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R. GUAST AWIN 0.
COHESIVE CEILING-FL00R.
No. 464,563, . Patented Dec. 8, 1891,

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COHESIVE CEILING-FLOOR.
No. 464,563, Patented Dec. 8, 1891,

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 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
RAFAEL GUASTAVINO, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.
cohesive CEN Ge F.O. O. R.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 464,563, dated December 8, 1891.
Application filed March 11, 1891, Serial No. 384,567, (No model.)
To all willon it inval? concern: the finished structure, which provides spaces
Be it known that I, RAFAEL GUASTAVINO, i. between the floor and ceiling, both floor and
citizen of the United States, and a resident of ceiling are exteriorly flat, intermediate arches
New York, in the county of New York, and of tiles working to sustain the weight of the 55
State of New York, have invented certain floor. Said arches are maintained in place
new and useful Improvements in Cohesive by their pressure being taken up by iron tie
Ceiling-Iloors, of which the following is a rods extending between and fixed to iron
specification. beams of small section, on which the arches
My invention has reference to the construc
O tion of buildings, particularly fire-proof build
are supported, said tie-rods serving, also, to
support the tiles forming the ceiling element
ings, and the improvements which I seek to of the organization. As before stated, this
protect in this instance relate to the floors peculiar organization imparts to the structure
and ceilings of such buildings. the quality of deafening Sounds, which ex
The invention is applicable to buildings of plains the term “self-deafening” made use of 65
all descriptions, such as dwellings, factories, herein by me.
school-houses, warehouses, &c. The features of novelty for which I desire
The object of my invention is to devise a protection by Letters Patent are set out in
cohesive ceiling - floor which shall possess the claims at the end hereof.
great strength conjointly with lightness and In the accompanying drawings, forming o
which shall also be absolutely fire-proof and part of this specification and wherein like
indestructible when subjected to the inci features are indicated by like letters of ref
dents of a fire, and the peculiar construction erence in the several views, Figure 1 at its
of which will give to the finished structure left hand shows a plan view of a structure
the quality of 'self-deafening, whereby noises embodying my invention and at the right 75
25 originating in any one story of a building in hand a plan, partly in section, of the iron
which my invention is embodied are prevent work employed therein. Fig. 2 is a sectional
ed from being communicated to the stories. elevation on the line 22 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is
above or below. . a central sectional elevation on the line 33
In fire-proofing it is desirable to have the of Fig. 1 midway between two of the main
structure of as little weight as possible; but Supporting-beams. Fig. 4 is a view similar
this condition must not be carried to the ex to the left-hand part of Fig. 2, showing some
tent of sacrificing strength and stability. JBy additions to the construction illustrated in
my construction, in which I entirely dispense the latter view; and Fig. 5 is a detail section
with the use of concrete or large bodies of along the crown of the arch, embodying the
&ement and the like, I attain the condition of features of Fig. 4. " .
maximum strength with minimum weight, no Referring to the drawings, (t (t, indicate iron
similar fire-proof structure of which I have beams of small section. (Shown here in the
knowledge being of solittle weight with the form of rolled E-beams.) These beams will.
same degree of strength, the structure being generally extend between the side walls or
also absolutely indestructible when subjected. end walls of the building. Where the dis
to a fire and its incidents; and in my tances between such walls are considerable.
struction I so combine the iron and clay to the beams a may have intermediate supports
gether that the former will be entirely envel between such walls in the form of iron posts
oped and protected by the latter, so that none or shafts constructed in a fire-proof manner.
45 of the iron will be exposed to view or to any b b are iron tie-rods, likewise of small section,
unfavorable influences in any part of the resting on the bottom flanges of the vertical
structure, this being an important condition g-beams a and bolted to bent plates or angle
of my invention. . . irons c, which in turn are bolted to the ver
The floor and ceiling form one complete tical g-beams a. The tie-rods b extend bé OC)
So homogeneous orgahization, in which each part tween beams and are inclosed in boxes or
sustains and gives strength to the other. In jackets f of clay material, preferably made
 2 . 464,563

in short sections for convenience of manu surface of the finishing course of tiles of the
facture and handling. These boxes or jackets ceiling gy, thus producing a flat ceiling in whiclh
cover the tie-rods substantially from end to none of the iron on the structure is exiosed 7o
end, as shown, and when they are placed over and which can be readily decorated or other
5 the tie-rods the intervening. space is flled wise finished.
