Year: 1898

page_text: I, CHARLES PARKER, of Cheapside, Lancaster, in the County of Lancaster, India-
rubber Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
:-
This invention relates to waterproof capes such as are worn by cycle riders
and is designed to provide a cape capable of being distended at the bottom to
cause water to run off clear of the legs of the rider.
It consists essentially in applying to the edge of the cape or otherwise a
stiffening band or piece of rigid or elastic material which will be capable of pre-
venting the lower part folding or bending inwards when in use.
In carrying out the invention I find I oan employ several different classes of
material which will be capable of effecting the purpose.
In one form the cape may be made with a ribbon of steel sufficiently elastic
and flexible to permit of its being rolled up and which will spring outwards and
distend the cape when unrolled. Such a ribbon or piece of steel may be flat or
curved in cross section and may be curved or shaped longitudinally or it may be
rolled up or actuated by a spring so as to spring either outwards or inwards when
released, a suitable case or receiver being provided to which it is attached.
band or chain may be connected to it to draw it in and fasten it. A ribbon or
wire of steel or other metal covered with rubber or other composition or coating
may be employed for the purpose.
A
Instead of metal strips bands or ribbons of whalebone, cane, celluloid, rubber
or other suitable material may be employed, or non-inflated rubber hose or piping
with or without wire inside may be used or a spiral wire may be employed alone.
In another a series of lengths of thin tubing one length telescoping into the
other may be employed which will be capable of being drawn out to hold the
cape in the distended position.
The stiffening or distending device will be secured in position by straps or
slots or the like attached to the material of the cape.
When the stiffening band extends all round the hem of the garment it is made
in two pieces joined together to enable it to be rolled up, with chains buttons or
other means for fastening.
Dated this 14th day of January 1898
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
6, Bank Street, Manchester, Patent Agents.

page_text: improvements in Capes or Garments for Cyclists.
I, CHARLES PARKER, of Cheapside, Lancaster, in the County of Lancaster, India-
rubber Merchant, 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 waterproof capes such as are worn by cycle riders
and is designed to provide a cape capable of being distended at the bottom to
cause water to run off clear of the legs of the rider..!
It consists essentially in applying to the edge of the cape or otherwise a
stiffening band or piece of rigid or elastic material which will be capable of pre-
venting the lower part folding or bending inwards when in use.
The invention will be fully described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Fig. 1. Elevation of cape.
Fig. 2. Detail of same.
Fig. 3. Elevation showing a modification.
Fig. 4. View showing the cape rolled up.
The cape A is made of waterproof material and in the bottom edge I insert a
ribbon or band a of a stiff elastic flexible material which when the cape is open
will cause the bottom edge to be distended or stand off in the form of a hoop but
which will permit of its being rolled up (as in Fig. 4) and when shaken out or
released will spring outwards and distend the cape.
The ribbon or band a I at present prefer to make of celluloid or similar
composition as I find in practice that gives good results but it may be made of
thin spring steel, whalebone, cane, xylonite, rubber leather or other suitable
material or non-inflated rubber tubing may be used with or without wire inside
or a spiral wire may be employed alone.
I at present prefer a broad flat strip but it may be curved or of any desired
shape in cross section.
The ribbon or band a may be placed either entirely round the edge or skirt of
the cape as in Fig. 1 or only part way round as in Fig. 3 and is secured by
means of a strip of material cemented over it or by stitching or otherwise. Or
a pocket or slot may be formed or a number of loops affixed to the edge of the
cape into which the ribbon or band a can be inserted when required and removed
when not in use.
In another modification a series of lengths of thin tubing one length telescoping
into the other may be employed which will be capable of being drawn out to hold
the cape in the distended position.
When the stiffening band extends all round the hem of the garment it is made
in two pieces joined together to enable it to be rolled up with a hook 6 and eye c
to fasten it or with a chain, button or other means for securing the two ends
together or a slide of stiff material may be passed over the ends for the same
purpose.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. A cape or garment for cyclists' use constructed with a band or ribbon or

page_text: stiff elastic flexible material in the lower edge to hold it distended when in use
substantially as described.
2. A cape or garment for cyclists' use, substantially as described and shown.
DJ this 00-1
CL1000
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Manchester, Liverpool and London,
Patent Agents.