IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIREPROOF AND OTHER BUILDINGS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Broadbent, of Huddersfield, in the County of
York, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION
OF FIREPROOF AND OTHER BUILDINGS."
aled the 15th June 1877, and dated the 16th December 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Broadbent at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th December 1876.
THOMAS BROADBENT, of Huddersfield, in the County of York, Engineer.
PROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIREPROOF AND OTHER BUILDINGS."
16
⚫ JM-
This Invention relates principally to the floors of fireproof buildings which con-
sist generally of three parts, namely, the brick arches, the iron beams, and the wooden
flooring. Hitherto the brick arches have been formed as segments of circles, and
the space between the lower ends of the arch and the flooring above has had to be
filled in with rubbish, thus increasing the weight and contributing in no way to the
strength of the floor.
My improvement consists in constructing such arches so as to represent three
sides of a polygon, or horizontal in the centre, and with a straight slope to the ends
which abut upon the iron beams.
My improvements relate nextly to the manner of connecting beams end to end,
which I do in such a manner as to add to the strength thereof. I construct such
beams with an upright projection or short semicircular pillar at each end, so that
when two beams are placed end to end pillars form a complete circle, upon which I
place an iron hoop or belt and then insert a key at the under side of the joint so as
to make the same perfectly rigid and tight. Other methods of fastenings may be
employed for producing the same result, which is to draw the beams together at the
top side and force them apart at the bottom.

page_text: This Invention relates principally to the floors of fireproof buildings, which con-
sist generally of three parts, namely, the brick arches, the iron beams, and the
wooden flooring. Hitherto the brick arches have been formed as segments of circles,
and the space between the lower ends of the arch and the flooring above has had to
be filled in with rubbish, thus increasing the weight and contributing in no way to
the strength of the floor.
My improvement consists in constructing such arches so as to represent three
sides of a polygon, or horizontal in the centre, and with a straight slope to the ends,
which abutt upon the iron beams.
My improvements relate nextly to the manner of connecting beams end to end,
which I do in such a manner as to add to the strength thereof. I construct such
beams with an upright projection or short semicircular pillar at each end, so that
when two beams are placed end to end the pillars form a complete circle, upon
which I place an iron hoop or belt and then insert a key at the under side of the
joint so as to make the same perfectly rigid and tight. Other methods of fastening
may be employed for producing the same result, which is to draw the beams
together at the top side and force them apart at the bottom.
In order that my Invention may be fully understood I herein give reference to
the accompanying Sheet of Drawings illustrativo thereof:-
Fig. 1 represents my improved construction of arches for fireproof flooring, A
being the wood work, and B, the supporting arches which abutt upon the iron
beams C. It will be readily understood that whatever weight the arches may have
to bear the pressure will resolve itself into a force tending to compress the material
of which the arches are formed, any tendency to disturb the relative positions of the
iron beams being counteracted by the tie rod D.
The remaining Figures illustrate my improved method of connecting beams end
to end.
Figs. 2 and 3 shew the beam constructed with an upright semicircular projection
or pillar E at each end. The ends may be made to encircle the upright pillar or
support F or otherwise so as to extend the length of the beam, but in either case an
iron hoop or belt G is placed over or around the ends to be joined, and then a
key a inserted to force the ends apart and make them perfectly rigid and tight.
Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate another mode of connection by means of bolts b at the
top side of the beam, the key or wedge a being inserted for the same purpose as
above described.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, I would have it understood
that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction or arrangement
herein shewn, but what I claim as my Invention is,-
Firstly. The construction of arches for fireproof floors, flat in the centre, with a
straight slope at each end, as herein shewn and described.
Secondly. The methods herein shewn and described for connecting beams from
end to end, or any mere modification thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Broadbent, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Fifteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven,
Witness,
A. B. CROSSLEY,
Mr. Tasker's,
Patent Office,
Halifax.
THO. BROADBENT. (L.S.)