Improvements in Fire-proof Safes.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application. 7th Nov.. 1893
Complete Specification Left, 16th Mar., 1994-Accepted, 7th Nov. 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fire-proof Safes.
I, WILLIAM CORLISS, residing at the Narragansett Hotel, No. 62 Dorrence
Street, in the City and County of Providence, in the State of Rhode Island,
United States of America, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:
I make the safe substantially double, there being a continuous shell of fire-
proof material, constituting an outer safe, and within this a smaller continuous shell
of fire proof material, constituting an inner safe, with a space between. The
intermediate space may be simply air, or preferably occupied by porous earthen-
ware, or analogous material, either in one piece or in many pieces. I will, for
brevity, designate the two shells one within the other, as two safes, referring to
one as the outer safe; and the other as the inner safe. Each has an outer and an
inner face of metal and a filling of material especially adapted to resist fire.
The outer face of the outer safe constitutes the exterior of the finished structure.
I make it of stout plates of charcoal iron, formed in dies or otherwise, with corners
rounded on a considerable radius. The safe, when finished, is rectangular, but
with all its corners rounded. There are neither points nor angular edges on the
exterior of the structure.
The door and also the door frame or jamb surrounding the exterior of the door,
has the outer and inner parts in separate pieces, with provisions for retarding the
conduction of heat from the exterior inward. The edges of the door and the inner
faces of the door-frame are formed in steps, with one of the steps near the interior
of the safe finished to form a tight fit, the other steps being easy fits, but aiding to
prevent the circulation of flame and hot gases in the joints. A peculiarly formed
flange extends outward from about the mid-depth of the door-frame, with a lip on
its outer edge, which latter forms a support for the inner metal or lining of the
outer safe, and for the outer metal or exterior shell of the inner safe.
To facilitate the manufacture of the outer part and the inner part of the door
frame, I produce each in four pieces, and mill or otherwise finish the interior
surfaces before applying them together. These four bars are strongly joined at the
corners.
I employ a thin coating of asbestos, inserted and held in the permanent joints in
the form of paper or woven fabric, to aid in retarding the conduction of heat from
the exterior inward along the metallic parts in the edge of the door and in the
door-frame. Portions of the joining surfaces are cut away to further reduce the
conduction of heat from the outer of the metallic parts to the inner.
I have in Letters Patent to me, dated June 26th 1883, No. 3151, set forth a
mode of making a joint and of securing the door which consists in providing stout
plates, one for each of the four sides of the door, and provided means for moving
these plates outward and inward, causing them to lap across the space between the
door and the door-frame at a proper depth in the material, so as to tightly close
the joint when the door is to be secured, and for withdrawing them when required,
so as to leave the door free to be opened and closed. In that Patent the plates
were withdrawn outward into the door-frame; and when the door was to be secured

page_text: the plates were moved inward across the joint and engaged in a groove in the door.
Such arrangement necessitated the mounting of the machinery for operating the
plates in the stationary parts of the safe or vault.
I have since devised an arrangement whereby the plates-may be mounted in the
door and withdrawn inward towards the center of the door. When the door is
closed and it is desired to lock it, and to secure the joint, the plates are moved
outward. The movement of the plates outward does not open any spaces at the
corners, because there is provided at each corner an obliquely movable wedge-
formed piece which is arranged to move inward and outward. When the door is
to be locked, the plates which secure the main portion of the joint along each side
and the top and bottom are thrown outward to the required small extent, and the
obliquely moving pieces are thrown outward in the corners to the required larger
extent and close the aperture which would otherwise there exist. In unlocking,
the reverse takes place; the corner pieces move inward to the required large
extent, and the several edge-plates are moved inward to their proper small extent.
Connections are provided so that these motions are induced by a single movement,
the partial turning of a shaft which may be secured by a lock.
I employ an improved construction of the eye or connection of the toggles to the
plates which gives a bearing over the whole thickness of the plate, and is eminently
adapted to the application of great force if such shall be necessary in urging the
plates fully out; and have combined the whole with the double construction of the
safe.
The accompanying drawings form a part of this Specification and represent what
I consider the best means of carrying out the invention.
Figure is a horizontal section of the entire safe.
Figure 2 is a rear elevation of a portion of the door-frame.
Figure 3 is a vertical section through a portion of the door-frame at and adjacent
to the upper left-hand corner. It is in the plane of the door at about the
mid-thickness thereof.
Figure 4 is a horizontal section through a portion of the door and door-frame on
a larger scale.
Figure 5 is a front view of the mechanism in the left hand upper corner of the
door. This shows the mechanism with the locking plates and the corner piece
forced outward into the recess in the fixed jamb or casing.
Figure 6 is a corresponding view of the same parts showing the condition when
the plates and corner piece are drawn inward.
Figure 7 is a perspective view, aiding to show the construction at the corners.
Figure 8 represents a modification. It is a front view of the mechanism of the
upper portion of the door.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures where
they appear.
A is the exterior front piece of the body of the safe, certain portions being
designated when necessary, by additional marks, as A'. This outside front piece
may be of iron or soft steel of a quality capable of being flanged. A sufficiently
large piece is raised to a high temperature and treated rapidly between two suitable
dies operated by hydraulic press or otherwise, and the edge flanged on a curve, as
indicated at A. After this is completely formed a clean-cut rectangular hole is
produced for the door.
is cut.
A similar treatment is adopted for the back plate B, except that a smaller hole
This hole is mainly useful in introducing the filling of the outer safe. It
is closed by a covering plate C, secured by bolts c.
