Improvements in Socks and Insoles for Boots and Shoes.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 14th May, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 12th Feb., 1892-Accepted, 26th Mar., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Socks and Insoles for Boots and Shoes.
I, WILLIAM LAWSON DASH, of No. 47 Bethune Road, Stoke Newington,
London, Commission Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention has for its object improvements in socks and insoles for boots
and shoes.
Such socks and insoles have heretofore been made of felt and other like
materials, I make them of a sponge like matter known as Loofahs, and which is the
woody fibre of a sort of gourd still retaining its natural form. I take the fibrous
mass in the state in which it is found in commerce and soak it in water in order to
expand it. 1 then split it and remove the interior leaving only the surface layers.
I cut the sheet thus obtained into pieces of suitable form and these 1 bind all
round by sewing on a binding with a sewing machine.
Preferably in the case of a sock attach a silken thread to the heel by which
to hold the sock in putting on the boot or shoe so that the foot may not drive the
sock forward out of its place.
In the case of the insole it is permanently fixed within the boot or shoe in the
course of manufacture.
.
Socks and insoles of this material and this made possess great resilience, promote
warmth, allow free passage of air, are washable, will not retain moisture and are
inalterable in wear.
In some cases in addition to binding the edges of the suitably formed piece of
fibrous material I cover it with woven or other fabric on one or both sides; this
covering fabric may be perforated to allow free passage of air.
Dated this 14th day of May 1891.
CARPMAEL & CO.,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Socks and Insoles for Boots and Shoes.
1, WILLIAM LAWSON DASH, of No. 47 Bethune Road, Stoke Newington,
London, Commission Agent 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 has for its object improvements in socks and insoles for boots
and shoes.
Such socks and insoles have heretofore been made of felt and other like
materials. I make them of a sponge like matter known as Loofah and which is the
woody fibre of a sort of gourd still retaining its natural form. I take the fibrous
mass in the state in which it is found in commerce and soak it in hot water in order
to expand it. I preferably add boracic acid to the water in the proportion of
one ounce to the gallon. After about ten minutes I take out the Loofahs. I then
split them and remove the interior by cutting by means of a knife or scissors the
attachments with the exterior so leaving only the surface layers. The pieces so
obtained I dry and then submit them to heavy pressure between metal rollers.
I cut the sheet thus obtained into pieces of suitable form and these bind all
round by sewing on a binding with a sewing machine. I finish the articles by.
ironing them with hot irons.

page_text: In the case of the insole it is permanently fixed within the boot or shoe in the
course of manufacture.
Socks and insoles of this material and thus made possess great resilience, promote
warmth, allow free passage of air, are washable, will not retain moisture and are
inalterable in wear, non-conducting and antiseptic.
In some cases in addition to binding the edges of the suitably formed piece of
fibrous material I cover it with woven or other fabric on one or both sides, this
covering fabric may be perforated to allow free passage of air.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of iny said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
Socks and insoles made from the surface layers of Loofahs substantially as
described.
Dated this 10th day of Fahmy 1805
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