IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMODES OR CLOSETS, AND IN BATHING, WASHING, AND OTHER SANATORY APPARATUS
Year: 1861

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Smith, Ironfounder, and James Carrick,
Hotel Proprietor, both of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMODES OR CLOSETS, AND
IN BATHING, WASHING, AND OTHER SANATORY APPARATUS,"
Sealed the 30th August 1861, and dated the 1st March 1861.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Smith and James
Carrick at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 1st March 1861.
We, GEORGE SMITH, Ironfounder, and JAMES CARRICK, Hotel Proprietor,
both of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, do hereby declare
the nature of our said Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMODES OR CLOSETS,
AND IN BATHING, WASHING, AND OTHER SANATORY APPARATUS," to be as follows,
that is to say :-
This Invention relates to sundry improvements in sanatory apparatus,
such as commodes, closets, urinals, collecting vessels, or receptacles for
excrements and other refuse, and baths and washing apparatus. In practi-
cally working out these improvements it is intended to employ cast iron
in the general construction of the apparatus, the improvements being, however,
more or less practicable when other materials are used.
AD
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page_text: A portion of the present improvements relates to a system of commode,
closet, or receptacle, wherein dry material, such as ashes or earth is thrown
upon or made to cover the excrements for the purpose of absorbing moisture
and preventing hurtful effluvia; apparatus for carrying out such system being
already protected by Letters Patent granted to James Carrick, one of the
present applicants, and dated 12th October 1859 (No. 2320.) In the appa-
ratus described in the Specification of the said Letters Patent, the ashes or
material used is contained in a case, from which the requisite quantities
descend as wanted by the action of valves, and a rake designed to loosen the
material. To further insure the loosening of the material it is by the present
Invention proposed to construct the case or vessel with moveable portions con-
stituting more or less of the bottom and sides, and arranged so as to receive a
slight movement from the mechanism connected with the valves or from
separate contrivances, this movement effectively disturbing the mass and
causing the material to descend freely. This moveable bottom may be used
in combination with the rakes and valvular mechanism described in the
Specification already referred to, or with different mechanism. It may also
be applied to urinals and to collecting vessels, being in such cases actuated
in connection with a moveable foot plate, cover, or door, or otherwise. In
applying double valves, such as are described in the Specification herein-
before referred to, to regulate the supply of ashes or other material we
propose to apply a flange to one of the valves, which will as it were scrape
the surface of the other valve, preventing the material from adhering to it,
and which may be adjusted to regulate the supply. We further propose
to make the seat cover with a projecting or close fitting surface of leather
or other material to prevent the access of dust to the seat.
According to a modification of commode or closet differing from that herein-
before referred to, the case or vessel containing the ashes or dry material may
be made to serve as a cover for the seat, being fitted with contrivances
whereby the actions of pushing it back or aside, and of drawing it forward
again after use, cause it to let fall a regulated quantity of the ashes or dry
material into the receiving vessel below. The improved commodes or closets
may be made portable or fixed, and may be made to communicate with
discharge pipes, into which the deposited matters are allowed to pass by
periodically opening a valve provided for the purpose. Or arrangements may
be made in dwelling or other houses or buildings for removing the receiving
pans or vessels from the outsides of the buildings through doors or openings
communicating directly with the closets. The ashes or dry material may be

