Improvements relating to Venetian and other Blinds.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 31st July, 1895
Complete Specification Left, 30th Apr., 1896-Accepted, 11th July, 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Venetian and other Blinds.
1, WILLIAM ALFRED REES Cornice Pole Maker, of 5 Fairbridge Road Upper
Holloway London N. do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My improvements relating to Venetian blinds consists in the form of a clip or
holdfast which may be attached to the ladders and cords, also in the manner of
attaching them to the said ladders & cords, and is intended to be used to gather
the laths of a blind (when drawn partly up) at the top instead of the bottom as in
the ordinary manner. I am aware that a number of "Patents" have been granted
to effect the same purpose, some in the form of a clip or hold fast, but I find that
my improvement is of an entirely different form, and the manner of attaching them
also quite new and distinct.
The form of "clip" or hold fast I find most effectual is formed as follows:
A piece of sheet metal, say about 24" long by 14" wide, may be cut about half
way across on the 1" side, and another cut at right angles in the other direction,
the two cuts forming a T. The two edges formed by the first cut are now bent
downwards, at an angle, say about 50°; an opening will thus be formed sufficiently
wide for a cord to be pushed in; and it will be found that if a cord is pushed in,
and pulled upwards it has a tendency to draw the beut part together again, thus
holding tighter the more strain put upon it.
To attach this clip to the ladders, I turn over the ends of the plate (as for wiring)
and fasten safety pins loosely in the sockets thus formed.
The safety pins may be attached to both the webs forming the ladder of the
blind, and the cord pushed in the clip already described. The pins also by fitting
loosely act as hinges, so that the laths may be turned either way as in the ordinary
manner.
I also use the clip without the safety pins as an holder for the cords of linen
blinds, and the like, a plate being formed to fasten it on to window frame or
elsewhere.
When the clip or holdfast mentioned above is fastened to the webs and the cord
pushed in the laths are gathered from that place, the remainder hanging loosely &
open beneath. There may be modifications of above.
July 31st 1895.
WILLIAM ALFRED REES.
Improvements relating to Venetian and other Blinds.
I, WILLIAM ALFRED REES of 5 Fairbridge Road Upper Holloway London N.
Cornice Pole Maker 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 :-
My improvements relating to Venetian blinds consists specially in the form of a
grip or holdfast invented and used by me for the purpose of gathering the laths of
the blind from any particular point, so that when drawn about three parts up the
Pins1

page_text: bundle of laths shall be at the top instead of the bottom as in the ordinary manner.
In the ordinary way the laths of the blind are gathered from the bottom and when
drawn about three parts up there are a few laths left open at top, not lifted up,
the bundle of laths already lifted being in a bunch at the bottom; with the use of
my invention this order is reversed, the "grip" being fixed between sixth and
seventh lath from the bottom, or any other position; by pulling the cords of the
blind the laths are then raised from that point, then, when drawn about three parts
up the bundle of laths will be at the top, the six or seven, or other number left at
the bottom thus admitting more light. As stated in my " Provisional Specification
I am aware that Patents have been granted for this purpose, but to the best of my
belief the grip invented by me is quite distinct from any other fastening used for
the purpose.
"
The form of "grip" I find effectual, according to my invention is or may be
formed as follows:-
A plate of sheet metal (by preference) about as wide as the laths of the blind,
say two and a half inches by about one and a half inches in width may be cut and
pressed down, as shewn at Fig. 1 these cuts forming a T, the first or longer cut
starting from the side of the plate so that it will be parallel to the laths when fixed
on blind, the shorter cut is intended to allow of the two edges formed by the first
cut being pressed downwards, at the same time giving sufficient spring for my
purpose.
At Fig. 2, section through line a-b, the two edges formed by the first or longer
cut are shewn pressed downwards, to about 50°, the opening thus being made
sufficiently apart to allow of the blind cord being pushed between; it will then be
found impossible to pull cord upwards, as any strain put upon it has a tendency to
draw the two edges (forming grip) together again.
Fig. 3 shews drawn up as when the "grips" are fixed.
"
The opening of "grip "just referred to 1 prefer to make at the side of the plate
and running parallel to the laths for the following purpose; the "grip" may or
may not be used, as desired, for instance, when the cord is pushed into the "grip
or jaw, the laths are raised or gathered from that point, if the cord be withdrawn
from the grip the laths are drawn up from the bottom, this will be a convenience
'when the blind is to be drawn right up, as would be needed for cleaning the
windows, or such like.
To attach this grip to the ladders or tapes of the blind I prefer to fix a wire
along under part of the plate terminating at each end in the form of a brooch or
safety pin. This I find most effectual to prevent the plate or grip shifting or
slipping from its proper position. One of these "grips" is then pinned on each
ladder of the blind by means of these safety pins so that the blind may be lifted
up horizontally. I may also form the plate with points or books projecting at
either end to book into or pierce the web of the ladder, but I prefer the brooch
pins as being most secure. I also use my grip for holding the cord or cords of
Venetian blinds or single cord action roller blinds, the plate itself being set at an
angle, the slot or "grip" being wider at bottom than at top. When in use it will
be found that if a blind cord be placed at the bottom of the "grip," and strain on
cord relaxed the weight of the blind gives the cord an upward pull, thus causing
the it to be drawn and pressed into the upper and closer portion of the "grip."
Fig. 4 shews front view of a "grip" for single cord action.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1st. That I have invented a novel form of "grip" for holding cords and have
adapted same for use on Venetian blinds, to gather laths of blind to top as described
in above specification, and for holding cord of roller blinds, the novelty being the
jaws of grip are formed in such a manner that they are drawn together according
to strain upon cord.

page_text: 2nd. That I have devised a novel form of attaching the same to the webs of
Venetian blinds; this being done by means of brooch or safety pins fastened to the
plate on which the grip is formed.
3rd. That if the form of grip is not quite original, I am the first to adapt it for
use for raising the laths of Venetian blinds as described.
Dated this 30th day of April 1896.
WILLIAM ALFRED REES.