Improvements in or relating to Window Screen Apparatus.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Feb., 1899-Accepted, 10th June, 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Window Screen Apparatus.
A communication by THOMAS EDWARD BARR, of the City of Kalamazoo, in the
County of Kalamazoo and State of Michigan, United States of America,
Clergyman.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil 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 window screens and more particularly
to improvements in roller window screens.
The objects of this invention are first to provide a simple automatic gripping
means to connect the screen and sash of a window together; second, to provide
an improved structure in roller window screens in connection with the sash whereby
moisture is entirely excluded from the rolled up screen when the same is not
in use third, to provide an improved construction of screens for use in combination
with guides at the sides of the window frame for retaining the screen securely
in position; fourth, to provide an improved construction of spring rollers and its
casing making the same adjustable to windows of different sizes; fifth, to provide
an improved construction of rollers to which the sereen can be easily and securely
attached so that an even tension can be preserved on the entire screen, and so
that in case of injury to the screen itself it can be very readily detached and a
new screen substituted; sixth, to provide for use in combination with a window
screen an improved automatic insect excluder or shutter for closing the space
between the upper and lower sash of a window when the window is open;
seventh, to provide in connection with a window screen of the class described
an improved casing or housing which can be used above the window sill having
the automatic fastening which is easily operated by a detachable key..
Further minor objects will definitely appear in the detailed description to
follow..
The objects of this invention are accomplished by the devices and means
described in the following specification. The invention is definitely pointed out in
the claims. The structure is clearly and fully illustrated in the accompanying
drawings forming a part of this specification, in which,
Figure 1 is a detail elevation view of a window and its sash with one form of
this improved screen in position, the sash window sill and a portion of the casing
being broken away to show details of construction.
Figure 2 is an enlarged detail sectional elevation through one of the automatic
fasteners, taken on a line corresponding to line 2-2 of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical detail sectional view of the automatic gripping
device taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2.

page_text: Figure 4 is an enlarged detail transverse sectional view taken on line 4-4
of Figure 1, showing the construction of the edge of the screen and the guide
for the same.
Figure 5 is a vertical elevation taken on line 5-5 of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view on line 6-6 of Figure 1
showing the automatic means for closing the space between the upper and lower
sash, and means of actuating the same:
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional elevation taken on line 7-7
of Figure 1 showing the manner of hinging and supporting this automatic device
for closing the space between the upper and lower sash.
Figure 8 is a transverse detail sectional elevation taken on line 8-8 of Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a detail sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Figure 6 showing the
means for locking the automatic closing device for the space between the sash
in its open position.
Figure 10 is an enlarged detail longitudinal sectional view through the roller
and its casing, taken on line 10-10 of Figure 11.
Figure 11 is an enlarged detail transverse sectional elevation through the
rolled and its casing and the attached screen G, taken on a line corresponding
to line 11-11 of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is an enlarged detail transverse sectional elevation through the
roller and attached screen to show exactly and definitely the means of attaching
the screen to the roller.
Figure 13 is a detail view of a window showing the modifications whereby both
of the automatic gripping devices are operated from a single key and wherein
the roller is supported above the window sill where it is necessary to preserve
the sill intact or where it is inconvenient to modify it for the use of the structure
appearing in the first figures.
Figure 14 is an enlarged detail sectional view on a line corresponding to
line 14 14 of Figure 13, showing the arrangement of the various parts.
Figure 15 is an enlarged detail sectional elevation on a line corresponding to
line 14 14 of Figure 13 showing the key and the manner in which its bit acts
on the automatic gripping devices.
In the drawing all of the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of
the little arrows at the ends of the section lines, and similar letters of reference
refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
Referring to the lettered parts of the drawing A A represents the window
casing throughout the several views. A is the window sill, A1, A" are the
window frames at each side. In the preferred construction a slot is made through
the window sill for the passage of the screening which is preferably, wire cloth
and the roller is supported in a suitable casing below. The roller R is provided
with a central shaft Q which is square at each end and extended to fit adjustably
into the elongated sockets P" carried on the brackets P¹ at the end.
The case is made of sections telescoped together so that they slide one upon
the other as clearly appears in the sectional view in Figures 10 and 11, this
permits the casing to be easily adjusted and secured between the joist or stuckling
at each side of the window.