The other surfaces D, of the outer safe, namely the right and left sides, and the
top and bottom, are formed of iron or steel, which may be of the same thickness,
either in one long piece extending quite around and bent at two points at the top
and two at the bottom, or it can be in two or more pieces correspondingly bent and
riveted or otherwise secured together. I will describe it as made of a single
piece, D, riveted to the front piece A and back piece B, as shown in Fig. 1.
- A

page_text: K and L are plates flanged on a curve in the same manner as the plates A and B.
The innermost, L, is smaller than the outermost, K. Plates K' and L' are riveted
to these back plates respectively, and to the flanges J, near the front of the safe,
which will be described further on: These plates K, K', and L, L' provide
continuous air-spaces, separating from each other the inner and outer safes, at the
back, the sides, the top and the bottom of the safe.
The door is formed in two parts, one exterior to the other, with a space between.
E is the rectangular frame which forms the edge of the outer door. It is formed
with an internal flange E¹ on its front edge and a still wider flange E³ on its back
edge. On the front is bolted a stout plane plate E³, which may be hard iron or
steel, secured by rivets. The exterior of the frame E, is formed with a step,
as shown, adapted to match approximately to a corresponding step in the door
frame.
F is a rectangular frame of iron or steel rebated, to which are riveted two
plates F, F, a little distance apart. The space between these two plates constitutes
the dividing space between the outer and inner layers or parts of the door. The
outer edge of this plate F, forms a step to match approximately to a corresponding
step in the door-frame.
G is the edge of what I term the inner door. It is formel with an internal
flange G at its front edge, and with a still broader internal flange G2, forming a
portion of a back plate to the inner door. The aperture in the centre of this back
plate is closed by a steel plate G³, secured by bolts, not shown. The exterior of
the main part G, formed with two steps g', g', the former matched loosely and
the innermost matched tightly, each to a corresponding step in the door-frame.
G is a rectangular frame, and G is a continuous plate extending across the
whole inner face of the door. These are bolted to the part G³, and the considerable
rebate shown between them accommodates the locking bolt T. The construction
and operation of this bolt will be described further on. It serves both to hold the
door strongly closed and also to defend the joint against the entrance of fire or
water.
The door frame or jamb is formed in eight parts, four parts, I, being_mitred
together to constitute the outer portion of the door frame, and four parts J being
mitred together to constitute the inner portion of the door frame.
The front edge of each part I has a flange 1', which is riveted to the front
part A. The back or inner edge of each part I has a flange 12. Each end of
each part I has a flange 13, extending outward at an angle of 45°, and strongly
secured to the corresponding flanges of the adjacent parts I by bolts or rivets.
The front edge of each part J has a wide flange J₁, the outer edge of which is
itself flanged, as indicated by J. The flange J' is united to the flange 1' by
bolts, as shown. Each end of each part J has a flange J³, at an angle of 45°, each
strongly bolted to a corresponding flange on the adjacent part J, thus making a
unit of the inner or back part of the door frame, in the same manner as the outer
pr front parts constitute a unit.
The inner parts J of the door frame extend inward somewhat beyond the inner
face of the door. To these extensions are riveted plates M, the back edges of
which are riveted to corner-pieces M', to which latter is riveted a back piece M².
These plates M and M' constitute the inner metallic shell of the safe. There may
be within this a lining of mahogany or other suitable wood, not shown.
Provisions are made for retarding the conduction of heat between these parts.
These provisions are of two kinds, either of which may be used with some
advantage alone, but I prefer to use both;-first, large portions of the bearing are
excavated, leaving only a small amount of bearing along the edge adjacent to the
door, and around the several holding-bolts; and second, a thin but continuous layer
of asbestos paper is applied between these parts, so that the bolts alone constitute
the principal means by which heat can traverse from the exterior part I to the
interior part J, of the permanently united parts I J of the jamb.
The space between the outer shell A A', B. B', D and the inner shell K K' of

page_text: the outer safe, is filled with a non-conducting material p. This may be plaster of
paris, the earthy material consisting of sulphate of lime obtained as a bye-product
when sulphuric acid is added to carbonate of lime for producing carbon dioxide for
use in the manufacture of aerated waters; clay, a mixture of clay and alum, or
any other material adapted to promote the fire-proof qualities of the safe and not
liable to introduce other difficulties. Plaster of paris made from ordinary sulphate
of lime, calcined and mixed with water and poured in in a fluid condition, forms a
good fire-proof defence for the contents of the safe, but is objectionable from its
liability to give out moisture and make the contents of the safe damp. The success
my invention depends on no special character of filling. I can use any filling
that is found suitable to serve in other fire-proof safes.
of
The space between the casing L L', which is the innermost of the intermediate
casings, and the inner or lining casing M M¹ M2, is filled with the same or a different
filling. This space is marked q.
So also, the space in the door between the front plate E' and the outermost
intermediate plate F', is filled with a good fire-proof filling marked r.
The space
between the plate F³, the innermost of the intermediate plates of the door, and the
flange G, and the plate G³, is filled with similar fire-proof material marked s. It
will be understood that the innermost space in the door, that between the plates G³
and Go, is intended mainly to accommodate the locks, levers &c. for operating the
plates which serve as bolts.
The thin space between the intermediate plates F¹, F, in the door, is filled or
nearly filled, with a more or less continuous plate of highly porous earthenware, N.
The space in the main body between the plates K K', and L L', is similarly filled
or nearly filled with porous earthenware, correspondingly lettered. Such filling
contributes to the strength, and constitutes a barrier to the radiation of heat. It
is a good non-conductor. Such porous brick or earthenware is preferable to empty
space, forbidding the transmission of heat by radiation, and also forbidding the
transmission of heat by "convection," both of which modes of conveying heat from
the exterior of the safe to the interior, are liable to obtain when air alone is
enclosed.
