IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STABLE DRAINS AND FLOORS
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark of the firm of A. M and
W Clark of 53 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex Fellow of the
Institute of Patent Agents for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF STABLE DRAINS AND FLOORS communicated to him from
abroad by Paul Augustin Hermesse Basserie, of Le Mans, (Sarthe) France
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville Clark
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st March 1883.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK of the firm of A. M. and W. Clark of 53 Chancery
Lane in the County of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent, Agents,
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STABLE DRAINS AND FLOORS." [Com-
municated to him from abroad by Paul Augustin Hermesse Basserie, of Le Mans,
|(Sarthe) France]
This Invention relates to improvements in the construction of stable drains and
floors whereby the objections to the ordinary mode of draining are avoided.
Stable floors are usually made to slope from back to front and sometimes
sideways also for the purpose of carrying off the urine. These sloping floors
are generally roughly paved to prevent the horse slipping and the animal is
consequently thrown out of his natural equilibrium and is prevented from resting
properly as he is forced to throw a greator weight on his shoulders and forelegs as
though he were ascending a hill, and if the floor has also a lateral slope he is
obliged to take a firm grip with the hind feet in the joints of the paving every
time he lifts his head to the hay rack.
The horse when at liberty always seeks a flat horizontal surface upon which to
lie. In the stable however he seldom lies down owing to the slant of the floor and
generally sleeps standing. This permanent condition of discomfort added to the
fatigues of working is very injurious to the pastern joints and hoofs, the animal
often becomes hoof bound, loses his paces, and soon wears out.
A smooth horizontal floor in the stable is absolutely necessary for the natural

page_text: equilibrium of the animal, but the objection to it is that it retains the urine which
soaks under the bedding, dilutes the excrement and soils the animal when he lies
down.
According to this Invention a horizontal floor is combined with arrangements
for ensuring the perfect salubrity of the stable thereby obviating all the objections
to the present system of construction.
From observations on the positions assumed by horses and mares in the act of
staling the inventor proposes that a branch drain should extend up the centre
of each stall and that a collector-drain should extend across the stall under the
bedding at such a position as to catch the urine staled by mares
To attain the desired result however it is necessary (1) that the urine should
be free to pass immediately both through the litter and through a horizontal
plate-cover for the drain. (2) that the drain which is of graduated depth, should be
thoroughly protected against violent blows from the horses' hoofs and (3) that it
should be readily opened for the purpose of being cleaned out.
The Invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which figure 1 is a
perspective view of the interior of a stable, having the improved system of drainage,
figure 2 shows a plan of the gutter drain on a larger scale and figure 3 a section
taken on line 1. 2 figure 2. The same letters of reference denote like parts in
the three figures.
The chief feature of novelty consists in providing the drain for each stall with a
hinged lid or cover a of cast iron and also in providing the collecting drain running
across the heel of each stall and with which each branch drain a communicates,
with a similar hinged cover b at the point of intersection of the branch and
collecting drains
These lids or covers fit in rebates in the edges of the drain, which is also of cast
iron and about 6 inches in width. The drain is laid about th of an inch below
the level of the paving which is perfectly horizontal. These lids or covers which
enclose the drain channel are rather thicker at the edges where they are flush with
the flanges of the drain than in the middle where they are concaved, the section of
the drain and cover being of the form shown in the drawing. The flat surfaces of
the lids or covers are diced to prevent slipping which may occur even when they
are covered with bedding and they are hollowed out along their central line and
provided with round conical holes for carrying off the urine, two inches apart, the
holes being of greater diameter at the underside so as to prevent clogging.
The concavity in lid or cover a receives all the urine froin a horse standing over
the branch gutter or drain as far as gutter b. The concave lid or cover a presents
a corresponding convex surface d on the underside so as to avoid. weakening it.
