IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING POTTERYWARE IN KILNS OR OVENS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Elias Leak, of Longton, in the County of Stafford,
Potters Machinist, and John Edwards, of Fenton, in the same County,
Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING
POTTERYWARE IN KILNS OR OVENS,"
Sealed the 15th February 1878, and dated the 27th November 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Elias Leak and John
Edwards at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th November
1877.
ELIAS LEAK, of Longton, in the County of Stafford, Potters' Machinist, and
"IMPROVED
JOHN EDWARDS, of Fenton, in the same County, Manufacturer.
APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING POTTERYWARE IN KILNS OR OVENS."
This Invention relates to improved apparatus to be used for supporting pottery-
ware in "grounding,"
;," "enamel," and "gold" kilns or ovens while being baked.
The improved apparatus is constructed in the form of a case or shield of any
required height, and of a rounded, partly cylindrical, or other suitable shape when
viewed downwardly. The case is inade with two or more vertical ribs of greater
thickness than its other part; and in these ribs are made series of recesses of a
square, triangular, or other suitable angular shape, and which are made either
completely through the substance of the ribs or only partially through. In these
recesses we place similarly shaped and well-fitting removable pins having inner
projecting arms, upon the nibs or points of which we support the ware, either under
the rim or under the foot, as most convenient; some pins being made with short
arms, and some with long arms, and each kind being also made either with narrow
one-nibbed arms or with broad two or more nibbed arms.
When broad-armed pins are used for supporting the ware the two ribs of the
case may be arranged opposite each other. Two or more ribs are used, according to
the form or size of the article to be placed in the case; but when narrow-armed pins

page_text: are used for supporting the ware the case is formed with three or more ribs
arranged in the shape of a triangle or other angular figure.
In a case having (for example, say,) three ribs the ware is placed in position, and
supported thus -Two of the series of recesses are filled up with long, short, broad, or
narrow-armed pins, as desired, and the lowermost one of the third series of recesses
is also provided with a similar pin. Upon the points of the arms of the lowermost row
of pins the ware (say, a saucer) is then placed; then in the next upper recess of the
third series another similar pin is placed, and then another saucer is placed upon
the arms of the second row of pins. This operation is continued until the case is
full. The case is then ready to be placed in the " grounding," enamel," or "gold'
kilns, or in the "sagger," previously to the latter being placed in the kiln or
oven.
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"3
The "saggers" are made of clay as usual, but of an elliptical or other suitable
shape adapted to obtain any desired number of the filled-up cases.
"
The filled-up cases are arranged in the "saggers" with their partly cylindrical
or other shaped shield towards the nearest side of the "sagger;" and thus used
they perform a very useful and advantageous office in preventing the small pieces
of dirt or clay, which frequently "spit" or fly off from the inner surface of the
sagger" during the baking, falling on to the ware, and spoiling it. The case being
only partly cylindrical also allows of the workman placing and removing each
article quickly, safely, and with great ease, and allows of his clearly seeing whether
any of the ware has any dirt upon it previously to placing the filled-up case in
the sagger and debars him from making any reasonable excuse for 'not
removing it.
J
These two advantages are economical, as less ware is liable to be spoiled; they
never were possible with the present arrangement of "saggers" in recesses in which
removable pins were placed, and the ware placed directly therein, because the dirt
was at all times liable to spit on to the ware, and the workman, when placing
the ware, could not well see whether any dirt had fallen on to any of the ware
below.
The case may be made either with or without a bottom and a removable cover,
and it may be moulded and made complete with its ribs and recesses either by
hand or by machinery with chilled or other suitable dies, or it may be turned or
otherwise suitably formed; and it may be made of clay marl or of any other
suitable mixture of material in plastic clay or dust, and either in one piece or in
two or more parts suitably joined or connected together.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Elias Leak and John Edwards in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 27th May 1878.
ELIAS LEAK, of Longton, in the County of Stafford, Potters' Machinist, and
JOHN EDWARDS, of Fenton, in the same County, Manufacturer. " IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING POTTERYWARE IN KILNS OR OVENS."
