Improvements in Stair, Curtain, and other Rods or Poles, and their Fastenings or Brackets, to Effect their Locking together.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Feb., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 27th Nov., 1804-Accepted, 19th Jan., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Stair, Curtain, and other Rods or Poles, and their
Fastenings or Brackets, to Effect their Locking together.
I, RANDOLPH MITCHELL OATES 154 Osborne Road, Forest Gate, in the
County of Essex and Metropolitan District "E," Mechanical Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :-
This invention relates to improvements in stair rods, curtain poles or rods,
handrails, balustrades, barrier poles and such like objects to be hereinafter called
poles, and their supporting brackets, stanchions, staples, eyes or fastenings to be
hereinafter called supports, to effect the fastening or locking together of such poles
and their supports.
In its simplest form this invention consists of two parts or elements, viz. :-one a
slotted ring, the other a block, bar or plate to be hereinafter called block, the said
block to be of suitable length & breadth to enter within the said ring through the
slot.
The application of these elements to the fastening or locking of the said poles
to their supports is effected by furnishing the poles with as many of one description
of the said elements as there are supports furnished with the other description
of element.
To effect the fastening or locking together of the said poles and their supports
when they have been suitably furnished with the said elementary parts, the poles
are to be applied to the supports in such a manner that the said blocks and rings are
brought together; the blocks being passed within the rings through the slots. The
poles are then revolved sufficiently to bring the ends of the said blocks away from
the slots in the said rings. The poles are then fastened or locked to their
supports.
When the supports are applied to the ends of the poles only, I may make
provision against end motion of the poles by closing the said rings on one side by
a disc, or I furnish the said blocks with a dise or plate on one side.
Dated this 26th to t
1001
Improvements in Stair, Curtain, and other Rods or Poles, and their
Fastenings or Brackets, to Effect their Locking together.
I, RANDOLPH MITCHELL OATES, of 154 Osborne Road, Forest Gate, in the
County of Essex, Mechanical Engineer, 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 :-
This invention relates to improvements in stair rods, curtain poles or rods,
handrails, barrier..poles and such like objects, to be hereinafter called poles, and
their supporting brackets, stanchions, staples, eyes or fastenings, to be hereinafter
called supports, to effect the fastening or locking together of such poles and their
supports.

page_text: In the accompanying drawings which illustrate my improvements :—
Figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4 are views shewing my improvements in their simplest
forms. In these and in all the other drawings the same letters designate the same
parts or pieces, thus:-
B is a block, bar or plate, to be hereinafter called the block.
R is a ring (to be hereinafter called the slotted ring) furnished with a slot, gap
or opening.
S is a slot gap or opening, to be hereinafter called the slot.
Figures 1 and 2 are respectively end and side views shewing the block in the slot
and partly within the slotted ring.
Figures 3 and 4 are respectively end and side views shewing the block wholly
within the slotted ring, and revolved so as to bring its ends away from the slot.
Figure 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are cross sections through the slotted ring and block
exhibiting such modifications of the forms of the slotted ring and block which the
arrangements of poles and their supports, or the exigencies of their location on
structures may make it desirable to adopt.
Figures 10 and 11 are respectively end and side views of a slotted ring and
block. The slotted ring having a conical bore, and the block being suitably
tapering in its length to fit the said conical bore. For convenience of manufacture
the bore may be conical in both directions as shewn by the dotted lines.
Figures 12 and 13 are respectively end and side views of a slotted ring and
block. The slotted ring having a tapering slot, and the block being suitably
tapering in its thickness to fit the said tapering slot. For convenience of
manufacture, the slot may be tapering in both directions, and the block fashioned
to suit, as shewn by the dotted lines.
Figures 14 and 15 are respectively end and side elevations of a slotted ring, in
which the slot occupies only a portion of the width of the ring.
Figures 16 and 17 are respectively end and side elevations of a slotted ring that
is closed on one side.
Figures 18 and 19 are respectively end and side elevations of a block that is
furnished with a plate or disc P on each side.
All the modifications of form of the slotted ring and block shewn in Figures 10
to 19 may be co-existent in one combination of slotted ring and block; except that,
when the slotted ring is closed on one side, or the slot occupies only a portion of
the width of the slotted ring, the block will only be furnished with a plate or disc
on one side, when such a plate or disc is desirable.
Figures 20 and 21; 22 and 23; 24 and 25; 26 and 27; 28 and 29, are
respectively side and end elevations exhibiting my blocks and slotted rings
provided with such projections, as ears for screws holes, screwed points, plain or
jagged spikes, and the like, that are in common use for the attachment of supports
of all kinds to structures of wood, brick, stone or metal.
