Improvements in Means and Appliances for Opening, Closing, Regulating, and Fastening, at any desired Angle, Swing Windows, Ventilators, Fanlights, Flaps, and analogous Articles.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Jan., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 5th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 4th Apr., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means and Appliances for Opening, Closing,
Regulating, and Fastening, at any desired Angle, Swing Windows,
Ventilators, Fanlights, Flaps, and analogous Articles.
I, ROBERT ADAMS, of 67 Newington Causeway, London, S.E. Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to further improvements in means and appliances for
opening, closing, regulating, and fastening at any required angle, swing windows,
ventilators, fanlights, flaps and analogous articles, in addition to those specified in
my former Letters Patent, Nos. 91281, 425983, 1681784, 87658, 16,61087, 578389
and 1491080.
In fitting a fanlight hinged at its lower edge so as to open from above I fit a
short toothed rack to the top rail of the swing frame, in such a manner that,
when closed, or nearly so, the rack is in gear with a toothed pinion, or a worm
pinion, or an equivalent device, fitted above or upon the fixed frame. The pinion
may be actuated by a pully and cord, or by any of the methods described in the
aforesaid Specifications. A cord is also fitted to the frame, carried over a pulley,
for raising and lowering when the rack has passed out of gear. By these means
the fanlight may be opened to its fullest extent, from a vertical to a horizontal
position, or beyond.
In some cases I effect similar operations with fanlights opening from above as
last aforesaid, by means of a toothed rack chain, capable of flexibility in one
direction only, the teeth on the liuks being so formed as to gear into a toothed
worm or pinion. The toothed rack chain may be arranged to bend either vertically
or horizontally in the latter case a curved tube of suitable section or equivalent
means, being required as a guide to carry the chain in the direction of its work.
Or a flexible band may be used for a similar purpose, in combination with a roller
and short toothed rack and pinion as aforesaid. Similar gear may be applied to
fanlights opening below or sideways, by means of obvious modifications of
the gear.
In fitting some windows and other articles, which require fastening both at the
top and bottom, I fit two fastenings in line, and attach plates to their inner ends
with diagonal slots or grooves formed therein. A handle is fitted to the same,
having diagonal surfaces fitting into the grooves, and springs are fitted to the said
fastenings for operating when the handle is worked, so that these fastenings may
be immediately released when the handle is pressed inwards, or fastened by a
contrary action. This method of fastening is also especially applicable for instant
manipulation in opening the window or other article to which it is applied. A
horizontal bar is sometimes added to facilitate the operation of the handle or
handles in releasing the said fastening.
For the purpose of retaining sashes, fanlights, and other articles as aforesaid in
an open position, at any required angle, I sometimes use a pivoted bar, in com-
bination with a screw gripper. One end of the bar is pivoted to a fixed bracket,
and the free end of the bar passes through a slot in the gripper. The gripper
consists of a small slotted frame and a screw stud, formed in one therewith, or
otherwise attached, fitted in a bracket so as to be capable of rotating therein.
hand nut is fitted to the screw; the whole being fitted in such a manner that
A

page_text: the bar can be gripped and the article thereby held open at any required
angle.
For manipulating fanlights and other articles as aforesaid, rotating on horizontal
centres, I sometimes fit the same with suspensory side links, one end of each link
being pivoted to fixed pins or centres, and the other end to the article to be
manipulated, preferably at or near the centre of gravity. At each side of the
fixed frame a groove is formed in which a pin, or a pin and slide attached to the
fanlight, flap or other object is capable of sliding. The fanlight or other article
so fitted
may be readily opened, and held open at any angle, or closed, as
desired.
Dated 4th January 1804
Improvements in Means and Appliances for Opening, Closing,
Regulating, and Fastening, at any desired Angle, Swing Windows,
Ventilators, Fanlights, Flaps, and analogous Articles.
