IMPROVEMENTS IN BLINDS AND SHUTTERS FOR SCREENING AND CLOSING WINDOWS AND OTHER OPENINGS."
Year: 1866

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Clark, of Rathbone Place, in the County
of Middlesex, Revolving Shutter Manufacturer, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BLINDS AND SHUTTERS FOR SCREENING AND CLOSING
WINDOWS AND OTHER OPENINGS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
7th July 1866.
the
1, ALEXANDER CLARK, of Rathbone Place, in the County of Middlesex,
Revolving Shutter Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN BLINDS AND SHUTTERS FOR SCREENING AND
CLOSING WINDOWS AND OTHER OPENINGS," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates. first. to the construction of revolving or self-coiling
shutters and blinds. so that a shutter and blind are combined in one; I make
these of a series of laths somewhat like ordinary revolving shutters, but pre-
ferably of more than usual thickness, and I make the upper and lower edges by
preference. at a considerable incline: 1 unite and thread these laths together
by strips of steel running through them. In the one part of the shutter blind
these steel strips or tapes hold the several laths in close proximity as usual,
whereas in the other part (say one half more or less.) instead of employing
continuous strips of steel I connect a number of short pieces by slots and pins
or rivets, which pieces slide upon each other to a certain extent, allowing the laths
fixed thereto to separate from each other. Instead of these pieces of the con-
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page_text: necting strips sliding on each other transversely to the lath, they may be jointed
to each other and fold or hinge so as to permit the necessary expansion and
collapse of the parts. This shutter blind having a tendency to keep rolled up
it is obvious that when pulled down (if fixed at the top of a window) the
lower half will extend over the area of the window by the separation of the
laths, and when so extended will have somewhat the effect and appearance of
a Venetian blind, and may be so used to shade from the sun, at the same
time admitting light, air, and vision. When used as a shutter the upper half
is pulled down being all connected and following the line of the part consti-
tuting the blind, the laths thereof are pressed close together, and when entirely
down the whole forms a perfect and close shutter. The laths may be of wood
alone, or wood encased in iron, when great strength is required. Instead of
connecting the individual laths with the steel connecting strips, and making
the said strips in pieces to slide or hinge on each other as before, the stcc!
strips may be continuous and fixed only to the bottom bar and to the roller
above, the laths being simply threaded thereon. In order to regulate the
distance between the laths of the shutter, I further connect them all by strong
tape webbing, (one at either end of the laths), which tapes regulate the
distances of separation of the laths in the blind portion, while those of the
shutter part are held close together. I sometimes connect the laths by spiral
or other springs for the purpose of giving them a tendency to keep in close
contact. In some cases the said springs produce the self-coiling as well as self-
closing. These spiral or other springs may in some cases be made to give the
laths a tendency to keep open or separate. These shutters and blinds may
also be made to slide into a recess above, below, or on either side of the window
without coiling, and may be used for closing gateways and other openings when
it is desirable to have light or ventilation.
The second part relates to the application of laths of revolving shutter
blinds to their connecting strips so that without separating as before they
shall be self-opening. This I effect by attaching each lath to the strips by
small springs, which, so soon as the lath is free from the roller and con-
finement of the side grooves cause it to take an inclined position suitable
for shading and keeping out the rays of the sun. The laths may be rivetted
or otherwise secured directly to the connecting steel strips and the intermediate
steel springs dispensed with. and if properly adjusted the connecting strips
will give the requisite inclination to the laths when released in the grooves.
This arrangement may be used either as a blind only, or both as a blind and
shutter, if to be used as a shutier the side grooves have shifting sides which
may be used to press on the laths and move them from their inclined to the

page_text: close position, and so form a shutter thereof. Instead of the pressure of the
side grooves closing the laths a connecting tape or strip may be applied to the
free edges of the laths to pull them down and close them.
The third part relates to cloth roller blinds. usually denominated sun blinds.
