Improvements in Waterproofing Fabrics.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 18th May, 1894
Complete Specification Left, 16th Feb., 1895-Accepted, 16th Mar., 1895
Improvements in Waterproofing Fabrics.
I, EDMUND MALCOLM TURNER, of 15 Clifton Road, Brockley, in the
County of Kent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
A small quantity of pure wax free from grease, pure paraffin wax being the best,
is dissolved in pure benzine, or other hydrocarbon free from grease, and the solution
is applied to silk or other material quite clean and free from all dressing either with
a brush or by passing the material through a closed tank of it, the superfluous
moisture being squeezed off on emerging. The solution is then allowed to dry (or
rather evaporate) uaturally in the air, when the wax will be distributed evenly in a
state of extremely fine division both on and through the material. When quite dry
the fabric is ironed carefully on one or both sides at once, preferably by passing it
through steam or air heated rollers, which drives the material right into the fibres
of the silk, when cool the fabric is passed over one or two blunt edges, to remove an
initial stiffness when it appears as ordinary fabric. I sometimes add to the above
solution a small percentage of pure rubber. This rubber is merely used to bind
the wax into the fibres of the thin material so as to give longer wear.
sometimes also add a small percentage of gum camphor for the purpose of
toughening the wax.
Dated this 17th day of May 1894.
I
Improvements in
waterproong Fabrics.
I, EDMUND MALCOLM TURNER, of 15 Clifton Road, Brockley, in the
County of Kent, 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 :-
A small quantity of pure wax free from grease, pure paraffin wax with a high
melting point being the best, is dissolved in pare benzine, or other hydrocarbon
free from grease. 3 to 10 grains of paraffu to each fluid ounce of benzine is a
suitable mixture but the proportions may be varied. The solution should be kept
in a tightly closed tank, to prevent evaporation and alteration of strength while
standing or in use, and it is applied to the silk or other material, quite clean and
free from all dressing, either with a brush or by passing the material through a closed
tank of it, the superfluous moisture being squeezed off on emerging, or it may be
forced from the tank through fine jets, in the form of spray, either by a direct
pressure of air in the tank, or by air pressure applied as an ejector, as in scent and
other sprays. In either case the jets may be placed at a slight angle towards each
other so as to mix and more evenly distribute the spray. The solution is then
allowed to dry (or rather evaporate) naturally in the air, when the wax will be
distributed evenly in a state of extremely fine division both on and through the
material. When quite dry the fabric is ironed carefully on one or both sides at
Lian 11

page_text: once, with a sufficient heat to melt the wax, preferably by passing it through steam
or air heated rollers, which drives the material right into the fibres of the silk or
other material, when cool the fabric is passed over one or two blunt edges, to
remove an initial stiffness, when it appears as ordinary fabric.
I find, for silk, cloth, dress materials and the like, that the solution may be
applied on either side, also that the material may generally be ironed on one or
both sides if there is no rubbing friction. For velveteen, velvet, plush and other
raised pile fabrics, it is found best, both to apply the solution, and to iron them, on
the back, not touching the face, and in this way preserving the gloss and finish.
The silk plush used for silk hats should however preferably be treated on the
face, and first ironed on the back and afterwards on the face, or on both sides at
once. This plush can also be treated and ironed with very good effect, after it has
been mounted on the body of the hat.
I sometimes add to the solution a small percentage of gum camphor for the
purpose of toughening the wax.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it to be
understood that I do not claim broadly the use of a solution of paraffin for
waterproofing, but that what I claim is :-
1. Waterproofing fabrics by treating them with a solution of paraffin wax or the
like and then heating them with an iron or otherwise substantially as described.
2. The addition of camphor to the solution.
3. Waterproofing fabrics substantially in the manner described.
n
OAL 3
E. MALCOLM TURNER.