1, ROBERT ADAMS, of 67 Newington Causeway, London, S.E., Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
My invention relates to further improvements in means and appliances for
opening, closing, regulating, and fastening at any required angie, swing windows,
ventilators, fanlights, flaps, and analogous articles, in addition to those specified
in my former Letters Patent, Nos. 91281, 425983, 16,81784, 870586, 16,6107, 57835º,
and 14,9108⁹
In fitting a fanlight hinged at its lower edge so as to open from above, I fit a
short toothed rack to the top rail of the swing frame, in such a manner that, when
closed, or nearly so, the rack is in gear with a toothed pinion, or a worm pinion
or an equivalent device, fitted above or upon the fixed frame. The pinion may be
actuated by a pulley and cord, or by any of the methods described in the aforesaid
Specifications.
A cord is also fitted to the frame, carried over a pulley, for raising and lowering
when the rack has passed out of gear. By these means the fanlight may be
opened to its fullest extent, from a vertical to a horizontal position, or beyond.
In some cases effect similar operations with fanlights opening from above as
last aforesaid, by means of a toothed rack chain, capable of flexibility in one
direction only, the teeth on the links being so formed as to gear into a toothed
worm or pinion. The toothed rack chain may be arranged to bend either vertically
or horizontally; in the latter case a curved tube of suitable section, or equivalent
means, being required as a guide to carry the chain in the direction of its work.
Or a flexible band may be used for a similar purpose, in combination with a roller
and short toothed rack and pinion as aforesaid. Similar gear may be applied
to fanlights opening below or sideways, by means of obvious modifications of
the gear.
In fitting some windows and other articles which require fastening both at the
top and bottom, I fit two fastenings in line, and attach plates to their inner ends
with diagonal slots or grooves formed therein. A handle is fitted to the same,
having diagonal surfaces fitting into the grooves, and springs are fitted to the said
fastenings for operating when the handle is worked, so that these fastenings may
be immediately released when the handle is pressed inwards, or fastened by a

page_text: contrary action. This method of fastening is also especially applicable for instant
manipulation in opening the window or other article to which it is applied. A.
horizontal bar is sometimes added to facilitate the operation of the handle or handles
in releasing the said fastening.
For the purpose of retaining sashes, fanlights, and other articles as aforesaid
in an open position, at any required angle, I sometimes use a pivoted bar, in com-
bination with a screw gripper. One end of the bar is pivoted to a fixed bracket,
and the free end of the bar passes through a slot in the gripper. The gripper
consists of a small slotted frame and a screw stud, formed in one therewith, or
otherwise attached, fitted in a bracket so as to be capable of rotating therein.
A hand nut is fitted to the screw; the whole being fitted in such a manner that
the bar can be gripped and the article thereby held open at any required
angle.
For manipulating fanlights and other articles as aforesaid, rotating on horizontal
centres, I sometimes fit the same with suspensory side links, one end of each link
being pivoted to fixed pins or centres, and the other end to the article to be
manipulated, preferably at or near the centre of gravity. At each side of the
fixed frame a groove is formed in which a pin, or a pin and slide, attached to the
fanlight, flap, or other object, is capable of sliding. The fanlight or other
article so fitted may be readily opened and held open at any angle, or closed,
as desired.
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and
ascertained, reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawings, in which
similar figures of reference indicate corresponding parts.
In this Specification I wish it to be understood that the words cord, chain, band
or equivalent appliances are all intended to be included, although only one or more
of such appliances is or are mentioned.
In fitting a fanlight hinged at its lower edge so as to open from above, as shown
in Fig. 1, I fit a short toothed rack 38 to the top rail of the swing frame 42, in
such a manner that, when closed, or nearly so, the rack 38 is in gear with a toothed
pinion 39, or a worm pinion, or an equivalent device, fitted above or upon the fixed
frame 40. The pinion may be actuated by a pulley and cord, or by any of the
methods described in this or in the aforesaid Specifications. A cord chain or
band 41 is also fitted to the swing frame 42 or to the bracket 40 attached thereto,
the cord being carried over a pulley, for raising and lowering when the rack has
passed out of gear. By these means the fanlight may be opened to its fullest
extent, from a vertical (closed) position to a horizontal (open) position or
beyond.
