IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS, PARASOLS, AND SUNSHADES
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Smyth, of Little Trinity Lane, in the City
of London, Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
UMBRELLAS, PARASOLS, AND SUNSHADES."
Sealed the 16th June 1868, and dated the 7th January 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Smyth at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
7th January 1868.
I, HENRY SMYTH, of Little Trinity Lane, in the City of London,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the
the nature of the
of the said Invention
IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS, PARASOLS. AND SUNSHADES," to be as
for
follows:-
One part of the improvements relates to the construction of the ends
of the ribs and of the stretchers, and the "wheels" and "runners."
The end of each rib and of each stretcher is formed with a cross piece or T,
which cross piece is by preference of the form of an elongated ball with
spherical or conical ends. These parts are received into a groove
or channel in the "wheel," and are retained therein by a ring or cap which
Price 8d 1

page_text: is passed over them by screwing, and is held in position by a set
screw or by other suitable means, openings being provided in the wheels and
in the rings or caps for the play of the stems of the ribs or stretchers;
or these ribs or stretchers may be formed with a ball or enlarge-
ment, having a fin or projection to pass into a socket, or the ball or enlarge-
ment may have a groove in it to receive a key or pin in the socket. The
object in either case being to control the motion of the ribs or stretchers
to one direction. The end of each stretcher attached to a rib is enlarged
and formed with projections. The enlarged part is received between
two surfaces of a plate to the rib, such surfaces also having holes enlarged
receive the projections from the enlarged ends
admit of the projections being spread therein.
"wheel
connected to the stretchers has an
on their outer surface to
of the stretcher, and to
The "runner" with its
internal groove to run on a rib or fin or feather on the "stick,"
or it is provided with a fin or feather to run in a groove in the "stick."
The groove in the "stick" is undercut to receive the enlarged under surface
of the fin or feather which is slided therein from one end of such
groove. A stop carried by the runner, and acting in a groove or notch in
the fin or feather, or part of the stick retains the runner in position, such stop
being actuated by a spring acting on a wedge-formed piece. The stop
is connected to a ring capable of turning on the runner, by moving which, or
by other suitable means, the stop may be released at pleasure. The "upper
wheel" is provided with a tubular socket or prolongation extending upwards
and slightly conical. This part is also slit down in several places and tapped
with a thread to receive correspondingly screwed cap with a flange,
by which the centre of the silk or other covering is held, and that "wheel" by
the parts of the socket being nipped closely on to the "stick" is more securely
held in position.
Another part of the improvements relates to means by which the silk or other
covering is attached to the ends or tips of the ribs.
According to one arrangement the part of the silk or other covering
is strengthened with leather or other fabric, and perforated to receive the
end of the rib which is formed with a shoulder and a screw thread to
receive a screw tip; washers may be also applied on each side of the
covering fabric, or the covering fabric may be provided with metal or
other eyelet holes, or with a stud or button and cap, such cap having a
socket to pass on to the end of the rib, to be retained there by a screw
tip. Other projections or clips may also be used to embrace the rib and

page_text: aid in holding the covering steadily in position.
The ribs and stretchers
may be formed of round wire flattened, the edges thereof being towards the case
or cover.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Henry Smyth in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
7th July 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I, HENRY
SMYTH, of Little Trinity Lane, in the City of London, Manufacturer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of January, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the thirty-
first year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors; give
and grant unto me, the said Henry Smyth, Her special licence that I,
the said Henry Smyth, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said Henry Smyth, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and
Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN UMBRELLAS, PARASOLS
AND SUNSHADES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Henry Smyth, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
was to be performed, and cause the saine to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Henry Smyth, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof, that is to say:-
The Invention relates to various improvements in the construction or arrange-

