Up: Patent Index

437,347 · Peirce · "Tile for Pavements and Vault-Lights" · Page 2 Home  > Prism Glass  > Patent Index  > Page 2

437,347: 2 of 3

of Fig. 2, and also have resting upon it one edge of another series of tiles, whose other edge rests upon the adjoining beam, as shown in the left of Fig. 2. In that way a firm support is given to each tile and one is made to brace the other by their edges meeting between the beams, whereby is imparted a firmness combined with strength not otherwise attainable, and the tile pavement and roof composed of a series of tiles is made as strong and durable as if made in one single piece or composed of arches, each arch spanning the space between two beams and supported by the two beams.     The glass lights will under such a construction appear as illustrated, and, if desired, they may be formed near opposite ends of some of the tiles, so that every tile will have its glass light lying over the space between the beams, and thus afford that much additional light to the vault below.     If desired, the edges of the tiles may be beveled, as shown in Fig. 4, so that the edge of one tile will rest upon the adjoining tile with the faces of the tiles flush, thus causing some of the tiles to support others, and to that extent to form a more compact union and firm foundation for the whole.     The construction described provides for the tiles being made smaller than otherwise necessary, so that there will be less waste of material than where it is necessary to cut down

arches or large blocks to the required size for the particular area to be covered, whereby results great saving in the cost of the material and also in the construction of the pavement. Besides, no special frames must be made to receive and hold the tiles, which frames can be dispensed with without detracting from the strength of the pavement.     Having described my invention and set forth its merits, what I claim is--     1. The within-described tile, composed of cement, silicious sand, gravel, or broken stone, silicate of soda or potash, and containing a solid piece of glass, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.     2, A pavement and vault-light cover composed of a series of beams, in combination with a series of tiles containing glass lights, said tiles being arranged so that a portion of each tile will rest upon the top of said beams with the edges of the tile meeting between said beams to close the space on opposite sides of the beams by the portions of the tiles projecting from opposite sides of the beams, substantially as described.     In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. JAMES STANWOOD PEIRCE. Witnesses:     FRED F. LACEY,     JAS. M. HARRIS.