In the construction of Figs. 4 and 5 the
with cement b' in order to permanently se arches d have abutments made of terra-cotta
cure the tie-rods and boxes or jackets to
gether in their proper relative positions. The shoes e, which have sloping outer sides corre- 75
outer configuration of the cross-section of sponding as nearly as may be to the inclina
Io boxes or jackets f is substantially that of a tions of the ends of those tiles of the arches
triangle with its horizontal base depending which are made to rest upon such shoes. The
beneath the bottom flanges of beam (t. The shoes e receive immediate support from the
inner surfaces of said box or jacket may be lower flanges of beams a and are made of such 8o
made to conform as nearly as practicable to configuration as to adapt them to fit closely
15 the configuration of the tie-rod b. The boxes over said flanges, and thus transfer the thrust
or jackets f when in position extend down brought to bear upon them to as large a sur
below the under surface of the vertical beams face of the beams as possible. The clay boxes
a, as shown, so that the tiles of the ceiling g or jackets f, inclosing the tie-rodsband which 85
between the tie-rods b can be laid across, extend between beams at a, may be arranged
20 under, or beneath said beams a, thus com to abut against the shoes e, covering the
pletely concealing all iron by the clay, the flanges of said beams when the shoes are made
exposed surface of the completed ceiling be use of, and in such case the ends of said boxes
ing flush with the lower surface of said clay or jackets may be made sloping to conform 9o
boxes or jackets f, which cover the tie-rods, to the slope of the outer surface of the shoes e.
25 as seen in Fig. 3, for example. The tile panels. of the ceiling g, where they
The letters cl d indicate arches made of come in contact with the shoes e, will also be
tiles, preferably two courses, laid in cement made with sloping edges to increase the sup
and breaking joints, as shown. These arches, port for the ceiling. 95
there being a series of them, are built between The structure will be cheaper when the
30 and rest on the beams a, and, as indicated in shoes e are omitted therefrom, and they are
Fig. 3, the tie-rods b are placed centrally be not at all indispensable. Whether omitted
neath the arches d, so as to counteract as or lot the construction serves to completely IOC
nearly as may be the outward thrust of the inclose all the iron employed, so that the clay
arches. Ribs h, made of tiles laid in cement, alone will be exposed to view, the iron being
35 are built on top of the arches d to fill out the so enveloped by the clay that it will not be
spaces between said arches and the contigu subjected to any unfavorable influences, such
ous parts of the beams a. The arches d, as as moisture, flame, &c.
well as the ribs h, are carried to the same ele The clay elements of my cohesive ceiling
vation as the tops of the beams a, in order floor are joined together and as far as prac
4o that the first course of the floor-tilesi may ticable to the iron of the structure by cement,
rest directly upon the top flanges of the thus uniting all of the material of the struct
beams a, the tops of ribs h, and the centers of ure into a homogeneous mass or body, which
the arches d. The tie-rods b, which tie the will be fire-proof and of great strength, though o
beams at together, serve, as stated, to make up comparatively of little weight. The weight
45 the thrust exerted upon the beams by the of the loads resting on the floor of the struct
arches d, and to further assist in this direc ure will be transferred to the beams a through
tion the arches springing from one side of a arches (l, which are well adapted for support
beam at should be placed as nearly as practi ing heavy loads, while the weight of 'the ceil- 1 15
cable in line with such arches as spring from ing is taken up and transferred to the beams
5o the opposite side thereof, this arrangement (, principally by the tie rods l, which at the
permitting those arches springing from one same time serve to tie together the beams (t
side of the beam to counteract the lateral and take up the thrust of said arches. The
thrust exerted upon said beam by the arches describedcombination of theiron of my struct
springing from the opposite side of sail beam. ure with the clay or tiling thereof is such
55 The ceiling g is shown composed of two that each material re-enforces the other, ren
courses of tiles laid in cdment and breaking dering it possible to obtain by the employment
joints. These tiles are joined together in of iron beams of little weightgreater strength
panels, which extend between the flanges of and stability than could be attained by struct I 25
the beams (t, and the sides of thc boxes or ures of other forms employing heavy beams
6o jackets f, the soping sides of sail boxes or and girders representing great weight. The
jackets forming supports for the outer edges completed structure, as will be seen, presents
of the panels, the tiles in contact with such a flat horizontal surface both on the floor side.