page_text: But in order that these improvements may be fully understood I will by the
aid of the accompanying Drawings proceed to describe means pursued by me
in carrying the same into effect.
Figure 1 shows a portion of the metal tube or "stick" of an umbrella
with the top "wheel" applied thereto, arranged according to my
Invention. Figure 2 represents a portion of another part of the tube ог
"stick" with the runner and the "wheel" applied thereto to receive
ends of the "stretchers." Figure 3 is an end view of Figure 2.
Figure 4 shows a similar view to Figure 2, but. with parts in
section; Figure 5 is a transverse section through (1) (1) of Figures 2 and 4;
Figures 6 and 7 show two views of portions of a rib and of a part of a
stretcher adapted to be used with the "wheels" b and g. Figures
8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, show parts separately. In each of the views the same
letters are employed to indicate corresponding parts wherever they occur.
a, a, shows the tube or "stick," which is represented to be of metal,
though it may be otherwise formed; b is the "top wheel" or flange to
receive the upper ends c of ribs d. These ends c it will be seen are of a
spherical form obtained as hereafter described, and each is received into
in the "wheel" b,
from
a corresponding spherically formed recess or socket
where it is covered and held in by a ring or cap e, there being
openings e¹ and b, both in the ring or cap e, and in the wheel
the sockets therein to admit of sufficient play for the ribs d. The ends
of each stretcher are formed similarly spherical at and f. The
ends are adapted to be received into spherical recesses or sockets g'
formed in the "wheel" g, similar to the recesses or sockets b¹ in the
wheel b, this wheel being affixed to the sliding tube or runner h,
and the spherical ends are held therein by rings g². The rings or
caps and g to the wheels b and are held in position by screwing
over the wheels b and g, and when so screwed in position they are
there retained by pins, or rivets, or screws, as may be desired. I' prefer
that such pin or screw to the top wheel pass from one side of the
wheel to the other through the stick, as shown by Figures 1 and 41,
and that that to the parts of the "wheel" to the runner there be
several pins or screws y, as shown by Figures 23, 35, 36, 37, 38, 52,
53, and 55. The ends of the stretchers are also received between
spherically formed recesses in plates i affixed to the ribs d, and so as

page_text: to freely move between such plates.
C
The runner with its "wheel" g
connected to the stretchers is formed with a groove h¹ to run on a fin
or feather a formed on or affixed to the hollow tube a, or there may
be a fin or feather on the tube h to run in a groove in the stick so
as to prevent the runner from turning round, whilst it admits of its
sliding freely endwise on the
"stick." The other end of the
runner is formed with flanges h, h, and a cross piece h². A spring h
is applied between these flanges 1, ", with one end of it resting against the
cross piece 2, and the other end of it bearing against a moveable piece k*,
which is applied to move in the groove formed between the two
flanges, h, and in so doing to pass into one of a pair of notches a²
(see Figure 51) formed for it in the pin or feather a', thereby forming
locking apparatus to retain the runner in position, either when the
umbrella is opened or closed. The moveable piece acting as a stop is
affixed by set screws or otherwise to a rim h, which is also in like manner
affixed to a similar sliding piece 7, which is capable also of moving between
the flanges h', ', on the opposite side of the ring he, where it serves to aid in
keeping the ring in position. This ring may be milled on its outer surface
to facilitate motion to it, or roughened, or it may have a knob or ball attached
on it for that purpose.
=
Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,
and 29 show various modifications in the means I adopt for producing
the ends of the ribs d, or it may be of the ends and fof
the stretchers to be received into recesses formed for them in the "wheels"
or the plates affixed to the ribs. Figures 13, 14, and 15 show by two
opposite side views and an edge view a portion of a rib with the end c
thereof of a T form. Figures 16 and 17 show by a side and edge view a
modification in which the enlargement c at the end thereof is of a
spherical form; these and other modifications being obtained as shown
more clearly by other separate views at Figures 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and
29, by one part chaving a stem c, which is passed through an eye d'
formed for it in the end of the rib d, and thence through another piece c",
and these parts are then rivetted down or pressed to hold all the parts
together.
Figures 18, 19, and 20 show two opposite views and an edge view
of a portion of another rib with the enlarged end c applied thereto,
as last described, except that in this case the end of the rib d projects
beyond the enlargement c, forming thereby a sort of flange c', which by
passing into a correspondingly formed recess in the socket of a "wheel"

