Improvements in Sliding, Swivelling, or Folding Partitions, Doors, Windows, or the like.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Mar., 1899-Accepted, 8th Apr., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Sliding, Swivelling, or Folding Partitions, Doors,
Windows, or the like.
I, HENRY WHITELEY, of Middle Goat House, Rishworth, in the County of York,
Joiner and Builder, 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:―
The object of my invention is to mount sliding or folding partitions, doors,
windows or the like, so that such partitions, or doors always remain perpendicular,
as, whatever distance the bottom of the door is moved the top moves the same
and vice versa, by these means the partitions can be manipulated much easier, and
there is no liability of any part to jam. Also I do not hinge or pivot such doors
or partitions to the wall, but prefer to fix them independent of same, so that if
desired the partitions can be hinged together or employed separately, and folded
or closed from either side.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 is a front view of my improved method of mounting folding partitions,
doors, screens, windows or the like.
Fig. 2 is a plan of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is an end view of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged front view of means employed for hanging or pivotting
the said partitions and the like, so as to keep the same always perpendicular.
Fig. 5 is an end view of Fig. 4.
At one side of the first or end door or partition A or in any other suitable
position, I place a vertical metallic bar, rod or shaft B, this shaft is partially or
wholly let into the door, when only partially let into the door it is covered up by
means of a suitable ornamental cover, at each end of this shaft I mount a toothed
wheel or pinion C, D, which engage with similar toothed racks EF, fixed at the top
within the ceiling G, and at the bottom underneath the floor H.
Within the ceiling and secured in any suitable manner is an inverted Tiron
or straight bar J, carrying a suitable pulley or runner K, this pulley or runner
is mounted upon a U bracket L, and passing through this bracket is the vertical
rod or shaft B which is secured therein by nut M, or other means, upon this
rod or shaft B, is also fixed a collar N, and a suitable guide bracket P, is attached to
the door, this collar N when the door is mounted, bears against the guide bracket P
attached to the door and supports the weight of same, suitable guide brackets R are
attached to the door so as to ensure an even working of the shaft.
Upon hinging the second door S to the end one, I mount at the top, an anti-
friction runner T, running within L brackets or guides U in the ceiling; at the
bottom and immediately underneath, place a swivelling flanged pulley or
runner V, mounted upon a T iron or groove W, flush or upon a level with the
floor, all the other doors are hinged and every other mounted upon pulleys and
guides in a similar manner. Upon the bottom of every other door, I employ
a fork or guide X, which steady or keep the doors firm in position when opened

page_text: out, and facilitates them folding when closing same; also at the same time cleans
out the dirt which may have accumulated in the T iron, or within the groove.
By these means as the doors or partitions are opened out or closed, they always
remain perpendicular, as, the first door which supports or governs the whole in
this position, being prevented from moving except horizontally, on account of
the pinions and racks.
The weight of the end door being supported by the vertical rod or shaft B, which
is suspended or carried by the inverted T iron or straight bar J, the said door
consequently being separate from or unattached to the wall or other support and
may be folded or opened out with the greatest ease, the whole series of doors in
either opening or closing offering only the slightest resistance. Or the racks may
be continued from end to end of the room, and each partition, or pannel is then
provided with pinion wheels and rods the partitions then are each separate and not
hinged together.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I am fully aware that
there is no novelty in dividing rooms by means of sliding partitions upon
runners at top or bottom, see Cooks Patent No. 317888, and also, that there is no
novelty in hinging a series of vertical leaves or partitions together, as it is a well
known custom for inside shutters of old houses, and I would have it understood
that I only claim:---
1. The method of attaching the end or governing partition so that both it
and the whole of the partitions hinged thereto are positively kept vertical when
slid forwards or backwards, as and for the purposes described.
2. The means for keeping the partitions vertical consisting of the racks E F,
pinions CD, and rod or rods B substantially as shown and described.
JOHN E. WALSH,
Waterhouse Chambers, Crossley Street, Halifax,
Patent Agent for the Applicant.
JOHN E. WALSH,
Waterhouse Chambers, Crossley Street, Halifax,
Patent Agent for the Applicant.