Improved Means for Securing Renewable Elastic and (or) other Wearing Material, Confining a Gaseous Cushion, to the Soles and Heels of Boots Shoes, and similar articles.
Year: 1891

page_text: The decision of the Chief Examiner (acting on behalf of the Comptroller) of
the 23rd day of September 1892, allowed, under Section 18 of the Patents,
&c. Act, 1883, an Amendment of this Specification by the erasure of the
name, &c., of ARTHUR OGLESBY, of 21, Cheapside, Barnsley, Chemist, as one
of the applicants
Date of Application, 4th Aug., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 4th June, 1892-Accepted, 4th Aug., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
Improved Means for Securing Renewable Elastic and (or) other
Wearing Material, Confining a Gaseous Cushion, to the Soles
and Heels of Boots, Shoes, and similar articles.
We RALPH RAWLING MADDISON of No. 2 Granville Place Doncaster Road
(lately of No. 27 Tune Street) Barnsley in the County of York Commercial
Clerk, and ARTHUR OGLESBY of No. 21 Cheapside Barnsley aforesaid Chemist
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of eur my present invention is to provide boots et cætera with soles
and heels so constructed that the wearing surface-or wearing material-shall or
may be very easily and very quickly renewed, and rendered so elastic as to be
practically noisless (when so preferred)-generally more agreeable and satisfactory
in use and safer on slippery grounds--than soles and heels as made hitherto have
been. And this device is especially intended to enhance the value of the protector
described in our my previous Specification No. 12084 of 1891-when worn with or
alongside of it.
In carrying out this invention we I punch-or otherwise make holes of any con-
venient size and shape in the bottom (or what is usually the wearing part) of the
soles and heels of boots et costera-and we I cause or make the sides of these holes to
be bulged (in or out)-or to widen or taper preferably from the bottom upwards.
These holes we prefer to line or bush with any metallic-or other-surface suitable
as a protection against the abrasion or wearing of the hole.
Our My protectors we / form of indiarubber-or other material-or combination
of materials. We I mould or make them of a suitable shape for fitting into the
bulged or tapered holes or into the linings or bushes or sockets with which these
holes may be protected-as may be preferred-and of such a depth that they shall
protrude from the bottom surface of the soles and heels-in such a manner as to
tend to prevent the soles and heels coming in contact with the ground or surface
walked upon.
The protruding material-or materials we I prefer to vulcanise or otherwise
render or cause to be made tough-or hard-so as to be more durable in wear-
and the wearing surface we I prefer to so corrugate-or cover with pointed pro-
jections or otherwise roughen-as to increase the means it affords of protecting
the feet of the wearer from slipping.

page_text: In or on or near the upper-or inner-or widest portion of the protector we I
form or provide a cavity-or capsule-which is so occupied, or filled, or inflated
with air or gas-or a combination of gases-as to enable us me to secure a highly
elastic and indeterioratible cushion to walk upon-and the advantage that results
from the confined air or gas (through being squeezed by the vertical force of the
weight of the wearer) forcing the material surrounding it out laterally into the
widest portion of the hole in which it is imbedded. Thus the protector is more
firmly held in its place at the time that it is desirable that it should be so held.
Soles and heels being fitted with the protectors as described-are attached to
boots et cætera in any ordinary way; but preferably with the aid of cement.
In order to extract our my renewable, or replaceable protectors from their seats
we I make use of a corkscrew, or analogous instrument. The operation is facilitated
by the air- or gas-filled-or occupied-or inflated-recess-or cavity or capsule-
being in the position described-because when a protector is being pulled from its
seat nothing prevents the walls of the air or gas containing space contracting-
and so setting the protector free.
The protector that is intended to replace, or supersede another- -we / put into its
seat by any suitable means-by which it may be contracted laterally and then
driven, or forced home.
We I designate our my present invention "The air-cushion boot protector'
because that term is suggestive of its most essential features.
Dated this First day of August 1891.
"
RALPH RAWLING MADDISON.
ARTHUR OGLESBY.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
Improved Means for Securing Renewable Elastic and (or) other
Wearing Material, Confining a Gaseous Cushion, to the Soles
and Heels of Boots, Shoes, and similar articles.
