Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Mar., 1887
Complete Left, 30th Nov., 1887
Complete Accepted, 20th Jan., 1888
I, WILLIAM HOLDERNESS, Clerk in Holy Orders, residing in Springfield House,
Ulverston North Lancashire do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
1. Shape. I desire to combine four strong metallic, unsinkable vessels into one
ship by extending the hollow-girder-ribs, to each pair of vessels-laterally; like the
letter W with obtuse angles; or like two inverted arches, connected by a central arch
with a flattened crown.
The ends of the girder-ribs to curve outwards, imparting a similar curvature to the
sides of the vessel; that lateral waves may roll back on themselves.
2 Deck One hollow-girder deck, will keep the four ships in their respective
positions; with the aid of the triple-arched ribs & the two central, longitudinal "back
bones," about to be described; so as to unite the four ships in one quadruple vessel of
enormous strength; yet sufficiently cellular to be lighter than water.
::
3. Back Bones. Each pair of vessels will have one hollow girder "back bone"
[so to speak] common to both ships composing the pair; exactly dividing the pair
longitudinally into halves; forming also the keels and central supports of the girder
deck; perpendicular to the water & at right angles with the deck.
Being two in number, & running fore and aft they will unite the two pairs of
ships longitudinally their lower sides forming the keels; parallel to each other, at the
distances between midships and midships of each pair of vessels-the whole structure,
will be able to stand firmly, upright on any ordinary shore; for the convenient and
cheap cleansing, inspection or repairing of the fourfold ship; avoiding the dangers of
propping and the heavy expense of dry-docking.
4-By employing these longitudinal "back bones" the transverse divisions will be
divided and materially strengthened or buttressed in their weakest part; where failure
has so often been fraught with fatal consequences.
5-Buoyancy will be obtained, by making ribs, girders and all parts of the
quadruple vessel hollow; & filling the spaces, with copper, or other incorrodible metal

page_text: boxes, cases, or tubes of any shape or material-The bottoms, sides and combining
deck will be double, hollow, and filled with air-cases, like a honey comb; so that
water, could by no possibility penetrate dangerously into the ship, after collision, rock-
tearing or any other calamity.
The fourfold vessel would not sink; although invaded by water in every part where
liquids could permeate.
6-Lines of defence. There will be four lines of defence against the entrance of
water to wit-A-The outside steel skin.
B the steel or other metal lining.
C-The box girders & hollow ribs.
D-The tubes, cases, or air boxes.
These appliances for flotation, will be so numerous, that no accident could seriously
endanger the whole vessel & vain would be any attempt to criminally scuttle
the craft.
7-Abolition of sea-sickness. As the foundations of the projected vessel, are four
instead of one [as in existing ships] there can be no pitching, nor rolling: conse-
quently sea sickness will be avoided and the number of voyagers must be increased ;
the comfort of all-promoted & the perils & losses incidental to pitching & rolling
would be evaded.
8-Exemption from ballast. Ballast is a cosily requisite for existing single ships.
Any kind of balancing matter, or ballast will be quite unnecessary in the new,
fourfold vessel; consequently, many thousands sterling would be annually saved.
9-Not upsettable. The peculiarity of the structure of the quadruple vessel, will not
allow of upsetting under any circumstances; as th. hairs of ships will act as outriggers
to each other.
In a violent cyclone, the masts might be blown away; but overturning could not
possibly take place.
10 More use of sails. This stability would permit a safe employment of canvas to
an extent, never tried before; resulting in increased speed; with a considerable saving
of fuel; as well as being a trustworthy reliance in the event of machinery being
damaged, or coal exhausted.
11. Resumption of paddle wheels-would be desirable in the center, between the
pairs of ships.
They were discarded because of their racing and uncertain action; resulting from
the rolling of single ships. The rolling being avoided; the direct action of paddle
wheels, might be employed with good effects.
12. Many sources of power. Four pairs of turn-screws; that is two screws at each
stern [eight altogether] with independent action, boilers and machinery, would be far
more desirable and powerful than one screw; however large; at the end of one shaft ;
which when broken, renders the vessel helpless as a log.
13. Speed. Eight screws, two paddle wheels & unlimited canvas, would safely
secure, twenty five or more knots per hour; while the many sources of locomotion ;
would prevent the possibility of all becoming defective at once.
Moreover screw-vibration would be less injurious to the vessel, when distributed
over eight places; than when it is confined to onc.
14-The towing power-would be greater, than has yet been attained, in conse-
quence of the multiplicity of the sources of force & their many areas of contact with
the water & the wind.
15-Fire might be confined to one-fortieth of the vessel; that is to one compart-
ment; each of which, can be deluged and emptied.
16-Collision would not destroy nor effectually cripple the ship; because of her
great strength; her honey-comb, or steel-bamboo-like structure and the number of
her furnaces, boilers & engines.
17-The saving of life-through the general use of the fourfold safety vessel, is
estimated to be three thousand British scamen yearly; in addition to a large number
of foreign sailors, passengers, emigrants, engineers, stokers &c. &c.
18-Cargoes would not shift in these steady vessels although sacks were not used.