Figure 30 is the elevation of a slotted ring carried by a bracket-like arm of usual
form. A disc or plate bearing a block may be similarly carried.
Figure 31 and 32 are elevations of a block carried by a common upright or
stanchion. A slotted ring may also be carried in a similar manner.
In applying my blocks or slotted rings to poles, I adopt various expedients to
suit various kinds of poles, such as solid or tubular, metal or wooden poles; and
when occasion offers, I prefer to fashion the slotted ring or the block from the
material and substance of the poles.
Figures 33 and 34 are respectively end and side elevations of an end of a tubular
pole. The said pole being slotted at its end, so as to obtain the equivalent of a
slotted ring solidly fixed to the pole end.
Figure 35 is an end elevation of a tubular pole furnished with the slot in such a
manner that the metal cut to form the slot is bent inward, so as to obtain a practical
equivalent of the projection N of Figure 5. Similarly, all the modified forms of
the slotted ring shewn in Figures 6 to 13 inclusive, may be. obtained at the ends
of tubular poles by suitably compressing and working the substance of the tube.

page_text: Solid poles, if first suitably bored up at their ends, may be dealt with precisely
as described, in the preceding paragraphs for tubular poles. Or, all the modified
forms of the slotted ring, shewn in Figures 6 to 13 inclusive, may be obtained at
the ends of solid poles by fashioning the solid material with suitable tools.
Likewise poles of wood, bamboo or the like may be bored up at their ends and
slotted to obtain the equivalent of the slotted ring applied at their ends.
Figures 36 and 37 are respectively end and side elevations of an end of a tubular
pole which is furnished with the block by means of a plug carrying the block. The
said plug may be loosely inserted or solidly fixed in position.
Figures 38 and 39 are respectively end and side views of an end of a tubular
pole which is furnished with the block by means of a plug in the manner described
for Figures 36 and 37, but possessing in addition an ornamental knob projecting
from the block, and lying centrally and in line with the axis of the pole as shewn.
The plug may or may not be furnished with a shoulder or collar A, of a diameter
larger than that of the tube as shewn. Figure 38 is a view in section through
the block.
Figures 40 and 41 are respectively a cross section and longitudinal elevation of
a portion of a tubular pole, shewing the said pole furnished with a block at any
part of it other than at its ends. The block is formed with a plug on each side of
The said plugs joining together, centrally and axially, the lengths of tube
forming the pole.
it.
Figures 42 and 43 are respectively end and longitudinal elevations of an end of
a tubular pole which is furnished with the block by suitably compressing and
working the substance of the tube. To obtain extra thickness of block, a
thickening piece or liner L may be inserted as shewu, and the said liner may be
furnished with the usual ornamental knob, as shewn dotted.
Figures 44 and 45 are respectively a cross section and a longitudinal elevation
of a portion of a tubular pole which is furnished with the block at any part of it
other than at its ends by suitably compressing and working the substance of the
tube. A hickening piece or liner L being inserted if desired, for reasons given
above.
Figures 46 and 47 are respectively end and side elevations of an end of a solid
pole which is furnished with the block by suitably compressing or cutting the
material of the pole.
Figures 48 and 49 are respectively cross section and side elevation of a portion
of a solid pole which is furnished with the block at any part of it other than
at its ends, by suitably compressing or cutting the substance of the pole.
Figure 50 is a side elevation of an end of a solid pole which is furnished with the
block between the pole proper and its knob, by compressing or cutting the material
of the pole.
the block
may
The said
Figures 51 and 52 are respectively end and side elevations of a block furnished
with projecting screws. The block may be furnished with one or two such screw
projections, as may be found desirable. With one screw,
be attached
to the ends of poles. With two screws, the block may be used to join together,
axially, lengths of pole with the block between; or may be used to join pole ends
and the usual knobs when it is desired to insert the block between.
Figures 53 and 54 are respectively end and side elevations of a cap.
cap being furnished with the block. The said cap is suitably bored to slip over
the ends of poles, to be, either loosely or solidly attached to the poles.
Figures 55 and 56 are respectively end and side elevations of a cap.
cap being furnished with the slotted ring which may be larger, or smaller, or of the
same diameter as the cap. The said cap being suitably bored to slip over the ends
of poles, to be, either loosely or solidly attached to the poles.
The said
Figures 57 and 58 are respectively end and side elevations of a block furnished
with a disc or plate on one side, so that the block may be secured to the ends of
poles by screws, nails or spikes.