We I RALPH RAWLING MADDISON of No. 218 Sheffield Road (and having a
postal address at No. 21 Cheapside, and late of No. 27 Tune Street) Barnsley in the
County of York, Commercial Clerk, and ARTHUR OGLESDY of 21 Cheapside
Barnsley aforesaid-Chemist 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 :-
Our My invention relates to a form of boot protector which can be renewed or
replaced at those parts of the sole and heel which are most exposed to wear in use,
and without injury to the sole or heel on which they are worn.
Its essential features consist; Firstly-in the fact of its being easily quickly
and noiselessly renewed, and that too from the outside of the sole. Secondly-in
the fact of its having within it a cushion, which being gaseous is therefore mobile,
and expands laterally through the act or weight of the wearer every time that it
is brought into use-thereby securing it in its seat the more firmly just when it is
most desirable that that should be so, and (at the same instant) yielding to the
weight of the wearer in a manner calculated to be agreeable. Thirdly in the
fact that the cavity which confines or imprisons the cushion may be readily
punctured and emptied (that is to say collapsed) when it is desired to withdraw a
protector from its seat or socket, or to place one in position. Fourthly-in the
fact that the existence of the cavity just referred to enables the manufacturer to
secure great economy of material in their production. The result being a more
effective and otherwise desirable article of this character than is now
ordinary use.
in

page_text: In order that our my invention may be fully understood we I desire to direct
attention to the accompanying drawings, illustrative of some typical examples of its
application, in which it will be seen that the same letters of reference are used to
denote the same parts (or parts for a like purpose) wherever they recur.
Referring to Sheet 1. Figure 1 will be seen to represent a side elevation of a
portion of a boot, a portion of the sole and heel of which are shown in sectional
elevation. And Figure 2 will be seen to represent a plan of the same.
The parts that are shown quite black and that are distinguished by the letter a
are designed to be of tough and wear resisting material, as, say vulcanized india-
rubber for example: and they are intended to project from the face of the sole
to any extent preferred by the wearer. The parts that are shown by crossed lines
and that are distinguished by the letter b, are designed to be sufficiently pliable as
to be capable of being squeezed or pressed into the holes prepared for them, or
into the sockets c. The materials of which they are made may be, say soft india-
rubber of good quality for example. In the plan view it will be seen that the
flanges of the sockets (by which they are held in position) are indicated by dotted
lines at d and that the parallel dotted lines at e indicate the part of the flanges
that may be cut off in order to remove all hinderance in sewing or otherwise
fastening the sole as will be readily understood. The holes at findicate that by
making use of them in sewing or otherwise fastening the sole, the need for cutting
off the flange at e may be avoided.
Referring to Sheet 2 Figure 3, is simply designed to indicate one of several
alternative shapes and positions that protectors in accordance with this invention
may be made to take, and to be placed in. In Figure 4 may be seen one of the
sockets both in cross section and plan view that are shown at c in Figure 1 ; but
with the addition of a ring g (which may well be dispensed with where lightness is
specially desirable) this ring is provided for the purpose of both protecting the
main or original sole or heel, and of indicating that the protector with which it is
in conjunction needs replacing by a new one whenever signs of wear are visible
on it as will be readily obvious. It will be readily understood too, that the
sockets serve not only as a means of retaining the studs, but also for protecting
the main or original sole or heel from injury at the time that the studs are being
changed or replaced.
In
In Figure 5 may be seen one of many alternative forms that both the sockets
and the wearing and retaining portions of the protectors may be made to take.
Here the wearing portion is seen to be somewhat mushroom-headed at w and that
under its periphery or outer part a diaphragm; or ring of soft, or preferably
resilient material may be introduced at for the purpose of excluding dirt.
Figure 6 may be seen an arrangement whereby compressed air, or gas, or (&
preferably) water may be confined in a capsule and so used for the purpose of
giving a firm, and but very slightly yielding support to the foot, when a soft and
noiseless tread is not preferred. The capsule h may be made of a short piece of
gut, or rubber tube tied at both ends. Or it may take the form of a miniature
bounce ball.
