Improvements in the Method of. Making Hollow Rail and Finishing Knobs.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Nov., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Aug., 1890-Accepted, 13th Sept., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of. Making Hollow Rail and Finishing
Knobs.
We CHARLES PRIESTLAND Senior of 143 Prescott Street Birmingham in the
County of Warwick Tool Maker and CHARLES PRIESTLAND Junior of Linmouth
Villa, Whitby Road, Spark Brook Birmingham in the County of Warwick do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention consists in the method of producing knobs such as are used to form
the extreme end of the rods that constitute the framing of bedsteads and which are
also utilized as terminations to rods used in the make up of fenders, and which are
(or can be) used in the make up of other articles composed of rods, or framing, or
scrollwork ornamented with knobs or put together with knobs as terminal connections
or fastenments.
Altho we do not confine ourselves to making the knobs within any specific
dimensions nevertheless, for the purpose of identifying our invention with the class
of articles to which it will be attached, we now state that many tons weight of knobs
are used annually, in the United Kingdom, ranging from three eights of an inch in
diameter to one inch in diameter consequently such knobs form and constitute a well
known article of commerce in the constructive metal trades, such knobs being known
as rail knobs and such knobs being also known as finishing knobs.
Rail and finishing knobs have hithertoo been made out of sheet metal, compressed
into the required shape by various mechanical means.
In carrying out our invention we make the knobs by the process of casting herein-
after set forth.
We provide a flat metal plate, a flat board, or other material formed into a flat
surface, henceforward referred to as the foundation-plate, we next provide any suitable
number of half parts of finishing knobs or rail knobs, and secure such half parts to
the surface of foundation-plate, by preference in rows; with divisional spaces between
each half part: We next secure to the foundation plate a main-gate-strip, of suitable
dimensions, extending the full length of the row of half parts: We next connect
each half part to the main-gate-strip by means of a short feed gate; the foundation
plate with the various parts fixed to it, in the manner hereinbefore described will
henceforward be referred to as the first moulding plate.
We next provide a lifting-frame formed with an open, or with a covered bottom
surface; the lifting-frame is connected to the first moulding-plate by means of dowls:
We next provide a second moulding plate and lifting frame, constructed in a precisely
similar manner to the first moulding plate and lifting-frame, excepting that the half
knobs fixed on the second moulding plate are each formed with a projecting core
print.
We next provide a core-box formed to follow the configuration of the complete
finishing knobs and its core-print, the configuration of the core-box is such that the
core made in such core-box will when placed in the mould of finishing knob correspond
with the shape of the knob, excepting that it is smaller in dimensions than the mould
or impression formed in the sand; the sand core being formed at the print-end of
such dimensions as to leave a greater space for metal at the mouth-end or core-end
of knob than at the other part of the knob.
In using the moulding-plates we proceed in the following manner: We press or ram
moulding-sand in the lifting-frame on to the surface of half knobs projecting from the
moulding-plate, we then remove the moulding-plate from the lifting-frame, thus
leaving a series of concave depressions in the sand contained in lifting-frame.

page_text: We carry out the same process with the second moulding-plate and lifting-frame
We next take a quantity of the knob cores made in the core box, as herein before
described, and place one core to rest in each print impression formed in the second
lifting-frame we then place the two lifting-frames together, thus forming a series
of complete knob concavaties, in each of which is securely fixed a knob-core, the
main-gate-strips on each moulding plate having left a hollow space in the face of
sand, the two hollow spaces when placed over each other, form a main-gate or run to
conduct the molten metal through each feed-gate to each knob-mould; the two
lifting frames are clamped together or otherwise securely fastened together; molten
metal is then poured through a passage formed in the end-faces of lifting-frames,
direct into the main gate, from where it flows through each feed gate into each knob-
mould each moulding-plate can be used with any required number of lifting-frames,
and thus any required number of knobs can be cast from the set or pair of moulding-
plates.
We are aware that some parts of the casting process hereinbefore described has
been used for casting articles other than finishing-knobs, but our invention does not
consist in making those other articles, but in making knobs of the particular kind
specified in the manner set forth.
We do not confine ourselves to making the knobs of a spherical configuration as
we can cast them oval-pentagonal, or of other configuration, such configuration may
also be ornamented on the outer face, the cores being in each case formed to follow
the shape of the knob.
