IMPROVEMENTS IN HANGING WINDOW SASHES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Arthur Biddell, of Ipswich, in the County of
Suffolk, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN HANGING WINDOW SASHES."
Sealed the 30th November 1877, and dated the 19th June 1877..
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Arthur Biddell.
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th June 1877.
GEORGE ARTHUR BIDDELL, of Ipswich, in the County of Suffolk.
MENTS IN HANGING WINDOW SASHES."
" IMPROVE-
This Invention has for its object improvements in hanging window sashes.
In order, that window sashes may work more freely than when hung in the
ordinary manner, that is to say, with cords attached on either side to the sash and
connected with counterbalance weights after passing around pulleys, which are
independent the one of the other, I apply an arrangement which compels the sides
of the sash to remain always truly vertical and parallel to the guides in which the
Bush is held and between which it moves.
A convenient arrangement is to substitute chains for the cords usually employed,
and chain pinions for the pulleys, and to fix both of the pinions on an axis extending
from side to side of the window at the top; I sometimes substitute ornamental rods.
for the ordinary counterbalance weights and leave them exposed to serve as handles
for raising the sash. Or the sash may be raised and lowered by turning the :
axis before referred to by means of an additional chain or chains passing around' a
chain pinion or pinions upon it. Or in some cases I employ, in addition to the
ordinary apparatus for hanging the sash, other apparatus to ensure its sides remaining
vertical and parallel to the guides in which it works. For this purpose I mount
upon the sash itself an axis extending from side to side of the window, and having
fixed upon it two pinions which gear with racks fixed to the sash guides or stationary
frame. Or in place of this axis and pinions I. can employ a roller and bands or
tapes lapped around the roller and attached at their ends to the sash guides or

page_text: stationary frame. Or the axes of these pinions and rollers may be carried in
suitable bearings attached to the sash guides or stationary frame, and the racks
or bands attached to the sash instead of to the frame or guides in which it
moves.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Arthur Biddell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th December 1877.
GEORGE ARTHUR BIDDELL, of Ipswich, in the County of Suffolk.
MENTS IN HANGING WINDOW SASHES."
-
"IMPROVE-
This Invention has for its object improvements in hanging window sashes.
In order that window sashes may work more freely than when hung in the
ordinary manner, that is to say, with cords attached on either side to the sash and
connected with counterbalance weights after passing around pulleys which are
independent the one of the other, I apply an arrangement which compels the
sides of the sash to remain always truly vertical and parallel to the guides in which
the sash is held and between which it moves.
A convenient arrangement is to substitute chains for the cords usually employed,
and chain pinions for the pulleys, and to fix both of the pinions on an axis extending
from side to side of the window at the top; I sometimes substitute ornamental rods
for the ordinary counterbalance weights and leave them exposed to serve as
handles for raising the sash. Or the sash may be raised and lowered by turning
the axis before referred to by means of an additional chain or chains passing
around a chained pinion or pinions upon it. Or in some cases I employ, in
addition to the ordinary apparatus for hanging the sash, other apparatus to ensure
its sides remaining vertical and parallel to the guides in which it works. For this
purpose I mount upon the sash itself an axis extending from side to side of the
window, and having fixed upon it two pinions which gear with racks fixed to the
sash guides or stationary frame. Or in place of this axis and pinions I can employ a
roller and bands or tapes lapped around the roller and attached at their ends to the
sash guides or stationary frame. Or the axes of these pinions and rollers may be
carried in suitable bearings attached to the sash guides or stationary frame, and
the racks or bands attached to the sash instead of to the frame or guides in which
it moves.
In order that my Invention may be most fully understood and readily carried
into effect, I will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed.

page_text: In carrying out this arrangement, should one sash be smaller than the other and
consequently lighter, then it must be made to balance the other by having the
necessary weight attached to it in any convenient way, such as by letting in pieces
of lead to the top or side of the sash, or by screwing on bars of iron. Just below
the upper part of the frame of the window I place a spindle a on which two
pulleys b, b, are fixed. This spindle runs in bearings c, c, attached to the sides of
the frame, and over these pulleys chains are passed, one end of each being attached
to the upper sash at d, and the other end to the lower sash at e; these pulleys and
chains are shown to a larger scale at Figures 4 and 5. The ends of the chains,
where attached to lower sash at e, e, may easily be made to adjust, if desirable,
by using a screw attachment to take up the wear of the chain and spindle, or the
bearings c, c, may be as easily made to admit of adjustment for the same purpose.
