Improvements in Window Blind Rack Pulleys.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Nov., 1894
Comp ete Specification Left, 17th May, 1895-Accepted, 22nd June, 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Window Blind Rack Pulleys.
I, JOHN CHARLES PICKARD of 14, Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, Lancashire,
Mechanic, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to certain improvements in window blind rack pulleys,
whereby the same are constructed neater and far more efficiently than heretofore,
whilst at the same time the means employed for adjusting and tightening the
window cord is more effective and reliable in action.
In carrying my invention into effect, I fix to the side of the window casing by
means of one, two or more screws or the like a ratchet wheel, the same being
thereby permanently secured thereto.
I mount on a stud at or near the centre of this fixed ratchet wheel, one end of a
small lever, which is capable of moving radially upon the said stud as upon an axis.
This lever carries about midway of its length the window blind pulley, the same
being mounted on a thumb stud, but nevertheless free to revolve on the said thumb
stud. The thumb stud is for the purpose of moving the lever radially backwards
or forwards as the case may be in order to tighten or adjust the window blind cord
in the following novel and unique manner, that is to say :-
On this radially moving arm or lever near its far extremity is a pawl or catch,
which engages with the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the lever is moved from
top to bottom, but may be disengaged at will by a small lug or projection.
The window blind cord after being put on the blind roller pulley is slipped on
my improved rack pulley, while the small arm or lever is at or near the top of the
ratchet wheel, the pawl or catch engaging with the teeth of the fixed ratchet wheel
whilst in this position. The small arm or lever by means of the thumb stud is now
lowered, thereby lowering the rack pulley with it, and at the same time causing the
pawl or catch to cngage with fresh teeth on the ratchet wheel, whereby the window
blind cord is tightened or adjusted to the requisite degree.
A small blade spring may, if desired, be employed, to ensure that the pawl or
catch engages with the teeth of the ratchet wheel."
Dated this 15th day of January 1895
F. RICHMOND,
12, Standish Street, Burnley, and
1 and 3, New Water Street, Blackburn,
Agent for the Applicant.
Improvements in Window Blind Rack Pulleys.
1, JOHN CHARLES PICKARD of 14, Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, Lancashire,
Mechanic, 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 certain improvements in window blind rack pulleys,

page_text: whereby the same are constructed neater and far more efficiently than heretofore,
whilst at the same time the meaus employed for adjusting and tightening the window
cord is more effective and reliable in action.
In carrying my invention into effect, fix to, the side of the window casing by
means of one two or more screws or the like a ratchet wheel, the same being
permanently secured thereto.
I mount on a stud at or near the centre of this fixed ratchet wheel, one end of a
small lever, which is capable of moving radially upon the said stud as upon an axis.
This lever carries about midway of its length the window blind pulley, the same
being mounted on a thumb stud, but nevertheless free to revolve on the said thumb
stud. The thumb stud is for the purpose of moving the lever radially backwards
or forwards as the case may be in order to tighten or adjust the window blind cord
in the following novel and unique manner, that is to say:-
On the radially moving arm or lever near its far extremity is a pawl or catch,
which engages with the teeth of the ratchet wheel when the lever is moved from top
to bottom, but may be disengaged at will by a small lug or projection.
The window blind cord, after being put on the blind roller pulley, is slipped on
my improved rack pulley, while the small arm or lever is at or near the top of the
ratchet wheel, the pawl or catch engaging with the teeth of the fixed ratchet wheel
whilst in this position. The small arm or lever by means of the thumb stud is now
lowered, thereby lowering the rack pulley with it, and at the same time causing the
pawl or catch to engage with fresh teeth on the ratchet wheel, whereby the window
blind cord is tightened or adjusted to the requisite degree.
A small blade spring may, if desired, he employed to ensure that the pawl or
catch engages with the teeth of the ratchet wheel.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is an elevation, and Fig. 2 a plan of an
arrangement of window blind rack pulley constructed in accordance with my
invention.
A is the fixed ratchet wheel, secured by screws to the window casing.
As a means of tightening the window cord B, I employ the radial arm or lever C,
mounted on a stud D in the centre of ratchet A. The lever carries about midway
of its length the cord pulley E, which is free to revolve on stud F, cast or otherwise
fixed to radial arın or lever C. The said stud F may be formed or provided with
a thumb-head or knob, to thereby raise and lower lever C radially upon.
stud D, as upon an axis, or the lever may be held at its extreme end for the same
purpose.
Mounted on the lever is also catch G, which, as the lever C is lowered, engages
with the teeth of the ratchet wheel, and prevents any return movement, thereby
tightening the cord B to the requisite degree. When it is required to slacken the.
window blind cord, the catch G is disengaged from the teeth of the ratchet wheel A
by a lug or projection H..
The lever C is shewn in dotted lines as being lowered radially upon the stud D,
thereby causing the catch G to engage with fresh teeth of the ratchet wheel and
tightening the window blind cord as required.
It will be apparent, that the ratchet does not need to be provided with teeth all
round its entire circumference, but if desired only a portion of the wheel may be
provided with teeth.
A spring may in some cases be employed to assist in maintaining the catch G
engaged with the ratchet wheel.
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 improved arrangement and construction of window blind rack pulleys,
substantially as shewn and described.
2. The lever C, carrying cord pulley E, and capable of moving radially around

page_text: fixed ratchet wheel A, so as to engage catch G with fresh teeth of the ratchet
wheel, and raise and lower cord pulley E in any desired position, substantially as
described and illustrated for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 14th day of May 1895.