Displaying or Exhibiting Wares and other Articles in Shop Windows or similar Places.
Year: 1885

page_text: Displaying or Exhibiting Wares and other Articles in Shop
Windows or similar Places.
I, BRUNO MEINERT, Engineer of 18 Bernburgerstrasse at Berlin, Kingdom of
Prussia, Germany do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "AN IMPROVED
METHOD OF AND MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING OR EXHIBITING
WARES AND OTHER ARTICLES IN SHOP WINDOWS. OR SIMILAR PLACES " to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to a method and apparatus whereby I provide for
displaying, in shop-windows, and other places, larger quantities of wares and
exhibits to the public and those inclined to buy than has hitherto been
practicable,
It is well known that the public, and especially buyers, feel mostly attracted to
those shops in which are presented to them as many as possible of the wares and
where the selection of the same is facilitated.
Considered from this point of view, it is to the purpose in expediting the sale of
goods, to afford the public as great and advantageous view as possible of the wares
on sale; the endeavour of tradesmen is therefore obviously to keep spacious shops
and above all many grand and large show windows, in order to attract the public
and purchasers.
It frequently happens that simultaneously with the number and size of the show
windows the extent of the trade increases and the moment soon arrives when
another extension of the show windows appears urgently necessary.
Such an enlargement and increase of the show windows however even if local
circumstances render it at all possible, is inconvenient, unproportionately expensive
and has many other considerations in its disfavour.
This invention therefore has for its object to present, despite an unincreased
number of show windows or show devices a large quantity of wares; and this is
attained by the aid of mechanically effected motions of the wares. The objects
to be exhibited are caused to pass in a suitable manner before the eye of the
spectator.
The sights thus continually changing excite the attention of the passer by; he
feels himself attracted, and as a great deal is presented to him, there is probably

page_text: something suitable for him, so that his desire to buy is no doubt aroused in an
incomparably greater degree than by the so-called stationary show-window devices
heretofore used.
However, in order to permit a close inspection of the wares, the motion must,
not, in many cases, be uninterrupted, but must take place only by jerks or inter-
mittently. The objects must for a certain time remain at rest; or apparently so,
and then make room for other objects.
Should the single periods of inspection be too short for one or other of the
spectators, he is at liberty to continue the inspection in the shop itself.
The power necessary for moving the wares is derived from a source of power of
any kind; it will in most cases, (especially when the objects to be exhibited are
light) be very small and can therefore be obtained at a low cost.
The motion of the wares must be effected in such a manner that the various
objects preferably advance towards the shop window in a direction perpendicular
to the latter and are then diverted in any direction, so that the passage of the
several exhibits before the eye of the spectator is effected.
The kind of motion will essentially depend upon the kind of objects to be
exhibited; for instance other arrangements must be made for wall-papers than for
articles of jewelery or for porcelain wares. There is no doubt that by employing
such devices, not only the size but more especially the number of show windows
can be reduced; a single show window then performs the same as for instance,
10 or 20 windows of equal size. The advantages thereby obtained are manifest
saving of space, rent, lighting, superintendence and the like may here be mentioned.
To this may be added the reduction in the number of persons required for
serving and selling. The buyer is not obliged to have a large quantity of wares
placed before him by the seller until the latter has found out what suits him;
prior to entering the shop he has already made a selection from the wares passing
by. From this results that the buyer, as well as the seller, saves much time; the
tiresomeness of showing many samples and patterns on the part of the seller is to
a great extent dispensed with. It is therefore expedient to provide the wares,
which, passing at the show window, are designed for the inspection of the public,
with suitable signs, numbers for instance, in order to facilitate the indication by
the buyer of the object he desires, and to promote immediate mutual understanding
between buyer and seller.
According to the condition of the wares, perhaps the following divisions must
be made in the exhibiting apparatus and machines for effecting the movement
thereof.
1st Apparatus and machines for light thin products but occupying a large area,
.for instance papers, coloured papers, pasteboards, wall-papers, pictures, flat hanging
texture, stuffs and the like.
2nd Apparatus and machines for light objects occupying much space for instance
draped texture and stuffs, articles of clothing which are fitted upon shapes or
dummies, that is, fancy articles in general; also artificial and natural flowers, and
the like.
3rd Apparatus and machines for heavy rather thick objects, occupying a large
area, for instance large pictures in frames, bound books, wainscotted wood and
wood wares; iron-wares belonging to this category, terra cottas and the like.
