An Improved Plug or Wedge for Fixing Flashings of Buildings and other Structures.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Feb., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 30th Oct., 1899-Accepted, 9th Dec., 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Plug or Wedge for Fixing Flashings of Buildings and
other Structures.
I, MICHAEL JOHN CURTIN, of 409, Lygon Street, Carlton, in the Colony of
Victoria, Architect, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
"
The object of my invention is to produce a new article of manufacture for the
use particularly of plumbers and builders, whereby the ordinary so-called
wedge or plug for securing the flashings may be superseded. These plugs
or wedges ordinarily consume more of the time of the workmen who have to make
them than is desirable, and moreover when made (out of hoop iron generally)
are not calculated to be so readily and firmly driven into & retained in place
as the article which I have invented and propose to supply "ready-made" to
plumbers and builders, whose needs in this direction have come under my pro-
fessional observation.
In order to make my article I bend up and cut into the desired form any
suitable material, as iron, steel etc. The form is that of a hollow wedge or an
incomplete tapering tube, the narrow or front end being (in the form of the
article 1 most approve) provided with a point, and the back end having an even
edge to receive the blows by which my wedge is driven into its place, as between
the joints of brickwork. The effect of driving in my wedge is to compress
it, so that it will press firmly against the flashing it has to hold in place, and
against the brickwork or other surface at the opposite side of the joint. The
wedge may vary in cross section without departing from this invention.
Thus such section may be triangular, circular, or oval, and the edges of the
upturned metal may if desired be curled inward or be toothed so as to cause
independent pressure by the teeth on the joint. Owing to the size and lightness
of these wedges, and their cheapness when made, they can be put up and sold by
the pound, like common nails.
T'S
11
1501 1
T
1000
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Plug or Wedge for Fixing Flashings of Buildings and
other Structures.
I, MICHAEL JOHN CURTIN, of 409, Lygon Street, Carlton, in the Colony of
Victoria, Architect, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
CD 0.77

page_text: manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
The object of my invention is to produce a new article of manufacture for the
use particularly of plumbers and builders, whereby the ordinary so-called
wedge or "plug" for securing the flashings may be superseded. These plugs
or wedges ordinarily consume more of the time of the workmen who have to make
them than is desirable and, moreover, when made (out of hoop-iron generally)
are not calculated to be so readily and firmly driven into and retained in place
as the article which I have invented and propose to supply "ready-made" to
plumbers and builders, whose needs in this direction have come under my pro-
fessional observation.
In order to make my article. I bend up and cut into the desired form any
suitable material, as iron, steel &c. The form is that of a hollow wedge or an
incomplete tapering tube, the narrow or front end being (in the form of the
article I most approve) provided with a point and the back end having an even
edge to receive the blows by which my wedge is driven into its place, as between
the joints of brickwork. The effect of driving in my wedge or tube is to compress
it, so that it will press firmly against the flashing it has to hold in place and
against the brickwork or other surface at the opposite side of the joint. The
wedge or tube may vary in cross-section without departing from this invention.
Thus such section may be triangular, circular, or oval, and the edges of the
upturned metal may, if desired, be curled inward or be toothed, so as to cause
independent pressure by the teeth on the joint. As mortar or cement will usually
be filled into the wedge or tube after it is in its place securing the flashing, I
usually provide one or more corrugations or other projections extending internally
so as to cause such mortar or cement to be locked in when it hardens.
Owing to the size and lightness of these wedges or tubes and their cheapness
when made, they can be put up and sold by the pound, like common nails.
Referring to the sheet of drawings herewith, Figures 1, 2, and 3 are perspective
views from the open side, each of a form of my invention slightly different from
the others. Figure 4 shows an elevation of part of a wall or structure, showing
how the flashing is secured in place. Figure 5 shows one of my wedges in edge
view. Figures 67 and 8 are respectively outer end sections, and sections on
line 10-10, of the forms shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3; and Figure 9 is a further
modified section.
A represents brick or stone work or the like: B, flashing; C, cement, mortar,
or the like: D, the outer ends of wedges of my invention; E, the open edges of
the same; F, the points, and G, teeth or projections on the open side. H shows
how the metal is corrugated or provided with internal projections when it is
desired to provide for retaining the mortar, or cement as aforesaid.
The essential feature is that at the more or less pointed inner end F the wedge
or plug shall be narrow enough to readily enter the joint where the flashing is
to be fastened. The remainder of the wedge is materially wider than the joint,
so as to require to be compressed when forced or bent into the same by driving on
the outer end D. In case of Figures 1 and 2 the influence of any bending down
of the edges E which is begun at or near the end I will be extended toward the
other end; but in Figure 3 this will not occur, and there will then be four
distinct points or areas (marked X) of pressure of the open side of the wedge
within the joint C.
It will be obvious that many varied forms might be used, all embodying the
spirit of my invention as above described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :
1. As an article of manufacture, a ulno or wodes for fixinal.
1
11

page_text: and other structures comprising a piece of sheet metal formed into a hollow
pointed wedge or plug and having edges as E directed toward each other sub-
stantially as set forth.
2. As an article of manufacture a plug or wedge for flashings of buildings and
other structures comprising the outer end D, edges E, point F, and teeth G, as
and for the purposes set forth.
3. As an article of manufacture a plug or wedge for flashings of buildings and
other structures, comprising a hollow wedge or plug having a corrugation or
internal projection as and for the purposes set forth.
1000
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, and 25, Cross Street, Manchester,
Agents.