US2637383A - Automatically operated jackknife window - Google Patents

Description

May 5, 1953 w. A. BOWMAN AUTOMATICALLY OPERATED JACKKNIFE WINDOW 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 10, 1950 7/ 1 I 59 w W W F/GJ.

o E? 0 INVENTOR. 45 h-a/ WILLIAM A. BOWMAN.

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' ATTORNE).

y 5, 1953 w. A. BOWMAN 2,637,383

AUTOMATICALLY OPERATED JACKKNIF'E WINDOW Filed July 10, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 uvmvrox WILL/AM ABOWMAN.

ATTORNEX Patented May 5, 1953 William A; Bowman, Baltimore, Md.

Application July '10, 1950, Serial No. 172,955

3 Claims. .(Cl. 160-488) This invention relates to building equipment andmore particularly to" mechanism for the mechanical and-automatic operation of windows usedin various types of structures.

The opening and closing of conventional win-' dows has received considerable attention; but the results attained have not been satisfactory. To meetthis situation, this invention has been-developed and used under practical conditions to assureiofits meeting the requirements expected from the. daily. use of suchequipment. Itconsists of a jack-knife window structure modified in some particulars from that shown in Patent No. 2.5.13.273-andapplication SerialNo. 81,375,

filed. March=14, 1949 and nowiabandoned, that is operable by motor power, controlled manually; or by :action of rain or wind. Part of the control isa'utomatic while. the other parts are influenced by'the-:manipulation of the userto suit himself. as; circumstances may require. 1

It-is an object iofthisinvention toprovide. a new and improved. window and voperating mechanism that will avoidone or more'of thedisadvantages and limitations of the; prior art.

Another object ottheainvention is to provide anew and improvedwindow-operating mechanism that willhave'features ofmechanical cleaning;v .closing when it rains or thevvind becomes excessive;.. and opening-and closing. under the actionof a motor.

A further object of this invention is to provide a. newand improved window operating mechanism, that can operate a jack-knife window in a positive and effective manner, throughthe use of motor mechanism. underv the control of. an, p rator.

It is a. further object of this invention'to provide a new and improved window. operating mechanism that will seal the window in locked position against air leakage and make same burglar proof :It is a iurtherobject ofwthis invention to'provide. a new and-improved jack knife window, that can he raised or lowered manually "or mechanically to predetermined positions and retain same in-said'positions.

fit is afurther obj ect-of this invention to provide anew and'improved -window having a "device -for automatically closing the window through the'action of-rain' or excessive wind storms.

"Itis a" further object of thisinvention to pro vide a new-and improved jack-knife window with means cooperating with the screws operatingin one direction to align-the window units with each" other and 'whenthe rotation of the screws are reversed to move the units out of alignment.

Other objects of the invention will be indioatedas the invention is more fully described. For a clearer comprehension of the invention, its objects principles and mode of *operatiomreference is made to the accompanying drawings, which in conjunction with the following description illustrate a particular form of structure; as

an example, not as a limitation." Theclaims show-the-scope of the invention.

' Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevatiorfiof a=window-unit embodying this invention;

Figure 2--is an inside elevation of' Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view *of' theunit'with its window shown partly opened injects-knife fashion;

Figure 4 is a sectionalview'taken transversely across the window on line- 4-4 of Figural;

Figure 5 isv a sectional elevationon line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a sectional elevationtransversely viewed-on line 6-6 of Figure 5;

Figure 6A is a detail showing the-hingenonnection'between the windowsashes;

Figure 7, is a detail of the 1Sl30ITm'-S8.ShCatCh used in this embodiment;

Figure 8 is a sectionon line t- -aoi' Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a plan view of the talon mechanism;

Figure 10 is a side view of Figure9;

Figure '11. is asectional plan viewonlinel I-:-l l of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectionalviewnof line 12-42 of Figure 11; and

Figure 13 is a transverse-sectional view on'zline l3-l 3v of Figure 12.

Similar referencecharacters refer-to the-same parts throughout the drawings.

.For a better.-understanding of the; invention and the objects thereof, attention is-called: to the drawings, in which a particular structure:of the invention is illustrated. In conjunotionwith-zthe following description, these drawings outline the .features of the device, while the claims indicate the scope of the invention.

