Improvements in Windows of the Class known as Reversible."
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Dec., 1896-Accepted, 13th Feb., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
"
Improvements in Windows of the Class known as Reversible."
I, SILAS SLATER BRADSHAW, of Number 436 Pacific Street, Brooklyn,
New York, United States of America, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the
nature of this 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 improvements in windows of the class known as
"reversible," i.e., windows which are so constructed that the sash is adapted to turn
upon pivots so that the surface of the glass, which is normally presented outwardly,
may be presented inwardly, thus enabling the windows to be cleaned without
exposing the cleaner to danger by reason of having to get bodily outside of the
window, or to lean out of it, to gain access to the outer surface of the glass.
Windows of the class referred to have independent sliding strips, which rest in
and move vertically through the recesses between the stop beads and parting
strip of the window frame, and the sash is pivoted to these sliding strips, there
being necessarily a crack or opening between the sash and the strips on each side
of the window.
The purpose of my invention is to provide inexpensive, reliable and permanent
means for sealing the crack or opening between the sliding strips and the sides of
the sash; also, means to snugly close the joint between the strips and the 'sasb, and
prevent movement of the latter relative to the strips, when the window is in its
operative position; also means to seal the joint between the strips and the window
frame proper.
As windows of this class have heretofore been made, the crack or joint between
the sliding strip and the sash has been closed in a variety of ways. Sometimes
by interlocking surfaces which are mechanically defective and require spécial
manipulation before the sash can be tilted; sometimes by the employment of felt,
rubber, or other similar material, all of which rely upon their compressibility or
flexibility to perform their functions, they have been found objectionable, first,
because they lack permanence, either on account of the hardening of felt-like
materials, or their becoming saturated with paint, etc., or because they lose
flexibility by reason of paint, or, in the case of rubber by atmospheric oxydation,
so that all such means known to me are relatively short lived, and, as to the means
which have heretofore been used for drawing the sliding strips snugly against the
edges of the sash, and locking these parts together, for the purposes stated, they
have, so far as I am aware, always been open to view on the face of the sash, thus
defacing it, and, being plainly in sight, they induce tampering by mischevious
persons, which results in derangement of the apparatus, from which fracture, or at
least, imperfect operation is apt to result.
By my improvements, I remove all of the objections incident to the old forms of
sealing strip and lucking devices, and not only so, but my appliances are in both
cases less expensive; and in addition, they embrace a sealing device, which closes
the joint between the sliding strips and the window frame proper, so that in my
windows, not only the joint between the sliding strips and the sash, but also the
joint between the sliding strips and the window frame proper are sealed against the
passage of cold, rain, dust, etc., and the latches draw the parts together 'and
maintain their desired position relative to each other.

page_text: Figure illustrates an elevation of a two-sash window embodying my
improvements.
Figure 2 illustrates an edgewise sectional view taken on the line 1, 1 of Fig. 1,
looking in the direction of the arrows.
Figure 3 illustrates a detail of the invention showing the sash in a partially tilted
or reversed position.
Figure 4 illustrates a detail partly in section of the device, whereby the sliding
strips and sash are drawn together and locked.
Figure 5 illustrates an horizontal, sectional view taken through the window
casing, sliding strip and sash.
Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of one of the locking devices, that located on the
upper side of the lower sash being taken as an example.
Figure 7 illustrates a detail of the devices which seal the joint between the
sliding strip and the window frame proper.
A is the window casing, which may be made in any usual form. B is the upper
sash. C is the lower sash. D, D are the inside and outside stop bends. E is. the
parting strip. F, F are the sliding strips, there being one on each side of the sash,
as usual. G is the weight cord attached to the sliding strips as usual. H and 1,
respectively, are two plates, one of them being attached to each sliding strip, and
the other to the sides of the sash opposite one another, and J is a pivot passing
through the centers of these two plates, there being one on each side of the sash,
and which act as the axis on which it turns. These pivot plates are of a special
construction, as shown. That is to say, the plates are made of uniform thickness,
as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, and their outer edges are formed of a succession of
intersecting circles, so that in applying them to the sash and to the sliding strip, the
recesses to contain them respectively may be made by the use of an auger
bit, thus doing away with all chisel work, and greatly reducing the expense and
time required.
