A Combined Drying Frame, Fence, Barricade, and Feeding Frame.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd June, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 24th Mar., 1894-Accepted, 12th May, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A Combined Drying Frame, Fence, Barricade, and Feeding Frame.
I, JAMES JONES of Larbert Saw Mills Larbert in the County of Stirling North
Britain Timber Merchant do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates chiefly to husbandry and has for its object to provide
portable appliances which can be used variously as temporary frames upon which
to dry crops of farm produce and other vegetable substances and alternately
therewith as fences or barricades and feeding frames.
These appliances consist chiefly of frames which are made of wood, of wood and
metal combined, wholly of metal or of these and any other suitable materials,
separately or combined, wire and wire netting being used in combination with any
of them.
They are designed for use in drying crops of grass, hay, wheat, beans, bark of
trees and other vegetable substances, more especially in precarious and showery
weather; the frames being placed near the growing crop, which, when cut down is
laid upon them and left there exposed to the action of the sun and atmosphere
until sufficiently dry.
One form in which I make my frame consists of a number of wooden hurdles
placed at intervals apart broadside to broadside and united by railed laths placed
table-wise upon the hurdles imparting to the range the appearance of a long bench
with a railed or grated top. This variety is also made with two or more tiers of
the horizontal bars, tier below tier, similarly to the frames upon which bricks are
dried in the open air; the topmost tier being preferably broader than those beneath
it and sloped as a roof for the purpose of throwing off rain
Such a drying frame as already described which contains between each two
supporting hurdles several tiers of longitudinal bars has one tier above another,
all the lowest bars thereof are fixed at an elevation above the ground and the next
tier of bars a short space above the first one each tier being distanced from the
one above or below it suitably for the purpose which the frame is intended to
serve.
The elevation of its bars above the ground enables the air to circulate around
them and leaves the growing grass beneath the frame unincumbered.
Sometimes I make the hurdle supports before named complete in themselves
and separable from the longitudinal bars to which they can be united as required:
at other times I fasten the longitudinal bars and each pair of hurdle supports
together, and use the frames, when so made, in detached sections or in continuous
rows.
These frames are designed and adapted, in their multiple forms, for fencing,
barricading and cattle feeding frame purposes as well as for drying vegetable
substances; and, when they are dismembered and separated into their several parts
each separate hurdle is still adapted for being used for fencing purposes in the
ordinary manner.
Any or all of the said tiers of bars is or are made horizontal, sloping or other-
wise as required.
If the longitudinal bars which form each tier or shelf are too wide apart
horizontally for supporting the crop or produce to be placed thereon I cover the
pars with sheets of wire (or other) netting before placing the crop thereon.

page_text: Another variety of my drying frame is constructed thus :-Two strong upright
frames or hurdles, made of wood, iron or suitable materials are fixed firmly
into the ground at each extremity of the space to be occupied by the frame and
one or more tiers of bars are formed between them consisting of wire strands
tightly strained from one of the said upright hurdles to the other. One or more
tiers of wire strands are thus fixed between these end supports and each, any, or
all of them is or are fixed so as to form a flat, horizontal, sloping, concave or
convex table surface upon which the subjects to be dried are placed. At intervals
between the two end frames, other, intermediate supports are fixed consisting of
uprights and laterals, each of them, but chiefly the laterals, serving as bearers
upon which the wire strands are supported. The position and shape of these
lateral rests determines the surface form of each tier of wire strands, some of the
wire tiers being arranged with level horizontal table surfaces; others with level
sloping (single or double) surfaces; others with a concave, gutter or trough shaped
formation.
I prefer to make the uppermost tier of a set of these horizontal bars to slope
either one or two ways so that it may when covered act as a roof to the lower
tiers and, in the event of rain falling whilst the drying frame is in use, throw off
the water instead of allowing it to fall on the tiers below.
'These wire strands, supports and hurdle frames are adapted for use alternately
as barricades, fences or feeding frames when not in use as drying frames.
Each strand of wire or other cord, as it passes over the lateral supports is made
fast thereto when required so as to relieve the excessive strain which would
otherwise come upon the end supports when the heavy crop is laid the fence.
upon
Each cord is made fast to one of the end frames and then strained tightly upon
the frame at the opposite end of the course, being fitted, preferably within notches
or suitable receptacles and retained therein by means of wedges, levers or other
simple agents.
The strands of wire, rope or other cord, forming the longitudinal bars of this
fence are stored upon one or more rollers before and after use upon the structure.
The end frames to which the strands of wire or other cord are made fast are,
when required, held immoveably in their places by attachment to hold fasts forming
parts of the structure, which holdfasts are fixed into the ground and contain
provisions for locking fast certain wire strands or bars connected with the end
frames.
These holdfasts are not always required: trees or other objects adjacent to the
frame may occasionally render them unnecessary: they are chiefly required when
the frame is fixed upon an open space.
