IMPROVEMENTS IN MATS OR FLOOR COVERINGS ADAPTED ALSO FOR USE IN OFFICE RAILING
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Raphael Martinez, of New York City, in the County of
New York, and State of New York, one of the United States of Anierica,
for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MATS OR FLOOR COVERINGS ADAPTED
ALSO FOR USE IN OFFICE RAILING"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Raphael Martinez at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th July 1883.
RAFAEL MARTINEZ, of New York City, in the County of New York, and Stato
of New York, one of the United States of America, "IMPROVEMENTS IN MATS
OR FLOOR COVERINGS, ADAPTED ALSO FOR USE IN OFFICE RAILING."
The invention relates to slatted mats or floor-coverings, of that class in which
parallel rods or slats of wood are employed, preferably loosely jointed together, in
order that the whole may be rolled or folded, and the novelty consists in the
construction and arrangement of parts of the mat, and in the combination therewith
of a supporting frame by which it is held up in a vertical plane or planes to serve
as a railing or fence.
In the first part of the invention, I employ rubber in connection with such
parallel rods. I have discovered that this material, common vulcanized soft rubber,
introduced so as to form a bearing or support for the rods where they rest on the
floor, softens the concussions due to walking on the mat, and reduces the sound to
an almost inappreciable amount. I believe that it will, by preventing the
transmission of vibrations, conduce in a marked degree to the durability of the
hinges or connections between the slats.
The rubber may be employed in the form of rings encircling the rods at the
points of junction of each rod with the next, and in the form of caps covering
the ends of each rod. It may also be used in the form of strips extending cross-
wise of the several rods on both faces of the mat. This insures a very elastic
support. I can allow the mat to be turned over so as to be used either side up.
It has long been common to make mats of this class by producing a number of
equal rods of wood, boring them transversely at two or more points, and introducing

page_text: a cord of cotton, manilla or other fibrous material, with a button or equivalent
piece of wood or other material strung on the cord between each rod and the next.
I dispense with the button, and employ a peculiar compound wire connection,
composed of a sufficiently stiff spiral wire which holds the rods properly apart,
with an additional flexible connection of wire composed preferably of threo or
moro wires slightly twisted together, exerting a tensile force to prevent a too
great separation of the rods. A nail or equivalent pin driven transversely through
each wire at the point of crossing of the wire connections maintains each rod in
its place with sufficient force to insure a uniform appearance, and conditioned for
highest utility. The wire cord is preferably arranged within the spiral wire.
In carrying out the second part of the invention, I employ slats of uniform
length made in two parts, one part being of more valuable material than the other,
to form the upper surface of the structure when it lies in the best position. The
two parts of each slat are held firmly together by ferrules, each of which has
outwardly projecting perforated arms, which, corresponding with similar arms
projecting from the adjacent slat, are adapted to receive a pivot pin.
Each ferrule and cap may be of metal, and is provided with inwardly projecting
ridges which are arranged diametrically opposite each other, the said ridges marking
the line of junction of the two parts of the slat, and proventing their rotation or
displacement in the ferrule. Each end of each rod or slat is capped with metal.
In carrying out the third part of the invention, I employ cylindrical rods or
pieces of wood, composition, or other material of uniform sizo and length, secured
together side by side with ferrules or thimbles carrying balls which engage in
sockets formed by other duplex thimbles arranged on intermediate rods. The
securing or connecting means from loose joints between adjacent rods or slats, and
are preferably arranged in the middle and at each end of the slats. The thimbles
which are employed in the centre row are hollow cylinders in their respective
places;-and-they are readily applied or removed.-
In another form of the device, the projection extends through the arms of the
adjacent ferrule or cap. In all the forms the central devices are open-ended, hollow
cylinders or ferrules through each of which a portion of the slat has been forced,
while the devices employed at the ends are or may be cup-shaped to correspond
with the rounded ends of the slats, being secured in place by screws which are
inserted through the caps, and extend longitudinally into the slats.
The flexible joints made between adjacent slats allow the mat to be readily
rolled or folded, the metal caps protect the ends of the slats, and the mountings
afford a very ornamental and finished appearance to the whole.
