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290,584 · Jacobs · "Illuminating-Tile" · Page 2 Home  > Prism Glass  > Patent Index  > Page 2

290,584: 2 of 4

may not become obscured by the drip of moisture condensed upon the lower surface of the tile, a downward and outward projecting ledge, b², is provided at the upper end of said pendant, the outer edge of which extends horizontally beyond each portion of the latter. Such moisture as drips from said lens is now intercepted by said ledge and caused to drop entirely clear of said pendant, whereby the surface of the latter is prevented from becoming obscured, as would be the ease were said moisture, with the dirt contained therein, to pass over the same.     In order that the pendants b maybe strengthened, I cast into each a wire, b³, which passes through its longitudinal center and adds materially to the durability of the lens without appreciably lessening its illuminating power.     The surface of the tile A is recessed to a slight depth between the curbs a, and such recess is filled with cement, concrete, or other non-slippery material, for the purpose of forming a smooth and safe walking-surface; but as said filling is only a veneer in thickness, and is liable to become broken when loaded trucks are rolled over the tile, I provide between said curbs ledges or ribs a², which come to the surface, and in connection with said curbs furnish said bearings, which protect said filling from injury. It will be seen that the metal portion of the tile is but slightly reduced in thickness by the recesses for the non-slippery veneer, and that, therefore, said tile is practically as efficient in strength as though the surface between the curbs was composed wholly of iron. Such construction enables said tile to he used in places where the concrete tile heretofore used would be useless because of deficient strength.     I am aware that it is not new to construct tiles with walking-surfaces composed of glass, iron, and cement, or concrete, and therefore do not claim the same, broadly.     The tile thus constructed is not materially weakened, and possesses all of the strength requisite, and furnishes a safe and substantial footing, the slight veneering of concrete operating as well for the last-named purpose as though said concrete were many times as thick.     I am aware that it is not new to construct tiles with surfaces composed of metal, glass, and concrete, and do not claim the same, broadly.     I am aware that it is not new to provide the upper surface of illuminating-tiles with a covering of concrete or asphalt surrounding the lens-opening.

I am also aware that heretofore the metal frame of the tile has been provided with a net-work of continuous ribs, for firmly holding the concrete covering in place and protecting the same. Where these ribs are extended up to be flush with the surface of the asphalt too much metal is exposed, and the wearing-surface is rendered too slippery. The short ribs or studs used by me serve to securely hold and sufficiently protect the concrete or asphalt without materially increasing the amount of slippery metal surface exposed.     Having thus fully set forth the nature and merits of my invention, what I claim as new is--     1. As an improvement in illuminating-tiles, a lens consisting of a disk provided at its lower side with a pendant, which extends below the supporting-plate, and has upon one side a concave surface and upon the other a semi-spherical convex lens, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.     2. As an improvement in lenses for illuminating-tiles, a disk provided on its lower side with a pendant, b, having on one side the concave surface and on the other the convex lens b', and the short concave surface above the lens, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.     3. As an improvement in lenses for illuminating-tiles, a disk provided on its lower side with a pendant, b, made convex at its lower end, concave on one side, and provided with a convex lens on the other, and a short concave surface above the lens, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.     4. An illuminating-lens having upon its lower side a pendant, and provided above the latter with an outward and downward drip-ledge, which forms part of said lens, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.     5. As an improvement in illuminating-tiles, a lens provided at its lower side with a pendant which extends below the supporting-plate, and having within its center a vertical strengthening-wire, substantially as and for the purpose specified.     In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of August, 1882. JACOB JACOBS. Witnesses:     D. G. BEECHING,     V. F. KINSLEY.