Making the back-plate C removable facilitates the introduction of the filling. It
is joined by bolts c, which are inserted through holes in the plates C and B, and
are tapped into a frame B2, which is mounted on the inside of the back plate B,
and serves as a reinforce for its inner edge. This plate is of sufficient thickness
to receive and strongly hold the bolts.
Figures 5 to 9 have special means which I employ for securing the joint around
the door.
The door-casing J has a groovej extending quite around, and the inner door G
allows room for the plates and corner pieces, and also room for the several levers
and links required to give the proper motions of these important parts.
TT are four movable plates of steel mounted in the door and extending along
its four edges. They are adapted to move to a limited extent outward and inward.
Each is provided with a series of transverse slots t which receive each a stout
screw-bolt S permanently fixed in the door, which performs the double function of
strengthening the door to resist any strain, as an explosion applied to force the
door open, and of keeping the movable plate T in the correct position as it moves
outward and inward.
Referring to the upper left-hand corner of the door, U and V are links, hinged
together at U', the link U turning on a fixed pivot G set in the door, and the
link V turning on a circular head V' fitted in a corresponding recess in the plate T.
By changing the angular position of these toggle links U, V, the plates T are
forced outward or drawn inward as required. The pivot G is set in such position
in the door that it serves as the centre for two levers U, one serving with its
proper link V to move the horizontal plate T at the upper edge of the door, and
the other serving with the proper link for operating the vertical plate which
serves as a vertical edge or side of the door. These two links UU are in fact

page_text: formed in one stiffly connected part, and in addition to their functions as members
of their respective toggles to force outward and draw inward their respective
plates T, serve also as a lever to communicate motion from the top to the side.
W is a wheel capable of being turned nearly a half revolution by a suitable shaft
and connection from the exterior of the door, not shown. A pin W carried on
this wheel communicates motion through a link W2, which extends upward nearly
to the top of the door, the upper end being guided by a pin or short arm W³,
traversing in a vertical groove g³ formed in the door. This pin W³ connects by a
link X with the centre U' on each side. I will describe only the left-hand side.
The turning of the wheel W a little less than a half revolution by thrusting the
link W forces the pivot U₁ to the left, and by its direct effect through the first
toggle UV raises the plate T at the upper edge of the door. The motion being
communicated through the rigid connection of the two links or levers U⚫V together,
correspondingly straightens the second toggle U V, and moves outward the plate T
at the side of the door.
Y Y are corner pieces adapted to fill the wedge-formed spaces which exist
between the bevelled and grooved ends of the plates T at each corner of the door.
These pieces Y are tongued, and move outward and inward between the adjacent
plates T respectively, in the grooves of which plates the tongues on the edges of
the corner pieces Y are engaged. Their outer ends are properly formed to match
in the groove j and to tightly close the joint between the door and the casing at the
corner points. These pieces Y have extensions Y₁, each provided with a slot y
which receives the corresponding pivot G" and is guided thereby. To the extreme
end of this extension Y₁ is pivoted by a short link, a bell-crank lever X turning on
a centre G' fixed in the door. A link Z connects the other extremity with the
centre pin or knuckle U₁ of the adjacent toggle U V.
The several plates T are bevelled or reduced in thickness at their outer edges,
and the groove; in which they engage is correspondingly bevelled. When the
plates T and the corner pieces Y are forced outward by the action of my
mechanism, the movement not only locks the door very effectually, but also draws
it tightly to its bearing on the proper face of the casing, and makes a tight joint.
Furthermore, the plates T and the corner pieces Y by their tight matching
together at the corners, and their tight matching into the groove along the entire
length of the joint, form an additional bar to prevent the passage of flame when
the safe is exposed to fire, or to prevent the entrance of water when the safe shall
be drenched or immersed.
The partially revolving wheel W is secured by a lock P or other reliable
fastening, or by a number of such locks, one of which may be a time-lock.
When it is desired to open the safe, the wheel W is liberated by the action of
the proper key or keys, or by the action of the time-mechanism, or both, not
shown, and a proper force being applied through a shaft from the exterior, or other
means not shown, the wheel W is partially revolved.
Directing attention to the upper part of the safe, this partial revolution brings
the pin W which is connected with that portion of the mechanism in the lowest
position. This movement draws down the link W' and draws on the link X thus
throwing the toggle links U V into the inclined position shown in Fig. 6, and
drawing inward the plate T which extends along the upper edge of the door.
The same movement by the rigid connection of the corner links U U into a
bell-crank lever, insures a corresponding action in the second toggle U V and aids
to control the side plate T, and that is consequently drawn inward. The motion
transmitted from the lower arm U through the link U to the lever Z rocks
this latter lever on its axis G, and through the short link shown draws the corner
piece Y inward toward the center of the door. The proportions of the parts are
such that this movement of the corner piece Y is much greater than that of the
plates T. The corner pieces Y have been made to move outward and inward about
three inches while the plates T move outward and inward only about half an inch.

page_text: This, through the wedge form of the corner pieces Y, provides a. sufficient
space at the several corners for the plates T to draw inward properly.
When the safe is to be locked, a half revolution of the wheel W in the opposite
direction carries the link W2 upward, thereby bringing the links ✗ into the level
position acting toggle-wise through this link on the toggle U V, and causing
the plate T to be strongly forced out. The same movement exerts a thrusting
force through the link U and lever Z, and thrusts the corner piece Y outward to
the large extent required to take up the increased space offered at the corners by
the movement of the plates T outward, and make a tight joint at each corner
of the safe.
