IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
"
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS." A communication from
abroad by William Henry Richardson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United
States of America.
Sealed the 22nd March 1878, in pursuance of an Order of the Lord Chancellor, and
Jatal - 00-1 A1075
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd August 1877.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS."
[A communication from abroad by William Henry Richardson, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, United States of America.]
This Invention relates, first, to a method of fastening the ribs and stretchers of
an umbrella so as to dispense with openings in the ends thereof and the wires
usually employed; and it consists of means for readily applying and removing the
ribs without their interference one with another.
In order to secure the ribs in position their ends are formed with T heads, whose
narrow sides enter slots or openings in a collar fixed to the upper end of the stick,
and by a partial turn of the ribs the heads engage with the walls of the collars, so
as to be securely attached thereto. The stretchers also have T heads, which enter
slots or openings in a collar fixed to the runner, said openings being closed by a
rotating band fitted on the runner, but rendered accessible by means of a slot in
said rotating band, whereby when the slot and one of the openings register or
communicate a stretcher may be applied or removed.
The end of each rib and stretcher is formed with flattened T heads, the heads of
the two parts extending in the same direction.
To the upper end of the stick there is secured a hollow collar, in the walls of the
under side of which there is formed a series of openings, into which the heads of
the ribs are adapted to enter.

page_text: A hollow collar is secured to the upper end of the runner, and in the walls of the
upper side of which there is formed a series of openings, into which the heads of
the stretchers are adapted to enter. On the outside of the said runner, just below
the said collar, there is fitted a rotating band, at a point of the upper edge of which
there is a slot which is adapted to register or communicate with either of the
openings of the collar. On the runner below the said band there is a circumferential
bead or rib, which serves to hold the band properly in position on the runner and
against the collar, but without preventing the rotation of the band. Lugs, projec-
tions, or pins will accomplish the same result as a continuous bead or rib.
A stretcher can be readily removed by rotating the band, so that its slot coincides
with the opening of the stretcher to be removed. The stretcher can now be readily
withdrawn from the collar. Then by a partial rotation of the rib its head may be
drawn out through the slot respectively, and thus the rib will also be displaced.
By these means any rib and its stretcher may be removed and applied without
disturbing or interfering with the remaining ribs and stretchers.
The collar on the stick has a downwardly projecting flange, which is circumscribed
by the upper end of the rotating band, whereby the collar will be supported, and it
is not liable to be drawn out under extraordinary strain.
The collar and band will have smooth surfaces in order to prevent premature
wear of the fabric of an umbrella.
This Invention relates, secondly, to a runner so constructed as to enable the
umbrella to be raised or lowered by simply moving the runner without requiring a
separate action of the hand to press in the springs which are used to hold the
umbrella closed or expanded.
. I
14
The inner tube of the runner has fixed to its upper end the stretchers as in
ordinary cases, and is substantially like the runner usually used except that it is
longer than the common runner, and has cut through it two slots, instead of but
one, to receive two springs fitted in the stick, and which keep the umbrella closed
or expanded. Over such tube is an outer tube, which is somewhat shorter than the
other, and slides up and down upon it, and is swelled or expanded at or about its
middle sufficiently to allow the springs to be fully expanded or thrown out when
such swelled part is over either of such springs, at which time the outer tube also
entirely conceals the spring.
The action or operation of such improved runner is as follows:-When the
umbrella is shut, and it is desired to open or raise it, it is not necessary to press
with the thumb or finger the spring down through the slot and into the spring
recess in the stick, as has to be done in ordinary umbrellas to allow the runner tube
to be pushed up; but the outer tube is moved upward and upon the inner tube
until its upper end comes in contact with the stretcher rim. The first upward
movement of such outer tube brings the inclined surface or face of its swelled
portion against one of the springs, and presses such spring into the stick, so that
the inner tube can pass over it as if the spring were forced in by the thumb or
finger; and then the further upward movement of such outer tube carries the inner
slotted tube along with it over the spring, and thus raises or opens the 'umbrella as
in ordinary cases. A continued movement in the same direction of the two tubes
of the runner, in the manner described; thus performs the two offices of first pressing
in the holding spring 'and then carrying up the inner tube which expands the
umbrella. When the umbrella is fully expanded the upper-slot in the inner tube is
brought over the upper spring of the stick, and such spring passes into such slot
and holds the umbrella open.
: +
4.
When it is desired to close the umbrella a similar movement of the runner tubes
takes place, but in an opposite direction. The outer tube is first moved downward,
which motion brings the inclined surface or face of its swelled portion against one
of the springs, and presses it into the stick. This is effected when the lower end
of such tube strikes against a rim or lip on the lower end of the inner tube, and
the further downward movement of such outer tube carries such inner tube along
with it over the spring, and closes the umbrella. When the umbrella is fully closed