What we consider to be an essential feature of our invention, is the casting of the
mouth of each hollow knob, with a depth of metal several times thicker than the
thickness of the shell at other portions of the knob so that the thickness of the shell at
the mouth will be sufficient to receive several tapping threads, by means of which the
knob can be secured in position where required.
Hithertoo finishing knobs and rail knobs when made out of sheet metal, have been
made the same thickness over all parts of the shell consequently the thickness of metal
at mouth, would not receive a sufficient number of screw threads to render connection
mechanically perfect. Our invention is a remedy.
Dated this 4th day of Novamban 1000
ALFRED WILLIAM TURNER,
Cobden Buildings, Corporation Street, Birmingham, Agent for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of Making Hollow Rail and Finishing
Knobs.
We CHARLES PRIESTLAND, Senior, and CHARLES PRIESTLAND, Junior, of
143 Prescott Street, Birmingham in the County of Warwick 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 consists in the method of producing hollow knobs, such as used to
form or complete the extreme ends of the rods that constitute the framing of bed-
steads, or to ornament them, and which are also employed as ornaments, or as
terminations to rods used in the making up of fenders, and which are, or can be, used
in the making up of other articles, composed of rods or framing, or scroll work
ornamented with knobs, and also in providing in such knobs, an internal cast deep
mouth or neck as hereinafter described.
Although we do not confine ourselves to making the said knobs within any specified
dimensions, nevertheless for the purpose of identifying our invention with the class
of articles to which it will be attached, we now state that a very large quantity of
knobs are used, varying in size from one quarter of an inch to three quarters of an
inch in diameter, consequently such knobs form and constitute a well known article

page_text: of commerce in the constructive metal trades, such knobs being known as rail knobs,
and as finishing knobs.
These rail and finishing knobs have hitherto generally been made from sheet
metal, formed and compressed into the required shape by various mechanical
operations.
In carrying out our invention however, we make the said knobs by the process of
moulding and casting as in the manner hereinafter set forth.
In order to more clearly explain this our invention, we have appended hereunto an
illustrative sheet of drawings, upon which are figures and letters of reference, similar
letters referring throughout the several views to the same thing or part, and in
which-
Fig. 1, is a plan, and Fig. 2 a side sectional elevation of the foundation or moulding
plate, having thereon one half of the patterns &c. of the said knobs.
Fig. 3 is a plan, & Fig. 4 a side sectional elevation of a similar moulding plate
baving the counterpart of the pattern &c. of the knobs.
Figs. 5 & 6, is a plan and sectional elevation of the moulding box, which may
be used.
Figs. 7, 8, 9 & 10, illustrate the hoxes for making the cores, for the internal shape
of the knobs.
Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the core made from the boxes shown in Figs. 7 to 10
inclusive.
Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the knob when finished.
Fig. 13 illustrates the arrangement of a moulding plate, suitable for moulding
the knobs, when their cores may be made in pairs, or, when their external shape,
necessitates the core or cores being laid in the mould in a horizontal manner.
Fig. 14 shows a core made in one, to suit two knobs.
Fig. 15 is a sectional, and Fig. 15a an external view of a knob produced with
a core such as that of Fig. 14.
Figs. 16, 19 & 22, are similar cores varied in shape, to suit the manufacture of
knobs such as shown respectively in Figs. 17, 18, 20, 21, 23 & 24.
We provide a flat metal plate a, a flat board 1, or other material formed into a flat
surface, henceforward referred to as the foundation plate; we next provide any
suitable number of half parts c, of finishing knobs or rail knobs, and secure such
half parts to the surface of the foundation plate, (by preference in rows) with spaces
between each half part. We next secure to the foundation plate, a main gate strip d,
of suitable dimensions, extending the full length of the row of the half parts c, and
further connect each half part to the main gate strip d, by means of a short feed
gate e.
The foundation plate a, with the various parts fixed to it, in the manner herein-
before described, will henceforward be referred to as the first moulding plate. fis
a lifting frame or moulding box, which is held in its correct position upon the
moulding plate a, by the dowels g, fitting into the holes 4, upon the said box f.
a' is a second moulding plate, similar to a, excepting that the half knob patterns c¹
are further provided with a projecting core print i. Also we provide a second
moulding box or frame similar to Figs. 5 & 6, but having dowel pins at h, instead
of holes, so that when the two frames or boxes are placed face to face one upon the
other, the now moulded half patterns in each frame, exactly coincide with each other,
and form complete knobs.