In Figure 7 is shown another arrangement whereby compressed air, or gas, or (&
preferably) water may be used for the purpose of giving a firm and but very
slightly yielding support to the foot when a soft and noiseless tread is not pre-
ferred. This is accomplished with the aid of a needle-pointed syringe, or injector,
in conjunction with the valve indicated by i in this figure. The valve is a very
simple and easily constructed non-return inlet, pipe like, valve; wholly inade of
rubber in the following manner. Two pieces of rubber, tapering to a thin lip
have a piece of say thin smooth paper placed between them in such a position as
to secure a passage being maintained from their base to their lips. With this
paper between them they are joined together flat and so vulcanized under pressure-
thus the two become one, and form a pipe like valve.
When it is desired to inflate a protector under pressure that is thus provided,
it is charged through the valve by means of a syringe, and immediately this is

page_text: done the rubber lips close and are firmly held together by the pressure in the
interior. We are I am also enabled to charge the protectors with an internal pressure
in the following manner. We line the cavities within them with india rubber that
will not become vulcanized when they are submitted to the vulcanizing heat or
process; but which will retain its natural adhesive property-and while offering no
obstruction to a needle-pointed injector, will close up the pierced opening when
the injector is withdrawn. Likewise-and in like manner,-an extract of the bark
of the holly may be used to line, or coat, or smear the inside of the cavity. This
is a viscous and plastic material which automatically closes up the puncture made
by the needle-pointed syringe by passing into it and forming an effective shield
over it eventually cementing the divided edges together. But what we / consider
the most satisfactory method of attaining this end is to charge or fill the space that
surrounds the capsule in Figure 6 (by means of a needle-pointed syringe) with
some such cement as that described in Patent Specification No. 2197 of A.D. 1890.
Or aerated-porous-or sponge like rubber of various degrees of consistency may
be used to wholly or partially fill the space or cavity that is occupied by the
capsule as delineated in Figure 6.
In some cases, instead of the cavities enclosed by a and by band by v and 1 in
the several representations being all in one, we 7 divide them longitudinally, trans-
versely, or otherwise by suitable divisions into cells, such cells being made to
communicate with one another, or not, as may be required for the purpose of
strength and firmness.
Contrariwise it is obvious that by increasing the size of the cavity larger and
larger (relatively to the size of the retaining socket) the degree of elasticity may
be made greater and greater. The accomplishment of this I effect by dispensing
with divisions, decreasing the thickness of the walls designated by 6 in Figure 8
and by and by m in Figure 9; or, in other words by increasing the capacity of
the cavity enclosed by a and by band v and in the several representations.
Before placing the protectors shown with the diaphragms at e in Figure 7 (also
in Figure 1 in Sheet 1) in position, their diaphragms should be punctured, in order
to provide means of egress for the confined air in them, and the bottom of their
retaining holes or sockets should be smeared with cement, in such a manner that
the puncture may be stopped by the cement. The necessity for this will be readily
understood when the use of the instrument j, k, in Figure 8 is borne in mind.
Figure 8 represents a simple arrangement whereby the protectors, after being
first wetted with water, are put into their seats or retaining sockets very
expeditiously, in the following manner. The internal diameter of the tube is such
that the tough, hard, or unyielding part a of the protector will fit it easily when
forced into it. In doing this the pliable part b of the protector is squeezed into such
a compass that it too can be forced into the tube j'until the protector is wholly
surrounded by the tube. All that now remains to be done is to place the tube j
over the mouth of the seat or socket for which the protector is designed, and to
then force the plunger & smartly down-so as to eject the protector; which can
thus be readily made to occupy the position shown in the drawing.
On reference to Figure 9 it will be seen that the protector may be made of two
parts, and of two, or three, or four different materials. The part m may be of a
less elastic and cheaper material (as say gutta-percha) than we I have as yet used
for in Figure 8. The part too, though preferably of better quality than m,
need not be of so valuable a material as is desirable for b Figure 8. The sides
may however be corrugated or bellows like, in which case it is desirable that some-
thing having the characteristics of a good quality of india-rubber should be used
for them. The sides of the sockets may too with advantage sometimes be made
polygonal, and the sides adapted to fit them; so that they cannot turn on the
centre or axis of the protector when n is used. The lower half of the side m (that
becomes the upper side in use) is smeared with suitable cement, and the part al
pressed home so as to combine with m in making a complete protector.
