US2088866A

US2088866A - Wall opening enclosure

Info

Publication number: US2088866A
Application number: US63006A
Authority: US
Inventors: James E Patterson
Original assignee: GEORGE F GARWOOD
Current assignee: GEORGE F GARWOOD
Priority date: 1936-02-08
Filing date: 1936-02-08
Publication date: 1937-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 1954-08-03

Description

ug, 3, 1937.. J. E. PATTERsoN v 2,088,866 'I V WALL OPENING ENCLOSURE Filed Feb. 8, 19,56 8 Sheets-Sheetv l /3 -A (ff y Y 5 Fig. l.

Aug 3 1937- J. E. PATTERSON 2,088,866

WALL OPENINQENCLOSURE Filed Feb. '8, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 ug., 3, l 7.,

J. E. PATTERSON 2,088,866 WALL OPENING ENCLOSURE Alm, 3, E937. J. PATTERSON WALL OPENING ENCLOSURE 8 sheets-sheet 4 Filed Feb. a, 1956 Aug. 3, 1937. ,-1. E. PATTERsoN WALL oPENING ENcLosURE 8 Sheets-Shet 5 Filed Feb s, 1956 Aug. 3, '1937.

J. E. PATTERSON WALLNOPENING ECLOSURE Filed Feb.'8, 1936 a sheets-sheet s Aug. 3, 1937. J. E. PATTERSON WALL OPENING ENCLOSURE Filed Feb. 8, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 jig VVE/V7 azezasam Array/vm zg Z4.

Aug. 3, 1937. J. E'. PATTERSON K' WALL OPENING ENcLosURE Filed Feb.

l

8, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 I ,14.1, Il W Patented Aug. 3, 1937 PATENT OFFIQE 2,088,866 WALL OPENING ENoLosURE James E. Patterson, Washington, D. C., assignor to George F. Garwood, Salt Lake City, Utah Application February 8, 1936, Serial No. 63,006

22 Claims.

f The present invention relates to a closure for openings, and more particularly to openings in buildings and the like wherein it is desirable at tim-es to provide a comparatively wide opening which may be quickly,` conveniently, and securely closed when desired.

In building structures, particularly store fronts `and similar constructions, it is desirable to open the front completely without any objectionable projections extending across the opening, while at the same time providing means whereby to close or partly close this opening in cold or inclement weather, or when shutting up the shop or store at the end of the day.

It has been proposed in certain constructions lto provide a plurality of hinged closure members either in the form of multiple doors or windows hinged at their edges to each other so as to be extensible across the opening, or to utilize individual closure members which hinge to the upper part of the openingor supporting structure.v

Vertically movable sliding sash members have also been proposed in which the guiding supports therefor are carried by the building structure above the opening.

None of the above constructions has been found to be entirely satisfactory due to the fact that these constructions are very unsightly and difflcult to operate, but possibly the most serious drawback is that the structures mentioned are inherently weak or frail and may be easily broken or damaged by storms, etc.

No satisfactory means has ever, so far as I am aware, been devised whereby a comparatively large building structure opening, such as a long,

unobstructed shop or store counter, may be quickly and easily converted into a closed` store iront having mullion members extending across the opening and sash members therebetween, the structure, when so converted, having all of the strength and rigidity of constructions wherein permanent mullion members are utilized in conjunction with sliding sash members.

An object of my invention is, therefore, to provide a construction wherein a building structure having a comparatively wide, unobstructed opening may be quickly and easily converted into a fully or partly closed opening, as desired.

Another object is the provision of a closureV for openings in building structures having a plurality of sash members which are movable across the opening to close the same, together with intermediate movable guide means or mullion members also movable across the opening to provide a `rigid guiding support for the sash members (Cl. 18S- 64) when so moved, the sash members and guide means when in one position leaving a free and unobstructed opening.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a counter having an unobstructed opening above the same, vertically guided movable mullion members which may be projected across the opening into engagement with the counter, and sliding sash members guidingly supported by the mullion members and movable across the opening to close or partly close the same.

