A Portable Fire Screen
The fire screen [illustrated] can be constructed at very small expense. In brief, the screen consists of a light metal frame surrounding three pieces of ¹⁄₈-in. sheet asbestos. The frames inclosing the asbestos pieces are hinged together, as shown in Fig. 1, with special hinges made to meet the requirements.
The asbestos comes in sheets 40 in. square, and this size determines the outside dimensions of the screen. The size of the different sections can, of course, be changed if such a change will better suit the existing needs. By making the screen in sections it may be folded up and thus occupy much less space, and when in use, the sections, by placing them at an angle to each other, serve the purpose of legs, which would be required if the screen were in one straight piece.
The dimensions and form of the outer portions of the frame are given in Fig. 2, and those of the inner portions, or edges, where the hinges are attached, are given in Fig. 3. The joining edges of the frames are made wider than the others for the reason that some of the metal is cut away where the hinges are attached. These frames may be made from heavy tin or galvanized iron, and it will be a simple matter for a tinner to bend them into shape. After all these pieces are bent, fit them together at the corners, making sure that they clamp tightly on the asbestos sheets, as these help to hold the frame in shape. Drill a small hole in each of the corners and provide a small round-head rivet of proper length for each of the holes. The vertical portions of the frame should be placed inside of the horizontal, or end, pieces at the corners.
| Fig. 1 | ||
| Fig. 2 | Fig. 3 | Fig. 4 |
Fire Screen Made of Sheet Asbestos Inclosed in Thin Metal Frames Hinged Together
Make four pieces of brass having the form and dimensions given in Fig. 4. Two ¹⁄₈-in. holes are drilled in each of these pieces as indicated. Slots are cut in the inner edges of the frames of such dimensions as will accommodate these brass pieces. The location of these slots is given in Fig. 1. Obtain eight pieces of ¹⁄₈-in. steel rod, about 2 in. long. Place the ends of the brass pieces in the slots in the inner frame and then put the rods through the holes in the ends of them and solder the ends of the rods to the inside of the frames. Make sure that there is no solder run in between the rod and piece of brass, as this will prevent the hinge from operating freely. After the hinges are in place, the frames are riveted together. Notches are cut in the edges of the asbestos sheets at the location of the hinges to allow the latter free movement. The sections of the screen may be made very rigid by placing a number of small rivets around the inner edges of the frame to hold it tightly against the asbestos. The asbestos may be given a coat of bronze, or be otherwise decorated for appearance.