This Invention relates to improved apparatus for supporting potteryware in kilns
or ovens while being treated in any of the firing processes to which it is subjected
to bring it to its perfect or usable state.
The Invention relates mainly to the construction of cases or shields in which the
articles of pottery ware are supported by removable pins, and which are likewise and
especially intended to perform a very useful and advantageous office in preventing
the small pieces of dirt or clay which frequently "spit" or fly off from the inner
surface of the sagger (in which the ware is fired) during the firing falling on to the
ware, and spoiling it.
Numerous other advantages are attained by the employment of the improved
cases, as herein-after more particularly described.
The cases are susceptible of various modifications of construction, by the use of
which the above-referred to advantages are attained in various combinations.
Such being the nature and object of our said Invention, we will now proceed to
describe the manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried
into practical effect; and in order that the same may be completely under-
stood we have annexed hereunto four Sheets of Drawings illustrative thereof,
and have marked the same with Figures of reference corresponding with those
in the following explanation thereof, that is to say :-
The improved apparatus is illustrated in various modifications of its construction,
and of its application in Figures 1 to 26 of the accompanying Drawings, and which
modifications and the Figures illustrative thereof will herein-after be severally more
particularly referred to.
In Figure 1 of the annexed Drawings is illustrated in perspective view, and in
Figure 2 in plan view, one of our improved cases or shields 1. It is represented
as made of a partly rounded or partly cylindrical, but exceeding a semicircular
shape.
We would here remark that this is the shape we prefer, but we also make the
improved cases of an otherwise partly rounded or other suitable shape (having such
appearance in plan view or when viewed downwardly) depending principally upon
the description or kind and shape of the ware they are intended to support. The
case 1 in this instance is also shown as formed to support nine plates, or similar
articles 2 of pottery in the manner illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, which are corre-
sponding views to Figures 1 and 2; but we also make the cases of any required
and suitable height, and capable of containing any convenient number of plates or
other pottery articles. In the inner surface of the case we form series of recesses 3,
of a wedge, square, or other suitable angular shape, and which we make either
completely through the substance of the case or only partially therethrough. In
the present instance three such series of recesses are shown, but a greater or lesser
number may be used, as herein-after more particularly referred to when describing
the improved supporting pins, which we find it advantageous to use in combination
with these improved cases.
At the parts of the case where the series of recesses are placed we form exterior
ribs 4, of greater thickness than the other part of the case, for the purpose of
strengthening it at the parts where the series of recesses are made, but the cases
may be made without these ribs. In the present modification two of such ribs 4
are shown, but at the part 5, adjacent to the central series of recesses 3, the case
is shown as being formed without such thickened part or rib 4. In each of the

page_text: recesses 3, as shown in the top row thereof, we place similarly shaped and well
fitting removable pins 6, having arms 7, which project within the case and on the
points of which we support the ware.
Figures 5, 6, and 7 illustrate in perspective some of the above referred to
improved pins, which we find it advantageous to use in combination with our
improved cases or shields; but we do not limit ourselves to any particular shapes
of pins, but use those which are most suitable for the purpose required, whether for
supporting the ware under the rim or under the foot, as most convenient, and for
this purpose we adapt to the pins either short or long arms, and either narrow one-
nibbed arms or broad two or more nibbed arms, such as those described in the
Specification of certain Letters Patent granted to us, and bearing date the 28th day
of March, A.D. 1877, No. 1239, and illustrated on the accompanying Drawings, and
according to the method described in such Specification we form or make our
above referred to improved pins.
The socket ends of the pins, illustrated in Figure 5, are formed wedge-shaped,
correspondingly with the shape of the recesses 3 into which they fit; this we find a
most convenient shape, as they can be quickly and easily inserted and well pushed
into the recesses 3, so that they will not be liable to fall out and let the ware drop;
we also prefer this shape as it enables us to place the pins closer together, and
consequently to support more ware in the case. This pin is made with a single-
nibbed arm 7, and when using cases, shields, or supports, in which there are three
or more series of recesses, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4, 8, to 12, 17, and 18, we
prefer using such single armed pins; but when using cases in which there are but
two opposite series of recesses, such as those illustrated in Figures 13 to 16, we
prefer using pins with broad or double-nibbed arins, as illustrated in Figures 7, 14,
and 16.
