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20,721 · Leonard & Jackson · "Illuminating-Cover for Vaults, &c." · Page 2 Home  > Prism Glass  > Patent Index  > Page 2

20,721: 2 of 3

The frame a, into which the glass b, is introduced, should be provided with a flange 4 for receiving the edges of the glass and suitable cement or packing should be introduced at this point to fill the joint between the frame and glass.     In some instances we form grooves 5 round the edges of the glasses b, and provide corresponding projections 6, 6, around the frame receiving the glass, which projections 6, 6, rising above the surface of the glasses, prevent the edges from being chipped or broken by any blow at this point, or a rib may be formed on the same around the edges of glasses as at 7, with notches therein for passing away water.     The cross-bars c, may be formed of any desired section shape, but we prefer that they be made narrow at the upper edge, or leveled off, to prevent obstructing the light as shown in the section Fig. 2.     A slight variation in the manner of supporting the thimbles near the edges of the glass is shown at e, where projecting arms are formed on the frame a, to sustain the glass and pins d.     It will be readily perceived, that this mode of using plates of glass, supported from beneath, at other points than at their edges, or circumference, may be varied, and the same principle applied in various forms. It will also be perceived that it is not absolutely essential that the glass should in all cases, or for all uses be perforated, and arranged with pins or thimbles.     But our invention consists in using plates of glass of any desired size, shape, and thickness, and supporting them from below at other points than just the edges or circumference, so that the glass forms a part of floor pavement, or deck, as case may be, without the use of metallic plates. We prefer in all cases, the use of perforated plates of glass, provided with pins or thimbles, as above described.

We do not claim the supporting the plates of glass, at their edges, or circumference, as that is old, nor do we claim the use of glass generally for the within named purpose; but     What we claim as our invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is--     1. The use of a plate or plates of glass, in vault covers, platforms, pavements, sidewalks, decks, or for similar purposes, which plate or plates are supported from below, substantially in the manner above specified.     2. We claim thimbles, pins or their equivalents, passing through perforations in a plate of glass, or plates of glass, and formed with, connected to, or resting on a suitable support beneath the plates of glass, substantially in the manner, and for the purposes specified.     3. We claim grooving or notching the edges of the plate of glass, for the purpose of receiving projections, occupying said grooves or notches, and thus projecting the edges of the plate of glass from injury as specified.     4. We claim the use of perforated plates of glass, for pavements, sidewalks, decks, platforms, vault covers &c. prepared substantially in the manner and for the purposes above described.     In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our signatures, this fourth day of June, 1858. ELIJAH P. LEONARD. PETER H. JACKSON.     Witnesses:         LEMUEL W. SERRELL,         THOMAS G. HAROLD.