The fourth part of the invention relates to a railing or fence, made by mounting
my mats in upright positions. It is intended more especially for use in offices to
rail off or divide desks, etc. from passage-ways, and generally to serve for the low
fences required for in-door purposes. It is very conspicuous, and thus eminently
serves one of the chief uses of such divisions. It presents a peculiarly neat and
tasty appearance. It can be mado at moderate expense.
I employ for the rods or slats pieces of ash or other light-colored wood, selecting
portions where the wood is straight-grained, so as to present a clear and uniform
appearance. A number of these, made as uniform as practicable, are flexibly
connected together by any of the means before referred to, each rod parallel to and
at a little distance from its neighbors. Then the whole are fixed in a vertical
position on a suitable supporting frame to serve as a fence.
I provide suitable hooks on the sides of the mats, adapted to allow two or more
to be engaged together with the rods equally spaced so as to present a continuous
and uniform appearance.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Rafael Martinez in the Patent Office on the 26th January 1884.
RAFAEL MARTINEZ, of New York City, in the County of New York, and State
of New York, one of the United States of America. IMPROVEMENTS IN MATS
OR FLOOR COVERINGS ADAPTED ALSO FOR USE IN OFFICE RAILING
The invention relates to slatted mats or floor coverings, of that class in which
parallel rods or slats of wood are employed, preferably loosely jointod together in
order that the whole may be rolled or folded, and the novelty consists in the
construction and arrangement of parts of the mat and in the combination therewith
of a supporting frame by which it is held up in a vertical plano to serve as an
office railing or fence, all of which will be hereinafter set forth and specifically
pointed out in the claims.
In the first part of the invention I employ rubber in connection with such parallċl
rods. I have discovered that this material, common vulcanized soft rubber, intro-
duced so as to form a bearing or support for the rods where they rest on the floor,
softens the concussions due to walking on the mat, and reduces the sound to an
almost inappreciable amount. I believe that it will, by preventing the transmission
of vibrations, conduce in a marked degree to the durability of the hinges or con-
noctions between the slats. .
The rubber may be employed in the form of rings encircling the rods at the
points of junction of each rod with the next, and in the form of caps covering the
ends of each rod. It may also be used in the form of strips extending crosswise of
the several rods on both faces of the mat. This insures a very elastic support. I
can allow the mat to be turned over, so as to be used either sido up.
It has long been common to make mats of this class by producing a great number
of equal rods of wood, boring them transversely at two or more points and intro-
ducing a cord of cotton, manilla or other fibrous material with a button or
equivalent piece of wood or other material strung on the cord between each rod
and the next. I dispense with the button and employ a peculiar compound wire
connection composed of a sufficiently stiff spiral spring which holds the rods
properly apart, with an additional flexible connection of wire composed preferably
of three or more wires slightly united together, oxerting a tensile force to prevent
a too great separation of the rods. A nail or equivalent pin driven transversely
through each wire at the point of crossing of the wire connections, maintains each
rod in its place with sufficient force to insure a uniform appearance and conditioned
for highest utility. The wire cord is preferably arranged within the spiral wire.
In the second part of the invention I employ slats of uniform length made in
two parts, one part being of more valuable material than the other to form the
upper surface of the structuro. The two parts of each slat are held firmly together
by ferrules, each of which has outwardly projecting perforated arms, which, corre-
sponding with similar arms projecting from the adjacent slat, receive a pivot-pin
which constitutes the binge.
Each ferrule and cap may be of metal, and is provided with inwardly projecting
ridges, which are arranged diametrically opposite to each other, tho said ridges
marking the line of junction of the two parts of the slat and proventing their
rotation or their displacement in the ferrule. Each end of each rod or slat is capped
with metal.
The ferrules and caps embrace the slats and protect their ends. It is important

page_text: also that they allow the convenient uso of wood of two kinds in each slat; as for
instance the one surface of the unat, that is intended to face the floor when in uso
may be made of cheap and common wood as pine; in form seini-circular in cross-
section, while the other face may be formed of similar strips of black walnut or
alternate black walnut and oak, or other more valuable material, which may be
readily renewed when worn.
