Improvements in or relating to Elastic Stockings, Anklets, and the like.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 29th Dec., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Elastic Stockings, Anklets, and
the like.
I, JAMES LORAC of 30, Harrington Road Queen's Gate, London, S.W.
Gentleman, 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 :-
This invention relates to an improvement in connection with elastic stockings,
anklets, and the like, used for varicose veins and other ailments, and is intended to
provide an arrangement which will render them much more comfortable in wearing
than those commonly in use.
The ordinary elastic stocking has nothing to prevent it from getting pressed up
into wrinkles above the wearer's heel and thus chafing and blistering that part,
resulting in great pain and discomfort.
According to my invention, a band or tape connects the heel piece with the piece
under the foot (at the centre of each) and this tape is of such a length as to fit
closely round the heel of the wearer when the stocking or anklet is put on.
Thus
the heel piece of the stocking or anklet is effectually prevented from getting out
of its proper position, being held securely in place by the tape (within which the
wearer's heel rests) and this allows the stocking or anklet to be worn with perfect
comfort.
On the ordinary stockings and anklets, a tape is generally sewn down the
centre of the back of the leg, and in many cases another tape along the centre of
the bottom of the foot piece, merely as a binding of the seams. A simple way
of carrying out my invention is to use a single piece of tape for the whole length,
including my heel band or tape. Should there be no such bindings used, then a
small piece of strong soft tape about of an inch wide is securely attached, making
the necessary connection between the heel and foot pieces and thus completing the
invention.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a
stocking of this description, and Fig. 2 a back view.
A is the leg piece of the stocking having a heel piece A', a foot piece B, and
ankle tape C at the side as a binding to the seam there (there being generally a
similar binding tape along a seam at the back of the leg, and another under the
foot piece). The band or tape which I employ in accordance with my invention
is marked d, d, d, and connects the heel piece A' to the foot piece B, at the points
marked e and f, the tape being of such a length between these two points as to
allow the wearer's heel to rest closely on it.
The general make of the stocking or anklet is exactly similar to that commonly
used.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1) In elastic stockings, anklets and the like, having open heels, a heel band,
formed by connecting the back of the heel piece of the stocking to the foot piece,

page_text: (2) The improved elastic stocking or anklet provided with a heel band, sub-
stantially as described and shown in the accompanying sheet of drawings, and for
the purposes specified.
Dated this 27th day of November 1894.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.