Improvements in Buildings, Fire-proof Walls, Partitions, and Roofs.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Sept., 1891
Complete Specification Left: 8th July, 1892-Accepted. 27th Aug.. 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Buildings, Fire-proof Walls, Partitions, and Roofs.
CHARLES TOMKINS JOHN ANTHONY KINDER Architects of 83 Haworths
Buildings Cross Street Manchester in the County of Lancaster do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention undertakes to save space in buildings, and causing more air
circulating, and being fireproof at considerable less cost. More sound proof, firmer
thun wood partitions, inside and outside of buildings for houses of every description;
also churches, chapels, schools, railway premises, warehouses and factories. The
composition being made of a mixture of cements and sand, and applied on one or
both sides of a rigid mesh expansion metal, supported with bar iron, at distances
required, and secured from floor to floor and from floor to roofs, with rolled iron
joists, and other iron.
Dated this 7th day of September 1891
CHARLES TOMKINS.
JOHN ANTHONY KINDER.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Buildings, Fire-proof Walls, Partitions, and Roofs.
We, CHARLES TOMKINS, and JOHN ANTHONY KINDER, of 83, Haworth's
Buildings, Cross Street, Manchester; Architects, 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 :-
This invention has reference to fire-proof walls, partitions, and roofs, of buildings,
and consists of the combination of a composition of cement and sand or its equivalent,
or cement or concrete, of mesh metal, and of iron supports, joists, and other iron, as
hereinafter fully explained, reference being had to the accompanying drawings
which serve to illustrate the invention and to enable those skilled in building, or
those connected with the art to which this invention relates, to clearly and fully
understand the same.
We use, in the following description, the same letters and figures of reference to
indicate or deffote the same or equivalent parts wherever they occur in the different
drawings.
The composition which, according to this invention, we use, is generally designated
throughout, a, the mesh metal is designated b, the main columns or supports of
buildings are called or denoted c, whilst the horizontal wall girders or supports are
designated d. The floor and roof beams are e, and intermediate iron bars in the
walls are designated f.
Figure 1 is a front side elevation illustrating the mesh metal b with a facing or
covering a of the composition or cement; while Figure 2 is an elevation shewing
the reverse sides thereof. The mesh metal b is of the kind known as "expanded
metal" made from sheet metal, and possesses great rigidity for a given weight. In
applying the composition to the metal, in the ordinary way cement or compositions
are applied to surfaces, the back side the composition protrudes through the
spaces of the mesh metal and forin's a self-keying effect, thereby producing a very
firm attachment of the one part to the other, and practically one thing ör
substance. This keying e effect is seen in Figure 2.
In Figure 8 Are shew the metallic arrangement and combination for floors and
ceilings. In this case cross iron bars e' are supported by the flanges of the iron

page_text: floor joists or beams of the floor or ceiling, and to these crossbars the mesh metal ↳
is secured by wiring it to them, or by equivalent suitable means so as to provide a
firm attachment.
It is to be here stated that where iron bars occur in vertical constructions or
surfaces, ie. walls or partitions, the mesh metal may with advantage be secured
thereto by fastenings of wire passed through the mesh metal and round the bar, and
twisting the ends thereof, or by equivalent suitable means.
The first illustration of combinations of parts and constructions of walls, floors
and ceilings, and roofs, according to our invention, are illustrated in vertical cross
section in Figures 4 and 5.
In Figure 4 we shew the main uprights c, which in this case are made of cast
iron, (the horizontal wall girders d coming between and being supported by these
supports e); and the floor and roof beams with the cement or composition a and
the mesh metal b. k is the foundation of the walls or columns as the case may be,
in all cases.
In Figure 5 the section is taken through the walls and floors at a
point between the columns or supports c, and illustrates the iron vertical supports f,
the ends of which are turned in as shewn and are supported to the flanges of the
horizontal beams d, in any known suitable way. To these bar supports the mesh
metal is secured by wiring or by other suitable means. The main column or
supports c are used and disposed in most cases at the corners of a building, or at the
corners and parts where a partition divides the building into rooms, or where they
join the outside wall; but it is to be understood that these columns or supports c
may be used at other points intermediately between those just mentioned.
It will be seen that the end of the floor beams come between the flanges of the
beams d and are supported upon the lower flange thereof. The ceilings in most if
not all cases, comprise the cement or composition part a, the mesh metal b, cross
supporting bars e¹ and main supports or beams d. At the top of the building where
the ceiling is separate from the roof, the beams or. bars e which support this top
ceiling will be of light angle or other iron bars, and not heavy ones, such as would
be used in floors; as, obviously, the work to be performed is, in most cases, very
slight whilst the roof beams e would require to be of considerable strength.
However, as in Figure 5, when the uppermost horizontal partition constitutes the
roof and uppermost ceiling, the beams or supports e would be of considerable
strength and would have on their upper sides and under sides the mesh metal 6 and
cement a. In the construction shewn in Figure 4, the underside of the roof
beams would, in most cases, not be provided with mesh metal and cement or
composition.
+
•
Figures 6, 7, 74, 8, 84, 8, 9, 10, and 11, are details illustrating the construction
of buildings set forth with reference to, and generally shewn in Figures 4 and 5.
Figure 6 shews in detail the base of one of the main supports or columns_c of the
building, with the mesh metal b and composition a on each side of it. Figure 7
shews a detail of the bar iron uprights which lie between the columns c, the
horizontal wall beams or girders d, and the floor and ceiling joists e (of which
Figure 7 is a cross section): this figure also shews the foundation & of concrete
or cement, and the base plate fl of the bars f. The composition a forming the
outside surfaces of the walls, and the mesh metal b, are clearly shewn in all these
details from Figure 6 to Figure 10, as is also the composition and mesh metal
forming the floor surface and ceilings, in the latter case, the cross bar for wiring
the meshwork to, being also shewn. The upright bars may be disposed from.
about 18" to 3' 0" apart, as may also be the cross supporting bars e¹.
Between the inside surfaces of the mesh metal 6 of the walls and floors or roofs
herein set forth, an air space exists in most cases; but this space may, if desired,
be filled in with fire-proof substances or otherwise, as desired, and it constitutes a
bad conductor of heat. Therefore for fire-proof purposes it is. most serviceable,
and when dwelling houses are built in this manner, the passage of heat through the
walls thereof is in consequence retarded.
The details of the construction shewn in Figures 4 and 5 illustrate our improved

