IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MILITARY AND OTHER BOOTS AND SHOES OR COVERINGS FOR THE FEET AND LEGS."
Year: 1872

page_text: :
LETTERS PATENT to Charles Elmes Parker-Rhodes, of Brixton, in
the County of Surrey, Gentleman, late of the British Consular
Service, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
MILITARY AND OTHER BOOTS AND SHOES OR COVERINGS FOR THE FEET
AND LEGS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Elmes Parker-
Rhodes at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 31st January 1872.
I, CHARLES ELMES PARKER-RHODES, of Brixton, in the County of
Surrey, Gentleman, late of the British Consular Service, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION OF MILITARY AND OTHER BOOTS AND SHOES OR COVERINGS FOR THE
FEET AND LEGS," to be as follows :-
-

page_text: adjusted to the foot according to the requirements of the comfort and
case of the wearer, and shall also prevent water or damp penetrating to
the soles of the feet, and shall likewise be capable of being put on and
taken off with great facility.
To this end I construct the sole and heel in the following manner :-
Between the inner and outer sole I insert an intermediate sole of
leather cloth, or such like waterproof material; I then secure a wooden
heel thereto, and face the same with a wearing surface of leather con-
necting the same to the wood (by screws by preference), as that method
enables the wearer to replace this wearing, surface as it gets worn away.
I also prefer to screw on a clump sole for the same reasons.
The uppers
I construct in the following manner :-I secure (by screws
by preference) the upper made in one or more pieces, between the inner
sole of leather cloth or such like waterproof material and the outer sole.
I then add a vamp shield reaching above the instep of the foot or a toe
cap, and screwed between the outer and clump soles. I then secure the.
inside of the upper over the outside, as also the vamp shield or toe cap
by means of eyes and buttons, through and partly around which a single
lace is passed and fastened at the upper part.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letter's Patent, 2
filed by the said Charles Elmes Parker-Rhodes in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 19th July 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
ELMES PARKER-RHODES, of 27, Somerleyton Road, East Brixton,, in
the County of Surrey, Gentleman, late of the British Consular Service,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirty-first day of January, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the
thirty-fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Charles Elmes Parker-Rhodes, Her
special licence that I,, the said Charles: Elmes Parker-Rhodes; my
executors,, administrators,, and assigns, or such others as I, the said'

page_text: replacing the same with the spare heel surfaces supplied with the boots.
or shoes.
•
By this means this system of boot or shoe has always a sole and
heel in good condition, a requirement so essential to lessen the fatigue of
walking, standing, or marching, or riding.
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Secondly. The simple and particular construction of the upper,
although combining in one the boot and gaiter, allows of it being laid
open to below the instep, thus insuring the foot being placed with
perfect ease and comfort in the boot; and further, when the foot is
withdrawn therefrom, the inside of the boot can be cleansed as
required.
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The mode of securing the boot to the foot and leg enables the wearer.
to have a close or a loose fit, and at any moment to alter the boot to the
immediate comfort of the foot.
The vamp shield or toe cap whilst being a protection to the boot and
foot may be removed when required.
Thirdly. The construction of this system of boot or shoe, foot, or
foot and leg covering, does not require more than an hour for
each pair when made by hand, and much less time when made by
machinery.
And each pair with wearing sole and heel surfaces supplied will last
many years.
Health, economy, and comfort are insured to all Her Majesty's
subjects by this Invention, in the manner following:-
:-
1. Health, by the feet being protected at all times, and by the boots
enabling the wearing to keep the insides thoroughly clean, and also by
cach and every person being able to have boots of new materials.
2. Economy, that will enable each and every person to enjoy the
benefit of a permanently serviceable pair of boots.
3. Comfort, by each and every person being able to have a pair of
boots that can be adapted to the feet on all occasions, and that the
combined boot and gaiter provides the wearer for all kinds of weather
without the least encumbrance or discomfort.
This Invention is in every way suitable to persons of both sexes, of all

page_text: ages, and in every condition of life, and is therefore of great public
utility and for the public good.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Elmes Parker-Rhodes, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of July,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and 5
seventy-two.
CHARLES ELMES PARKER-RHODES. (L.S.)
**
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