4th Apparatus and machines for heavy and thick objects also requiring space in
the direction of the depth, for instance compositions of field and garden products,
provisions, flowers and fruits in baskets, fancy and linen goods piled up, articles of
luxury from the domain of industrial art, such as bronzes, statues, glass and porcelain
articles, and the like.
All these objects are fixed or arranged in suitably formed supports or frames
'which participate in the movement of the exhibiting machines.
According to the diversity of some objects already named above, the construction
and mounting of the apparatus and machines which are to present the objects for
inspection will have to be varied, moreover regard must be had to the structure

page_text: and size of the exhibiting locality, the show window, the lighting, and also to any
special wishes of the exhibitors; definite forms of construction cannot therefore
be determined beforehand, but the arrangements must be made according to existing
circumstances.
An exhibiting apparatus for light, thin wares, occupying a large area, for instance
wall-papers or carpets, is advantageously constructed as hereinafter described. The
wares are conducted upon rope in the lower half of the apparatus from the rear to
the front towards the show window in a horizontal direction. Each wall-paper after
arriving in front of the show window is transported upwards and thus passes to
the upper second rope which is likewise double-sided and by which the said wall-
paper is moved horizontally backwards until at last its descent from the upper to
the lower rope takes place,, and the circuitous motion is continued in the same
manner.
'
The wall-papers are suspended at certain small intervals by means of cross-rods
from ropes; they are carried by these. ropes and transported along in a horizontal
direction. Each rope forms in itself a complete whole and the one is connected
with the other only indirectly by the driving mechanism.
The ropes, of which there must be one on either side of the cross-rods, pass at
first over a separate rope-pulley in front and another in the rear, of the same
diameter. About in the middle of the lower part of each rope is placed a rope-
tension pulley the tension of which can be supported and adjusted by means of a
screw and hand-wheel in case the rope requires to be drawn tighter. Guide-pulleys
conduct the rope to and from the tension-pulley. In order to prevent the upper
carrying rope bending to a great extent, carrying rolls are arranged at suitable
intervals. The driving of these two rope-systems is effected by a shaft which is
set in rotation by a suitable motor. Upon this main shaft is a small pulley and'
from this pulley a half-crossed strap passes to another pulley by the shaft of which
is operated a worm-wheel driver, and by the latter is simultaneously moved one of
the rope-pulleys.
By this belt gear is therefore imparted to the upper rope system a very slow
rotation as compared with that of the main shaft, so that the motion and displace-
ment of the wall papers can take place with the necessary slowness, in order to
permit the close inspection thereof at the show window. The upper rope system
is connected with the lower rope system by a crossed strap.
The descent of the wall-papers from the upper rope to the lower
rope, which is
to be first described takes place in the following manner, that is to say:-Near the
rope-pulleys in the rear is arranged a vertical belt-gear which consists of a belt and
two pulleys. This belt-gear is moved by the main pulley through the medium of
belts and pulleys and a toothed wheel.
Close to the upper rope is arranged a stop against which each of the cross-rods
carrying the wall-papers strikes, one after the other. At the moment when such
a rod has arrived at the stop, a hook fixed upon the belt and one shank of which
is longer than the other passes beneath the rod and lifts it with the wall-paper
suspended therefrom over a pulley, the rod thereby passing onto the shorter hook
shank. The belt takes the wall-paper with it downwards and lets it fall between
two catching ledges put together similar to a fork in a slot, from which ledges it
passes to the lower rope and is thereby transported to the front towards the show
window.
Having arrived at the show window the upward motion of the wall-paper takes
place in a similar manner as the downward motion just described. The stop detains
the foremost rod until a catching hook upon a belt of a vertical belt-gear seizes the
rod and carries it up.
The wall-paper is likewise lifted over an upper pulley and conducted on an
oblique guide to the upper rope which carries the rod to the rear. From here the
circuit commences in exactly the same manner as above described.
Evidently the manner of transporting the wall-paper vertically on the rear side
first described is in a kinematic sense somewhat different from that of the front

page_text: side; both are however very simple in construction so that immaterial points, such
as for instance the crossing of the hook with the lower rope are not especially
mentioned. According to the circumstances to be taken into account as regards
the locality, the appliances, the transmission-gear and the like, adaptations of the
details herein described are requisite.