The mechanism at the several corners of the door are counterparts of each other;
all are operated by a single half revolution of the central wheel W.
The mechanism in the upper right-hand corner, not shown, is operated by a
connection corresponding to the link X connected to the rod W' at the point W³.
In other words, the rod W' in being moved upward and downward operates
two links X extending in opposite directions from the pivot W³, one of which
operates the mechanism on the left hand upper corner, as shown, and the other
operates mechanisin which is the exact reverse thereof on the right hand upper
corner, not shown.
A pin corresponding to W' set in the wheel W opposite to the pin shown,
operates a link partly shown corresponding to W, but extending downward, and
this latter guided the same as the rod W2 above, operates by two links extending
therefrom the mechanism in the right and left corners respectively at the bottom.
I attach importance to the connection of the links V to the plates T by the
circular heads V', applied in corresponding circular recesses in the plates. The
heads V are cylindrical, the axis of the cylinder lying at right angles to
the direction of the link. The diameter of the head is considerably larger than the
breadth of the neck, or of that part of the link adjacent to the head, and which
with the play of the mechanism swings in a recess connected with the circular
cavity. This connection affords a sufficient hold for the pulling action of the
toggles in drawing the plates inward toward the center of the door, and it
provides an especially efficient bearing for the strain in the opposite direction,-
that which thrusts the plates T outward into their respective grooves.
strain in the latter direction is far greater than that required to draw the plates
inward. My construction forming cylindrical recesses in the plates Tand
providing them with wedge-shaped openings just sufficient to allow the link
to swing to the required extent, makes a union which is uniform through the
whole thickness of the plates. It is eminently adapted to endure a very great
strain, such as results both in theory and in practice when a tolerable force
is applied to a toggle to urge it into the straight condition.
The
1 attach importance to the fact that my main locking plates T extend
continuously each nearly the whole length of its respective edges of the door with
their ends oblique as shown, and that the corner pieces Y are made wedge-shaped,
with the small ends outward, and have a greater motion than the side plates,
because the continuous length of each side plate gives strength and simplicity not
otherwise attainable.
The plates T and corner pieces Y, as operated constitute a rectangular
expanding ring. When they are long and of only a little breadth and thickness,
so as to be liable to spring, additional toggles as U V, may be employed,
distributed along the length of each and connected so as to be all operated
together.
It will be understood that the safe may have all the ordinary accessories.
For example, it is mounted on small wheels, the door is provided with stout
hinges, and with one or more shafts leading inward from the exterior to operate the
locking and bolting mechanism.
Modifications may be made in the details without departing from the principle

page_text: or sacrificing the advantages of the invention. Parts of the invention can be used
without the whole. I can dispense with the plates T and Y, and their operating
means, and hold the door strongly and tightly closed by other means.
Dated this 7th day of November 1893.
W. LLOYD WISE,
Per F. J. Brougham,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.
Improvements in Fire-proof Safes.
1, WILLIAM CORLISS, residing at the Narragansett Hotel, No. 62 Dorrence
Street, in the City and County of Providence, in the State of Rhode Island,
United States of America, Manufacturer, 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:-
'
I make the safe substantially double, there being a continuous shell of fire-proof
material constituting an outer safe, and within this a smaller continuous shell of
fire-proof material, constituting an inner safe, with a space between. The inter-
mediate space may be simply air, or preferably occupied by porous earthenware,
or analogous material, either in one piece or in many pieces. I will, for brevity,
designate the two shells one within the other, as two safes, referring to one as the
outer safe, and the other as the inner safe. Each has an outer and an inner face of
inetal and a filling of material especially adapted to resist fire.
The outer face of the outer safe constitutes the exterior of the finished structure..
I make it of stout plates of charcoal iron, formed in dies or otherwise, with corners
rounded on a considerable radius. The safe, when finished, is rectangular, but with
all its corners rounded. There are neither points nor angular edges on the exterior
of the structure.
The door and also the door-frame or jamb surrounding the exterior of the door,.
has the 'outer and inner parts in separate pieces, with provisions for retarding the
conduction of heat from the exterior inward. The edges of the door and the inner
faces of the door frame are formed in steps, with one of the steps near the interior
of the safe finished to form a tight fit, the other steps being easy fits, but aiding to
prevent the circulation of flame and hot gases in the joints. A peculiarly-formed
flange extends outward from about the mid-depth of the door-frame, with a lip on
its outer edge, which latter forms a support for the inner metal or lining of the
outer safe, and for the outer metal or exterior shell of the inner safe.
To facilitate the manufacture of the outer part and the inner part of the door-.
frame, I produce each in four pieces, and mill or otherwise finish the interior
surfaces before applying them together. These four bars are strongly joined at
the corners.
I employ a thin coating of asbestos, inserted and held in the permanent joints in
the form of paper or woven fabric, to aid in retarding the conduction of heat from
the exterior inward along the metallic parts in the edge of the door and in the
door-frame. Portions of the joining surfaces are cut away to further reduce the
conduction of heat from the outer of the metallic parts to the inner.