In Fig. 2 the application of this part of my invention to a semi-circular fanlight
is illustrated. The chain, or other flexible connection, is carried through a fixed
tube 43, from which it emerges at 44, the rack 38 shown in Fig. 1 being sometimes
added. For the purpose of rendering the arrangement symmetrical, a bead or
tube 45 may be fixed on the opposite side of the door, and fanlight. In Figs. 3, 4
and 5, detail views of this arrangement are shown. Fig. 3 is an enlarged front
view. Fig. 4 is a side view, and Fig. 5 is a top view. The lower end of the
chain 46 is attached to a rod 47, as shown in Fig. 7, the lower end of the rod 47
being formed as a rack at 48, into which a pinion 49 gears. Fig. 10 is a horizontal
section of the rack and pinion. Instead of the chain 46 a wire rope 50 may be
fitted as shown in Fig. 6 and a spring may be used for starting the fanlight out-
wards instead of the rack 38 and pinion 39. Also a linked handle 51 may be
fitted as shown in Fig. 8, instead of the gear shown in Figs. 7 and 10, for
operating the opening and closing of the fanlight. I also in some cases find it
advantageous to fit a sheave 52 in the tube 43, as shown in Fig. 9. I sometimes
mount the end of the tube so that it may swivel to any suitable angle, to
accommodate the position of the chain.
In fitting heavy fanlights opening from above I sometimes find it advantageous
to supply the requisite power by means of a toothed rack or sprocket chain, the

page_text: teeth on the links being so formed as to gear into a toothed worm or pinion. One
form of carrying this into effect is shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, Fig. 11 being a
plan view Fig. 12.a front elevation, and Fig. 13 a side view. 53 is a rod formed
with a long feather way 54, to render it suitable for fanlights of various widths.
55 is a pulley wheel, keyed or fastened on the rod. 56 is the pitch or sprocket
chain, which is carried in a guide attached to the fixed frame 40. 57 is a worm or
screw, integral with the rod 53. The rod and worm are mounted in suitable
bearings 58, as shown, the end 59 being curved so as to guide the chain to the
bracket 60, fixed to the swing frame 42. The pulley 55 may be worked by a cord
chain or band 61, as shown, the worm driving the chain and thereby securing the
fanlight in any desired position.
I sometimes fit the shaft for operating fanlights opening from above as illustrated
in Figs. 14, and 15. In Fig. 14 the actuating rod 53 is shown in a vertical
position, the worm 57 operating the pitch chain 56, which passes over a pulley 55,
to the bracket 60. The rod may be rotated by hand, by the bevel gear 62, or by
my enclosed gear illustrated by Figs. 17 and 18 of No. 168178, or any other
suitable form of gear. In Fig. 15 is shown another method of actuating the
horizontal shaft 53 by means of a worm 57 and swing handle 63, which handle may
be formed in one piece with the swing rod; or a jointed or other handle may be
used, as shown in No. 14910, in various forms, or a cord pulley may be fitted to
the worm as shown in Figs. 23 and 24.
For manipulating fanlights and other analogous articles as aforesaid, rotating on
horizontal centres I sometimes fit the same with suspensory side links 108, as
shown in Fig. 16; one end of each link being pivoted to a fixed pin attached to
the frame, and the other end to a pin fixed to the fanlight or other article at 109.
The solid lines show the article open and at right angles to the frame, and the
broken lines illustrate the same partly open, and also entirely closed.
For the purpose of retaining sashes, fanlights and other articles as aforesaid in
an open position, at any required angle, I sometimes use a pivoted bar 98, as shown
in Figs. 17, 18 and 184; Fig. 17 being a sectional elevation, Fig. 18 a plan and
Fig. 18 a sectional end view. The bar is pivoted to the frame at 99. 100 is an
adjustable screw gripper or clip, which is used to grip or clip the bar 98, and
thereby retain the sash or other article in any required open position. The
gripper or clip consists of a holt 121 having a slotted head through which the
bar 98 passes. The upper end of the bolt 121 is formed square at 122 and screw
threaded at 123. 124 is a washer fitting the squared portion 122 of the bolt. It
will be seen that on adjusting the nut 125 the gripper is caused to clip the bar
between the clip and the lower portion of the bracket as shown, whilst the nut is
prevented from becoming unscrewed by the washer 124.