It may be pointed out that the magnificence of display of wall-papers, carpets
and the like increases with the possibility of their being presented upon a large
surface. This is rendered possible in the most favourable manner by two stories
situated one above the other and their show-windows.
An apparatus for heavier exhibits occupying considerable space is advantageously
constructed as follows, viz:-The fundamental feature of construction is the same
as in the arrangements already described only all parts of the mechanism are made
stronger so as to accord to the weight of the objects to be exhibited.
The new and peculiar combined operation of transporting wares by means of
dragging links hereinafter described can also be advantageously applied with the
above described exhibiting machines for wall-papers, carpets, curtains, and the like,
in cases where delicacy of the materials to be exbibited necessarily demands the
avoidance of shocks even of the slightest nature.
In lieu of the carrying and transporting ropes iron chains are used for trans-
porting boxes and frames to be constructed according to requirements and which
receive the exhibits. The chains do not however serve here for carrying but for
drawing. Accordingly the weight of the frames with their contents is borne by
bearers which rest upon corbets formed on columns.
Upon the said bearers rests first a rail preferably a flat iron rail of suitable
dimensions, and upon this rail are arranged to roll small rollers on the frames
which are suspended from an axis or shaft. The connection between the chains
and the frame axis is effected by arms which are rigidly connected with the frame
axis, and the lower forked end of which catches between specially formed level
links of the chains. In order that the fork shall be carried along with certainty,
some links of the chain have lateral flaps against which bear the forked ends of
the said arm. In this manner the transport of the frames is obtained determinately
without the latter coming into contact with the supporting rolls of the chains.
The place of the vertical belt-gears having catching hooks; as above described, is
in this case occupied by two vertical gear-wheels having Galle chains which are
reinforced on one side; these possess, in lieu of catching hooks, peculiarly formed
catching pockets or dragging links which receive the hooked ends of the frame
axes.
When therefore, a frame upon the lower way has come near the show window
the chains having imparted to it a small impulse, it runs down an inclined way
until it reaches a certain position in which it remains until the catching pockets or
dragging links of the double-sided chain gear engage with the ends of the frame
axes and lift the entire frame. As in the arrangement first above described, the
frame is lifted over the upper chain wheel of the vertical chain-gear in front and
gently set down upon the upper way.
trans-
In a similar manner the frame-carriage, having arrived in the right-hand upper
corner, is again lifted over the upper wheel of the chain-gear in the rear,
ported downwards and set down upon the lower way.
The manner of driving both chain-gears by the main shaft does not materially
differ from that above described; as for the rest these details of construction must
be adapted to the circumstances of every single case so that nothing further can be
given than an example of how the invention may be carried into practice.
In the manner explained the carriages run uninterruptedly with short stops
past the show window, and by prolonging the way a large number of frames can
at will be arranged, in which a great many wares can be tastefully placed.
Accordingly the abundance and variety of the wares presented will not fail in
producing their attraction upon the spectators.

page_text: The above described method of exhibiting comparatively large quantities of
wares for inspection can be turned to especially advantageous account, if, in
industrial and commercial parts of a city many business proprietors combine in
order to produce a common arrangement.
薯
In such a case all the apparatus can be set in motion from a single central
driving station and for serving and attending to the same, persons are only
required once; the costs therefor consequently distribute favourably between all
the partners. From this central station pass to the connected localities power
transmission gearing of any kind, for instance mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or
electric; each partner obtains the power necessary for driving his apparatus.
This process is decidedly most advantageous where a whole district of houses
with shops and business localities is to be newly built. It will then be suitable to
erect two rows of houses parallel to each other, which are united by a common
glass roof; in this manner is formed a large buying hall protected from wind and
weather, and to which the general public resorts with predilection.
If such a buying hall is short in proportion to its width, the driving machine
will be suitably arranged at one end of the building; whereas if the hall is long it
is advantageous to place the motor as nearly as possible in the middle in order to
enable the power to be transmitted to be given off everywhere with great facility,
and to save transmission appliances. The structure of the buying hall can be
utilized in such a manner that even the two outer fronts of the houses which face
the street can be provided with shops or converted into exhibiting localities
operated according to mechanical method. The source of power of the central
driving station can moreover, in this case be used for the same purpose in order to
utilize the arrangement with the greatest advantage.. Otherwise the ware ex-
hibiting machines can be put up so that their length exactly corresponds with the
depth of the building; thus the wares are by one and the same apparatus brought
simultaneously to view in several show-windows, namely in those under the glass
ball as well as in those at the outer street front of the building.