When the part a is so far worn by use that it is desirable to replace it:

page_text: I accomplish this by means of the instrument n which is simply a tube (preferably
of steel) provided with a cutting edge, which may be either smooth or serrated
at o, and which may be used either by hand, or with steam power to cut through
the cement with which I attach a 1 to m thus setting free to be replaced
in conjunction with a. This operation may be repeated ad infinitum, so long as the
boot et cætera to which the sole is attached will hold together. When it is
desirable to use the instrument n in conjunction with mechanical power, the
handle is dispensed with, and the tube attached to the spiudle of a drilling
machine, or the like; just as drills usually are.
On reference to Figure 10 it will be seen that the part m and the socket c that are
shown in Figure 9 may be dispensed with and that a modification of the protector
illustrated in Figure 9 may with the aid of the instrument j, k, in Figure 8 be
forced into a tapered hole pip the sole direct, and that cement may be used with
it as is described with respect to Figure 9 and that the instrument n (the use of
which is also described in connection with Figure 9) is equally available in
connection with it also. The letter q in Figure 10 refers to a disc of any hard
material, as say metal for instance, placed there to prevent the instrument n in
Figure 9 penetrating too far. In Figure 11 a disc of hard-wood, or the like,
indicated by the letter r may be seen, the object of which is to provide the same
kind of protection that is afforded by q in Figure 10.
On reference to Figure 12 it will be seen how the wearing surface of a renewable
protector may itself be made renewable. In this protector the wearing surface,
preferably metallic, and delineated at s and s² is attached by, preferably, a screwed
shank and nutt to the hard portion a designated by being shown perfectly black.
The part 2 may too extend over, and be attached to, two or more retaining studs.
It should be observed in connection with the protectors delineated in Figures 12
and 5 that the aid of an instrument is not needed in withdrawing them from their
seats or sockets because by first pressing them to one side they can be extracted
or canted out of their seats or sockets by the unaided effort of the thumb and
fingers; and that with but little difficulty thumbs and fingers may be used for
putting them into position without the aid of j, k, in Figure 8. It should also be
observed with respect to Figure 12 that the soft or resilient ring a in Figure 5 may
be used with equal advantage under the periphery of 2.
In Figure 13 is shown a flexible and practically noiseless stud or boot protector,
made of one material throughout.
The treads or wearing surfaces of our my protectors may be ribbed, grooved, and
scored in a manner similar to that usually seen on the soles and heels of goloshes.
We I prefer that that part of the inner side of the sole that can be seen
between the flanges d (Figure 2 in Sheet 1) when they are first put into their
seats should be filled up level and smooth with cement or the like, or that the
inner surface of the sole be compressed or sufficiently removed at the parts occupied
by the flanges d as to afford space for them to rest in, or that the flanges d should
be so extended and so formed at their peripheries as to be contiguous to each
other, in such a manner as to practically cover the whole surface not occupied by
the stitching, or other fastening; and thus secure a perfectly even surface at the
junction of the outer sole with the layer next to it. Or in place of the flanges d
we may use a sheet of the material of which the sockets c are made, so that it
itself shall form a sole. Or on the outside of the sockets screw threads may be
formed, so that they may be screwed into position from the outside of the boot, and
the flange d or its equivalent dispensed with.
Iron or steel tinned, or nickel plated, or otherwise plated, or enameled, are
desirable materials for the sockets and their connections: and india-rubber, woodite,
dermatine, gutta-percha, leather, wood, iron, and steel, and like substances in
combination are desirable materials for the studs or protectors to be made of.
We prefer that the outer sole and the one next to it should be not only cemented
but well screwed together by such a machine as that known as the "Standard

page_text: Screw Machine" for attaching the soles of boots and shoes with screws instead
of rivets (that has been adopted by the United States Government for their army
shoes) whereby the fastening holds the soles through which it passes all along
its entire length; as indicated by u in Figure 9, thus a very firm seat is provided
for ear my protectors.
