Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Nov., 1886
Complete Left, 19th Sept., 1887
Complete Accepted, 4th Nov., 1887
RESERVE
WILLIAM BURNS Oculist Optician 142 Lambeth Road London S.E. do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows
There has been a long felt want for frames for glass to be applied to tents, marquees,
umbrellas, and other coverings and structures of textile fabrics or in connection with
other materials, for the purpose of admitting light without the disadvantages of the
rain, wind strong lights or other variations of the atmosphere being admitted ; no
such means being in use. The Inventor has applied his attention to make a frame
or serios of frames composed of India-rubber, caoutchouc, or other elastic and flexible
materials, (either in use, or those that may be invented in the future) in which the
glass or lense can be fixed in a groove in the inside of the rim of the frame, the glass
or lense being made larger than the aperture; when inserted in the frame is held
firmly by its flexibility, and is prevented from falling out. By simply using a little
pressure on the glass or lenso it is removed; and the frame regains its original size
and position by its flexibility.
The means by which the frames are attached to the materials are either by being
sewn, or by a composition of india-rubber and naptha, or other adhesive compositions,
or contrivances.
The following few examples will illustrate the various applications :-
--
Tents and Marquees :-Have been and are at present without means of admitting
light without the disadvantages of the rain, wind or dust being admitted, by means of the
india-rubber frames as aforesaid are applied to suitable positions as may be required;
glasses can be made of any thicknesses to withstand any pressure.
Umbrellas: The inventor applies to that part of the umbrella which in rainy or
stormy weather is held before his eyes (the holder) and prevents him from seeing
objects; two or more frames in which are inserted plane white or colored glasses,

page_text: according to the requirements of the holder; the glasses can be removed and the
umbrella folded in the ordinary way withoutout altering its apperance, or can remain
with perfect safety by placing a rubber ring around the tips of the ribs.
Lenses for Telescopes, Photographic Apparatus and Microscopes :-By means of
india-rubber frames, tubes or bands, inserted in the body of the instrument and by
their flexibility can be easily removed and would effect a great saving in the expense
of mounting compared with brass or other metals.
Roofs of buildings, Hothouses, Conservatories, and temporary structures -By
means of frames as aforesaid singly or in combination to admit light the frames
glasses being perfectly water tight would obviate the trouble and expense of glazing;
besides they could be removed and made available for future use.
Steamboats, Yachts and other Vossels:-By means of the India Rubber Frames
as aforesaid for Hatchways, Sky lights and port-holes, being waterproof would not
be affected or damaged by sea water.
Umbrellas and coverings for drivers of Omibuses, Tram cars, Cabs and other
vehicles-There are not at present any means by which drivers who are constantly
exposed to the inclemency of the weather, can be protected by coverings in which
there are any means of observing objects before thein; by means of coverings com-
posed of textile fabrics supported by frames composed of iron or other materials; and
in which are inserted two or more frames of india rubber as aforesaid, with plane
white or colored glasses; and which can be removed at pleasure.
The various combinations constituting the invention are believed to have been
sufficiently described in the foregoing specification, neither dimensions, forms, or
thicknesses of the Indiarubber or materials for the frames or glasses are given but
in this respect the invention is not limited: it is not considered necessary either to
indicate the respective materials either than India rubber, caoutchouc or any other
flexible or elastic material.
Dated Sawantmonth November100