Instead of making these all in one breadth. or of large breadths as at present,
I make them of a series of strips which may lap a little or may be edge to
edge. The strips of this blind in one arrangement I fix to the roller in
sufficient number to form the breadth of blind required, but at the lower ends
I connect them to two laths or bars, the one edge to the one bar, and the other
edge to the other bar, these bars may be moved longitudinally, and have
the effect of either maintaining the strips of cloth in the same plane and
flat, or of disposing them all at an angle to the line of the breadth of the
blind. This blind I apply close to the window, say of a shop, and by inclining
the strips of cloth in the one way or the other, the sun's rays may be kept out
in the one direction, while free vision and light is obtained in the other.
excepting, perhaps, while the rays enter directly in front, but this may be a
more or less limited time according to the lap of the strips of cloth. The
strips may be attached to sliding parallel bars at top as well as at bottom to
incline the cloths throughout their length, or they may be connected to the
roller or upper support by narrow tapes or cords which will allow them in
great measure to participate in the inclined direction given to the lower ends
thereof. A blind of this construction I sometimes also apply to serve like a
Venetian blind, that is to say, instead of vertically as before I dispose the
strips of cloth so as to occupy a horizontal position when extended, the roller
being at the side of the window. in this case I give the strips of cloth more
lap as they will be required to incline in one direction only. For a cheap
kind of cloth Venetian-like blind I dispose upright pieces of wood against.
the reveals of windows, between which I stretch breadths of cloth in inclined
or other positions, one above the other. The cloths I fix permanently to the
pieces of wood, and provide ready means (say thumb bolts) for securing them
in position, when taken down and collapsed (the two woods being brought
together) enclose the cloth strips which lie between them. Instead of the
boards above described two metal or other rods may be employed on which
the cloth strips may be rolled up when taken down from the window.
The fourth part refers to a revolving blind having self-opening Venetian
blind-like surfaces of cloth, each of which I stretch on a light frame, the
longitudinal streichers being of wood, while those at the ends are of steel or
other metal, at which points they are connected to the steel bands or strips
hat carry them from the roller. The shading parts of these Venetian cloth

page_text: blinds are fitted to the steel strips precisely as described with reference
to the laths of the shutter blind secondly herein-before described. and when
unrolled open by the self-action of the spring connection by which they are
connected to the connecting steel strips or tapes. Instead of the laths or
blind surfaces being of cloth stretched on frames I can make them of like
breadths of corrugated steel, or it may be two or three of the narrow
laths connected and operated by the same spring pieces, whereby they are
thrown open when unwound, but offer no obstacle to winding on a roller as
they collapse and bend round it readily, but immediately on unrolling open by
the self-action of the springs by which they are supported from the connecting
winding strips of steel.
My further improvements in shutters to close windows, doors, and other
openings relate to sliding shutters made in sections: for these shiters T
provide a rectangular space above, below, or on either side of the opening, the
shutter is constructed in sections of a corresponding depth to the rectangular
space into which they have To slide: I fix a groove on each side of the opening
in which the section of shutter slides. these sections of shutters I make of either
iron, steel, or wood, I prefer steel or iron, which I corrugate to increase their
stiffness across the back of each of these shutters I fix flat iron bands, and on
the top edge of each, and corresponding in distance, I fix an eye or loop,
which loop encircles or embraces the band of iron on the next shutter above,
and forms the connection between each shutter: this mode of connection
allows the one shutter to slide behind the other without becoming disconnected.
I counterbalance the weight of these shutters by means of spring barrels; I
connect these barrels to the shutters by bands of steel which coil round the
barrels, the lower ends being fixed to the bottom section of the shutter; these
bands of steel have holes at intervals corresponding with the width of each
shutter, and on the top edge of each shutter I have a projection which as
the shutters descend will enter the hole in the steel hand, and the weight of
each shutter will be sustained by the band of steel independent of each other;
the shutter can then be opened and closed by a rod or long arm from the
outside; or the bands of steel may be corrugated with the same size corrugation
as the shutter, and by this fitting sustain the weight of each shutter, or the
barrels may have projecting teeth of the same pitch as the corrugations of the
shutter, and by gearing into the corrugation will sustain the weight of the
shutter. I also propose connecting these shutters by springs so that they will
have a tendency to support themselves one from the other either by spiral or
other elastic springs; these springs should be of such strength as to just support
the weight of the shutter so that they will remain at any position in which

page_text: they are placed, or a separate pair of barrels may be used to each section of
shutter, supported by a band of steel from each barrel; these shutters may also
be raised and lowered by screw or other usual gearing.