page_text: the slot in the inner runner tube is brought over one of the springs, which at once
expands into or flies out through such slot, and thus holds the runner, and secures
the umbrella from opening until the outer tube is again moved upward, as described,
to release the spring and allow the umbrella to be opened.
This arrangement and operation of runner tubes is alike applicable to parasols
and sunshades and the like, or umbrellas of any size or description.
The inner runner tube may also be made shorter and with a single slot, substan-
tially as used in ordinary umbrellas; but with such construction of inner tube the
outer tube would have to be retained upon and over the inner one by some device,
as by a lip or rim on the inner tube, against which the angle of the outer tube may
strike, or by any convenient device for such purpose.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd
March 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS.'
A communication from abroad by William Henry Richardson, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, United States of America.
This Invention relates, first, to a method of fastening the ribs and stretchers of
an umbrella só as to dispense with openings in the ends thereof and with the
wires usually employed; and it consists in means for readily applying and removing
the ribs without their interference one with another.
In order to secure the ribs in position their ends are formed with T heads, whose
narrow sides enter slots or openings in a collar fixed to the upper end of the stick,
and by a partial turn of the ribs the heads so engage with the collar as to be
securely attached thereto. The stretchers also have T heads, which enter slots or
openings in a collar fixed to the runner, the said openings being closed by a rotating
band fitted on the runner, but rendered accessible by means of a slot in the said
rotating band, whereby, when the slot and one of the openings "register" or
communicate, a stretcher may be applied or removed.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd
March 1878.
"
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS."
A communication from abroad by William Henry Richardson, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, United States of America.
This Invention relates, first, to a method of fastening the ribs and stretchers of
an umbrella só as to dispense with openings in the ends thereof and with the
wires usually employed; and it consists in means for readily applying and removing
the ribs without their interference one with another.
In order to secure the ribs in position their ends are formed with T heads, whose
narrow sides enter slots or openings in a collar fixed to the upper end of the stick,
and by a partial turn of the ribs the heads so engage with the collar as to be
securely attached thereto. The stretchers also have T heads, which enter slots or
openings in a collar fixed to the runner, the said openings being closed by a rotating
band fitted on the runner, but rendered accessible by means of a slot in the said
rotating band, whereby, when the slot and one of the openings register" or
communicate, a stretcher may be applied or removed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING.
"
Figure 1 is a view of the frame of an umbrella; Figure 2 is a view of one of
the ribs and stretchers of the same detached.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of a portion of the upper end of the said frame;
Figure 4 is a side view of the same.
Figure 5 is a side view of a portion of the lower end of the said frame.
Figure 6 is a section on the line. x, x, Figure 5, the stretchers having been
removed.
Figure 7 is a section on the line a se Ficare K. Dice & is a longitudinal contion.

page_text: In Figures 1 to 8 inclusive A represents the stick, B the ribs, C the stretchers,
and D the runner.
The end of each rib and stretcher is formed with flattened T heads a, a¹, the
heads of the two parts extending in the same direction, as shown in Figure 2.
To the upper end of the stick there is secured a hollow collar E, in the walls of
the under side of which there is formed a series of openings b, into which the
heads a of the ribs are adapted to enter.
F represents a hollow collar secured to the upper end of the runner D, and in the
walls of the upper side of which there is formed a series of openings d, into which
the heads al of the stretchers are adapted to enter. On the outside of the runner D,
just below the collar F, there is fitted a rotating band G, at a point of the upper
edge of which there is a slot e, which is adapted to register with either of the
openings d of the collar F. On the runner D below the band G there is a circum-
ferential bead or rib H, which serves to hold the band properly in position on the
runner and against the collar F, but without preventing the rotation of the band.
Lugs, projections, or pins will accomplish the same result as a continuous bead
or rib.
"
When a rib and its stretcher are to be applied to the collars E, F, the rib will be
presented to the collar E, so that the narrow side of the head will enter one of the
openings b therein. Then the rib is turned so that its head will come under the
walls of the slot and the rib will be attached to the collar. The band G will now
be or it has been previously rotated, so that the slot e will "register or communi-
cate with the proper opening d of the collar F. Then the head is pressed from the
circumference of the band to the centre through the slot e, the neck of the head
entering the opening d, and the band G is partially rotated, so that the slot e moves
from the opening with which it registered. This movement brings the upper sides
or walls of the band G over the head a' of the stretcher, so as to confine said head,
whereby the stretcher will be securely locked to the runner through the medium of
the band G and collar F. These operations must be repeated in order to apply the
remaining ribs and stretchers.
It will be seen that the stretcher can be readily removed by rotating the band G
so that the slot e coincides with the opening d of the stretcher to be removed. The
stretcher can now be readily withdrawn from the collar F. Then by à partial
rotation of the rib its head a may be drawn out through the slot b respectively, and
thus the rib will also be displaced. By these means any rib and its stretcher may
be removed and applied without disturbing or interfering with the remaining ribs
and stretchers. The band G is so disposed that it may be most conveniently
reached and rotated from the outside of the runner.
The collar F has a downwardly projecting flange f, which is circumscribed by the
upper end of the rotating band G, see Figure 8, whereby the collar will be supported,
and it is not liable to be drawn out under extraordinary strain.
The collar and band have smooth surfaces to prevent premature wear of the
fabric of an umbrella.
* 1 **
f..
This Invention also relates to a runner so constructed as to enable the umbrella
to be raised or lowered by simply moving the runner without requiring a separate
action of the hand to press in the springs which are used to hold the umbrella
closed or expanded.
Referring to Figures 9 to 12, the inner tube A of the runner has fixed to its
upper end the stretchers 8, as in ordinary cases, and is substantially like the runner
usually employed, except that it is longer than the same, and has cut through it
two slots a, a, instead of but one to receive the two springs c, c', fitted in the
stick C, and which keep the umbrella closed or expanded. Over such tube A is an
outer tube B, which is somewhat shorter than the tube A, and slides up and down
upon it, and is swelled or expanded at or about its middle, substantially as shewn
in Figure 11, sufficiently to allow the springs c, c¹, to be fully expanded or thrown
out when such swelled part is over either of such springs, at which time the outer
tube also entirely conceals the spring.

