IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS IS APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1859

page_text: J.ETTERS PATENT to William Fox, of Amiens, in the Department of the
Somme, in the Empire of France, Unibrella Frame Manufacturer, and
James Willis, of Little Britain, in the City of London, Umbrella Maru-
facturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS IS APPLICABLE TO
OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 4th January 1860, and dated the 22nd October 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Fox and James
Willis at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 22nd October 1859.
We, WILLIAM Fox, of Amiens, in the Department of the Somme, in the
Empire of France, Umbrella Frame Manufacturer, and JAMES WILLIS, of
Little Britain, in the City of London, Umbrella Manufacturer, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFAC
TURE OF UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS. PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS IS APPLICABLE TO
OTHER PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
The first part of our Invention relates to the mauufacture of the stems or
sticks of umbrellas and parasols, and consists in forming them of steel tubes,
hardened and tempered after the soldering of the same has been effected.
Tubes thus formed are exceedingly light, strong, and elastic, and are applicable.
to other purposes, such as for use as walking sticks, for example. The manu-

page_text: facture of such tubes in the aforesaid manner, and the application of the
same for other purposes constitutes part of our Invention.
The next part of our Invention consists in a method of applying to such
tubes when used for umbrella and parasol stems or sticks, top ferrules, by
raising from sheet metal of any kind a cap to fit over the end of each such
tube, and fixing the said cap by working it in. a pair of dies so as to pro-
duce a groove or grooves both in the cap and in the tube, and at the same
time working the cap into one smooth and uniform surface with the tube.
We thus fix the cap firmly upon the tube, and impart a finished appearance
to this part of umbrellas and parasols.
The next part of our Invention consists in certain methods of fixing upon
our improved stems or sticks, or upon stems or sticks of any other description,
rings of metal for the purpose of affording hold for runner springs, whereby
the umbrella or parasol may be kept closed or open. One method consists in
placing loose metallic rings in suitable positions upon the tubes, and then
working the said rings between a pair of dies, so as to cause them to clip the
tubes tightly. Another method consists in fixing (by pressure, soldering,
or otherwise) short thin collars in suitable positions upon the stems or
sticks, and then screwing metallic rings upon such collars. A third method
consists in forming hardened and tempered steel spring rings separating the
two ends of the same by wedges or keys, so as to allow them to be passed easily
to their positions upon the stems or sticks and then removing the wedges or
keys, and thus permitting the rings to clasp the stems or sticks, which they
will do with sufficient force to keep them firmly in their places. By these
methods of fixing rings upon the stems or sticks, and by placing the springs
upon the runners we altogether avoid weakening the stem or stick tubes
by perforating or slotting them, as is usually done.
The next part of our Invention consists in fixing "top-notches" upon
stems or sticks of any description by means of rings of metal fixed upon the
stems or sticks, by all or any of the methods of fixing rings just described.
The next part of our Invention consists in manufacturing top notches and
runners wholly of steel, hardened and tempered after the soldering has
been effected; and also in making them with the barrels only of the steel,
the rings being formed of any other suitable metal.
The next part of our Invention consists in covering the runners with a new
form of guard or shield, which shall be smooth to the hand, ornamental to the
eye, and easy of removal and replacement. We make the guard or shield of a
tapering form; one end of the same comes over and encloses the wire groove,
being notched to correspond with the notched ring, and the other end clasps

