Improvements in Labels' and Indicators for Umbrellas aid Parasols 7 te and the mode of Applying and Exhibiting them.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 17th May, 1897
4
10
fatt
Complete Specification Left, 12th Feb., 1898-Accepted, 2nd Apr., 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Labels' and Indicators for Umbrellas aid Parasols
7 te
and the mode of Applying and Exhibiting them.
I, SAMUEL LEAROYD, of Sherwood House, Huddersfield, in the County of York,
and 12, Coleman Street, in the City of London, Solicitor, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in labels for umbrellas sunshades and
parasols (hereinafter called umbrellas) and the mode of applying and exhibiting
them. It has for a long time past been the practice for the makers of steel frames
for umbrellas and for umbrella makers to attach to umbrellas and frames by
various mechanical methods metal and other labels containing their names and
trade marks and the trade names of such umbrellas or frames or other indication
shewing by whom the same are made or the names they bear. This is essentially
important on account of the great similarity in the appearance of umbrellas and
their frames many of which are of very superior and costly construction and others
of which are very inferior though identical in appearance with those of a superior
manufacture.
It also frequently happens that manufacturers of umbrellas and frames are the
makers of a large number of different kinds and qualities to which different names
or marks are attached to distinguish them. It has for these and other reasons
become important to indicate by a name plate or other distinction suitably attached
the name or maker of the particular umbrella or frame or the distinguishing mark
by which it is known.
A large number of inventions have been made as to the construction and exhibit-
ing of such labels. These methods are open to several objections. The labels are
practically identical in appearance and do not afford sufficient distinction and they
lend themselves to imitations. They do not either enable a buyer or customer or
user at a glance to ascertain who is the maker or what is the name of the umbrella
or frame.
The label is frequently hidden in the furrow or trough of the rib or stretcher and
cannot easily be seen.
The labels are also frequently fixed by methods which involve perforation of the
rib or stretcher and mutilation of a part of it and the consequent weakening of the
frame.
It. has become desirable to secure a more distinct label which will at the same
time possess perfect neatness and not afford any eyesore, to a user of the umbrella
and which can be applied and exhibited by novel mechanical methods.
It is desirable that a maker shall have facilities for attaching different kinds of
labels to different umbrellas and frames made by him and bearing different names
and that these labels shall vary in appearance so that alternative methods are
essential
"

page_text: It is also desirable to adopt methods by which the labels may be permanent upon
the umbrella or frame or by which some of them may at pleasure be removed after
the umbrella has been sold or by the buyer of it. And it is also desirable such
labels shall be capable of being used as name plates by the owners of umbrellas.
In order to effect this purpose and to carry out the invention I make the labels in
various alternative forms and attach them in a number of different methods. One
mode in which I apply my invention is by cutting out a strip of metal, celluloid,
wood or other suitable material, and coiling it in a spiral form to fit around the rib
or stretcher, so that it appears as a coiled strip of any desired colour, either com-
pact or alternating in its folds with the rib or stretcher, and I so form this coiled
label so that the various parts of it which pass the hollow portion of the rib or
stretcher may be depressed into the furrow of the rib or stretcher or may wrap
around it entirely. I make these labels so that the ends of them may lodge them-
selves in the furrow or hollow of the stretcher or rib and so that they shall not
come in contact with the silk or other covering of the umbrella.
These coils may have printed upon them any name or design that may be
desired. I sometimes cut or stamp out these labels from a sheet of material in any
design desired and then by suitable tools wrap the stamped blanks around the rib
or stretcher by which means a variety of varying forms and designs may be made
and used. Another method in which I apply my invention is by making the
labels so as to wrap around the rib or stretcher and to fold entirely into the furrow
or hollow of such rib or stretcher and thus to afford a larger space upon which any
name or mark can be affixed, and to make it more distinctive I attach the labels by
pressing them to the walls of the rib or stretcher and following the entire contour
of such rib or stretcher so that the labels become closely attached thereto and shall
not, fill up or impair the action of the furrow of the ribs or stretchers.
