IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY AND OTHER KNAPSACKS OR CASES APPLICABLE AS GARMENTS OR RECEPTACLES FOR THE BODY. AND IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER APPLIANCES AS MATTRESSES, HAMMOCKS, LIFE BUOYS, PONTOONS, TENTS AND COVERINGS FOR TROOPS AND OTHERS IN THE FIELD OR CAMP, AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF BODIES GENERALLY FROM EXPOSURE TO THE ATMOSPHERE
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Brown, of Weymouth, in the County of Dorset
Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY AND OTHER
KNAPSACKS OR CASES APPLICABLE AS GARMENTS OR RECEPTACLES FOR THE BODY.
AND IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER APPLIANCES AS MATTRESSES, HAMMOCKS, LIFE
BUOYS, PONTOONS, TENTS AND COVERINGS FOR TROOPS AND OTHERS IN THE FIELD
OR CAMP, AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF BODIES GENERALLY FROM EXPOSURE TO
THE ATMOSPHERE."
Sealed the 21st June 1864, and dated the 4th April 1864.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Brown at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
4th April 1864.
I, THOMAS BROWN, of Weymouth, in the County of Dorset, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MILITARY AND OTHER KNAPSAOKS OR CASES APPLICBALE AS GARMENTS OR RECEPTACLES
FOR THE BODY AND IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER APPLIANCES AS MATTRESSES
HAMMOCKS, LIFE BUOYS, PONTOONS, TENTS, AND COVERINGS FOR TROOPS AND OTHERS
IN THE FIELD OR CAMP, AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF BODIES GENERALLY FROM
EXPOSURE TO THE ATMOSPHERE," to be as follows:-
The object of my Invention is to construct a knapsack, or an appendage
thereto, in such a manner as to afford a portable appliance useful to soldiers
lנם...מח

page_text: during a campaign, and to others, for protecting them against exposure to
weather, and in case of need as a guard against an enemy.
My Invention consists of a bag made of waterproof material of any desired.
size and shape capable of receiving the body of a man. The bottom or under
portion of the bag is made double, so that by means of a small tube, placed in
any convenient part, the space between the two thicknesses is inflated, and
it at once forms a mattress, the upper part of the bag may be made of single
sheeting or double like the bottom, and this acts as a covering to the man
when the bag is drawn over him. At the top end as well as at the bottom is
a band of the sheeting or of canvass, or duck of any convenient width, round
these bands are lace holes (any number) through which a draw string is passed;
these holes are useful for other purposes, as hereafter described. In a con-
venient position at the sides are arm holes with a short bag-like sleeve attached
made of finer material than that of which the bag itself is composed. At the
end of the sleeve is a string for fastening the opening. when required for
inflating. These sleeves can be either drawn in or out at will. Across the
centre of the bag is a band of webbing forming at the two sides a "becket,"
or handle attached to the top and bottom bands. There are also beckets of
webbing at the sides, so that on each side of the bag there are three beckets
or handles. In any convenient part of the bag, distinct from the mattress or
inflated bottom, is placed one or more air valves with self-acting covers, or to
act as an inlet or exit for the air about the man's body so long as this hole or
valve is near the foot or on the covering of the bag. I do not confine myself
to its position. Belonging to the bag is a hood made of a finer waterproof
material, having a curtain to fall over the shoulders, consequently. over the
neck of the bag when drawn in by means of the draw string; this hood is
worn either over the shako, or without; the face of the hood is in shape suitable
to a man's face, and is composed of any respiratory material, say, for instance,
bunting, or a double fine zinc wire, or, if necessary, of both combined, this face
is either secured in the material of the hood or may be lifted or lowered at
will; round the neck of the hood is a draw string, also round the bottom
of the curtain. If necessary an exit or inlet valve may be fitted at the top of
the hood. The length of the curtain is not limited. This hood can be worn
under all circumstances by soldier, mariner, or civilian on the march, or other-
wise, where the head, shoulders, and lungs are to be protected against bad
weather. Two holes, by preference oval in shape, either with glass or without,
are fitted in the hood to suit the sight of the wearer.
My Invention also consists in the employment in combination with the appli-
ance before described, of rods or.poles made by preference of ash, about 7 feet in

