IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY OR PLEASURE TEXTS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Henry Mapleson, of 1, Pall Mall, in the County
of Middlesex, Lieut.-Colonel, 6th Tower Hamlets R.V.C., for tho Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY OR PLEASURE TEXTS."
caled the 17th November 1876, and dated the 20th May 1870
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said James Henry Mapleson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th May 1870.
JAMES HENRY MAPLESON, of 1, Pall Mall, in the County of Middlesex, Lieutenant-
Colonel, 6th Tower Hamlets R.V.C. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY OR PLEASURE
TENTS."
This Invention relates to an improved construction of tent for army, pleasure,
and other uses.
The body of my tent is square, or nearly so, at the bottom, where it is held firmly
to the ground by pegs or stakes driven through loops arranged at intervals. The
upper parts of the sides merge into a square, and have a peaked or angled roof
which is supported by an upright pole in the centre. The front of the tent is made
to open from top to bottom, and the canvas displaced for this purpose is supported
by two poles, thus forming a porch or sunshade, to which can be attached a canvas
side screen to shield the occupants of the tent from the wind or sun; this side
screen being also available for either side of the porch. The back of the tent is also
made to open down the centre and fold back, thus forming an opening which allows
a current of air to pass through the tent. To close these front and back openings
the canvas which overlaps is fastened down at each side to the main body of the
tent by means of lacing loops and eyelets, which forms a most secure fastening and
which is likewise readily undone. The side screen above referred to is attached to
the canvas forming the porch or sunshade by means of lacing lines and eyelets, as
well as down the side of the front opening, and is also kept extended by means of
loops attached to the pole supporting the porch. My tent is also fitted with two
ventilators (one on each side) of an improved shape, which whilst admitting a
current of fresh air totally prevent the entrance of rain. These ventilators can be
opened and closed at pleasure.
The fittings, forming the second part of my Invention, are applicable for this and
for other tents. and consist of a jointed central pole on which is placed a traveller, to

page_text: which are attached four arms or stretchers placed at right angles with the pole, and
by lowering or raising this traveller the roof is slackened or expanded, the traveller
being held in position by a pin passing through the pole.
Figure 1 shews the tent open, as above described.
Figure 2 shows the interior fittings of the tent.
Figure 3 shews the tent when closed.
Figure 1-1, 1, are the side walls of the tent; 2, 2, the ventilators; 3, 3, the
peaked or angled roof composed of four pieces of canvas sewn together at the edges
running from the side of the tent to the top of the centre pole; 4, the porch or sun-
shade; 5, 5, the poles supporting the porch or sunshade and side screen; 6, canvas
side screen forining a protection against wind, sun, or rain, and which can be
fitted to either side of the porch and tent by laces and cyclets provided for that
purpose; 7, 7, straining cords attached to the poles to keep them upright and to
prevent vibration; 8, centre pole with table attached. The front and back of the
tent can also be fitted with extra porches or sunshades attached to the top edge of
the canvas in the same way as in Figure 1, and at the same time allowing the tent
to be closed if privacy is desirable.
Figure 2.-1, 1, side walls of tent; 2, back of tent made to open down the
centre; 3, ventilators kept extended by means of wood or other material, and which
when shut can be made perfectly taut by means of cords from the interior of the
tent; 4, 4, portion of roof; 5, centre pole, disjointed where shewn at the sockets,
and upon which runs a traveller 6 which is fitted with four arms or stretchers 7, 7,
for the purpose of keeping the upper part of the tent extended; the traveller is
held in position by means of a pin run through the pole at certain distances, thus
allowing the arms or stretchers to be raised or lowered, and thus allow for any
shrinkage or to slacken the tent without going outside.
Figure 3 is an outside view of the tent when entirely closed, and without the
side screen and porch.
The above tent when packed weighs 120 lbs.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,―
First. The construction of tents for military, pleasure, and other purposes, as
herein-before described and shewn.
Second. I claim the improvements in the construction of tents whereby the sides
are extended and held in position by means of the four arms or stretchers attached
to the contre pole by means of the traveller and pin.
Third. I claim the overlapping of the canvas of the front and back openings and
the mode of fastening same, and also the porch and side screen, as described and
shown; also the arrangement and mode of opening and closing the ventilators.
Fourth. I claim the arrangement of the traveller on the central pole and the
fixing and supporting of the same by means of a pin passing through the pole, as
described and shewn, not only for this but for other tents.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Henry Mapleson, have hereunto set
my hand and scal, this Thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.