IMPROVEMENTS IN MATS
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Henson Henson, of No. 13, Parliament Street,
Westminster, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MATS."
Sealed the 21st August 1863, and dated the 25th February 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Henson Henson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
25th February 1863.
I, HENRY HENSON HENSON, of No. 13, Parliament Street, Westminster, in
the County of Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MATS," to be as follows:-
One part of my present Invention consists in, first, forming oval and other
shaped stands for mats that are made of cocoa-nut fibre or other similar
fibrous materials or mixture of such materials by inserting into them, by
preference, a core of thin metal, wood, cane, or other suitable material, and
then constructing mats of these strands in such a manner that some of the
strands are raised above the level of the others so as to produce an uneven
surface, and thus render the mats more efficacious for removing the dirt from
the boots. Such mats may be made either with or without a pile surface, or
partly with and partly without a pile surface, and the pile may be made of
any suitable fibre or mixture of fibres. In some cases in forming the mats
I insert strips of india-rubber, leather, or other similar suitable materials
between the strands composing the same. I sometimes form and arrange the
[Price 8d.]

page_text: strands in such a manner that the mats receive an open or improved cellular
structure by which they are prevented from becoming choked with dirt as is
the case with mats of present construction, such mats may or may not be
provided with a border or framing having a stiff brush-like fibre for more
effectually removing the dirt.
Another part of my Invention consists in providing the ordinary fibrous
mats with a waterproof foundation or backing formed of any suitable water-
proof material or compound to prevent the same from being so readily
saturated with moisture as at present, and thereby preserving it from decay.
The waterproof compound which I prefer to employ for this purpose is a
mixture of Trinidad pitch or asphalte, vegetable tar, and oil naptha, with or
without an admixture of india-rubber, the best proportions with which I am
acquainted being 50 lbs. of Trinidad pitch or asphalte, 25 lbs. of vegetable tar,
and 2 lbs. of oil naptha, in which latter a small quantity of india-rubber may
be dissolved; but I do not limit myself to the use of this mixture or the
proportions named. I sometimes fix or form upon the waterproof backing a
second mat surface consisting of an open or cellular structure formed either
of india-rubber or similar materials, or of fibrous strands so that the mat will
have two wearing surfaces of a different nature.
Another part of my Invention consists in constructing mats, the wearing
surfaces of which are formed into two or more subdivisions, one or more of
which have a fibrous pile surface, whilst the other or others is or are formed
of an open or cellular structure, composed either of fibrous strands, india-
rubber, or metal, thus combining the properties of a brush and a scraper in
one and the same mat. Or I form mats with open slits, spaces, or cells in
the ordinary pile surface, and I either do or do not fill in the slits, spaces, or
cells with a cellular structure of india-rubber, gutta percha, or their com
pounds or of metal. Such mats may be provided with an outer frame, rim, or
border of pile material, by preference bevilled off to the outer edge.
Another part of my Invention consists in constructing mats of any descrip-
tion with a removeable centre-piece, so that when such centre-piece becomes
worn out (which in the ordinary make of mats always occurs before the other
portions of the same are impaired to any extent) it may be removed and
replaced by a new centre-piece either of the same or of a different description.
Such centre-piece may be of fibre with or without a pile surface, and either
similar to or different from the outer portion of the mat, or it may be of a
cellular metal, or india-rubber structure, or a combination of metal with a
flexible material, or the outer part of the mat may be of a cellular india-
rubber or metal structure, and the central portion of fibre with or without a