page_text: the barrel of the runner. The guard may be fixed by a bead screwed on to
the barrel at this end of the guard, or by screws, or by any other means which
will admit of its ready removal for repairs or otherwise. The guards may be
shaped throughout their lengths into ornamental patterns by being raised in
dies, or by being worked by pressing tools while rotating in a lathe. When
it is desirable to use very thin inetal for the guards, we fill the space between
the guard and the runner barrel with gutta percha or other light and suitable
material to prevent the guard from becoming bruised or defaced.
The next part of our Invention consists in manufacturing notched rings for
top notches and runners; also top notches complete, by taking a tube of any
suitable metal and grooving it longitudinally with grooves corresponding to
the notches required in the rings or top notches, and then turning down and
cutting the tube by suitable tools or saws in a lathe so as to form a series of
notched rings or a series of top notches, as may be required. We do not con-
fine ourselves to any particular mode of grooving the tube, as this may be done
by rolling, drawing, planing, cutting with circular cutters, or by any other
suitable means.
The next part of our Invention consists in shaping the ends or "tips" of
umbrella and parasol ribs; when these are formed of steel into any plain or
ornamental forms, and then covering the said tips with silver, aluminium, or
other metal of a similar or white colour, either by working such metal upon
them between dies, or by depositing a coating of such metal upon them by
means of the galvanic battery.
of
our
The next part
Invention consists of two methods of forming joints
for folding parasol and umbrella stems or sticks. The first method consists in
connecting the handle and the stick by means of a joint piece pinned to each
as usual, and applying over or partially over the joint a tube of hardened and
tempered steel attached to the stem or stick, a portion of which tube is cut
away in such manner as to allow the handle to force it open, enter it, and be
clasped firmly by it. The second method consists in attaching to one of the
picces (say to the handle) a stout piece of metal carrying a hinge, lug, or lügs,
and to the other piece (say, the top half of the stick) a stout piece of metal
carrying a corresponding hinge, lug, or lugs, and á spring catch also. By
pinning the lugs of these two pieces together, a spring catch hinge joint
suitable for the purpose is completed.
The last part of our Invention consists in a method of attaching the handle
of a folding umbrella or parasol stem or stick to the tapered métallic socket
which receives it by fixing a small screw or screwed pin or rod to the end of
the said handle, and screwing the said screw or screwed piu or rod into a

page_text: threaded hole provided for it in the end of the socket. In this arrangement
the strain brought upon the umbrella or parasol when in use is received by
the handle; the screw or screwed pin or rod, simply serving the purpose of
drawing the handle into the socket and holding it there. This arrangement
also affords the means of tightening the handle when necessary, and of remov-
ing and changing the handle without injuring the joint in any way.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Fox and James Willis, in the Great Seal Potent
'Office on the 21st April 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, WILLIAM
Fox, of Amiens, in the Department of the Somme, in the Empire of France,
Umbrella Frame Manufacturer, and JAMES WILLIS, of Little Britain, in the
City of London, Umbrella Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-third year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
us, the said William Fox and James Willis, Her special licence that we,
the said William Fox and James Willis, our executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as we, the said William Fox and James Willis,
our executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS IS
APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES," upon the condition (amongst others) that we,
the said William Fox and James Willis, or one of us, our executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under our or their or one of
our or their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
was to be
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said William Fox and James Willis, do
hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the

page_text: same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement thereof, reference being had to the Drawings here-
unto annexed, that is to say:-
The first part of our Invention relates to the manufacture of the stems or
sticks of umbrellas and parasols, and consists in forming them of steel tubes
hardened and tempered after the soldering of the same has been effected,
tubes thus formed are exceeding light, strong, and elastic, and are applicable
to other purposes, such as for use as walking sticks for example. The manu-
facture of such tubes in the aforesaid manner, and the application of the
same for other purposes constitutes part of our Invention. In carrying this
part of our Invention into effect we take sheet steel and cut and draw it into
tubes and solder them in the ordinary manner. We then heat them to a proper
degree, that is without melting or burning the solder, and immerse them in
oil to harden them. We then temper and straighten them by means of an
Invention for which Mr. Samuel Fox obtained Letters Patent, dated the Nine-
teenth day of November, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, N° 2741.
The next part of our Invention consists in a method of applying to such
tubes, when used for umbrella and parasol stems or sticks, top ferrules by
raising from sheet metal of any kind a cap to fit over the end of each such
tube, and fixing the said cap by working it in a pair of dies as is well under-
stood, so as to produce a groove or grooves both in the cap and in the tube,
and at the same time working the cap into one smooth and uniform surface
with the tube, bringing the cap down of course, to a reduced diameter. We
thus fix the cap firmly upon the tube and impart a finished appearance to
this part of umbrellas and parasols.
Figure 1 of the Drawings hereunto annexed is a view of the cap detached
before it is placed on the tube; Figure 2 is an external view, and Figure 3
is a section of the ferrule and tube when the operation of fixing the former
upon the latter by means of dies is completed.
The next part of our Invention consists in certain methods of fixing upon
our improved stems or sticks, or upon stems or sticks of any other description
rings of metal for the purpose of affording hold for runner springs, whereby
the umbrella or parasol may be kept closed or open. One method consists in
placing loose metallic rings in suitable positions upon the tubes, and then
working the said rings between a pair of dies so as to cause them to clip the
tubes tightly. In Figure 4 we have shewn a section, and in Figure 5 an
external view of a portion of a tube with a ring fixed upon it in this manner;
another method consists in fixing (by pressure, soldering, or otherwise,) short
thin collars in suitable positions upon the stems or sticks, and then screwing

