IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF THE BLADDERS OF ANIMALS TO OBTAIN A FABRIC OR MATERIAL APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS USES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Harry Middleton Todd, of Langroyd, Upper Tooting, in
the County of Surrey, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT
OF THE BLADDERS OF ANIMALS TO OBTAIN A FABRIC OR MATERIAL APPLICABLE
TO VARIOUS USES." A communication from abroad by Alexandre Jerome
Jolissaint-Vonèche, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
Sealed the 21st November 1879, and dated the 31st May 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Harry Middleton Todd at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st May 1879.
HARRY MIDDLETON TODD, of Langroyd, Upper Tooting, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF THE BLADDERS OF ANIMALS TO OBTAIN A
FABRIC OR MATERIAL APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS USES." (A communication from
abroad by Alexandre Jerome Jolissaint-Vonèche, of Paris, in the Republic of
France.)
In carrying the Invention into effect take the bladders of animals, but preferably
of oxen, which are the strongest, divide these into thongs of from 20 to 30 metres
long, according to the size of the bladder and the width of the thong which it is
desired to obtain by cutting the bladder in spirals in the sense of its circumference,
beginning at the neck of the bladder, which is cut off, and finishing at the other
end.
The cutting is done with a small blade fixed in a plank and with a running
bearing surface; it is only necessary to cut a small piece of the bladder's neck of
the width required, pass this under the blade and pull, guiding the bladder at the
same time; very regular thongs may thus be obtained.
This thong obtained, it is moistened, then twisted like string, single or several
together, according to the strength and thickness of the texture desired to be
obtained, and whether twisted, woven, or plaited it should be worked moist, which
permits of tightening it more, and gives greater strength and unity to the result.
The operator coats these bands with double boiled linseed oil mixed with coloring

page_text: matter, and thus obtains a perfectly waterproof material, very supple, and in
appearance like leather or whatever it is wished to imitate.
The tissue obtained has the advantage of much greater strength in equal
proportions than leather, and it can be made of any length, width, and thickness;
its application is as varied as that of leather, to which it is superior for driving
bands of large size; it will be of great value in carriage building, parts of harness,
for waterproof carpets, hammocks, and tarpaulins, the construction of light
tarpaulins for explorers, for hatters, and other uses.
These cords, on account of their cheapness and solidity, may be advantageously
employed in making rackets, children's toys, musical instruments, pulleys, and
other articles.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Harry Middleton Todd in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
24th November 1879.
HARRY MIDDLETON TODD, of Langroyd, Upper Tooting, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF THE BLADDERS OF ANIMALS TO OBTAIN A
FABRIC OR MATERIAL APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS USES." (A communication from
abroad by Alexandre Jerome Jolissaint-Vonèche, of Paris, in the Republic of
France.)
In carrying the Invention into effect take the bladders of animals, but preferably
of oxen, which are the strongest, divide these into thongs of from 20 to 30 metres
long, according to the size of the bladder and the width of the thong which it is
desired to obtain by cutting the bladder in spirals in the sense of its circumference,
beginning at the neck of the bladder, which is cut off, and finishing at the other
end.
The cutting is done with a small blade fixed in a plank and with a running
bearing surface; it is only necessary to cut a small piece of the bladder's neck of
the width required, pass this under the blade and pull, guiding the bladder at the
same time; very regular thongs may thus be obtained.
This thong obtained, it is moistened, then twisted like string, single or several
together, according to the strength and thickness of the texture desired to be
obtained, and whether twisted, woven, or plaited it should be worked moist, which
permits of tightening it more, and gives greater strength and unity to the result.
The operator coats these bands with double boiled linseed oil mixed with coloring
matter, and thus obtains a perfectly waterproof material, very supple, and in
appearance like leather or whatever it is wished to imitate.
The tissue obtained has the advantage of much greater strength in equal
proportions than leather, and it can be made of any length, width, and thickness;
its application is as varied as that of leather, to which it is superior for driving
bands of large size; it will be of great value in carriage building, parts of harness,
for waterproof carpets, hammocks, and tarpaulins, the construction of light boats
for explorers, for batters, and other uses.
These cords, on account of their cheapness and solidity, may be advantageously
employed in making rackets, children's toys, musical instruments, pulleys, and
other articles.
Having thus described the Invention as communicated to me, I would have it
understood that I do not confine myself to the details referred to, as these may be
varied without departing from the peculiar character of the Invention; but what
I do claim is, the improvements in the treatment of the bladders of animals to
obtain a fabric or material applicable to various uses, substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Harry Middleton Todd, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
Witness,
ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES,
37, Southampton Buildings,
Chancery Lane,
London.
HARRY MIDDLETON TODD. (L.S.)