A still further object is the provision of stationary or fixed mullion members which project partly across a counter opening above the base support, there being pivoted sash members between these mullions, the fixed mullion members constituting guiding supports for a plurality of telescopically-arranged sliding mullion members adapted. to be projected across the opening into locking engagement with the counter or base support, so that a plurality of extremely rigid vertical mullion members are provided, there being sliding sash members which are guided by the telescopic mullion members, both the sash members and their guiding mullion members being shiftable upwardly out of the opening to provide a free and unobstructed, comparatively wide counter space whenso moved.

A further object is to provide in an unobstructed buildingv structure opening a mullion member which is movable across the opening, and a sash member also movable across the opening, the sash member being guidingly supported by the mullion member, and separate counter- `balancing means for the sash and mullion members to permit easy and convenient shifting thereof.

Another object is to provide locking means for the` movable mullion member and for the sash so that, when the same are moved to closed position, they may be securely locked in this position.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will be hereinafter described, and the novel features thereof deiined in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings,-

Figure 1 is a perspective View of a corner building structure having my invention incorporated therein and showing certain of the window closure members in fully open position, and other of the closure members in partly closed or fully closed positions.

Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, front elevation showing one of the window closure members and its cooperating sliding mullion supports in fully closed position, and also disclosing portions oi the adjacent sliding sash or closure members.

Figure 3 is a Vertical sectional View taken approximately on the line 3 3 of Figure 2, the

sliding and pivoted sash members being omitted.

Figure 4 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 3 3 of Figure 2, parts being broken away and the upper or hinged sash member being shown in dotted lines in open position.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional View taken approximately on the plane indicated by the line 5 5 of Figure 4, and looking in the direction -`of the arrows.

Figure 6 is a similar sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Figure 4 but with the slidingr sash membersrin raised position.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view on the line 1 1 of Figure 5.

`Figure 8 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 8 8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional View taken on the line 9 9 of Figure 4, certain of the parts being shown in elevation.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 are fragmentary, sectional views taken on the lines {D Il), H Il, and l2 |2 respectively of Figure 9.

Figure 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view taken approximately on the plane indicated by line I3 |.3 of Figure 2, certain parts being shown in elevation and disclosing more particularly the llocking instrumentalities for the telescopic mullion members.

Figure 14 is a. vertical, sectional view taken ron the line M M of Figure 13, certain parts being shown in elevation.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view taken on the line I5 l5 of Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional yView taken on the line |6 |6 of Figure 13.

Figure 1'7 is a vertical, sectional View taken on the plane indicated by line Il l'l of Figure 14, and showing the locking means. for the telescopic mullion members vin released position.

Figure 17A is a sectional View similar to Figure 17, but showing the socket .closure member in the counter for the mullion locking bolt in its ,raised or socket-closing position.

Figure 18 is a' horizontal, sectional view taken on'the line l8 l8 of Figure 13.'4 l

Figure 19 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional View taken through one of the sliding'sash muntins.

Figure 20Y is a fragmentary, detailed view of theend portion of one .of the sash slot closure members. Y

-Figure 21 is a similar view but'taken at right angles to Figure 20. Y

Figure 22 isa fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view taken vabout ron the line 22-22 of Figure 2 `and looking downwardly, and showing aslightly modified form of sliding sash and mullion construction, the sliding sash members being raised and shown in section.

Figure 23 is a fragmentary, Ysectional view disclosing a slightly modified embodiment of my invention, and taken on the horizontal plane below thesectional plane-of Figure 22 and looking downwardly.

FigureV 24 is a fragmentary, horizontal sectional view taken approximatelyV on the plane indicated by line 2(3 24Y of Figure `23 looking downwardly in the vdirection of the arrows.

Figure25 is. a fragmentary, sectional View similar to Figure 23, but taken on a still lower sectional plane.

Figure 26 is a vertical, sectional view taken through a window opening of the modified embodiment, certain of the parts being broken away.

