An Improved Device for Preventing the Closing of the Sashes of French Windows.
Year: 1894

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Device for Preventing the Closing of the Sashes of
French Windows.
I, ARTHUR LEWIN, of 22 Teltowerstrasse, Berlin, in the German Empire,
Banker, 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 consists of a device designed to prevent the closing of the sashes
of French windows by the sudden pressure of wind or other incidents. This device
consists essentially of a lever catch, which is turned by a spiral spring around a pin
fixed to the window frame, so that the catch enters into the space between the
frame and the sash as soon as the latter has been opened.
In order that my invention may be the better understood, I now proceed to
describe the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the
letters and figures marked thereon.
Figure 1 is a front elevation of the device,
Figure 2 is a plan thereof,
Figure 3 is a back view of the same,
Figures 4 to 6 are cross sections through the lines I-II, III-IV and V-VI
respectively of Figure 1,
Figures 7 to 10 are back views of four various constructions of a plate, which
forms part of the device,
Figure 11 shows the device attached to the window when the sash is open, and
Figure 12 shows the same when the sash is closed.
k is the lever catch, which is of trough shaped section. At its pivotted end it
has the form of a round box k³, which ends in a pocket k¹¹ extending to about the
middle of the catch. The free end of the lever is bevilled at its edge so as to form
the oblique face s.
A round disc or plate p is inserted into the box shaped part k from behind. The
plate p is cast with a square pin 2, one end of which is cylindrical and engages in a
corresponding hole in the front of the lever catch.
A spiral spring is attached to the square part of the pin z, the free end of which
enters into the pocket . The pin z is hollow, the hole being carried through the
plate p.
A screw r is passed through the hole and serves to attach the device to
the window frame. The screw is screwed into the frame until its head abuts
against the rim or end edge of the pin which protrudes somewhat over the lever
catch. While the plate p is thus pressed against the wood of the window frame,
the catch or lever has free play between the plate and the head of the
screw r.
In order to ensure with perfect certainty, that the plate p.does not rotate with
the catch, its lower surface is serrated, Figure 7, or it has radial ribs or studs pl of
triangular section, Figure 8, or a square projection to be embedded in the wood
of the frame, Figure 9, or spikes n, Figure 10.
The action of the device is as follows:-
When the sash is opened, the catch which was pressed-by the spring f―to the
lower edge of the sash, enters the space between the sash and the frame and
prevents the closing of the window. If the same is to be closed, the catch must be
depressed until the lower edge of the sash strikes the bevils of the catch during
the closing of the window, the edge of the sash then slides on the catch or lever
until the latter is fully pressed down.

page_text: During the rotation of the catch, the front cylindrical part of the pin z, formed
as a sleeve, and the plate p serve as a bearing or pivot; the plate p and the head
of the screw r serving as side guides.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what 1
claim is :-
1st. In an automatic window catch the arrangement of the actuating spring f
within the space between the frame and the sash in such a manner that the spring
is inserted into the catch from behind, and thus protected from destruction by the
body of the catch.
2nd. In an automatic window catch the pin or sleeve z and the plate p made in
one piece and adapted to be attached to the frame by a screw r passed through the
hole in z and p.
:
3rd. In an automatic window catch the circular plate p adapted to be let into the
catch to a certain extent in order to serve in combination with the front part of the
pinas pivot of the catch in combination with the head of the screw as a side
guide.
4th. In an automatic window catch the plate p adapted with means for gripping
on its lower side such as serrations or a square projection v or spike like points n or
radial studs p¹ in order to secure it with a firm grip on the window frame.
Dated this 2nd day of May 1894.
FELL & WILDING,
Agents for the Applicant..