A
For example in the cellars is placed a transmission-gear passing from the motor;
by means of bevel gear-wheels. The motion is transmitted to intermediate shafts
situated below the shops, and from here belts pass to the main driving shaft.
rope may be employed in each of the shops situated on either side of the central
passage or not only before the inner show-windows, but also before the window
facing the street, an inspection of the wares by many persons simultaneously is
thus rendered possible.
Such halls and larger localities can be devised according to other fundamental
plans and ideas of construction, it is however invariably possible to arrange one
source of power which is common to all exhibiting localities, for moving the mass
of wares or exhibits to be presented to the public.
Dated this 12th day of October 1885
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
For the Applicant.

page_text: An improved method
OI апа
Displaying or Exhibiting Wares and other Articles in Shop
Windows or similar Places.
I, BRUNO MEINERT, of Berlin, in the Empire of Germany, 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 a method of and machinery or apparatus for displaying
or exhibiting, in shop windows and other places, larger quantities of goods or wares
than have hitherto been practicable.
It is well known that the public, and especially buyers, are most attracted to
those shops in which the largest quantity of goods is exhibited because the selection
is facilitated.
Considered from this point it is advantageous to afford the public as good a view
as possible of the goods on sale; the endeavour of tradesmen is, therefore, obviously
to keep spacious shops, and above all grand and large show windows, in order to
attract the public and purchasers.
It frequently happens that proportionately to the number and size of the show
windows the trade increases and, in some cases, to such an extent that an extension
of the show windows appears urgently necessary.
Such an enlargement of the show windows, however, even if local circumstances
render it possible is inconvenient and unproportionately expensive and has many
other disadvantages.
This invention has for its object to exhibit a larger quantity of goods than here-
tofore without increasing the number of show windows or show devices. This is
attained by the aid of the means hereinafter described by which the objects to be
exhibited are caused to pass in a suitable manner before the eyes of spectators.
This continual change attracts the attention of the passers by some of whom, as
a great many different goods are presented before them, will probably see some-
thing they wish for, so that the desire to buy is no doubt aroused in a much greater
degree than by the stationary show-window devices heretofore used.
However, in order to permit a close inspection of the goods, the motion preferably
takes place by jerks or intermittently and not uninterruptedly. For a certain time
the objects must remain at rest or apparently so, and then make room for other
objects.
Should the periods of rest be too short for making the inspection in a shop
window, the spectators are, of course, at liberty to continue the inspection in the
shop itself.
The power necessary for moving the apparatus may be of any suitable kind, it
will in most cases, (especially when the objects to be exhibited are light) be very
small, and can therefore be obtained at a low cost.
The motion of the goods must be effected in such a manner that the various
objects preferably advance towards the shop window in a direction perpendicular

page_text: to the latter, and are then diverted in any direction, so that the passage of the
Beveral exhibits before the eye of the spectator is effected.
The kind of motion will essentially depend upon the kind of objects to be
exhibited; for instance, different arrangements must be made for wall papers than
for articles of jewellery or for porcelain wares.
There is no doubt that by employing the improved devices not only the size but
more especially the number of show windows required is less than heretofore; a
single show window provided with the said devices serving the same purpose as
for instance 10 or 20 windows of equal size in which the goods are displayed in the
ordinary manner. The advantages thereby obtained are manifest. Saving of
space, rent, lighting, superintendence and the like may here be mentioned.
To these may be added the reduction in the number of persons required for
serving and selling. The buyer is not obliged to have a large quantity of goods
placed before him by the salesman in order to find what suits him, as, prior to
entering the shop, he has probably already made a selection from the articles dis-
played in the window. The result of this is that the buyer as well as the salesman
saves much time, and the tiresomeness of showing many samples and patterns on
the part of the salesman is to a great extent avoided.
It is generally expedient to provide the goods which are arranged in the show
window, and which are designed for the inspection of the public, with suitable
signs, for instance, numbers' in order to facilitate the indication by the buyer of
the object be desires, and to promote immediate mutual understanding between
buyer and seller.
The exhibiting apparatus and the mechanism for effecting the movemont thereof
can be divided into the following classes according to the nature of the goods.
1st Apparatus and machines for light thin products occupying a large area, for
instance paper, pasteboard, pictures, fabrics which will hang flat and the like.