Figure 2'7 is a detailed View of the swinging sash retaining latch and sliding sash locking means, and

Figure 28 is a detailed, vertical, sectional View of a slightly modified form of sliding sash lower sealing means.

Like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several figures of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, l designates the exterior corner walls of a building structure having an opening indicated generally at A, which is adapted to be closed by the sash closure members 6. Referring more particularly to Figure 1 of the drawings, the reference character 2 indicates one of the sash closure members and its adjacent telescopically-arranged guiding mullions 5 in fully extended position closing that portion oi' the opening A, while the

reference characters

2a, 2b and 2c indicate three adjacent closure members and their guiding mullions in fully raised position, thereby leaving that portion of the opening free and unobstructed. The reference numeral 2d indicates one of the closure members in partly raised position, leaving an unobstructed opening although more restricted in height above the counter or shelf 3, as Seen in Figure 1 of the drawings.

While I have illustrated a counter' somewhat lelevated from the floor or ground level, it is to be u-nderstood that this counter may be dis-- pensed with and a base member disposed level with the iioor or ground substituted therefor where it is desirable to provide an entrance or passagewayinstead of the store or shop window opening, as shown.

, Referring now more particularly to Figures l to 7 of the drawings, I preferably employ a piurality of fixed mullion members i which are suitably secured by bolts la. in the supporting structure or framework 1 above the window opening A. Plate washers 'ib and suitable lock washers le maybe provided for securing the bolt members la against displacement and for properly alining the fixed mullion members with respect to the supporting framework.

These fixed mullion members are preferably of U-shape channel construction, as seen in Figure 6, and extend downwardly a short distance across the opening, as seen in Figures 1 and 4, and are provided with a channel-shaped meeting rail or tie member 4a extending therebetween, which is preferably of U-shape construction and provided with weep holes 4b. VA felt scaling strip 4c is disposed in the channel for engagement with a sealing member fixed to the top of the vertically slidable sash 6. Pivotally mounted in the upper portion of the opening formed between the fixed mullions are pivoted or hinged closures or transom members 6b, later to Ybe described in detail.

The fixed mullion members extend upwardly into the super-structure above the opening a considerable distance, as seen in Figures 2 and 3 of .the drawings, and have secured to the end thereof clearly in Figure 4 of the drawings;

ably connected to the sliding sash, and the ilexible connecting member or tape I Ic connected to a cross pin IIb` carried by the upper end of the movable mullion member 5.

The fixed mullion members 4` have secured to` opposite exterior sides thereof guide strips 4e having their lower ends tapered, as seen more Similar guide strips 4d are secured adjacent the'inner free edges of the xed mullion members for retaining the telescopic or movable mullion members 5 in proper sliding relation therein.

Secured to the lower end of the xed mullion members 4 are guide shoes 4g having substantially the cross sectional conguration of the telescopic mullion members 5, and each of the movable mullion members 5 comprises the substantially channel shape section 5aI which is welded or f otherwise rigidly secured between the flanges'of the member 5, as best seen in Figure 6 of the drawings. A parting strip 5b is fastened to the rear exterior face of the channel portion `da and constitutes the lateral movementlimiting `means for the sliding'sash members 6, the flanges thereof having a sliding engagement with the sides of this strip. An inverted, U-shaped channel section or weather strip 5c is disposed adjacent the rear face of the channel 5a and held in normally spaced relation therefrom by spacing collers 5i. A bar member 5d is carried in the upper portion of the movable mullion member and has suspended therefrom a longitudinallydisposed clamping bar 5e threaded to receive the screws 5f having their heads suitably xed in the channel section 5c.

Coiled springs 5h, are carried bythe screws 5f and are interposed between the clamping bar 5e and the interior face of the channel-shaped section 5a,` forming the rear Wall of the movable mullion member. The tension of these springs 5h tends to urge the clamping bar 5e to the right, as seen in Figure 7, and in this manner the channel section or weather strip 5c is urged inwardly against the projecting edges or flange members on the sliding sash members 6.