boxes or jackets being sloped to conform to and on the ceiling side with concealed spaces O
the shape of the boxes or jackets, It will be under the floor and above the ceiling, which 3
65 seen that the under surface of the boxes or construction acts to effectually prevent sounds
jackets f, by the construction described, are in one room from lycing heard in the rooms
in the same horizontal plane as the exposed below or above. As the ceiling and floor are
 464,563 3

practically finished in the construction, it is described, the combination, with longitudinal

plain that my system has the merit; also, of beams supported between the walls of the
much economy. building and arches of tiles extending be 70
In Figs. 2 and 3 I have represented a series tween and Supported on Said beams, of a floor
5 of wooden sleepers k arranged at the top of of tiles laid in cement and supported on said
the structure, running parallel with the beams arches and the upper flanges of the beams, a
Ct. and about two feet apart. These sleepers, ceiling of tiles, likewise laid in cement and
which may have sloping sides, rest on the top supported in proximity to the Iower flanges 75
flanges of the beams a, and (between beams) of the beams, thus providing inclosed spaces
Io on the ribs hand arches d, as shown. When between beams under the floor and over the
the sleepers are made use of, the tiles of the ceiling, and tie-rods extending between the
floor are laid between the same close to their beams at or near their lower flanges and serv
sides, as indicated in Fig. 3, and said sleepers ing to tie the beams together and to sti?en
extend about one inch above the upper layer the arches and to assist in supporting the ceil
of the floor-tiling. ing, substantially as set forth.
The sleepers k are made. use of when it is 5. In a ceiling-floor of the character herein
desired to lay a wooden floor over the tile described, the combination, with longitudinal
floor, and in doing this I place a layer of nin beams supported between the walls of the
eral wooll, of about one inch thickness, on top building and tile arches extending between
2e of the upper layer of the floor-tiling, and on and supported on said beams, of a tile floor
top of this mineral wool the wooden floor in, laid in cetnelt and SLID)Orted on the arches
about one inch thick, is laid and secured to and the upper flages of the beams, tie-rods
the sleepers k by nailing or otherwise. This between beams boilea Lh tie arches and serv
construction, with the mineral wool between ing to tie the bears together and stiffen the
25 the upper layer of tiling and the wooden floor, arches, and a tile ceiling laid in cement in
further serves to deaden Sound, and thus has panels or sections, with their edges supported
'a tendency to increase the effectiveness of the by the tie-rods and the lower flanges of the
structure in that respect. beams, substantially as Sct forth. 95
IEaving thus described my invention, what 6. In a ceiling-floor of the character herein
3e I claim as new, and desire to secure by Let described, the combination, With longitudinal
ters Patent, is beams supported between the walls of the
1. In a cohesive ceiling-floor, the combina building, tile arches. (Xtending between the
tion, with longitudinal beams supported be beams and supported thereon, and tile ribs IOO
tween the walls of the building, of a thin in built on top of the arches and extending
35 dependent floor built of flat tiles laid in cem against the eams and as high as their upper
, ent and Crossing over the upper flanges of flanges, of a tile floor laid ii) cement and sup
said beams, and a thin independent ceiling, portel on the said ribs and arches and the
also built of flat tiles laid in cement and cross uppet flanges of the beams, tie-l'Ods between
ing under the lower flanges of said beams, beams beneath the arches, and the tile ceiling
4o thus providing Spaces between beams under laid in cement in panels or sections sup
the floor, and over the ceiling, substantially ported by said tie-rods and the lower flanges
as set forth. of the beams, substantially as set forth.
2. In a cohesive ceiling-floor, the combina 7. In a ceiling-floor of the character herein O
tion, with longitudinal beams supported e described, the coatbination, with longitudinal
45 tween the walls of the building and arches of beans Supported between the walls of the
tiles between beams, of a floor of tiles sup building aid tile a 'clues extending between
ported on the arches and the flanges of the the beans and resting thereon, of a tile floor
beams, and a ceiling of tiles supported be supported on the 'ches and upper flanges of
neath the arches on scid beams, whereby the the beans, tie-l'Ods extending between beams
so ceiling and floor present flat outer surfaces beneath the archesai) Serving to tie the beams
and spaces Over the ceiling and under the together and stiffel) the arches, clay boxes or
floor are provided, substantially as and for jackets enveloping said tie-rods and depend
the purpose Set forth. ing below the under Surfaces of the lower
3. In a cohesive ceiling-floor, the combina flatilges )f the belius, and a tile ceiling laid
55 tion, with longitudinal beams supported be in cement in panels or sections supported by
tween the walls of the building and a series the lower langes of the beams and by the en
of tile arches resting on the beans it suitable veloping boxes or jackets of the tie-rods, the
distances apart, of a thin independent floor (construction providing Spaces between beams I 25
built of flat tiles laid in cement and crossing under the floor and above the ceiling, sub
6o over said arches and the upper flages of the stantially as set forth.