In the best means of carrying out the third part of the invention I employ a
series of round or cylindrical pieces of wood, composition or other material. These
pieces are of uniform size and length, and are secured together side by side with
alternato ferrules or thimbles carrying projections, which engage in sockets formed
by duplex thimbles arranged alternately. The securing or connecting means form
hinge joints between adjacent slats, and are preferably arranged in the middle and
at the end of the slats. The thimbles which are employed in the center row are
hollow cylinders. They are readily applied or removed.
I have represented a modification showing both adjacent caps and ferrules in a
single piece, the arm of one having a pivot pin and the other a socket to receive
the same.
In another form of the device the pivot extends through two arms of the adjacent
ferrule or cap. In all the forms of the invention the central devices are open-
ended hollow cylinders or ferrules, through each of which a portion of a rod has been
forced, while the devices employed at the ends of the rods are or may be more or
less cup-shaped to correspond with rounded ends of the rods, being secured in
place by screws which are inserted through the caps and extended longitudinally
into the rods.
The flexible joints made between adjacent slats allow the mat to be readily rolled
or folded; the metal caps protect the ends of the slats, and the mountings afford a
very ornamental and finished appearance to the whole.
The fourth part of the invention relates to an improved fence, and is intended
more especially for use in offices to rail off or divide desks, &c., froin passage ways
and generally to serve for the low fences required for in-door purposes. It is very
conspicuous and thus eminently serves one of the chief uses of such divisions. It
presents a peculiarly neat and tasty appearance. It can be made at moderate
expense.
I employ cylindrical rods of ash or other light colored wood, selecting therefor
pieces where the wood is straight grained, so as to present a clear and uniform
appearance. A number of these, made as uniform as possible, are flexibly
connected together, each rod parallel to and at a little distance from its neighbors.
Then the whole are fixed in a vertical position in a suitable supporting frame to:
"Serve as a fence.
I have also invented a method of engaging the bars together by means of metal
hooks of malleable cast iron or other material which is capable of being bent. After
the hooks are engaged together they are closed so as to make them serve as cycs
and hold the parts permanently but flexibly connected.
:
;
I have devised means by suitably arranged hooks for engaging together the
edges of two or more inats so as to form one long continuous mat by uniting 4
smaller ones. The unions are so formed and spaced that the edge bars of the two
mats will be at the same distance apart as the bars of cach mat thus giving a
uniform and even effect to the whole.
The following is a description of what I consider the best means of carrying out
the invention. The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification.
Figure 1 is a plan view of an entire mat extended for use. The remaining
figures are on a larger scale.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion.
Fig. 3 is a section in the plane of the axis of one of the rods.
I
E
Fig. 4 is a section in a plane transverse to the axis. It is a section through one 5

page_text: The flexible connections B and D are very reliably connected to the terminal
rods A, by knotting. To effect this the tensile wire cord D should be something
longer than the spiral spring. The end of the wire cord D is wrought into the
end of the spiral spring B and knotted as indicated in Fig. 32; the transverse
nail C engages this knot and holds it reliably. I propose where the expense will
be warranted, to touch the knot with acid and solder, so as to make a firm and
more or less regular lump of metal filling the hole in each terminal rod, and to
drill or otherwise produce a hole through such solid mass of metal, which hole
receives the transverse nail C.
As another mode of securing the ends of the wire cords D, and spiral springs B,
the rods A¹ on each edge of the mat may be partly or wholly of metal. The spiral
wires B and the wire cord D are both strongly attached at each end to the
corresponding rod. I have represented the attachment as being effected by
soldering, but this may be varied. The solder is marked L.
The caps E and ferrules E¹ may be produced by vulcanizing in molds of the
proper form in the same manner as has long been practiced in rubber manufacture.
Holes corresponding to a are formed in each ferrule and cap through which it is
required that a spiral spring B shall extend. It is not necessary that the rubber
be especially pure; for most uses to which the mats are exposed, a larger proportion
than usual of adulterating materials may be worked with the gum in preparing
the material previous to molding. I use the term rubber to indicate the several
varieties of elastic compounds analogous to rubber. -
•
PP, are strips of soft vulcanized rubber extended along.on opposite sides of the
mat. They are secured by rubber-headed tacks Q, driven through the strip so
as to take a sufficient hold in the wood A.
