IMPROVED MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPENING, CLOSING, SUSPENDING, AND FASTENING WINDOW SASHES AND SASH FRAMES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Jones, of Aberavon, in the County of Glamorgan,
for the Invention of "IMPROVED MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPENING,
CLOSING, SUSPENDING, AND FASTENING WINDOW SASHES AND SASH FRAMES."
Sealed the 28th May 1878, and dated the 1st December 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Jones at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st December 1877.
THOMAS JONES, of Aberavon, in the County of Glamorgan. "IMPROVED
MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPENING, CLOSING, SUSPENDING, AND FASTENING
WINDOW SASHES AND SASH FRAMES.”
This Invention relates to certain improvements applicable to window sashes and
sash frames, and consists of novel arrangements in the construction of the window
sashes and window sash frames to improve the outside and inside appearance or
elevation of the windows, and for opening, closing, and fastening windows, and
retaining them in any desired position.
I propose dispensing with the use and application of weighted sash lines, and in
place thereof apply and fix into the sash frames, where the two rails of the window
ineet, four arrangements or apparatus, say two on each side, to suspend each part,
top and bottom, of the sashes. Each appliance will contain from one to six cog or
toothed wheels, according to the weight of the window parts, top and bottom.
The one wheel arrangement will contain a coiled steel spring hooked on at the
centre on the cog wheel spindle, which is longer on one side of the wheel than on the
other side, so as to take the spring on, and the other end is hooked on to the
framing of the apparatus. One of the cogs or teeth of the said wheel projects out-
side of the face plate of its framing sufficiently to gear into the corresponding rack
screwed on to the inside surface of the back of the sash stile facing the apparatus fixed
into the sash frame.
When two or three wheels are employed, one wheel is made larger than the other
two, the smaller wheels having the coiled springs attached on their spindles, same

page_text: being intended to act as check pinion wheels on the larger wheel, which is fixed into
the framing, as before described.
When five wheels are used, there will be two large wheels and three small pinions;
and when a sixth wheel is added, two large wheels and four small pinion wheels
are used. The coiled steel springs for sustaining the weight of the window are to
be attached only to the spindles of the small pinion wheels, sufficient room being
left in the boxing around the small wheel to take the coiled springs.
Underneath the face plate, and against the line of parting beads and the line of
the inside window stops, is fixed a revolving small segment cog or toothed wheel
with a projecting arm of the required length, with a paul pin projecting from its
side, so as to shut down into and between the cogs or teeth at the top, and over the
centre of the large wheel by a lever action worked by hand, with teeth at one end
goaring in the small segment cog or toothed wheel before mentioned. This action
will stop and retain the windows at any desired distance from the closed position
where required
On one side of the small segment wheel, near the pin on which it revolves, two
flat squares are provided for a small steel spring to act upon, so as to keep the said
paul pin safe in its position whether the window is open or closed. And when the
bracket containing the lever is removed for putting in or taking out the window
parts, it will prevent the coiled springs in the apparatus from uncoiling after being
wound up ready for fixing into the frames.
At each corner of the window parts, on the side of the racks, are fixed india-
rubber vertical sash runners, so as to keep the sashes in their right position when
being moved up and down for ventilation; the sustaining power for the sashes being
the coiled steel springs regulated by cog wheels and lever action, and paul pin for
fastening.
These improvements may be applied in the construction of window sash frames
and sashes to windows suspended by lines and sash weights, and also for fastening
railway carriage windows.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Jones in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 1st June
1878.
"IMPROVED
THOMAS JONES, of Aberavon, in the County of Glamorgan.
MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR OPENING, CLOSING, SUSPENDING, AND FASTENING
WINDOW SASHES AND SASH FRAMES."
My said Invention relates to improvements in that class of windows which
consists of upper and lower sliding sashes, and of novel arrangements in the con-
struction of the sashes and sash frames, so as to improve the outside and inside
appearance or elevations of the window sashes, particularly such as are constructed
to receive two panes of glass, upper and lower panes, and for opening, closing,
fastening, and retaining them in any desired position
I propose to dispense with the use and application of weighted sash lines. The
elevations of the two pane windows, as at present constructed, are devoid of that
relief to the sight that we have in the stone architectural order of windows. I
intend by this Invention to improve and construct the wood sash frames so as to
give the same relief as in the different and various orders of windows in stone
architecture.