The parts, as thus far described, are, or may be of any usual or preferred
construction (for the reasons stated, however, I prefer to make pivot plates as
above described). I will now refer to the features which constitute my invention.
Referring more particularly to Figs. 3 and 5: My sealing device consists in a bar
or rod K, which is located in a recess L, made either in the sliding strip or in the
sash. I prefer it to be in the sliding strip, because if so, then when the sash
is tilted, it presents a smooth, unbroken edge; whereas, if the sealing device were
attached to the sash, it would be liable to derangement during the cleaning
operation; and also the grooves or recesses L as well as those for the other sealing
strip about to be described can be much more conveniently and economically made
on a "sticking" machine than in the sides of the sash. I prefer to make the bar
or rod of round metal in the form of a heavy wire, say, approximately, ths of an
inch in diameter. It is not essential, however, that it be round, although it is
desirable that its surface which engages with the opposing part should be curved,
so as to present no cutting edges to abrade or roughen those parts as they sheer
past one another, and likewise, it is not essential that they should be of metal.
A strip of hard wood or any other suitable material may be substituted for the
metal. I prefer metal, however, because of its durability and strength.
These sealing strips or bars K, whatever their shape and material may be, are
fastened in the recesses L in any suitable manner, so as to prevent longitudinal
movement, as, for instance, a small hole may be drilled through them centrally,
through which a pin may pass, entering the sash or the sliding strip, as the case
may be. The pin should preferably be located adjacent to the pivot plates. The
hole in the sealing strip through which the pin passes should be preferably larger
than the pin, so that the sealing strip may move laterally and engage with the sides
of the recess in which it rests under the sheering action of closing the window. It
will be noted that owing to the sash being centrally pivoted, the upper half of
the sealing strip will be pressed laterally into contact with one side of the recess

page_text: and the lower half will be pressed laterally in the opposite direction against the
opposite side of the recess, thus there will be a sealing effect not only between
the sealing strip and the sash, but also between the strip and the sides of the
recess in which it rests throughout practically the length of the sealing strip, it
being borne in mind that the sealing strip practically fills the recess in which it
rests. At the middle portion of the strip this action does not take place, because
of the crossing over of the sealing strip from one side of its recess to the opposite
side. In order to secure the close contact between the bar K and the surface
against which it seals, it is necessary that the bar should tend normally to move
outwardly from the recess in which it fits, and this effect can be produced either
by curving the bar, so that it is a spring in and of itself, or, preferably, by the
employment of springs M, located behind the bar which forces it outwardly into
contact with the opposing surface. This being the form which I prefer, it is the
form which I illustrate. The springs M are, or may be, fastened in the bottom of
the groove or recess L by a single screw or tack N, preferably located near one
end of the spring, the other end being left free and turned upwardly somewhat to
avoid abrasion of the bottom of the groove during its operation.
The devices which seal the joint between the sliding strips and the window
frame proper are best shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 7. O is a strip of metal, wood or
equivalent material, which is set in recess P formed longitudinally in the edge
of the sliding strips, and Q are springs shown in this instance, as made of spring
wire, one end of which is fastened in the sliding strip and the other free end is
turned up to avoid abrading the strip during its operation. These springs are
spaced as frequently as desired, and they tend to throw the strip O outwardly and
into engagement with the stop beads or parting strip as the case may be, of the
window frame, and in order that the strips O may not move longitudinally, nor
separate from the sliding strips during transportation, or when the strips are
separate from the window frame, I cut slots R in the strips O, as shown in Fig. 7,
in which I set staples S, which will confine the strips O against longitudinal
movement, and will limit their lateral movement to a degree sufficient to fully
seal the joint. I round the ends of the strips O, as shown, at T, and also the.
corners adjacent to the notches R, so that they will smoothly slide along the
stop beads or parting strip, without abrading the wood thereof.