page_text: introduced in the same way, and the necessity of entering the house for such
purposes will thus be avoided. In order to conveniently provide ashes for use
in the apparatus the present Invention contemplates the construction of recep-
tacles divided internally by perforated screens or riddles, arranged so that the
cinders and ashes thrown in in a mixed state become separated. It is
preferred to provide the doors of such receptacles with hoods to prevent the
entrance of rain, so that the ashes may be kept as dry as possible. The
present improvements are of course applicable to public closets, urinals,
receptacles, or refuse vessels.
The present improvements in baths have reference partly to economy in the
water used, and partly to the comfort and convenience of the bather. The im-
proved bath is by preference of cast iron internallyenamelled, tinned, painted,or
otherwise coated. It is shaped internallyto correspond with moderate nearness
to the human form as placed horizontally with the head slightlyraised, so as to
give à more general and equable, and, therefore, a more easy and comfortable
support to the various parts of the body. A cover, by preference of wood, is
provided to enclose the space and prevent the radiation and loss of heat, but
of course leaving the head uncovered and free: The body of the bath may
also be covered or encased to prevent loss of heat by radiation, and it may be
fitted with the usual contrivances for supply and discharge. Arrangements
may also be made for using the apparatus as a vapour bath. This bath has
in some cases combined with it a washstand comprising a cast-iron pillar or
bracket formed with or to receive a basin. The pillar or bracket is contrived
to turn or swivel so that it can be moved from over the bath when the latter
is to be used. Or the swivelling pillar washstand may be combined with a
sponge or foot bath, or it may be fitted alone.
קני
A further improvement consists in shaping a cistern for water to supply
such a washstand, so as to answer as a screen to prevent the splashing of walls
or furniture, or the washing apparatus may be enclosed by a curtain or by a
framework or screen with glazed or opaque panels.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said George Smith and James Carrick in the Great Seal Patent
Office ou the 31st August 1861.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, GEORGE
SMITH, Ironfounder, and JAMES CARRICK, Hotel Proprietor, both of Glasgow,
in the County of Lanark, North Britain, send greeting.

page_text: I
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the First day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, in the twenty-fourth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us
the said George Smith and James Carrick, Her special licence that we, the
said George Smith and James Carrick, our executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as we, the said George Smith and James Carrick,
our executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and
no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMODES OR
CLOSETS, AND, IN BATHING, WASHING, AND OTHER SANITARY APPARATUS," upon the
condition (amongst others) that we, the said George Smith and James Carrick,
eur executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under our, or their,
or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same, to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said George Smith and James Carrick, do
hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement in writing, reference being had to the accom-
panying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is
to say :-
Our said Invention relates to sundry improvements in sanitary apparatus,
such as commodes, closets, urinals, collecting vessels, or receptacles for excre-
ments and other refuse, and baths and washing apparatus. And in practically
carrying out these improvements we employ cast iron in the general construction.
of the apparatus, the improvements being at the same time, however, more or
less practicable when other materials are used.
And, in order that our said Invention may be properly understood, and
carried into effect, we have hereunto appended two Sheets of Explanatory
Drawings representing examples of the application of our improvements, and
referred to in the following particular description thereof.
A portion of the present improvements relate to a system of commode,
closet, or receptacle, wherein dry material, such as ashes or earth, is thrown

page_text: In
upon or made to cover the excrements, for the purpose of absorbing mois-
ture and preventing hurtful effluvia; apparatus for carrying out such system
being already the subject of Letters Patent granted to James Carrick, one
of the present patentees, and dated 12th October 1859, (No. 2320).
the apparatus described in the said Letters Patent, the ashes or material
used is contained in a case from which the requisite quantities descend as
wanted, by the action of valves and a rake designed to loosen the material.
To further insure the loosening of the material, we, by the present Inven-
tion construct the case or vessel with moveable portions constituting more
or less of the bottom and sides, and arranged so as to receive a slight,
movement from the mechanism connected with the valves. or from separate
contrivances; this movement effectively distributing the mass and causing
the material to descend freely. This moveable bottom may be used alone
or in combination with the rakes and valvular mechanisın described in the
Specification already referred to, or with different mechanism.
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet I of the Drawings, are vertical sections as taken
from front to back of a commode or closet, embodying a modification of our
improvements, the moveable details being shown in different positions in the
two Figures. Figure 3 is a vertical section taken at right angles to Figure 1.
The apparatus is contained in an external cast-iron casing or shell A, fitted
with a wooden seat and seat cover B and C. In this example a moveable
vessel or pail D is shown as placed under the seat aperture, but the
apparatus may, if preferred, be placed over a pit or receptacle built or per-.
manently constructed for the purpose. The ashes or absorbent material
is contained ready for use in a vessel E, placed in the upper part of the portion
of the casing A, forming the back of the commode. The bottom F of this vessel
E is cast in one piece with the spout or duct G, but separate from the upper
portion of the vessel. A cross bar H supports the upper back end of the
bottom F, the lower front part or spout G being supported loosely by snugs
upon the part a of the casing, but both supports admit of the slight movement,
of the bottom. The egress of material is regulated by two valves I, J, which
are vertical plates attached to cross heads i, j,the latter being guided bygrooves
formed in the sides of the casing. The inner valve I is actuated by means of
links K, jointed at their upper ends to the cross head i, and at their lower
ends to cranked links L; these cranked links L are jointed to the seat cover C,
being guided by radius bars jointed to them and centred on pins formed or
fixed in the side casing A. The cross head j of the outer valve J, is formed
with legs j', which extend downwards and rest upon short links M jointed
to levers N, centred on pins formed or fixed in the side casing. A.
The

