Improvements in or relating to Boots and Shoes or similar Coverings for the Feet for the Purpose of Ventilating the Interior.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 4th July, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 29th July, 1889-Accepted, 14th Sept., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Boots and Shoes or similar Coverings
for the Feet for the Purpose of Ventilating the Interior.
I, GEORGE WILLIAM WAUGH, of Monkseaton, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the
County of Northumberland, Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-.
The object of this invention is to provide for the ventilation of the interior of boots
and shoes or other coverings for the feet when in wear. while at the same time altering
as little as possible the present construction of such articles.
Hitherto attempts have been made to ventilate boots and shoes by means of a pipe
or tube leading to the interior and carried up the back or side, but such. renders the
boot unsightly and has not been successful.
By my invention I apply a small inlet contrivance or valve to the waist of the boot
or shoe through which air passes to and from the interior.
In carrying it out I cut away a portion of the sole at the waist forming a hole to
the interior and there insert a ventilator through which air may be admitted or
expelled. The ventilator consists of a simple contrivance with a central opening and
a flange or lugs by which it is secured to the sole. The opening is provided with a
gauze or canvas diaphragm to prevent the passage of dust. For some class of boots
and shoes, such as those worn by athletes which are intended for use in dry weather
the ventilator may remain uncovered. For other boots, which may at times be worn
in wet weather I provide a cover for the ventilator pivoted thereto and fitting closely
upon it. Holes are provided in both which can be opened and closed at will by
moving the cover. The ventilator opens into the interior at the waist but when it is
desired to carry the ventilation direct to any other part of the interior a tube or passage
may be used to connect that part with any one of the holes in the ventilator.
1
1
Taal
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
6, Bank Street, Manchester, Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Boots and Shoes or similar Coverings
for the Feet for the Purpose of Ventilating the Interior.
I, GEORGE WILLIAM WAUGH, of Monkseaton, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the
County of Northumberland, Mechanical Engineer, 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 object of this invention is to provide for the ventilation of the interior of boots
and shoes or other coverings for the feet when in wear while at the same time altering
as little as possible the present construction of such articles.
Hitherto attempts have been made in various ways to ventilate boots and shoes such
as by means of a pipe or tube leading to the interior and carried up the back or side
and by cavities in the sole but such renders the boot unsightly and has not been
successful.
By my invention I apply a small inlet contrivance or valve to the waist of the boot
or shoe through which air passes to and from the interior.
:

page_text: Fig. 3, elevation of light shoe with ventilator applied.
Fig. 4, plan of sole of same.
Fig. 5, elevation of tennis shoe with ventilator applied.
Fig. 6, plan of sole of same.
Fig. 7, sectional plan looking from below of ventilator shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. 8, plan of same.
Fig. 9, sectional elevation of same.
Fig. 10, elevation.
Fig. 11, plan from below of ventilator shown in Figs. 3—4.
Fig 12, sectional elevation of same.
Fig. 13, elevation of same..
Fig. 14, plan from below of ventilator shown in Figs. 5-6.
Fig. 15, sectional elevation of same.
Fig. 16, elevation of same.
In the sole A, of the boot or shoe B, I cut away a portion a at the waist immediately
in front of the heel, forming a passage to the interior of the boot or shoe Over or in
the passage so made I insert a ventilator C, through which air may he admitted or
expelled but which will prevent the passage through it to the interior of the boot or
shoe of dust or moisture.
The ventilator, as shown in figs. 7-16, consists essentially of the outer casing or
shield formed of the shape shown with a central opening for the passage of the air
and a circular flange d, by which it is attached to the sole of the boot, and a gauze
diaphragm e, which prevents the passage of dust or water. The gauze diaphragm e,
is preferably made of fine metallic wire and is attached to the inner side of the
flange d. It may, however, be secured in the central air passage if desired.
Referring to Figs. 1-2 and 7-10, the invention is shown adapted to heavy
walking boots. In this case the ventilator is constructed with a cap or cover f,
capable of being opened or closed by the wearer to regulate or shut off the supply of
air. Into the central air passage several lateral openings g, are made, and corresponding
openings g¹, are made in the cap or cover f, so that by turning the cap round, the
openings may either be covered or uncovered as desired. The cover f, is made with
a small flange near the base, over which is fitted a plate h, which secures it in position.
The cap or cover f, instead of being secured in position by the plate h, fitting over
the flange at the bottom, may be secured by a rivet through the centre of the top or
in other similar manner. The ventilator is attached to the sole of the boot by screws,
nails, or otherwise.
Referring to figs. 3-4 and 11-13, the invention is shown as adapted to a light or
dress shoe, or cricket shoe, in this case the cap or cover is dispensed with, and the
ventilator consisting of the casing c, and gauze diaphragm e, attached over the passage
cut in the sole by screws or nails.
Referring to figs. 5-6 and 14-16, the invention is shown adapted to athletic shoes
such as tennis shoes and the like which have rubber soles, and very low heels, in this
case the ventilator is attached to the inner layer of the sole and projects out through
the opening in the outer sole and does not project beyond the sole. It is secured by
stitching as shown in the same way that the sole is secured or may be cemented to the
inner and outer layers of the sole. Instead of inserting the ventilator in the sole as
shown a flat plate with central hole may be used to carry the gauze, and be attached
to the sole on the outside.
When it is desired to carry the ventilation direct to any particular part of the
interior of the boot or shoe a passage may be made in the sole or a tube be inserted to

page_text: connect that part with the interior of the ventilator but I prefer to carry out the
invention as shown and described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood that I am
well aware that boots and shoes have been ventilated both by holes cut in the soles
and in the uppers and that I do not broadly claim such but I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A boot or shoe having an opening or passage leading to the interior cut through
the waist of the sole immediately in front of the heel in combination with the outer
casing or shield c, and the gauze diaphragm e, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
2. A ventilator for boots and shoes having a casing ea gauze diaphragm e and a
cap or cover f, constructed substantially as described and shown.
1000
Dated this 24th day of our
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Manchester, Liverpool, and London, Patent Agents.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Manchester, Liverpool, and London, Patent Agents.