A further improvement in blinds and shutters consists in making revolving
lath shutters to coil into an oblong or oval space by having two rollers,
one fixed above the other below, these may be either or both actuated by
suitable gearing or may be made to act with spring barrels or weights as
usual.
My Invention further relates to the construction of Venetian blinds, the
laths of which instead of connecting by continuous strips as at present, I
connect by short metal strips slotted and sliding on each other somewhat
as described with reference to the shutter blind in the first part of this
Specification. The laths may be of any suitable material, but I prefer thin
steel, on the edges of which I turn a small tubular like bead to give stiffness
and an appearance of substance to the edge of the laths. The laths have
through slots in which the sliding steel tape pieces pass.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent. filed
by the said Alexander Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 7th
January 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
CLARK, of Rathbone Place, in the County of Middlesex, Revolving Shutter
Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord One
ihousand eight hundred and sixty-six, in the thirtieth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself. Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Alexander Clark, Her special licence that I, the said Alexander Clark, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Alexander
Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend. within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BLINDS AND SHUTTERS FOR SCREENING AND CLOSING WINDOWS AND OTHER OPENINGS,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Alexander Clark,
my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their,

page_text: or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Alexander Clark, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention. and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the three Sheets of Drawings hereunto
annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say):-
My improvements relate, first, to the construction of revolving or self-
coiling shutters and blinds, so that a shutter and blind are combined in one.
I make these of a series of laths somewhat like ordinary revolving shutters.
but preferably of more than usual thickness, and I make the upper and lower
edges by preference at a considerable inclination. I unite and thread these
faths together by strips of steel running through them. In the one part of
the shutter blind these steel strips or tapes hold the several laths in close
proximity as usual, whereas in the other part, say, one half (more or less),
instead of employing continuous strips of steel connect a number of short
pieces by slots and pins or rivets, which pieces slide upon each other to a
certain extent, allowing the laths fixed thereto to separate from each other.
Instead of these pieces of the connecting strips sliding on each other trans-
versely to the lath they may be jointed to each other and fold or hinge so as
to permit the necessary expansion and collapse of the parts. This shutter
blind having a tendency to keep rolled up, it is obvious that when pulled down
(if fixed at the top of the window) the lower half will extend by the separation
of the laths, and when so extended will have somewhat the effect and
appearance of a Venetian blind, and may be so used to shade from the sun, at
same time admitting light, air, and vision. When used as a shutter the upper
half is pulled down, the laths being all closely connected and following the
line of the blind part, the laths of which are pressed close together, and when
entirely down the whole forms a perfect and close shutter. The laths may be
of wood alone or wood encased in iron when great strength is required.
Instead of connecting the individual laths with the steel connecting strips and
making said strips in pieces to slide or hinge on each other as before described,
the steel strips may be continuous and fixed only to the bottom bar and to
the roller above, the laths being simply threaded thereon. In order to
regulate the distance between the laths of the shutters I further connect them
all by strong tapes (one at either end of the laths), which tapes regulate the

page_text: distances of separation of the laths of the blind portion, while those of the
shutter part are held close together, it may be by the tapes only or with
addition of the steel strips in that part. I sometimes connect the laths by
spiral or other springs for the purpose of giving them a tendency to keep in
close contact. In some cases the said springs produce the self-coiling as well
as self-closing. These spiral or other springs may, in some instances,
be made to give the laths a tendency to keep open or separate. These
shutters and blinds may also be made to slide into a recess above, below, or on
either side of the window without coiling, and may be used for closing
gateways and other openings where it is desirable to have light or ventilation.