When desired I widen and sometimes deepen the furrow of the rib or stretcher
at the part of it where the label comes in contact with it. In other cases I fix
the labels near to the git or part where the ribs and stretchers join. In other cases
I fix them to one or more of the stretchers where such stretchers are attached to the
runners, and sometimes I fix them to the runners by the wire which fastens the
stretchers to the runners. In other cases I attach the labels where the ribs are
connected with the top notch. I sometimes avail myself of the various existing
points of contact of the frames to fix or attach the labels and to
hold them in position and I thus avoid increasing the number of
attachments and use and adapt for the purpose of fixing the labels
the rivets and wires which already bind the different parts of the
umbrella together. I sometimes fix the labels by a rigid attachment, in others,
I so shape the labels as to provide that they shall by hinges, wedges, or shoulders
or by the particular shape adopted, allow of such labels working upon a pivot or pin
and falling edgeways or otherwise folding or passing within the furrow or trough of
the rib or stretcher or both or into a depression or space formed in the runner or
stick, so that the label when the umbrella is opened comes out and is exposed to
view and when the umbrella is closed passes into the recess provided for it.
I in like manner provide instead of opening and closing that the labels shall by
wires, springs levers, hinges or other like methods be drawn up and down and in
other cases around the stretcher, rib, stick or runner in the act of closing and
opening so as to change the position and thus secure a moving label with a view of
calling attention to it on any part of the umbrella desired.
upon
I do not confine myself to the shape or form of the label to be used. In some
cases I make them of a single and in other cases of a double sheet of material folded
upon itself so as to be able to use both sides of the label, and in some cases
these labels stamp or print the name or trade distinction of the manufacturer in
conjunction with that of the customer, and sometimes I make the labels fixed upon
the umbrella and with a sheath or covering to be drawn over or upon or to cover
over the fixed label and to be fixed by a spring or catch and upon this loose label
any name may be stamped or printed, and by this means I provide for varying

page_text: and interchangeable labels on the same umbrella, and in other cases I use these
labels as name plates for the users of the umbrella. In some cases I make them
oblong, in others circular, in others of a lozenge shape, and in others hooked, and in
some cases so that the labels can be used to temporarily hang light articles upon
them so as to set the hands free. I may use one or any number of the labels
desired.
Improvements in Labels and Indicators for Umbrellas and Parasols
and the mode of Applying and Exhibiting them.
I, SAMUEL LEAROYD, of Sherwood House, Huddersfield, in the County of York,
and 12, Coleman Street, in the City of London, Solicitor, do hereby declare the
rature 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 improvements in labels and indicators for umbrellas, sun-
shades and parasols (hereinafter comprehensively referred to as umbrellas) and
comprises improvements in the construction of the labels and in the mode of apply-
ing and exhibiting them.
It has heretofore been the practice of the makers of the frames and other parts
of umbrellas to attach to their manufactures, by various mechanical methods, metal
and other labels containing their names and trade marks, or the trade names or
marks of such manufactures, or other indication showing by whom the same are
made or the names they bear. This is essentially important on account of the great
similarity in the appearance of umbrellas and their frames, many of which are of
very superior and costly construction, and others of which are very inferior, though
resembing those of a superior manufacture. It also frequently happens that manu-
facturers of umbrellas and frames make a large number of different kinds and .
qualities to which different marks or names are attached to distinguish them.
It has for these and other reasons become important to indicate by a name, or other
distinction, suitably attached, the name or maker.of each particular umbrella or
frame, or the distinguishing mark by which it is known.
A large number of inventions have been made relating to the construction and
exhibition of such labels, but they are open to several objections. For instance the
labels are so nearly alike that they do not afford sufficient distinction, but lend
themselves to imitation, besides which they do not enable a buyer, customer or
user at a glance to ascertain who is the maker, or what is the name or mark of the
umbrella or frame. The labels are frequently hidden in the furrow or trough of
the rib or stretcher and cannot easily be seen, and they are often fixed by methods
which involve perforation of the rib or stretcher, or mutilation of a part thereof
and the consequent weakening of the frame.