I have in Letters-Patent to me, dated June 26th 1883, No. 3151, set forth a
mode of making a joint and of securing the door which consists in providing stout
plates, one for each of the four sides of the door, and provided means for moving-
these plates outward and inward, causing them to lap across the space between the
door and the door-frame at a proper depth in the material, so as to tightly close
the joint when the door is to be secured, and for withdrawing then when required,
so as to leave the door free to be opened and closed. In that Patent the plates

page_text: were withdrawn outward into the door-frame; and when the door was to be
secured the plates were moved inward across the joint and engaged in a groove in
the door. Such arrangement necessitated the mounting of the machinery for
operating the plates in the stationary parts of the safe or vault.
I have since devised an arrangement whereby the plates may be mounted in the
door and withdrawn inward towards the center of the door. When the door is
closed and it is desired to lock it, and to secure the joint, the plates are moved
outward. The movement of the plates outward does not open any spaces at the
corners, because there is provided at each corner an obliquely movable wedge
formed piece which is arranged to move inward and outward. When the door is
to be locked, the plates which secure the main portion of the joint along each side
and the top and bottom are thrown outward to the required small extent, and the
obliquely moving pieces are thrown outward in the corners to the required larger
extent and close the apertures which would otherwise there exist. In unlocking,
the reverse takes place; the corner pieces move inward to the required large
extent, and the several edge plates are moved inward to their proper small extent.
Connections are provided so that these motions are induced by a single movement,―
the partial turning of a shaft which may be secured by a lock.
I employ an improved construction of the eye or connection of the toggles to
the plates which gives a bearing over the whole thickness of the plate, and is
eminently adapted to the application of great force if such shall be necessary in
urging the plates fully out, and have combined the whole with the double
construction of the safe.
I arrange the plates and their operating mechanism near the extreme inner face
of the double door, and make the door frame extend inward, and equip it with the
proper recess extending around to receive the locking plates near the extreme
inner edge. This insures that the safe is effectively locked, that the joint is
reliably closed, and that the parts by which this is done are well protected from
external heat.
The slots in these plates which receive the pins to serve as
guides, are arranged
so far inward towards the center of the safe that when the plates are thrown
outward to their fullest extents these slots do not come in line with the joint between
the door and the door-frame. When the safe is locked that joint is closed being
covered by the plates. I scollop the inner edge of each plate and correspondingly
recess the adjacent portion of the door to allow for this arrangement of the slots.
Referring to the drawings filed with my Provisional Specification and which
represent what I consider the best means of carrying out the invention :-
Figure 1 is a horizontal section of the entire safe.
Figure 2 is a rear elevation of a portion of the door-frame.
Figure 3 is a vertical section through a portion of the door-frame at and adjacent
to the upper left-hand corner. It is in the plane of the door at about the mid-
thickness thereof.
Figure 4 is a horizontal section through a portion of the door and door-frame on
a larger scale.
Figure 5 is a front view of the mechanism in the left-hand upper corner of the
door. This shows the mechanism with the locking plates and the corner piece
forced outward into the recess in the fixed jamb or casing.
Figure 6 is a corresponding view of the same parts showing the condition when
the plates and corner piece are drawn inward.
Figure 7 is a perspective view, aiding to show the construction at the corner.
Figure 8 represents a modification. It is a front view of the mechanisin of the
upper portion of the door.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures where
they appear.
A is the exterior front piece of the body of the safe, certain portions being
designated when necessary, by additional marks, as A¹. This outside front piece
may be of iron or soft steel of a quality capable of being flanged. A sufficiently.

page_text: large piece is raised to a high temperature and treated rapidly between two suitable
dies operated by hydraulic press or otherwise and the edge flanged on a curve, as
indicated at A'. After this is completely formed a clean-cut rectangular hole is
produced for the door.
A similar treatment is adopted for the back plate B, except that a smaller hole
is cut. This hole is mainly useful in introducing the filling of the outer safe. It
is closed by a covering plate C, secured by bolts c.
The other surfaces D, of the outer safe, namely the right and left sides, and the
top and bottom, are formed of iron or steel, which may be of the same thickness,
either in one long piece extending quite around and bent at two points at the top
and two at the bottom, or it can be in two or more pieces correspondingly bent and
riveted or otherwise secured together. I will describe it as made of a single
piece, D, riveted to the front piece A and back piece B, as shown in Fig. 1.
K and L are plates flanged on a curve in the same manner as the plates A and B.
The innermost, L, is smaller than the outermost, K. Plates K and L' are riveted
to these back plates respectively, and to the flanges J', near the front of the safe,
which will be described further on. These plates K, K', and L, L', provide
continuous air-spaces, separating from each other the inner and outer safes at the
back, the sides, the top and the bottom of the safe.
The door is formed in two parts, one exterior to the other, with a space between.
E is the rectangular frame which forms the edge of the outer door. It is formed
with an internal flange E¹ on its front edge and a still wider flange E' on its back
edge. On the front is bolted a stout plane plate E³, which may be hard iron or
steel, secured by rivets. The exterior of the frame E, is formed with a step,
as shown, adapted to match approximately to a corresponding step in the door
frame.
F is a rectangular frame of iron or steel rebated, to which are riveted two
plates F, F, a little distance apart. The space between these two plates constitutes
the dividing space between the outer and inner layers or parts of the door. The
outer edge of this plate F, forms a step to match approximately to a corresponding
step in the door-frame.
G is the edge of what I term the inner door. It is formed with an internal
flange G¹, at its front edge, and with a still broader internal flange G', forming a
portion of a back plate to the inner door. The aperture in the center of this back
plate is closed by a steel plate G³, secured by bolts, not shown. The exterior of
the main part G, is formed with two steps g', g², the former matched loosely
and the innermost matched tightly, each to a corresponding step in the door-
frame.