Referring now to the devices which draw the sliding strips and sash toward
one another, and lock them together, and having special reference to Figs. 4 and 6.
a is a small casting, comprising a circular plate b having rearwardly extending
lugs or brackets c, c upon it. d is a latch pivoted to the lugs c, c, by pivot e. The
rear edge of this latch is preferably squared, and provided with a spring f which
engages with it, so that it will be held either in an elevated or in a depressed
position, by reason of the spring engaging the squared surfaces upon the latch.
is a circular, metallic plate, having cast upon it, two upwardly presented
lugs h, h, which are separated by a distance not less than the width of the shank i
of the latch d. This plate g is set in the bottom of a recess j made in the upper
member of the sash frame, and the recess is of such depth that when the latch d
is in position, so that its shank rests between the lugs h, h, then the upper edge
of the latch will be preferably about flush with the top of the upper member of the
sash, and, in order that the latch may draw the sliding strip and sash firmly
together, the latch is so made as to have parts k, k, at right angles to the shank i,
which engage with the curved upper edges of the lugs, so that when the latch is
pressed downwardly, acting as a lever, the engagement of the surfaces will exert a
cam-like action and draw the sliding strips and the sash together, thus not only
bringing their surfaces into contact with one another, which largely, and under
ordinary circumstances entirely closes the joint, but, also puts the sealing devices.
already described, under pressure, which completely seals the joint. The above
stated cam-like operation of the latch is exceedingly valuable in my combination
because without it, the effect of the springs under the sealing strip will be to force
the sliding strips and the sash apart thus opening and keeping open a wide crack,

page_text: the very thing sought to be avoided, and, also the lateral pressure will force, the
sliding strips hard against the rebate in the window frame and occasion great
friction in lifting and lowering the sash. In order that the latch may be easily
manipulated, I prefer to make it hollow centrally, as shown, and its outer end or
ring-shaped part is prevented from dropping into the recess; by reason of the part
of the shank which is near the pivot coming in contact with the plate
prevents it from falling, so that there is always space between the plate and
the ring, in which the end of one's finger may pass to lift the latch when
desired.
g
which
The operation of the improvements has been so fully set forth during the
preceding description, that further explanation is unnecessary, excepting to call
attention to the following special points..
.The sealing devices between the sliding strips and the sash, as the parts sheer
past one another, are not only pressed back into the recess or groove L, thus
creating close contact between them, and the surface against which they seal, but,
also, they are moved laterally to one side or the other of that groove and pressed
firmly against it. Consequently no air, water or dust can enter the crack and
pass around these. sealing devices and enter the apartment. Also the permanence
of this means of sealing the joint is substantially without limit, because during use,
the movement of the parts is so slight, that fracture of the sealing strips or bars
or of the springs M in rear. of them. (if they be used) is practically impossible.
The pressures are applied and relieved in a smooth, uniform manner, and with very
little motion of any part. Also, the nature of the materials employed, preferably
heavy metallic wire, which may be coppered or. galvanized to resist atmospheric
influences, is such that they will probably.outlive the sash itself.
The statements just made apply with equal force to the sealing devices. between
the sliding strips and the window frame proper, and, in addition to preventing the
passage of draughts, dust, rain, etc., this feature performs another function, which
is of great importance, particularly in dwelling houses, i.e., it takes the place of a
weather strip, which is always a defacement to a window, and likewise is a complete
"anti-rattle" device. Windows in dwelling houses, as now constructed, particu-
larly if they be opened for ventilation, as is apt to be the case in sleeping
apartments, so that the sash locks cannot be used, rattle continuously, by reason
of heavy vehicles passing in the street, or because of windy weather, so that
wedges and all sorts of appliances have to be used, in order that sleep may be
enjoyed.
As to the locking devices, their simplicity and inexpensiveness will be
particularly noted. They may be applied to the woodwork with great ease and
rapidity, because the castings in both instances are circular in outline, conse-
quently the recesses in the wood work in which they are seated can be made with
an ordinary bit or equivalent rotary tool, no chisel work whatever being required,
excepting a single cut with a gouge to accommodate the lugs c, c, on the plate b.
Attention is particularly called to the fact, that when these locking devices are in
position, they are concealed from view on the upper and under sides of the sash
respectively, so that they do not attract attention and ordinary observers would
see no difference between my reversible windows and a non-reversible window.
