Improvements in Safety and Time Saving Devices for use in Window Cleaning and Glazing.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Jan., 1899-Accepted, 18th Mar., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Safety and Time Saving Devices for use in Window
Cleaning and Glazing.
I, SARAH JANE MERCER, of 44, Delbridge Street, North Fitzroy, in the Colony
of Victoria, Married Woman, 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;-
The object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for use by persons when
cleaning or glazing the exterior of windows, particularly at such a height from
the ground that without some safeguard and mechanical assistance the operation
would be attended with both difficulty and danger.
To this end I provide a belt for the waist or body of the operator and connec-
tions from such belt to a supporting rod which is removably secured within the
window framing, and by that means I render the cleaning operation not only
entirely devoid of danger, but also enable it to be performed with rapidity and
comfort. A platform is also provided adapted to enable the person using the said
belt to be seated comfortably when at work. The operator is able to move freely
from side to side of the window (which is important if it be wide) and to use both
hands to clean with, without giving any attention to the necessity for preventing
a fall. Referring now to the drawings herewith Figure 1 shows in perspective
parts of an apparatus embodying my invention. Figure 2 shows an elevation
looking towards the inside of the window, of parts in Figure 1 and other details
hereafter described. Figure 3 shows the platform in side sectional elevation,
Figure 4 shows in perspective the belt apparatus in Figure 1 omitting the brace
connections, certain details being modified. In this view part of the window frame
and architrave are shown and the supporting rod is shown as hooked in place
when in use. Figures 5 and 6 are respectively a plan view and rear elevation of
the platform. When a window has been cleaned, the operator releases the rod
from its hooks (one at each side) and then without removing from the person the
belt, the connections, or the rod, may proceed to another window, open it, sit on
the platform (which is placed on the window sill) with the body outside and feet
inside, hook the rod into place and forthwith clean the said window externally.
In the drawings A is a belt having suitable means B (as a buckle) for adjustment
circumferentially, C and D are two connections (as leather straps) fastened one
at each side to belt A and having loops E and means F (as buckles) for undoing
the said loops. G, H are braces connected to the back of the belt A and having
loops J, K and means L (as buckles) for undoing the same. M is a rod having
ends N of larger diameter, and adapted to rest in hooks O.
Z is the window frame and architrave herein called simply the window frame
for shortness, to any suitable part of which one or more pairs of hooks O is or are
attached. That is there is at least one hook at each side and on the same level,
but there may be more pairs than one, each pair at a different height. The
various loops above referred to are all passed over the supporting rod M, or are
connected to rings as P or snap hooks Q and rings P or snap hooks alone either
D
077

page_text: of which are engaged with the said supporting rod. In practice I make this rod
considerably longer than the distance between the hooks as an additional safe-
guard against the rod working loose. It is evident that the various connections
between the belt and the rod must be shortened or otherwise adjusted in length
to suit the individual using the invention, as what would suit a tall stout person
would be entirely useless for one of opposite physical characteristics. The rod it
will be observed, may be detached from the loops at will. In some cases I omit the
brace connections. The platform is marked ; it has sides S back T rear foot U
and straps V. The front edge of R will rest on a higher support than the rear so
that there is no front foot. The strap ends have holes by which the straps are
secured to buttons W inside the window frames, so that the platforms cannot slip
outward nor will they slip in any other direction when in use. In the claims
following the looped connections are understood to be either with or without snap
hooks or rings or both. The platform is not merely useful to sit on, it also enables
a vessel of water or of paint or the like and other articles to be kept in a con-
venient position at the side of the sitter for which an ordinary window sill does
not provide suitable accommodation.
Having now particularly. described and 'ascertained, the nature of this
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. In an apparatus of the kind indicated, the combination with hooks adapted
to be attached to a window frame, of a supporting rod having ends of enlarged
circumference, adapted to be engaged with the said hooks, and adjustable looped
connections extending from the rod to the sides of and fastened to an adjustable
belt, substantially as set forth.
2. In an apparatus of the kind indicated, the combination with an adjustable
belt, of adjustable looped connections fastened to the sides of said belt sub-
stantially as set forth.
3. In an apparatus of the kind indicated the combination with the parts specified
in the claim immediately preceding, of adjustable brace connections attached
to the back of said belt, and having loops substantially as set forth.
4. A platformi with sides, back, straps and a foot at the rear adapted to be con-
nected with a window frame as described and illustrated and for the purposes
set forth.