In Figs. 19 and 20 a stiff-backed sprocket chain 60, working into a sprocket
wheel 53 fast on the shaft 53 is shown. The sprocket chain is flexible in one
direction only, suitable for use with my present invention, the form of the links
being clearly shown in side elevation in Fig. 19, and in plan in Fig. 20.
Fig. 21 is a plan, and Fig. 22 an elevation, of another form of sprocket or pitch
chain, the links of which may be stamped out of metal and readily joined together.
To render this chain stiff in one direction, I form projecting blocks 82 upon
alternative links for that purpose.
Fig. 22 is an elevation and Fig. 22B a top view of another form of stiff-backed
chain, the links being stamped out to form shoulders, as shown. The links are
pivoted together in pairs, in reverse directions. Fig. 22 is an elevation of another
form of link stamped out of plain metal, with ears 106, which are turned at right
angles to the plate, as shown in elevation in Fig. 22" and top view in Fig. 22 to
form abutment stops to the adjoining links.
Figs. 22 and 22" illustrate another method of forming the abutment stops 106.
Fig. 22 illustrates another method of constructing the abutment stops 106, which
form may be further varied by simply raising a burr 107 formed in the process of
stamping out these or otherwise formed links.

page_text: These chains may be used with fanlights, hinged or pivoted in any ordinary
manner, for opening, closing, and fastening the same, by any suitable means, such
as a volute, sprocket, or other power wheel or screw, with or without a grooved
pulley and cord.
Fig. 23 is a side view, and Fig. 24 a partial front elevation, showing another
method of operating fanlights opening from above, being a modification of Fig. 15.
Brackets 83 are fitted at each end of the upper bar of the swing frame 42, carrying
the revolving bar 53, which is fitted with a drum 84, for a cord, chain, or bant.
The shaft 53 and drum 84 are caused to revolve by means of the worm and worm
wheel, as shown, or by an equivalent device, whereby the drum is caused to wind
up or slack away the chain."
In some cases I apply any of the wellknown varieties and modifications of
epicycloidal gear, for operating the axles or shafts herein described or referred to.
By means of obvious modifications my invention may be applied to swing
windows, ventilators, fanlights, flaps, and analogous articles, opening below, or at
either side, and either outwards or inwards.
85 is a
In fitting some windows and other articles which require fastening both at the
top and bottom, I fit two fastenings in line, and attach plates to their inner ends
with diagonal slots or grooves formed therein, as shown by Figs. 25 to 29.
Fig. 25 is a vertical section at right angles to the window or door. Fig. 26 is a
sectional front view of the lock, and Figs. 27, 28 and 29, are detail views
handle on the outside, capable of being turned by hand to the extent of 90°, except
when it is locked. It is locked by means of the bolt 86 of an ordinary lock 87, the
bolt entering a square hole in the collar 88 which prevents the turning of the
handle 85. 89 is the inner handle the spindle being tubular and screw threade.
outside into the block 90, as shown. The block 90 is formed with inclined or
diagonal dovetail pieces fitting diagonal slots or grooves 91, 91, formed in the inner
ends of the vertical bolts 92, 93, as also shown in Fig. 25*. When the handle 89
is drawn outwards, as shown in Fig. 25, the bolt 92 is raised and the bolt 93
depressed, whereby the window or other article is secured. When the handle 89 is
pressed inwards, the block 90 recedes the upper bolt 92 then falls, and the lower
bolt 93 is raised; bolt ends being then unfastened, and the article free to open.
93 is a small bolt which falls into a hole in the fixed flange 93"; and retains both
bolts in an open position when unfastened. The rotary motion of the handle 85 is
limited by means of a fixed pin 94 working in a quadrantal slot 95, in the before
mentioned collar 88, whereby the angle of rotation of the handle is limited to 90°.
When the fastening is locked the handle 85 is inoperative upon the fastening
bolts 92, 93, but such locking does not interfere with the action of the inner
handle 89, which can at all times be used to open the door.