Another improvement and novelty I introduce in the construction of the top part
of the frame, so as to beautify and relieve the same to the sight in this class of
window frames, consisting in filling up the open space that is left between the
surface mullions and the sides and top of the frame with fretwork of various designs
in wood or cast metal, or with coloured, embossed, or stencilled glass, &c.
In order that my said Invention may be properly understood I now proceed
more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to the
annexed Sheet of Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is
to say:
Fig. 1 is the inside elevation of a window and window frame constructed
in accordance with my said Invention; Fig. 2 is the outside elevation of the same
window.
Figs. 24 and 25 are outside elovations of two windows of another design or
pattern. These windows are to show that I do not confiue my Invention to one
design or pattern, or to any stated number of designs, as they can be made and con-
structed to a considerable number without deviation from the principle and
construction of Figures 1 and 2.
Fig. 3 is an end section of sash frame, left side end section of the window stiles
with the glass and wood, glass stops instead of pulley, and end section of two
apparatus as fixed into the mortices made in the solid sash frames, and section of
two levers for fastening the window; also section of the rack as screwed on the back
of the window stiles, section of the sash runners as fixed on the back of the sash
atiles, and section of a stone reveal, showing the position of the frame fixed against
the same.
Fig. 4 is end section of the sides of the window frame and sash stiles, as fixed
between the reveals.
Fig. 5 is side elevation of a three-wheel apparatus, with one side plate removed,
so as to show the construction of the interior and its working action.
The steel springs are fixed on the spindles of the small pinion wheels, hooked on
at the centre, and the other end is fastened by a screw passing through the loop at
the other end, from one side plate to the other side plate, and said plates are secured
by the said screw. A hook may be fastened to the side for fastening the spring as
well. The end section of the same apparatus is shown in Figure 3.

page_text: The brackets containing the levers and thumbscrews are screwed to the face plates
by two-threaded screws. The same is to be unscrewed and removed for the purpose
of fixing in or taking out the window parts. The levers are always to be turned
down and the fastening closed before the brackets containing the levers are
removed, otherwise the springs will uncoil. This Figure shows as well the side
view of the small seginent cog wheel and pawl pin, as secured between the two
ears underneath the face plate, by a pin passing through its centre, and rivetted at
both ends in the usual way.
On one side of the small segment whicel, the spindle is sufficiently long to admit
of two right angle squares being formed for the small spring (Fig 17) to act upon,
so as to keep it in its open and closed position, after being acted upon by the lever
being moved down for fastening the windows, and upwards for opening the same.
Fig. 6 is tho reversed finished side elevation of Fig 5, with the inside
bracket and lever screwed to the face plato of apparatus fastening closed.
A portion of the face plate of bracket is removed, so as to expose to view the action
of plate (Fig 21) with its projecting arm. This plate is sunk into the inside face
of the sash stile at top part of the window, and screwed on with two screws near
the range of the upper side of the meeting rails, and its projecting arm will bear
against the lever near its action on the small segment wheel and pawl pin fastening
window closed, so that the lever will force it down, hy raising it up to open
the said fastening. This top part of the window can be drawn further down
for ventilation, in the usual way, to any required distance, and in closing the same
it is not necessary to touch the lever; the said projecting arm will self close it
by striking against the said lever, as shewn in the Drawing, by the up move-
ment of this top part of the window.
Grooves are made in the parting beads from the meeting rails downwards, for
the said projecting arms to pass through when the sash is being drawn downwards
for ventilation.
Fig 20 is another plate, with projecting arm for self-closing the bottom pait
of the window. For this plate the side stiles of the window are to be of lengths
required above the meeting rails, so that this plate can be sunk down and scrowed
on, as indicated in Figure 6. This projecting arm from plate will bear on the said
lever outside, and near the face plate of bracket, window closed. This will act in
the same way to close the fastening by the downward movement of the lower part
of the window, same as described for fastening the top part.
The two actions are shown on the same lever, but it is also intended to act on
separate levers. One is to act on the lever for the top part, and the other for the
bottom part.