The structure. in the drawings indicate. a window embodying the invention and has .thegeneral appearance. of. a conventional window-sash frame, with av sill underneath. However, the frame, iswmade ofchannels J t, .I l2;,- and J3: for the upper crossframe, the .left and right. side frame member and ithe vsill' respectively. The upperframe membervor channel illis .boxedrin and contains. the mechanism .for controlling the flow of'the sash cleaning liquid sprayer as well aeszsse as that for the rain and wind sash closer. The left side channel II is also boxed in and contains an operating screw I4 connected with lower window sash I5, for raising and lowering it in jack-knife fashion, outwardly from the window frame. The right hand channel I2 is also boxed in and contains the screw drive I6 the miter gear 89 and long shaft I'I driving them.

The sill channel I3 is also boxed in and contains the main operating motor I8, its shaft I9 and the gear 2! all connected together. A clutch 20, operated by a solenoid 22 connects and disconnects the shaft I 9, from the stub shaft 23. The stub shaft 23 has a miter gear 24 keyed to it and meshed into the adjacent miter gear 90 mounted on the shaft I I. The details of these mechanisms will be enlarged upon as the description is proceeded with.

The principal functions of the window embodying this invention are:

(A) Operation.-Including open and closing actions of the window sashes, in jack-knife manner;

(B) Washing.The use of cleaning liquid on the glass and its removal with the accumulated dirt by a mechanically operated squeegee mechanism when it rains or high winds prevail;

(C) Wind and rain conirol.An arrangement for operating the window sashes and closing them when the outside wind and rain become excessive;

(D) Weatherstripping.An arrangement provided for sealing the window rain tight and render it burglar proof when closed;

(E) Incidental refinements.To provide for an effective closure of the sashes, so that detrimental conditions arising from exterior or accidental influences will be anticipated and offset.

The diagram in Figure 14 indicates the electrical connections utilized for producing these functions and will be explained later.

Main operating mechanism The main operating mechanism of this device is employed in the opening and closing of the window sashes in jack knife fashion. In Figure 12, the mechanism is shown located in the sill channel or compartment I3. When the motor I 8, Fig, 6, is running, it rotates its shaft I9 and the clutch 2B keyed to it. The gear 2| is loosely mounted on the shaft l9 and is rotated when engaged by the clutch 20 and rotates the gear 25 and shaft 29, which also operates miter gears 28. The miter gears 28 mesh with miter gears 3|, which in turn rotate the vertical screws I4 and IS on the left and right sides of the window sashes I5, 33. The various shafts are suitably journalled in the window frame. The screws I4 and I6 have'their end portions extended into cylindrical rubber rollers 30 which they rotate on their axes within the walls 32 provided in the channels II, I2, to frictionally contact the window sashes. The rollers 30 frictionally rub against the side faces or edges of the sash frames when the sashes I5, and 33 are closed by the screws I4 and I6 to complete the window closure against the surrounding channels. The rollers 30, do this when the screws are rotating in the direction adapted for forcin the sashes into closed position. If the rollers and screws are turned axially in the reverse direction while holding their axial positions, they will rub on the sash and open the sashes from their vertical dead-center closed position towards the jack-knife opening position, as long as they can roll and frictionally rub the side surfaces of the sash frames. Thu; it may .channels H and I2, respectively, Fig. 5.

be noted, that the initial opening movement of the window is easily accomplished and avoids difficulties of the pair of sashes looking on deadcenter, which the sashes are on when closed. This is due to the rubbing and lateral propelling action of the rollers against the sash frames, which are preferably knurled,

The window operating mechanism extends through the lower sash bar 35 and is reciprocable from the middle outwardly. It consists of two rods 36 having talons or forked outer ends 38. A collar 39 is rigidly secured on each of the inner end portions of the rods, against which a coil spring 31 presses tending to spread them apart. When they are spread apart the forked ends 38 engage with the root of the threads of screws I4 and I6 and they are raised or lowered as the screws rotate. The rods 36, which carry the talons 38, being positioned in the bar 35 raise the latter and sashes i5 and 33 with them. When the lower sash I5 is lifted, it moves outwardly in jack-knife fashion and since it is hinged on the upper sash 33, it also moves the latter angularly outwards on the hinges 40 that support it on When the window sashes are fully extended or open, they trip a limit switch (not shown) and stop the motor I8. Likewise a limit switch (not shown) opens the circuit when the sashes are closed.