Figure represents a front view of a revolving window shutter constructed
according to the first part of my Invention, and Figure 2 a transverse section of
the same; Figure 3 represents a front view of the same shutter disposed and
as used for a blind, while Figure 4 is a transverse section of the same. This
shutter in general arrangement and construction is somewhat like ordinary
revolving shutters, it will therefore be unnecessary to enter minutely into the
detail here. In these shutters instead of making the laths a, a, of the forms
heretofore used I make them of a rhomboidal form in cross section, that is to
say, vertical surfaces at front and back, and inclined upper and lower surfaces.
These laths are threaded on steel or other strips or tapes much in the usual
manner, with the exception of the part forming the blind, the steel, or other
metal connecting pieces of which I make of a series of short lapping plates
b. b. One of these plates is separately represented in edge and side view at
Figures 5 and 6 of the full size, while Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10, show them
combined with the laths, also represented of full size. These plates b, b, have
each two slot holes d. in which pins c passing into or through the laths a are
received. The pins c traverse or cross the holes in the lath that receive the
pieces b, b, and through the slots d therein, connecting each adjoining two
together, at the same time allowing of a certain amount of extension and
contraction limited by the length of the slots d. Figure 7 represents a front
view and Figure 8 a cross section of the plates b (dotted in Figure 7) in their
contracted position and with the laths close together, while Figures 9 and 10
show like views in the extended form with the laths apart and as used for a
blind. This shutter blind may be coiled round the axis e by a rope wheel /
fixed thereon, and an endless hand rope g, or by shafting and toothed gearing,
or by spring barrels as usual. I prefer to apply spring barrels, one placed at
either end of the axis, which barrels counterbalance a great proportion of the
weight, and in addition an endless rope g, by which it may be readily raised or
lowered. The ends of the laths run in grooves h at each side of a window or

page_text: I sometimes form
other opening. When the shutter is first unwound the open part, as at
Figures 3 and 4, comes down, and so remains to be used as a blind, seen
in Figure 4. the upper part remaining coiled up. To form the shutter the
part of shutter remaining coiled up on its axis is uncoiled, which in descending
the grooves h, permit and cause the collapse of the lower laths and of the
plates b, presenting the appearance of Figures 1 and 2. To fix the lower
laths close the shutter must be fixed at the upper part; or
a connecting steel strip in two pieces i, i, which are threaded through
the same holes in the laths, the one being fixed to the upper bar or roller of
the shutter, the other to the lower bar; these strips lap on each other and
slide and increase their lap more or less. according to the expansion or con-
traction of the shutter. This double strip is represented in red lines in
Figure 1, and in side view and section at Figure 2, when in the collapsed
state. By passing a small bolt through the two strips the expanding part
and the close part of the shutter may readily be fixed together. The shutter
may be secured in the close position by bolts in the ordinary manner or
otherwise. In the above arrangement of blind shutter the faths of the part
forming the blind in descending fall and extend by their own weight only, but
may be otherwise separated as herein-after described.
The cross sections, Figures 11 and 11°, with front view Figure 12, also
illustrate the formation of a similar shutter blind, in which the spaces between
the laths and that part forming the blind are regulated by through tapes b
(cotton or linen) fixed to each lath with a certain amount of slack between
the adjoining laths which limits their separation and allows of their collapse
or approach towards cach other. Steel or other metal strips i, i¹, as
exhibited at Figures 1 and 2, several of which are disposed across the breadth
of the shutter, and, as before mentioned, slide through the laths forming the
blind half, while they are fixed to each of the laths forming the shutter, and
may be in the form of coiled springs to render the shutter blind self-coiling,
or plain metal strips; in either case the points of said strips should be curved
towards each other a little to cause them to thread the laths casily.
Figure 12 represents a view of the laths of a shutter connected by jointed
pieces b'. ', instead of the sliding plates b, b, before described, showing the
laths separated and as a blind, while Figure 12 shows the same closed and as
a shutter. This method of connecting the separating laths of a shutter blind
may be substituted for the sliding plates b, b, in making a shutter blind as
last herein-before described, the slots in the laths receiving the pieces b', b¹,
will, of course, require to be somewhat extended to allow of their lateral
motion in collapsing.