2nd Apparatus and machines for light objects occupying much space, for instance
drapery articles of clothing which are fitted upon shapes or dummies and fancy
articles in general; also artifical and natural flowers and the like.
3rd Apparatus and machines for heavy and rather thick objects occupying a large
area, for instance large pictures in frames, bound books, wood and wooden articles
iron articles terracotta articles and the like.
4th Apparatus and machines for heavy and thick objects requiring space in the
direction of the depth, for instance compositions of field and garden products,
provisions flowers and fruits in baskets, fancy and linen goods piled up, articles
such as bronzes, statuettes, glass and porcelain articles, and the like.
All these objects are fixed or arranged in suitably formed supports or frames
which participate in the movement of the exhibiting apparatus.
In consequence of the diversity of some of the objects already named above, the
construction and mounting of the apparatus and machines which are to present the
objects for inspection will have to be varied. Moreover regard must be had to
the structure and size of the locality in which the articles are exhibited, and of the
show windows, to the lighting, and also to any special wishes of the exhibitors;
definite forms of construction cannot therefore be determined beforehand but the
arrangements must be made according to circumstances.
In the accompanying drawing I represent two different forms of exhibiting
apparatus, one being for light, thin goods occupying a large area, for instance wall
papers; and the other for heavy goods of greater size and occupying greater space.
Figure 1 is a sectional view of an apparatus of the first kind adapted for a show
window.
Figure 2 shews the saine apparatus adapted for a double show window or a
window in two stories situated one above another.
Figures 3 and 4 shew some details of the mechanism, in front and side view.
Figures 5, 5, 6 and 7 are views of apparatus suitable for goods of the second
kind

page_text: Figure 8 shews the arrangement of the apparatus in connection with a series of
shops.
As will be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the goods, which may, for the sake of an
example, be wall-papers or carpets, are conducted upon ropes in the lower part of
the apparatus at each side thereof, from the rear to the front towards the shop
window S in a horizontal direction. Each wall-paper after arriving in front of
the show window is transported upwards, and thus passes to an upper rope like-
wise placed at both sides and by which the said wall-paper is moved horizontally
backwards, until at last its descent from the upper to the lower ropes takes place,
and the circuitous motion is continued in the same manner.
The wall-papers A are suspended at short intervals by means of cross-rods a
from ropes 6', 68; they are carried by these ropes and transported in a horizontal
direction. Each rope b¹ or 6 forms in itself a complete whole and the one is
connected with the other only indirectly by the driving mechanism.
The ropes 6 or 6', of which, as already mentioned, there must be one or either
side of the cross rods a, pass at first over rope-pulleys B¹ B' in front and B3 B4 in
the rear, of the same diameter. In about the middle of the lower part of each rope
is placed a rope tension pulley C, as shewn in Figures 1 and 2, the tension
exerted by which can be adjusted by means of a screw c and hand-wheels c¹, in
case the rope requires to be drawn tighter. The guide-pulleys c³ conduct the rope
to and from the tension pulleys C.
-
In order to prevent the upper carrying rope bending to a great extent, carrying
rolls d are arranged at suitable intervals. The driving of these two ropes 6' 6' is
effected by a shaft E which is set in rotation by any suitable motor, not specially
represented in the drawing. Upon this main shaft E is the small pulley e, from
which a half-crossed-strap passes to the pulley e¹, the shaft of which operates the
worm.gearing f, by which the rope pulley B' is moved.
By this belt mechanism a very slow rotation, as compared with that of the main
shaft E, is imparted to the ropes 62, so that the motion and displacement of the
wall-papers A can take place with the necessary slowness to permit the close
inspection thereof at the show window. The upper ropes 6' are connected with
the lower ropes by the crossed strap g.
The descent of the wall wall papers from the upper ropes to the lower ropes,
which is first described, takes place in the following manner, that is to say :-
-Near
the rope-pulleys B³ B' in the rear is arranged vertical belt mechanism which
consists of the belt h and the two pulleys H' and H³. This belt mechanism is
moved by the main pulley E through the medium of belts i, the pulleys I' I", and
the toothed wheel I³.
Close to the upper rope is arranged a stop k (Figure 3), against which the cross-
rods a carrying the wall-papers strike one after the other. At the moment when
a rod a has arrived at the stop k, a kook 7 fixed upon the belt h, and one shank of
which is longer than the other, as shewn in Figures 3 and 4, passes beneath the
rod a and lifts it with the wall-paper suspended therefrom over the pulley H'.