The talons 38 have a form like a fork bent to engage against the threads of the screws I4 and I 6 and move with the latter when the screws are rotated. The mechanism 34 i operated to disegage the talons 38 from the screws l4 and I6 when a spreader mechanism 43 is used. The mechanism 43 includes a cam member 44 rotated by a handle 45 mounted on a plate 46 from which it extends. The plate and handle are set on the inside or rear face of the sill channel frame I3 where they can be reached by the user of the window from inside the structure. When the cam member 44 is rotated sufficiently, it strikes the projecting bases 41 of a pair of bifurcated elements or jaws 48 and swings them on pins 49 so they will press against the collars 39 and pull the rods 36 and talons 38 away from and out of engagement with the screws I4 and I6. When this happens the window sashes if opened, will come down to a closed position, by reason of the weight of the sashes. This is used for quick or manual opening or closure of the window.

For a normal closure of the window, the motor I8, is thrown into the electrical circuit in reverse so the screws will rotate in the opposite direction to that mentioned for opening the window. The screws l4 and I6 turn and through the talons 38 and mechanism 34 lower the sash, relatively slowly.

Wind and rain operation The sash operating mechanism will alsooperate to lower the window when a wind and rain switch 50 throws the motor I8, into circuit. The mechanism is simply a vane 5| extending outwardly from the upper channel I0 and delicately suspended on a spindle 52, that permits it movement laterally to contact an electrical conductor (not shown) and when it does so, connects up the motorwith the electrical circuit so it will close the sashes as already described. The same vane also is operated by rain, snow or hail ,in a similar manner by tilting the spindle. The vane 5| is preferably cupped to facilitate the catching of the rain thereon so its weight may be increased sufficiently to close the circuit. J

. asap ass.)

quantities to flood and ol'ean it off. The'stream" of water continues'" until it flows down oven Ithe outer 'win'dow' glas's' of the flower sash 125. -The contror of the" water" supply :is provided-I for by using a small: electricmotor -(=not" shown') icunv which a conventional tinting: F'ge'arf-mechanismz is' attached. This hinin arrangement allows the watertoflow for aperiod er three xminutesand stops the fl'ow; by closing the' solenoid operated valve 55. when tne' water'supplyi' is "turned ion.

the squeegee and its operating mechanism is also started through the movement of the clutch 20 so the motor I8, willrotate "thestubshaftrM and the miter gears and screw threaded shafts 9| and 94"througli sha'ft "IIfmit'er'gears 89 and 92 and jack shaft 93 supported in and co' 'axia'l" with the trunnions och-inges '49. 3 The lower e'nd ofthe shaft 9I-isfitted with a miter-gear 95 that meshes with a miter gear 98 to drive a shaft 91 and its miter gear 98 and miter gear 99 connected to threaded shaft 94. The shaft I03 is driven from shaft 91 through spur gears I02 and through miter gears I04 rotates the screw threaded shafts I09 and IOI, raise and lower the crossmember 59. This is done through the threaded portions of the cross-member following the rotation of the threaded portions of the shafts 9i, 94, I90 and IGI. Each of the cross-members 59 carries a rubber strip BI that presses against the outside surfaces of their respective window glass and cleans them 01f, while moving up and down thereon.

The motor I8 rotates in one direction to raise the squeegees and is reversed to lower them. This is accomplished through the action of a ratchet relay and its switches at the end of each travel stroke. The squeegees continue their up and down travel until turned off by a switch (not shown).

Weather stripping The weather stripping or seal arrangement is mainly provided for by closing the cracks left between the sides of the sashes and the window frames. The sashes to operate efiiciently and effectively, must have enough clearance to operate easily. When closed the extra room provided must be shut off to prevent drafts and burglars from opening window from outside and other objectionable reactions to take place. To accomplish this, a pair of vertical 90 semi-circular weather strip or seals I52 are journalled in the upper and lower channels II) and I3 so they can rotate on their axes towards the face of the sash frames and lap over the cracks mentioned. If rotated 90 in the opposite direction, they revolve out of the way of the sash framesand avoid obstructing its opening and closing movements while jack-knifing. The weather strips or seals are actuated by a solenoid 63 which operates an arm I95 connected to another arm I96 pivoted at H5. The arm I93 connects and operates links I9? and I98 connected for 'manual operation. The movement of the disc I09 also moves the rack gears I II and through gears I I2 operate the shafts M3 for rotating the seals 62. The handle inkling water over I1 Ill-projects.through ajslot. I] 8. Thc.-..window 1 opening and closing. screw I4 is preferably made with lefthand'threads and-screw .I 6 made with right hand threads. The squeegee operating screws BI, 94,. IIlfland IDL. are .madewith right and left hand threadsas. notedin Figure dot the drawings.