page_text: Figure 18 represents a front view of a shuiter in which the laths open near
the top only for the purposes of ventilation, but may be used opened or closed,
as may be required, the opening part being constructed as before indicated
with lapping slotted plates b, b, and need not be repeated.
Figure 14 shows a cross section, and Figure 15 a partial front view of
laths a, a, connected by a series of spiral springs b recessed thereinto, which
may either be used to separate the laths or draw them together as may be
required. When used as a shutter they should have a tendency to expand, and
so separate the laths which will be brought together and closed by the weight
of the upper part, or by force applied, whereas if used as a blind alone, they
require a tendency to contract so as to draw all the laths together, and require
force to separate them to spread the blind. In this way blinds may be made
to resemble Venetian blinds adapted for outside purposes; for which purpose,
and when no other means of raising is adopted, the springs require to be
graduated in strength and number, thus the springs of the lower lath need
only be strong enough to lift it up close to the one above, whereas those of the
adjoining lath above have to lift the weight of the two laths, and so on; the
springs at the top, secured to the fixed lath, require to be very strong, having
to carry the whole weight of the blind, indeed the strength of the springs
should increase over and above what is required for the increasing weight, so
that when the lower laths are pulled downwards they open first, leaving as
much of the solid part of the blind (the laths in contact) at the top as
possible; these blinds are made with a fixed inclination, and are represented
in Figures 16 and 17, showing a partial front view and cross section of an
outside blind constructed as above. m, m, are the laths, which are made
broad and of considerable thickness so as to offer facilities for attaching the
springs, and to endure rough wear; p, p, are the springs which I prefer for this
purpose, they are steel wire bent of the form represented, and having a constant
Lendency to contract as seen in the section Figure 17, they may be in onc
piece from top to bottom of the blind, and increased in number towards the
upper part as well as in the strength thereof, the former as shown in the cross
section, separate and independent springs may be employed between each of
the laths, and may be of different construction, and such as represented in
Figures 14 and 15. A cord or cords must be provided for pulling and
fastening down this blind.
The second part relates to the application of laths of revolving shutter
blinds to their connecting strips, so that without separating as before they
shall be self-opening; this I effect by attaching each lath to the strips by
small springs, which so soon as the lath is free from the roller and confine-

page_text: ment of the side grooves takes an inclined position suitable for shading and
keeping out the rays of the sun. These laths, if of metal, may be riveted or
otherwise secured to the connecting steel strips, and the intermediate steel
springs dispensed with, and if properly adjusted the connecting strips will give
the requisite inclination to the laths. This arrangement may be used either as
a blind only, or both as a blind and shutter, if to be used as a shutter the side
grooves have shifting sides, which may be used to press on the laths, and
move them from their inclined to the close position, and so form a shutter
thereof. Instead of the pressure of the side grooves closing the laths a con-
necting tape or strip may be applied to the free edge of the laths to pull them
down and close them.
Figure 18 represents a partial cross section of a revolving shutter blind
according to this part of my Invention while Figure 1 is a partial front view
of the same; it is fitted to a window or other opening somewhat in the usual
manner, and consists of a series of laths q, q, attached to steel strips r, r, which
are fastened to and coil up on spring barrels, one at each end of the opening s,
or the strips r, r, may have a tendency to self-coiling on the barrel, and so
roll up the blind. The laths 4, 4, are attached to each strip by a short spring t
which holds the laths in inclined positions if not otherwise controlled. The
side grooves u are wide to allow the free descent of the blind with the laths
in the open form. When required to be used as a shulter, a vertical hinged
picce c, which is attached to the side grooves is turned therein, which pressing
on all the free edges of the laths thrusts them into the position shown dotted
in Figure 18. The hinged piece being bolted or locked (which may be
effected from the inside), securely fixes the shutter, a cord may be attached
to the free ends of the laths q. q, to regulate the incline, or to pull them close.