page_text: Corn, coals or anything might be safely shipped in the strong compartments-loose
without risk or anxiety.
19-Use in war-Because of their great speed, strength and unsinkableness; these
ships would be important factors in sustaining our Colonial & oceanic supremacy in
clime & guardians of our food supplies; so essential to our very existence.
20-Sailing close to the wind-would be secured, by their double, parallel keels &
large area of dead wood [iron or steel] acting as barge boards.
21 Marine Railway-might be the descriptive term applied to this vessel; with
four ships or carriages sustaining a habitable platform; the keels being equivalent to the
rails; which are laid down & taken up [so to speak] by the ship in her progress-
moving in fact―with her.
22-Durability In the end, they would be cheaper, than the existing vessels of
to-day for many obvious reasons.
23-Size-The magnitudo most desirable, will depend upon the locality for which
the vessel is required-The best results, will attend the largest and longest ships;
which will bridge over the greatest number of waves and hollows.
I petition for a patent for every size of the four fold safety-vessel; from the childs
model of tin; to the largest ship that human skill can make of metals, or any other
materials.
Dated this Twenty ninth day of April 1887.
WILLIAM HOLDERNESS,
Springfield House,
Ulverston.

page_text: An Improved Ship or Vessel.
I WILLIAM HOLDERNESS, Clerk in Holy Orders, residing in Springfield House,
Ulverston North Lancashire 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 nature of this invention is the following
1st. Shape. I purpose combining four strong metallic, unsinkable vessels into one
ship by extending the hollow-girder-ribs to each pair of vessels laterally; like two
inverted arches connected by a central arch, with a flattened crown. The ends of the
girder-ribs are to curve a little outward, imparting a similar curvature to the outward
sides of the four vessels; this formation will cause the waves on the beam to roll back
on themselves, instead of flooding the deck.
2. Deck. One hollow-girder-deck will keep the four ships in their respective places,
with the aid of the triple-arched-continuous ribs & the two central longitudinal "back
bones" shortly to be described; so as to unite the four vessels [two & two abreast]
into one quadruple ship of enormous strength; yet sufficiently cellular & compart-
mental to be unsinkable under any circumstances. The success of the invention
depends very much on the strength of the combining deck, which will be trussed, girt
& braced in every direction, and yet be lighter than water because of its hollowness ;
constructed on the calculation, that 35 cubic feet of sea water weigh one ton.
3. "Back bones." Each pair of vessels will have one hollow-girder "back bone"
[so to speak] common to both ships composing the pairs; exactly dividing each
vessel longitudinally into halves, forming the keels and central supports of the box-
girder-deck. Being two in number, running fore & aft they will unite the two pairs
of ships longitudinally; their lower sides being the keels, as they will be perpendicular
to the water. Being parallel to each other, at the distance between midships & mid-
ships of each pair of vessels; the whole structure will be able to stand firmly upright
on her double lines of keels, on any ordinary shore, for convenient & cheap cleansing,
inspecting or repairing of the four-fold-ship; avoiding the dangers of propping & the
heavy expenditure of dry-docking &c. &c.
"
4-Strong, Trustworthy Compartments. By employing these longitudinal "back
bones the transverse compartmental divisions will be divided and materially
strengthened or buttressed in their weakest part, where failure has so often been
fatal. The girder deck with the strong "back bones" at right angles to that box-
deck; running fore & aft of each pair of vessels; & forming their stems, keels,
connecting "dead wood" [iron or steel] and rudder posts-would constitute a craft
of stability and strength hitherto unknown, capable of safely bridging over a
valley" equal to her entire length, without risk of back breaking ruin.
"
wave
5 Buoyancy will be obtained by making ribs, girders, deck, bottoms, sides & all
parts of the quadruple vessel hollow and filling the spaces with copper, or other
incorrodible metal [or other waterproof material] boxes, cases or tubes of any shape
or size. The whole machine will be so "honey-combed" with cases, that by no