page_text: When the umbrella is closed and it is desired to open or raise it, it is not
necessary to press with the thumb or finger the spring c down through the slot a
and into the spring recess in the stick, as has to be done in ordinary umbrellas to
allow the runner tube to be pushed up; but the outer tube B is moved upward and
upon the tube. A until its. upper end 1 comes in contact with the stretcher rim s¹.
The first upward inovement of such outer tube B brings the inclined surface or
face b of its swelled portion against the spring c, and presses this spring into the
stick, so that the tube A can pass over it as if the spring were forced in by the
thumb or finger; and then the further upward movement of the said outer tube
carries the inner slotted tube along with it over the spring, and thus raises or opens
the umbrella, as in ordinary cases. A continued movement in the same direction of
the two tubes of the runner in the manner described thus performs the two offices
of first pressing in the holding spring and then carrying up the inner tube which
expands the umbrella. When the umbrella is fully expanded the upper slot a' in
the tube A is brought over the upper spring c¹ of the stick, and such spring passes
into such slot and holds the umbrella open.
When it is desired to close the umbrella a similar movement of the runner tubes
takes place, but in an opposite direction. The outer tube B is first moved down-
ward, which motion brings the inclined surface or face b' of its swelled portion
against the spring c', and presses it into the stick. This is effected when the lower
end 2 of such tube strikes against a rim or lip on the lower end of the inner
tube A; and the further downward movement of such outer tube carries such inner
tube along with it over the spring and closes the umbrella. When the umbrella is
fully closed the slot a in the inner runner tube is brought over the spring c, which
at once expands into or flies out through such slot, and thus holds the runner and
secures the umbrella from opening until the outer tube is again moved upward, as
described, to release the spring and allow the umbrella to be opened. Only a single
motion or continued movement of the runner tubes in one direction is thus required
either to open or shut the umbrella.
The use of this improved runner not only adds greatly to the utility of the
umbrella in the convenience and facility of operating or manipulating the umbrella,
but the outer tube also protects the springs (particularly the lower one), which are
therefore less liable to be bent or displaced, and thus become more or less useless;
it also prevents the catching of anything on or over the spring to the inconvenience
of the user, and adds to the beauty and general appearance of the article.
This arrangement and operation of runner tubes is applicable to parasols and
sunshades, and to umbrellas of any size or description.
The inner runner tube. A may also be made shorter and with a single slot,
substantially as in ordinary umbrellas; but with such construction of the inner
tube the outer tube would have to be retained upon and over the inner one by a
suitable device, as by a lip or rim on the inner tube, against which the angle of the
outer tube may strike.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim an umbrella or parasol embodying the above-described improvements
or any of them, that is to say,-
First. A fixed collar and rotating band for locking and unlocking the stretchers
and runners.
Second. A fixed collar with a number of slots, and a rotary band with a single
slot adapted for locking and unlocking the runner ends of the stretchers.
Third. The runner with a slotted collar and a bead in combination with a rotary
band confined by the collar and bead.
Fourth. The runner so constructed as to enable the umbrella to be raised or
lowered by simply moving the runner without requiring a separate action of the
hand to press in the springs.

page_text: Fifth. The runner composed of an inner and outer tube, and operating with the
stick and springs, all for the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
WM ROBT LAKE. (L.S.)