The upper end of each of the sliding mullion members has fixed thereon a guide plate or shoe 5g having an exterior configuration which is similar to the interior shape of the xed mullion members 4. The guide plate 4g on the lower end of the xed mullion member 4, and the guide `plate 5g on the upper end ofthe movable mullion member 5 constitute the guiding means for the movable mullion member to retain it inproper 'vertical alinement throughout its rangeof movement.

The upper swinging sash or transom 5b is carried by a` rigid, square shaft 8, a`s better seen in Figures 4, 9, and 11 of the drawings, this shaft being xed in squared openings in the side flanges `of the fixed mullion member 4. A bushing member 3a is carried by this shaft adjacent the U-shaped stop rails 6 for limiting the inward movement ofthe transom sash members Bb.

These bushing members have a cylindrical sleeve bearing to receive the sash bearing members 6c fastened to the vertical edges of the transom sash. Each of these sash bearing members is formed with a shouldered hub 8b having a slot 8d formed in the hub to receive the end of a torsion spring 8c for moving the transom sash to` open position, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 4 `of the drawings, in order to permit the sliding ing 9a which receives the flanged hub 9b mounted on the shaft 8 and provided with a squared, central opening to t theshaft. Both the hub mernber 9by and the enlarged portion `having thecylindrical opening are provided with radial-holes or apertures 9c in order that the-hub memberv 9 may be rotated to properly tension the spring 8c, whereupon a pin member" may be inserted through the apertures tlcv in orderto interlock the hub member 9 to the shaft. i

For the purpose of preventing lateral displacement between the sash member; the shaft 8 and the xed mullion member, I mount on the shaft a collar 9e having an annular groove 9g adapted to receive the recessed extremity of the angle plate 9j secured tothe upper flange of the pivoted sash. i

Mounted between the xedmullion members 4 and above the pivoted sash member 6b', as clearly seen in Figures 4, 10,11 and 12 of the drawings, is an inverted, U-shaped channel II).` A closure bead or strip Illa is secured to the upper frame of the super-structure againstthe outer face of this U-shaped channel, and a suitable corking medium IIIb` is inserted between the U-channel and the frame of the super-structure. In order to close the space between the upper portion of the pivoted sash and the U-'channel I0, I secure to the U-cha-nnel a resilient plate IIId which may be removed, when desired, torpermit ready'access to the spring memberf for the transom sash for adjustment thereof.

Referring more particularly to Figures 13V to 18 of the drawings, 'I provide' suitable locking means for rigidily retaining the extensible" mullion members in their lextended positions, together with readily releasable means for releasing the engagement just described to permit the mullion members to be raised or retracted. This mechanism will now be described. Secured in the lower extremity of each of the mullion members 5 vis a foot piece or closure I2 held in'position by screws I2a. A second foot piece I2h is secured to the rear face of the mullion member 5 directly below the end of the weather strip channel 5c. Suitable nger-engaging hooks or lifts lI2c are provided for` raising the mullion members. Vertically journaled inthe bushing I2e, screw-threaded in fplace in the lower face of'the foot piecef v enlarged part I2k and the arcuate rack I 2', and

has one end thereof secured' in an openingprovided in the foot piece I2, .the other end of the spring being inserted in a vertical socket formed in the enlarged part I27c, just mentioned. The lower extremity of the shaft I2 terminates in an enlarged head providing a latch-engaging shoulder I2m4 and an oppos'itely disposed latch release cam I2n, therelease cam being disposed slightly above theshoulder. From the drawings it will be observed that this semi-rotatable shaft constitutes a locking bolt which projects downward somewhat below the' lower extremity of the sliding mullion member 5. The base member or counter 3 is provided with a flanged tube or socket member I 3 arranged to receive thelocking'bolt or shaft I2d, as clearly seen in l-Figuresgl and 14 of the drawings. I preferably provide an annular gasket member I2l surrounding the bolt I2d and arranged for'weather .sealing engagement with the counter or base member 3. 1