page_text: metallic rings upon such collars. This method is illustrated in section in
Figure 6, and in external view in Figure 7. In carrying it into effect after
fixing the collar upon the tube as before explained, we turn the said collar
down just low enough to allow the runner to pass tightly over it. We then
cut a fine screw-thread upon it, and form a corresponding thread upon the
inside of the metallic ring, and screw the latter upon the former, with this
arrangement the ring may be removed when it is desirable to take out the
tube. third method consists in forming hardened and tempered steel
spring rings which shall retain their hold upon the tubes or sticks by virtue
of their own elasticity, and shall require neither rivets nor pins to secure
them. Any suitable form of spring ring may be adopted for this purpose. We
sometimes use a severed ring and separate the two ends of the same by
wedges or keys as shewn in Figure 8, so as to allow them to be passed casily
to their positions upon the stems or sticks, and then remove the wedges or keys
a, and thus permit the rings 6, to clasp the stems or sticks as shewn in Figure
, which they will do with sufficient force to keep them firmly in their places.
At other times we employ severed rings of a form not altogether circular on
the outside, which answer the same purpose. By these several methods of
fixing rings upon the stems or sticks, which methods are equally applicable
to stems, sticks, and canes of every description, and by placing the springs upon
the runners, we altogether avoid weakening the stem, stick, or cane, by
perforating, drilling, or slotting it, as is usually done.
The next part of our Invention consists in fixing" top notches" upon stems
or sticks of any description by means of rings of metal fixed upon the stems
or sticks by all or any of the methods of fixing rings just described and
illustrated. When we employ an under collar for this purpose, on the plan
illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, we form the internal screw-thread upon the
interior of the top notch itself or of its barrel, and screw the same directly
upon the collar.
The next part of our Invention consists in manufacturing top notches and
runners wholly of steel, hardened and tempered after the soldering has been
effected, and also in making them with the barrels only of the steel, the rings
being formed of any other suitable metal. In carrying this part of our
Invention into effect we take sheet steel and proceed in any of the ordinary
ways to form barrels of the required lengths for runners and top notches.
After soldering the rings on we heat them to a proper degree, that is without
melting or burning the solder, and immerse them in either oil or water to
harden them. We then temper them by any of the known methods of harden-
ing and tempering steel.

page_text: The next part of our Invention consists in covering runners of steel or other
metal with a new form of guard or shield, which shall be smooth to the hand,
ornamental to the eye,and, where preferred,easy of removal and replacement.
We make the guard or shield of a tapering form, and by preference one end
of the same comes over and encloses the wire groove,being notched to corre-
spond with the notched ring,and the other end clasps the barrel of the runner.
The guard may be fixed by a bead screwed on to the barrel at this end of the
guard, or by screws, or by any other means which will admit of its ready
removal for repairs or otherwise. The guards may be shaped throughout
their lengths into ornamental patterns by being raised in dies, or by being
worked by pressing tools while rotating in a lathe. When it is desirable to
use very thin metal for the guards we fill the space between the guard and
the runner barrel with gutta percha, or other suitable material, as shewn in
Figure 15 in section, to prevent the guard from becoming bruised or defaced.
In carrying this part of our Invention into effect we proceed in the following
manner: Assuming as we shall here do that the guard is to be of thin metal
as just mentioned, and as it ordinarily would be for the sake of lightness, we
take a tube or pipe of gutta percha, wood, or any other suitable material, and
of a proper size internally to fit tightly upon the barrel of the runner, and of a
thickness equal to the width of the notched ring. We first fit the end of the
said tube or pipe closely against the bottom face of the notched ring, and then
fix it firmly on the barrel by cement or otherwise. Then leaving it of
undiminished thickness at the end which comes against the notched ring, we
reduce it gradually, by turning or otherwise, to a thin edge at the other end,
making the outer form of any plain or ornamental shape, according to the
configuration required in the finished surface. We thus form a smooth and
solid foundation upon which the thin metal guard may be burnished or other-
wise so closely covered that it will not be liable to become bruised or defaced
by ordinary wear. In some cases when we desire to produce cheap articles
we dispense with the thin metallic covering, and form the pipe or tube itself of
such a material as will form an efficient and ornamental guard, being smooth
to the hand, ornamental to the eye, and preventing the working part of the
runner to a great extent from fraying the cover. When, however, the pipe or
tube is to be covered with a thin metal covering, we form the metallic guard
as follows, premising that the said guard, as well as the foundation before
described, may either extend the whole length of the runner, or over a portion
of the runner only. We first make plain, taper, or conical tubes or collars by
turning them up and soldering them, or in any other way, and of the length
required for the guard. The outside diameter of the large end is to be the