page_text: levers N are shaped at their front ends so as to be acted upon by the
cranked links L when these are depressed by closing the seat cover C. On
opening the seat cover C, the outer valve J closes by its own weight, the links
M and levers N descending against stops n, formed on the side casing A. At
the same time the inner valve I is opened, and a slight lifting jerk is given
to the moveable bottom F by the cross head i coming in contact with snugs f
formed on the bottom. In consequence of these movements, the material
falls against the outer valve J, the quantity depending on the space between
the two valves. On the apparatus having been used, the seat cover C is of
course closed, which has the effect of closing the inner valve I, and of sud-
denly opening the outer valve J, and the quantity of material between the
valves immediately descends the spout G, and enters the receptacle D. The
same action is repeated every time the apparatus is used. The shape of
the spout G may be modified so as to cause the material to fall in any man-
ner found desirable in practice. To prevent dust rising and covering the seat
B, a lip or flange of leather c is attached to the cover C to fit closely round the
seat aperture when the cover is closed. The seat B is not permanently fixed,
but can be lifted off for the purpose of removing the receptacle or pail D.
· Our improved apparatus is further applicable to urinals and to collecting
vessels, being in such cases actuated in connection with a moveable foot
plate, cover, or door, or otherwise.
Figure 4, Sheet 1, is a vertical section of a urinal constructed with the
improvements, and in this example it is by means of the cover C that the
mechanism for supplying the absorbent material is actuated. A side door
is provided in the casing A for the removing of the receptacle D.
Figure 5, Sheet 1, is a vertical section of a collecting vessel constructed
on the same system, the mechanism being actuated by means of the cover
C. In this example the lower part of the casing A forms the receptacle,
the details L, M, N, l, being protected by a pocket P formed in the side
casing, and shown in section in the Figure. The casing is formed with a
perforated diaphragm Q near the bottom, through which liquids will drain
off, being carried away by the pipe R, whilst the solid matters may be
removed periodically by a door in the back or front of the casing A.
The valve mechanism in the examples represented in Figures 4 and 5,
is the same as that shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and the description already
given applies to all the Figures; the same reference letters being repeated
upon the same or corresponding parts.
In a modification of urinal generally similar to that represented in Figure4,
arrangements are made for draining off liquid not absorbed by the dry material.

page_text: In a modification of commode or closet differing from that herein-before
described, the case or vessel containing the ashes or dry material may be
made to serve as a cover for the seat, being fitted with contrivances, whereby
the actions of pushing it back or aside, and of drawing it forward again
after use, cause it to let fall a regulated quantity of the ashes or dry material
into the receiving vessel below.
The improved commodes, closets, or urinals, may be made portable or
fixed, and may be made to communicate with discharge pipes into which
the deposited matters are allowed to pass by periodically opening valves
provided for the purpose. Or arrangements may be made in dwelling or
other houses or buildings, for removing the receiving pans or vessels from
the outsides of the buildings through doors or openings communicating
directly with the closets. The ashes or dry material may be introduced in the
same way, and the necessity for entering the house for such purposes will be thus
avoided. The present improvements are of course applicable to public closets,
urinals, receptacles or refuse vessels; and the apparatus may be constructed
in ranges, in which case some obvious minor mcdifications may be adopted,
such as, for example, the providing of a single containing vessel for the dry
material with separate outlets for the individual parts of the range.
In order to conveniently provide ashes for use in the apparatus, we construct
receptacles divided internally by perforated screens or riddles arranged so
that the cinders and ashes thrown in, in a mixed state, become separated. A
convenient arrangement for this purpose is shown in vertical section in Figure 6,
Sheet 1, and comprises an external cast-iron shell or casing A, rectangular in
plan, the back of which is curved to form the roof B,the latter being extended
in front to form a hood Cover the door D, and thus prevent the entrance of
rain, it being desirable to keep the ashes as dry as possible. The ashes and
cinders on being thrown in at the door D strike against an inclined screen or
riddle E, and the ashes which pass through are retained in the compart-
-ment F.
What does not pass through the first riddle E falls down upon a
second inclined screen or riddle G, and any ashes passing through are retained
in the compartment H, whilst the cinders or matters which do not pass
through the riddles are collected in the compartment I. A single door in
the side may be arranged to give access to all the compartments F, H, I, for
the removal of the contents, or separate doors may be provided for each.
Figure 7, Sheet 1, is an elevation of a simple modification of collecting and
separating vessel for cinders and ashes. It consists of a rectangular casing A,
from the four corners of which pillars K rise to support a roof L, with over-
hanging edges, to prevent the entrance of rain. A horizontal riddle indicated