The socket member is apertured at one side vto receive the extremity of the latch member I'3a carried in the bracket I3c secured to the under face of the counter or base member 3.v The spring I3b is provided for projecting the-bolt I3a inwardly through the apertureY provided in the socket member I3. The lowerV extremity of the socket member I3'is threaded to receive a tubular extension I 3d having a cap or closure for the end thereof, -as indicated at I3e. YSlidably mounted within the socket member I3 and its 'extension I3d is a socket closure I4 having a stop flange or rim I4a formed on lthe lower end thereof. The 'spring I4bis disposed within the socket closure member, having its ends confined by the closure member and the cap, the vpurpose of this spring being to elevate' the closure member to the position shown in Figure 17A upon retraction of the sli'dable mullion member to close the recess inthe base member.

, The forked Arack or release member I2g has ay threaded shank I2zon which is positioned the push handle'or release member |27', this member beingY arranged for sliding movement Vin a guide passage formed in the :foot member I2b.

From the foregoing it will` be observed that ywheny one of the mullion members is moved downwardly tothe position shown in Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings, the locking bolt or semirrotatable shaft I2d will enter the socket member I3, forcing the closure therefor downwardly. As the mullion member reaches its extreme extended position, the latch-engaging shoulder I2m will be engaged by the latch member I3a., and in this way positivelylock the mullion member against accidental displacement. When it is desired to raise the mullion member, the push handle I2y` isy forced inwardly causing the teeth I2h, on the forked rack member to rotate the shaft or bolt I2d. Rotation of this bolt moves the latchrevlease cam thereon into engagement with thenose of the latch member l3nt; forcing the same out o of the central bore in thev socket member I3,

whereupon the mullion member 5 is releasedr and may be readily and easily 'raised or -moved away from the counter or base member `3.

The sliding vsash members 6 upon elevation thereof move through'an opening in the upper portion of the framework or super-structure, and, in order to close this opening when the sliding sash members are lowered, I provide an aperture closing strip or channel, as indicated at I5, having the free edges thereof bent horizontally, as at I5a,to rest on the upper faces of the framework -above the closure opening A.` The ends of the channel strip I5 are provided with flanged plates I 5b, as seen in Figures 20 and 21, these plates being formed with guide channels I5c adapted to ride on the outside guide strips 4e secured vto the stationary mullion members 4.

The sliding sashmembers 6` are provided adjacent their lower edges with weather strip holding channels IGffor receiving weather strip'or packying members I6b, as clearly seen in Figure 470i the drawings. This packing member may be partially encased in aY supplemental resilient holding strip I6a, if desired. Adjacent the lower edge of the sash, I arrange an inside closure member I6c in the form of a rectangular-shaped tube having vertical slots intermediate its length through which the securing screws are passed.

Theupper edge of the sliding sash is provided -withpa resilientY plate 6a secured thereto and extending downwardly in the plane of the sealing gasket 4c in the channel-shaped meeting rail 4a extending between the fixed mullion members. When the sash is moved to closed position, as

seen in Figure 4, this flange 6a. engages the strip 4c to provide a weather seal at this point.

Briefly describing the operation of my invention, we will assume that the parts are in the position shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, or, in other words, the window opening is closed. The operator or shop-keeper elevates the sliding sash after unlocking the same, and as the sash is elevated, the upper edge thereof will engage the closure plate I 5, sliding the same upwardly along the 'guide raile. As the sash is moved upwardly, the outwardly-extending guide flanges engage the guide members 4d, guiding the same. In order to elevate the mullion members, the operator depresses the push handle which releases the rlocking shaft from engagement with the locking bolt I3a, whereupon the mullion members maybe moved upwardly or telescoped within the fixed mullion members, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 4. Under these conditions, it will be observed that the opening above the counter or base member 3 is unobstructed, as seen in Figure l of the drawings. The pivoted sash member 6b may also be released and swung outwardly to the dotted line position shown in Figure 4.