A plough groove is made on the inside face of the top stop frame for the pro-
jecting arm to pass through sash frame, moving upwards.
Fig. 7 shows face plates of, Figures 5 and 6, apparatus, and Figure 3, apparatus
section with the brackets and levers taken off
Fig 8 is the reverse side of one of the said face plates, showing the ears for
fastening the said plates, and the ears for fastening the small segment cog wheel
and pawl pin, so as to revolve between when acted upon by the lever for fastening
the window parts, and Fig. 9 is the end section of sash frame and windows against
the inside movable frame; the outlines of this frame being made to correspond with
the outside outlines of mullions and fretwork, as shown at Figs. 1 and 2. Said
frames to be secured at the springing of the mullions with two small flush bolts or
buttons.
Fig. 10 is the outside end section of mullion, and Fig. 11 is the inside end section
of movable frame and mullions, as made to correspond with the outside mullions.
Fig 12 is the end section of sash frame, below the line of meeting rails, showing
the inside slips fixed into the plough grooves, and secured in their position without
nails, so as to be easily removed when the windows are required to be taken out for
clearing.
Fig. 13 shows end section of top of sash frame and top rail of window, and end

page_text: section of the meeting rails, showing the improved joint at the meeting of the said rails,
which is safe and burglar proof, and secures against opening the window fastening.
The meeting rails are made of larger scantling than is generally done in ordinary
windows, which is an inprovement required to meet the rigidness or stiffness when
drawing down or lifting up the windows by these rails, as is generally done. On
the inside and outside of these rails I propose to have carving work of any neat
design.
The same Figure shows the end section of the frame bottom sill, the window
bottom rail, and the improved joint, which will provent a wedge being inserted
between to force up the sash. By this method there is no joint exposed to the
weather, and the force of the wind and rain will not effect this improved joint, as it
is entirely out of sight, and should any rain water find its way down the hollowed-
out groove provided at the bottom, it will be prevented from going any further,
and will run out through the hole provided with a lead tube, as shown in the
Drawing.
Figures 14, 15, and 16 are sectional Diawings, on an enlarged scale, of the several
parts described with reference to and shown in Fig. 13.
Figures 22 and 23 show face and side elevations of the vertical sash runners with
india-rubber tyres, which will prevent the wind making any noise by shaking the
sashes, as well as guiding the sashes to secure the racks steady on the wheel by being
moved up or down for ventilation.
Fig. 26 is an elevation of the back side of the top and bottom parts of the sash
stiles, showing the corrugated racks, and the sash runners secured within respective
places.
Fig. 27, front elevation of a portion of the same fiame as that shown in Figure 26,
showing that both window paits, top and bottom, are framed square in the ordinary
way, and that the top arched nullions and fretwork overlap and cover out of sight
the top window sash, with the exception of the meeting rails and glass panos. By
this arrangement the top part of the window is enclosed in a pocket formed with
the mullions and fretwork, or colored glass, &c., as before referred to
The top, bottom, and sides of the sash frame are made of solid, seasoned timber,
and wrought out according to the several sectional Drawings The four corners of
the said solid pieces are to be jointed together with two dovetailed tenons at each
corner, well fitted, so as to make the frame rigid and firm; the four apparatus and
arrangements for sustaining the window parts in their respective places are two for
each side.
Four mortises are made in the sides of the solid frame against where the meeting
ails meet to receive the apparatus, and each is secured with four wood screws. The
cog wheels for gearing into the corrugated or solid racks project outside the face
plate of apparatus sufficiently for the purpose intended, that is, for the window
parts, with the racks fastened on as described, to move up and down, and are
suspended by the action of the coiled springs fixed on the small pinion wheels.
The outside moulding for facing over the desired form of groundwork which forms
the outside stops against the window sashes, may be fixed in one, two, or three
layers of wrought wood mouldings springing from the hollowed-out grooves, wrought
out of the frame surface and the stonework reveal, as shewn. The surface of the
frame at this particular place may not be hollowed out, but left flat, and the surface
moulding would spring from it in the same way. The springing of the moulding
or mouldings from the surface of the sash frame in this particular form, and the
mitreing of the outside end moulding at the springing of the mullions and at the
top of the same are a novelty and improvement in the construction of frames for
this class of window sashes.