It has thus become desirable to secure a more distinct label which shall at the
same time possess perfect neatness and not. be an eyesore to the user of the umbrella,
and which can be applied and exhibited by novel mechanical methods. Further it
is desirable that the maker shall have facilities for attaching different kinds of labels
to different umbrellas and frames made by him and bearing different names, and
that these labels shall vary in appearance. Alternative methods are therefore
essential. It is also desirable to adopt methods by which the labels may be per-
manent upon the umbrella or frame, or by which some of them may at pleasure be
removed by the buyer or seller after the umbrella has been sold, and it is also

page_text: desirable such labels shall be capable of being used as name plates by the owners,
of the umbrellas.
In order to effect these purposes and to carry out my invention, I make the labels
in various alternative forms and attach them by a number of different methods to
the frame, the furniture and the stick, as hereinafter described with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
One mode in which I apply my invention is by cutting out a strip a Fig. 1 of
metal, celluloid, wood or other suitable material having any desired colour and
coiling it in a spiral form around the rib or stretcher A. The coils may be close
together, but they are preferably open to show the rib or stretcher between them.
When the strip is applied to fluted frames the various parts of it which pass the
furrow of the rib or stretcher may be depressed into the furrow or may wrap over
without being depressed. The ends of the strip are bent into the furrow and are
pressed against the side walls thereof so as not to come into contact with the
umbrella cover. These coils may have impressed or printed upon them, or other-
wise applied thereto; any name or design that may be desired. In lieu of a spiral
coil I sometimes employ a blank of sheet metal or other material having slots or
openings of any desired pattern cut or stamped in it. Such a blank having straight
inclined slots 6 formed in it is shown in Fig. 2. This blank is wrapped around the
rib or stretcher and is secured in the case of fluted frames by having its edges pressed
into the furrow against the side walls thereof. Figs. 3 and 4 are outer and inner
views respectively of a piece of rib or stretcher with the perforated label applied to
it. In lieu of cutting slots in the blank I may make a blank of any desired out-
line and furnished with tongues for wrapping round the rib or stretcher. Figs. 5,
8, 10 and 13 show different shapes of blanks for carrying out this method, and
Figs. 6 and 7, 9, 11 and 12, and 14, illustrate how the blanks are respectively applied
by folding the tongues around the rib or stretcher A. Figs. 6, 9, 11, and 14 are
views looking towards the furrow of the rib or stretcher, and Figs. 7, and 12 are
views looking from the opposite side. By this method a number of varying forms
and designs may be made and used, all of which afford a large surface for receiv-
ing the name or mark. Another method in which I apply my invention is by
providing labels to wrap around the rib or stretcher and to fold entirely into the
furrow or hollow. I press the labels closely against the walls of the rib or stretcher
and cause them to follow the entire contour thereof so as to become closely attached
thereto while not filling up nor impairing the action of the furrow. Such a method
is illustrated in Figs. 15, 16 and 17, being the label. Fig. 15 is a side view,
Fig. 16 is a view looking towards the furrow, and Fig. 17 is a transverse section. I
sometimes make the sides of the label d very deep as shown in Figs. 18 and 19 to
give more room for the name, and I spread the sides a little to receive the rib and
thus not interfere with the closing of the umbrella. In some instances I bend the
sides out laterally as shown in Fig. 20 and apply the name or mark to the flat surface
thus provided. When desired I widen the furrow of the rib or stretcher at the part
of it where the label is applied as indicated in the side and sectional views Figs. 21
and 22.
Sometimes according to other methods of carrying out my invention I fix the
labels rigidly near to the git, that is to say, the part of the frame where the ribs
and stretchers are joined, and at other times I fix them to one or more of the
stretchers where they are attached to the runners, and sometimes I fix them to the
runners by the wire which fastens the stretchers to the runners. These several
methods will now be described. Fig. 23 illustrates a label resting partially within
the furrow of the stretcher near the end thereof and held in place by the git pin
which is passed through it. Fig. 24 shows the shape of the blank from which the
label is made, and Figs. 25 and 26 are side and end views of the label. The
flanges e of the label form a flat surface to receive the mark or name. Fig. 27
illustrates the blank for another shape of label (shown in face view in Fig. 28)
for attachment at the git. This blank is folded at the middle and has its edges
turned down to form the flat faces e¹ to receive the name or mark. Fig. 29 shows

page_text: the blank of still another form of label for attachment at the git, the finished label
being shown applied to the stretcher in Fig. 30. The wide part e² of the blank is
folded and pierced with a hole through which the git pin is passed.