Again. We now provide a core box, as seen in Figs. 7, 8, & 9. The size and
shape of the interior is made to follow somewhat the external shape of the knob, loss
so much to allow for thickness or variation in shape as may be desired, and in which
the core plug is made to suit the print i, (see Figs. 3 & 4). The core as produced
is shown in Fig. 11. Fig..10 also shows an improved form of core box which may
if desired, be substituted for that shown in Figs. 7, 8, & 9.
Herein is an important feature of this our invention in the moulding and casting
process, in providing that a ring or body of metal is left at k, around the mouth of

page_text: the hole, see Fig. 12, so that such depth of metal or length of screwthread, may be
made as much as may be desired; and at the same time, the metal may be lightened
out at 1, and thus allowing the rest portion of the knob to remain as thin as though of
stamped metal.
In some instances, knobs of this class are required, having a more ornamental
external form, as seen for example in Figs. 18, 21 & 24. Such knobs require to he
moulded upon their side, instead of vertical, and also in many cases, we may find it
economical in time saving, to make the plain ones (see Fig 12) in this same way, but
with somewhat less economy in weight of metal. In such cases, we provide a moulding
plate a², similar to that of a, having similar main and connecting gates. The half
patterns however, are placed in pairs, having the core print lying between them,
the enlarged part m of which, serves to preserve the correct position of the core when
in the mould.
Figs. 14, 16, 19, & 22 illustrate the cores as used in pairs. It will be seen that by
this arrangement, the internal shape can be made to follow the external shape of the
knob, and at the same time a good body of metal left around the hole for the purpose
previously stated.
In using this apparatus and carrying out our method, we proceed somewhat as
follows: Having placed the frame or box upon the first moulding plate a, we press
or ram moulding sand in the box, on to the surface of the half knob patterns &c.
We then remove the moulding plate from the box, thus leaving a series of concave
depressions in the sand in the box. We carry out the same process with the second
monlding plate, and lifting frame or box. We next take a quantity of the knob cores,
as hereinbefore described, and place one core to rest in each print impression formed
in the second lifting frame; we then place the two lifting frames or boxes together,
thus forming a series of complete knob concavities, in each of which is securely fixed
a knob core the main gate strip on each moulding plate having left a hollow space
in the face of the sand, the two hollow spaces when placed over each other, form a
main gate or run, to conduct the molten metal through each feed gate to each knob
mould.
Each moulding plate can be used with any required number of lifting frames, and
thus any required number of knobs, can be moulded and cast from the one set or pair
of moulding plates..
We do not confine ourselves to making the knobs of a spherical configuration, as
we can, as before shown, cast them oval, polygonal, or of other configuration, which
may also be ornamented upon the outer surface, the cores being in each case formed
to follow the shape of the knob.
Hitherto finishing knobs and rail knobs, when made of sheet metal, are the same
thickness or nearly so, over all the parts of the shell, consequently the thickness of
the metal at the mouth, would not afford a sufficient number of screwthreads to make
the connection sound and durable. Our invention is intended to obviate these several
defects.
We are aware that parts of this moulding and casting process as described have
been previously used in the manufacture of other articles, and therefore we do not
claim them broadly, but:
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1st. The improvements in the manufacture of hollow finishing knobs, and hollow
rail knobs or terminal fastenings or knobs for ornament such as are hereinbefore
described, substantially as herein set forth and illustrated upon the drawings, that is
to say, casting such knobs with a deepened or extended neck of metal about the hole
for the purpose specified.
2nd. Forming in the interior of such knobs, the recess or, lightening out space, as
set forth and shown in Fig. 12.

page_text: 3rd. The improved method of moulding and casting these knobs, substantially as
herein set forth and shown upon the drawings.
4th. The improved method of moulding such knobs, in pairs, substantially as herein
set forth and illustrated in Figs. 13 to 24 inclusive.
Dated this 1st day of August 1890.
CHARLES PRIESTLAND, SENR.
CHARLES PRIESTLAND, JUNR.