Automatic or Self Locking Window Fastener.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Jan., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 18th Apr., 1891-Accepted, 23rd May, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Automatic or Self Locking Window Fastener.
FREDERICK WILLIAM VOWLES Wrekin Cottage Caerleon Road Newport
(Mon.) Fitter do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My automatic or self locking window fastener is designed for the purpose of
producing an effectual window fastener which automatically secures the window
when the sashes are closed.
All that is necessary is to close the window in the ordinary way, so that when
the sashes meet they are automatically secured, and, can only be opened from
the inside, while at the same time the fastener is effective and simple, both in
construction and action. In realizing my idea I have designed a case of suitable
material, and form, containing a shot-bolt the end of which is bevelled and having
a small hole in the upper side very near the end of the bolt. This bolt is actuated
by a spiral spring which is also contained in the box or case.
Attached to the side of the shot bolt is a thumb screw, which moves in a slot,
cut in the side of the case or box for that purpose, thus preventing the bolt
from extending beyond its proper distance, but allowing it to extend a given
distance beyond the end of the case or box. The normal position of the shot bolt
is in the extended position.
This case is to be attached to the lower sash. Upon the upper sash is attached
another case or box slightly bevelled at the top and having a recess to receive
the extended end of shot bolt. At the end of this case or box is a lever also
actuated by spiral spring and bevelled off at striking point. When the sashes
or rails are passing, the bevelled end of the shot-bolt strikes against the bevelled
edge of the case attached to the upper sash, which forces the bolt back into its
case. When the rails are level (as in the case of the window being shut) the
spring shoots the bolt into the recess of the case or box attached to the upper
sash. As the bolt enters the recess it strikes against the lever and forces it
upwards, thereby compressing the spring and regains its extended position. The
spring then forces the lever downwards the end of which drops into the hole cut in
To open
the upper side of shot bolt, thereby locking and securing the window.
the sash press the lever backward and draw back the thumb screw until the end
of the shot bolt is flush with the sash and clear of the recess, when the lower sash
can be raised, or the upper sash lowered as desired. The shot bolt returns to its
normal position, as soon as the meeting rails have passed each other.
Dated this First day of January One thousand eight hundred and ninety-one.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Automatic or Self Locking Window Fastener.
FREDERICK WILLIAM VOWLES Wrekin Cottage Caerleon Road Newport
Monmouthshire Fitter do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
O manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
My automatic or self locking window fastener is designed for the purpose of
producing an effectual window fastener which automatically secures the windows
when the sashes are closed. All that is necessary is to close the window in the

page_text: ordinary way, so that when the sashes meet they are automatically secured and can
only be opened from the inside, while at the same time the fastener is effective and
simple, both in construction and action.
In realizing my idea I have designed a case of suitable material and form
containing a shot bolt the end of which is bevelled and having a small hole in the
upper side very near the end of the bolt. This bolt is actuated by a spiral spring
which is also contained in the box or case. Attached to the side of the shot bolt
is a thumb screw which moves in a slot cut in the side of the case or box for that
purpose, thus preventing the bolt from extending beyond its proper distance,
but allowing it to extend a given distance beyond the end of the case or box.
The normal position of the shot bolt is in the extended position. This case is to
be attached to the lower sash. Upon the upper sash is attached another case or
box slightly bevelled at the top, and having a recess to receive the extended end of
shot bolt. At the end of this case or box is a lever also actuated by spiral spring
and bevelled off at striking point. When the sashes or rails are passing, the
bevelled end of the shot bolt strikes against the bevelled edge of the case attached
to the upper sash, which forces the bolt back into its case. When the rails are
level (as in the case of the window being shut) the spring shoots the bolt into
the recess of the case or box attached to the upper sash, as the bolt enters the
recess it strikes against the lever and forces it upwards thereby compressing the
spring and regains its extended position, the spring then forces the lever down-
ward, the end of which drops into the hole cut in the upper side of the shot bolt
thereby locking and securing the window.
To open the sash press the lever backward and draw back the thumb screw until
the end of the shot bolt is flush with the sash and clear of the recess, when the
lower sash can be raised or the upper sash lowered as desired. The shot bolt
returns to its normal position as soon as the meeting rails have passed each
other.
In order that my invention may be easily understood and readily carried into
practice I will proceed to further describe same with reference to the accompanying
sheet of drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 is a view of my automatic or self locking window fastener as attached
to a window.
Fig. 2 is a side view of a section of the same.
Fig. 3 is a side view of a section of the same.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3.
Fig. 2 of the drawings:-A is the box or case for containing the shot bolt B
which is actuated by spiral spring C and is attached to the lower sash of the window
(see Fig. 1) D is the thumb screw which is attached to shot bolt B and slides in a
slot cut in the box or case A (see also Fig. 1) E are suitable plates for attaching
the fastener to the sashes.
Fig. 3 of the drawings: -F is the box or case containing the recess G for
receiving the extended end of shot bolt B and is attached to the upper sash of
the window (see Fig. 1) H is the lever which is actuated by spiral spring J and
falls into the hole cut in the top of shot bolt B.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1st. An automatic or self locking window fastener for more securely fastening
windows, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
2nd, claim the use and application of the shot bolt B in combination

page_text: with A, D, F and H and acting in conjunction with spiral springs C and J,
substantially in the manner and for the purposes hereinbefore described and
illustrated in the drawings hereunto annexed.
Dated this 16th day of April 1891.
FREDERICK WILLIAM VOWLES.