page_text: length, and 1 inches in diameter; one end of these rods is spiked with steel
or iron, and the other end is so fitted with an iron tongue and socket that by
dropping the tongue on one into the socket on the other pole two sides of a
triangle are formed mitered at the top. For hot climates the top covering of
the bag is loose on one side, so that it may be thrown off at will, and a thin
flannel or linen sheet is substituted. The face of the hood is also composed
for this purpose of fine muslin, either as a fall, or secured in the material.
Under both circumstances, either for cold or hot climates, an extra roof or
guard of thin waterproof material is formed over but standing out from the
face by a half-circle of wire, each end of this half hoop is attached to an eye in
each side of the face at the bottom part, so that should it rain when the man
is on the ground this roof will protect the face; the covering of the shade or
roof is part or a flap of the material of the hood from over the crown of the
head. Sometimes for hot climates I fit an extra under hood of muslin or
other light conducting material to be worn in dry weather, without the water-
proof hood, this muslin hood to be of same shape, without the face, as the
waterproof hood.
:
.
The bag before described, when folded, occupies but small space, and may be
used as a knapsack for containing articles required during a march, or it may
be strapped to a knapsack or use when required. It is particularly applicable
and useful as a covering and bed at night in the open air, but I also apply my
Invention to the following purposes:-To use the appliance as a mattress I
button or flute it in the ordinary manner; to adapt it as a hammock I
attach clews or slings to the lace or eyelet holes; for a stretcher I pass
rods through the handles at the sides, and convert it from this into a hospital
bed by placing the ends of the rods on frames, and slinging the bag as described
for a hammock; for a fence or protection against musketry I pass the
spiked rods, before described through the eyelets, and insert the spikes in the
ground, by uniting a number of these appliances a good fence for troops is
afforded; to form a raft or a bridge the bags are inflated, and planks are laid
and secured to the top thereof; 1 to form a battery they are filled with sand
or other material, and in combination with chevaux de frise form a strong pro-
tection against cavalry; for forming tents the stretcher rods are applied as
supports, and the bags when opened are laid and secured thereon.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Thomas Brown in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 3rd
October 1864.
.
;
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
BROWN, of Weymouth, in the County of Dorset, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date, the Fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-seventh year..of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Thomas Brown, Her special license that I, the said Thomas Brown,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Thomas
Brown, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree.
with, and no others, from time to time and 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 "IMPROVEMENTS, IN MILITARY,
AND OTHER KNAPSACKS OR CASES APPLICABLE AS, GARMENTS, OR- RECEPTACLES FOR
THE BODY, AND IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER APPLIANCES AS MATTRESSES, HAMMOCKS,
LIFE BUOYS, PONTOONS, TENTS, AND COVERINGS FOR TROOPS AND OTHERS IN THE
FIELD OR CAMP, AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF BODIES GENERALLY FROM EXPOSURE TO
THE ATMOSPHERE," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Thomas
Brown, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my.
hand and seal, or under the hand and seal of one of them, 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 Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Thomas Brown, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the Drawing hereto annexed, and to the.
figures and letters marked thereon, that is to, say:
The object of my Invention is to construct a mattress and cover to be used
as a knapsack, valise, or travelling bag, or an appendage thereto in such a
manner as to afford a portable appliance useful to soldiers during a campaign,
and to others for protecting them against exposure to weather, and in case
of need as a guard against an enemy.