The frames are furnished with provisions for the attachment of bars cords wire-
strands or other agents for preventing their contents being blown away during
the prevalence of high winds.
The roofing parts of these frames sometimes consists of solid boards, metal
plates canvas or other materials in place of the wooden rails, wire strands or
other open work.
In any or all of the above described forms or arrangements of my invention
the completed frames are designed and adapted for serving each, any or either of
the three purposes first named herein, and each variety of these said frames is
designed and adapted for being quickly and easily erected, taken down and removed
from one place to another.
1
T
11. f To 1902

page_text: A Combined Drying Frame, Fence, Barricade, and reeding
a
I, JAMES JONES of Larbert Saw Mills, Larbert in the County of Stirling
North Britain Timber Merchant 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 :-
This invention relates chiefly to husbandry and has for its objects to provide
portable appliances which can be used variously as temporary frames upon which
to dry crops of farm produce and other vegetable substances and alternately
therewith as fences or barricades and feeding frames.
These appliances consist chiefly of frames which are made of wood, of wood and
metal combined, wholly of metal or of these and any other suitable materials,
separately or combined; wire and wire netting being used in combination with any
of them.
They are designed for use in drying crops of grass, hay, wheat, beans, bark of
trees and other vegetable substances, more especially in precarious and showery
weather; the frames being placed suitably near to the growing crop, which, when
cut down is laid upon them and left there exposed to the action of the sun and
atmosphere until sufficiently dry.
One form in which I make my frame consists of a number of wooden hurdles
placed at intervals apart broadside to broadside and united by railed laths placed
table-wise upon the hurdles imparting to the range the appearance of a long bench
with a railed or grated top. This variety is also made with two or more tiers of
the horizontal bars, tier below tier similarly to the frames upon which bricks are
dried in the open air; the topmost tier being preferably broader than those
beneath it and sloped as a roof for the purpose of throwing off rain.
Such a drying frame as already described which contains between each two
supporting hurdles several tiers of longitudinal bars, has one tier above another,
all the lowest bars thereof are fixed at an elevation above the ground and the
next tier of bars a short space above the first one each tier being distanced from
the one above or below it suitably for the purpose which the frame is intended to
serve. The elevation of its bars above the ground enables the air to circulate
around them and leaves the growing grass beneath the frame unincumbered.
Sometimes I make the hurdle supports before named complete in themselves and
separable from the longitudinal bars to which they can be united as required: at
other times I fasten the longitudinal bars and each pair of hurdle supports
together and use the frames when so made in detached sections or in continuous
rows.
These frames are designed and adapted in their multiple forms for fencing,
barricading and cattle feeding frame purposes, as well as for drying vegetable
substances and when they are dismembered and separated into their several parts
cach separate hurdle is still adapted for being used for fencing purposes in the
ordinary manner.
Any or all of the said tiers of bars is or are made horizontal sloping or otherwise
as required.
If the longitudinal bars which form each tier or shelf are too wide apart
horizontally for supporting the crop or produce to be placed thereon I cover the
said bars with sheets of wire (or other) netting before placing the crop thereon.
Another variety of my drying frame is constructed thus:-Two strong upright
frames or hurdles made of wood, iron or suitable materials are fixed firmly into the
ground at each extremity of the space to be occupied by the frame and one or
imore tiers of bars are formed between them consisting of wire strands tightly

page_text: strained from one of the said upright hurdles to the other. One or more tiers of wire
strands are thus fixed between these end supports and each, any or all of them is or
are fixed so as to form a flat, horizontal, sloping, concave, or convex table surface
upon which the subjects to be dried are placed. At intervals between the two end
frames other intermediate supports are fixed consisting of uprights and laterals,
each of them, but chiefly the laterals serving as bearers upon which the wire
strands are supported. The position and shape of these lateral rests determine
the surface form of each tier of wire strands; some of the wire tiers being
arranged with level horizontal table surfaces; others with level, single or double
sloping surfaces; others with a concave gutter or trough shaped formation.
I prefer to make the uppermost tier of a set of these horizontal bars to slope
either one or two ways so that it may when covered act as a roof to the lower tiers
and in the event of rain falling whilst the drying frame is in use, throw off the
water instead of allowing it to fall on the tier below.
These wire strands supports and hurdle frames are adapted for use alternately
as barricades, fences or feeding frames when not in use as drying frames.
Each strand of wire or other cord as it passes over the lateral supports is made
fast thereto when required so as to relieve the excessive strain which would
otherwise come upon the end supports when the heavy crop is laid upon the fence.
Each cord is made fast to one of the end frames and then strained tightly upon
the frame at the opposite end of the course being fitted preferably within notches
or suitable receptacles and retained therein by means of wedges, levers or other
simple agents.