•
Any suitable coloring material may be used in the manufacture of the rubber,
so as to contrast agreeably with the color of the wood A. A pleasant effect may
be produced by employing wood of a uniform oak color, ferrules and caps of black,
and the strips P and tacks Q of hues which harmonize with each other and with
the pale yellow.
Fig. 6 is a plan view of a modification in which the caps E and ferrules E¹, are
not swelled. They may be of metal. In such case the strips P and the rubber-
headed tacks Q are alone relied upon to afford the necessary elasticity.
"
Fig. 7. is a plan view showing a construction in which the elasticity is obtained
by the rubber-headed tacks alone. A sufficient number of the tacks are driven
into the rods A so as to be presented on each face of the mat.
Fig. 8 is a corresponding section.
Fig. 9 is a section through still another modification. In this the rubber is
applied in the form of knobs, the contracted necks of which, also of rubber, aro
inserted in corresponding holes in the wood A and secured by glueing or in any
other efficient manner.
The invention may be used with some success without any fastening of the
rubber to the rods. The rubber may be in strips laid cross-wise under the rods,
either loose or fastened to the rods or to the floor by common tacks or the like.
In figures 10 and 11 the rubber is omitted and metal substituted. In these
figures, as before, A A are rods or cylindrical sticks of wood. They may be pine.
Each is bored transversely at a, a, a. Through each hole a is inserted a spiral
wire spring B.
The ends of the several rods A may be tipped with thin metal caps. They
form a handsome finish and prevent the material from being abraded, split, or
otherwise injured at the ends.
When my mat is put in use the several rods A, are held together by the wire
cords D, and are maintained at a uniform distance apart by the elastic force of
the coiled springs B. I prefer that these springs shall be so produced that the
inctal of each coil shall be nearly in contact with the metal of the adjacent coils,
there being only sufficient slack to allow the requisite flexibility. The elastic

page_text: Torce of the spiral wire B. should not be great, but it should be exerted always in
the direction to urge the rods A apart.
In the second part of the invention, figs. 12 to 14, A² A³, designate two-part
slats, each provided with a ring or ferrule E, which embraces it at or near its
contre, and with ferrules or caps E completely enclosing the ends of the slats as
will appear further on.
"
:
The ferrules E and E¹ have oppositely projecting arms each arranged so as to
leave a space equal to the width of the similar arm upon the adjacent forrule.
The ferrules may be properly in a row, and present a sightly and ornamental
appearance. Each arm is perforated to receive a pivot pin F.
If desired each alternato ferrule may be provided with two such arms, and the
single arm of the adjacent ferrule or cap confined between them.
}
The upper portion of each slat, as A, may be of hard or valuable wood, as
alternate rosewood or mahogany, and oak or maple, to givo a rich appearance,
while the lower part As, may be of cominon or cheap material.
J
It is important that the upper part be held securely in place, and each ferrulo,
it will be observed, is provided with inwardly projecting ridges, c*, which
partially enter the junction between the two pieces. They hold the wood against
being shifted around. The end ferrules are made of brass or other durable
material formed with ornamental caps which covor and protect the ends of the
rods. They also form an ornamental finish for the edges of the mat.
In Fig. 17, I illustrate tho ferrule as having a flat-bearing surface d, which is
approximately on a plane with the under side of the arms. This gives, each
slat an extended bearing on the floor,
I can make both faces thus, and when my mat is worn on one side it can be
turned over and used again, or the use of it may be alternately first one side up
and then the other, so that the wear is commenced and proceeds on both faces
about equally.
In the third part of the invention, Fig. 18, A designates the rods, turned or
otherwise formed of uniform length and diameter. Each alternate slat is provided
with a central ferrule E¹, which embraces the slat at or near its centre, and is
provided with projecting arms e, carrying a spheroidal projection e*; and at cach
end this series of slats is also provided with ferrules or caps E, having perforations
to receive a screw G, and having arms e similar to those parts on the ferrule E.
The projections e* are received and operate in sockets formed by the concave
faces ees of the arms e of the duplex ferrule E' E', and the corresponding parts
of the duplex caps E E³. These parts are formed so as to fit neatly.