page_text: My Invention consists of a portable cellular and waterproof mattress of
any desired size and shape; capable of receiving the body of a man. The
bottom or under portion of the receptacle is made double so that by means
of a small tube placed in any convenient part the space between the two
thicknesses is inflated with air (or water) and it at once forms a mattress,
or for cheapness it may be made of single waterproof substance. The upper
part of the receptacle may be made of single sheeting, and this. acts as a
covering to the man when the receptacle is used as a bed in the open air:i
At the top end; as well as at the bottom, is a band. of webbing of canvas-or
duck of any convenient width, round the mattress are lace holes (or loops! or
ties) any. number, through which a draw string or loop: strings are passed;
these holes are useful for other purposes as herein-after described.... Across
the centre of the receptacle is a band of webbing forming at the two sides) a!
becket or loop attached to the top and bottom. There are also beckets *of*
webbing at the sides so. that on each side of the receptacle there are three
beckets or loops. In any convenient part of the receptacle, distinct from the:
mattress or inflated portion, are placed one or more air valves with self-acting.
covers, or otherwise, so as to act as an inlet or exit.for the air about the man'si
body; so long as this hole or valve is near the foot or on the covering of the
receptacle I do not confine myself to its position. Belonging to the receptacle-
israrhood made of a finer. waterproof material having a curtain to fall over the
shoulders; consequently over the neck of the receptacle when used as a' bed in-
the open air, this hood is worn either: over the shako or without: The face
of the hood: is in shape suitable to a man's face, and is composed of any
respirating material; say, for instance, bunting, or such like nonconducting
material; this face is either secured in the material of the whood or may ibe:
lifted or lowered at: will. Round the neck of the hood and bottom of the
curtain is a draw.string. If necessary. an exit: or inlet valve may be fitted.at.
the top of the hood; the length of the curtain is not limited; this hood:can be.
worn under all..circumstances by soldier, mariner, or civilian on the march or
otherwise, where the head, shoulders, and lungs are to be. protected against
bad weather; and the eyesight against extreme rays of light,. 'snow drift, dust,
or hot sand on march.
A
My Invention also consists in the employment, in combination with: the.
appliance before described, of rods or poles made by preference of ash or lance.
wood. One end of these rods is spiked with steel or iron, the other end-of
the one rod is fitted with an iron tongue which fits a socket on the end of the
other, so that by dropping the tongue on the one into the socket in the other
-

page_text: two sides of a triangle are formed mitered at the top. For hot climates the
covering of the receptacle is loose, so that it may be thrown off at will, and a
woollen or linen sheet is substituted. The face of the hood is also composed
for this purpose of fine muslin, either as a fall, or secured in the material.
Under both circumstances, either for cold or hot climates, an extra roof or
guard of thin waterproof material is formed over but standing out from the
face by a half circle of wire, each end of this half hoop is attached to an eye
in each side of the face at the bottom part, so that should it rain when the
man is on the ground this, roof will protect the face; the covering of the shade
or roof is part or a flap of the material of the hood from over the crown of the
head. Sometimes for hot climates I fit an extra under hood of muslin or
other light conducting material to be worn in dry weather, without the water-
proof hood, to be of same shape without the face as the waterproof hood. The
receptacle before described when folded occupics but small space, and may be
used as a knapsack during a march, or it may be strapped to a knapsack for
use when required. It is particularly applicable and useful as a covering and
bed at night in the open air, but I also apply my Invention to the following
purposes: I use the appliance of the cellular mattress in the ordinary
manner; to adapt it as a hammock I attach. clews or strings to the lace or
eyelet holes; for a stretcher I pass poles through the loops at the sides and
convert it from this into a hospital bed by placing the ends of the poles on
frames and slinging the receptacle as described for a hammock; for a fence
or protection against musketry I pass the spiked rods, before described, throngh
the loops, and insert the spikes in the ground, by uniting a number of these
appliances a good fence for troops is afforded; to form a raft or a bridge the
mattresses are inflated and secured together, and planks are laid over the top
thereof; to form a battery the covers of the receptacles are formed into bags
and are filled with mould or other material, and in combination with the
chevaux de frise formed of the stretcher poles form a strong protection against
cavalry; for forming tents the stretcher poles are applied as supports and
the coverings of the receptacles are laid and secured thereon.
I will now proceed to describe the nature of my Invention more fully by
reference to the accompanying Drawing in which A is a plan of the cellular
air mattress shewing 10 divisions of the air, cells, which when inflated will be
about 4 inches deep round the margin on one side, and the two ends are eyelet
holes about 3 inches apart, and on the other side is latcheting of cord, also three
loop handles are shewn on each side of the mattress which are formed of the
extreme ends of webbing band, going across the centre and end marginso

