IM- PROVEMENTS IN METALLIC FENCES
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Benjamin Green Devoc and William Lowther
Walker, both of Kenton, in the County of Hardin, and State of
Ohio, in the United States of America, for the Invention of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN METALLIC FENCES."
Sealed the 7th May 1875, and dated the 30th November 1874.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Benjamin Green Devoe
and William Lowther Walker at the Office of the Commissioners
of Patents, with their Petition, on the 30th November 1874.
We, BENJAMIN GREEN DEVOE and WILLIAM LOWTHER WALKER, both
of Kenton, in the County of Hardin, and State of Ohio, in the United
States of America, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN METALLIC FENCES," to be as follows:-
Our Invention relates to certain improvements in ornamental and
other metallic fences, and has for its object to dispense with brick or
similar foundations and walls, as well as copings, thereby reducing the
cost of such fences very materially; and in constructing the different
parts composing the fence in such a manner as to be readily and casily put

page_text: clamps two sections of cross rails are fastened together either in a length
of lateral panels or when turning corners.
The ornamental portions are so arranged that their lateral sides form
circles or segments of circles, and their rear faces are provided with
loops which fit over the pickets, such pickets being V shaped, and provided
with a truncated face and side flanges. The ornamental portions and
pickets are held in position on the cross rails by means of fastening
ornamental clamps, the lateral sides of which project over the lateral
sides of the ornamental parts. The projecting sides of these clamps may
form circles or segments of circles, or any other convenient and orna-
mental form may be used. The rear portions of these ornamental clamps
have projections which fit over and embrace the front vertical face of
the T shaped cross rails, and are slipped on to such cross rail and over
the sides of the ornamental parts holding them as well as the pickets
securely in position.
It is obvious that the pickets and ornamental portions may be
inclined either way, so that they are readily adapted to any surface of
ground.
It is also evident that the ornamental parts and clamps are subject to
almost any variety of ornamentation, however simple or elaborate, pro-
vided the lateral sides of the ornamental parts form circles or segments
of circles.
In the modification the base is formed in two parts, each being pro-
vided with a base plate, and such base is set at right angles to the
fence. The top of this base forms an L shaped recess to receive the post,
the lower part of which has a rectangular projection, and this projection
is again bent upwards, thus forming a triangle, the rear portion of which
reaches up to about the middle of the post, and thus forms a substantial
brace to such post. The post and brace are held in position in the
L shaped recess by means of a nut, and bolt, or other suitable device.
The pickets are here, by preference, rolled hollow, and have side flanges,
or such pickets may be of the shape as described in the first part of this
Specification. The cross rails are the same as those already described,
though here we dispense with the rounded shoulder. The pickets are
affixed to the rails by means of the ornamental parts; the lateral sides;
instead of forming circles, are bent at right angles, thus forming lugs or
ears embracing the face of the cross rails. The ornamental clamps are
dispensed with.

page_text: The different panels are connected together by means of the posts
which are provided with brackets, to which the cross rails are secured
by bolts or other suitable means, the cross rails having slotted bolt holes
to allow expansion and contraction. The upper bracket is formed in
such a manner as to cover the top of the post in order to distribute the
weight of the ornamental portions along such post and prevent them
from sagging. The ornamental portions are further provided on their
inner face with lugs or ears fitting into notches or recesses formed in the
flanges of the pickets.
According to another modification in which the cross rail is the same
as that already described, only that the front face has rounded shoulders,
and in the centre of the front face a semicircular groove is formed for
the reception of the rounded lateral projections of the ornamental parts.
The ornamental parts are provided with clamps or clasps which fit over
the pickets above and below the cross rails. The central portion of
the ornamental parts is formed semicircular to fit over the pickets, and
this central portion is provided with an upward projecting flange, which
fits into suitable recesses formed in the projection or rib on the face of
the picket. The pickets and ornamental portions are held in position
on the cross rail by means of clamps. The pickets are rolled or other-
wise formed semicircular, and are provided with a rib or flange on their
face. This flange has suitable recesses formed therein for the reception
of the upward projecting flanges of the ornamental parts.
The ornamental portions may be of any suitable configuration, and
arc by preference cast hollow, though we do not wish to confine our-
selves to that particular mode of manufacture.
The cross rails and pickets may be rolled or cast, and the ornamental
clamps may be stamped of wrought or malleable iron, or cast.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
i filed by the said Benjamin Green Devoe and William Lowther 3
Walker in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 29th May 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, BENJAMIN
GREEN DEVOE and WILLIAM LOWTHER WALKER, of Kenton, in the
County of Hardin, and State of Ohio, in the United States of America,
send greeting.
3