page_text: pile surface, and it may be attached to the outer part of the mat by sewing,
or by other suitable means. When the outer portions of the mat is made of
fibrous material with a pile surface, I prefer to form the outer edge of the
same with a bevil or slope to improve its appearance and to facilitate its being
made use of to remove the dirt. In some cases both the outer portion and
the central removeable portion of the mat may each be composed of two or
more different descriptions of surface, such as a pile surface, and a cellular
surface, either of fibre, india-rubber, or metal.
Another part of my Invention consists in constructing fibrous mats having
a pile surface, with projecting ridges of a double bevil or rounded shape upon
them, such ridges being made either to surround the mat, or formed only on
two sides of the same or across the same in any direction, or a number of
them may be placed side by side and running parallel to each other. These
ridges I form either by inserting suitably formed cores into the structure of
the mat so as to raise a portion or portions of the surface above the rest, or
I make the mat in the first instance with a long pile, and form the ridges
simply by cutting down the pile to the required extent on some parts of the
surface, and leaving it the full height on the other parts.
Another part of my Invention has reference to the manufacture of cellular
india-rubber nuts generally. Such mats have been variously constructed, but
consist commonly of a number of short lengths or strips of india-rubber made into
tubes or cells fixed side by side, either with or without a foundation of india-
rubber and cemented together with a solution of india-rubber. It has been
found by experience that when the band or strip of india-rubber surrounding
the mat, or any of the lengths of tubing become spoilt in shape or detached
from each other the whole mat is rapidly destroyed.
Now my Invention has for its object the remedying this defect, and for this
purpose, in the first place, form a border or a strong framing round the
parts intended to form the mat, consisting of a surrounding frame or ridge of
india-rubber formed with a flat or curved splay or bevil, or with steps on the
outer side, and flat or square on the inside so as to form a firm base or backing
and in which may or may not be inserted a band of thin steel or other suitable
material to increase its strength, and at the same time to leave it pliable, I
then divide the surface of the intended mats into several compartments by any
process of framing, pressing, or moulding, or cementing together strips of
india-rubber or the like with the border of the inat, also by fixing strips of
india-rubber or its compounds placed on edge across the same in both directions
and half notching or "housing" or both half notching and "housing" the
strips on to each other, where they intersect, and also notching or "housing"

page_text: then into the india-rubber border or framing, these connections are secured and
then cemented together by a solution of india-rubber, or by other means. The
divisions or compartments are then filled in either with short lengths of india-
rubber tubing for forming cells, or other forms of cells of equal or of different
sizes may be used which are cemented or otherwise secured to each other and to
the strips forming the divisions of the mat, and, if requisite, I cement small blocks
or cells of a curved or other form of india-rubber into the small interstices, where
such occur between the larger tubes or cells of which the mat is composed, so
as to unite these more effectually, or in place of using short lengths of tubing
formed of strips of sheet india-rubber or its compounds to produce the cellular
structure of the mats, I take a number of strips of india-rubber or its
compounds, with which I form cells of any dimensions or shape by arranging
them across each other, and half notching, "housing," and cementing the
strips on to each other where they intersect, thereby forming the figure
intended. I then cement the connections so formed, and, if needed, strengthen
the same by the introduction of strips of india-rubber, which may be formed
or moulded, and made to fit the inside of the cells, forming the mat to which
they are cemented. The mats so formed are then vulcanized in the usual
manner. Such mats may also be varnished in any known manner at any
suitable stage of the manufacture, and in some cases the framing of the mat
may be subjected to such a degree of heat as to render it hard or hornified, as
is well understood.
In some cases where I employ the last-named mode of forming the cells, I
dispense with the before-mentioned strips, introduced for the purpose of
dividing the mat into divisions or compartments, and arrange the strips for
forming the cells at right angles, or in any other convenient manner, from one
side of the frame of the mat to the other, into which frame they are also
notched, cemented, or otherwise secured. Such mats as before described may
or may not be provided with a solid or perforated backing or foundation of
india-rubber or its compounds, which foundation may be either of one piece
cemented on to the back of the mat or where the mat is divided into com-
partments as described, it may consist of several pieces, each let in flush with
the under side of the compartment to the sides of which it is cemented. For
the purpose of strengthening the cells of the mats formed of short lengths of
india-rubber tubing as before described after they are vulcanized, as also to
allow of the cells being made larger than heretofore, I insert into each cell
or into a certain number of the cells, discs, short lengths of metallic or other
tubing or pieces of cork, kamptulicon, or other suitable material of a form
corresponding with that of the india-rubber tubing of which the cells are

page_text: composed, but of a much less height than these, so that the india-rubber
rises on one side or on both sides of the mat above the discs, tubing, or pieces of
other materials and remains clastic to the tread as heretofore, being at the
same time greatly strengthened. In some cases I rivet, cement. or secure in
any other suitable manner the discs. tubes. or pieces of materials contained
in the cells of which the mat is composed, besides cementing the cells
together.
Another part of my Invention consists in an improved method of securing
together all the parts of which india-rubber or compound cellular mats are
composed, either instead of or as well as cementing the same in the usual
manner. For this purpose I either employ the ordinary metal eyelet and hole,
or rivet or sew together the various parts of the mat in any convenient
stage of the manufacture or after the mat is vulcanized.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Henson Henson in the Great Scal Patent Office
on the 25th August 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
HENSON HENSON, of No. 13, Parliament Street, Westminster, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria. by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-sixth year of Iler
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors. give and grant unto me, the
said Henry Henson Henson. Her special licence that I, the said Henry
Henson Henson. my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
1, the said Henry Henson Henson, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed. should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN MATS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Henry Henson Henson, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal

page_text: Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Henry Henson Henson, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, reference being had to the accompanying Drawing
and to the figures and letters marked thereon (that is to say):-
One part of my present Invention consists in first forming oval and other
shaped strands of cocoa-nut fibre or other similar fibrous materials, or mixture
of such materials, by inserting into them a core of thin japanned or painted
metal, or wood, cane, or other suitable material, and then constructing mats
of these strands by preference, in such a manner that the strands being placed
on edge, and some of them being made wider than others, such strands
are raised above the general level of the mat, so as to produce an uneven sur-
face, and thus render the mats more efficacious as scrapers for removing
the dirt from the boots. Such strands or the mats made of the same, may
be made either with or without a pile surface, or partly with and partly
without a pile surface, and the pile may be made of any suitable fibre or
mixture of fibres. In some cases in forming such mats, I insert strips of
india-rubber, leather, or other similar suitable materials edgeways between the
strands composing the same. I sometimes form and arrange the foundation
strands or pile in such a manner that the mats receive an open or improved
cellular structure, by which they are prevented from becoming surface choked
with dirt, as is the case with pile and other mats of present construction.
Such mats may or may not be provided with a close, flat, or bevelled border or
framing, having a stiff brush-like fibre for more effectually removing the dirt.
Another part of my Invention consists in providing the ordinary fibrous
mats with a waterproof backing. treated with any suitable waterproof material
or compound in any stage of the manufacture, or afterwards to prevent the
same from being so readily saturated with moisture as at present, and thereby
preserving it from decay.
The waterproof compound which I prefer to employ for this purpose is a
mixture of Trinidad pitch or asphalte, vegetable tar, and oil naptha, with or
without an admixture of india-rubber, the best proportions with which I am
acquainted being 50 lbs. of Trinidad pitch or asphalte, 25 lbs. of vegetable tar,
and 2lbs. of oil naptha, in which latter a small quantity of india-rubber may
be dissolved, but 1 do not limit myself to the use of this mixture only, or to
the proportions named.
I sometimes fix or form upon the waterproof backing a second mat surface,

page_text: consisting of an open or cellular structure formed of fibrous strands of any
suitable material, so that the mat will have two wearing surfaces of a different
nature.
Another part of my Invention consists in constructing mats, the wearing
surfaces of which are formed into two or more subdivisions, one or more of
which have a fibrous pile surface, whilst the other or others is or are formed
of an open or cellular structure flush with the pile, composed either of fibrous
strands, india-rubber or its compounds, or equivalents or metal, thus com-
bining the properties of a brush and a scraper in one and the same mat.
Figures 1 and 2 on the accompanying Drawing shew a plan and section of
such a mat.
a, a, a, are parts formed with a fibrous pile surface; b is a portion formed
of a cellular india-rubber structure; c is a portion consisting of an iron grating
serving as a scraper. Or I form fibrous mats with open parts, spaces, or cells
in the pile surface, and I either do or do not fill in the open parts, spaces.
or cells, with a cellular structure of india-rubber, gutta percha, vulcanized
gutta percha, or their compounds or of leather or metal; such mats may be
provided with an outer frame, rim, or border of pile material by preference
bevilled off to the outer edge.
Figures 3 and 4 shew a plan and section of such a mat; at A the pile
surface is formed with small openings or spaces d, d, d, whilst at B larger
spaces are formed, which are filled in with a cellular structure e, e, e, of india-
rubber or other suitable material.
Another part of my Invention consists in constructing mats of any descrip-
tion with a removeable centre piece, so that when such centre piece becomes
worn out (as always happens in the corresponding part of the ordinary make
of mats before the other portions of the same are impaired to any great extent)
it may be removed and replaced by a new centre piece, either of the same or of
a different description; such centre piece may be of brushwork or fibre with a
pile surface, and either similar to or different from the outer portion of the mat,
or it may be of a cellular cast or wrought metal, india-rubber, leather, or other
structure, or a combination of metal with a flexible material; the outer part
of the mat may be of a cellular india-rubber, metal, leather, or other struc-
ture, and the central portion of fibre, with or without a pile surface, either
open or closed, and it may be attached to the outer part of the mat (in all
cases either flush with or higher than the upper surface of the same) by sewing
or by other suitable means. When the outer portion of the mat is made of
fibrous material with a pile surface, flush with the centre part, I prefer to
form the outer edge of the same with a bevil or slope, to improve its appear-