Fig. 31 is the front view of a label attached to two adjacent stretchers at the
junction of the latter, with the runner B. For holding the label in place I sécure
in the end of each of the said stretchers a T-headed lug C as indicated in Figs. 32
and 33 which are views of a part of the stretcher, and I form a notch f¹ in each
side of the label to pass over the neck of the said lug. The label is inserted by
bending it and passing the edges behind the heads of the lugs.
In a modified form of this label shown applied in Fig. 34 and detached in side
view and plan in Figs. 35 and 36 I provide the label g with wings g¹ that clip around
the adjacent stretchers, and with a perforated lug that enters a special notch B
formed to receive it in the flange of the runner B. The wire that secures the
stretchers to the runner passes through the perforation in the lug g³ and holds the
label in position. Fig. 37 illustrates the label g made in the form of a frame or
plate furnished with hooks g³ for receiving and retaining in place a removable
label h. By this means interchangeable labels can be used, and facilities are also
thus afforded for the owner's name or mark being readily applied. A rim may be
substituted for the hooks. In some instances a removable sheath may be employed
for the same purpose. The label g requires a special notch to be formed in the
runner for receiving its lug 92. To avoid this I may modify the construction as
indicated in Fig. 38 by providing the label with two perforated lugs or eyes j¹
adapted to enter the same notches as the stretchers and to be threaded on the wire
that holds the stretchers in place. Fig. 39 is a side view of the label, and Fig. 40
shows the blank from which it is formed. This design of label does not require any
wings to clip around the stretchers. Fig. 41 illustrates a modified form of the
label whereby it is provided with one lug or eye only. Fig. 42 shows the blank
from which this label is formed, and Fig. 43 is a plan of the label. In some cases I
attach the aforesaid labels to the frame at the point where the ribs are connected to
the top notch. By availing myself of the various connections already existing in
the frames to fix or attach the labels and to hold them in position, that is to say,
by using for this purpose the rivets and wires which already bind the different
parts of the umbrella together I avoid increasing the number of attachments. An
advantage of these labels fixed to or near the runners is that they are immediately
visible when the umbrella is opened.
The above labels are rigidly fixed in place and do not move when the umbrella
is opened. I will now proceed to describe some forms of moving labels of a novel
kind designed to attract the customer's attention in a special manner by moving
into a position where they can be seen at a glance when the umbrella is opened.
Fig. 44 illustrates one form of such a moving label hinged to the git pin. In this
figure a portion of the rib A' and of a stretcher A are shown in approximately the
positions they relatively occupy when the umbrella is open, the label k being
exposed to view. When the umbrella is closed, the label retires into the furrows
of the rib and stretcher, as indicated in Fig. 45. Fig. 46 is a view of the same
parts as seen from the left of Fig. 45, and Fig. 47 illustrates the shape of the label.
The label which is pivoted on the git pin A2 that connects the stretcher to the
rib is formed with a projecting tail piece which limits its turning movement with
respect to the rib so that it can only project from the rib at some such maximumy
angle as that indicated in Fig. 44. The label works with a certain amount of
friction between the flattened sides of the stretcher and it is therefore carried in and
out by the stretcher as the umbrella is closed and opened, and is thus exposed to
view when the umbrella is open and retires into the grooves in the rib and stretcher
when the umbrella is closed. Figs. 48 and 49 illustrate in edge and face view
respectively a similarly acting label which however differs from the label shown in
Fig. 47 by reason of the surface upon which the name or mark is received being
turned through a right angle. This part of the label may be made separate from
the upper part (which is pivoted to the git pin) and may be riveted or otherwise
fixed thereto. In Figs. 50 and 51 I have illustrated a slightly different form of

page_text: label the same having in lieu of the tail ¹ a hook which hooks on to the
stretcher and ensures that the label shall move in and out with the stretcher. This
hook is so shaped that it allows the label to hang down at a suitable angle to the
stretcher and so be exposed to view when the umbrella is open. The labels may be
flat, concave or convex, and in all of these cases, the width depth and shape of the
rib and stretcher when desired may be varied to adapt them to the shape and size
of the label.