beams, and a thin independent ceiling, also S. In a ceiling-floor of the character herein
built of flat tiles laid in cement and crossing described, the combination, with longitudinal
under the lower flanges of said beams, whereby beams Supported between the walls of the
there are provided spaces between beams uilding and tile arches extending between
65 under the floor and over the ceiling, stubsta 1 tie beans and resting thereoh, of a tile floor
tially as set forth. supported on the arches and upper flanges of
4. In a ceiling-floor of the character herein the beans, tie-rods extending between beams.
 4. 464,568
beneath the arches and acting to tie the beams supported by the tie-rods and terra - cotta
together and stiffen the arches, clay boxes or shoes, the tiles of the panels in contact with
jackets enveloping Said tie-l'ods and having the said terra - cotta shocs having sloping
sloping sides and depending below the under cdges conforming to the slope of the surfaces
surfaces of the lower flanges of the aforesaid of the shoes, substantially as set forth.
beams, and a tile ceiling laid in cement in l2. In a ceiling-floor of the character here
panels or sections supported in part by said in described, the combination, with longitudi
clay boxes or jackets, the outer surface of nal beams supported between the walls of the
the ceiling being flush with the under sur building and tile arches extending between
O face of said boxes. Or jackets, and the tiles of the beams and supported thereon, of a tile
the panels in contact with the boxes or jack floor laid in cement and supported on said
ets having sloping edges conforming to the arches and the upper flanges of the beam,
slope of the sides of the boxes or jackets, sub tie-rods extending between beams beneath
stantially as set forth. the arches and acting to tie the beams to
15 9. In a ceiling-floor of the character herein gether and stiffen the arches, terra-cotta shoes
described, the combination, with longitudinal covering the lower flanges of the beams and
beams supported between the walls of the extending beneath and covering said flanges, 75
building, tile arches extending between the clay boxes or jackets enveloping the said tie
beams and resting thereon, and a tile floor rods and extending between the beams and
supported on the arches and upper flanges of abutting against the aforesaid shoes, and a
the beams, of tie-rods extending between tile ceiling laid in cement in panels or sec
beams beneath the arches and enveloped by tions, supported by said shoes and boxes or
clay boxes or jackets filled with cement to jackets, the construction providing spaces be
permanently sccure the rods and enveloping twoen beans under the floor and above the
25 clay, together in proper relative position, and ceiling, substantially as set forth.
a tile ceiling laid in cement in panels or sec 13. In a cohesive ceiling-floor, the combina
tions, supported in part by the lower flanges tion, with longitudinal beams supported be 85
of the beams and in part by the clay cover tween the walls of the building, arches of tiles
ing of said tie-rods, substantially as set forth. between beans, a ceiling of tiles supported
10. In a ceiling-floor of the character here beneath the arches by said beams, and a floor
in described, the combination, with longitudi of tiles supported on the arches and the tap
nal beams supported between the walls of the per flanges of the beams, of a series of sleep
building and tile arches extending between ers resting on the upper flanges of the beams
and supported on said beams; of a tile floor and tops of the arches and running parallel
supported on the arches and the upper flanges with the beams and a Wooden floor laid above
of the beams, tie-rods extending between the or over the tile floor and secured to said sleep
beams beneath the arches, terra-cotta shoes ers, substantially as set forth. 95
covering the lower flanges of the beams and 14. In a cohesive ceiling-floor, the combina
extending below and covering the under sur tion, with longitudinal beams supported be
faces of said flanges, and a tile ceiling laid in tween the walls of the building, arches of tiles
eement in panels or sections, supported by between beams, a ceiling of tiles supported
said tie-rods and shoes, the exposed surface of beneath the arches by said beams, and a floor do
the ceiling being flush with the under sur of tiles supported on the arches and the up
face of the terra-cotta shoes, substantially as per flanges of the beams, of a series of sleep
45 set forth. er's resting on the upper flanges of the beams
11. In a ceiling-floor of the character here and tops of the arches and running parallel
in described, the cumbination, with longitudi with the beans, a layer of mineral wool I o5
nal beams supported between the walls of the placed on the upper layer of the tiles of the
building and terra-cotta shoes enveloping the floor, and a wooden floor laid on the mineral
lower flanges of said beams and provided wool and secured to the sleepers, substan
with surfaces sloping downward and outward tially as set forth.
from the beams, of tile arches extending be Signed at Boston, in the county of Suffolk IO
tween the beams and resting on the terra and State of Massachusetts, this 3d day of
cotta shoes, tie-rods extending between the Marc A. I.). 1S91.
55 beams at their lower flanges, a tile floor laid
in cement and supported on said arches and Witnesses;
RAFAEL GUASTAVINo. .
the ripper flanges of the beams, and a tile WILLIAM E. BLODGETT, .
ceiling laid in cement in panels or sections, RAF AICT, GUASTAVINo, Jr.