Figures 22 to 26 inclusive of the drawings show a slightly modified form having a rigid mullion member 5k extending across the opening, and

ksecured in the upper super-structure or frame in any desired manner, as by bolts and screws 5l. This mullionv member is preferably of U-channel formation, and is provided with a removable front closure plate 5m held in place by snaps or-other suitable means. The rear face of thel mullion member 5k: has a wing channel parting strip I1 secured thereto for engaging the free edges of the sliding sash members 6j, there being a springpressed, U-shaped sash-retaining channel strip I8 resiliently held in engagement by the spring tensioned bolt 20, which is threaded into the spacing collar I8b secured to the inner face of the channel I8. A smaller U-shaped channel member I 8a is secured to the rear face of the sashretaining channel I8, as clearly seen in Figure 25 of the drawings, for vreceiving the lower r sliding sash screen closure members I9.

Interposed between the fixed mullion members k is a swinging or transom sash member 2I similar in construction and arrangement to the sash member 6b in my preferred form of the invention.

Y'Ihe sliding sash member is indicated at 22, and

ranged to move upwardly therewith. Rack .members 21 are formed on the opposite edges of the sash kmembers 22,'as seen in Figures 25 and 26 of the drawings, these rack members being disposed in meshing engagement with pinions 28 fixed on the cross Vshafts 29. are journaled in the mullion members k, as seen 5 in Figure 23, and each has an extension projecting into the interior of the mullion member and carrying a pinion 36) ilxedly secured to the shaft.

g The pinion 3@ meshes with a larger pinion 3|, as

seen in Figure 24, xed to a drum member 32 on which is wound a flexible member or tape 33, a

counterbalancing weight 3d being secured to the end of the tape. The purpose of this construction is to provide a counterbalancing means for the sliding sa-sh member 22. As the sash member is moved up or down, the pinion 28 is rotated, and through the shaft and pinion 3E), the larger pinion 3l is actuated, thus winding or unwinding the tape 33 against the action of the weight 34.

In this form of the invention in which a screen member 26 is provided above the sliding sash 22,

I provide an automatic release means for the pivoted or transom sash, this release means comprising a transom latch lever l I pivotally secured to a bracket Il carried on the transom sash frame. The lever Il carries a locking flange Il arranged to be moved into locking engagement with the rear face of the sliding sash extension ange 25.k A release pin Ila is also carried on the lever H and projects outwardly in the path of the upwardly extending portion of the sash ange 25, so that upon upward movement of the sash the flange extension 25 will engage this locking pin lla, rotating the lever ll from the full line to the dotted line position as seen in Figure 27 of the drawings, thus moving the locking ilange of the lever I l out of engagement with the flange on the sliding sash. The means for swinging the sash outwardly, when released as just described, is identical with the transom sash swinging means described in my preferred embodiment of my invention and shown in Figure 9 of the drawings, and will not, therefore, be described.

In order to lock the sliding sash 22 against unauthorized movement, I provide a pivoted locking member 35 having teeth 36 adapted to engage the teeth on the pinion 28, when this locking member is moved to locking or full line position as shown in Figure 26 of the drawings.

,50 Certain of the parts disclosed in connection with the modied embodiment in Figures 22 to 27 of the drawings are similar to those disclosed in my preferred embodiment, and these parts will be given the same reference numerals in both .55 constructions.

Figure 28 discloses a slightly modied weathersealing means for the lower edge of the sliding sash in which a plurality of sealing gaskets llaa are provided.

I claim:-

1. In a device of the class described, a structure having an unobstructed opening, a closure member longitudinally movable across said 'open- 65 ing to close the same, and longitudinally movable guide means for said closure member Vertically movable into a position across said opening for guiding the closure member to and from closed position and for supporting the closure in closed positions.

2. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, a closure member movable across said opening to close the same, and telescopic guide means for said closure member 75 movable across said opening for guiding the lto These cross shafts closure member to and from closed position and for supporting the closure in closed positions.

3. In a device of the class described, a strucvture having an opening, a sliding sash closure member movable across said opening to close the same, and telescopic guide means for said closure member movable across said opening for guiding the closure member to and from closed position and for supporting the closure in closed y positions.

4. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, a sliding sash closure member movable across said opening to close the same, telescopic guide means for said closure member movable across said opening for guiding the closure member to and from closed position and for supporting the closure in closed positions, and means for holding said guide means in guiding position.

5. In a device of. the class described, a structure having an opening, a plurality of sliding mullion members movable across said opening, guide means for said mullions mounted on said structure, and a plurality of sliding sash members guided by said sliding mullion members and movable across said opening to close the same.

6. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, a plurality of sliding mullion members movable across said opening, guide means` for said mullions mounted on said structure, a plurality of sliding sash members guided by said sliding mullion members and movable across said opening to close the same, and counterbalancing means for said sliding mullions to balance the weight thereof.

'7. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, a plurality of sliding mullion members movable across` said opening, guide means for said mullions mounted on said structure, a plurality of sliding sash members guided by said sliding mullion members and movable across said opening to close the same, counterbalancing means for said sliding mullions to balance the weight thereof, and separate sash balancing means for said sliding sash members.

8. In a device of the class described, a structure having an opening, a plurality of sliding mullion members movable across said opening, guide means for said mullions mounted on said structure, a plurality of sli-ding sash members guided by said sliding mullion members and movable across said opening to close the same, counterbalancing meansI for said sliding mullions to balance the weight thereof, separate sash balancing means for said sliding sash members, and locking means for retaining said sliding mullion members in position across said structure open- 111g.

9. In a device of the class described, a building structure having an opening, a closure for said opening including a mullion-receiving support, a mullion member telescopically carried by said support and extendible across said structure opening, and a sliding sash member guided by said mullion member and independently movable across the opening to close the same.

10. In a device of the class described, a building structure having an opening, a closure for said opening including a mullion-receiving support, a mullion member telescopically carried by ing"means for holding said extensible mullion member in'. extended positionacross the opening.

11. In a building structure of ther class described having an opening, a counter below said opening, aV mullion support disposed above said counter, and spaced therefrom, a mullion member extensibly mounted' in saidV support and vertically movable across' the opening `above the counter and having sash guide means, and a movable sash guided by said guide means and movable to close the last-mentioned opening.

` `12.,In a building structure of the class described, having an'opening, a base member horizontally extending across the bottom of said opening, vertically disposed mullion guide means mounted on said structure above the opening, a` mullion member telescopically mounted in said guide' means and extensible downwardly across said opening into engagement with said base member, sash guide means on said mullion member, and a sliding sashr member operable in saidr mullion guide means and movable vertically across said opening .into engagement with said base member to close Ythe opening, said mullion 25 and said sash being vertically movable away from said base member. and when so moved to present an unobstructed opening.

13. In ,aV building structure of the class described, having an opening,`a base member hori- 30 zontally extending across the bottom of said opening, vertically disposed mullion guide means mounted on said structure above the opening, a mullion member telescopically mounted in said guide means and extensible downwardly across 35 said opening into engagement with said base member, sash guide means on said mullionmember, a sliding sash member operable in said mullion guide means and movable vertically across said opening into engagement with said base 40 member to close the opening, said mullion and said sash being vertically movable away from said base member and when so moved to present an unobstructed opening, and cooperative Weather sealing means carried by said mullion 45 and sash members.

