

page_text: Figure shows two such stages a, a. These stages which may be of iron or
wood are supported at intervals by two long arms fixed to short brackets b, b,
projecting from the side of the pontoon dock and working on the principle of a.
parallel ruler they are lowered out and hauled in by wire ropes or chains worked
by a worm driven hand winch d from the keel deck, Figure 1.
The retaining gear is shown in detail, Figure 13, e is an ordinary lever fastener,
and is a pulley round which the chain or rope passes leading to the hand:
winch d.
After the lever fasteners are released the stages are lowered out against the
vessel's side, and there retain themselves.
Portable painting and repairing stages are also shown at q, Figure 1, these consist
of long poles socketed at either end, h, k, are metal castings into which they are
shipped, the poles are embraced at intervals by metal clips k, the ends of the cross-
beams,, being so built up as to embrace the poles and then rest upon the said
clips k, a pin being attached as a precaution from unshipping. Wire guy ropes are
then attached to hooks in the deck having tightening sorews attached, Figures 14-
and 15 show the arrangement in detail.
Figure 16 shows the method of housing the stage when not in use, and consists of
a bracket provided with a paul to prevent tho pieces from Hoating out.
m, m, Figure 1, are bilge timbers which are floated up under the vessel's bilge-
as soon as she has taken the keel blocks and are controlled by a winch p on the-
upper deck.
Figure 17 shows the arrangement in detail being a steel rack n engaged by a
ratchet and pinion wheel into which drops a heavy paul, Figure 18, which is
retained by a balance weight 10. The bilge blocks are allowed to float up by
lifting the paul of the winch and unwinding the rope in the usual way, the block is.
then retained by the paul of the rack. By releasing this paul which is connected
to the upper deck by a wire cord shown in Figure 1, the bilge timber can then
be wound down. 9' is a screw jack for releasing the pressure when a bilge timber
is required to be removed for getting at that part of the vessel.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven--
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I.
olaim is :-
1. The method of controlling pontoon docks and other similar structures by the
combination of booms and roller bearings, substantially as described, and the less
obstruction to quay space over existing methods.
2. The method of controlling pontoon docks and similar structures by the
combination of booms and rope or chain gearing substantially as described.
3. The method of controlling pontoon docks and other similar structures in.
connection with other floating structures, substantially as described.
4. The method of adjusting painting and repairing stages by parallel arms,.
substantially as described.
5. The method of portable staging, substantially as described.
6. The method of working bilge shores, substantially as described.
1
101 1
LIG
H. GARDNER,
Patent Agent, 166 Fleet Street, London,.
Agent for the said Edward Box.