The strands of wire rope or other cord forming the longitudinal bars of this
fence are stored upon one or more rollers before and after use upon the structure.
The end frames to which the strands of wire or other cord are made fast are
when required held immoveably in their places by attachment to holdfasts forming
parts of the structure which holdfasts are fixed into the ground and contain provisions
for locking fast certain wire strands or bars connected with the end frame.
The holdfasts are not always required: trees or other objects, adjacent to the
frame may occasionally render them unnecessary they are chiefly required when
the frame is fixed upon an open space.
The frames are furnished with provisions for the attachment of bars cords wire
strands or other agents for preventing their contents being blown away during the
prevalence of high winds.
The roofing parts of these frames sometimes consist of solid boards metal plates
canvas or other materials in place of the wooden rails, wire strands or other open
work.
In any or all of the above described arrangements of my invention the completed
frames are designed and adapted for serving each any or either of the three
purposes first named herein and each variety of these said frames is designed and
adapted for being quickly and easily constructed taken apart and removed from
one place to another.
This invention will be better understood if reference is made to the accompanying
drawings in which :-
Figs. 1, & 2, are representations of hurdle frames adapted for forming parts of
my invention.
Fig. 3, is a perspective view shewing a portion of a continuous drying fence or
frame.
Figs. 4, & 5, are perspective views representing certain varieties of my improved
drying frame.
Figs. 6, 7, & 8 are perspective views of my improved drying frame.
Fig. 9, is a perspective view shewing an end hurdle frame of my drying fence
with wire strands for holding crops and others for tethering it.
Fig. 10, gives a perspective view of two sockets for the frame shewn in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11, is a perspective view of a hold fast for combination with my drying
fence.

page_text: Fig. 12, is a perspective view of a drying frame or fence made according to my
invention and in actual use.
Similar letters of reference and numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout
these illustrations.
The hurdle support shewn in Fig. 6 composed of upright bars A united to a
horizontal one B comprises the simplest requisite of my drying frame or fence as
herein described. The top bar B is sometimes sloped in one or two directions as
shewn in Figs. 2 & 5. It is made variously of loose bars A fixed into the ground
and then united together by fixing the cross bars B upon them or of completed
frames as shewn by Figs. 1 & 2. Fig. 3 represents a portion of a drying fence
composed of a number of hurdles like that shewn in Fig. 1 placed at certain
distances apart from each other and united together by means of the horizontal
bars C which are screwed or otherwise fixed to them. Drying frames thus
constructed can be readily taken to pieces.
The bars A, B, & C composing the drying frames Figs. 4 & 5 are permanently
fastened together and each frame is capable of being used alone. Any number of
them can be placed together in continuous rows or may be placed at intervals
apart and then united in one or more continuous rows by means of horizontal bars
such as those marked C in Fig. 3. If the bars C are too wide apart for the nature
of the crop I sometimes lay sheets of wire netting D over them as shewn in
Fig. 4.
Each tier of bars C in Figs. 1 to 5 is marked 1. 2. or 3. I sometimes make my
drying frame in the form of a long bench or table with railed top as shewn in
Fig. 6 without any shelf beneath, and at others I make it with one or more tiers
beneath as shewn in Figs. 7. 8. & 9.
The drying fences shewn in Figs. 6. 7. 8. & 12 are chiefly constructed of metal
hurdles and wire strands. These are shewn in greater detail in Figs. 9. 10 & 11.
Fig. 12 represents a metal drying fence erected upon undulating ground tethered
by cords G fixed to pegs H driven in the ground for the purpose of resisting wind
pressure.
The metal sockets F Fig. 10 each containing a T shaped sheath J are driven
into the ground and the upright bars A Fig. 9 composed of T shaped iron or steel
are fixed therein and united together by means of the lateral bars B, b, fastened
with bolts, rivets, or other simple contrivances.
Holdfasts Fig. 11 or any suitable pegs are driven in the ground and the
frame A, B, b, is made fast to them with ropes wires bars (or chains) a' tightly
strained. Slots are formed in the lateral bars B, b, into each of which a strand
of wire is firmly fastened all these wires are extended to the opposite end of the
fence and each one is there inserted in a slot 61 in a second frame A,-B, b, which
is tethered similarly to Figs. 9, & 11. Intermediate frames like A, B, b, Fig. 9
are inserted at intervals marked K Figs. 8 and 12 along the fence and where the
wires E cross the bars B, b, they are inserted in slots and fixed tightly therein
with wedges such as 62 Fig. 9 for the purpose of distributing the strain arising
from the weight of the crop laid upon the wire strands, and preventing it telling
too severely upon the endmost frames A, B, b, and ropes a¹.