The end of cover a where it meets the edge of cover bis rebated or has a flange or,
projection which takes under the edge of lid or cover b, this and the weight of the
lids or covers sufficing to keep the drains closed: The lids or covers are hinged to
the drains so as to allow of cleansing and washing out the drains, the gutters being
provided with hinge knuckles e at one side of each branch gutter and on the
outside edge of the collecting drain, the upper surface of said hinge joints being let
into the paving so as to be flush with the level of the guttering: The central
knuckle of the hinge is drilled with an eye to receive the hinge pin which may be
inserted from either side and is merely retained in position by the paving, the
construction of the parts being such that perfect freedom of motion of the hinged
cover plates is ensured. The edges of the plates and other parts are also suitably
shaped with the same object as well as to allow of the escape into the drain of any
liquid which may enter between the edges of the cover plates and the sides of the
gutter or through the joints of the hinges. The hinges also owing to their position
and solid construction and being protected by insertion in the paving are. out of
reach of injury from violent blows of the horses feet, the forelegs standing further
forward than the hinge joints of gutter a and the hind legs further backward than
Plan of oulton h

page_text: The angle of the paving due to the slight difference of level between its horizontal
surface and the flange of the drain, is sloped off gradually in order to break the
straw as little as possible, which assists to conduct the urine into the drain by
being trodden into the concave channel in the cover plate.
The motion of the cover plates upon their hinges is limited to 20 degrees from
a vertical line, for which purpose a stop is provided behind the central part of the
knuckle of the hinge formed on the gutter.
:
As a consequence of the above arrangements and owing to the relatively small
width of the gutters and their slight but sufficient concavity, which concavity is
morcover filled with straw trodden in by the horses feet and carried in with the
urine, the animal is supported whether standing or lying down upon a perfectly
horizontal surface. The flanged edges of the guttering recessed in the paving,
ensures perfect vertical stability, while the U form of gutter c with perfectly
smooth bottom, is sufficient to carry off the liquid with a fall of 3/8ths of an inch to
the yard run.
All of the branch gutters a are of the same depth throughout and
discharge their contents at the same level into the collecting drain. The two
gutters are cast separately and inade to fit the one into the other.
The collecting
drain is cast in as many sections as there are stalls, and their ends made so as to be
fitted together end to end at the time of laying down. Their depth varies according
to the position each should occupy in the line of guttering. The sections are united
together by means of flanges between which and the, ends of the guttering is placed
a leaden packing the whole being rendered perfectly tight by means of bolts and
nuts. Each inclined line of collecting gutters c starts at an initial depth of
22ths of an inch beneath the cover plate and may include an entire stable or a
range of eight stalls without exceeding a depth of 8 inches which is sufficient to
enable the drain to be cleansed and washed and carry off the liquids to the exterior.
In cases where the collecting drain or two sections sloping towards each other
discharge the urine and washing water into a pipe underground which may serve
for one stable, or a range of 16 stalls, the liquids may be run off from the drain by
holes similar to those of the covering plates made in the bottom of the end of the
drain which is introduced into the mouth of the pipe. By this means the latter is
prevented from becoming clogged with solid matters which may have been allowed
to fall into the drain.
In order to cleanse and wash out the drains, the straw which is still clean is
raked off the branch gutter to either side, as also that upon the collecting gutter,
while that which is to be removed to the dung heap is raked to the rear of the
stall; the gutters are then washed and cleansed by sweeping them their entire
length and after taking care to remove any particles of gravel which may have
become lodged in the recesses for the hinges, the cover plate of the branch gutter a
is first raised by inserting a hook into one of the holes in said plates and turning
it on its hinges, after which the cover plate b may be raised by lifting it by it's
front edge at the middle. This motion of the cover plates on their hinges is
limited as before mentioned in order that they may always remain visible when
open. The guttering is then cleaned out and washed, after which the cover plate b
is first shut down and the straw which has been raked off replaced, preferably
placing the damp straw upon the surface channel or gutter. The straw is then
spread equally over the entire surface.
The principal advantages of this improved system of draining stables are;
1st that the horse is maintained in better condition and greater vigour; 2nd greater
success is ensured in the breeding and rearing of horses; 3rd the great saving
realised, for instance the urine passes immediately into the drain, the horses coat is
not soiled, the work of the stable is less heavy and more quickly performed, the
bedding is always dry and less broken than when subject to the constant move-
ment of the feet owing to the inclination of the paving and will keep in better
condition with a less consumption of straw which is a great advantage especially in
large towns where its cost is a considerable item, while for the country there will
"

page_text: be an increased quantity of liquid manure obtained for fertilising the land. Lastly,
horses under these improved conditions as regards wholesomeness and equilibrium
which go to improve their health and comfort, will be less liable to accidents and
disease, will better retain their form and elasticity of action, be capable of performing
a greater amount of work, and wear longer.
This improved system of stable drainage is equally applicable to cow houses and
stalls for oxen.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 21st September 1883.
