Improved Method of and Apparatus for Regulating the Lower Edge of Ladies' Skirts.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 14th May, 1898
Complete Specification Left, 10th Feb., 1899-Accepted, 11th Mar., 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Method of and Apparatus for Regulating the Lower Edge
of Ladies' Skirts.
I, GEORGE WILLIAM CLARK, of 11, Becton Road, Meersbrook, Sheffield, in the
County of York, Ladies' Tailor, do hereby declare the nature of my invention
to be as follows:-
-:
This invention relates to mechanism for use in regulating the lower edge of
ladies dresses, skirts and like garments all of which are included in the general
term of "skirts," to the proper distance from the ground or floor.
In carrying out my invention I construct a stand or base of any desired pat-
tern or design having a circular top, say for example about twenty one inches
diameter, and about nine inches above the floor.
Upon this stand, I support a flat table of similar diameter or thereabouts,
resting upon a centre pivot and one or more circles of ball or roller bearings to
enable it to be turned round easily upon the central pivot.
It is preferably provided with a catch or stop to retain it when desired, for
example, when a person is either stepping upon or off the table, and a support
for the hand to take hold of may also stand vertically at a convenient height
for that purpose.
From one side of the stand or base before described, projects a horizontal
arm capable of being moved either towards or from the table, and carrying
at its outer end a vertical rod.
Upon the vertical rod is a light arm which can be adjusted to any vertical
position and secured by a thumb screw; its free end which is towards the table
is provided with means, such as a spring clip, for holding a piece of chalk, by
which the skirt is marked as the wearer is slowly turned round while standing
upon the table.
ROBT. F. DRURY, C.P.A.,
Agent for Applicant,
Bank Buildings, George Street, Sheffield..
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Method of and Apparatus for Regulating the Lower Edge
of Ladies' Skirts.
I, GEORGE WILLIAM CLARK, of 11, Beeton Road, Meersbrook, Sheffield, in the
County of York, Ladies' Tailor, 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:―
This invention relates to mechanism for use in regulating the lower edge of

page_text: ladies dresses, skirts and like garments (all of which I intend to include in the
general term of "
skirts") to the proper distance from the ground or floor.
In carrying out my invention I construct a stand or base of any desired pat-
tern or design having a circular top, say for example about twenty one inches
diameter, and about nine inches above the floor.
A stand made according to my invention is shown in the annexed sheet of
drawings which clearly illustrate how the invention may be carried into practice;
similar figures indicate similar parts in both figures.
Fig. 1, represents an elevation of an improved stand.
Fig. 2, is a plan of same with part of the revolving top or table, removed to
show the ball bearings.
I construct a base 1, raised a suitable distance from the floor upon legs 2, or
by other like means, the top of the base being circular by preference and about
twenty one inches in diameter.
Upon this base I support a flat top or table 3, rather larger in diameter,
preferably covered with carpet and resting upon one or more circles of balls 4,
placed in annular grooves formed in the base 1, and the underside of the table 3;
and retained in position by a central pin or bolt 5, which also secures the two
parts together.
Instead of balls I may substitute a series of rollers let into recesses in the
part 1, upon which the top would rest and revolve in a similar manner to that
described above; the top will therefore be easy to rotate even when a person
is standing upon it.
I provide a catch or retainer 6, and one or more holes 7 to receive it, in order
that the top 3, may not be caused to rotate when a person is either stepping
upon or off it. Instead of a pin and holes I may use a circular rack and a
catch, as will be understood.
A support 15, or hand rest for the person to take hold of is fixed in a con-
venient position as shown and may be made telescopic or adjustable if desired.
An adjustable arm 8, is attached to the base 1, and projects beyond the edge
of the table or top 3; it slides readily in or out of its supports 9, and carries
upon its outer end a vertical rod 10.
Upon the vertical rod 10, is a short arm 11, which can be adjusted to any
desired vertical position upon the rod 10, and secured in that position by a thumb
screw 12.
Its free end which points towards the table is provided with a spring clip 13,
or other equivalent means, for holding a piece of chalk 14. by which the skirt
can be marked perfectly parallel with the table or top as the wearer is slowly
turned round while standing upon the table 3.
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. The improved apparatus for use in regulating the lower edge of ladies
skirts, and the like, substantially as herein before described and shown.
2. An apparatus for facilitating the regulation of the lower edge of ladies
skirts, and the like, consisting of a turntable 3, upon which the lady is to stand,
a radially adjustable arm 8, with a vertical part 10, carrying a short adjustable
arm 11, provided with a chalk holder 13, as hereinbefore described and set forth.
Dated the 26th day of January 1899. ·
ROBT. F. DRURY, C.P.A.,
Agent for Applicant.