Figure 20 represents a cross section of a modification of the above, the laths w
being of steel or other metal corrugated, or it may be of other material and
not corrugated. In this case the laths we are fixed rigidly to the steel supporting
strips in the inclined position which they maintain while free, but if acted
on by the hinged piece or by the cord before mentioned, or by other suitable
means, they assume the position shown in Figure 21, causing the steel strips
to be deflected, and of an undulating form as seen. When released the strips
r, r, being of steel and springy resume their straight form or nearly 50.
The third part relates to cloth roller blinds, usually denominated sun blinds
Instead of making these all in one breadth, or of large breadths as at present
I make them of a series of strips which may lap a little, or may be edge to edge
The strips of this blind in one arrangement I fix to the roller in sufficien
number to forin the breadth of blind required, but at the lower ends I connec

page_text: them to two laths or bars, the one edge in the one bar, and the other edge to
the other bar: these bars may be moved longitudinally on each other. and have
the effect of either maintaining the strips of cloth in the same plane and flat.
or of disposing them at an angle to the line of the breadth of the blind; this
blind I apply close to the window, say, of a shop, and by inclining the strips
of cloth in the one way or the other the sun's rays may be kept out in the
one direction, while free vision and light is obtained in the other: the strips
may be attached to sliding parallel bars at top as well as at bottom to
incline the cloths throughout their length, or they may be connected to the
roller or upper support by narrow tapes, which will allow them in a great
measure to participate in the inclined direction given to the lower ends
thereof. A blind of this construction I also sometimes apply to serve like
a Venetian blind, that is to say. instead of vertically as before I dispose
the strips of cloth so as to occupy a horizontal position when extended, the
roller being at the side of the window. In this case I give the strips of cloth
more lap, as they will be required to incline in one direction only. For a cheap
kind of cloth Venetian like blind I dispose upright pieces of wood against.
the reveals of windows, between which I stretch breadths of cloth in inclined
positions one above the other. The cloths I fix permanently to the pieces of
wood, and provide ready means (say bolts and thumb screws) for securing them
in position when taken down and collapsed (the two pieces of wood being
brought together) enclose the cloth strips which lie between them. Instead
of the boards, above described, two metal or other rods may be employed, on
which the cloth strips may be rolled up when taken down.
Figure 22 represents a front view of a cloth roller sun blind constructed
according to my Invention: Figure 23 is a transverse section of the same,
showing its application to a shop front: while Figure 24 is a sectional plan of the
blind, is the window front: y. the facia; and z. the blind roller, all much
as usual: to the roller I attach parallel strips of cloth 1, 1, 1, which may be
arranged edge to edge, or lapped a little if required, the upper ends of these
strips Itaper and connect with the roller z by broad tapes 2, 2, one
for each strip. The lower ends of the strips 1, 1, I attach to parallel bars
3, 3, which are linked together by rigid links 4, 4, pivoted thereto; I attach
the corners of the strips to the bars 3, 3, (one to each) by cords and eyes or
otherwise.
The position represented in line in the plan, Figure 24, shows the strips
1, 1. as nearly parallel as they would be supposing the sun's rays to be directly
in front, the dotted position shows the strips 1, 1, inclined to intercept the
sun's rays coming in a slanting direction; the strips 1, 1, may be inclined in

page_text: either direction according to the position of the sun. The two bars are held
apart and adjusted in relation to each other by a stretcher rod 5 which may
he jointed to the one bar and attached to the other in any manner suitable
for shifting as required. Parallel bars the same as 4, 4. may be applied at
the upper part as well as the lower to adjust the strips 1. 1. at the same
inclination above and below. if required, the upper parallel bars must be closed
before winding up on the roller in which a longitudinal recess may exist
for their partial reception. Instead of descending from the top as shown
and described. this blind may roll up at the side, and the strips 1, 1, be
stretched across the window; in this case two sets of parallel bars will he
necessary to maintain the inclination of the cloth strips the same through-
out; Figure 25 represents a front view: Figure 26 a section of a series of
inclined strips 6. 6 of canvas or other woven material fived to pieces of wond
7. 7. which I fix to the reveals of a window, in order to keep the strips 6, 6,
distended. in the position for a sun blind, Figure 26 shows the strips
collapsed.