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the 30th day of November, A.D. 1874,
in the 38th year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto us, the said Benjamin Green Devoe and
William Lowther Walker, Her special licence that we, the said Ben-
jamin Green Devoe and William Lowther Walker, our executors, admi-
nistrators, or assigns, or such others as we, the said Benjamin Green
Devoe and William Lowther Walker, our executors, administrators, and
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time
to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ORNAMENTAL AND
OTHER METALLIC FENCES," upon the condition (amongst others) that we,
the said Benjamin Green Devoe and William Lowther Walker, by an
instrument in writing under our hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed
in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
"
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Benjamin Green Devoe and
William Lowther Walker, do hereby declare the nature of our said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement,
that is to say :—
Our Invention relates to certain improvements in ornamental and
other metallic fences, and has for its. object to dispense with brick or
similar foundations and walls, as well as copings, thereby reducing the
cost of such fences very materially, and in constructing the different
parts composing the fence in such a manner as to be readily and easily
put together, dispensing in a great measure with bolts or similar
fastenings, and produce a fence at once light and substantial, and at the
same time capable of almost any degree of-ornamentation.
Another and not the least feature of this Invention is the peculiar
construction and arrangement of the ornamental parts, and the device
by means of which such parts and the. cross rails and pickets are
fastened together, enabling such fence to be adjusted to any grade or

page_text: In the Drawings similar letters of reference indicate corresponding
parts wherever they may occur.
With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, A is the base cast in or
formed of one piece, and provided with a base plate a and a top plate a¹,
and strengthening ribs a, as shown by Figure 5. The top plate a¹ may
however be made separate from the base, and affixed thereto in any
convenient or usual manner. This base A up to the top plate a¹ is under-
ground, so that the said top plate a' rests on the surface thereof, and by
this means easy access is always had for adjusting the posts upon such
base as will be more fully described hereafter.
The top plate a' has an upright or vertical plate a³ formed or affixed
in its centre, thus forming an inverted T, this plate a³ has formed therein
two longitudinal slots a¹, a³. B is the upright or post forming at its
lower extremity a shoulder or angular projection b, the outer end of which
is bent round in such a manner as to form a clamp. This clamp clasps
or holds the top plate a¹ and the shoulder b resting thereon when the
post B is in position, thus forming a strong support for such post B and
prevent it from sagging, and at the same time by means of this clamp
such post is held firmly in position on the top plate a¹ of the base A.
The post B is further secured by means of a bolt a passing through such
post and the longitudinal slot a formed in the vertical plato a³, and
when such post is in position it is made fast in such, slot by a nut on the
other side of the slot a³. To prevent the post B from inclining laterally
we employ a brace b' affixed to the post on one end, the other end of
It is obvious
which is held by a bolt and nut in the longitudinal slot a³.
that the post B can be adjusted laterally whenever required by simply
loosening the nuts of the bolts passing through the longitudinal
slots a, a, and sliding such post to either side, and made fast again when
adjusted, thus obviating the necessity of adjusting the base when once
set in the ground, an operation always connected with much labor and
annoyance.
C is the cross or horizontal rail rolled in the shape of a T to the
vertical front or face plate c of which the pickets D and ornamental
portions E are secured, as more fully explained hereafter. The plate c' of
the horizontal rail C has its rear edge formed, rounded, and enlarged
somewhat like a railroad rail (as shown by Figures 4 and 5) so as to
-11
is the clamp or clin by

page_text: means of which two cross or horizontal rails C are clamped or fastened
together either in length of panels or when turning corners. This
clamp F is provided with projections f, f¹, forming jaws between which
the plate c¹ of the rails C is firmly and securely held in position
by means of bolts and nuts or set screws f³, as fully shown by Figures 1,
4, and 5. The shank or projection f of the clamp F has a longitudinal
slot f* formed therein for the passage of the post B, such clamp F
holding the cross rails C, and these are held in position at the desired
hight by means of a wedge or key f³ or a set screw, or similar means.
The slot in the shank f³ of clamp F has its lateral sides convex, or 1
slightly so, in order that the cross rail C may be set or inclined to any
angle, according to the surface of the ground, and it is obvious that by
these means the horizontal rails C are adjusted on the parts B, sce
Figures 1 and 4.
D, D, are vertical pickets rolled hollow, and V shaped, and have a 1
truncated face, as shown by Figure 2, and are provided with flanges a
which rest against the front or face plate c of the horizontal rails C when
such pickets D are in position. The pickets D may be formed round
instead of V shaped, as shown in the modification by. Figure 12, the
notches in the flanges d of such pickets are however here dispensed 2
with. The pickets D are provided at their lower portion with a hooked
or otherwise formed projection d' in which the lower parts of the
ornamental portions E are hooked or held in position.
E, E, are the ornamental parts constructed in such manner that the
lateral sides e thereof form circles or segments of circles, and are 2
provided on their rear face with loops or braces e¹ of the same shape as
the inner side of the pickets D, so that the ornamental parts E may be
slipped over such pickets D (as shown by Figure 1), one or more of such
loops or braces e¹ may be formed on the rear face of the ornamental
parts E above and below each cross rail C, according to the height of the 3
pickets D and said ornamental parts. The different circles or segments
of circles are connected together by braces or cross pieces e* fitting
over the outside of the pickets D, being of the same shape as said
pickets, or the connecting pieces e* may simply rest against the rounded
or truncated face of such pickets D, according to the configuration of the 3
ornamental portions.
The ornamental portions E and pickets D are held in position and