It is true that the locks which are on the upper member of the lower sash could
be observed if person examined the upper edge of that sash, but an ordinary
observation would not disclose them, particularly as they are flush with the
woodwork of the lower sash, and it is usually so high as to be above the line of
vision, and being flush, they are protected from injury. Furthermore, since my
locking devices are concealed from view, they can be made of cheaper metal, and
less expensively than if they were open to inspection and had to possess decorative
features; also, being entirely removed from the face of the sash, they do not
deface the decoration of the window, either because of interrupting the optical
effect, or because of finger marks, which usually accompany the manipulation of
such devices.

page_text: It will be obvious to those who are familiar with this art, that modifications
may be made in the details of construction of the features of my improvement
without departing from the essentials thereof. I, therefore, do not limit myself to
said details.
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 a reversible window, the combination of sliding strips, a sash pivotel to
the strips, a plurality of longitudinal grooves in the sliding strips, in each of which
there are spring-actuated sealing rods or bars adapted to close the joints between.
the strips and the sash and the frame, respectively, for the purposes set forth.
2. In a reversible window, the combination of sliding strips, a sash pivoted to
the strips, devices adapted to draw the sash and strips toward each other, and to-
hold them in their closed position, a plurality of longitudinal grooves in the sliding
strips, in each of which there are spring-actuated sealing rods or bars, adapted to.
close the joint between the strips and the sash and the frame, respectively, for the-
purposes set forth.
3. The combination in a window, of a sash, sliding strips therefor, pivots.
connecting the sash and the strips, spring-actuated sealing rods or bars, located
between the opposing surfaces of the sash and the strips, and cam-acting locking
devices adapted to draw the sash and strips together, and to hold them together.
for the purposes set forth.
4. The combination in a window of a sash, sliding strips therefor, pivots.
connecting the sash and the strips, spring-actuated sealing rods, located in the
sliding strips and adapted to close the joint between the strips and the sash, and
devices adapted to draw the sash and strips together, and to hold them together,.
for the purposes set forth.
5. The combination in a window of a sash, the stiles whereof are flat on
their edges, sliding strips therefor, pivots connecting the sash and strips, a recess.
or groove in the sliding strips, adapted to receive a sealing rod, spring-actuated.
sealing rods, located in the said grooves, adapted to engage with the flat surface
of the sash stiles, and locking devices to draw the sliding strip and sash toward
one another, and to hold them together, for the purposes set forth.
6. The combination in a window of a sash, sliding strips therefor, pivots.
connecting the sash and the strips, spring-actuated sealing rods or bars located in
a grcove or recess in the sliding strips, and confined therein at one point only
throughout their length, said strips being adapted to outward and also to lateral
movement, for the purposes set forth.
7. The combination in a window of a sash, the lateral edges of the stiles whereof
are flat, sliding strips for the sash, pivots connecting the sash and the strips,.
spring-actuated rods or bars located between the opposing surfaces of the sash and
strips, cam-acting locking devices to draw the strips and sash toward one another,.
and hold them together, and spring-actuated sealing rods or bars, located in the
sliding strips and adapted to seal the joints between the strips and the window
frame, for the purposes set forth.
8. A tiltirg window, comprising a sash, pivoted sliding strips, and a combined
joint closing and rattle preventing device, composed of a continuous spring-
actuated rod or bar having curved ends, located in a recess in the sliding strips
and constructed and arranged to close the joint between it and the window frame,
and means connected with the sliding strip, to limit the outward movement of the
said rod or bar when the sliding strips are removed from the window frame, for-
the purposes set forth.
9. The combination in a window of a sash, sliding strips therefor, pivots
connecting the sash and the strips, locking devices to draw and hold said parts
together, comprising a pivoted latch on the sliding strips and a striker plate-

page_text: having lugs with cam-like surfaces, which engage with the latch to draw said
parts toward each other, and to hold them together, for the purposes set forth.
10. The combination in a window of a sash, sliding strips therefor, pivots
connecting the sash and the strips, and a device for drawing said parts together
and locking them in operative position, comprising a pivoted latch located upon
the sliding strips and a striker plate having upwardly projecting lugs with cam-
like surfaces which
engage
with the latch, and means upon the latch to prevent its
extremity from engaging said striker plate, for the purposes set forth.
11. A pivot plate for tilting windows and like structures, embodying two pieces
pivoted together centrally, the edges whereof are made in the form of intersecting
circles, for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 12th day of December 1896.
GEORGE BARKER,
77 Colmore Row, Birmingham, Agent.