page_text: by dotted lines at M,divides the casing into an upper and lower compartment,
and the mixed ashes and cinders being thrown upon the riddle, ashes only
pass through, and are removed from the lower compartment by a door N,
whilst for the removal of the matters above the riddle the upper part of one
of the sides may be made to turn down.
A portion of our present improvements in baths have reference partly to
economy in the water used, and to the comfort and convenience of the bather,
and a modification of horizontal bath embodying the improvements is repre-
sented in longitudinal vertical section in Figure 8, Sheet 2, of the Drawings,
and in plan in Figure 9. The improved bath A is by preference of cast-
iron, internally enamelled, tinned, painted, or otherwise coated. It is shaped
internally, as shown in the Figures, to correspond with moderate nearness
to the human form as placed horizontally, with the head slightly raised, so
as to give a more general and equable, and therefore a more easy and com-
fortable support to the various parts of the body. A cover B, by preference,
of wood, but which may be lined with glass or other easily-cleaned material,
is provided to enclose the space and prevent radiation and loss of heat but,
of course, being shaped as at b; to leave the head uncovered and free. The
cover B is shown as in one piece, hinged to the back edge of the bath; but
it may be in two pieces, either both hinged to the back, or the upper half
hinged to the lower half, so as to fold over upon it, or it may be in more
than two separate pieces. The bath is represented as having an outer shell C,
cast in the form of an ornamental valance, which conceals the body of the
bath and the supply and discharge pipes. To prevent loss of heat by radia-
tion the under surface of the bath may be covered or coated with hair, felt,
or other non-conducting material, or it may be encased or surrounded by
closed air spaces for the same purpose. The bath is fitted with the usual
contrivances for supply and discharge; the handles of the hot and cold water
taps being shown at D.
A perforated pipe E is carried round the edge of the
bath in order to distribute the water over the body in minute streams from all
directions. The discharge pipe F enters and passes down one of the legs,
being made with a trap bend, so that nothing is required through or beneath
the flooring but a simple pipe connection. The overflow pipe G. communi-
cates with the discharge pipe F, so as to be sealed by the trap bend.
In order that the apparatus may be used as a vapour bath, pockets or
cavities H are formed in the sides to receive cases containing heated bricks or
metal. The heated bricks or metal may be used alone to heat or maintain
the heat of the air within the bath, or a little water may be thrown upon
the heated bricks or metal to produce vapour, which will be retained by

