Improvements in Umbrellas.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Nov., 1897-Accepted, 15th Jan.,
1898:
Improvements in Umbrellas.
We, JAMES CLARK HALL and GEORGE H. BARKER, both of Waldo, in the County
of Alachua, and State of Florida, United States of America, Gentlemen, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention has reference to a novel construction in an umbrella or parasol,
and consists in the features of construction hereinafter described and claimed.
In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification,
Fig. 1 is a central longitudinal section of the unbrella handle and portion of
the frame constructed in accordance with this invention, and showing the parts
in the position they assume when the frame is closed, and
Fig. 2 is a similar view, showing the parts in the position they assume when the
frame is open.
Referring now to said drawings, 1 indicates the stem of the umbrella to which
the ribs are pivoted; 2 indicates an operating stem to which the spreading levers
are pivoted. The said operating stem is hollow and receives the stem 1 in the
manner shown.. The said operating stem 2 is also provided with a longitudinal
slot 3, and the sleeve 4 sliding upon the operating stem 2, is connected through
this slot with the stem 1. The said sleeve 4, is provided with a spring-actuated
detent 5, to engage openings 6, in the operating stem 2, for the purpose of holding
the frame open or closed. The outer end of the operating stem 2, is provided with
a handle 7, which acts as a stop for the sleeve 4, and when these parts are together
they form a convenient handle for the umbrella. The outer end of the operating
stem is also closed by a screw cap 8, and situated within this operating stem and
between the screw cap 8 and the end of the stem is a spring 9, that serves to close
the frame.
The parts being in the position shown in Fig. 1, it is obvious that the frame can
be opened with one hand by simply retracting the detent and then placing the
end of the operating stem against the body or any stationary part and moving the
sleeve 4 towards the handle 7. When the frame is fully opened the detent engages
When it is desired to close the frame
the opening in the operating stem and locks.
it is only necessary to press upon the detent whereupon the spring 9, acting by
expansion, forces the stem upwardly in an obvious manner.
It is plain that an umbrella constructed in this manner is especially useful for
persons having only one arm, or for those having only one arm disengaged, for
instance, persons carrying bundles. It is also useful as a wagon or bicycle
umbrella, and can be readily operated by the driver or rider with one hand. It is
seen also that the umbrella can be opened by placing the tip against a post or
other stationary part and by pushing the handle, which has the same effect as
above described when pressing the sleeve towards the handle,

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is: —
An umbrella consisting of the stem 1, to which the ribs are connected, the
operating stem 2, to which the spreaders are connected, said stem being slotted
at 3, the sleeve 4 sliding on stem 2 and connected with stem 1 through slot 3, the
spring detent 5, the screw cap 8, and spring 9 arranged within the stem 2, said
stem having openings 6 for engagement with the spring detent 5, substantially as
shown and described.
Dated this 92nd day of November 1807
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicants.