Improvements in Rib-holding Rings for Umbrellas and the like.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 27th May, 1895
Complete Specification Left, 27th Feb., 1896-Accepted, 25th Apr., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Rib-holding Rings for Umbrellas and the like.
I, CHARLES BROMHALL of 8 Stevenson Square, Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, Umbrella Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my said
invention to be as follows:-
My invention refers to the rings used for holding the ribs of an umbrella or
parasol against the stick, and consists essentially of a thin sheet metal or similar
ring, lined with yielding or flexible material, preferably india-rubber aud in the
form of a series of small pegs, studs, beads or serrations formed in one piece with
a suitable backing, and as far as possible in keeping with the invention for which
I obtained Letters Patent No. 11514 on the 13th day of June 1894.
This ring when placed on the stick of an umbrella or parasol, by reason of the
aforesaid flexible lining (whose inner circumference is slightly less than that of the
stick) becomes frictionally attached thereto, and is incapable of sliding loosely.
down the stick when the umbrella is opened and so when not in use always remains
on the handle part of the stick.
When drawn over the umbrella ribs the aforesaid studs take between the "tips,"
and when behind said "tips," prevent the ring working loose.
This improved ring is, by preference applied to the umbrella or parasol before
the frame or handle is attached, but, by being "split," or divided in halves it may
be placed on the stick after the frame or handle has been applied, and therefore
to existing umbrellas or parasols. In the case of its being split the elasticity of
the ring may be sufficient to attach it to the stick, but in the case of a divided
ring the parts will be hinged together and a special fastening provided for securing
the free ends.
The improved ring may be made in any suitable material, and may be variously
formed or shaped, and thus serve an ornamental as well as a useful purpose.
Dated this 24th day of May 1895.
CHARLES BROMHALL,
By John G. Wilson & Co.,
Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Rib-holding Rings for Umbrellas and the like.
I, CHARLES BROMHALL of 8 Stevenson Square, 'Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, Umbrella Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention consists essentially of a thin sheet metal or similar ring of hard
substance lined with yielding or flexible material, preferably india-rubber and in
the form of a series of small pegs or studs, for use as an umbrella, or parasol rib
(tip) holding ring.
This ring when placed on the stick of an umbrella or parasol by reason of the
aforesaid flexible lining (whose inner circumference is slightly less than that of

page_text: the stick) becomes frictionally attached thereto, and is incapable of sliding loosely
down the stick when the umbrella is opened, and therefore always remaining on the
handle part of the stick ready for use.
When drawn over, or on to the ribs the aforesaid studs take between the "tips,"
and when behind such "tips" prevent the ring working loose.
And in order that my said invention shall be the more readily understood and
carried into practical effect I have hereunto annexed a sheet of drawings and will
now proceed to describe the same with the assistance of the various figures and
letters of reference marked thereon.
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate full size exterior views of my improved umbrella rib
holding ring; and Figs. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate the metal and flexible parts
separately.
Fig. 6 illustrates the improved ring when on the stick, or handle of an umbrella,
and sustained by the flexible lining, and Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate the ring in plan
and elevation (partly sectional) when drawn over the "tips."
The exterior part (A) takes, by preference a thin sheet metal endless and
annularly channelled form with the channelling arranged to open on the inner
circumference as illustrated in Fig. 3. Within said channelling is the aforesaid
flexible lining (B), either sprung and cemented therein, or affixed within the metal
before the edges are fully turned over, and then by the further turning over of
the edges, securely clamped in the ring.
Such lining is formed with pegs, studs, or knobs (C) all converging towards the
ring centre. The spaces between these pegs, correspond by preference, to the
size of the ribs of the umbrella, and the diameter or circumference of the circle
described by the peg or stud points is slightly less than that of the umbrella
stick.
On being placed on the umbrella stick, which is done either by removing the
handle, or before the frame is applied as aforesaid, the ring, owing to the flexible
lining, remains at whatever point it is released (see Fig. 6), but it is readily
moved up or down with a slight rubbing action of the rubber studs or pegs,
whose points give way or fold under the movements of the ring. Similarly the
ring is also readily slipped over the " tips" (D), as these latter by their position
and looseness readily select and pass through the spaces between the pegs (C) as
the ring is pushed over them. When in position the improved ring cannot possibly,
of itself, come off the ribs, as the pegs or studs (C) lying behind the "tips" (D)
(see Fig. 4) form an abutment, and effectually lock it thereon until it is deliberately
pulled off by hand.
The exterior face of the ring may be engraved, chased, or otherwise embellished
or treated, or may be left plain (or partly engraved and partly plain as
illustrated), and in this connection it will be obvious that the ring affords a
convenient medium for applying the monogram or name of the owner or maker
of the umbrella. Similarly the ring may be gilded, plated, lacquered, or
enamelled.
As applied to existing umbrellas or parasols with the stick and handle in
one piece, the improved ring may be "split," or formed in halves and hinged
together, with a snap or other fastening to secure the unhinged ends. With
umbrellas having small or slender handles, the ring may be threaded on to
the stick.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood
that I do not confine myself to the particular shape, proportions (or spacing) of
the pegs or studs, or flexible lining, or to the precise manner of fixing the parts of
the ring together, since such can be varied without departing from my invention,
and what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is :-
1st. A ring of metal or similar hard substance, with a lining of flexible material,
as and for the purposes set forth..)

page_text: 2nd. In umbrella rib holding rings the lining (B) with pegs or studs (C) as and
for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 5th day of February 1896.
CHARLES BROMHALL,
By John G. Wilson & Co.,
Agents.