The rod thereby passes onto the shorter shank of the hook, as indicated by the
dotted lines (Figure 3). The belt h takes the wall-paper downwards with it and
lets it fall between two guides m (Figures 1 and 2), from which it passes through
a slot to the lower ropes 6¹ and is thereby transported to the front towards the
show window S.
Having arrived at the show-window S, the upward motion of the wall paper
takes place in a similar manner to the downward motion just described. The
stop n detains the foremost rod a until a hook o upon the belt p of the vertical
belt mechanism P1 P2 seizes the rod a and carries it up.
The wall paper is likewise lifted over the upper pulley P2 and conducted on an
oblique guide q to the upper ropes 62 which carry the rod to the rear. From here
the circuit cominences in exactly the same manner as above described.
Evidently the manner of transporting the wall-paper vertically on the rear side
first described is, in the Kinematic sense, somewhat different from that of the front

page_text: side; both are however very simple, in construction, so that immeterial points,
such as for instance the crossing of the hook o with the lower rope b¹, are not
especially mentioned here. According to the circumstances to be taken into
account as regards the locality, the appliances, the transmission-gear and the
like, adaptations of the details herein described are requisite.
The drawings are merely to give an example of an exhibiting apparatus for
light goods, such as wall-paper and the like, and are not to be considered as
showing the only possible form of the apparatus.
A similar arrangement to that already described, is represented in Figure 2 for a
double show-window, or a window having one story situated above another. The
arrangement does not essentially differ from that described above so that it is only
necessary to refer to the drawing.
It may be pointed out that the magnificence of display of wall-papers, carpets
and the like increases in proportion to the surface presented. This display of a
large surface is rendered possible in the most favourable manner by using two
stories having show-windows as shown in Figure 2.
An apparatus for exhibiting goods which are heavier and occupy greater space-
than those previously referred to is shown in Figure 7, and in detail in Figures 5,
58 and 6. The fundamental features of construction are the same as in the
arrangements already described in Figures 1 and 2; only all the parts of the
mechanism are made stronger so as to correspond to the weight of the objects to be
exhibited.
The new and peculiar operation of transporting wares or goods by means of
links t, hereinafter described can also be advantageously applied with the above
described machines for exhibiting wall-papers, carpets, curtains and the like, in
cases where delicacy of the materials to be exhibited demands the avoidance of
even the slightest shocks.
In lieu of the carrying and transporting ropes 616 in Figures 1 and 2, iron
chains are used for transporting boxes and frames A³, constructed according to
requirements and which receive the exhibits. The chains r do not however carry
the boxes or frames but only draw them, the weight of the said boxes or frames
with their contents being borne by the bearers or bars K which rest upon brackets.
formed on columns K¹.
A flat iron rail u of suitable dimensions preferably lies upon the levers K, and
upon this rail run small rollers L, from the shafts 8 of which the boxes or frames A*.
are suspended. The connection between the chains r and the shafts 8 is effected
by arms &¹ which are rigidly connected with the said shafts, and the lower forked
ends 8 of which engage between specially formed links of the chains r. In order
that the arms s¹ having the forks shall be carried along with certainty, some links
of the chain have, as shown in Figure 5a, laterally projecting lugs r¹, against which
the forked ends 8 of the said arm s¹ bear. In this manner the transport of the
frames is obtained determinately without the latter coming into contact with the
supporting rolls of the chain r.
The place of the vertical belt-gearing having hooks as described with reference
to Figures 1 and 2, is in this case occupied by two vertical gear-wheels M M'
having chains which are reinforced on one side. These chains possess, in lieu of
hooks, peculiarly formed catching pockets or lifting links t, Figures 5 and 6, which
receive the hooked ends 83 of the frame shafts 8.
When therefore, a frame A³ upon the lower way K has come near the show
window S, as shown in Figure 7, the chains r having imparted a slight momentum
to the said frame c, cause it to run down an inclined way u¹ until it reaches the
position shown in dotted lines, in which it remains until the catching pockets or
lifting links t of the double chain-gear M engage with the ends of the shaft s
and lift the entire frame. The frame is lifted over the upper chain wheel of the
vertical chain gear in front and gently placed upon the upper way u' in the manner
described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. This part of the mechanism is shown
drawn to an enlarged scale in Figures 5 and 6, the parts being represented in the
'

page_text: position which they occupy when the chain M has set down the frame and the
latter has already moved slightly to the right of Figure 5.