page_text: Improvements in Frames of Elastic Materials for Holding Plates
of Glass or Lenses, Especially Applicable to Tents, Marquees,
Umbrellas, and Cameras.
WILLIAM BURNS Oculist Optician formerly of 142 Lambeth Road, London, S.
now of 10 Kilravock Street, Queen's Park London, W. 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 :—
There has been a long felt want for frames for glass to be applied to tents, marquees,
umbrellas, and other coverings and structures of textile fabrics, or in connection with
other materials for the purpose of admitting light without the disadvantages of the
rain wind strong lights, or other varieties of the atmosphere being admitted, also for
the same species of elastic frames as applicable to the insertion of window ventilators
of glass or other materials; no such means being in use or previously Invented.
The Inventor has applied his attention to make a frame or series of frames,
composed of India Rubber, Caoutchoc, or other elastic materials, either in use or that
may be invented in the future in which the glass or lens can be fixed in a groove,
and being made larger than the aperture, when inserted in the frame, it is held
firmly, by its flexibility and is prevented by falling out. By simply using a little
pressure on the glass or lens it can be removed and the frame regains its original size
and position by its flexibility. The means by which the frames are attached to the
inaterial are either by saving or by a composition of naptha and India Rubber or
other adhesive compositions or contrivances.
Tents and Marquees, as at present made have no provision for the admission of
light, except the entrance opening, which of course readily admits also rain, snow,
strong winds, dust intense sunlight, or other inconveniences. By the use of glasses
in the elastic frames, applied to suitable positions as may be required; any amount of
light may be secured, while atmospheric variations are excluded. When the Tent or
Marquee is required to be taken down or furled or folded for transport or removal,
the glass can be readily removed by the finger and thumb and the elastic frames,
present no obstacle to the rolling or doubling up of the fabric. The glasses can be
made of any thickness to resist any pressure also colored to soften the light which is
admitted.
For small sailing vessels, pleasure boats and yachts, managed by one individual
these elastic frames would subserve a very useful purpose. If the navigator sits in
the stern sheets and manages both the tiller and the main sail by these frames and
glasses fixed in the sail, he could have a free and perfect view, and they would not
prevent furling.
For Tilts and Tarpaulins and other Textile Coverings of Vans and Carts my elastic
frames inserted in the sides front or in the back, would be of infinite service to the
driver or his assistant, enabling him to have a perfect view of a crowded street or in
turning a corner the rain or dust would be prevented from entering the van, while the
curtains in the front having my elastic frames would give an unimpeded view to the
Iriver.
For Umbrellas ; one or more of my elastic frames are fixed firmly in the umbrella
covering and offer no impediment to its being rolled up, when elevated in wet weather

page_text: or against a head or chopping wind, these frames afford windows or spy holes through
the umbrella, and thus enables its bearer to see where he is going, so as to avoid
collisions with pedestrians coming in opposite directions or lamp posts, trees, and
other objects. The glasses can be removed and the umbrella folded in the ordinary
way.
For Ambulance Waggons, either for military or Hospital services, my elastic frames
inserted in the coverings would admit light, and by removing the glass could admit
air, and act as ventilators; tinted or smoked colored glasses could be inserted to prevent
strong lights entering.
For Umbrella coverings for Drivers, of omnibuses, cabs, carriages, tram cars, and
other vehicles. There are not at present any means whereby drivers, who are
constantly exposed to the inclemency of the weather can be protected. This is
rendered practicable by my Invention, as coverings composed of textile fabrics,
supported by frames of iron or other materials, can be adopted, in which are fixed
my elastic frames, glazed with white or colored glass, which would yield an unimpeaded
view ahead, and could be removed at pleasure.
For Photographer's Dark Tents, and Bags; my clastic frames fitted to the fabric,
and provided with ruby or canary glass, enables the operator to conduct all his
operations in perfect safety, and without a lamp, which, would be of great advantage,
especially to Tourists and travelling Photographers.
For the Roofs of such Buildings as Hothouses and Conservatories, and most
temporary structures, these elastic-frames, either singly or in combination offer great
facilities for perfect lighting as the glasses being perfectly water-tight in the frames,
would entirely obviate the trouble and expense of glazing. Besides this, thoy could
be removed if the structure was taken down, and would be available for future use in
any other erection.
For Spectacles, my elastic frames offer many advantages over the spectacles gene-
rally worn, and now in use. In these frames lenses can be inserted at pleasure, to
suit the varying defects of vision of the wearer; also tinted or smoke-colored plano
glasses for weak-sight and to guard against dust and strong lights. For those working
in factories or mills, in which grinding is being carried on, they are of great service,
and the low price at which they can be produced, will render them a boon to the
"Million."
For Telescopes, Cameras, and Microscopes; India rubber frames, tubes, or bands
inserted in the body of the instruments, by their flexibility will allow the lenses to be
easily removed and would effect a great saving in the expense in mounting compared
with brass or other metals.
For Steamboats, Yachts, and other Vessels, my elastic frames for Port-holes, sky-
lights, and hatchways to admit light, being waterproof would not be affected, or
damaged by sea water.
For Ventilators for dwelling houses or other edifices, a similar clastic frame can be
inserted in a circular aperture cut in a pane of glass or other materials can be placed
when required or replaced by a circular pane of glass to altogether exclude the
external air when the temperature is low.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :—
1. The means of making of Elastic Glazing by two flat india-rubber rings sewn
on each sides of any fabric forming a groove for the reception of glass or transparent
materials for the purpose of admitting light through Tents, Umbrellas, or textilo
materials and constructions.
Dated this 17th day of September 1887.