Preventing Accidents
Page 40
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due to Broken Glass
An Interesting Invention Possessing Features that Call for Close Attention
OF all the various devices which have been invented from time to time to prevent accidents due to broken glass in windscreens and windows, one of the simplest would appear to be that described in a recently published patent, No. 370,246, by Curt von Varendorff, of Keddigstrasse 5, Stettin, Germany.
The inventor appears to recommend the use of ordinary single glass of comparatively thinner gauge than usual, relying upon the method of mounting to ensure safety in case of accident. The invention consists of forming the rubber channel, in which the glass is mounted, so that the glass is held in place entirely by the rubber, which can yield, instead of mounting the rubber channel in a rigid framing. By this means, a blow from the inside is said to dislodge the glass rather than break it.
Of the two views shown in the patent specification, that on the right shows the rubber channel standing clear of its rigid metal mounting, so that a certain amount of resiliency is obtained between the glass and the frame, whilst that on the left shows the frame extending on one side to the edge of the rubber channel. It will be noticed, how ever, that on one side the rubber extends only a short distance, the object being to allow the glass to free itself in case of accident, this narrower edge being placed on the outside.
Besides claiming that the glass will dislodge sooner than break, the inventor points out that in cases of collisions,' occupants of vehicles have suffered from fractured skulls when their heads have been driven against rigidly held glass; this, he says, would not be the case where the pane could be forced out of its holding with comparative ease. Another claim made for the use of this invention is that to facilitate the escape of passengers who may be imprisoned in a vehicle, the panes could be pushed Out bodily, thus leaving no jagged pieces holding to the frame, which might injure them as they climb through the windows.
"Whilst the inventor suggests that ordinary glass can be employed with a greater degree of safety, we are inclined to the opinion that this special method of mounting the windows would add to the popularity of safety glass. One of the characteristics of safety glass is that it may crack, but will not splinter ox break away, this is not an advantage where there may possibly be a need to use a window as an extra emergency exit, but the invention described would permit any window to be forced outwards without difficulty in case of emergency.