Improvements in Thimble-links for connecting Ropes with Chains or Shackles.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Dec., 1898-Accepted, 18th Feb., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Thimble-links for connecting Ropes with Chains or
Shackles.
We, GEORGE JACKSON, of 34, Kent Street, Great Grimsby, in the County of
Lincoln, Ship's Husband, and WILLIAM SWINBURN, of 274, Cleethorpes Road,
Great Grimsby aforesaid, Wood Turner, 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:-
In thimble-links which are used for connecting ropes with chains or shackles,
or with other thimble links and the like, it is an advantage to have the thimble
separable from the shackle, so that in the event of a breakage, the thimble may
be readily removed and be substituted by another thimble having another rope
already spliced thereon. This invention has been designed with the object of
securing this advantage and at the same time of ensuring that the thimble shall
be immovably connected with the link whilst in use, and that no part of either
These
the thimble or link shall be capable of cutting or fraying the rope.
advantages are of especial importance to trawlers since they imply a minimum
of wear and repair at sea.
We will more particularly describe our said invention with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:-
Figure 1 represents a sectional elevation, and
Figure 2 a side view.
The link L is nearly U shaped, with its outer ends formed to the contour of
the thimble T, which is arranged between them. Both or either of these parts
may be made in malleable cast iron, but preferably they are constructed of
forged steel or iron. Upon the outer upper sides of the thimble there are wedge
shaped projections W W, which fit into corresponding recesses formed on the
opposed inner faces of the link. Coaxial openings are produced in the lower or
outer parts of the thimble and link, through which the pin P can be introduced.
This pin may be substituted by a cotter or a bolt, but in order that there may
be no projection of any kind beyond the surface of the link, we-prefer to counter-
sink the outer ends of the holes through the link and rivet the pin in place as
indicated by Figure 1. It is advisable in this case, in order to permit the pin
to be drifted out when the thimble has to be renewed to make the countersunk
part at one end (or even at both ends) comparatively small, so that only enough
metal is battered over to hold the pin in place, but not enough to prevent the pin
being driven out. The only purpose of the opening 0, is to reduce the weight
of metal in the appliance.
The functions of the wedges Ware to relieve the pin of much of the stress
produced by the pull of the rope R, and to prevent the turning of the thimble
in the link around the pin as an axis. They may however be substituted by
corresponding rectangular or other equivalent projections which however do not
answer the purpose so well. Further, these wedges or projections may be formed

page_text: upon the inner faces of the link, whilst corresponding recesses for their reception
are formed upon the upper outer faces of the thimble.
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;-
1. In a thimble link, a link having its outer ends shaped to the contour of the
thimble which is arranged between them, projections on the one part engaging
with corresponding recesses on the other part, and a pin bolt cotter or the like
passing through the link and thimble: substantially as hereinbefore described
and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
2. A thimble link constructed and arranged substantially as and for the
purpose hereinbefore described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 20th day of December A.D. 1898.
W. E. HEYS & SON,
Agents for the Applicants.