Improvements in and connected with Sashes and Sash Frames for Windows.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Apr., 1891-Accepted, 30th May, 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Sashes and Sash Frames for
Windows.
We, GEORGE RUSSELL WILLIAMS, Bank Manager, and THOMAS GREGORY
Iron Founder, both of Pontypridd in the County of Glamorgan South Wales, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
he performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
Our invention refers to sash and sash frames for windows whereby sash cords
and weights are dispensed with the sashes being securely and firmly held in any
position required, while shaking or rattling of same is prevented all as hereafter
described.
In order that our invention may be clearly understood we will describe same
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shows in front elevation partly in section a window having two sashes,
each of which is fitted with apparatus made according to our invention.
Figure 2 is a vertical section on the line ry of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of one of the sash frames with a
ball in the grooves of the sash and the sash frame.
Figure 4 is a sectional plan of Fig. 3 and drawn on the same scale as that
figure.
Similar letters refer to like parts in all the figures.
According to our invention we groove the sash frame C from end to end and in
each sash A A', we form a corresponding groove B, B, the surfaces of the sash and
frame lying flush with one another but in such manner that when the two grooves
are together the horizontal section of the grooves is not circular but somewhat
elliptical. A A¹ are the top and lower sashes down the sides of which the
grooves B B are cut; C is the sash frame down the full length of each side of
which grooves B' are cut so as to correspond with the grooves B cut in the
sashes A A¹.
In the grooves we insert balls D made of india rubber or other equivalent elastic
material which are free to be travelled or to travel in the grooves B B¹ when the
sashes are moved to open or close same, two of such india rubber balls D are shown
having been found suitable for the purpose for the side of each sash.
These balls D are spherical but when compressed they adapt themselves in
horizontal section to the shape of the combined grooves B B₁ as shown at Figure 4
and in fact consequently assume an ellipsoidal form as shown at Figure 3. The
balls are arranged so that when the sashes are closed one ball at each side is at
bottom of top sash and the other centrally. For the bottom sash one ball on each
side is placed centrally the other at or near the top, so that when for example the
bottom sash is opened fully the central ball will be near the bottom of the sash and
the top balls near the centre of same.
A convenient way to place the balls D in position is to first run the lower sash A¹
to the top of the sash frame C and then insert in the groove on either side at the
bottom of the sash one of the balls D and press it about an inch upwards. Then
run the sash down and place a ball in the groove at either side of the upper part of
the sash A¹ and press said balls down the groove about an inch. The first pair of
balls will be found to be about the centre of the sash and the sash is held firmly as
seen at Fig. 1. The top sash A will be fitted with a set of four balls D in a similar
manner the upper balls being inserted first in this instance.
There is or may be a seat formed in the frame and sash for the reception of the
india rubber ball when the sash is closed, but when the sash is travelling, the india

page_text: rubber ball travels with it, but when the sash is at rest the ball expands and
pressing itself into the groove of sash and frame retains the sash in position until
the latter is again moved the balls thus when travelling acting as soundless guides
to the sashes and when stationary they act as wedges or holdfasts for the sashes.
We are aware that many attempts have been made to obtain a non-vibrating
frictional supporting window sash. Spring rollers have been used and balls have
also been employed which jamb on the descent of the window. But most of these
arrangements either require two hands to manipulate them viz. one to disengage the
mechanism and one to support the sash or if one hand only is required the window
on being raised descends a short distance of its own accord before jambing. We
lay no claim to any such arrangements.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In sash and sash frames for windows the coinciding grooves B B', containing
elastic balls D free to be travelled by the sliding of the sashes and holding or
retaining same in any desired position, the said elastic balls assuming a somewhat
squeezed out elongated or ellipsoidal shape by the frictional contact and in
accordance with the shape of the combined grooves in the sashes and frames all
substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
2. In sash and sash frames for windows the combination of the elastic balls D
with the grooves B B' which grooves when combined being of elliptical section
force the balls to change their spherical shape and to act as wedges when stationary
but to act as soundless guides when in motion and substantially as set forth.
Dated this 24th day of April 1801
G. RUSSELL WILLIAMS.
THOS. GREGORY.
By Brewer & Son,
33, Chancery Lane, London; Agents.