The roller is preferably made of a roll of sheet metal having a projecting
lip R, with cast metal heads R' to which the scroll is secured. Oppositely coiled
springs Q, Q, are secured to the shaft and to the heads R¹, to keep the roller
in position when it is being actuated on its shaft.
The screening G is secured to the roll by receiving a sharp fold which is projected
under the lip ", which of necessity positively retains every strand evenly and
securely so that when tension is put on the roller the screen will be held perfectly
even. On the upper end of the screen G is provided a sheet metal cap F",
having laterally projecting flanges above the slot heretofore referred to and closes
the same securely against the entrance of moisture or dust. To make this still

page_text: more effective, a rib or moulding G₁ is provided towards the outside of the slot
and within which the cap rests.
Secured to this cap F, are upwardly projecting loops which are transverse
thereto. The window sash is hollowed out to receive the rib G', and the cap F
with its loops. F¹.
A pair of automatic hooked lever jaws F, which are carried on the pivot E,
are to engage the loops. These levers are held normally in the closed position
by the spring ", which is coiled on the pivot E, the ends of which engage
opposite members to throw them normally together. The inner portions of each
jaw below are angled so that they will be pressed onto the loops F, and engage
the same automatically.
A lift is provided on the bottom sash rail B, opposite each pair of jaws and
a lever ), corresponding thereto is provided just above the same. The upper
ends of the gripping lever are extended and are arranged across each other
and the inner end D of the lever projects between the two so that when the
lever is pressed down it will raise up between the tops of the levers and cause
them to separate and release their hold on the loops F¹ below.
In each of the lower window sashes is formed a longitudinal groove and in
cach side of the window frame A¹ is also formed a groove in which is inserted
a tube H preferably square in cross section which is slotted at one side as clearly
appears in Figures 4 and 5. This is to serve as a guide for the edge of the screen
and one of these guides is located at each side.
Into the vertical edges of the screen is woven a large cord G of textile fabric
or other suitable material for the purpose of expanding the loops of the screen at
that point to enlarge the edge of the screen so that it will be retained in the
guide way as clearly appears in Figures 4 and 5. This connection also serves as
an additional guide to the sash and makes the same very much more secure than
it otherwise would be.
When it is desired to raise the window without utilising the screen the
operator grasps the lifts 11, and depresses the lever D), above, which opens the
jaws and the window is raised without the screen. When the window is lowered
again it automatically engages the screen so that by merely lifting on the lifts D',
the screen will be drawn up to cover the open space of the window, as clearly
appears in Figure 1. The enlarged edges of the screen will travel up and down
in the guides and be retained in that way so that the screen cannot be in any
wise displaced, it being held on all of its sides and at both ends as firmly as
though it were in a frame.
However, with the ordinary construction of windows when the lower sash is
raised a space is left between it and the upper sash through which insects could
find easy access to the house, by passing between the two sashes. This opening
has been provided against, the means appearing in Figures 6, 7 and 8. This
consists practically of a little door hinged to the bottom of the outer sash rail C¹,
the structure is preferably made of sheet metal with a strip J of such material as
celluloid to be inserted into the same for the cover or excluder. The sheet metal
is rolled in to a roll I which serves as a member of the hinge for operating the
A small
same, and is retained in position by a staple I driven over the same.
spring I is inserted in each end and projects in the upper side of the sash to
hold the same normally in its closed position. The lower edge of the metal
which forms the roll projects to form a lip while the upper edge is extended to
form fingers J, the ends of which are flexible to fold over the strip of celluloid
or other material while the lower lip supports it on the under side, thus holding
the same securely in place after the material is cut to the right width for closing
the gap or opening so that the structure is easily adjustable to the varying widths
of sash rail which will be found in use and still presents a very finished appearance.