page_text: Piano puraner to the MAIS
the "stick."
Figures 21, 22, and 23 show two opposite side views and an edge view
of a portion of a rib d with an enlargement c formed on it, as described; but
in this case the end of the rib does not project so far as the outer surface of
the enlargement c, and thereby leaves a recess in the enlargement adapted
to receive the end of a pin or other projection from the socket of the "wheel,"
and thereby act as the fin or feather last referred to to control the motion of
the rib in the direction desired.
Figures 30, 31, 32, and 33 show by several views a method of forming the
joint between the stretchers and the ribs. In this case the spherical end f
of the stretcher f is formed with projections f, f, which when applied project
through holes in the side surfaces of the plate i; and these holes are counter-
sunk, so that when the ends f' are hammered or pressed down they fill up the
countersinkings, and at the same time give increased strength to the parts to
prevent a tendency to separation.
Figure 34 shows a modification of a "wheel" applied to a runner h.
Figures 35, 36, 37, and 38 show parts separately. In this case in place
of a series of recesses or sockets each to receive a separate end of a rib
there is a groove g³ formed in the wheel g to receive these ends, and they
are retained in position by a cap or rim g³,
ing on to the part g, openings g¹ being formed in the parts g, g, for the
play of the ribs.
which is held in position by screw-
Figures 52 and 53 show a side view and an end view of a modification
of the means of connecting the parts
is held on to the part g by screwing.
separately.
"
and g². In this case the part g
Figures 52 and 55 show these parts
Figures 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43 show by an external view a sectional
view and detail views a method of connecting the upper "wheel" to the
stick."
In this case the upper < wheel" is formed with a tubular
socket or prolongation b3 extending upwards and slightly conical. This
part is also slit down at several places b and it is tapped with a thread
to receive a correspondingly screwed cap b, the end b of which rests
against the top of the silk or other covering shown by blue lines, whilst
by the nip applied to the socket 3 the parts are more securely held
together.
to
Figure 34 also shows a modification of the locking apparatus applied
the runner; and Figures 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49, detail views of

page_text: parts of the same. In this case a spring is attached at one end to the runner
h, whilst the other end of this spring bears on the wedge m affixed by set
screw or otherwise to the rim h, so that the tendency of the action of the
spring is to bear the rim 5 round with the stop h affixed thereto in one of
the notches of the fin or feather a¹. The fin or feather a¹ in this case is
formed wedge-shaped in section or broader along its inner than its outer edge,
and it is passed endways into a correspondingly wedge-shaped groove formed
for it in the "stick" a of the umbrella, as shown by Figure 50, and it is there
retained by ferrules n or otherwise at the ends, as shown by Figure 51 and other
of the Figures.
I would here remark generally that though the "sticks are in some
parts of this Specification referred to as being of metal, and in others of
wood, they may be of any suitable material, and a workman will readily
make such modifications in the application of the parts as the circumstances
may require.
I would also have it understood that although I have in this description
referred mainly to parts of umbrellas the improvements are equally applicable
to parasols and sunshades.
Having thus described my Invention, and means which I adopt in
carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood that I do not
confine myself to the precise details shown and described so long as the
peculiar character of the improvements be retained; but what I do
claim is,-
First. The method of constructing and applying the "wheels" band g to
receive the ends of ribs and of stretchers of umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades,
substantially as shown and described in respect of Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, also
34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 52, 53, 54, and 55.
Secondly. I claim the method of forming the runner together with the
parts of the "sticks" of umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades so that such
runners may be guided in sliding on the sticks in manner substantially
as explained in respect of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 34, 35, 37, 39, 49, 50,
and 51.
Thirdly. I claim the arranging and combining parts forming locking
apparatus to runners of umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades, substantially
as described in respect of Figures 2, 4, 5, 12, 34, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,
and 51.
Fourthly. I claim the method of constructing the ends c, f', and f of

page_text: ribs and of stretchers of umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades to be received into
suitably formed recesses or "wheels," substantially as described in respect of
Figures 13 to 29.
Fifthly. I claim the arranging and combining parts forming the joints between
the stretchers and the ribs of umbrellas, parasols, and sunshades, substantially
as described in respect of Figures 30, 31, 32, and 33.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Smyth, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and sixty-eight.
HENRY SMYTH. (L.S.)