.- When .it is desired to raise the window; a conventional switch closes the circuit tethesolenoid 63which rotatesthe seals Blandnnlocks the window and at the .same time startsthe motor I8.which raises the window. When itis desired to lower the windowvtheswitch .is moved toanother positionand reversesthe motor 18 and closes the window.

Structural features The window has a number of conspicuous structur'al' features in addition to.".those already .referred to. The sashes I5, and-'33, are brought closely together by hinging them fat'IIl3, Fig. 6a wherethey joinv and rounding their contacting surfaces 65, 93 sothey can move'through their jack-knife motions without binding or producing an open crack therebetween.' "The hinging Mucousists of a hingle plate I 25 at each side of the sashes I5 and 33 in the neighborhoodv of the contact surfaces 65, 69. Each 'plate'l'25 is secured by screws I26 to the lower portion of the side of sash 33 and extends downwardly to a point below the upper edge of sash I5. The plate has an opening near its lower end to receive the end of shaft I03 therein and act as a bearing therefor. Thus, when the window jackknifes, the end of shaft I03 acts as a pivot for the opening and folding movements of the sashes. Similarly the upper bar 9'! of the upper sash 33 is rounded where the contact surfaces 68, 69 meet. Further the joint is covered by a flared strip I0 extending across the window above the upper sash 33.

The sashes I5 and 33 are arranged for the use of storm sashes II, I2 therein respectively. The latter are glazed in rectangular frames I3, I4 that are flanged to fitflush in the sashes I5 and 33, and be held therein by catches I5.

The squeegees are guided in grooves It in the vertical sides of the sashes I5 and 33 and after use always return to the lower bars of the sashes and remain there.

An electrical control box not shown houses the necessary relays, some of the switches, water control motor and other controls not located in the window base as it is not necessary to house these units since they may be located in the base or other portions. A conduit III) is used to carry the control wires through the frame. Bearings (not shown) are attached to the upper ends of the screws I4 and I6 and are tensioned to force the rollers 30 outwardly against the side of the sash and'allow for wear in the rollers, so they may be frictionally tight for kicking the sash at its joint outwardly off dead-center when opening the window and for drawing the joint back on dead center when closing the window so the seals 92 may snap back to lock the windows. While but one general form of the invention is shown in the drawings and described in the specifications, it is not desired to limit this application for patent to this particular form, as it is appreciated that other forms of construction could be made that would use the same principles and come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:

1. In combination with a window frame, a

pair of vertically aligned sashes, hinging means between said sashes along their horizontal meeting edges, hinging means between the upper sash and the frame, means for initiating opening movement of the sashes out of vertical alignment consisting of a vertical screw carried by the frame, a roller carried by said screw and pressing against the vertical edge of the upper sash, means for rotating the screw, means cooperating with the initiating means consisting of a slidable element carried by the lower sash, said element having a forked end engageable with the root of the threads of the said screw, whereby said element will move upwardly and downwardly with the rotation of the screw, forcing outward and inward movements of the sashes about their common hinging means, and means for controlling the engagement and disengagement of said element with said screw.

2. In combination with a window frame, a

ing against the vertical edge of the upper sash, means for rotating the screw, and means to complete opening movement of the sashes.

3. In combination with a window frame, a pair of vertically aligned sashes, hinging means between said sashes along their horizontal meeting edges, hinging means between the upper sashv and the window frame, motor-operated means for initiating opening movement of the sashes out of vertical alignment, said last-named means including a vertical screw carried by the frame, a roller carried by said screw and pressing against the vertical edge of the upper sash, connecting means between the motor and the screw, and additional means cooperating with the aforementioned means to complete opening movement of the sashes, said additional means including an element carried by the lower sash and engageable with the screw and translatable thereby.

WILLIAM A. BOWMAN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,198,733 Lovell Sept. 19, 1916 2,408,739 Dawes Oct. 8, 1946v

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