page_text: the under side of the mattress, giving strength to the whole; there is also a
band of this webbing down the centre lengthway, thus forming a cross stay on
the under side, the shape here shewn narrower at the bottom end than at the
top is for the purpose of doing away with superfluous weight of material, but
when preferred may be of same width top and bottom. The dimensions being
length 5 to 6 feet, breadth at top 28 inches, ditto at bottom, 19 inches over all,
the margin at top and bottom being 3 inches, leaving a space one inch wide
between the inflated part and edge of web band; the margin at the sides
is 2 inches wide, the loop handles are about 2 inches diameter; for giving
additional strength and a better finish, the bands of webbing at the end margins
are turned over the raw ends 2 inches on each side, through which are placed
the eyelets. This mattress is made of a strong india-rubber proofed cloth.
B is a plan of the cover of mattrass, here detached, eyelet holes are placed all
round this sheet, and through the hem on one side is a draw string, the margin
being about 1 inches wide. To attach the cover to the mattress a lace is
used on the one side and bottom end, while on the other side the latching
before mentioned is used, or this latcheting may be used instead of the lace on
both sides, so that when the man is encased in the bag or receptacle, by merely
raising his arm he throws off the covering at once, at the same time when
secured he is entirely encased in waterproof, having a nonconducting mattress
under him to keep him 4 inches from the wet ground, ventilation is created
all about the body between the lace holes; when preferred this cover may be
of a woollen material, although for the many other purposes it would not be
so applicable. The dimensions are 7 feet by 3 feet 8 inches made of a lighter
india-rubber proofed cloth than the mattress.
C shews the hood and cape
made of same materials as cover of mattress, the hood is made to suit shako,
cap, or hat of any shape, and the cape to fall over the shoulders, reaching to
the wrist when the arms are down by the side; attached to the hood is a fall.
made of bunting or any other nonconducting material, so that should the man
be exposed to extreme cold winds, snow drift, or climates such as that ex-
perienced in the Crimea, Baltic Sea, and Schleswig Holstein, by simply
dropping this fall over the face his lungs and chest are perfectly protected
from injury, keeping him warm in the coldest atmosphere, and where exposed
to extreme rays of light from the sun, this same fall being of green color
protects the eyesight from injury. This simple fall will prove a great boon to
all who are exposed to severe weather. D shews the mattress, cover, hood,
and cape combined, forming a bed and protection from wet where no other
shelter is obtainable.
1

page_text: I will now describe the uses and applications of the cellular air mattress by
reference to the accompanying Drawing.
Fig. 1 shews it as a stretcher for the wounded, constructed by passing two
staves (of lancewood by preference) through the three loop handles,
side, the mattress being either inflated or not.
on each
Fig. 2 is a bed for hospital purposes by attaching slings or hammock clews
(which may be carried in the pocket): to the head, and foot, the eyelet holes
being for this purpose, which give increased length and at the same, time. a
place for the pillow at the head; the projecting ends of the poles are placed
on simple stands, which are light and convenient for carriage, thus forming a
most comfortable bed of the stretcher without necessitating the removal of the
wounded or sick man..
It may also be used, as shewn at Fig. 3, as a raft for shipwrecked mariners
or others; useful for crossing rivers, embarking and disembarking: troops,
constructed by placing any number of the inflated mattresses together (shewn
in Drawing three deep) the broad end of one to the narrow end of the other;
one of the staves used for forming the stretcher is passed through the loop
handles of two mattresses, the other stave through the loops on the other side;
thus.securing three mattresses, which can be laced to the staves, planks of
wood (if at hand) to be laid over the surface, secured by lashing to the poles,
thus forming a most buoyant raft, 15 of the mattresses being capable of
supporting a ton weight distributed over the surface.
Fig. 4 represents a hammock formed by slinging the mattress to trees, or
wherever convenient, by passing the slings or clews through eyelet holes at the
head and foot (a comfortable bed at any time).
And, Fig. 5, is a pontoon constructed after plan of the raft, the inflated
mattresses (shewn three deep) reaching from bank to bank of the river and
.there secured.
.
Fig. 6 shews it as a life-buoy, one of the mattresses inflated being capable
of supporting one man across it or four men catching hold of it by means of
the handles or lines attached thereto.
Fig. 7 shews the mattress inflated.
In addition to the appliances described in the Drawing the mattress may
be used as a bed for naval and marine officers' cabins on board, ship, forming a
cushion during the daytime.
:
Fig. 8 shews the mattress, with cover attached, ready to receive the man.
The uses and applications of the cover shewn at B are as follows:-
Fig. 9 represents a screen from the enemy formed by lacing the covers to

page_text: the staves used for forming the stretcher, which being stuck into the ground,
in line or otherwise, hides the men from the enemy, but is not intended to
prevent the penetration of shot.
Fig. 10, a waterproof covering for the tent, the frame of which is con-
structed of the staves used for stretcher, which are united as shewn in Figures
11, 12, and 13. Fig. 11 shews the ends of the said staves separated; and
Fig. 12, the ends of the staves united. Fig. 13 shews the ridge pole (one of
the staves) secured under the angle of roof. This tent is very readily con-
structed, and may be increased or diminished in size according to requirement
by merely increasing or diminishing the number of the staves; when formed,
the mattresses may be laid in a line on each side under the eaves of the tent,
leaving a space in the centre, thus preventing the injurious effects caused by
lying about on the damp ground.
Fig. 14, a fascine constructed of the covers formed into bags, which are
filled with earth or other impenetrable material; and the chevaux de frise
(shewn in front of the fascine, Fig. 14) is constructed of the staves used for
the stretcher, crossing each other obliquely, the spiked ends being towards the
enemy, useful for resisting cavalry, thus forming a stronghold quickly thrown
up, the necessary materials always being at hand.
Fig. 15 represents a battery, quickly thrown up, constructed after the plan
of the fascine, the bags being secured by the staves. The bags are thus
formed: The covers are laced up by means of the lace through the eyelet
holes, the open top is then turned down over the bottom portion, by which
means a bag is made half the original length of the cover, having two thick-
nesses of the material all round.
Fig. 16, a sun awning, made by lacing two or more of the covers together
and piling the arms to form the supports for the same (almost instantly
erected or taken down).
Fig. 17, a bag, useful for many purposes in foraging, &c., made as for sand
bags in battery.
.Fig. 18, wallet for foraging, being thrown over the back of a horse, as in
Fig. 19.
Fig. 20, the mattress and cover in form of a knapsack, the waterproof
cover of mattress being used as cover for knapsack. In attaching the mattress
and cover to the knapsack, as at present used in the army, the former is
folded into suitable size and placed under the flap of the knapsack; and the
latter may be used as a wrapper for the cloak, which will ensure the men
always having a dry cloak after falling out; or if preferred, it can be folded

page_text: into so neat a form that it may go into the case of knapsack. Another form
is the cover being made into a bag, a wooden case for the kitt is placed
inside, the mattress is placed on the top and slung over the shoulders by
straps. Fig. 21, knapsack open.
Fig. 22, the mattress and cover, in form of valise, for cavalry.
Fig. 23, the combination of hood, cape, and cover of mattress, forming an
improved perfect ventilating waterproof suit, the hood and cape as protection
for the head and shoulders, and the cover of mattress as a skirt for the lower
portion of the body, a draw string in the hem of cover allowing the same to
be fastened about the waist, thus covering the man from head to foot in
waterproof, at the same time allowing freedom of action for limbs and affording
a better ventilation to all parts of the body than is possible with the ordinary
waterproof coat
In addition to, the applications of coyer described in the Drawing it may be
used for waterproof ambulance waggon cover, ammunition cover, ground.
sheet, driving apron, invalid sheet for use in hospital; and for marine purposes
it may be used as a boat cloak, a stern sheet cloth, seaman's waterproof. skirts
or petticoats, as used in boats, a clothes bag, and for various other purposes;
and the staves used in stretchers and other purposes are useful as boarding
pikes or instruments for defence or attack.
Having thus fully described the nature of my said Invention, and the best
means I am acquainted with for performing the same, I wish it to be under-
stood that I do not claim as my Invention the mode of constructing cellular
air mattresses, but what I do claim and wish to be secured by the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
Firstly, the applications to cellular air mattresses of the bands of webbing
across the ends and centre of the mattress, forming loops and handles at the
sides; also the eyelet holes at equal distances all round the mattress, the
flange for this purpose being made wider than usual, as well as to prevent
injury to the inflated portion; and the application of a mattress so formed to
the various purposes herein-before described and shewn in the accompanying
Drawing.
Secondly, I claim the application to the said mattress, and for other
purposes, of the waterproof cover, shewn at B, in the manner and for the
purpose herein described, reference being had to the Drawing.
Thirdly, the construction and application to the hood and cape of the fall-
over face, substantially as herein-before described and represented in the
Drawing.

page_text: And, fourthly, the mode of securing two rods or staves together by a miter
joint, for the purposes herein described and shewn in the accompanying
Drawing.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Brown, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
Vitness,
G. F. REDFERN,
4, South St.,
Finsbury, London.
ATIONAZIO