When these frames, are erected as before described the crops are spread upon
each or all of the several tiers of horizontal bars and left exposed there to the
action of the atmosphere until thoroughly dry. In rough or windy weather the
crop can be tied down upon the fence by means of wires, ropes or netting attached
in any simple manner to the frame to prevent it being blown off. The frames
shewn in Figs. 4 & 5 are designed and adapted for use as feeding frames for cattle
as well as drying fences for crops. The hurdles A, B, b, and uniting rails C, and
wires E are designed and adapted for use as barricade fences in addition to or
alternately with the drying frame purposes described herein. I find that the
Tshaped section of metal standard A is especially suited to my purpose owing to
the great strain which is put upon them when tightening up the wire strands as

page_text: the wire is not only a very refractory material to draw into straight lines
but is also from its great length often very heavy as well. For tightening the
strands of wire and retaining their ends I make use of any ordinary and known
means, such for instance as a spanner ratchet brace bracketted spindle with ratchet
wheel, pawl, operating key and eyelets; sometimes for fixing the cords immoveably
I use a screwed bolt cam lever or as shewn herein, a simple wedge. Instead of
uniting the wire strands to the lateral bars B, b, by nailing them thereon with wire
staples I provide slots or notches therein marked and fix cach wire in a notch
by means of a wedge.
Where the nature of the ground requires it I employ a metal base piece for
every er any post A whatever may be the shape or material of the post the shape
of the hole or socket in the base piece corresponding with that of the post.
Sometimes I make use of hempen or other cords instead of the wire strands E
in the construction of this drying frame or fence, but the wire strands are most
durable and inflexible and therefore best suited for my purpose.
I am aware that prior to my invention portable frames have been made con-
structed of upright posts and several tiers of horizontal bars, tier above tier for
the purpose of drying bricks and drain tiles; also that metal base pieces, each
containing a hole or socket for receiving an upright post for fencing or barricade
purposes, and upright posts of wood or metal with lateral strands of wire or sheets
of wire netting, have been employed for constructing barricades and fences also
railed feeding frames or cages for small cattle it will therefore be understood that
I do not claim these things as my invention.
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
First. A portable drying frame or fence constructed of numerous hurdles such
as shewn in Figures 1 and 2 united together at intervals by means of horizontal
bars C Fig. 3 and adapted for rapid erection and dismemberment all substantially
as herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes
specified.
Second. A combined drying frame or fence, barricade and feeding frame con-
structed of numerous hurdles such as shewn in Figures 1 and 2 united together at
intervals by means of horizontal bars C Fig. 3 and adapted for rapid erection and
dismemberment all substantially as herein described and drawn or any mere
modification thereof for the purposes specified.
Third. A portable drying frame or fence constructed of one or more railed
frames such as shewn in Figures 4 and 5 all substantially as herein described and
drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes specified.
Fourth. A portable drying frame or fence constructed of numerous railed frames
such as shewn in Figures 4 and 5 placed at intervals apart and there united
together by means of horizontal bars and fittings, all substantially as herein
described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes specified.
Fifth. A combined drying frame or fence barricade and feeding frame con-
structed of upright posts and lateral bars as shewn in Figures 4 and 5 all
substantially as herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for
the purposes specified.
Sixth. A combined drying frame or fence barricade and feeding frame con-
structed of upright posts lateral bars and wire netting all substantially as herein
described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes specified.
Seventh. A portable drying frame or fence constructed of upright posts A
united together by means of lateral bars B and supporting a series of wire
strands E as shewn in Figure 6 all substantially as herein described and drawn or
any mere modification thereof for the purposes specified.
Eighth. A portable drying frame or fence constructel of upright posts A united

page_text: together by means of lateral bara B and supporting a series of hempen or other
cords E as shewn in Fig. 6 all substantially as herein described and drawn or any
mere modification thereof for the purposes specified.
Ninth. A portable drying frame or fence constructed of upright posts A united
together by means of lateral bars B and supporting two or more tiers of wire
strands E one tier above another as shewn in Figures 7 and 8 all substantially as
herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes
specified.
Tenth. A portable drying frame or fence constructed of upright posts A united
together by means of lateral bars B and supporting two or more tiers of hempen
or other cords E one tier above another as shewn in Figures 7 and 8 all sub-
stantially as herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for the
purposes specified.
Eleventh. A portable drying frame or fence constructed of upright posts A,
lateral bars B, b, and wire strands E as shewn in Figure 9 all substantially as
herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes
specified.
Twelfth. A portable drying frame or fence constructed of upright posts A,
lateral bars B, 6, and vegetable cords E as shewn in Figure 9 all substantially as
herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes
specified.
Thirteenth. A combined portable drying frame or fence and barricade_con-
structed of upright posts A, lateral bars B, b, strands E and sockets F all
substantially as herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for
the purposes specified.
Dated this Twenty-second day of March 1894
JOSEPH
LOCKWOOD,
263, Argyle Street, Glasgow, Agent for the Applicant.