Improvements in Window Fittings for Supporting Plants, applicable also to other purposes.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Sept., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 29th June, 1891-Accepted, 1st Aug.,
1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Window Fittings for Supporting Plants,
applicable also to other purposes.
JOHN LIGHTBAND THOMASSON 13 Corn Market Worcester House Decorator
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
A simple & expeditious method of hanging or fixing to the exteriors of
windows spacious receptacles to give facilities for floral adornment.
A simple modification renders the fixture permanent or temporary.
The following is a description of this invention―
These improvements consist of a combination ornamental fretwork support and
accessories, preferentially of cast iron. The fretwork extends on either side of
the sill, and reaches about half way up the window, having a verticle bearing on
the sill or wall. This ornamental support is retained in place by a special
fastening, consisting of adjustments made of plate steel hooked at the ends, one
hook for clipping the support, the other for passing behind the reveal, there are
tightening and adjusting arrangements. By these means the support is locked
and held fast, and tampering with the face of the house wall is rendered
unnecessary.
The fixing or removal of these projecting supports, is simple and speedy,
internally, and ladders are not requisite.
The lower part of the support bulges out, so as to cover the end of the window
sill, and extends somewhat below it. It is flanged out at the back and rests against
the wall. Recesses, sockets or shelves are provided, these are designed to receive
the receptacle, which is placed in front of the sill.
The receptacle may be composed of any suitable material, preferably of iron.
This receptacle may be internally coated and is prefered to be made deeper at back
than in the front. By a modification for new buildings the receptacle may be
extended on to the brickwork and project into the room in place of the ordinary
window sill, and covers may be fitted to it for enclosing the structure when out of
use. Heating & water supply may be here provided.
The combination may be made of any suitable design, and when fixed may form
the framework for glazed side screens for protection of plants, for receiving
ornamental pots, or baskets, it would be useful for training climbing plants. It
forms a good sunblind support, and with the receptacle attached it would serve
as foundation for window conservatory, or for double window. It would assist for
outside window cleaning, and would afford a means of escape from fire; and by the
simple, and speedy means of fixing, it may be made of special use for festive
decorations.
This method of fixing receptacles, window floral accessories &c., combines the
two great advantages of portability, and cheapness.
Dated this 27th day of September 1890.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Window Fittings for Supporting Plants,
applicable also to other purposes.
JOHN LIGHTBAND THOMASSON House Decorator Corn Market Worcester,
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 points and advantages here claimed for this invention are-
(a) That it is an improved contrivance for window gardening principally exterior
(but by merely widening the trough the window garden can be extended into the
interior of the room either for planting purposes or as a receptacle for heating and
other arrangements) and primarily consists of a trough of varied shape or pattern
cut to suit the width of window and fitted at each end into a bracketted support A,
which also forms the ends of the trough.
The trough ends B of the side supports are so designed as to clear the ends of
any shape of window sill without necessitating the least alteration; each end or
bracket has a threefold support, the upper portion may be secured by the special
fastenings below described (6) and which takes a hold of both the brick and wood-
work of the window, in addition to which (either with or without a dowel) the
bracket takes a dead bearing upon the sill C; and also the lower portion below the
sill prevents the upper portion tending to thrust forward by exerting a contrary
leverage working upon the seating in the sill as a fulcrum.
The whole apparatus may be made in various materials; indeed the various parts
may be of different substances but preferably of iron.
(b) The special fastenings for the upper portion of the side brackets consists of
thin metal plates, fixed between the window frame and brickwork and screwed to
the frame and slotted, a hook is inserted in the slot and fastened to the bracket at
other end, drawn tight and secured by a novel notched circular wedge D; not
only is this a firm fixture but is most readily removable. The whole apparatus
may be fixed from the inside.
(c) The side supports are so designed that the whole or a portion only may be
glazed according to desire or situation. As a general rule the sides only would be
glazed to act as screens from sharp winds.
(d) The outer upper ends of the brackets are designed to receive the rods for
working sunblinds in connection with the whole window.
(e) The upper portion of the bracket can also be made to support a portable seat
to assist in window cleaning without injury to the plants immediately below.
(f) Again it is intended to utilize the upper and lower extremities of the side
brackets as supports for hanging pots.
(g) It is also calculated to render a ready means of attachment for rope ladders
in case of fire.
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) The method of the construction of window boxes and receptacles for plants
by means of the bracket support with sockets or openings to receive the box or
trough also the means of fixing them to buildings by the special adjustable
fastening giving great security with easy removal.
29th day of June 1891.
J. L. THOMASSON.