It will of course be understood that the invention being capable of modifications,
the foregoing description of it is merely typical of a variety of arrangements that
may be used, and that we I do not therefore limit ourselves myself to any particular
construction of the apparatus shown.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we / declare that
what we I claim is :-
1stly. Apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots et cetera from wear
in use, consisting of a flexible, renewable, and practically noiseless stud, or boot
protector, of various shapes and sizes, made of india-rubber, or the like, enclosing,
or in contact with a gaseous cushion; and which is retained in a hole, or socket;
in the sole, or heel, or both; and means for changing the same from the outside of
the sole or heel; substantially in the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
2ndly. Apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots et cætera from wear
in use, consisting of a renewable stud or boot protector of various shapes and
sizes, the retaining part of which is flexible, and encloses, or is in contact with a
gaseous cushion; and which is retained in a hole, or socket; in the sole, or heel, or
both; and has a wearing part that is hard, or tough, and durable and wear resisting
in use; and means for changing the same, from the outside of the sole or heel;
substantially in the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
3rdly. Apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots et cætera from wear in
use, consisting of a renewable stud or boot protector of various shapes and sizes; the
retaining part of which is flexible and encloses, or is in contact with a gaseous
cushion; and which is retained in a hole, or socket; in the sole, or heel, or both;
and the wearing part of which is metallic and capable of being attached to, or
detached from, the retaining part by means of a screw shank and nut, or the like;
and means for placing the same in position from the outside of the sole; substantially
in the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
4thly. Apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots et cætera from wear
in use consisting of a renewable stud or boot protector of various shapes and sizes,
the retaining part of which encloses a gaseous cushion, substantially in the manner,
and for the purpose set forth.
5thly. Apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots et cætera from wear
in use, consisting of a renewable stud or boot protector of various shapes and sizes
the retaining part of which is in contact with a gaseous cushion; substantially in
the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
6thly. Part of an apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots et cætera
from wear in use consisting of a capsule in connection with our my fifth claim ;
substantially in the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
7thly. In connection with apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots
et caetera, the use of such an instrument as that described in connection with the
illustration marked j and k in Figure 8, substantially in the manner, and for the
purpose set forth.
8thly. In connection with apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots
et cætera as described in Claims 1 and 2 the use of such an instrument as that
described in connection with the illustration marked n in Figure 9 substantially in
the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
9thly. Part of an apparatus for protecting the soles and heels of boots et cætera
from wear in use; consisting of a bush or socket, and its fittings; substantially
in the manner, and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: 10thly. A boot protector of india-rubber, or the like, in the form of a stud that
can be placed in position from the outside of the sole, after the boot is made,
and taken out again; substantially in the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
11thly. The manufacture of boot protectors confining a gaseous cushion, having
a lining or partial lining of plastic rubber, which will resist the action of the
vulcanizing heat or process to which it is exposed, and provide for the closing up
of holes made in the cavity or cell of the protector, substantially in the manner,
and for the purpose set forth.
12thly. Lining, or partly lining, the interior of a boot protector that confines a
gaseous cushion with any viscous and plastic material; substantially in the manner,
and for the purpose set forth.
13thly. The use of the valve i in Figure 7; substantially in the manner and for
the purpose set forth.
14thly. The use of a needle-pointed syringe or injector for charging the cavities
of the boot protectors above referred to; substantially in the manner, and for the
purpose set forth.
15thly. A boot protector containing a cavity the collapsibility of which facilitates
its renewal; substantially in the manner, and for the purpose set forth.
16thly. A boot protector as described in Claims 1 and 2 the flexible sides of
which are corrugated or bellows like; substantially in the manner, and for the
purpose set forth.
17thly. In connection with Claims 1 and 2 the use of the ring a in Figure 5;
resilient, corrugated, or bellows like, for the purpose of excluding dirt; sub-
stantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 3rd day of June 1892.
RALPH RAWLING MADDISON.
ARTHUR OGLESBY.