Figs. 55 and 56 illustrate in side elevation and longitudinal section respectively
another form of moving label 7 working in an opening D¹ in the stick D just above
the top catch. The label is carried by a spring wire which projects from the side
of the stick as shown in Fig. 56 when the umbrella is closed, and it is worked by
the runner B. When the latter is moved up to the top of the stick to open the
umbrella it passes over the projecting spring wire l' and bends it inward and thus
causes the label to project and be exposed to view at the opposite side of the stick
as shown in Fig. 56. When the runner is moved down again to close the umbrella
the label retires into the opening in the stick. A modification of this type of moving
pivoted label is shown in Figs. 57 and 58. It consists of a pair of half cylindrical
or crescent shaped labels m pivoted to the stick D at m¹ just above the top catch.
The labels lie close against the stick when the umbrella is closed, they being con-
trolled by a spring m² which passes through a hole D2 in the stick, and is attached
at its ends to the labels. Each label has a projecting tongue m³ near the hinge,
so shaped that when the runner B is pushed up to its highest position it presses
against the tongues m³ and causes the labels to turn about the hinge pin m¹ and
move outward as shown in Fig. 58 to a position where they will readily be seen.
When the runner is moved down again to close the umbrella the labels are once
more pulled close against the stick by the spring. I may vary this construction
in the manner shown in Figs. 59 and 60 by making the labels of flat plates_n
pivoted at n¹ and contained when the umbrella is closed within a slot D³ in the
stick. The plates are formed with projecting tongues n³ which are actuated by the
runner precisely as in the last described, method. n³ is a spring for closing
the labels when the runner moves down.
The labels shown in Figs. 44 to 51 and Figs. 55 to 60 may be shaped like a hook
or catch, or may be provided with a hook or catch upon which small light articles
may be temporarily hung so as to free the hands.
I sometimes apply my invention to the catch as shown in Figs. 61 and 62 by pro-
viding a special form of catch o made of flat spring steel in lieu of the round steel
wire usually adopted. The catch is made sufficiently wide to receive the desired
mark or name on its face, for the purposes of my invention, and it possesses the
further advantage that it does not hurt the thumb when it is pressed to open or
close the umbrella. This construction can be varied by providing a catch formed
by a spring plate p set edgewise in the stick as shown in Figs. 63 and 64 and
adapted to receive the trade mark or name on its side, which is at right angles
to the stick. Fig. 65 illustrates the same device applied to a metal tubular stick D.
In this case the catch is backed by a spring p¹. "In lieu of utilising the catch for
this purpose I may if desired retain the old form of catch and provide the aforesaid
spring or pivoted name plate in a special recess in the stick formed to receive it,
and so that it is pressed in by the runner when the umbrella is closed and comes out
and is exposed to view again when the umbrella is
open.
By another modification I provide a stationary tube q on the stick as shown in
Figs. 66 and 67 in such a position that it is covered or nearly covered by the runner
when the umbrella is closed, and is exposed when the umbrella is open. The tube
forms the label or name plate. This construction may be varied by arranging the
tube to travel up and down with the runner but so that a portion of it is exposed
below the runner when the latter is pushed up. A pin in the tube working in a slot
in the runner or any equivalent device may serve to limit the movement of the tube
relatively to the runner. By a further modification I rigidly fix a flat label r
Fig. 54 in a sunken recess in the stick by means of staples r, 1 or otherwise in a

page_text: position where it will be covered by the runner when the umbrella is closed, but
exposed when the runner is pushed up.
Another form of my invention consists of a frame such as s Figs. 52 and 53
attached to the rib or stretcher by means of a spring jaw s which allows of the
device being applied or moved to any part of the rib or stretcher without being
permanently fixed. It is adapted to receive a label or may itself be formed as a
label.
