IMPROVEMENTS IN HOOP IRON AND ITS APPLICATION.
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Richard Leigh, of Tyldesley, in the County of Lancaster,
Iron Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN HOOP IRON AND
ITS APPLICATION.
"
Sealed the 6th April 1877, and dated the 16th October 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Richard Leigh at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th October 1876.
RICHARD LEIGH, of Tyldesley, in the County of Lancaster, Iron Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN HOOP IRON AND ITS APPLICATION."
The Invention is substantially that for which Provisional Protection, No. 1667,
dated the 21st of April, 1876, was granted, and is described in the Provisional
Specification filed with my petition for the same, but some of the points specified
therein I do not now maintain, but have some additional features in lieu thereof, as
follows:-Instead of the ordinary plasterer's laths, I employ hoop iron which is of a
curved section. I use it either singly or formed into sheets to facilitate the fixing on the
joists. To form the hoop iron into sheets, I cut it into convenient lengths, and punch a
hole near each end of each piece. Through these holes I pass another hoop iron in the
manner of wickerwork, that is to say, up through the hole in one piece and down
through the hole in the next piece and so forth all the length of the interlacing
hoop; on the other end of the pieces I do the same, with the exception of reversing
the order, that is to say, down through one and up through the next. I do not
however confine myself to this mode of forming sheets, but sometimes employ wire
instead of hoop iron for the interlacing pieces. The sheets, when thus formed, are
nailed to the joists in the ordinary way, and usually through the holes punched for
the purpose of passing through the interlacing piece. I also work the curve sectioned
hoop iron into baskets for vitriol bottles and skips for use in factories. When using
old hoop iron, I sometimes pass it through a furnace for the purpose of cleaning the
same, and hardening it when coming out of the furnace by plunging into water.

page_text: An important point in this Invention is the use of the curve sectioned hoop iron
as a substitute for plasterers' laths, either singly or in sheets.
Also the mode of forming continuous sheets, and further, the use of the said hoop
iron for baskets, crates, and the like work.
"
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by the
said Richard Leigh in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 16th April 1877.
RICHARD LEIGH, of Tyldesley, in the County of Lancaster, Iron Manufacturer.
IMPROVEMENTS IN HOOP IRON AND ITS APPLICATION."
My Invention consists of giving to ordinary hoop iron a curved section so as to
increase its strength when applied to any of the purposes specified, and of the
application of such boop iron to various uses. I substitute such curve sectioned
hoop iron for ordinary plasterers' laths in the formation of plastered ceilings, thus
making the same fire resisting in a very high degree. For this purpose I employ it
in various manners, according to the circumstances of the case.
Either the hoops
are used in single lengths, reaching over one or more spaces between the joists, in
the same way as wooden laths, or they are first formed into squares or sheets, and
they are nailed to the joists with nails through holes available for that purpose, or
specially punched for the purpose. I form the single lengths into squares or sheets
by interlacing one with another in the manner of wickerwork, or I interlace them
with wire or other material, passing the same alternately under and over or
through holes. These holes I also vary in size and shape, and also in number, so as
to increase the keying power of each hoop or lath. In some cases I utilize the
punchings as nails or spriggs by giving them the suitable shape. I also work the
curve sectioned hoop iron into baskets or crates for various purposes, such as for
holling bottles or for factory skips and the like.
When using old hoop iron, I sometimes pass it through a furnace for the purpose
of cleaning the same, and hardening it when coming out of the furnace by plunging
it into water.
The iron may be either plain or galvanized.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 shews a section of the hoop iron, the size and sweep of which varies
according to circumstances.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a piece of such hoop iron having, by way of
illustration, holes of various shapes punched into it.
Fig. 3 illustrates a sheet formed by interlacing with wire; and Fig. 4 a similar
sheet formed by wire passed through holes.
Fig. 5 represents a continuous sheet rolled up.
Fig. 6 is a portion of a ceiling shewing joists with the iron laths fixed thereon
ready for plastering.
And Fig. 7 gives an example of a basket containing a vitriol bottle, but the
shape and size of the baskets may be varied.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out
in practise, I hereby declare that I do not confine myself to the exact forms and
details shewn in the Drawings, but I vary them according to the requirements of
each individual case, and I claim substantially and particularly,-
1st. The curve sectioned hoop iron applied to ceilings, instead of ordinary
plasterers' laths, in order to make such ceilings fire proof, either in single lengths or
in sheets.
2nd. The forming the single lengths into sheets of any size and in any manner
by wire or hoops.

page_text: 3rd. The application of such hoop iron to baskets and similar work of any size
and shape.
In witness whereof, I, the said Richard Leigh, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Thirteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-seven.
RICHARD LEIGH. (L.S.)