Improvements in Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Sept., 1898-Accepted, 17th June, 1899
Improvements in Boots and Shoes.
We, AUGUST NUSCH and HEINRICH WAGNER, Manufacturers, both of 4, Nich-
linghauserstrasse, Barmen, in the Empire of Germany, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement; -
The boots or shoes in common use being usually formed entirely of leather,
cloth or similar material render ventilation of the foot, during the time the boot
or shoe is being worn, well-nigh impossible, so that the foot becomes sore or dis-
agreeably affected by the natural perspiration.
The means hitherto employed for obviating this disadvantage have been very
imperfect, as they went no farther than the absorption of the perspiration, and
were not suitable for preventing the formation thereof.
This invention has for its object to provide a boat or shoe which allows of con-
stant ventilation of the foot whilst the shoe is being worn, and at the same time
is capable of absorbing the perspiration formed in the case of diseased feet.
The invention consists in forming the sides of the shoe of loofah, the necessary
support being given to the foot by means of a leather shoe frame or skeleton which
at the same time carries the sole and the heel. A perfectly hygienic boot, as
regards constant and thorough ventilation of the foot whilst being worn, is thus
produced.
In the accompanying drawing one form of the invention is illustrated by way
of example, in which connection it may be remarked that the form and size of
the shoe are entirely un-restricted.
Fig. 1 is a side view of a shoe constructed according to this invention.
Fig. 2 a section along the line A, B, Fig. 1.
The shoe consists of the front upper a and the upper heel or back b, which serve
to preserve the shape of the shoe, to carry the sole, and also as shoe-frame or
skeleton for supporting the sides d. The sides of the shoe are made of loofah.
In order that the texture of loofah fibres may be made tighter or more compact
the loofah is stitched through with closing seams e whereby the fibres lying over
as well as those adjoining one another are combined so as to form a thick or com-
pact felt. The closing seams give the necessary support to the loofah sponge and,
at the same time draw together the sponge like net-work of vascular bundles, which
is connected to the leather shoe-frame or skeleton by stitching.
The porous net-work of vascular bundles of loofah allows air to reach the foot
during the time the boot or shoe is being worn, and according to the width and
the cut of the front upper and the upper heel or back, the ventilation can be
effected over a larger or smaller surface if it be desired to admit air to the shoes,
the loofah sides should be carried nearly to the toe of the shoe-
Owing to the absorbent nature of the loofah, there will be besides the circula-
tion of air a simultaneous absorption of perspiration in the case of perspiring
feet.
The cleansing of the loofah from perspiration is effected by washing and subse-
quently drying it.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. A boot or shoe, of any form, distinguished by a leather shoe-frame or skeleton
into which loofah the fibrous texture of which is made more compact by means
of closing seams is sewn to form sides for the boot or shoe the leather frame or
skeleton giving the necessary support to the shoe and carrying the sole substantially
as described.
2. The improved boot or shoe substantially as described with reference to the
drawings.
Dated this 9th day of September 1898.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40, Chancery Lane, London, Agents.