page_text: construction of the gutter of buildings, and a part of the roof thereof. In both
these constructions an iron bracket is fixed to the top girder or bar d, as shewn, and
the outside mesh metal b is carried round outside same to form the cornice; and this
metal 6 is also carried outwards and upwards at an inclination as shewn, to support
the composition or cement a (which is provided on both sides of 6), the surface of
the upper side or covering being formed as shewn to form a gutter in.
1
In the construction in Figure 9 (which is a pitched roof) the metal 6 is carried
under the gutter m and up on the inside of same, at the upper part meeting the
mesh metal of the roof. This roof mesh metal is covered with composition or
cement a, and is carried by the roof beam or rafter e. The ceiling in this case
comprises small ceiling joists e, mesh metal b, and composition or cement
covering a.
In Figure 10), which shews a flat roof, the joists e are provided on their under
and upper sides with mesh metal b, and composition or cement a on b. If desired.
the mesh metal of the gutter m might be carried up as in Figure 9.
The horizontal girder d in this case is shewn as of inverted T shape, and may
sometimes have plates n fixed thereon, as shewn, to form a coping, and between
which iron railings n' may be fastened.
In Figure 11 the vertical supporting columns c are shown in cross section, as are
also the bars f. f shew wires or fasteners for fixing the mesh metal b to the
bars f
In a modification according to this invention shewn in Figures 12 and 13 (which
are sectional elevations of the building construction) we shew one arrangement
according to the invention suitable more particularly for buildings of large span,
weaving sheds, and other sheds; but it may be also applied to any description of
building. In this case, which say is a single story building, the uprights care
disposed at suitable pitches apart and constitute columns, and around these columns
we provide the mesh metal b with the cement or composition casing a. On the
capitals c¹ of these columns, the ceiling beams e are supported, and under these, and
connected with that round the capital c', the mesh metal 6 and composition or
cement ceiling a is provided.
The roof beams are supported by the girder d resting on the columns (which
in Figure 12 forms a gutter for the two roofs as shewn). On the top of these roof
beams e the mesh metal b and composition or cement a are carried as shewn.
Figure 13 illustrates this construction applied to the outside of the building. In
this case, a separate horizontal girder or beam d supporting the roof beams e is
shewn, while the gutter m is of the same construction, substantially, as that shewn
in Figure 9. The columns e and ceiling girders e are practically the same, also, as
those shewn in Figure 9. In lieu, in some cases where desirable, of the construction
of the ceiling shewn in Figures 12 and 13, the metal mesh b and composition or
cement a, where it passes round the edge of the capitals c', may be carried up.
vertically to meet the upper roof spars e, and be fixed or supported thereon, as
shewn in Figure 12 in dotted lines. This construction provides more air space and
better ventilation.
-
The outside walls in this modification between the columns c may be carried.
along and constructed in any of the manners herein described.
Figures 14 to 26 illustrate a construction of single (that is, not hollow) partitions,
and their connections to walls, ceilings and roofs, according to this invention. In
Figure 14 the general arrangement is shewn. It consists in providing under the
floor joists or beams e, at the points desired, an iron girder e preferably of T-form,
which may be adapted to carry the iron floor joists e where desired (or not, as the
case may be); and to these girders e³, upright bars ƒ may be secured, the lower
ends of such bars being secured to the floor below. Where such a partition comes
under the lower side of a floor joist, the upright bars may be carried up and
connected-thereto. To these bars f the mesh metal b is secured by wiring or other
suitable means, and then on to both sides of these uprights and meshwork the
composition. cement, or concrete a is fastened. In Figure 14 part of this is shewn