page_text: ance, and to facilitate its being made use of to remove the dirt.
In some
cases both the outer portion and the central removeable portion of the mat
may each be composed of two or more different descriptions of surface, such
as the pile surface and a cellular surface, either of fibre, india-rubber, gutta
percha, vulcanized gutta percha, or their compounds, leather or metal.
Figures 5 to 9 shew plans and sections of various forms of mats constructed
on this principle. Figures 5 and 6 shew a fibrous mat with pile surface having
a centre formed either of a cellular india-rubber structure as at A, or of an
open or cellular pile or brush surface as at B. These centres may either rest
upon the foundation of the mat, as shewn, or the mat may be made completely
open to receive them. Figures 7 and 8 shew at A a cellular mat of india-
rubber or gutta-percha, or their compounds, having a centre of a fibrous pile
or a brush material; at B the mat is composed of a metal grating for the
outer portion with a centre composed of a fibrous pile surface, and a cellular
india-rubber structure. Figure 9 shews a fibrous mat with a metal grating in
the centre.
Another part of my Invention has reference to the manufacture of cellular
india-rubber mats generally. Such mats have been variously constructed but
consist, commonly, of a number of short lengths or strips of india-rubber made
into tubes or cells fixed side by side, either with or without a foundation of
india-rubber, and cemented together with a solution of india-rubber. It has
been found by experience that when the band or strip of india-rubber sur-
rounding the mat or any of the lengths of tubing or other forms become spoilt
in shape from want of support, or detached from each other, the whole mat
is more or less rapidly destroyed.
Now my Invention has, for its object the remedying this defect, and for this
purpose 1, in the first place, form a border or a strong framing of any suitable
material round the parts intended to form the mat, consisting of a surrounding
frame of solid or hollow india-rubber or its compounds or equivalents, forined
with a flat or curved splay or bevil, or with steps on the outer side and flat or
square on the inside, so as fo form a firm base or backing for the cells, and in
which frame may or may not be inserted a flat band of thin steel or other
suitable material to increase its strength and at the same time to leave it
pliable. Or such frame may be made double, the one part placed inside the
other, and connected by means of a cellular structure. I then divide the
surface or dimensions of the intended mats into several compartments by any
process of framing, pressing, or moulding, or cementing together strips of
india-rubber, or the like, with the border of the mat, or the compartments and
border may be cut out of plates of india-rubber, also by fixing strips of india-

page_text: rubber or its compounds placed on edge across the same in both directions
and by pressing, half notching, or housing, or both half notching and housing,
pressing, or otherwise securing the strips on to each other where they intersect,
and also notching or housing, cementing, or otherwise securing them into the
india-rubber border or framing. These connections are prepared, secured,
and then cemented together by a solution of india-rubber, or by other suitable
means. The frame, divisions, or compartments are then filled in either with
short lengths of india-rubber tubing of equal or unequal depths for forming the
cellular structure, or cells of equal or of different sizes may be used, which are
cemented or otherwise secured to the strips forming the divisions of the mat,
and, if requisite, I cement small blocks of india-rubber, cork, or other
materials, of a corresponding form into the small interstices where such occur
between the smaller and larger. tubes or cells of which the mat is composed,
so as to unite these more effectually, or in place of using short lengths of
tubing formed of strips of sheet india-rubber or its compounds, to produce the
cellular structure of the mats, I take a number of strips of india-rubber or its
compounds, with which I form cells of any dimensions or shape by arranging
them across each other, and half notching or housing, or both half notching
and housing, and cementing the strips on to each other where they intersect,
thereby forming the figure intended. I then cement the connections so formed
and, if needed, strengthen the same by the introduction of strips of india-
rubber, which may be formed or moulded and made to fit the inside of the
cells or figure forming the mat, to which they are cemented, which strips may
be allowed to project above the cellular surface of the mat. The mats so
formed are then vulcanized in the usual manner.
the cellular portion for filling in some or all the compartments or divisions of
the above described framed mats, I employ plate india-rubber, moulded, pressed,
slit, or perforated, which may or may not be of the same depth as the frame
of the mat. In some cases where 1 employ the two last-named modes for
forming the cells, I dispense with the before-mentioned strips introduced for
the purpose of dividing the mat into divisions or compartments, and arrange
the strips for forming the cells at right angles or in any other convenient
manner from one side of the frame of the mat to the other, into which frame
they are also notched, cemented, or otherwise secured. Such mats as before
described may or may not be provided with a solid or perforated backing or
foundation of india-rubber or its compounds, which foundation may also be of
sheet cork, kamptulicon, or the like, and may either be of one piece cemented
on to the back of the mat, or, where the mat is divided into compartments, as
described, it may consist of several pieces, each let in flush with the under side
In some cases, for forming

