Improvements in Eye Protectors and Optical Devices for Application to Hats and other Head Coverings.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 16th June, 1896-Accepted, 12th Sept., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Eye Protectors and Optical Devices for Application
to Hats and other Head Coverings.
I WILLIAM GRIFFITH HONEY of 28 Grand Parade, Cork, Photographer, 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 improvements in connection with hats, and other head
coverings and has for its object to provide means by which the eyes may be
protected in bright weather from the sun, and by which the wearer may be able to
observe objects behind him.
In carrying out my invention according to one arrangement, I propose to employ
a simple frame of wire secured to the rim of the hat at the front by means of clips.
This frame is covered with strong textile material, and the front is arranged
to hang down a short distance without obstructing the view.
The front flap or extension of this shade may if desired be provided with two
glass discs corresponding in position to the eyes through which the wearer can look,
the extension being made in this case of greater depth. The glass may also be
colored, so as to protect the eyes of the wearer more effectually.
To enable objects behind the wearer to be observed a small mirror is employed
at one or both sides and also fitted to the rim of the hat or cap by means of a clip,
or secured to the frame if employed in conjunction with the shade. This mirror is
placed a little to one side of the eyes, so that without turning the head a clear view
is obtained of the objects in the rear. The shade is preferably made in such a
manner that it can be rolled up when not required for use and placed in the pocket,
in this case a complete frame of wire or metal strips not being employed, the frame
consisting simply of thin strips of metal or pieces of wire placed longitudinally and
covered with textile material.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings in which
Fig. 1 shews a hat with the shade and mirror secured to it,
Fig. 2 is a detail view of the mirror and securing plate,
Fig. 3 shews a modified form of clip, and
Fig. 4 is a detail view of the shade.
As shown in Fig. 1 the shade A having the extension or flap a at front is secured
to the rim of the hat B by means of the clip C which may consist of an ordinary
tie clip. According to the arrangement preferred, a metal loop is fastened to the
shade A at each side of the rear edge, which is connected to the clip when the
latter is secured to the hat. The clip and shade are thus detachable, allowing
the latter to be collapsed when required.
In the arrangement shewn in Fig. 1 & 2, the clip C carries the stem D having
an enlarged end d on which the mirror E is fitted. This mirror is provided with
the socket e which is arranged to pass over the enlarged portion d, the mirror being
thus secured in the proper position at the front of the hat. The shade may be
furnished with the metal loop a' through which the parts d and e pass holding the
shade in extended position, and also assisting to secure the mirror. When detached
from the hat the mirror together with the clip can be removed from the shade. As
shown in Fig. 3 a different form of clip is employed, which may be made from
wood, the clip C¹ consisting of two bars hinged to each other, and provided with a

page_text: spring and adapted to secure the mirror to the hat-at-one-end, being-opened-by
pressing the other. Fig. 4 shows the shade provided with the two small windows F
of plain or colored glass which protect the eyes from dust, and when colored, from
the glare of the sun. Instead of employing a shade of the kind shown, two clips
with or without mirrors may be employed and a strip of suitable fabric stretched
across them. In place of the clips sockets can be stitched or otherwise secured on
the caps or hats into which the end of the stem carrying the mirror can be placed,
thus securing the mirror in position, the shade being stretched across the stems if
required.
This arrangement is especially intended for use by cyclists, but may also be
employed in walking boating and for other purposes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1) An improved device to be applied to hats and other head coverings consisting
of a collapsible shade for attachment to the front of the hat connected to the rim
by a clip and a small mirror also clipped to the rim placed so that objects in' the
rear can be seen substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(2) An improved device for application to hats and other head coverings
consisting of a collapsible shade clipped to the rim of the hat having an extension
at front provided with small windows and a mirror also clipped to the hat and
adapted to reflect objects in the rear, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(3) The improved device for application to hats and other head coverings
consisting of a collapsible and detachable shade clipped to the hat and a mirror
also clipped to the rim substantially as described and shown in the accompanying
drawings and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 16th day of June 1896
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.