Framework for Vessels.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 28th July, 1891-Accepted, 26th Sept., 1891
Framework for Vessels.
I, BENJAMIN JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS, of 23 Southampton Buildings, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention,
a communication to me from Alexander McDougall of Duluth in the County
of Saint Louis and State of Minnesota, one of the United States of America, Ship-
builder, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The invention relates broadly to a new and improved metallic framework for
vessels. Broadly considered, the improved framework consists of a number of
transverse ribs, most of which are continuous throughout, and which are stiffened
and strengthened longitudinally by means of longitudinal braces and beams and
plates, including the outer plating or skin of the vessel. Each of these transverse
ribs is formed of one or more angle irons, which may be either single or double.
The transverse ribs are protected and strengthened from the force of the waves
and the weight of the cargo by means of a number of vertical and horizontal
stringers or beams.
The transverse ribs are arched at their upper portion in the form of an ellipsoid
and this arch is prevented from spreading or being thrown out of shape by the
horizontal stringers or beams before referred to. The transverse ribs are also
arched at their lower portion but to a less degree than an ellipsoid and this lower
arch is prevented from spreading by means of an inner or false bottom and numerous
beams and plates as will be presently described. As soon as the framework
embodying the general features just described has been constructed, it is to be
entirely covered with the outer plates of the vessel, except at the hatchways in the
top.. Said outer plates are to be rivetted, bolted or secured in any other way to
the transverse ribs.
In order to enable others to clearly understand and comprehend the nature of
my invention, attention is directed to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a midship cross-sectional view of the framework and vessel, showing.
a water bottom.
Figure 1B is a similar view of the vessel and framework but without a water
bottom.
Figure 2, illustrates a cross sectional view of the vessel and framework, at the.
afterpart, about one-tenth of the entire length from the stern.
Figure 3, is a cross-sectional view of the vessel and framework at the forward
part, about one-tenth of the entire length from the bow.
Figure 4, is an interior view of the framework looking towards. the bow and
showing the framework in a partly finished condition.
Figure 5, is a sectional view of several of the transverse frames and of the water
bottom.
Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 are detached views illustrating various details in the
construction of my improved framework.
For convenience, each particular element of the framework will be designated by
the same character in all of the views.
Referring to the drawings, 1 is a plate with angle irons 2, 2, bolted to the top
and bottom at each side and extending its entire length. This plate 1 and angle
irons 2, 2, which are provided with lines of bolt holes at their outer edges, constitute.
the keelson. 4, 4, are the transverse frames or ribs which are shown as being
composed of two angle irons 5 and 6, bolted together so as to constitute a Z iron
(see Figure 6) but which may be made equally well of a single iron, or in the form

page_text: of Tor channel irons. Attention is especially directed to Figure 1^, wherein a
water bottom is shown. At the point where the frames begin to curve inwardly sc
as to form the bottom of the boat, a portion of each rib is deflected, being abruptly
bent inwardly so as to form an angle. This deflected portion is shown in the
drawing as 5.
7 is a metallic plate bolted to the lower portion of the rib, serving to strengthen
the same and contributing to the support of the plates 13, to be presently described,
and indirectly to that of the metal floor or false bottom before referred to. This
reinforcing plate 7 is widened at the end next the keelson at 8, so as to fit snugly
between the angle irons 2, 2, and has at its upper edge an angle iron 9 (see Figure 5).
The outer end of the plate 7 is provided with the angle iron 10 rivetted thereto.
11 is a long metallic plate extending the entire length of the main portion of the
vessel and rivetted to the horizontal flanges of the angle iron 10, as shown in
Figure 4. Resting upon the angle iron 9, and secured firmly thereto by means of
the angle irons 12, 12 are the plates 13, 13, which are provided at their upper edges
with angle irons 14, to which the metal floor or false bottom before referred to is
bolted or otherwise secured. 15, 15 are other plates bolted also to the top of the
angle irons 9 and extending at right angles to the plates 13 and parallel to the
plates 7: At the point where the plate 11 (which constitutes a part of the false
bottom) extends to the outside plates of the vessel through the transverse frames,
which are cut to admit of its passage and between such plate 11 and the flange of
the deflected portion of the transverse rib 6 is a strengthening gusset plate 4" which
is shown in Figure 7. This plate serves to strengthen the frame at the point where
by reason of the deflection of the angle iron 6, its rigidity might be impaired.