:
"
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK of the firm of A. M. and W. Clark of 53 Chancery
Lane in the County of Middlesex Fellow of the Institute of Patent Agents
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STABLE DRAINS AND FLOORS
munication to me from abroad by Paul Augustin Hermesse Basserie of Le Mans
(Sarthe) France.
a com-
This Invention relates to improvements in the construction of stable drains
and floors whereby the objections to the ordinary mode of draining are avoided.
Stable floors are usually made to slope from back to front and sometimes
sideways also for the purpose of carrying off the urine. These sloping floors are
generally roughly paved to prevent the horse slipping and the animal is-con-
sequently thrown out of his natural equilibrium and is prevented from resting
properly as he is forced to throw a greater weight on his shoulders and forelegs as
though he were ascending a hill, and if the floor has also a lateral slope he is
obliged to take a firm grip with the hind feet in the joints of the paving every
time he lifts his head to the hay rack. The horse also becomes uneasy, and leans
first against one side of the stall and then the other, tries to place himself parallel
with the manger as far as he is able, and disturbs his neighbours, who act in like
manner, and this often leads to kicking and other injurious results.
The horse when at liberty always seeks a flat horizontal surface upon which
to lie. In the stable however he seldom lies down owing to the slant of the
floor and generally sleeps standing while continuing to stamp his feet. This
"permanent condition of discomfort added to the fatigues of working is very
injurious to the pastern joints and hoofs, the animal often becomes hoof bound,
loses his paces, and soon wears out.
Some horses are also specially liable to become bad tempered from this cause and
to it is attributable much of the sterility of mares thus proving the truth of the
saying that "the greatest enemy of the horse is the stable
A smooth horizontal floor in the stable is absolutely necessary for the natural
equilibrium of the animal, but the objection to it is that it retains the urine which

page_text: soaks under the bedding, dilutes the excrement and soils the animal when he lies
down. The extra work thus involved exposes him to the illusage of the stableman,
and the animal is also liable to serious affections due to this cause. Slanting floors
being the rule owing to the slightly increased cleanliness gained notwithstanding
that colts become mis-shapen and horses are fatigued by their use, the question
arises whether they suffice to keep the stable wholesome and this must be answered
in the negative
It is true that the urine runs off more or less entirely, but being rich in ammonia
of which the greater part volatilizes before passing out of the stable, it remains a
source of infection slightly less it may be than if it had no flow, but still sufficiently
to be highly prejudicial from a hygienic point of view, not only for the horses but
also for the stablemen. Many attempts have been made to ameliorate this condition
of things, but these have been limited merely to keeping the stable clean at the
back of the stall, and in all cases the more or less slanting floor beneath the
animal has been retained and the urine still allowed to soak into, and rot the
bedding however much the floor surface departed from the horizontal plane. After
many years observation of the palliatives employed and trials of improved beddings
with a greater or less amount of success the Inventor has devised the improved
system of draining stables of this invention.
According to this Invention a horizontal floor is combined with arrangements
for ensuring the perfect salubrity of the stable thereby obviating all the objections
to the present system of construction. The object of the improvements is to ensure
that the animal after, pasturing, exercise or performing the hardest work shall
always stand when in the stable upon a horizontal surface and upon a bedding
of a more wholesome character than even that of the "box," that the eyes and
respiratory organs shall no longer suffer from the ammoniacal emanations disengaged
by the urine, and that he shall always whether standing or lying down rest in
perfect equilibrium. A colt under these conditions will regularly develop in
structure, have better health and will often rectify of itself, an hereditary
ungainliness in shape, which the slant of the stable flooring had rendered very
prominent in his race. In this manner also many defects, infirmities, maladies
and accidents to this valuable animal will be avoided, his feet will always stand
perfectly upright when in the stable, will be protected from contact with the wet
bedding which is so prejudicial, and obtain a firm and solid support Horses used
in agriculture will gain increased strength, work much quicker, and become
sufficiently docile to be employed if necessary as troop horses; carriage horses
will also become more supple and be rendered suitable for riding while horses used
for fast work and army horses will be preserved in better condition and wear
much longer. Under these conditions it will be no longer possible to see even
in horses of common kinds, in which however some traces of pure blood are
generally to be found, what is now too commonly the case, in young horses
included, viz: the croup higher than the withers and the line of the back sloping
downwards from the tail towards the head, owing to the slanting of the stable
floor in a backward direction. Horses also which from their size and power
are used for collar work are also rendered more suitable for riding purposes.