page_text: closing the bath cover B. This bath has, in some cases, comoined with it a
washstand, consisting of a cast-iron pillar or bracket formed with or to
receive a basin. The pillar or bracket is contrived to turn or swivel, so
that it can be moved from over the bath when the latter is to be used; or
the swivelling-pillar washstand may be combined with a sponge or foot
bath, or it may be fitted up alone.
A further improvement consists in shaping a cistern for water to supply such
a washstand, so as to answer as a screen to prevent the splashing of walls or
furniture; or the washing apparatus may be enclosed by a curtain, or by a
framework or screen, with glazed or opaque panels. Figure 10, Sheet 2, is a
front elevation; Figure 11 is a vertical section, and Figure 12 is a plan, partly
in section, of a combined foot bath or sponge bath,with washstand and screen,
being an example of the application of some of the last-mentioned improve-
ments. The bath A is formed with a socket at one side, into which is fitted a
swivelling pillar or bracket I, carrying a wash-hand basin J. The screen K
is represented as entirely of cast iron, but it may, if preferred, consist of a
framework filled up with ornamental glass or other panels. The taps D for
supplying the wash-hand basin and bath may communicate with a branch d
from the main, or the ornamental vase L may be modified to answer as a
cistern. In Figures 10 and 11 the basin J is shown as turned under the
upper tap D, whilst in Figure 12 it is represented as turned out of the way to
permit the bath A to be used. Provision is made for discharging the basin J
through its pillar I into a branch communicating with the discharge pipe F
from the bath A, the pipe F being formed with a trap bend, as in the example
represented in Figure 8. Figure 13 is a front elevation, and Figure 14 is a
transverse vertical section of a range of combined baths and wash-hand basins.
There are four baths A, with two basins J, each of the latter disposed so that
it can be turned over one or other of two baths. Figure 15 is a front eleva-
tion, and Figure 16 is a transverse vertical section of a stand,with a swivelling
pillar wash-hand basin J, and a screen K, the upper part of which last is
formed into a cistern L for water. A vase N, placed in a lower compartiment
of the stand serves to receive the water discharged from the basin J, such dis-
charge taking place down the pillar I, and by a branch i. On the front of
this cistern L there may be fixed a mirror M, or an ornamental panel. A
mirror may similarly be adapted to the screen of the arrangement shown in
Figures 10, 11, and 12, in place of the vase L, and when the screen is
panelled with glass the mirror may be placed behind the glass, so as to be
the more completely protected from moisture.

page_text: The employment of cast iron in the constructing of bathing and washing.
apparatus in the manner herein-before described and as shown in Figures 8 to
16,Sheet 2,of the Drawings, affords facilities for rendering the apparatus what
may be termed "self-contained." Thus it is unnecessary to prepare or con-
struct the flooring in any special way to receive the apparatus; the bath does
not require to be built in, and the "save-all" or dish usually required in con-
sequence of the difficulty of preventing leakage with the ordinary construction
can safely be dispensed with. There are no joints in the body of the bath
itself, and the only connections requiring to be made are those indispensably
necessary ones of the supply and discharge pipes, with which, however, there
is no difficulty as regards leakage. The objects here indicated are kept in view
in all the modifications. Thus the socket for receiving the foot of the wash-
hand basin pillar I, is cast or formed in the ledge or side of the bath A, in
such a manner that any leakage from the basin or pillar is caught within the
bath. Combined with the aforesaid advantages our improved system of
construction permits of a more ornamental character being imparted to the
apparatus.
Having thus particularly described our said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, we have to state
that we do not restrict ourselves to the precise details herein described or
delineated, and that we do not claim to have invented every separate detail
herein described and delineated; but that what we consider to be novel and
original, and claim as the Invention secured to us by the herein-before in
part recited Letters Patent is,-
First, the constructing and arranging of commodes, closets, urinals,
collecting vessels, and similar sanitary apparatus on the "dry system,"
substantially in the manner and with the improvements herein described
and delineated.
Second, the constructing of the containing case for ashes or dry material,
with a moveable bottom, substantially as and for the purpose herein-before
described.
Third, the constructing and arranging of bathing and washing apparatus,
substantially in the manner and with the improvements herein described
and delineated; and more particularly,
Fourth, the shaping of horizontal baths, so as to approach the human
form, and the applying of covers thereto to retain the heat or vapour..
Fifth, the combining of swivelling pillar wash-hand stands,, with horizontal
or sponge baths.
"

page_text: Sixth, the combining with such washing apparatus of a screen or combined
screen and water cistern, the screen having glazed or opaque, plain or
ornamental panels.
Seventh, the constructing of bathing or washing apparatus, so as to be
"self-contained," substantially in the manner herein-before described and
explained.
In witness whereof, we, the said George Smith and James Carrick, have
hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twenty-ninth day of August, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
Witness,
EDMUND HUNT, Patent Agent,
28, St. Enoch Square,
Glasgow.
JAMES CARRICK. (L.S.)