Figures 59 and 60 are respectively end and side elevations of a slotted ring

page_text: closed on one side either wholly or partially, so that the slotted ring may be
secured to the ends of poles by screws, nails or spikes.
Figures 61 and 62 are respectively end and side elevations of a support furnished
with the slotted ring in such a manner that the slotted ring may be revolved by
means of a knob. The said knob having a stem that passes loosely through the
support, and carries at its end the slotted ring firmly attached. K is the knob.
M is the stem.
Figures 63 and 64 are respectively end and side elevations of a support furnished
with the block in such a manner that the block may be revolved by means of a
knob. The said knob having a stem that passes loosely through the support and
carries at its end the block firmly attached. K is the knob. M is the stem.
Figures 65 and 66; 67 and 68; 69 and 70; 71 and 72; 75 and 76; 77 and 78;
are respectively side and front elevations of supports carrying slotted rings. The
said supports being fashioned from sheet metal suitably bent and folded. The
dotted lines in Figure 75 shew another way of forming the feet.
Figures 73 and 74 are respectively side and front elevations of a support carrying
a block. The said support being fashioned from sheet metal suitably bent
and folded. The feet may also take the form shewn by the dotted lines in
Figure 75.
Figures 79 and 80 are respectively a side elevation of a pole and its supports,
and a cross section through the block and slotted ring. The pole, which may be
solid or tubular, is furnished with the block near one end, and after the manner
illustrated in Figures 38. and 39; or in Figures 42 and 43 with the knob ; or in
Figure 50. That end motion of the pole may be prevented, I may arrange that
part of the pole lying between the supports to be of larger diameter than the bore
of the slotted rings. But as this arrangement reduces the length of the block, I
prefer, with poles of small diameters, to arrange such shoulders or collars as shewn
at A, Figures 38 and 39, to effect the said purpose of preventing end motion of the
pole, the collars being of larger diameter than the bore of the slotted rings.
Figures 81 and 82 are respectively a side elevation of a pole and its supports,
and an end view of same with one support removed. The pole, which may be
tubular or solid, is furnished with the block at the ends after the mauner shewn in
Figures 36 and 37; or in Figures 42 and 43 without the knob; or in
Figures 46 and 47. One end only of the pole need have the block, in which
case the other end of the pole should be an easy fit to the bore of the slotted
rings.
In Figures 79 and 80; 81 and 82 the supports are furnished with the slotted
ring. In Figures 81 and 82 the pole is not furnished with the usual ornamental
knobs; but if desirable such knobs may be furnished to the outer sides of the
slotted rings, and closing the slotted rings on those sides, thus being useful in
preventing end motion of the pole if desirable.
Figures 83 and 84 are respectively side and end elevations of a pole. This
pole, which may be solid or tubular, is furnished with the block by means of caps as
illustrated in Figures 53 and 54, but having ornamental continuations, which I
prefer to use when the caps are not firmly attached to the poles. This arrangement
of pole may have supports furnished with slotted rings closed on one side and
ornamented with knobs similar to the pole shewn in Figures 81 and 82.
Figures 85 and 86 are respectively a longitudinal view half in section and half in
elevation of a stair rod of triangular section and its supports, and an end view of
same with one support removed. Such a rod is preferably fitted with slotted rings
at the ends as shewn, and furnished with supports carrying blocks after the manner
illustrated in Figures 63 and 64.
Figures 87 and 88 are respectively a longitudinal view, part in section,
of a pole and its supports, and an end view of same with one support removed.
This pole which may be tubular, or solid with its ends suitably bored up, is slotted at
the ends after the manner shewn in Figures 33 and 34. Or may be fashioned after
any of the modified forms shewn in Figs. 5 to 13, as explained in those paragraphs

page_text: dealing with Figure 35. Poles so prepared at their ends may be operated in
combination with supports furnished with blocks after the manner illustrated by
Figures 24 and 25; 28 and 29; 31 and 32.
In applying my improvements to poles and their supports, the blocks and slotted
rings are combined together in pairs. The pole may be furnished with the block,
and the supports with the slotted ring. Or, the pole may be furnished with the
slotted ring and the supports with the block. The block, in either case, being
arranged to lie with its length in the plane of the slotted ring and at right angles
with the axis of the pole and of the slotted ring.
The said locking is effected by entering the block within the slotted ring through
the slot, and then, either revolving the block within the slotted ring, or the slotted
ring about the block, such motions being performed in a direction radial to the
axis of the pole until the block lies with its ends well out of line with the slot in
the slotted ring, as shewn in Figures 3 to 11. The said locking is then effected,
since the poles cannot be detached from their supports until the block is again
brought in line with the slot, when the block can be withdrawn through the slot,
and thereby frees the pole from its supports.
