Volume Eleven - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - some more aspects - Patent Applications by George Taylor, of Penarth, 1883 . . .

The framework of the staith consists of four strutted legs A. A. A1. A1. secured together by cross frames and diagonal braces substantially as shown and so arranged as to leave a clear opening for the passage of the waggons at the sides and back. When the staith stands over a line of rails these side openings allow of traffic through the staith when not in use.

When the staith stands over a line of rails these side openings allow of traffic through the staith when not in use. The legs A. A1. are constructed of iron plates and are each composed of two parallel members placed at a sufficient distance apart to receive the hoisting and lowering gear between the two members which are of box section and are left open at their adjacent sides.

The legs rise from base frames or girders B. B1. which respectively connect the front legs A. A1. and the back legs A1. A1. together in pairs. The back girder B1. is so constructed as to allow the passage over it of the waggon entering on or leaving the platform of the staith.

In addition to the side struts shown in figures 1 and 2 the front legs A. are provided with forwardly projecting struts A2. (figure 1) to stay the staith at the forward side in tipping. These struts have adjustable screw foot plates A3. which take a bearing on the ground.

The girders B. B1. are supported on travelling wheels C. running on rails D. and each mounted in a swivelling carriage hereafter described and illustrated in figures 4, 5, 6, &c.

Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

In addition to these travelling wheels both girders are provided either with packing screws b. screwing into sockets beneath the girders and taking a bearing on the rails D. when the staith is in use or with hydraulic jacks hereinafter described and illustrated.