Abstract: A base for a kiln car for firing ceramic ware is constructed so as to have low thermal mass combined with adequate load-supporting strength. It comprises upright load-supporting pillars (16) made of stacked elements (17) and having continuous vertical grooves (20). Peripheral thin ceramic walls (19) slot into the grooves (20), to define central compartments (22) subsequently filled with insulating material, e.g. ceramic fiber. Horizontal bats (18), trapped between elements (17) project at the periphery of the base to form a radiant heat seal with adjacent kiln car bases and the kiln walls.

Abstract: A support element (17), an upright support (16) formed of such elements (17) and a support structure (10) further including cranks (11) or shelves supported by the upright supports (16) over described. The structure (10) is intended for supporting ware such as plates in a fast firing kiln. The elements (17) have enlarged apertures (18) with projections (19) on their lower borders to support hooked terminal portions (15) of the cranks loosely, allowing release of thermal stresses and free circulation of kiln gases.

Abstract: A shelf support for a ceramic-ware support structure in which a transverse groove extends across the upper shelf supporting surface to provide a dust trap. The support is intended for use with movable shelves of refractory material and prevents quantities of ceramic dust from falling onto the ware supported by the structure when the shelves are slid into position. Additionally, chamfers are provided on the shelf support and the associated uprights of the structure to reduce the amount of dust abraded from the shelves during insertion and removal.

Abstract: A support structure for ceramic ware during firing in which very lightweight tubular props are used in combination with circular caps having projections which rest in the tops of the upright props. Each cap has a raised projection on the upper side which locates in a hole in a shelf. The shelves each have three such holes disposed in a triangular formation, each arranged midway between a respective edge of the shelf and a centerline parallel to the edge to reduce undesirable thermal effects during firing.

Abstract: The invention is a support structure for the firing of flat ceramic articles such as tiles. The structure comprises a composite back wall of loosely interconnected planar components, some of which have upright apertures to receive hooks formed on the edges of upright second components attached at right angles to form transverse walls. Equally spaced fins are hooked into apertures in the transverse walls to form shelves to carry the edges of the ceramic articles. At some levels the fins are replaced by tie bats bridging the space between adjacent transverse walls. All of the components are formed by die pressing which precisely controls their dimensions in the plane of the component although not necessarily the thickness so that the dimensions of the overall structure are very precisely controlled and it can be loaded by machine without difficulty.