G is a rectangular frame, and G' is a continuous plate extending across the
whole inner face of the door. These are bolted to the part G, and the considerable
rebate shown between them accommodates the locking bolt T. The construction
and operation of this bolt will be described further on. It serves both to hold
the door strongly closed and also to defend the joint against the entrance of fire
or water.
The door frame or jamb is formed in eight parts, four parts, I, being. mitred
together to constitute the outer portion of the door frame, and four parts J being
nitred together to constitute the inner portion of the door trane.
The front edge of each part I has a flange 1', which is riveted to the front
part A. The back or inner edge of each part I has a flange 12. Each end of
each part I has a flange 1', extending outward at an angle of 45°, and strongly
secured to the corresponding flanges of the adjacent parts I by belts or rivets.
The front edge of each part has a wide flange J', the outer edge of which is
itself flanged, as indicated by J. The flange J¹ is united to the flange 1 by bolts,
as shown. Each end of each part J has a flange at an angle of 45°, each
strongly bolted to a corresponding flange on the adjacent part J, thus making a
unit of the inner or back part of the door frame, in the same manner as the outer
or front parts constitute a unit.

page_text: The inner parts J of the door frame extend inward somewhat beyond the inner
face of the door. To these extensions are riveted plates M, the back edges of
which are riveted to corner-pieces M', to which latter is riveted a back piece M².
These plates M and M' constitute the inner metallic shell of the safe. There may
be within this a lining of mahogany or other suitable wood, not shown.
Provisions are made for retarding the conduction of heat between these parts.
These provisions are of two kinds, either of which may be used with some advantage
alone, but I prefer to use both;-first, large portions of the bearing are excavated,
leaving only a small amount of bearing along the edge adjacent to the door, and
around the several holding bolts; and second, a thin but continuous layer of
asbestos paper is applied between these parts, so that the bolts alone constitute the
principal means by which heat can traverse from the exterior part I to the interior
part J, of the permanently united parts I J of the jamb.
The space between the outer shell A A, B B, D and the inner shell K K' of
the outer safe, is filled with a non-conducting material p. This may be plaster of
Paris, the earthy material remaining from the product of soda-water, clay, a
mixture of clay and alum, or any other material adapted to promote the fire-proof
qualities of the safe and not liable to mtroduce other difficulties. Plaster of Paris
made from ordinary sulphate of lime, calcined and mixed with water and poured in
in a fluid condition, forms a good fire-proof defence for the contents of the safe, but
is objectionable from its liability to give out moisture and make the contents of
the safe damp. The success of my invention depends on no special character
of filling; I can use any filling that is found suitable to serve in other fire-proof
safes.
The space between the casing L L', which is the innermost of the intermediate
casings and the inner or lining casing M M' M³, is filled with the same or a
different filling. This space is marked q.
So also, the space in the door between the front plate E³ and the outermost
intermediate plate F2, is filled with a good fire-proof filling marked r.
The space
between the plate F', the innermost of the intermediate plates of the door, and
the flange G, and the plate G³, is filled with similar fire-proof material marked s.
It will be understood that the innermost space in the door, that between the
plates G and G, is intended mainly to accommodate the locks, levere &c. for
operating the plates which serve as bolts.
The thin space between the intermediate plates F¹, F', in the door, is filled or
nearly filled, with a more or less continuous plate of highly porous earthenware, N.
The space in the main body between the plates K K¹, and L L', is similarly filled
or nearly filled with porous earthenware, correspondingly lettered. Such filling
contributes to the strength, and constitutes a barrier to the radiation of heat. It
is a good non-conductor. Such porous brick or earthenware is preferable to empty
space, forbidding the transmission of heat by radiation, and also forbidding the
transmission of heat by "convection" both of which modes of conveying heat
from the exterior of the safe to the interior, are liable to obtain when air alone is
enclosed.
Making the back-plate C removable facilitates the introduction of the filling.
It is joined by bolts c, which are inserted through holes in the plates C and B, and
are tapped into a frame B', which is mounted on the inside of the back plate B,
and serves as a reinforce for its inner edge. This plate is of sufficient thickness to
receive and strongly hold the bolts.
Figures 5 to 9 show special means which I employ for securing the joint around
the door.
The door-casing J has a groove; extending quite around, and the inner
door G allows room for the plates and corner pieces, and also room for the
several levers and links required to give the proper motions of these important
parts.
The plates and locking mechanism are protected from heat by the great mass of
non-conducting material in the inner and outer door, and the non-conducting

page_text: character of the interval between the doors. In case of prolonged exposure to
heat, these locking plates and their operating mechanism are among the last to.
-become heated.
TT are four movable plates of steel mounted in the door and extending along
its four edges. They are adapted to move to a limited extent outward and inward.
Each is provided with a series of transverse slots which receive each a stout
screw-bolt S, permanently fixed in the door, which performs the double function of
strengthening the door to resist any strain, as an explosion applied to force the
door open, and of keeping the movable plate T in the correct position as it moves
outward and inward.
Referring to the upper left-hand corner of the door, U and V are links, hinged
together at U, the link U turning on a fixed pivot G set in the door, and the
link V turning on a circular head V' fitted in a corresponding recess in the plate T.
By changing the angular position of these toggle links U V, the plates T are
forced outward or drawn inward as required. The pivot G is set in such position
in the door that it serves as the center for two levers U, one serving with its
proper link V to move the horizontal plate T at the upper edge of the door, and
the other serving with the proper link for operating the vertical plate which serves
on a vertical edge or side of the door. These two links U U are in fact formed in
one stiffly connected part, and in addition to their functions as members of their.
respective toggles to force outward and draw inward their respective plates T
serve also as a lever to communicate motion from the top to the side.
