IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HELMETS, HATS, AND SIMILAR HEAD COVERINGS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Townend, of the Firm of Thomas Townend and Co.,
of Lime Street, in the City of London, Hat Manufacturer, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HELMETS, HATS, AND SIMILAR
HEAD COVERINGS."
Sealed the 10th December 1878, and dated the 26th September 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas. Townend at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th September 1878.
THOMAS TOWNEND, of the Firm of Thomas Townend and Co., of Lime Street, in
the City of London, Hat Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF HELMETS, HATS, AND SIMILAR HEAD COVERINGS."
This Invention relates to improvements in the manufacture of helmets, hats, and
straw, similar head coverings, whereby they shall afford greater protection than
hitherto against the effects of heat, are light in construction, and elastic.
In carrying out my Invention, I form the helmet or hat of a combination of straw,
straw plait, palm leaf, or any suitable grass, cork, and any suitable outer covering.
The straw or straw plait or other material which is to form the inner surface of
the helmet or hat is first blocked to the required shape, and on this straw or straw
plait or other material I then place a layer or layers of cork, the two materials being
united by means of any suitable cement under pressure so as to consolidate the two
materials. I then place on this cork an outer covering of cloth, drill, or other suit-
able material which is united to the cork by cement under pressure so that the
whole forms a composite or combined material which is a good non-conductor of
heat and is very light and elastic. The helmet or hat is then completed in the usual
inanner.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Townend in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 25th March
1879.
THOMAS TOWNEND, of the Firm of Thomas Townend and Co., of Lime Street, in
the City of London, Hat Manufacturer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
HELMETS, HATS, AND SIMILAR HEAD COVERINGS."
This Invention relates to improvements in the manufacture of helmets, hats, and
similar head coverings, whereby they shall afford greater protection than hitherto
against the effects of heat, are light in construction, and elastic.
In carrying out my Invention, I form the helmet or hat of a combination of
straw, straw plait, palm leaf, or any suitable grass, cork, and any suitable outer
covering. The straw or straw plait, palm leaf, or other grass which is to form the
inner surface of the helmet or hat is first blocked to the required shape, and on this
straw or straw plait or other material I then place a layer or layers of cork, the
two materials being united by means of any suitable solution or cement under
pressure so as to consolidate the two materials. I then place on this cork an outer
covering of cloth, drill, or other suitable material, which is united to the cork by
solution or cement under pressure, so that the whole forms a composite or combined
material which is a good non-conductor of heat, and is very light and elastic. The
helmet or hat is then completed in the usual manner.
Having thus described my said Invention and the manner of performing the same
I wish it to be understood that what I claim is :-
"
The manufacture of helmets, hats, and similar head coverings from a combination
of straw, straw plait, palm leaf, or any suitable grass, cork, and any suitable outer
covering, substantially in the manner herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Townend, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of March; in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
THOMAS TOWNEND. (L.S.)