When unlocked both
handles can be used for opening the door, the inner one 89 being merely pushed
inwards, and the outer handle 85 pulled outwards for that purpose.
I fit a bar 97 (preferably tubular) in the hole 96 of the handle 89, in the manner
shown in Fig. 30, or in any other convenient manner, suitable to the door, or other
article to be fitted, whereby the fastenings may be manipulated by pushing or
withdrawing the bar. In some cases I dispense with the outside handle and lock.
In some cases 1 fit a vertical rod, in suitable guides, on each side of a fanlight
or other article opening from above; each rod having a connecting rod pivoted
thereto and to the fanlight respectively. A coupling rope, chain, or its equivalent,
connects the two rods by passing over pulleys, in such a manner that, on raising or
lowering one of the rods the other is simultaneously raised or lowered, thus
sustaining the swing frame equally on each side.
Fig. 31 is a detail diagram showing a simple method of securing the swing frame
of a convertible sliding sash. 117 is the stile, and 118 the slip to which the stile
is attached by the screw 119. 120 is a spring fixed to the stile, as shown. The
upper end of the spring is forked so as to engage the head of the screw 119. The
outward pressure of the spring keeps the stile and slip in close contact, and thus
acts also as a draught excluder.

page_text: The several parts of the apparatus hereinbefore described are more or less
interchangeable.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In means and appliances for opening, closing, regulating, and fastening at any
desired angle, swing windows, ventilators, fanlights, flaps and analogous articles,
the combination of a short toothed rack 38, a toothed or worm pinion 39, or
equivalent device, operated by a cord passing over a pulley, or by the devices
illustrated by Figs. 15, 23 & 24 or by other means substantially as and for the
purposes hereinbefore described and illustrated by Fig. 1 of the drawings.
2. In means and appliances as aforesaid, the combination of a flexible chain,
wire, or other rope or band, encased in a tube or equivalent guide with or without
a spring for starting the fanlight outwards substantially as and for the purposes
herein before described and illustrated by Fig. 2 of the drawings.
3. In means and appliances as aforesaid, the several and respective modifications
and combinations of gear substantially as and for the purposes aforesaid, and
illustrated by Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the drawings.
4. In means and appliances as aforesaid, the combination of a flexible chain
encased in a tube or equivalent guide; a worm integral with a rod, such rod being
actuated by a grooved pulley and cord, the pulley being adjustably keyed to the
rod, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described and illustrated by
Figs. 11, 12 and 13 of the drawings.
5. In means and appliances as aforesaid, the combination of a flexible chain
passing over a pulley; the chain being partly encased in a tube or equivalent
guide a worm integral with a rod, such rod being actuated by bevel or other
suitable gear, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described and
illustrated by Fig. 14 of the drawings.
6. In means and appliances as aforesaid, the combination of a chain, flexible in
one direction only; a pulley over which the chain passes to a tube or guide: one
end of the chain being fixed to a swing window or analogous article, as shewn in
Fig. 14, and the other end of the chain being operated in any convenient manner,
substantially as and for the purposes herein before described and illustrated by
Figs. 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 22ª, 22³, 22º, 22º, 22′, 22ª, 22", and 22" of the
drawings.
7. In means and appliances as aforesaid, the combination of a rod 108 on each
side of a fanlight or other article opening from above, linked to the movable
frame, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by Fig. 16 of the
drawings.
8. In means and appliances as aforesaid, the combination with windows and
other articles which require fastening both at the top and bottom, of vertical bolts,
operated by lock mechanism, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore
described and illustrated by Figs. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 of the drawings.
9. In means and appliances as aforesaid, the combination of a pivoted bar 98 and
a screw gripper 100 substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described
and illustrated by Figs. 17, 18 and 18 of the drawings.
10. In means and appliances for manipulating fanlights and other articles as
aforesaid, rotating on horizontal centres, the combination therewith of a screw 119
and spring 120, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by Fig. 31
of the drawings.
Dated 5th November 1894
GEO.
DOWNING,
8, Quality Court, London, W.C., Agent.