W is a wheel capable of being turned nearly a half revolution by a suitable
shaft and connection from the exterior of the door, not shown. A pin W' carried.
on this wheel communicates motion through a link W which extends upward
nearly to the top of the door, the upper end being guided by a pin or short arm W³,
traversing in a vertical groove g³ formed in the door. This pin W³ connects by a
link X with the center U¹, on each side. I will describe only the left hand side.
The turning of the wheel W a little less than a half revolution by thrusting the
link W forces the pivot U to the left, and by its direct effect through the first
toggle UV raises the plate T at the upper edge of the door. The motion being
communicated through the rigid connection of the two links or levers U U together,
correspondingly straightens the second toggle U V and moves outward the plate T
at the side of the door.
Y. Y are corner pieces adapted to fill the wedge-formed spaces which exist
between the bevelled and grooved ends of the plates T at each corner of the door.
These pieces Y are tongued, and moved outward and inward between the adjacent
plates T respectively, in the grooves of which plates the tongues on the edges of
the corner pieces Y are engaged. Their outer ends are properly formed to match in
the groovej and to tightly close the joint between the door and the casing at the
corner points These pieces Y have extensions Y¹ each provided with a slot y
which receives the corresponding pivot G and is guided thereby. To the extreme
end of this extension Y' is pivoted by a short link, a bell-crank lever Z turning on
a center G fixed in the door. A link Z connects the other extremity with the
center pin or knuckle U of the adjacent toggle U V.
The several plates T are bevelled or reduced in thickness at their outer edges,
and the groove; in which they engage is correspondingly bevelled. When the
plates T and the corner pieces Y are forced outward by the action of my
mechanism, the movement not only locks the door very effectually, but also draws
it tightly to its bearing on the proper face of the casing, and makes a tight joint.
Furthermore, the plates T and the corner pieces Y by their tight matching together
at the corners, and their tight matching into the groove along the entire length of
the joint, forms an additional bar to prevent the passage of flame when the safe is
exposed to fire, or to prevent the entrance of water when the safe shall be drenched
or immersed.
The partially revolving wheel W is secured by a lock P or other reliable
fastening, or by a number of such locks, one of which may be a time-lock.

page_text: When it is desired to open the safe, the wheel W is liberated by the action of
the proper key or keys, or by the action of the time-mechanism, or both, not shown,
and a proper force being applied through a shaft from the exterior, or other
means not shown, the wheel W is partially revolved.
Directing attention to the upper part of the safe, this partial revolution brings
the pin W which is connected with that portion of the mechanism into the lowest
position. This movement draws down the link W' and draws on the link X thus
throwing the toggle links U V into the inclined position shown in Fig. 6, and
drawing inward the plate T which extends along the upper edge of the door.
The same movement by the rigid connection of the corner links U U into a bell-
crank lever, insures a corresponding action in the second toggle UV which aids to
control the side plate T and that is consequently drawn inward. The motion
transmitted from the lower arm U through the link U to the lever Z rocks this
latter lever on its axis G, and through the short link shown, draws the corner
piece Y inward toward the center of the door. The proportions of the parts are
such that this movement of the corner piece Y is much greater than that of the
plates T. The corner pieces Y have been made to move outward and inward about
three inches while the plates T move outward and inward only about half an
inch. This, through the wedge form of the corner pieces Y, provides a sufficient
space at the several corners for the plates T to draw inward properly.
When the safe is to be locked, a half revolution of the wheel W in the opposite
direction carries the link W' upward, thereby bringing the links X into the level
position, acting toggle-wise through this link on the toggles U V, and causing the
plates T to be strongly forced out. The same movement exerts a thrusting force
through the links U₁ and lever Z, and thrusts the corner piece Y outward to the
large extent required to take up the increased space offered at the corners by the
movement of the plates T outward, and make a tight joint at each corner of
the safe.
The mechanism at the several corners of the door are counterparts of each other;
all are operated by a single half revolution of the central wheel W.
The mechanism in the upper right-hand corner, not shown, is operated by a
connection corresponding to the link X connected to the rod W at the point W'.
In other words, the rod W' in being moved upward and. downward operates two
links X extending in opposite directions from the pivot W', one of which operates
the mechanism on the left-hand upper corner, as shown, and the other operates
mechanism which is the exact reverse thereof on the right-hand upper corner, not
shown.
A pin corresponding to W set in the wheel W opposite to the pin shown,
operates a link partly shown corresponding to W2, but extending downward,
and this latter guided the same as the rod W' above, operates by two links
extending therefrom the mechanism in the right and left corners respectively at the
bottom.
1 attach importance to the connection of the links V to the plates T by the
circular heads V' applied in corresponding circular recesses in the plates. The
heads V₁ are cylindrical, the axis of the cylinder lying at right-angles to
the direction of the link. The diameter of the head is considerably larger than
the breadth of the neck, or of that part of the link adjacent to the head, and
which with the play of the mechanism swings in a recess connected with the
circular cavity. This connection affords a sufficient hold for the pulling action of
the toggles in drawing the plates inward toward the center of the door, and it
provides an especially efficient bearing for the strain in the opposite direction,-
that which thrusts the plates T outward into their respective grooves. The strain
in the latter direction is far greater than that required to draw the plates inward.
My construction forming cylindrical recesses in the plates, T, and providing them
with wedge-shaped openings just sufficient to allow the link to swing to the
required extent, makes a union which is uniform through the whole thickness of
the plates. It is eminently adapted to endure a very great strain, such as results

page_text: both in theory and in practice when a tolerable force is applied to a toggle to
urge it into the straight condition.
