Improvements in or relating to Revolving Umbrellas, En-tout-cas, and Sunshades.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Nov., 1897-Accepted, 8th Jan., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Revolving Umbrellas, En-tout-cas,
and Sunshades.
I, CÉSAR AELTERMAN, residing at 79 Rue de la Loi, Brussels, in the Kingdom of
Belgium, Rentier, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
The present invention relates to an umbrella, en-tout-cas, or parasol of ordinary
construction and shape, but having a frame which may be rendered instantly
revolving or fast upon the stick for the purpose of avoiding the difficulties met with
in using and handling the ordinary pattern in crowded or obstructed places or during
a strong wind.
To this end, the "notch" in which are inserted the upper ends of the ribs, is
mounted so as to be free to revolve upon the umbrella stick and is provided with a
recess for the reception of a spring fixed to the stick and capable of being withdrawn
by means of a sliding ring.
Fig. 1 of the annexed drawing shows, by way of example, a section of the device.
A, is the umbrella stick, B, the "notch" which has a cylindrical prolongation at
its upper part. C, is the recess, D, the fixing spring of wire, or equivalent having
the particular shape indicated in the drawing which imparts to it the greatest
strength without impairing the solidity of the umbrella stick; E, is the sliding ring
which when pushed upwards forces the spring to enter into a small slot made in the
stick and to release the "notch." In this case, the frame of the opened umbrella
may revolve freely upon the stick held firmly in the hand, bearing with its "notch"
against a fast collar F, and with the rim of the runner carrying the stretchers against
the spring catch which retains the latter. On account of the elasticity of the ribs
and the tension they produce upon the cover, the revolving motion although easily
produced by any external graze or collision is neither rapid nor excessive, ceasing
with the cause, and the umbrella, when not touched, remains stable. When on the
contrary the spring is engaged in the recess of the "notch," the frame is made fast
and the umbrella will act and may be closed exactly like the ordinary pattern.
The collar F is of such a thickness that it can retain both the "notch" B and the
plate G which is mounted free for the purpose of masking and protecting the upper
part of the cover.
"
It is evident that the "notch may be provided with several recesses and the
runner with several slots corresponding with the number of these recesses. Besides,
more than one fixing spring E may be used.
Fig. 2 represents a modification of the contrivance applicable to umbrellas of the
Paragon pattern wherein the very great number of ribs (12 to 16) renders it almost
impossible to place the band between them for the purpose of moving the sliding
ring E.
In this case, the "notch" B, is mounted free to revolve upon the stick, as in Fig. 1,
but the recess, the fixing spring and the sliding ring are dispensed with, whereas
the spring catch G, of the runner H, to which are fixed the rib-stretchers, Fig. 2, is
provided with a double catch; the ordinary catch I, and a second catch I¹ obtained

page_text: by bending up the ends of the spring as shewn.
When the rim of the runner rests
upon the first catch I, the other catch I will enter a hole made in the said runner
and render the frame fast; when, on the contrary, the rim of the runner rests upon
the second catch I, as indicated in Fig. 3, the frame can revolve.
It is evident that the shape of the springs is variable according to the nature of
the umbrella stick which may be of wood or of metal tubing.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. An umbrella, en-tout-cas, or parasol of the ordinary pattern, but having a frame
which may be rendered instantly revolving or fast by means of a "notch," "mounted
movable upon the stick and provided with a recess for the reception of a spring or
equivalent, which is fixed to the stick and may be disengaged by means of a sliding
ring, substantially as described with reference to Fig. 1 of the annexed drawing.
2. An umbrella of the Paragon or other pattern the frame of which may be
rendered instantly revolving or fast by means of a "notch" mounted free upon the
stick and by means of a double catch spring for the runner, all substantially as
specified with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.
E. P. ALEXANDER & SON,
Chartered Patent Agents,
19, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Filing Agents.