Improvements in Bricks.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Nov., 1894-Accepted, 8th Dec., 1894
Improvements in Bricks.
I, STEPHEN ISAAC ADAMS of "Ravenhurst," York Road, Southend-on-Sea, in
the County of Essex, Surveyor, 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 :—
My invention consists in improvements in the construction of bricks for building
purposes.
Hitherto bricks have been constructed of various shapes, but the surfaces for
mortar have been straight and the adhesion of brick to brick depended entirely on
the adhesion of the mortar, and in the case of non-absorbent bricks the binding or
adhesive power is not very great.
With my invention arrange dovetails along the bricks which give a
continuous and perfect bond, ensuring extra strength and dispensing with the use
of objectionable hoop iron bands. Through the mortar entering into the dove-
tails it forms a tight joint and practically dovetails one brick with the next.
Further, with bricks constructed according to my invention, the mortar keys the
bricks together and does not rely entirely on the adhesion of the mortar to the
bricks as is the case with those of ordinary construction.
"
It is obvious that my invention is applicable to all classes of bricks and also
to bricks used in all positions, such as a "header," a "stretcher," or a "quoin'
brick.
In order that my invention may be better understood and more readily carried
into effect will describe the drawing hereunto annexed.
Figures 1, 2 and 3, are views of a "stretcher" brick constructed according to
my invention, with one dovetail extending its entire length. Fig. 1. is a plan,
Fig. 2 a side elevation, and Fig. 3. a cross section of the brick.
Figures 4, 5 and 6, are views of a "header" brick constructed according to my
invention, with a dovetail or frog not extending throughout the whole length,
leaving a sufficient solid surface at the end. Fig. 4 is a plan, Fig. 5 a side
elevation, and Fig. 6 a cross section.
Figures 7, 8 and 9, are views of a brick, but with two dovetails, crosswise, that
is, through the width of both upper and lower sides of the brick as shown. Fig. 7
is a plan, Fig. 8 an end elevation and Fig. 9 a cross section.
It is obvious that various modifications may be made in the shape of the dovetail
or frog, but my invention essentially consists in forming bricks with recessed parts
as illustrated above only or above and below, lengthwise or crosswise, so that the
mortar may enter into the bricks next adjoining each other and so form a tight
joint in addition to the ordinary mortar joint between flat surfaces of bricks.
I lay no broad claim to the general shape of bricks as my invention is applicable
to all shapes, but what I do olaim is :—
A brick, either "header," "stretcher," "quoiu," or any other kind of brick,
provided with dovetailed shaped recesses either above only or above and below,
[Price 8d.1

page_text: lengthwise or crosswise, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth and
as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Dated this 2nd day of November 1894.
JOHN P. O'DONNELL,
70 & 71, Palace Chambers, Bridge Street, Westminster, S. W.,
Agent for the said Applicant.