14. In a building structure of the class described, having an openingea base member horizontally` extending,across,"the bottom of said opening, vertically disposed mullion guide means `50 mounted on 'said structure above'the opening, a mullionV member telescopically Vmounted in said guide 'means and extensibledownwardly across saidy opening into engagement with said base member, sash guide means on said mullion mem- 55 ber, a sliding sash member operable in said mullion guide means and movable vertically across said opening into engagement with said base member tov close the opening, said mullion and s aid sash being verticallyV movable away from 60 said base member and when so moved topresent an unobstructed opening, cooperative weather sealing means carried by said mullion and sash members, and separate weather sealing means carried by said sash for cooperative engagement 65 with said base member when said sash is moved to close the opening. Y, Y

15. In a `building structureof the class idescribedhaving an opening, a base member hori- Izontally extending across the bottom vof said 70 opening, vertically disposed mullion guide means mounted on said structure above the opening, a mullion member telescopically mounted in lsaid guidel means and extensible downwardlyvacross Y saidtopening into engagementwwith said, base 75 member, sash guide means on said mullion memapes-,co

b'er, a sliding sash member operable in said mullion guide means and movable vertically across said opening into engagement with said base member to close the opening, said mullion and said sash being vertically movable away from said base member and when so moved to present an unobstructed opening, cooperative weather sealingmeans carried by said mullion and sash members, separate weather sealing means carried by said sash for cooperative engagement with said base member when said sash is moved to close the opening, and a weather seal carried on the lower end of said mullion for engagement with said base member when said mullion is extended across said opening.

16. In a buildingv structure of the class described having a wall opening, a plurality of fixed mullion members extending partly across said opening, a sash member disposed between said xed mullions, sliding mullions telescopically disposed in said xed mullion and extensible across the opening, and movable sash members carried by said sliding mullions and shiftable to close the opening when said sliding mullions are in extended position.

17. In a building structure of the class described having an opening, a plurality of mullions disposed across said opening, a horizontally pivoted sash disposed between said mullions in the upper portion of said opening, a vertically movable sliding sash carried by said mullions and movable to close the balance of said opening, locking means for said pivoted sash carried thereby for locking engagement with said sliding sash to retain the pivoted sash in closed position, and means operable by the sliding sash for automatically releasing said locking means upon upward movement thereof from its closed position.

18. In a building structure of the class described having an opening, a plurality of mullions disposed across said opening, a horizontally pivoted sash disposed between said mullions in the upper portion of said opening, a vertically movable sliding sash carried by said mullions and movable to close the balance of said opening, locking means for said pivoted sash carried thereby for locking engagement with said sliding sash to retain the pivoted sash in closed position, means operable by the sliding sash for automatically releasing said locking means upon upward movement thereof from its yclosed position, and means for automatically swinging said pivoted sash to open position when so released.

19. In a device of the class described, a structure having an unobstructed opening, a closure member movable across said opening to close the same, longitudinally movable guide means for saidk closure member vertically movable from a position exterior of the opening into a position across said opening for guiding the closure member to and from closed position and for supporting the closure in closed positions, and releasable locking means for retaining said guides in guiding position across the opening.

20. In a device of the class described, a building structure having an opening, a closure member movable across the opening to close the same, longitudinally movable guide means extensible across the opening for guiding said'closure across said opening to and from closed position and for supporting the closure in closed position, said guide means being retractible from the opening subsequent to the movement off the closure unobstructed opening in the building structure,

2,088,866 `and. releasable locking means at the side of the opening for positively retaining said guide means in guiding position across the opening and releasable to permit retraction of the guide means from its position across the opening. Y

21. In a building structure of the class described having an opening, a mullon guide member movably carried by the building structure at one side oi the opening and movable to a position across the said opening and movable out of the opening to provide an unobstructed opening, a sliding sash member arranged to be guided by said mullon guide means to and from a position across said opening, and releasable locking means disposed at the other side of the opening for releasably retaining the mullon member in its position across the opening.

22. In a building structure of the class de-l scribed having an opening, a xed mullon member extending downwardly partly across said opening, a removable mullon member carried by said xed mullion member and movable to 'a position extending across the balance of the opening, and a sliding sash member in guiding cooperation With both of said mullon members and movable to completely close the opening when in one position and to move completely out of the opening when shifted toanother position.

JAMES E. PATTERSON