The fourth part refers to a revolving blind having self-opening Venetian
blind-like surfaces of cloth. each of which I stretch on a light frame, the
longitudinal stretchers being of wood, while those at the ends are steel or
other metal, at which points they are connected to the steel bands or strips
that carry them from the roller. The shading parts of these Venetian
cloth blinds are fitted and fixed to the steel strips precisely as described
with reference to the laths of the shutter blind, secondly herein-before
described, and when unrolled open by the self-action of the spring con-
nection by which they are connected to the connecting steel strips or tapes.
Figure 27 represents a partial front view, and Figure 28 a transverse
section of this construction of blind; 8, 8, is a light metal frame on which
the canvas 9, 9, is stretched, the frame 8 being fixed by springs to the
steel suspending and winding strips r, as herein-before described with refer-
ence to Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21. Instead of the lath or blind surfaces
being of cloth stretched on frames I can make them of like breadths of
corrugated steel, or it may be two or three of the narrow laths connected
and operated by the same pieces, whereby they are thrown open and
unwound, but offer no obstacle to winding on a roller as they collapse and bend
round it. and immediately on unrolling open by the self action of the springs
by which they are supported from the connecting winding strips of steel.
The fifth part of my Invention relates to improvements in shutters for
closing windows, doors, or other openings, and relate to sliding shutters
made in sections. For these shutters I provide a rectangular space above,

page_text: below, or on either side of the opening. the shutter is constructed in sections of
a corresponding depth to the rectangular space into which they have to slide.
I fix a groove on each side of the opening in which the sections of the shutter
slide. These sections of shutter I make of either iron or steel which I
corrugate to increase their stiffness; across the back of each of these shutters
I fix flat iron bands and on the top edge of each. and corresponding in
distance, I fix an eye or loop, which loop encircles or embraces the band
of iron on the next shutter above, and forms the connection between each.
two parts of the shutter or it may be a dovetail piece on one section of the
shutter sliding in a groove in the next, which I prefer. This mode of
connection allows one shutter to slide behind the other without becoming
disconnected. I counterbalance the weight of these shutters by means of
spring barrels; I connect these bands to the shutters by bands of steel which
coil round the barrels, the lower ends being fixed to the bottom section
of the shutter: these bands of steel have holes at intervals corresponding with
the width of each shutier, and on the top edge of each shutter I have a
projection, which, as the shutter descends, will enter the hole in the steel
band, and the weight of each shutter will be sustained by the bands of steel
independently of each other, the shutter can be opened and closed by a rod or
long arm from the outside or the bands of steel may be corrugated with the
same size corrugation as the shutter, and by thus fitting sustain the weight
of each shutter; or the barrels may have projecting teeth of the same pitch
as the corrugations of the shutter. and by gearing into the corrugations
will sustain the weight of the shutter. I also propose connecting these
shutters by springs so that they will have a tendency to support themselves
one from the other either by spiral or other elastic springs; these springs should
be of such strength as just to support the weight of shutter so that they will
remain at any position in which they are placed, or a separate pair of barrels
may be used to each section of shutter supported by a band of steel from each
barrel. These shutters may also be raised and lowered by screw or other usual
gearing.
In Figures 29 and 30 I have represented sliding shutters made of corru-
gated metal according to my Invention, but mounted and fitted to a window in
the ordinary manner. Figure 29 shows a front view of the shutter partially
closed, it is composed of five parts A, A1, A2, A3, A', while Figure 30 is a
transverse section showing also the side grooves in which the shutters slide.