I have shown four lines of flexible connections but the number may be increased
or diminished.
To constitute my improved fence I take such construction already completed
ready to serve as a mat, care being taken to employ rods of such length as
to afford a proper height for the fence, and attach the rods to the horizontal
portions of the framing by inserting wood-screws. The screws may be inserted
through each rod or through cach alternate rod, or through each third rod,
&c., as convenience or experience may prove to be expedient. It is only
important that the rods thus reliably connected together shall be firmly supported
on the framing.
Vertical parallel rods uniformly spaced present an eminently attractive
appearance for fences, and have long been so employed. But, as ordinarily used
the effect of the entire fence is liable to be marred by the early failure of one or
more of the fastenings allowing one or more of the vertical rods to become displaced.
To prevent this it is common to nail or otherwise secure a horizontal bar along
the front of the slats. Such bar adds to the thickness of the fence and is always
unsightly.
Mare upright portions, and N, are horizontal portions of the supporting frame.
The uprights are stiflly supported by the knees M³, and inclined braces, M², secured
to the uprights and to the Hoor by screws O̟, or other suitable means,
".

page_text: To produce the best effect the rods A should be of oak or light colored wood.
The wood should be hard, well seasoned and varnished.
My invention by having the parallel bars reliably connected independently of
the fastenings O, which connect the several bars and the horizontal members N,
insures against this always threatened cause of failure. My fence is strong and
tasteful, and will, I believe, remain in condition and in perfect order under any
ordinary usage for a very long period.
The series of parallel rods thus flexibly connected may be made of any length
desired. Gates of the same or any desired construction may be introduced
as required, thus dividing the length of the fence into separate sections. In
turning corners the flexible connections between my parallel rods allow the series
to be bent at almost right angles. A rounding of the corner post and of the
adjacent parts on a small radius allows the previously connected series of bars A.
to be bent around the corners, giving a peculiarly uniform appearance, the corners
corresponding exactly with the other parts.
Fig. 33 shows another modification. Each alternate bar A is provided with
eyes and cach intermediate bar is provided with books T, adapted to engage in
such eyes. The metallic parts should be of malleable cast iron or analogous metal,
which is capable of being bent. After each hook T, is properly engaged with the
eye in its adjacent bars, one on each side, the hooks are closed by a suitable press
or by a blow with a hammer applied on the point of a hook or by other suitable
mcans, so as to confine the rods permanently together while forming a flexiblo
joint. Instead of eyes on the alternato bars, all the bars may be provided with
hooks, but in such case the hooks which take-the place of the eyes should stand in
a plane at right angles to the hooks T, which are shown, so that the two sets of
hooks may ongage properly together and the parts may turn freely on each other
as required when the mat is to be rolled up.
For use on floors or in fences I make the mats in short and convenient
lengths provided with properly formed hooks T (see fig. 34), at their ends which,
when engaged together, unite the lengths into continuous and uniformly appearing
pieces. I propose to manufacturo the mats in lengths differing only a few inches,
as 48, 44, 40, 38, 36 &c., by properly joining which I can make any length
required.
To effect the junction it is necessary simply to bring the edge bars A, of the
two mats together and by engaging the hook T, (see fig. 34) which is fast on the
bar at the edge of the one mat, with the adjacent bar which is at the odgo of the
other mat, the two sections of mat may be properly engaged together so as to
appear as a continuous mat.
The ring by which the hook T, (fig. 34) is permanently engaged with one of the
bars should fit easily on its bar so that it can be turned around theroon. I propose
to furnish the edge-bar of each mat with two or more of these hooks T. When
it is not required to join an edge to another section of mat, 1 can turn the hooks
under out of the way. In this inert position each hook partly embraces a bar A,
not of the adjacent mat but of the same mat, and is of no consequence.
Modifications may be made in the forms and proportions. Parts of the invention
may be used without the whole.
The rods A may bo of hexagonal or other section instead of cylindrical as
shown. I can mount the rods A, wider apart, thus exposing a greater length of
the spiral wires B, between each rod A, and its adjacent corresponding rod; or I
can mount the rods A nearer together thus exposing less of the spiral wires B.
But it is important to insure sufficient flexibility to allow the mat to be easily
rolled up.