page_text: broken away. To form the cornices and ceilings of a room thus enclosed, the mesh
metal is carried up over the girders e³ as shewn, and under the floor joists e above,
to which it is secured in any of the manners described.
In Figures 15 to 18 we shew special iron clips f, which fit onto the edge of the
web of the girders e, or onto a special projection formed on the underside of the
iron floor joists e, where the uprights are connected to the underside of the joist.
The construction of these clips is clearly shewn in Figure 18, which illustrates a
socket having an aperture f³-formed therein, into which the ends of the bars ƒ fit,
as seen in Figures 15 and 16.
The manner of carrying up the meshwork from the partition constructed as in
Figure 14, is clearly shewn in Figures 15 and 16, which are both sectional
elevations, one shewing the floor joists in cross section and the other in side
elevation; the latter also shewing the partition girder e³ in cross section.
Figure 19 shews, in sectional plan, the outer main and double wall of a building,
and a partition as just described running into and connected therewith. In dotted
lines in this figure, two projecting parts are shewn. These represent two snugs
or brackets formed on the uprights or columns c of the main wall at the level of the
girder, and are provided to form a means of carrying said girders, the web of
which lies between the snugs, and the underside of the flange resting thereon.
Figure 20 shews the corner of the wall of the building shewn in Figure 19,
illustrating the corner column c and upright bars ƒ as well, as the mesh metal band
cement or composition casing a.
Figure 21 is an elevation, and Figure 22 is a plan shewing the corner of the
outside walls with upright or column c; the girders or beams d to support the floor
joists, and those which run from column c to column e along the outside wall, and
which support the uprights f forming the outside wall.
In
Figure 23 is an elevation, and Figure 24 is a plan of same; Figure 25 is a
transverse section through the girders e, and Figure 26 is a plan of same.
Figure 25 the girder e³, to the web of which the uprights of the partition are
fixed, is shewn supporting the ends of two sets of floor joists e, the ends of which
overlap.
These Figures 23 to 26 are plans and sections shewing the formation or con-
struction of the outside wall, and the parts connected thereto, and carried thereby,
to support and form part of the partitions; whilst Figures 21 and 22 shew the plan
of the corner of a main wall at all the floors above the ground.
Figures 27 to 29 illustrate a modification under this invention, more particularly
suitable for small houses, cottages, and buildings of an inexpensive kind. The
walls in this construction consist of rail-section upright iron columns c pitched say
every three or four feet or more; and running from web to web of these supports is
the mesh metal b which in some cases, is fastened to the columns by wiring by
wires b³ (as shewn in Figure 27), or by carrying it all round the column as in
Figure 29, and securing the meshwork by wires through the web, so that such
mesh work on the one side is fastened to that of the other. Onto the meshwork on
both sides is provided cement, composition, or concrete, a.
In Figure 27 a window frame o is shewn working in grooves formed in the
uprights or columns c, the wall or partition abutting upon the other side of said
column.
In Figure 28, on the left hand, is shewn a door p hinged to a special or modified
form of upright or column c which may be of wood, and into which the wall
composed of the mesh metal b and outside coverings a a of cement, concrete, or
composition, runs or fits.
Figure 29 shews in sectional plan a corner column of a room or building in which
partitions run out in four directions. When walls run in two directions only to
form the corner of a house or building, of course two of the partitions or walls
shewn in this figure would be dispensed with, the covering of mesh metal and
composition running round same.
The columns e may be carried on any suitable foundation or base, and a wooden

page_text: beam may run along the top of the outside wall all round, and cross wall plates may
run across the division walls to connect said beam together. This would tie the
whole upper part of the house or building together.
Buildings constructed as above described provide greater space for a given area
covered than do those constructed in the ordinary way. They may be cheaply
built, and are fire-proof. They are also very strong.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. The herein described improvements in buildings, consisting in the combination
or construction wherein there is employed supporting uprights or columns c; longi-
tudinal or horizontal girders d; and mesh metal b connected thereto and having
thereon and bound therewith, composition, cement, or concrete a, on the outside and
inside; substantially as set forth.
2. Walls or partitions of buildings comprising the uprights c, horizontal girders d,.
upright bars f, and mesh metal b, with cement, concrete, or composition, a thereon,
said mesh metal being secured and supported by said uprights; substantially as
herein set forth.
.
3. The particular construction of parts of buildings shewn in and set forth with
reference to Figures 7 and 74; Figures 8 and 84; Figure 9; and Figure 10.
4. The construction of building particularly set forth with reference to
Figures 12 and 13.
5. The construction of partitions of buildings particularly as set forth with
reference to and shewn in Figures 14 to 26 of the drawings.
6. The construction of building set forth with reference to Figures 27, 28, and 29
of the drawings.
Dated this 7th day of July 1892.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicants' Patent Agents.

page_text: FIG. 2.
FIG.