Shutter-Worker – Patent No. 433,819
Inventor: Abraham Pugsley, of Jamestown, Rhode Island.
Patent Number: 433,819
Date of Patent: August 5, 1890
Description: Abraham Pugsley’s “Shutter-Worker” patent describes a mechanism for opening, closing, and locking window blinds or shutters from inside a building. The device consists of a gear-based system operated by a horizontal shaft that extends through the window frame. On the outside, a gear attached to the blind meshes with a gear on a plate fixed to the window frame. This second gear is driven by a bevel gear on the internal shaft. On the inside, a wheel with radially extending arms is fixed to the shaft. By turning this wheel, a person can swing the blinds open or closed. The blinds can then be locked in any desired position by inserting pins into holes in the window frame, one on each side of an arm, to prevent the wheel from rotating.
Societal Impact
Pugsley’s shutter-worker was a direct response to a common domestic inconvenience, representing the kind of practical invention that improved the quality of life for homeowners in the late 19th century.
- Convenience and Safety: Before this invention, to open or close exterior shutters, a person had to open the window, reach outside, and manually maneuver the shutters. Pugsley’s device eliminated this need, making it possible to operate the shutters from inside the building, which was a significant convenience, especially on upper floors or during bad weather. The locking feature also improved home security, as it prevented intruders from easily manipulating the shutters to gain access or to see into the house.
- Domestic Technology: This patent is a great example of the many small, but impactful, innovations that made homes more automated and comfortable. It was part of a trend of inventors focusing on improving the function of everyday objects and appliances, from hinges and locks to kitchen tools.
- The Inventor’s Legacy: Abraham Pugsley was also the inventor of the “Blind Stop” (Patent No. 433,306), which operated the blind slats themselves. This second patent for a shutter-worker shows his focused interest in improving window accessories. While there is no widely available information about Pugsley’s personal life, his patents highlight the ingenuity that was applied to solving mundane problems, demonstrating the collective effort behind America’s technological development.