The invention may be worked with some success with a single wire of steel
or hard brass to sorve the functions of the flexible cord D. I have in my
experiments used successfully what is known as "office wire," such as is used in
telegraphing and telephoning, being composed of one copper wire with a coating
of braided cotton yarns saturated with paraffine or some analogous material.

page_text: I believe it may be used without any such tie, but I prefer a tie composed of a
number of fine wires so as to give great flexibility.
High fences may have three of the horizontal bars N, with the corresponding
fastening R.
I claim as my invention :
1: A mat having a body composed of rods of wood suitably connected
together, combined with rubber-facing pieces arranged to elastically support the
rods, as herein specified.
.
2nd: A mat having rigid rods of wood with rubber on both faces, so as to allow
the mat to be reversed and to have an elastic contact with the floor in either
position, as hercin specified.
H
3rd: The rubber caps E and ferrules E', in combination with each other and
with the rods A, as heroin specified.
4th The mat described composed of the rubber strip P, and fastenings Q in
combination with rigid rods A, as herein spocified.
:
5th The rigid rod A, swelled caps E, swelled ferrules E¹, rubber strips P, and
fastenings Q, combined and arranged to serve as herein specified.
6th The improved mat described composed of the parallel bars A, spiral
wires B and transverse nails or pins C, combined and arranged for joint operation,
as horein specified.
7th The combination of the parallel bars A spiral wires B and tensile cords D,
arranged to serve as herein specified.
8th: A mat composed of parallel rods A, having transverso holes a spiral
wires B, flexible connections D and fastenings C, combined and arranged to serve
as horein specified.
9 In a mat substantially as described, and in combination with the two-part
slats, arranged parallel with each other and at uniform distances apart, the ferrules
having perforated arms to receive the pivots, and having also the inwardly
projecting ridges, adapted to lie between the two parts of each slat, as set
forth.
:
10th In a mat substantially as described, and in combination with the two part
Blats, the embracing ferrules having projecting perforated arins, the inwardly
projecting ridges c*, and having also the flat bearing surface d, arranged approxi-
inately on the plane with the under surface of the arms, as herein specifiod.
11th: A mat, having metallic ferrules E on the ends of parallel rods or slats A, of
wood, adapted to serve as herein specified.
12th In a slatted mat or floor covering, and in combination with a series of
parallel and equi-distant slats, a series of ferrules, adapted to embraço alternato
slats, and having oppositely projecting arms carrying balls or pivots, and a series
of ferrules, adapted to embrace the intermediate slats and having arms with
sockets to receive such balls or pivots as and for the purposes herein specified.
13th: In a slatted mat, and in combination with a series of parallel and equi-
distant slats, a series of ferrules, embracing alternate slats and having projecting
arms carrying balls or pivots, and a series of duplex-ferrules, adapted to embrace
the intermediate slats and having arms carrying two-part sockets to receive said
pivots, as and for the purposes set forth.
14th: In a slatted mat having flexible joints, the combination with the slats A
and ferrules E', having arms c, carrying pivots e*, the two-part ferrules E³, E³,
having arms and sockets e², es, as and for the purposes set forth.
15 In a slatted mat having flexible joints and in combination with the
slats A, the caps E, having perforations and arms e, and projections, the securing
scrow G, and the two part caps E' E³, having arms and sockets, as and for the
purposes set forth.
16th A frame composed of uprights M, and parallel supporting horizontal
members N, in combination with a series of parallel rods A, connected flexibly
together independently of the fastenings R, which connect them to the framing,
and adapted to serve substantially as herein specified.

page_text: 17th The metallic ferrules E, in combination with the parallel rods, independent
flexible connections and supporting frame M, N, as herein specified.
18th The joining hooks T, in combination with separately formed mats
containing parallel rods A, and adapted to join such mats in continuous lengthis at
will, as herein specified.
:
19th The joining hooks T, in combination with the several separate rods or
slats, and arranged to engage them flexibly together substantially as shown in
fig. 33.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 11th day of
1
1000
Witnesses:
THOMAS DREW STETSON
Patent Agent New York
CHARLES ROBINSON SEARLE,
RAFAEL MARTINEZ (L.S.)