page_text: same as the diameter of the notched ring and the diameter of the small end,
such as to admit of its sliding over the barrel of the runner or the thin edge
of the foundation. We then work these plain tapér tubes either in a lathe by
burnishers or pressing tools, or we raise the required ornamental forms by dies.
In Figures 10 to 18 we have shewn several ornamental forms of guards
which may be raised in dies; Figure 11 shewing the guard of Figure 12 in
section, Figure 15 shewing the guard of Figure 16 in section, and Figure 17
shewing the guard of Figure 18-in section; and in Figures 19 to 25 several
other forms which may be more conveniently produced in the lathe, but we by
no means limit ourselves to these exact forms, as many others may be adopted
with equal facility and advantage. The runner guards may be formed by any
other appropriate means. In fitting the metallic guards we first turn away
the bottom half of the notched ring, so to allow the guard to pass over and
cover the wire groove, and fit against, and be flush with, the projecting upper
half of the notched ring, the small end of the guard fitting over the barrel of
the runner or over the thin end of the tube or pipe which covers it. The
guards are then fixed by screws a, a, as shewn in Figures 12, 13, and 14, or
by means of a screwed bead or nut b, as shewn in. Figures 15 to 18. Notches
are next cut in the large end corresponding to those in the notched ring, and
the guard is then ready for being finished off with lacquer or colour. We do
not confine ourselves to bringing these guards over the wire groove, but we
sometimes bring them only to the bottom face of the notched ring, and some-
times make them fixtures to the runners either by cementing them to the
gutta percha or other pipe which covers the barrel, or by soldering with solder
that is easily fusible, a small ring or bead on to the barrel against the small
end of the guard, or in any other suitable manner. In this cace the guards do
not require notching.
The next part of our Invention consists in manufacturing notched rings for
top notches and runners, also top notches complete, by taking a tube of any
suitable metal and grooving it longitudinally with grooves corresponding to the
notches required in the rings or top notches, and then turning down and
cutting the tube by suitable tools or saws in a lathe, so as to form a series of
notched rings or a series of top notches, as may be required. We do not
confine ourselves to any particular mode of grooving the tube, as this may be
done by rolling, drawing, planing, cutting with circular cutters, or by any
other suitable means. In Figure 26 we have shown a piece of tube which
has been grooved from end to end for carrying this part of our Invention into
effect. From A to B the rough grooved tube is shewn, a section of this
portion being given in Figure 27. From B to C the tube is shewn turned

page_text: down to its proper diameter, and from C to D it is shown grooved and turned
down transversely, ready for being cut off into grooved rings and top notches
respectively. Figure 28-is-a section of this end of the tube.
The next part of our Invention consists in shaping the ends or tips
of the steel ribs of umbrellas into any plain or ornamental forms, and
imparting a bright metallic lustre thereto, instead of covering the tips with
japan varnish as heretofore. To attain this end we cover the said tips with
silver, aluminium, or other white metal not easily oxidizable by exposure.
The means available for effecting this coating of the tips are various, but that
which we prefer to employ is the following, viz., we first shape the bottom
end of the rib into any suitable form, such, for example, as any one of those
shown in Figures 29 to 34, although we do not confine ourselves to these, by
any suitable means reducing the rib end as much as is necessary to produce
the pattern perfect. We then raise out of sheet metal caps to fit over the
ends of the ribs or tips, and work the caps on to the ribs by means of pressure
between a pair of dies after the ribs are japanned. By subjecting a cap when
placed on the end of a rib to such working, the cap will be caused to close
round the tip and form an ornamental solid and lustrous termination to the
rib that cannot readily be removed or injured.. In the case of parasol or other
ribs where the wire of the rib is very small, we do not produce the pattern
perfect on the rib, but simply indent the rib end sufficiently to hold the
worked tip firmly on, and form the pattern by making the cap of stouter metal
or by applying a cap of inferior metal between the rib end and the white
metal. Tips thus formed, by increasing the size of the ends, afford protection
to the hand against the points of small ribs, and being polished improve the
appearance of the umbrellas and parasols to which they are applied. Similar
effects may be produced by electro-deposition, or by otherwise coating the
rib ends with a non-oxidizable metallic coating ofa white lustrous appearance.
The next part of our Invention consists of two methods of forming joints
for folding parasol and umbrella stems or sticks. The first method consists in
connecting the handle and the stick by means of a joint piece pinned to each
as usual, and applying over or partially over the joint a tube of hardened and
tempered steel attached to the stem or stick, a portion of which tube is cut
away in such manner as to allow the handle to force it open, enter it, and be
clasped firmly by it. This arrangement is illustrated in Figure 35, a being
the stem. or stick, and 6 the tube of steel cut away as shewn. The second
method is illustrated in Figures 36 to 40; Figures 36 and 37 shewing two
views of the joint, with the stem or stick S folded, and Figures 38, 39, and 40
views of it, with the stem or stick opened out. 'The method consists in