Figure 8 represents a perspective view of another modification, consisting of a
shield or case similar in shape to Figure 1, but formned with three vertical dovetail
recesses 8 in lieu of the series of recesses 3, and into which the similarly shaped
socket ends 9 of the pins illustrated in Figures 6 and 8 are dropped, the arms 7 of
the pins projecting within the case, as shown in the latter Figure. This case may
also be formed with two opposite dovetail recesses 8, fitted with double-armed
pins.
Figure 9 also represents a perspective view of another modification, consisting of
a shield or case, similar in shape to that illustrated in Figure 6, but formed of a
series of superposed segments 10, of the form illustrated in Figure 10. These
segments are formed with correspondingly shaped V or other shaped grooves and
projections 11, so as to keep their positions and prevent the superposed_series
slipping or falling. Each segment is made with two, three, or more recesses 3.
Figure 13 represents a perspective view of another modification, consisting of a
similarly shaped shield or case to that illustrated in Figure 1, but with only two
opposite series of recesses 3, and shows the same as formed with a bottom 12, and
as fitted with a removable lid or cover 13, which has or may have an under V pro-
jection 11 fitting into a similarly shaped groove in the top of the case to keep it
steady and from slipping, the lid being used to keep dust from the pottery articles
while being fired.
Figure 14 represents a front elevation of the same arrangement, and shows the
recesses of the case fitted with two series of double-armed pins, of the form illus-
trated in Figure 7, and supporting a series of nine plates 2 in position ready for
firing. The pin, illustrated in Figure 7, is formed with two wide extending arms 7,
so that the two opposite series are capable of firmly supporting a plate or other
article in the manner most clearly illustrated in Figure 10.
Figure 11 illustrates an elevation, and Figure 12 a plan view of another modifi-
cation, consisting of a similarly shaped case to that illustrated in Figure 1, but
shows the same as cut away at the side parts 14 between the three series of
recesses 3, which makes the cases lighter and enables any dust which may fall on
to any uncovered ware to be easily removed by blowing on it. These cases are or

page_text: may be formed with a thickened part 15 at the base, and at the top to strengthen
thom. We also utilize these cases in supporting rice dishes or bowls, or similarly
shaped deep articles of pottery, by the use of pins, as shown in these two Figures,
in lieu of using the ordinary "stilts" by, which such ware has been hitherto sup-
ported, and the use of which stilts is objectionable on account of the marks they
inake in the ware both inside and outside, as well known to all acquainted with
the manufacture of such articles of pottery.
Figures 15 and 16 are similar views of a somewhat similar modification, but in
which there are but two series of recesses 3, the part 14 between them being cut
away as in the preceding modification. The shield or case, illustrated in Figure 8,
may be similarly cut away between its dovetail recesses 8, if desired.
Figures 17 and 18 represent in perspective and plan view one segment of a case,
which is formed or built up similarly to the onc illustrated in Figures 9 and 10,
but is of a partly oval or elliptical shape, more suitable for supporting such articles
as meat dishes, and pie dishes, as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 18. These
segments may also be formed with two opposite series of recesses for broad-armed
pins, and of other shapes, to support other articles of pottery.
The cases and pins illustrated in Figures 1 to 18 are all intended in the com-
binations, as illustrated, to support the ware under the rim, as shown in Figures 4,
12, 14, 16, and 18, but the ware may be supported under the foot in all of the
above cases by using longer armed pins so as to reach from the series of recesses
which hold the pins to under the foot of the article, being supported in the manner
illustrated in Figures 25 and 26 of the Drawings annexed to the Specification of
our above referred to Letters Patent. But in lieu of supporting the ware under the
foot by the use of long armed pins fitting into the series of recesses, we can also
support the same in this way in the manner illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, which
are respectively an elevation and a plan view, by the use of suitably shaped cases 1,
formed as illustrated in elevation and perspective in Figures 21 and 22, in a similar
manner to those illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 of a series of superposed segments
fitting in grooves 11 in each other, but made without the series of recesses, and in
lieu thereof, formed with an inner extension or base part 16, upon which the foot
of the article rests, as shown in Figures 19 and 20. These cases may be made of
any less portion of a cylinder or other regular figure than one half, provided they
are formed with sufficiently extended bases to support themselves and the ware.
Now in a case having (for example, say) three series of recesses 3, the ware is
placed in position and supported thus:-Two of the scries of recesses are filled up
with long, short, broad, or narrow-armed pins, as desired, and the lowermost one
of the third series of recesses is also provided with a similar pin. Upon the points
of the arms of the lowermost row of pins the ware (say a saucer) is then placed;
then in the next upper recess of the said third series another pin is placed, and
then another saucer is placed upon the arms of the second row of pins. This
operation is continued until the case is full. The cases are then ready to be placed
in the sagger 19 in the manner illustrated in perspective in Figure 23, and in plan
view at a reduced scale in Figure 24, previously to the sagger being placed in the
kiln or oven for the pottery articles to be in any way fired, either for grounding,
enamelling, or otherwise treating them.
The usual arrangement of sagger is illustrated in perspective in Figure 25, and
in section at a reduced scale in Figure 26. It is shown as formed, with inner
ribs 17, and series of recesses 18, into which removable pins were placed, and the
ware placed directly thereon; this arrangement is very objectionable, because the
dirt from the inner surface of the sagger was at all times liable to spit on to the
ware, and the workman, when placing the ware, could not well see whether any
dirt had fallen on to the ware below, and it is primarily, as above mentioned, for
the purpose of obviating this defect that we have designed the above-described
cases.
Now the filled up cases when placed in the sagger with their partly cylindrical or
other shaped sbielding part towards the nearest side thereof, as illustrated in Figures

page_text: 23 and 24, are in such a position as to prevent any pieces which may fly from off
the inner surface of the sagger falling on to the ware and spoiling it, and they thus
effectually perform the functions which they were designed to effect. The cases
being only partly cylindrical, elliptical, or other partly round or other partial shape,
also allow of the workmen placing and removing each article quickly, safely, and
with ease, and allow of his clearly seeing whether any of the ware has any dirt
upon it previously to placing the filled up cases in the sagger, and thus debars him
from making any reasonable excuse for not removing it. These two advantages are
economical, as less ware is liable to be spoiled, and they never were possible with
the ordinary form of sagger, with its inner ribs, recesses, and movable pins. The
saggers in which we place the filled up cases, it should be clearly understood, may
be made of any convenient forms adapted to contain any desired number of the
cases, and any desired arrangement thereof, and to the shape of the ware the
cases contain.
The above-described improved cases may be moulded by hand or by the use of
any suitable machinery, and made complete with their ribs, recesses, grooves, and
projections; or they may be turned or otherwise suitably formed; and they may be
made of clay, marl, or of any other suitable material, or mixture of plastic clay or
dust, and either in one piece or in two or more parts suitably joined or connected
together.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature and object of our
said Invention, together with the manner in which the same is to be or may be per-
formed or carried into practical effect, we would remark in conclusion that we claim
as our Invention, the formation or construction and the use of cases or shields. in
which articles of pottery ware are supported under the rim upon removable pins
adapted to recesses therein, or under the foot upon longer pins, or upon inner pro-
jections of the cases, and which are made of a partly rounded, elliptical, cylindrical,
or other suitable shape adapted to that of the ware, but in no case of the complete
or regular figure; and for preventing pieces of dirt or clay which may fly from the
inner side of the saggers (in which the cases containing the ware are placed during
the firing treatment) falling on to the ware and spoiling it; and the use, in combi-
nation with such improved cases, of the above-described improved supporting pins;
and especially we claim the above-described methods of forming the cases, or any
equivalent modifications thereof, all substantially as above described, and as illus-
trated on the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Edwards, on behalf of the said Elias
Leak and myself, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-third
day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-eight.
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