The improvements are based on the physiological observation that a horse stales
beneath him and a mare behind her but from the position which each takes during
this function, it may be assumed that given an equal size of horse, and with the
fore-feet planted in the same position in each case, the horse will not stale more
than twelve inches further forward than a mare. Moreover both when in the
stable place themselves in the act of staling parallel to the division bars of the
stalls which they instinctively avoid touching, so as not to be interfered with by
the horses adjoining them, so that if the urine falls more or less forward or
back ward according to the position of the animal with regard to the manger, and
unless in the case of the mare, the urine falling to the extreme rear, and from a
higher point may therefore deviate more to the. right or left, it falls nearly always
in the central division line of the stall. As the mare also in the act of staling is

page_text: +
held by the halter cord at a normal distance from the manger, the urine will fall in
the same line as the excreta.
To
In carrying out this Invention it is proposed that a branch drain should extend
up the centre of each stall and that a collector drain should extend across the stall
under the bedding in such a position as to catch the urine staled by mares.
attain the desired result however it is necessary (1) that the urine should be free
to pass immediately both through the litter and through a horizontal plate cover
"for the drain. (2) That the drain which is of graduated depth, should be
thoroughly protected against violent blows from the horses' hoofs and (3) that it
should be readily opened for the purpose of being cleaned out.
L
The Invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which figure 1 is a
perspective view of the interior of a stable having the improved system of drainage,
figure 2 shows a plan of the gutter drain on a larger scale and figure 3 a section
taken on line 1. 2. figure 2. The same letters of reference denote like parts in the
three figures.
The chief feature of novelty consists in providing the drain for each stall with a
hinged lid or cover a of cast iron and also in providing the collecting drain
running across the heel of each stall and with which each branch drain a
communicates, with a similar hinged cover b at the point of intersection of the
branch and collecting drains.
These lids or covers fit in rebates in the edges of the drain, which is also of cast
iron and about 61/2 inches in width. The drain is laid about th of an inch below
the level of the paving which is perfectly horizontal.
These lids or covers which
enclose the drain, channel are rather thicker at the edges where they are flush with
the flanges of the drain than in the middle where they are concaved, the section
of the drain and cover being of the form shown in the drawing. The flat surfaces
of the lids or covers are diced to prevent slipping which may occur even when they
are covered with bedding, and they are hollowed out along their central line and
provided with round conical holes for carrying off the urine, two inches apart, the
holes being of greater diameter at the underside so as to prevent clogging.
The concavity in lid or cover a receives all the urine from a horse standing
over the branch gutter or drain as far as gutter b. The concave upper lid or
cover a presents a corresponding convex surface d on the underside so as to avoid
weakening it. The end of cover a where it meets the edge of cover b is rebated or
. has a flange or projection which takes under the edge of lid or cover this and
the weight of the lids or covers sufficing, to keep the drains closed. The lids or
⚫ covers are hinged to the drains so as to allow of cleansing and washing out the
drains, the gutters being provided with hinge knuckles e, at one side of each branch
gutter and on the outside edge of the collecting drain, the upper surface of said
hinge joints being let into the paving so as to be flush with the level of the
guttering. The central knuckle of the hinge is drilled with an eye to receive the
hinge pin which may be inserted from either side and is merely retained in position
by the paving, the construction of the parts being such that perfect freedom of
motion of the hinged cover plates is ensured. The edges of the plates and other
parts are also suitably shaped with the same object as well as to allow of the escape
into the drain of any liquid which may enter between the edges of the cover plates
and the sides, of the gutter or through the joints of the hinges. The hinges also
owing to their position and solid construction and being protected by insertion in
the paving are out of reach of injury from violent blows of the horses feet, the
forelegs standing further forward than the hinge joints of gutter a and the hind
legs further backward than those of gutter b
The angle of the paving due to the slight difference of level between its horizontal
surface and the flange of the drain, is sloped off gradually in order not to break the
straw, which assists to conduct the urine into the drain by being trodden into the
concave channel in the cover plate.
The motion of the cover plates upon their hinges is limited to. 20. degrees from a

page_text: vertical line, for which purpose a stop is provided behind the central part of the
knuckle of the hinge formed on the gutter.