The frame having arrived at the right-hand upper corner of Figure 7, is again
lifted, in a similar manner to that described, over the upper wheel of the chain-
gear M¹ in the rear, and carried downwards and set upon the lower way.
The manner of driving both chains r, r by the main shaft E does not materially
differ from that represented in Figures 1 and 2. The details of construction must
be adapted to the circumstances of every single case, so that nothing further can be
given than an example of how the invention may be carried into practice.
The carriages or frames run uninterruptedly with short stops in the manner
explained, past the show window. By prolonging the way a large number of
carriage frames can be arranged in which a great many goods or wares can be
tastefully placed.
Accordingly the abundance and variety of the goods presented will not fail in
attracting the attention of passers by.
The above described method of exhibiting comparatively large quantities of goods
for inspection can be turned to especially advantageous account, if, in industrial and
commercial parts of a city, many business proprietors combine in order to provide
a common arrangement of mechanism.
In such a case all the apparatus can be set in motion from a single central driving
station, and only one set of persons is required for serving and attending to the
same, the cost thereof being distributed between the several partners. From this
central station power is transmitted by suitable gearing to the several sets of
apparatus. Any suitable power may be employed for instance mechanical,
pneumatic, hydraulic or electric.
This arrangement is very advantageous where a whole district of houses with
shops and business premises is to be built. It will then be desirable to erect two
rows of houses parallel to each other, which are united by a common glass roof, in
this manner a large hall or arcade protected from wind and weather is formed to
which the public can resort.
с
If such a hall is short in proportion to its width, the driving mechanism is
preferably arranged at one end of the building; whereas if the hall is long it is
advantageous to place the motor as nearly as possible in the middle, in order to
enable the power transmitted to be given off everywhere with great facility, and
to save transmission appliances. The structure of the hall can be utilized in such a
manner that even the two outer sides of the houses which face the street can be
provided with windows having exhibiting mechanism .according to this invention.
The source of power of the central driving station can moreover, in this case be used
for the same purpose, in order to utilize the arrangement to the greatest advantage.
The exhibiting machines can be put up in such a manner that their length exactly
corresponds with the depth of the building; the goods are, by one and the same
apparatus, brought to view in several show-windows, namely in those under the
glass hall as well as in those at the outer street front of the building.
Figure 8 of the drawing represents in cross section, as an example, the
construction of a buying ball arranged as described.
.
In the cellars or basement is placed a transmission-gearing P passing from the
motor, by means of bevel gear wheels Q the motion is transmitted to intermediate
shafts situated below the shops U, V, and from here belts pass to the main driving
shaft E shown in Figures 1, 2, 7.
Ropes b in each of the shops U and V situated on opposite sides of the central
passage R are merely shown in diagram. It is evident that not only before the
inner show windows S, but also before the windows S¹ facing the street, an
inspection of the goods is rendered possible.
Such halls and larger localities can be devised according to other fundamental
plans and ideas of construction, it is however invariably possible to arrange one
source of power, which is common to all exhibiting localities, for moving the mass
of goods or exhibits to be presented to the public.

page_text: 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
First The above described method of displaying large quantities of goods or
merchandise to the public by slowly moving the said goods, by means of suitable
machinery or apparatus before one or more show windows in halls, arcades or other
localities, the motion being either a progressive movement, which is uniform. or
periodically retarded, or a jerking or intermittent movement with suitable
intermediate
pauses.
Second For carrying out the said method, the employment of machinery or
apparatus behind the show window, which machinery or apparatus may, if desired,
extend to several stories, and in which the determinate combined operation of ropes
or other means for conveying the wares forward and backward is effected by lifting
belts, lifting chains, or the like.
Third A machine for exhibiting goods or merchandise, essentially characterized
by the employment of two pairs of ropes or chains to which the goods to be
exhibited are suspended by means of rods or frames, and which move in a
horizontal direction, in combination with two sets of belt or chain gearing which
effect the transport of the wares in a vertical direction between the said ropes
or chains.
Fourth In the machine mentioned in claim 3, the employment of the lifting
hooks O and or t respectively, substantially as described.
Fifth-In the machine mentioned in claim 3, the guides m and guide bars q,
arranged substantially as described.
Sixth In the machine mentioned in claim 3, the lugs in combination with
the griping forks 8¹ s³ and chain links r, substantially as described.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.