The inside removable frame at the top part of the window is made to correspond
with the outside outlines of the frame mullions in one thickness.
The surface facing the room is to be carved to any desired design, and rabbeted
at the top to form a tongue to fit into the plough groove on top of the sash frame;
the two sides of the side stiles are to be rabbeted out on the off side, so as to drop

page_text: in and bear against the removable stops fitted into the side plough grooves. This
frame can be taken down when required for cleaning or taking out the window
parts.
The guard plates on the brackets containing the lever are provided with a notch
for the point of the thumbscrew fixed in the lever ends, to be screwed into them;
this will make the fastening perfectly safe from being opened under a pressing
strain.
Fig. 28 is a horizontal section of the two sides of a weighted window frame, and
is to show that the improvement in the construction of the sash frames and window
sashos, such as the inside and outside elevations, the burglar-proof joint in the
meeting rails, and inside and outside carving of the same; the safe weather joint in
the bottom of window frame, and the outside hollowed-out recess in the surface of
frame, formed by the stone reveal and the face mouldings and fretwork, colored,
embossed, and stencilled glass are applicable to windows that are weighted for
suspending by lines and pulleys, the usual method.
A brass plate is to be screwed on to cover the hole made for letting out the water
in the bottom frame sill, as indicated in the Drawings. This plate is hollowed out
against the hole on that side for the water to pass downwards
The apparatus and racks, levers, fastenings, &c., are to be made of cast or malleable
metal, the form of construction in the teeth of the cog wheels and racks, and the
bearings and spindles of the same, and the position of the wheels in the boxes may
be slightly altered without altering the principle and construction of the said
Invention.
I propose to fix two india-rubber vertical sash runners into the pulley stiles, one
on each side against where the meeting rails are, the same to be fixed with the rubber
tires projecting sufficiently outside the surface of the pulley stiles, so as to press
sufficiently against the back of the window part stiles as to prevent the same from
shaking by the wind, and prevent the usual disagreeable sound caused thereby.
The same principle, apparatus, and arrangements will answer equally well for
suspending railway carriago, omnibus, and other carringe windows.
In all the joints and joinings in the formation of the grounds for forming the
nullions at the top of the sash frame of both elevations, wooden dowels or tenons
are inserted between, so as to make the same rigid and firm in formation and
construction.
I propose to make room for inside window blinds, where inside shutters aro
required, by rabbeting out of the top of the frame where the plough groove at the
top is, for holding the moveable mullion frames. When required, a tongue is formed
on the left or right side of the said movable mullion frame instead of at the top, as
shewn in the Drawings, to fit in the plough groove made in the side of the sash
frame. In this case the flush bolts or brass buttons for securing the same are fixed
at the sides, one near the springing of the mullion, and the other at or near the top
of the same stile.
Fig. 29 is the outside and inside elevation of a window intended for pulleys and
weights, and is intended to shew the springing of circular mullions from the capping
of two pilasters, so as to form the desired elevations.
The spaces formed by the mullions at the top of the frame can be filled in with
fretwork, colored glass, &c, as described in reference to Figure 1.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature and object of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in
practice, I hereby declare that I claim,―
The Invention of "Improved Mechanical Arrangements for Opening, Closing,
Suspending, and Fastening Window Sashes and Sash Frames," substantially as same
is herein-before set forth and described, and illustrated by the accompanying
Drawings, wherein special and particular points are the arrangement of inside and
outside circular and straight mullions, fretwork, and adjuncts, at the top of the i
window frames; and the construction of inside mullions, fretwork, and adjuncts,
removable, as described, for fixing in and taking out the window parts, the various

page_text: designs shewn being capable of being applied to window sashes made in the usual
and present form of joint at the meeting rails and the bottom rail joint.
Also the construction and formation, so as to present the appearance and elevations
shewn and described, and the constructing and arranging the parts, so that no part
of the outside mouldings of the frame touches the masonry reveals, so as to make it
look heavy and subject to rot, as is the case when placed to form a joint between the
woodwork and the masonry reveal.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Jones, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight
SHALA TALLE
WOW
Witness,
JOSEPH CONWAY,
Taibach.
THOMAS JONES. (L.S.)