page_text: clamps G, the lateral sides g of which, like the sides e of the ornamental
portions E, also form circles or segments of circles, though other forms
may be employed. The upper and lower portions g' of the clamp G have
lugs or projections formed thercon bent round in such manner as to fit
over and clasp the upper and lower part of the face plate c of the hori
zontal rail C, as shown by Figure 3, and by means of these clamps the
pickets D and ornamental parts E are securely and firmly held in position
on the horizontal rails C.
It is evident that the ornamental portions E and pickets D may be
inclined or set to any angle owing to the segmental sides of the orna-
mental portions E sliding under the segmental sides of the clamps G;
hence the panels of the fence can be easily and readily adjusted to any
surface of ground, according to the radii of the segments of the sides e
of the ornamental portions E. The upper portions of the ornamental
parts E are connected together by a brace e³ forming a cap, which fits
over and on to the top of the pickets D, as shown by Figure 1, and it is
obvious that by means of this cap es and the hook d¹ the ornamental
parts are securely held in position when clamped to the cross rails by the
ornamental clamp G, and the loops or braces e¹ may be dispensed with if
the fence is not too heavy and large.
It is evident that the ornamental parts E and clamps G are subject to
almost any degree of ornamentation, and we would have it understood.
that we do not confine ourselves to the exact configuration shown.
We will now proceed to describe a slight modification of our Invention
in respect of Figures 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12, in which A is the base formed
in two parts, each part being provided with a base plate a, such base A
being when in the ground at right angles with the fence, as shown by
Figure 8. The top of the base forms an L shaped recess for the reception
of the post B. This post B is made of one piece, the lower part of which
is bent at right angles, fitting and being held in position in the L shaped
recess of the base A at the point where the two sections of the base are
bolted together, thus bolting the base and post at one and the same time.
The right angular bent portion of the post B projects some-distance in
rear, and is bent again upwards in such a manner as to reach the post B
at or near the middle of said post B, thus forming a stiff and substantial
brace b', see Figure 8. D, D, are the pickets rolled hollow and round,
and have flanges d, d, formed thereon, or the pickets may be of the shape
described in the first part of this Specification; C, C, are the cross rails

page_text: .
formed like those already described, though in this case we by pre-
ference dispense with the rounded shoulder on the part c¹ of the rail C.
The pickets are affixed to the face c of the cross rails C by means of
the ornamental portions E, the lateral sides e of which, instead of forming
circles or segments of circles, here form clasps or clamps, their lateral
projecting ends e being bent backwards and at right angles, forming lugs
or cars e*, which clasp the upper and lower part of the face plate c of the
horizontal rail C, by this arrangement dispensing with the ornamental
clamps G.
The different panels or sections are connected together by means of 1
the posts B, such posts being provided with brackets h, h². The lower
bracket is a corner or L shaped bracket bolted or otherwise secured to
the cross rail C and post B, the rails having slotted bolt holes so as to
allow of expansion and contraction. The top bracket is formed in
such manner as to cover the top of the post B, to which it is also bolted :
on the sides and top, thus distributing the weight more vertically or on a
line with the posts and prevent the latter from sagging.
The ornamental portions E are provided at their inner face and rear or
at the centre with lugs or cars e³ fitting into suitable notches or recesses
d formed in the flange d of the pickets D, by means of which such a
ornamental portions E are further secured and rigidly held in position, as
shewn by Figures 10, 11, and 12. The lateral sides e¹ of the ornamental
portions E are connected together by braces e fitting over the pickets D
as already explained.
. According to another modification of our Invention, as shewn by a
Figures 7, 9, 13, 14, and 15, the horizontal or cross rail C is also formed
T shaped, the front face c of which has rounded shoulders formed
thereon, as shewn by Figures 7, 9, and 13, and in the centre of the front
or face plate c a semicircular groove is formed for the reception of the
lateral cylindrical projections or sides e of the ornamental parts E, such
ornamental parts E being provided or having formed thereon clasps or
clamps e fitting over the pickets D (as shewn by Figure 7) above and
below the horizontal rails C. The central portion or brace e³ of the
ornamental parts E is formed semicircular, fitting over the pickets D,
and this semicircular projection et has an upward projecting flange e
formed thereon which fits into a suitable recess as formed in the
projection or rib d³ on the face of the picket D, as shewn by Figures 7,
9, and 15.

