Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Dec., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 21st Sept., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 9th Nov., 1888
I, WILLIAM RIDSDALE WELLS of 8 Castle Street, Hastings in the County of
Sussex, Joiner and Cabinet Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My improved firelighter is designed to ensure the rapid and thorough combustion
of its component parts, and the speedy and easy ignition of the coal or fuel.
In constructing it I take about four or more pieces of rough stick or lath about
four inches in length and place them parallel to each other with about an inch of space
between each.
I then take a similar number of similar pieces and having arranged them in like
manner, I cause the ends of each set to cross or interlock the ends of the other set to
a distance of about two inches.
I place the two sets in an angular position not straight with each other, so as to
form an obtuse angle of about 60 to 70 degrees.
The whole are then fixed or fastened in this position by means of a crosspiece of
wood or metal, inserted in notches cut at or near the point of intersection, or by
means of a pin of wood or wire driven through holes in the sticks.
The result is that a firelighter is formed of a leanto or ridge pattern, similar to the
rafters of a roof, so that there is ample air space between the sticks to ensure rapid
combustion of the wood, while the lighter is not crushed and extinguished by the
weight of the coal above it.
The firelighter may be dipped in resin or other inflammable matter, and will be
found extremely effective, when placed in the grate with its apex upwards.
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, E.C.,
Patent Agent.

page_text: An improved Fire-nignter.
I, WILLIAM RIDSDALE WELLS of 8 Castle Road Hastings in the County of Sussex
Joiner and Cabinet Maker, 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 relates to the ordinary wood Fire-lighters, and is designed to supply
a form of lighter which will support the coals during ignition, and allow space for a
sufficient supply of air to ensure rapid combustion.
In forming my improved firelighter I take about four pieces of wood, lath, or stick,
about four inches long, and place them parallel to each other, but about one inch apart.
I then take a similar number of similar pieces of wood and having arranged them in
like manner, I cause their ends to cross or interlock with the ends of the other four
for a distance of about one to two inches.
The two sets of sticks are not placed on the same plane but each set stands at an
angle of about 60 or 70 degrees to the other, the object being to form a ridge or arc
shaped structure resembling the rafters of a roof or the ribs of. a ship, so that when
placed in a grate with the convex side uppermost, an ample supply of air can enter
from below the firelighter, while the coals are sustained in a position favorable for
ignition.
The sticks may be either straight or curved as preferred, and are fixed in the
desired position by means of a cross piece of wood or iron.
This cross piece may be in the form of a thin lath or piece of hoop iron inserted in
notches cut at or near the point of intersection, or in notches formed in the end of
the sticks, or may be a pin or pins of wire or wood, or long nails driven through
holes near the ends of the sticks or if preferred the sticks may be fastened together by.
wire, or by wood and wire combined.
The result is that a fire-lighter is formed of a ridge pattern somewhat similar to the
rafters on the top of a building having a roof of low pitch or if curved sticks are
used it will resemble an arc or segment of a circle. The advantages secured are,
considerable sustaining power with an abundant supply of air, and a gradual ascent of
flame well spread over the grate, so that the coals are rapidly ignited over a greater
surface than is possible with most kinds of lighters.
The fire lighter may be dipped in resin or other inflammable matter and will be
found extremely effective when lit with its concave side downwards.
In the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 shews an elevation of one of my Firelighters fastened by wire:
Fig. 2 shews the mode of fastening the sticks with a wood lath inserted in
the end.
Fig. 3 shews the lath inserted at the lower point of intersection.
A is the stick.
B is the cross piece.
A

page_text: 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 :-
1st. A firelighter constructed of sticks arranged in two rows to lean towards a
common centre-line and to cross or interlock at their ends, so as to form a ridge or
arc shaped structure, held together by cross stays, or by wire, or otherwise, substan-
tially as herein described and set forth.