At one end of this structure is provided an actuating lever K which is pivoted
at N to the excluder and rests against a pin K' which is secured to the portion J
to serve to carry the same. This is adapted to rest against a pin K" inserted in

page_text: the under side of the sash rail C', the lever K acting as on a fulcrum on both of
these pins K', or K, when in operation. Stops are provided on the edges
of the sash against which the lever K strikes when the sash is moved to actuate
the excluder and carry it by the mullions of the sash. The excluder is suitably
notched as at J₁ to pass over the vertical mullion in the sash. As the lower
window is raised, the stops O strike against the lever K as the lever K rests
against the projection K and throws the excluder down and out as shown by
the dotted position in Figure 6, so that the bottom rail of the sash or the mullion of
the sash easily passes it. When it passes over this stop the lever K is released
again and the excluder closes at once owing to the action of the spring. When
the sash is moved in the opposite direction, the same stop 0 comes in contact
with the lever K, it strikes the pin K¹, and carries the excluder out of the way
of the mullions on the sash and allows it to spring back in position as soon as they
have passed. Thus the structure operates automatically when the bottom sash
is moving in either direction. In case it should become desirable at any time to
operate the excluder by hand a little shaft and rack L are provided adapted to
engage in gear teeth frame in the roll portion I, at or near the centre. On side
of shaft L is a pin or projection L' to serve as a stop when it is desired to lock
the excluder in the open position. This is accomplished by pulling up the shaft L
and swinging the catch L" under said pin or projection L₁ the structure clearly
appearing in Figures 6, 7 and 9. My correspondent has shown the preferred
form for this structure but he is aware that it can be greatly varied without
departing from his invention. Instead of making, the same of so many parts
the number might be reduced by allowing the sheet of metal to extend instead of
substituting the sheet of celluloid J; and other arrangements of cams and lever
could no doubt be utilised in operating the same, and the structure might be
of wood or of any other material suitable to the purpose. The automatic means
for actuating the same might be dispensed with and the shaft L be adjusted
each time the window is raised or lowered, though this would be manifestly
much more awkward than the device here shown. As already stated in Figures 13,
14 and 15, modifications are shown of the means of attaching the screening to the
sash rail in which the automatic gripping devices are operated by a detachable
key and in which the roll is supported above the window sill. This will be of
advantage for use in car windows or for use on stone window sills where of
course the cutting of the slot in the window sill would be impractical. In this
structure a casing l' is provided above the window sill in which the roll R is
operated. This casing comes just outside the bottom sash and is provided with
a covering case, secured to the sash itself to shut down over the same and serve
as an excluder of moisture and dust when the window is closed. A vertical
plate is provided which is easily detached so that the roll R can be easily
inspected, the said plate Y being supported just outside of the bottom rail B of
the sash when the sash is closed. Supported on the bottom rail of the sash are
the automatic hooks F by the little brackets T, the hooks are connected by the
rod S which lies parallel with the bottom rail of the sash and the hooks are
held normally in the engaging position by the spring Swhich is secured to the
bottom rail of the sash, as clearly appears in Figures 13 and 14.
A key U is provided at the centre of the sash having a bit to act upon and
move this rod S laterally towards the sash to withdraw the hooks F. The upper
edge of the screen G is provided with a suitable binding which is supported
above the casing in position to be automatically engaged by the hooks . It
will thus be seen that the operation of this structure is the same as that hereto-
fore described though it is differently arranged to accomplish the. purposes
described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a window screen apparatus the combination of a slotted window casing:

page_text: a screen projecting therethrough, suitable transverse loops F1, on the free edges
thereof; the rail of the sash grooved on its edge next the slotted casing to
receive the free edge of the window screen; pairs of oppositely facing hook
levers FF supported on transverse pivots E, in the rail of the sash crossed at
their inner ends, a spring E, to hold said levers in the closed position; a sash
lift D, a lever D, pivoted in proximity to the sash hold with one end D", pro-
jecting into proximity to the sash hold, all co-acting as specified.
2. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of the window screen, suit-
able means of storing the same; a grooved sash rail; pairs of oppositely facing
gripping levers on said sash rail; a sash hold; a lever pivoted in proximity
thereto and extending between the gripping levers to actuate the same as specified.
3. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a sloited window casing, a
screen housed in the window casing and projecting through the slot therein,
a window sash provided with an external hold, means housed in the sash for
automatically attaching the screen and sash, and meɛns arranged outside the sash
and in proximity to the hold whereby the sash may be detached from the screen
and moved at the same time.
4. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a slotted window casing,
a window sash grooved on its edge next to the slotted casing, a screen housed
in the window casing and projecting through the slot therein, a cap adapted to
be received by the groove in the window sash and of sufficient width to cover the
slot in the window casing, and means for detachably securing the screen and
sash together.
5. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a slotted window casing,
the rail of the sash grooved on its edge next to the slotted casing; a screen
projecting through the window casing with a binding thereon folded into a cap
over the top, with an extending flange to each side to close over the slot in the
casing a suitable means of connecting the said screen to the window sash, as
specified.
6. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a slotted window casing;
the rail of the sash grooved on its edge next to the slotted casing: a screen
projecting through the window casing with a sheet metal binding thereon folded
into a cap over the top with extending flanges to each side; a strip of moulding
on the window casing outside of the slot; suitable means of connecting the said
screen to the window sash as specified.
7. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a window casing slotted
on one of its sides, a window sash grooved on its edge next to the slotted window
casing; a screen housed in the window casing and projecting through the slot
therein, a binding on said screen adapted to enter the groove in the sash; means
for detachably securing the screen and sash together, and a moulding strip
arranged on the window casing outside of the slot and also adapted to be received
in the groove of the window sash when the same is in a closed position.
S. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a window casing slotted
on one of its sides and provided with slotted guideways projecting from its
parallel sides at right angles to its first mentioned side, a window sash grooved
on its edge next to the slotted casing and on its parallel edges at right angles to
its first mentioned edge, the grooves of the parallel edges of the sash receiving
and enclosing the projected guide-ways, a screen housed in the window casing and
projecting through the slot therein and having its side edges enclosed to travel
in the slots of the projecting guide-ways and means for detachably securing the
screen and sash together.
9. In a roller window screen, the combination of the screening, a cord woven
into the edges thereof to enlarge the same by expanding the loops of the filling
and a suitable groove or guide-way at the inside of the window frame engaging
around the said corded edge to retain the same as specified.
10. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a screen, a flexible cord

page_text: woven into the loops of the texture composing the screen along its edge, and a
grooved guide-way adapted to receive and guide the corded edge of the screen.
11. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a screen, flexible cords
woven into the loops of the texture composing the screen along two of its
parallel edges and a window frame provided with grooved guide-ways along two
of its parallel sides adapted to receive and guide the corded edges of the screen.
12. In an insect excluder for window sash, "the combination with the meeting
rails of a strip of suitable material pivotally supported on one of said meeting
rails and suitable means of actuating and adjusting the same so that the excluder
can pass the munion or rails of the sash when the window is operated.
13. In an insect excluder for window sash, the combination with the meeting
rails of the sash, of a suitable flat strip pivoted to one of said meeting rails and
extending across to the opposite pane; a lever pivoted to act on said excluder
to turn the same; and a stop on the opposite window to strike said lever to
actuate the excluder automatically when necessary for the purpose specified.
14. A roller provided with a longitudinal flap overlying the body portion there-
of, in combination with a material capable of being rolled, of sufficient firmness
of texture to form a hook, bent back upon itself at one edge to form a hook,
which hook is interlocked with the longitudinal flap of the roller to attach the
two together.
15. A roller for a window screen consisting of the combination of the sheet
metal shell R, with a flap portion extended to form a lip Rthereon, the outer
edge of which is free and the wire screen inserted under the flap and folded
back, as specified.
16. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a suitable roller; a flap
secured at one side to the roller with the other side projecting therefrom; a wire
screen with one edge arranged under the flap and the remainder folded back over
the free edge of the same to secure it in place, as specified.
17. In a roller window screen apparatus the combination of a roller; a casing
supported on the window for the roller with one side removable; a shaft to carry.
the roller within said casing whereby the roller is made easily accessible as
specified.
18. In a roller window screen the combination of a spring roller; a shaft for
carrying said roller; brackets for the ends of said shaft containing elongated
sockets; a telescopic casing supported by said brackets and surrounding said
roller whereby the structure is adjustable to support the roller in a required
position.
19. In a window screen apparatus, the combination of a window frame; window
sash; a screen with means of storing the same, means for detachably securing
said screen to the window sash; an independent removable key to actuate said
securing means.
°
20. The combination of a window sash, a roller, a screen mounted on the roller,
hooks mounted on the sash normally engaging the screen at their hooked ends
and releasing the screen when their free ends are moved laterally, and a key for
moving the free ends of the hooks laterally.
21. The combination of a window sash, a screen, means of storing said screen,
means whereby said sash and screen are automatically joined together, and a
key for actuating said means to detach the screen as specified.
Dated this 6th day of February 1809
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents.