Year: 1890

page_text: Figure 4 is a section on line y-y of Figure 2.
The post A, is constructed of two or more segments 10, usually four, which segments
are preferably similar to those employed in the construction of the well known Phoenix
columns. The segments are quadrant shaped in cross section and are provided along
each edge with a longitudinal flange 11, extending outwards normal to the body, as
illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
In forming the post, if four segments are used, two are employed to constitute each
side section thereof; and between the opposed side flanges of the two segments
forming a side section, tubular distance pieces or thimbles 12, are introduced, and
held in place by bolts or rivets 13, passed through them and the flanges, as shown
at a in Figures 3 and 4; and between the opposite flanges of the opposed side sections,
washers 14, are inserted, the said flanges and washers being brought to close contact
by bolts or rivets 15, passed through them, as illustrated at a', in the said Figures 3
and 4.
The thimbles at the base of the column are longer than at the top, and the washers
may be thinnest at the top, whereby a conical shape is imparted to the column; and
the said thimbles and washers are placed one above the other a sufficient distance
apart to provide for an ample ventilation of the column, and to constitute rungs,
especially the thimbles, for the ascent and descent of a workman or an inspector.
The thimbles and washers may be constructed of any preferred material, and the
inclination of the column with respect to its length may be gradual from its base to
the top, or the inclination may be made to commence at any point in its length.
Different lengths of thimbles will give different shaped columns, as for instance round,
oblong, elliptical, or any form of a closed curved line.
In special cases the openings between the segments which are diametrically
opposite are entirely closed, or the flanges are separated only by washers of the same
thickness, and the other flanges are spaced apart at the bottom and the space gradually
decreased toward the top, where the flanges may meet, or be provided with intervening
washers only. Gusset plates 16, may be introduced at intervals to produce stiffness
and keep the column in shape.
My invention is especially intended for use, as heretofore stated, when the post or

page_text: strut is subjected to a pull or strain at a point above the base. The additional
diameter at the base, due to spreading the segments, causes the post to withstand the
strain better, and it will not deflect as much as it would were the column of a
diameter at its base equal only to that at the top.
The post as constructed can also be readily inspected and painted, and any portion
thereof is accessible for repairs.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is,
1. As an improved article of manufacture, a post consisting of longitudinally-
flanged segments connected at diametrically opposite sides by washers and bolts, and
thimbles and bolts, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
2. As an improved article of manufacture, a post constructed of longitudinally-
flanged segments, the opposed flanges of which segments are spaced by thimbles of
varying length and washers of varying thickness, and bolts passed through the flanges,
the washers and thimbles, substantially as shown and described.
3. As an improved article of manufacture, a post.constructed of longitudinally-
flanged segments, the opposed flanges of which segments are spaced by thimbles of
varying length and washers of varying thickness, bolts passed through the flanges,
the washers and the thimbles, and gusset plates secured horizontally at intervals
between the flanges at diametrically opposite sides of the post, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
Dated this 30th day of June 1890
FOSTER MILLIKEN.
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agents.