I sometimes employ removable sheaths or shields in combination with my
improved labels. These sheaths which may be fixed by a spring or catch have the
desired names or marks applied to them by printing or pressing or otherwise. In
this way, provision is made for interchangeable labels on the same umbrella. I
may of course use these labels as name plates for the users of the umbrellas.
I do not confine myself to the shape or form of the labels to be used. In some
instances I make them of a single, and in other instances of a double, sheet of
material folded upon itself and in some cases I stamp or print upon these labels the
name or trade distinction of the manufacturer in conjunction with that of the
customer. I may use one or any number of labels desired upon the same umbrella.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. A trade mark label or the like formed by a strip of metal or other material
coiled round the rib or stretcher and pressed or not into the furrow thereof,
substantially as described.
2. The construction of a sheet metal or like label with tongues to wrap around
the rib or stretcher, substantially as, and for the purposes, described.
3. A trade mark or like label formed by a thin perforated or plain sheet of metal
or other material wrapped round the rib or stretcher, and having its edges pressed
into the furrow, substantially as described.
4. The modification of said sheet label in which the sides of it are much deeper
than the rib or stretcher, and are spread as indicated in Fig. 19, or bent out flat as
indicated in Fig. 20, for the purposes specified.
5. The construction of the label adapted to be received within the furrow of the
rib or stretcher, and to be secured by the git pin; substantially as described.
6. A label such as f Fig. 31 having notches at its sides in combination with, and
secured by, T-headed or like lugs fixed in the ends of the stretchers, substantially
as described.
7. A label constructed with wings to clip the stretchers, and with an eye or lug
entering a special notch in the flange of the runner and pivoted upon the wire
that connects the stretchers to the runners, substantially as described.
8. A modification of said pivoted label whereby it is provided with one or two
eyes entering the same notches as the stretchers, and is secured between the flattened
ends of the stretchers, substantially as described.
9. Constructing the pivoted labels with claws or rims to receive a removable and
interchangeable label, substantially as described.
10. A label constructed to retire into a recess or into an inconspicuous position
when the umbrella is closed, and to be moved into a conspicuous position when the
umbrella is opened, substantially as described, and for the purposes specified.
11. Such a label pivoted on the git pin and adapted to retire into the furrows of
the rib and stretcher when the umbrella is closed, and to come out and be exposed
when the umbrella is opened, substantially as described.
12. The construction of the label referred to in the last preceding claim with a
tail piece such as Fig. 47 or with a hook such as 3 Fig. 51 for the purpose of
operating it, substantially as described.
13. A movable label such as Figs. 55 and 56 carried by a spring wire l' and
operated by the runner to move it out of its recess in the stick into a position where
t will be seen, substantially as described.

page_text: 14. The movable spring controlled labels m Figs. 57 and 58 pivoted to the stick
and constructed with tongues adapted to be operated by the runner so as to spread
the labels when the umbrella is opened, substantially as described.
15. The modification of the movable labels referred to in the last preceding claim,
wherein the labels work in slots in the stick, substantially as described with refer-
ence to Figs. 59 and 60.
1. The construction of the label with a hook for carrying light articles, sub-
stantially as described.
17. The construction of the catch to act as a label, substantially in the manner
described with reference to Figs. 61 and 62, or to Figs. 63 and 64, or to Fig. 65,
or the provision of a special pivoted spring plate operated by the runner, for the
same purpose.
18. The construction of the label in the form of a fixed tube surrounding the
stick, or of a flat plate let into a recess in the stick, and covered wholly or partially
by the runner when the umbrella is closed, substantially as described.
19. The modification of the last claimed device wherein the label moves up and
down the stick with the runner, a portion of it being exposed' when the runner is
pushed up, substantially as described.
20. A frame or carrier such as s Figs. 52 and 53 adapted to be secured to the
rib or stretcher by means of a spring jaw, substantially as described.
Dated this 11th day of February 1898.
GEORGE HARRISON,
35, Therapia Road, Honor Oak, London, Agent for the Applicant.