These shutters are raised and lowered in the ordinary manner by two screws
11, 11, one at each side of the window connected by a cross shaft 12 and
bevil gearing 13, 13, the whole being actuated by a winch handle, screw nuts

page_text: in the bottom bar of the lower section or part A, or in projections 14 there-
from fit on the screws 11, 11. The surface composing the parts A are of
corrugated iron or other metal, strengthened on the inside by sheet or plate
metal dovetailed grooved pieces 14* riveled or otherwise secured to and ex-
tending the whole depth of the section; one section is represented separately at
Figure 31. in front view, in hack view at Figure 32. in edge view at Figure 33,
and in end view at Figure 34. while Figure 35 shows three sections together
in plan. Short dovetailed pieces 15 are placed on the outside of the parts A at
the upper edge, which dovetailed pieces fit and slide in the dovetailed groove
parts 14 of the next section A. by which means, when down, the edges of
the pieces A are connected at intervals across the breadth preventing their
separation. Thus, in raising the shutter the lower section A rises first, the
dovetails 15 sliding upon the dovetail grooves on the inside of the section A' to
the top of the said grooves, when the dovetail pieces 15 on the section A' slide
upon the grooves of section A³, and so on, the whole rising in succession, the
ends of the dovetailed grooves are closed to confine and attach the one section
A to the next. Figure 36 represents the junction of two sections or parts on
an enlarged scale (about full size). Thickness bars may be placed along the
upper and lower edges of the corrugated sections A. A', to stiffen them thercat,
as seen in Figures 33 and 35 at (k. ¹). At the upper edges of this thick-
ness piece is placed outside, while at the lower edge it is inside, which lap
and come in close contact when the shutter is closed. Instead of having a
separate groove for each shutter I sometimes provide a box at the upper part
of the window to receive the sections A, A', which are arranged so that they
all descend in one side groove, as represented in Figure 37. in cross section.
and in face view, Figure 38. To the lower section A I attach two steel
strips D, D, one at either side of the window; these strips D, D, are carried
upwards and wound on spring barrels E which have a tendency to coil up
the strips D, and are sufficiently strong to lift the weight of the shutters, or
nearly so; holes are provided at proper intervals in said strips D which
receive pins o projecting from the back parts of the upper sections; thus, if
the lower sections be pulled down by any suitable handhold till in the position
shown at Figure 37, the pins o (one at each end) of the next section will be
opposite their respective holes in the steel strips D, D, and by the inclination of
the sections will enter said holes. The second section is now to be pressed back-
wards at the lower edge and slipped into the side groove, when its weight will
hang on the steel strips, all the other sections will follow in the same way, the
steel strips being provided with holes in proper positions for the several sections
or parts of the shutter. In pushing up the shutter the several sections will land

page_text: in succession in the space for their reception, and will be pushed forward
therein by the section following, and in position, as represented in Figure 37.
Instead of two spring barrels being used to counterbalance the whole
number of the sections A, A', A2, A3, A4, I sometimes use two spring barrels
for each part, and separate strips of steel to connect each, so that each part
is separately counterbalanced. The sections A, A', A, A, A, take a position
in the side grooves, as seen in Figure 37, when several are down.
The sixth part of my Invention relates to improvements in fitting and
furnishing revolving lath shutters, in which only a narrow space is available
for coiling them up. Figures 39 and 40 show two cross sections of a shutter
so coiled. I is a spring barrel mounted on a fixed axis; to this barrel I
attach steel strips M, and conduct them thence down under a turning roller P,
up over the spring barrel L, and thence down to the top of the shutter R, to
which they are fixed. The weight of the shutter being counterbalanced it is
easily slid up and down in its side grooves in opening and shutting it; the
different positions of open and closed are represented in the Drawing, and will
require no further description.
The last part of my Invention relates to the construction of Venetian blinds,
the laths of which, instead of being connected by continuous tapes as at pre-
sent, I connect by short metal strips slotted and sliding on each other, as
described with reference to the shutter blind in the first part of the Specifica-
tion, and illustrated in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8. The laths may be of any suitable
material, but I prefer thin steel, on the edges of which I produce by draw
plates, or otherwise, small tubular-like beads to give stiffness and an appear-
ance of substance to the edge of the laths; the laths have through slots to
receive the short sliding steel plates; these plates have the slots d, Figure 5,
longer in proportion for a Venetian blind than for the shutter, but otherwise
their application is precisely similar. The lower lath is sustained by cords
running through holes in the several laths, and over pullies at top, as in
ordinary Venetian blinds.
In witness whereof, 1, the said Alexander Clark, have hereunto set my
band and seal, this Fifth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.
ALEX. CLARK. (L.S.)