page_text: of the mat or compartments to the sides of which it is cemented.
In this case
the cells of the mat would be of a less depth than the framing, to allow for the
thickness of the backing.
Figures 10 and 11 shew a plan and section of the before-described
framed mat with compartments, and backing let in flush with the framing,
and Figure 12 shews an enlarged portion of the same, filled in with
strips of india-rubber a, a, a, crossing each other and half notched and
cemented at the points of intersection, and housed into the framing b.
Figure 13 shews the method of strengthening the cells formed by such half
notched strips, by cementing other strips c, c, c, round the edges of the
same, which strips are made to stand somewhat above the level of the
cells as shewn. For the purpose of strengthening the cells of mats formed either
as before described, or of cellular mats of india-rubber, gutta-percha, or their
compounds generally, and in order to enable all or some of the cells being
made larger than heretofore, as also for the purposes of ornamentation, 1 fill
in or make solid any number of the cells or cellular parts of the mat, employing
for that purpose any suitable materials, such as blocks of cork, kamptulicon,
either in a hardened or in a plastic state, alone or in combination with other
materials, such as painted kamptulicon, oil cloth, felt, stained woods, earthen-
ware, tiles, pieces of carpeting, or other textile fabrics, or other suitable
materials, according to the purposes for which the mats are employed, such
filling in being made either the entire depth of the cells, or only a portion of
their depth, thus leaving the cells to project any required height above the
filling in either on one side or on both sides of the mats. The filling in of the
cells may be so arranged as to produce any ornamental pattern on the face of
the mats, either colored or not, according to the materials employed. In
some cases I perforate or form an opening or openings in the material
employed for filling in the cells. In cases where the cells are filled in with
colored materials, which it is desirable should not come in contact with the
feet, the cellular structure should be made to project above the same. In some
cases, instead of forming the usual backing or foundation of india-rubber, to
the cellular mats, 1 fill in all or a portion of the cells to any required depth
with blocks or pieces of cork, or other suitable material, cemented to the cells,
and cement on to one or both of the faces of such blocks or picces, picces of
sheet india-rubber, gutta percha, or their compounds. In some cases 1 first
cement into any of the cells, blocks of cork, or other suitable materials, and
then I fix upon these, either by cementing or otherwise, pieces of brushwork or
small brushes, the bristles or fibre of which project somewhat above the level
of the cells. The filling in of the cells as above described may take place at

page_text: any suitable stage of manufacture of the mats. or after the manufacture of
the same is completed. according to the nature of the materials employed;
thus those substances that are able to stand the heat to which the mats are
subjected during the process of vulcanization, are. by preference, inserted
before the mat is subjected to that process, the blocks of material then taking
the place of the metal dies or other materials that are inserted into the cells
during that process. In other cases, for the purpose of strengthening the
cells of such mats, I insert into them short lengths of metallic or other tubing
and if requisite, I rivet such tubing to the cells, the rivets passing through
two adjoining tubes, or I roughen the outer surfaces of the same.
Figures 14 to 19 shew various arrangements for carrying out this part of
my Invention Figure 14 shews a part plan of a mat with cells formed of
circular tubing the interstices between which are filled in with blocks of any
suitable material; Figure 15 shews a section through the cells in which
metallic tubes are inserted and rivetted together, such tubes being placed
either at the bottom of the mat, and closed as at a, a, or open as at b. b, or
placed in the middle of the cell as at c. c; Figure 16 shews an enlarged
transverse section of the cellular mat, in which at a the cell is filled entirely
with any material such as herein-before described; is filled only partially
with such material, so as to leave the cells projecting above the same on one
side of the mat; at the material is placed so that the cell projects beyond
on both sides, at d the block of cork. or other material has a piece of colored
kamptulicon, wood, carpet, or india-rubber, or other suitable material cemented
on to the face of it, at e the block has a piece of earthenware or tile attached
to it by means of a rivet at the cell is filled nearly to the top with a block
of cork or other material, upon which a piece of painted kamptulicon, carpet,
or other material is cemented, so as to bring the surface level with the top of
the cell; at the block of cork or other material has a piece of sheet india-
rubber or other material cemented on to both sides of it; at h, h, the cell is
filled in partially with cork or other suitable material, upon which is cemented
or otherwise secured a piece of brush work; at the cell has a thinner piece
of cork cemented in it at the bottom, in place of the usual backing, upon which
cork a piece of india-rubber is cemented. Figures 17. 18. and 19 shew
various forms of cellular mats with either the cells or the interstices between
them filled in with blocks of cork or other materials in such a manner as to
produce a variety of ornamental patterns.
Another part of my Invention consists in an improved method of securing
together all the parts of which india-rubber, compound leather, or other cellular
mats are composed, either instead of, or as well as cementing the same in the

page_text: usual manner. I employ for this purpose any suitable mechanical means,
such as the ordinary metal eyelet hole, or 1 secure together the various parts
of the mat by. rivetting, sewing, or by means of pieces of any suitable material
passing through and cemented to the sides of the contiguous cells or parts in
any convenient stage of the manufacture of the mat, or after the same is
vulcanized.
Figure 20 shews a number of cylindrical cells a, a, a, secured together by
means of metal eyelet holes b, b, b, either alone, or besides being cemented
together in the usual manner.
Having now described the nature of the several parts of my Invention,
and the best means I am acquainted with of performing the same, I wish it to
be understood that I in no way limit myself to the precise arrangements and
forms of mats as shewn on the accompanying Drawing, as it is evident that
they may be modified in a great variety of ways without departing from the
nature of my Invention; but what I claim, is,-
Firstly, constructing mats of strands of fibrous materials having a core of
metal, wood, cane, or other suitable material inside them, such mats being
formed either with or without or partly with and partly without a pile
surface, and either open or cellular, or with a close surface; also, making such
strands of unequal widths, so as to produce an uneven surface on the mats
composed of the same; also inserting strips of india-rubber or other suitable
material between the strands of such mats.
Secondly, providing mats with a flat or bevelled border of a stiff brush-like
surface for more effectually removing the dirt.
Thirdly, providing fibrous mats with a waterproof foundation or backing;
also fixing or forming upon such waterproof backing a second mat surface of
a fibrous open or cellular structure.
Fourthly, constructing mats with subdivisions, one or more of which have a
fibrous pile surface, whilst the other or others is or are formed of an open
cellular structure, flush with the pile surface, either of fibre, india-rubber, or
its compounds or metal, or other suitable materials.
Fifthly, constructing mats of any fibrous pile material with small openings,
spaces, or cells in the same; also making such openings, spaces, or cells of
larger dimensions, and filling them in with a cellular structure of india-rubber
or other suitable materials.
Sixthly, constructing mats with a removeable central portion, either of the
same or of a different material.
Seventhly, constructing mats of which either the central or the outer portion
is of a fibrous or brush material, whilst the other part is composed of a cellular

page_text: structure of india-rubber, gutta percha, or their compounds, leather, metal, or
other suitable substances, or of which either the central or outer part, or both.
consist of a combination of cellular and close fibrous structures.
Eightly. constructing cellular mats of india-rubber or its compounds with
an improved strong framing surrounding the cellular structure of any known
form or construction: also forming divisions or compartments on the framed
mat, cither by means of strips of india-rubber, half notched, housed, and
cemented on to each other and to the framing, or secured by any other means;
also letting in a backing or foundation flush with the under side of the
framing and the divisions of the mat.
Ninthly, forming cellular mats of india-rubber. gutta percha, or their com-
pounds by means of strips of the material employed arranged so as to cross
cach other, and half notched, or housed, or both. and cemented or otherwise
secured to each other at the points of intersection, and to the framing; also.
cementing strips of the material inside the cells so formed for the purpose of
strengthening the same.
Tenthly, filling in, either wholly or partially, any or all the cells or the
interstices between the cells of cellular mats or structures of whatever material,
design, or dimensions with cork, kamptulicon. oil cloth, wood, india-rubber,
gutta percha, or their compounds, carpeting or textile fabrics, earthenware,
tiles, fibrous pile or brush material or any other suitable material, either plain
or painted, colored, or dyed for ornamentation; also arranging such filling in
to form any ornamental device or pattern: also placing tubes or rings of metal
or other suitable materials into the cells for the purpose of strengthening them,
which tubes or rings may be either rivetted together or not.
Eleventhly, securing together the cells or other parts of cellular mats of
india-rubber or its equivalents or compounds by means of eyelet holes, rivets.
sewing, or by means of pieces of any suitable material passing through and
connecting the sides of two contiguous cells.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Henson Henson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of August, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
HENRY H. HENSON. (L..s.)