page_text: attaching to one of the pieces (say to the handle) a metal socket a, carrying a
hinge lug or lugs b, and to the other piece (say the top half of the stick) another
metal socket c, carrying a corresponding hinge lug or lugs and a spring catch d
also. By pinning the lugs of these two pieces together, a spring catch hinge
joint suitable for the purpose is completed. The internal construction is
completely shewn in the section, Figure 39.
The last part of our Invention consists in a method of attaching the handle
of a folding umbrella or parasol stem or stick to the tapered metallic socket,
which receives it by fixing a small screw or screwed pin or rod into a threaded
hóle provided for it in the end of the socket as shewn in Figures 41 and 42.
We sometimes prefer to place the screw or screwed pin in the socket, and
screw it into a threaded hole in the handle as shewn in Figure 43. In either
of these arrangements the strain brought upon the umbrella or parasol when
in use is brought upon the handle, the screw or screwed pin or rod simply
serving the purpose of drawing the handle into the socket and holding it there.
This arrangement also affords the means of tightening the handle when
necessary, and of removing and changing the handle without injuring the
joint in any way.
And having now described the nature of the said Invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, we declare that we claim,―
First, the manufacture of steel tubes formed from sheet steel and hardened
and tempered after the soldering has been effected.
Second, the employment of steel tubes hardened and tempered after the
soldering of the same has been effected, for the stems or sticks of umbrellas
and parasols, for walking sticks, and for various other purposes.
Third, the method of applying ferrules upon metallic tubes as herein-before
described and illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Fourth, the several methods of fixing upon umbrella and parasol stems or
sticks rings of metal for affording hold for runner springs, whereby the
umbrella or parasol may be kept open or closed, as herein-before described
and illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, Figures 6 and 7, and Figures 8 and 9,
respectively, of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Fifth, the methods of fixing top notches upon the stems or sticks of
umbrellas and parasols, herein-before described and illustrated in Figures 4
to 9 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Sixth, the manufacture of top notches and runners, and of their barrels of
steel hardened and tempered after the soldering has been effected, as-herein-
before described.
Seventh, the methods of covering or partially covering the
runners of

page_text: umbrellas and parasols with guards or shields formed and fixed as herein-
before described and illustrated in Figures 10 to 25 of the Drawings here-
unto annexed.
Eighth, the employment of metallicguards of ornamental forms as described
and shewn in Figures 10 to 25, to cover or partially cover the runners of
umbrellas and parasols, and also the employment of a non-metallic covering
fixed on the barrel of the runner, as described and shewn in section in
Figure 15 of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Ninth, the method of manufacturing notched rings for top notches and
runners, also top notches complete by grooving a tube of suitable metal longi-
tudinally, and then turning down and cutting the same transversely, as herein-
before describe: and illustrated in Figures 26 to 28 of the Drawings hereunto
annexed.
Tenth, the methods of plating or otherwise covering the ends or tips of steel
umbrella and parasol ribs with a polished coating of silver, aluminium,tin, or
other metal or alloy of a similar or white color, applied either directly or upon
an intermediate cap for the purposes set forth.
Eleventh, the methods of forming joints for folding parasol and umbrella
stems or sticks herein-before described and illustrated in Figures 35 to 4:
of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
And, twelfth, the methods of attaching the handle of a folding umbrella or
parasol stem or stick to the tapered metallic socket, which receives it by means
of a screw or screwed pin arranged and fitted as herein-before described and
illustrated in Figures 41 to 43 of the Drawings hereunto annexed,
In witness whereof, I, the said James Willis, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-first day of April, One thousand eight hundred
and sixty
JAMES WILLIS. (L.S.)