The pulleys b, b, can be made with projections to fit between the links of the chain,
or they can be covered with a tire of india-rubber or leather to ensure no slipping
of the chains, but I find in practice with heavy plate glass windows no slipping
with such a chain, as shewn, takes place over a plain metal pulley. Now it will be
seen that on lifting the lower sash, handling it merely from one side instead of at
the centre or from near both sides at once (which is necessary in wide sashes as
hitherto hung), that the sashes move freely and easily, keeping parallel in their
guides and not getting across by reason of the two pulleys b, b, moving absolutely
together and sympathetically, so that from whatever part of either sash motion is
communicated, the same is free and runs parallel without janming or sticking, and
in preventing this crossing by moving both pulleys at once consists an important
feature of my Invention. Where windows are placed close to the floor, and thus
inconvenient to get hold of to open, pulleys ff, can be attached to the spindle a,
and endless chains carried over them by which from either side of the window
the sashes be opened or closed. These pulleys and chains are shewn to a larger
scale at Figures 6 and 7, and may be made with projections to prevent the chain
slipping. Side cords can be easily attached to the upper sash, and by the use of
either the sashes can be moved without the necessity of pulling both at once as is
the present unavoidable practice where opening cords are used for any wide or
moderately wide sasli. Between the guides near the bottom of the frames at each
side blocks g, g, Figures 1 and 2 should be fixed to stop the lower bar of upper
sash and prevent the upper bar of lower sash striking the pulleys when elevated
to the highest extent and thus give an undue strain to the chains.
Figure 1, Sheet 2, represents an elevation of a window with two wide sashes,
Figure 2 a vertical section of the same, and Figure 3 a horizontal section, these are to
a scale of one and a half inches to the foot. In this arrangement, as in that just
previously described the two sashes are also made to balance each other, but the chains
and pulleys are dispensed with, and a spindle placed outside the lower sash, just below
its upper bar. Upon this spindle are fixed two pinions b, b, and the spindle runs in
bearings c, c, attached to the sides of the frame of the window. Fixed to each sash
are two toothed racks d, d, which gear into the pinions b, b, those on the upper
sash into one side of the pinions, and those on the lower sash into the other side;
this gearing is shewn full size, partly in horizontal section at Figure 4, and in
vertical section at Figure 5. It will be seen that by the two pinions on the spindle
a, gearing into the racks and moving at the same time, the parallelism is thoroughly
maintained, and motion given to either sash at either side ensures a perfect action
of the sashes as free and easy in their motions as if handled from both sides at
once, or from the centre of the sash, which in a wide window hung in the ordinary
way is frequently a difficult matter to do, and to get at the centre involves often the
displacement of a table or ornamental flower stand, or other furniture. Side cords,
as a well known expedient, can be applied for getting hold of the sashes to put them
in motion; in this, as well as in other of my arrangements, a stop g, Figure 2, should
be provided on each side frame to catch the lower ends of the side bars of upper
sash when brought down to the lowest range of motion. It will be obvious that
the pinions and racks shown in this arrangement can be displaced and chain pulleys

page_text: and chains used instead, but keeping the position of the spindle the same. In this
case the ends of the chains would be attached to the bottom parts of the sides of
cach sash, and adjustments for same provided either at the chain ends or at the
bearings of the spindle.
•
Figure 8, Sheet 1, represents an elevation of a high window, and Figure 9 a
vertical section of the same to a scale of one inch to the foot, in which my im-
provements are applied to the opening and closing of the upper small sash, the
lower high sash being supposed to be a fixture, or to be hung in the usual way, and
not often required to be moved. A spindle a is placed just below the upper frame
of the window, and it has attached to it two pulleys b, b; the bearings c, c for the
spindle to run in are attached to the side frames of the window, cords or chains are
passed over the pulleys b, b, and one end of each is attached to the upper sash at d,
Figure 9; the other end of each is attached to weights e, e, either by means of a cap
Figure 10, which shews the weight and cap on a large scale, or by any convenient
method. These weights are freely suspended, and roughly guided by passing
through guide pieces g, g. They are shewn of an ornamental shape, being spiral
twisted, and they can be of any suitable material or combination of materials so as
to give an ornamental appearance, or they can be brass tubes or rods of iron painted
to match the window framing, or rods covered with glass tubes or porcelain. Now
if these two weights are made to balance the upper sash it is evident on lifting or
pulling either weight the upper sash will move, and so great facility is given for
moving the same from either side; these weights can be fastened to the side frames
of the window by a pin, or by passing the pin through them immediately below and
above or through the guide pieces g, g, so as to fasten the window, or set it to any
degree of opening, and there fix it, that it may not be opened from outside, or pins
or set screws can be readily fixed in the guide pieces for the purpose. The spindle a
is shewn covered by a wooden roller, with a V pulley at one end. This roller is
intended to receive an ordinary linen blind, and the V grooved pulley to receive an
endless chain to work it. The friction of the roller on the spindle retaining the
blind where desired.