page_text: The pickets D and ornamental portions E are firmly held in position
on the cross rails C by means of the clamp F and two clamps G, G. The
clamp F is constructed, as shewn by Figure 14, with two jaws or lips
ff, each of which jaws or lips f,f¹, is provided with a large
aperture f. The front part of such aperture being concave to fit over
the pickets D and projecting flange e*, while the rear portion is convex,
fitting into the hollow portion or inside the picket D. The upper jaw
or lip ƒ fits over the upward projecting flange e', while the lower lip or
jaw f¹ fits into a notch or recess d' formed in the projection or rib d³ on
the face of the picket D and the shank for rear portion of said clamp
F fits over the plate c¹ of the horizontal rail C, as shewn by Figures 7,
9, and 13, thus constituting an effective means of fastening tho pickets
D and ornamental posts E to the horizontal or cross rail C.
The clamps G, G, are constructed as shewn by Figure [13, and are
slipped into or over the rail O, such clamps G being provided with semi-
circular recesses g², which, when slipped over the horizontal rail ▸ form
circular bearings or holcs for the reception and the holding in position of
the lateral cylindrical projecting ends or barse of the ornamental
portion E, as plainly shewn by Figures 9 and 13, and by these means
providing a brace to prevent the horizontal rails C from sagging while
securely holding in position the ornamental parts E.
The pickets D'are by preference cast semicircular and have a rib or
flange & formed on their face (as shown by Figure 15) such rib or flange
ds having recesses d³, d', formed therein for the reception of the upward
projecting flange e' of the central brace or connecting piece e³, connecting
together the lateral sides e of the ornamental portions E. The pickets
D and rails C may be rolled or cast, and the ornamental clamps G may
be made by stamping of wrought or maleable iron, or they may be
cast.
The plate a³ of the base A (Figure 5) may be cast of one piece, with
such base A, or said plate as may be made of wrought iron rivetted or
otherwise affixed to the top plate a' of the base A.
Having now described our Invention we would wish to have it under-
stood that we do not confine ourselves to the exact details as shewn and
described, as the same may vary without departing from the peculiar
nature of the said Invention, but what we do claim is,—
Firstly. A metallic fence constructed and arranged, substantially as
herein-before set forth with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

page_text: Secondly. The base A provided with a base plate a and top plate a¹
and strengthening ribs a² in combination with the vertical plate a³ having
slots a³, a³, formed therein, substantially as herein set forth and for the
purposes specified.
Thirdly. The base A constructed as described and plate a³ in com- t
bination with the post B provided with a rectangular shoulder or
projection 6, bent in such manner as to form a clamp or clasp, and the
brace b', substantially as shewn and described.
Fourthly. The clip or clamp F, the shank f³ of which is provided
with a longitudinal slot f*, such slot having its inner lateral sides convex, 1
in combination with and for uniting two horizontal rails C either in a
length of panels or when forming angles, substantially as specified.
Fifthly. The ornamental portions E, the lateral sides e of which form
circles or segments of circles, and their rear faces being provided with
loops or braces e¹, substantially as and for the purposes described.
Sixthly. The ornamental clamps G constructed as shewn and for the
purpose described.
Seventhly. The pickets D constructed as shewn and for the purpose
specified.
Eightly. The base A, plate a³, post B, and brace 6', in combination
with the clip or clamp F, wedge or set screw f³, and the horizontal
rail C, substantially as herein-before described.
Ninethly. The horizontal rail C, in combination with the ornamental
parts E and ornamental clamps G and pickets D, substantially as herein-
before described and for the purpose specified.
Tenthly. The combination of the base A and post B when constructed,
as herein-before described and shewn by Figures 6 and 8 of the
Drawings.
Eleventhly. The combination of the pickets D, D, horizontal rails C,
and ornamental portions E, with grasping lugs e', e', and the post B and
base A when arranged and constructed as herein-before described and
shewn by Figures 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12 of the Drawings.
Twelfthly. The combination of the rounded pickets D provided with
notches d³, d, the rounded T shaped horizontal rails O having a groove
formed in the front face c, the ornamental portions E composed of the

page_text: cylindrical bar e, flanges e', and clasps or clamps e³, the fastening clamps
F and G all constructed and arranged as herein-before described and
shewn by Figures 7, 9, 13, 14, and 15.
In witness whereof, we, the said Benjamin Green Devoe and
William Lowther Walker, have hereunto set our hands and
seals, this 28th day of May, in the year of our Lord Onc
thousand eight hundred and seventy-five.
BENJAMIN GREEN DEVOE.
(L.S.)
WILLIAM LOWTHER WALKER. (L.S.)