As a consequence of the above arrangements and owing to the relatively small
width of the gutters and their slight but sufficient concavity, which concavity is
moreover filled with straw trodden in by the horses feet and carried in with the
urine, the animal is supported whether standing or lying down upon a perfectly
horizontal surface. The flanged edges of the guttering recessed in the paving,
ensures perfect vertical stability, while the U form of gutter c with perfectly
smooth bottom, is sufficient to carry off the liquid with a fall of 3/ths of an inch to
the yard run. All of the branch gutters a are of the same depth throughout and
discharge their contents at the same level into the collecting drain. The two
gutters are cast separately and made to fit the one into the other. The collecting
drain is cast in as many sections as there are stalls, and their ends made so as to
be fitted together end to end at the time of laying down. Their depth varies
according to the position each should occupy in the line of guttering. The sections
are united together by means of flanges between which and the ends of the
guttering is placed a leaden packing the whole being rendered perfectly tight by
means of bolts and nuts. Each inclined line of collecting gutters c starts at an
initial depth of 23ths of an inch beneath the cover plate and may include an entire
stable or a range. of eight stalls without exceeding a depth of 8 inches which is
sufficient to enable the drain to be cleansed and washed, and carry.off the liquids to.
the exterior. In cases where the collecting drain or two sections sloping towards
each other discharge the urine and washing water into a pipe underground which
may serve for one stable, or a range of 16 Stalls, the liquids may be run off from.
the drain by holes similar to those of the covering plates made in the bottom of the
end of the drain which is introduced into the mouth of the pipe. By this means
the latter is prevented from becoming clogged with solid matters which may have
been allowed to fall into the drain.
In order to cleanse and wash out the drains, the straw which is still clean is
raked off the branch gutter to either side, as also that upon the collecting gutter,
while that which is to be removed to the dung heap is raked to the rear of the
stall the gutters are then washed and cleansed by sweeping them their entire
length and after taking care to remove any particles of gravel which may have
become lodged in the recesses for the hinges, the cover plate of the branch gutter a
is first raised by inserting a hook into one of the holes in said plate and turning it
on its hinges, after which the cover plate b may be raised by lifting it by its front
edge at the middle. This motion of the cover plates on their hinges is limited as
before mentioned in order that they may always remain visible when open. The
guttering is then cleaned out and washed, after which the cover plate bis first shut
down and the straw which has been raked off replaced, preferably placing the damp
straw upon the surface channel or gutter. The straw is then spread equally over
the entire surface.
The principal advantages of this improved system of draining stables are 1ªt that
the horse is maintained in better condition and greater vigour; 2nd greater success
is ensured in the breeding and rearing of horses; 3rd the great saving realised for
instance the urine passes immediately into the drain, the horse's coat is not soiled,
the work of the stable is less heavy and more quickly performed, the bedding is
always dry and less broken than when subject to the constant movement of the
feet owing to the inclination of the paving and will keep in better condition with
a less consumption of straw which is a great advantage specially in large towns
where its post is a considerable item, while for the Country there will be an
increased quantity of liquid manure obtained for fertilising the land. Lastly,
horses under these improved conditions as regards wholesomeness and equilibrium
which go to improve their health and comfort, will be less liable to accidents and
disease, will better retain their form and elasticity of action, be capable of performing
a greater amount of work, and wear longer,

page_text: This improved system of stable drainage is equally applicable to cow houses and
stalls for oxen.
Having described the nature of the said Invention and the manner of performing
the same I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected by the
herein before in part recited Letters Patent is :
1 The herein described construction of stable drains or gutters provided with
perforated hinged lids or covers recessed in the upper edge of the drain which is
Hush with the surface of the floor, whereby the latter may be laid perfectly
horizontal while yet permitting of the thorough and rapid draining off of the liquid
as specified
2nd A system of stable drains as herein described consisting of branch drains one
in each stall and each provided with a perforated hinged lid or cover and of a
collector drain extending across the several stalls, and also provided with a binged
lid or cover as shown and described.
3rd The construction of the hinged lid or cover for stable and other similar drains
having the hinged knuckles recessed in the sides of the. gutter, and made concave
on its upper surface and pierced with holes for the flow of the urine into the gutter
beneath, as herein before described and shown in the drawings for the purposes
specified,
In witness whereof I the said Alexander Melville Clark have hereunto set my
hand and seal this twenty first day of September A.D. 1883.