17, 17, are a number of brackets which are rivetted in place to certain of the
transverse frames at the side about one third of the way up from the bottom.
These brackets 17, 17, carry metallic strips 18, which serve to strengthen the vessel
longitudinally. 19, 19, are a number of brackets secured to certain of the transverse
frames preferably in alternation with the brackets 17 about one third of the distance
down from the top.
Horizontal braces 20, 20, in the form of angle irons extend directly across the
interior of the hull, from one bracket 19 on one transverse. frame to the other
bracket 19 on the same transverse frame and these horizontal braces are crossed
at right angles by vertical braces 21 which are secured at their upper ends to
brackets 25 rivetted to the transverse frames, and at their lower ends either to the
false bottom or to the plates 14, 15, or 7. The horizontal braces 20 before referred
to form the chord of the arch of the deck which will be further sustained against
lateral pressure by the upright or vertical braces 21. At this point of intersection
of the horizontal and vertical braces 20 and 21, a connecting plate 22 is placed to
which the braces are respectively bolted. 23 is a line of angle irons extending
longitudinally along the under side of the upper part of the transverse frames or
ribs on each side of the centre which serves to further unite the framework and to
strengthen it longitudinally.
At intervals a portion of the transverse ribs are cut away in order that entrance
may be had to the interior of the vessel, and the ribs thus cut away are strengthened
and supported at their edges by means of the angle irons 23 to which they are
bolted. D is a metallic diaphragm or partition which divides the hull of the vessel
from the bow and stern portions.
This may be a solid diaphragm or it may be provided with certain openings
therethrough in order that passage may be had from the bow and stern portions to
the central part of the hull. As shown in Figure 2, the frames curve at the stern
so as to form a skeag, which tapers gradually, as the extreme rear end of the
vessel is approached; at which point the usual stern post is placed. The keelson
does not extend within the stern portion, since the frames, in converging as they do
to form the skeag, offer every necessary support. At the lower portion the
transverse frames are modified so as to change from the form shown in
Figures 14, 13, and 4, to a perfect circle, or nearly so. In Figure 3, the shape of

page_text: these frames is shown at a point about one-tenth of the distance from the bow,
which is practically elliptical.
It is therefore necessary to make use of the keelson at the bow portion in order
to support the frames. The plates 7, 13, and 15 however may be dispensed with
in the bow. The horizontal braces 20, are made use of both in the bow and stern
portions, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 and can be very effectively used for supporting
the floor of the after cabin and of the forecastle respectively.
The
Figures 14 and 1B illustrate the vessel with and without a water bottom.
particular arrangement of the various parts when used with the water bottom has
been already described. When the water bottom is not to be used the following
modifications will be necessary. Since less space is desired between the true bottom
of the hull and the false bottom, the keelson is carried up only about one half of
the height, when no water bottom is used. The plates 13, and angle irons 12, 12
and gusset plate 4ª, are dispensed with and the form of the plate 7 is modified to
conform to the changed requirements. The transverse frames are not diverged in
this instance but continue directly around to the lower plate 2 of the keelson.
The upright braces are necessarily longer in this case than when the water bottom
is made use of, since the interval between the upper deck and the false bottom is
greater than in the first instance.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is ;
1. A framework for vessels provided with continuous transverse frames and with
longitudinal braces.
2. A framework for vessels provided with continuous transverse frames
longitudinal braces and horizontal braces.
3. A framework for vessels provided with continuous transverse frames,
longitudinal braces and vertical and horizontal braces.
4. A framework for vessels provided with a longitudinal keelson, and with
transverse frames secured at their ends to said keelson and continuous throughout.
5. A framework for vessels provided with a keelson with continuous transverse
frames, and with reinforcing plates secured to said transverse frames.
6. A framework for vessels provided with a keelson; with continuous transverse
frames secured at their ends to said keelson; with reinforcing plates on said
transverse frames, and with upright metallic plates secured to said reinforcing
plates.
7. A framework for vessels, provided with a keelson, with transverse frames or
ribs continuous throughout and secured to said keelson; with reinforcing plates
secured to said transverse frames or ribs; with upright metallic plates secured to
said reinforcing plates and with a metallic floor secured to said upright plates.
Dated this 28th day of
LAUTA VILIS MOM Unty U
B. J. B. MILLS.
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents.