Patent drawing of a Parachute Hat for Fire Escape (1879) – US221855A

The parachute hat must be one of the most imaginative inventions of the 19th century! This patent (US221855A) from 1879, developed by BB Oppenheimer, describes an alternative fire escape method in which a portable parachute is attached to a helmet or hat. The idea was to give people in burning buildings a safe way to escape by jumping out and gliding to the ground.

The patent drawing shows a combination of a protective helmet/hat and a compact parachute, deployed during a jump. The shoes are also part of the patent, as they are made with extra shock-absorbing soles for the purpose, providing a completely "ready-to-use" solution for anyone who should find themselves in a dangerous situation and need to jump out of a window.

This fascinating patent illustration is a perfect wall decoration for those with an interest in historical and quirky inventions. A fun conversation starter and a perfect gift for engineers, skydivers, firemen or just you with an interest in the more obscure and curious world.