page_text: possionty could water dangerously invade the ship, by collision, stranding, rock-
tearing or any other calamity-The four-fold vessel would not sink although flooded
in every part where water could permeate-We shall rely on the metals for strength
and on the cases for Flotation.
6. Four lines of defence. There will be four lines of defence against the incursion
of water to wit-A-The outside skin-B-The inside lining-C-The box-girders
and hollow ribs-D-The tubes, cases or air vessels. These appliances for flotation
would be so numerous, that no accident could seriously endanger the whole vessel &
vain would be any attempt to criminally scuttle the craft, or cast her away."
7-Rolling, pitching and Sea-sickness Abolished. The foundations of the projected
vessel will be four, instead of one, [as in existing ships] consequently there can be no
pitching, rolling nor sea-sickness."
If this be so, the number of voyagers will be increased beyond computation, the
comforts of all promoted, and the seven tenths of the globe's surface, become as
habitable as the three tenths now are.
8-Ballast not required. Ballast is a costly & inconvenient necessity for the present
style of balanced ships, all of which have their main bearing in the center-Any kind
of balancing material will be unnecessary in the proposed order of vessels ;
consequently many thousands sterling would be annually saved & much anxiety &
risk avoided.
9-Could not upset. One pleasing peculiarity of the four-fold ship-is-that she
cannot be upset under any trial, because each vessel will act as an outrigger to her
neighbour In a violent cyclone, the masts might be blown away; but overturning
would be impossible.
10 Stability This stability would permit the safe use of canvas to an extent
never tried before [especially with fore & aft canvas] resulting in increased speed and
a considerable saving of fuel &c.; being also a reliance in the event of damaged
machinery or exhaustion of fuel.
11-Funnel masts-The eight hollow steel masts with wire rigging [two in each
minor vessel] would also serve as funnols for the furnaces supplied with smoke-
consuming apparatus; by which forty per cent. in fuel would be saved and cleanliness
promoted.
Although I mention eight masts, we do not confine ourselves to that or any
number.
12 Paddle wheels. Paddle wheels between the pairs of ships may be advantageously
employed.
They were discarded because of their "racing "-caused by the rolling of single
ships As the new compound ship cannot roll, the direct action of paddle wheels would
yield good results.
13 Eight Screws. Four pairs of twin Screws [that is two screws at each stern;
eight altogether; with independent action, boilers & machinery-would be far more
desirable safe, & swift, than one screw however large at the end of a single shaft ;
which when broken, renders the vessel utterly helpless; often involving costly towing,
salvage & expensive delay.
14 Steering. The independent action of the screws would powerfully help the
steering-Port screws turning ahead, while starboard screws revolved astern, would
cause the ship to go round in her own length or nearly so-Four powerful rudders
would also be used; enabling the ship to be guided with safe celerity.
15-Speed. Eight screws, two paddle wheels and unlimited canvas would safely
secure 25 or more knots per hour; while the many sources of progress would prevent
the probability of all becoming defective at once-Screw vibration would be less
injurious in eight places than in one.
16-The towing power-would be greater than has yet been attained in consequence
of the numerous sources of force & their many areas of contact with wind & water.
17 Fire would be confined to one-fortieth of the vessel that is to one compart-
ment, each of which can be deluged with water & emptied, or filled with carbonic
acid gas.

page_text: 18-Collision would not destroy nor seriously cripple the ship, because of her
great strength & her "honey-comb structure & the number of her propelling forces.
19 The saving of life. Through the general use of the safety-vessel about three
thousand British subjects yearly; might be saved: as well as foreign sailors, passengers,
emigrants, engineers, stokers &c. &c.
20 Cargoes would not shift on these steady vessels although sacks were not used-
Coals, corn or anything might be safely shipped in the strong compartments—loose,
without risk or anxiety, as the vessel would never lie down on her beam ends.
21-Useful in war-because of their great speed, strength & unsinkable qualities,
these ships would be most valuable in sustaining our Colonial & oceanic supremacy
every clime & guarding our food supplies, now so very essential to our existence, as a
nation and people.
in
22 Sail close to wind. Their double keels & amount of "dead wood " [iron or steel
plate] acting as barge boards, would enable them to sail very close to the wind;
probably within four points or closer.
23-Durability. In the end they would be cheaper than the existing ships of to day;
for many obvious reasons.
24-Size. The magnitude most desirable will depend upon the locality for which
the vessel is required. I beg leave to petition for a patent for every size of the four-
fold safety ships; from the child's model of tin, to the largest that human skill can
make of metals or any other material.
Having now particularly described & ascertained the nature of my said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed-I declare that what I claim is
1. An improved ship or vessel superior to any previously known or designed ;
possessing the following leading novelties.
2. Combination of four vessels into one.
3. Cellular-girder-deck.
4. Central Back Bones.
5. Ability to stand upright on shore.
6. Strong longitudinal divisions.
7. Unsinkableness.
8. Four lines of defence.
9. Collision proof.
10. Fire proof.
11. Not able to be upset.
12. Exemption from pitching, rolling, ballast and Sea-sickness.
13. Funnel masts.
14. Increased speed, safety & comfort with reduced ultimate cost.
15. Capability of carrying grain, coal &c., in bulk without danger of shifting.
16. Double arched hollow ribs.
'
17. Eight screws, two paddles and enormous canvas.
29th November 1887.