Figure 1, Sheet 3, shows an elevation of a window with two sashes where each
sash is moved independently of the other. Figure 2 is a vertical section, and
Figure 3 a horizontal section, all to a scale of one and a half inches to the foot.
In this arrangement a spindle a is placed just below the upper part of the window
frame, and has attached to it two pulleys b, b. This spindle runs in bearings c, c;
attached to the side frames over these two pulleys, chains are passed, and teeth on
these pulleys are shewn clearly to fit into the links of the chains (Figure 2), or
V pulleys, and cords or flat chains can be used, as preferred; one end of each of these
chains is attached to the inner sides of the upper sash at d, Figure 2, the other end to
the plain cylindrical weights e, e, thus by pulling either of these weights the upper sash
is raised, and by lifting them it is lowered; the lower sash is operated by means of
the two inner weights (shewn in the Drawing as spirally twisted).
These weights
are carried by chains or cords passing over the pulleys ff, which are fixed to a
tubular axis running upon the spindle a; the other ends of the chains are attached
to the sides of the lower sash at 9, Figure 2. Thus, by means of either of these
weights as handles the lower sash can be moved instead of having the inner pair of
pulleys carried on the spindle of the outer pair of pulleys. A separate spindle can,
if desired, be used, carried clear of the other spindle.
Figure 4, Sheet 3, represents an arrangement whereby, by means of two separate
weights as balances, each sash can be moved independently, as in the last arrange-
ment described, with four balance weights; Figure 5 is a vertical section, and
Figure 6 a horizontal section of this plan; these Drawings are also to a scale of one
and a half inches to the foot. Here a spindle a carrying two fixed pulleys b, b, is
supported in bearings c, c, attached to the side frames. These pulleys are spiked or
rag pulleys to prevent the possibility of the chain slipping. Over one of these
pulleys b the chain passes, and is attached to the weight d; the other end of the
chain is attached to the lower sash at f, Figure 5. This weight must be sufficient

page_text: of itself to balance the total weight of the lower sash Over the other pulley b
passes a chain g exactly like that carrying the weight done end-of which is
attached to the one side of the lower sash same as at f, but on the opposite side of
the sash. Now these chains being properly adjusted, upon pulling down the chain
gor the weight & the sash will be raised, and by lifting up the weight & the sash
will be lowered independently of the upper sash and its corresponding weight.
The spindle a carries a tubular axis upon which are fixed the two pulleys h, h, chain
pulleys like b, b, and over which chains pass; one end of each is attached to the
upper sash, one on one side and one on the other at i, Figure 5; to the other end of
one chain the weight jis attached, and at the opposite side the loose chain k hangs,
by which the upper sash can be closed, and by lifting the weight j, which entirely
balances the sash, it can be opened.
It is desirable that one of the chains connected to each sash should be attached
there by a screw, adjusting bolt, or some other well known means of adjustment, as
it is important that these chains should act in perfect unison with each other.
This adjustment can also be made by moving and fixing the pulleys on the spindle
at the proper position, so as to have both chains equally tight.
Figure 1 (Sheet 4) represents an elevation of a wide window, but not a high one,
having two sashes hung with four sash weights m, m, in the ordinary way;
Figure 2 is a vertical section; and Figure 3, a horizontal section of the same, all to
a scale of 1/2 inches to the foot. Here means of keeping the sashes of such a
window parallel, so as to admit of opening the same from either side with facility
are applied, so as not to alter the actual or usual balancing or hanging of the sashes
at all. This is here done by attaching to the top of each sash a spindle a, a,
having at each end a pinion b fixed and running in bearings c, c, screwed fast to
each sash. Upon the sides of the window frame four racks d are fixed, and into
these racks the teeth of the respective pinions gear. These racks and pinions may
be of a very simple and light character, as it will be seen they have no strain
scarcely upon them, acting merely as passive guides to keep the sash perfectly
parallel.
Figure 1 (Sheet 5) is an elevation; and Figure 2 a horizontal section of a
window to 1%, inch scale, just like that on Sheet 4, last described, showing a mere
modification of the apparatus there illustrated, but in this case the spindles a and
pinions bare carried in bearings c, c, attached to the frame of the window instead
of to the sashes, and both spindles are placed nearly in the horizontal centre of the
window, and the racks instead of being attached to the frame, as in the last case,
are fixed to the sashes, and move with them, but the effect is the same in either
case; the sashes being kept parallel when moved from any part. The positions of
the rack and pinions being merely transposed in these two illustrations.
Figure 4 (Sheet 5) is an elevation; and Figure 5, a horizontal section of a
window to 1%, inch scale, just like the two last described, and the apparatus is a
mere modification of those, small rollers and cords being substituted for the
spindles, pinions, and racks; the cords are wrapped spirally round the rollers, and
act as the racks and pinions would, and have the same effect in producing the
parallel resulting motion; a, a, are the rollers; b, b, the spirally wrapped cords, bands,
or chains, the ends of each being made fast to the frames c, c, the bearings carrying
the rollers attached to the sashes.
Figure 1 (Sheet 6) is an elevation; Figure 2, a vertical section; and Figure 3, a
horizontal section of a window with sashes, as in the three last-described arrange-
ments to a scale of 1/2 inches to the foot, showing another mere modification and
transposition of the rollers a and cords b, as in this instance the rollers are shown
working in bearings c, c, attached to the frames instead of to the sashes, and the
cords b, b, at each end made fast to the sashes. The parallel resulting effect is the
same as before described on motion being given to the sashes.
Figure 4 (Sheet 6) shows an arrangement whereby the pulleys may be made
under certain exceptional circumstances to move simultaneously (although not

page_text: directly connected to the same spindle) by means of an intermediate spindle and
gearing.
'
And Figure 5 shows another arrangement to meet exceptional cases where the
pulleys may be connected indirectly by bevel gear and spindle, and accomplish the
end desired of moving the pulleys sympathetically on moving the sash.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I would have it understood that I claim,-
First. The arrangement substantially as described in respect to Figures 1, 2,
and 3 on Sheet of the Drawings, in which the sashes are connected the one to
the other by chains or their equivalents, on either side by passing over pulleys, which
are compelled to turn simultaneously by an axis passing across the window from
pulley to pulley.
Second. The arrangement substantially as described in respect to Figures 8 and 9
on Sheet 1 of the Drawings, in which the sash is connected with weights by chains,
or their equivalents, on either side passing over pulleys which are compelled to
turn simultaneously by an axis passing across the window from pulley or pulley.
Third. The arrangement substantially as described in respect to the Figures on
Sheet 2 of the Drawings, in which there are racks fixed to the sashes on either side,
and an axis mounted in bearings in the frame, such axis passing across the
window, and carrying pinions situate between the racks, and with which the racks
gear..
Fourth. The arrangement substantially as described in respect to Figures 1, 2,
and 3 on Sheet 3 of the Drawings, in which both sashes are hung in the manner
referred to in the second claiming clause, and the axis of one pair of pulleys is
tubular and turns upon the axis of the other pair.
Fifth. The arrangement substantially as described in respect to Figures 4, 5,
and 6 on Sheet 3 of the Drawings, in which the method of hanging is similar to
that referred to in the second and fourth claiming clauses, but with the counter-
balance applied on one side only of the sash.
Sixth. The arrangement substantially as described in respect to the Figures on
Sheet 4 of the Drawings, in which the sashes are hung in the ordinary manner, but
with the addition of racks fixed to the frame on either side and pinions carried by
the sashes and gearing with racks, such pinions being compelled to turn simul-
taneously by an axis passing across the window from pinion to pinion.
Seventh. The arrangement substantially as described in respect to Figures 1 and 2
on Sheet 5 of the Drawings, in which the arrangement referred to in the sixth
claiming clause is reversed, the racks being fixed to the sashes, and the axes of the
pinions mounted in bearings fixed to the window frame.
Eighth. The arrangement substantially as described in respect to Figures 3 and 4
on Sheet 5 of the Drawings, in which the arrangement is similar to that referred to
in the sixth claiming clause, but with rollers and cords substituted for the racks and
pinions.
Ninth. The arrangement_substantially as described in respect to Figures 1, 2,
and 3 on Sheet 6 of the Drawings, in which the arrangement is similar to that
referred to in the seventh claiming clause, but with rollers and cords substituted for
the racks and pinions.
Tenth. In combination with the arrangements referred to in the first, second,
fourth, and fifth claiming clauses, the application of a roller blind, substantially in
the manner described in respect to Figures 8 and 9 on Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Arthur Biddell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
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