When desirable I may prefer to avail myself of the elasticity of the slotted ring
to effect the greater security of the said locking of the block within the slotted
ring. This is best effected when the slotted rings are fashioned from sheet metal,
as shewn in Figures 65 and 66; 69 and 70; 75 and 76; 77 and 78.
In such cases
I prefer to form the block wedge shape in its length, as shewn in Figs. 65 and 69.
The slot is made narrower than the larger end of the block, so that the block can
only be withdrawn with the small end leading. Further, I may indent the interior
of the slotted ring, preferably at a place opposite the slot, into which indentation
the smaller or pointed end of the wedge shaped block may enter, and to be there
held by the elastic pressure of the slotted ring on the other or larger end of the
block, as shewn in Figures 65 and 69.
The revolving motion of the block, or of the slotted ring is effected by.-
1. Revolving the pole, if the block or the slotted ring is solidly attached to it.
Or 2. Revolving that part of the pole carrying the block or slotted ring, when
not solidly attached to the pole.
Or 3. Revolving that part of the support that carries the block or slotted ring.
In poles having two or more supports, one, or more, or all of the supports may
be suitably furnished with either one or the other of the said locking parts as
hereinbefore explained, and the pole may be furnished with as many of the other
of the said locking parts, to combine with as many of the supports as it may be
desirable to adopt for locking purposes.
In poles having two supports, the supports being at or near the ends of the poles,
I prefer to adopt such arrangements of the poles and their supports as shewn in
Figures 79 to 88. When attaching such poles to their supports, I prefer first, to
apply one end of the pole to either support by threading the said end of the pole
into the slotted ring forming the support, this action being effected from the inner
side of the support chosen. Should the supports carry the block, as in Figures 85
and 86, 87 and 88, I would first slip one end of the pole over the block on either
of the supports. I then, in either case, approach the other end of the pole to its
support in such a manner as to cause the block and slotted ring to come together,
the block sliding through the slot and entering within the slotted ring. I then
cause the block, or the slotted ring to revolve as herein before described to effect
the desired locking of the pole to its supports.
In poles having more than two supports, and when all, or more than two of the
supports wholly embrace the pole, I furnish all such supports that wholly embrace
the pole with the slotted ring, and suitably furnish the pole with as many blocks as
there are supports furnished with the slotted ring. In attaching a pole so arranged
to its suitably prepared supports, I enter all the blocks into their respective slotted
rings at the same moment, and then revolve the pole, effecting the said locking as
hereinbefore described.

page_text: In locating the position of the slot on the slotted ring, or the position, radially,
of the block when furnished to supports, I select such positions that give the
greatest facility in attaching the poles to their supports. I also take into con-
sideration the question of safest locking thus,-in curtain poles I would prefer to
locate the slotted ring so that if it forms a support, the slot would come to the
highest point on the slotted ring when in position. Thus, should the pole, from any
cause, creep round until the block came in line with the slot, the action of gravity
would prevent detachment of the pole from the support, I, therefore, do not limit
myself to any particular position for the slot relative to any other part or detail of
the pole or its supports, nor limit myself to any position, radially, for the block, but
select such positions as are best for any arrangement of pole and its supports
relative to the structures to which they are fixed.
To prevent poles from creeping out of their supports by end motion, I close my
slotted rings on one side as illustrated in Figures 16 & 17, or, I furnish the block
with plates or discs as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, which plates are in many
cases represented by the shoulders or cheeks of the poles at the sides of the blocks,
as illustrated in Figures 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49 and 50, and in Figures 54, 58.
Likewise on supports as shewn in Figures 24 and 25; 28 and 29; 31 and 32;
63 and 64.
Should any poles be subjected to such end thrust as to make it desirable to cause
such thrust to be resisted by several supports, I may effect this by furnishing
several supports with slotted rings, and correspondingly furnishing the poles with
blocks. The objectionable thrust is then collectively resisted by several supports
acting against the cheeks or shoulders of the pole at the sides of the blocks.
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 poles and their supports, as hereinbefore described, the combination of a
slotted ring and a block to effect the locking together of the said poles and
their supports, as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
2. In combination with the slotted rings and blocks, as herein before described,
the closing of the slotted ring on one side, and the addition of plates or discs to one
or both sides of the block, to prevent end motion of the poles, and to enable the
poles to withstand end thrust, as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Dated this 27th day of November 1894.