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402,073 · Falconnier · "Glass Building-Block" · Page 2 Home  > Prism Glass  > Patent Index  > Page 2

402,073: 2 of 7

the corners of the bricks I secure the flat strips to each other by means of clamps V v v, of which the arms or bent ends v v are formed into hooks to take hold of the upper edges of the flat strips R upon opposite sides of the bricks which lie between these arms, the horizontal part V lying, preferably, in a groove or recess, T, formed in the adjacent edges of two of the bricks, part of the recess being in one brick and part in the other, as is plainly indicated in Figs. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. When desired, the recess may be filled with cement after the other parts are placed in position.     When it is desired to secure the bricks to a wall or other support, the arms v v may be made long enough to reach through or into such support, as in indicated in Figs. 7 and 8, and under such circumstances I propose to interpose a suitable packing, filling, or cushion of elastic or semi-elastic substance between the bricks and their support to guard against fracture of the glass whenever such support is of metal or stone.     In Fig. 10 I have shown a modification, in which there is a strengthening-strip between the edges of the brick and bedded in the cement, said support being in the form of a cross in cross-section.     In Figs. 11, 12, and 13 I have shown bricks with right angles, in combination with rods D E, arranged between them in the cement. These rods may be interlaced or interwoven with each other, or they may be tied or otherwise secured to each other at their points of intersection, as indicated in Fig. 12, or both modes of securing the two sets of wires to each other may be employed.     In Figs. 14 and 15 two sets of rods are used, one set being arranged quite close to either face of the brick.     In Fig. 16 the supporting-ribs D' are flat, and may at their crossings be suitably tied or riveted to each other.     In Fig. 17 the bricks are perforated on lines to receive rods which intersect their edges, so that the bricks are practically strung upon these rods.     I am aware that bricks have been made in the form of short tube-sections of different diameters or sizes in cross-section, so that when laid up in a wall with their ends abutting the smaller ones could be arranged inside of the larger ones and break points therewith, and that the larger of such tube-sections were angular in cross-section with grooves in their adjacent faces to receive a locking or binding cement, such bricks having been made of clay or other analogous material, such as is ordinarily used for brick, tile, and similar things; but I believe I am the first to make a brick or building-block of glass or other vitreous material which is

capable of being blown into the form of a hollow body having practically continuous and unbroken sides, and which therefore possesses many advantages which are not incident to bricks or building-blocks formed of other material, nor of any material when in the form of tube-sections.     Although there are features of advantage incident to the articles herein set forth irrespective of the process by which they are formed, yet there are specific advantages arising from the particular process I herein refer to-- namely, that of "blowing" the glass into the form required. The brick when so made can be comparatively thin in each wall, and yet thick enough to be sufficiently strong. Again, the interior chamber can be readily formed, whereas it would be difficult, if not impossible, to impart to the bricks the features herein set forth if they were produced by pressing or molding.     By examining Figs. 4, 6, and 10 it will be seen that the face walls or larger inner and outer sides of the brick diverge from the edges, the several parts of each wall, as shown, converging toward its center, so that each side in section approximates a conical shape. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the blow-hole is at the apex of one of these side walls, which, if desired, can be closed in any suitable way, but which, even if left open, does not materially change the fact that the brick contains a chamber which is substantially entirely inclosed. Even in the latter case the edge walls and the side or face walls are all integral as a result of producing them by blowing. In Fig. 14 the blow-hole is at one of the edges, and in this case the cement, b, can be utilized to effect the closing of it. The interior chamber is of greater cross-dimension than the blow-aperture, the latter being as small as possible.     I am aware of the fact that pressed or molded solid glass blocks have been proposed for building purposes.     When I claim is--     1. As a new article of manufacture, a blown-glass building-block having an air-chamber substantially entirely closed by the walls thereof, substantially as set forth.     2. As a new article of manufacture, a blown-glass building-block having an air-chamber substantially entirely closed by the walls thereof and provided with a coloring material within the inclosed air-chamber, substantially as set forth.     In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. GUSTE. FALCONNIER. Witnesses:     LYELL T. ADAMS,     E. PERRODY.