I attach importance to the fact that my main locking plates T extend con-
tinuously each nearly the whole length of its respective edges of the door with
their ends oblique as shown, and that the corner pieces Y are made wedge-shaped,
with the small ends outward, and have a greater motion than the side plates,
because the continuous length of each side plate gives strength and simplicity not
otherwise attainable.
I attach importance to the scolloped form of the inner edge of the plates, T,
and to the corresponding scolloped form of the adjacent fixed parts of the door,
and to the arrangement of the slots t, so that when the plates T are forced outward
to their fullest extent the slots t are never brought into the line of the joint, but
the joint between the door and the door-frame is always completely covered by the
unslotted portions of the plates T.
The plates T and corner pieces Y, as operated, constitute a rectangular
expanding ring. When they are long and of only a little breadth and thickness,
so as to be liable to spring, additional toggles as U, V, may be employed,
distributed along the length of each, and connected so as to be all operated
together.
It will be understood that the safe may have all the ordinary accessories. For
example, it is mounted on small wheels, the door is provided with stout hinges,
and with one or more shafts leading inward from the exterior to operate the
locking and bolting mechanism.
Modifications may be made in the details without departing from the principle
or sacrificing the advantages of the invention. Parts of the invention can be used
without the whole. I can dispense with the plates T and Y, and their operating
means, and hold the door strongly and tightly closed by other means.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a double-fire-proof safe, having two separate thicknesses of fire-proof
material, arranged one within the other, with an interval between them, guarded
by thin metallic sheets K and L, the porous earthenware N introduced in such
interval and adapted to retard the circulation of the air and consequently the
convection of heat across such interval, all substantially as herein specified.
2. In a double fire-proof safe, having two separate thicknesses of fire-proof
material, each supported independently at the front, with an interval between
them, the metallic sheets K L, forming respectively the inner face of the outer
thickness and the outer face of the inner thickness, and the porous earthenware
interposed in the space or interval between these sheets, all arranged for joint
operation substantially as herein specified.
3. In a fire-proof safe, the construction of the door-frame or jamb with its inner
Burface stepped and finished to form a tight joint between one of its innermost
steps and the adjacent surfaces of the edge of the door, leaving a loose fit between
the outer step and the surfaces adjacent thereto, in combination with means as the
locking plates T for drawing the door tightly to its seat, as herein specified.
4. In a fire-proof safe, the door having a front portion E formed in a separate
piece from the rear portion G, and firmly united by bolts and flanges, with a space
between such flanges to reduce transmission of heat by conduction, as herein
specified.
5. In a fire-proof safe, in combination with the safe filling in two nearly
independent structures, arranged one within the other, with a space between, and
with shells K K', L L', bounding and defining such space, the mid-flange J' on the
exterior of the door-frame, and the lip J' on such flange, said shells being supported
on such lip, as herein specified.
6. In a fire-proof safe, the door-frame or jamb I J, in two separate constructions,.

page_text: Hanged together with portions of the joining surfaces of the flanges I J cut out
or sunk to avoid contact, and reduce the transmission of heat, as herein specified.
7. In a fire-proof safe, having the metal parts connecting the exterior and
interior, in separately formed pieces, the spaces in the joining flanges to reduce
the conduction of heat, and also the combination therewith of asbestos paper or
analogous incombustible and approximately non-conducting material enclosed in
the joint, as herein specified.
8. In a safe of the construction described, a rectangular door-frame J, having a
groovej, in combination with a door having movable plates T, with slots t, bolts S
and pins and corner pieces Y, and mechanism for moving such plates and corner
pieces outward to engage in such groove when required, substantially as herein
specified.
9. In a double door for safes, the guiding slot or guide extending longi-
tudinally, the link W³, and operating wheel W, with locking means P therefor,
said link having a pin W' for taking hold of said guide, in combination with each
other and with the links X X, acting toggle-wise transverse to the door, and the
links UV, acting to force the plates T outward, the force being thereby great at
the end of the movement, and the motion being equal on the two sides of the door,
as herein specified.
10. In a safe of the construction described, the wedge-shaped corner-pieces Y, in
combination with movable plates T slotted and guided as shown, having corre-
spondingly bevelled ends, and mechanism substantially as specified for moving the
corner plates outward and inward to a large extent, and for moving the plates
outward and inward to a smaller extent, all arranged for joint operation sub-
stantially as herein specified.
11. In a safe of the construction described, the door E G, with grooves and bolts
as shown, oscillating wheel W arranged to be operated from the outside of the safe,
links W, and two sets of toggles U U, each rigidly connected at a right angle as
shown, and toggle-links Vengaged therewith arranged to urge the movable
plates T outward and inward at the top and sides of the door at the same time
by a single motion, substantially as herein specified.
12. In a safe of the construction described, the rectangular door-frame J having
a groove j, the door E G, movable plates T arranged to match in said groovej,
and operating toggles U V, with connections W W X, for operating them, in
combination with each other and with corner pieces Y, connecting link, bell-crank
lever Z and means as the link U' for communicating the large amount of motion
required, all arranged for joint operation substantially as herein specified.
13. In a safe of the character described, having a rectangular door with
grooves and a rectangular door-frame, the links V, each having a cylindrical
head V with its axis at right angles to the link, in combination with locking
plates T baving slots and cylindrical recesses for receiving the head, with
openings for allowing the link to swing and with mechanism for strongly operating
Buch links, all substantially as herein specified.
Dated this Twentieth day of September 1893.