Improvements in Means for the Production of Waterproof Ventilating Cloth.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 4th July, 1894-Accepted, 27th Oct., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for the Production of Waterproof
Ventilating Cloth.
I VICTOR HENDRICHS of the Firm of Franz Hendrichs & Sons, of Hückeswagen,
Rhenish Prussia, in the Empire of Germany and 8 Oberwallstrasse, Berlin, Cloth
Manufacturers, 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, that is to say :-
My said invention relates to a particular solution for application to cloth and more
particularly to, the cloth which is used in the manufacture of boots and shoes as is
well understood.
The result of applying my improved solution to such cloth is that it is rendered
practically impermeable to moisture, while at the same time it allows of the passage
of air. The cloth so treated is therefore hygienic in its nature as well as conferring
greater comfort upon the wearer. The bath is prepared by dissolving tannin, alum
and sugar of lead in water and the cloth is dipped into the resulting solution and
allowed to dry. The alum and sugar of lead unite in the proportions of 474-50 to
190 by weight and develop acetate of alumina and acetate of potash which together
with the tannin cover or become assimilated with the woollen fibres of the cloth.
The result of subjecting the cloth to the solution is that the cloth when dry is found
to be practically waterproof, while at the same time it permits free passage of air.
The solution in which the cloth is steeped for a short time is prepared from the
already mentioned materials in the following proportions, the proportions being
indicated in the metric system.
1. 20 litres of distilled water.
2. 2372.50 grammes of pure alum.
3. 950 grammes of sugar of lead.
4. 400 grammes of tannin.
When the ingredients comprising the solution have been thoroughly mixed the
solution is allowed to stand for about two hours. During this time the sulpbate of
lead developed in the solution is precipitated, removing all traces of sulphuric acid
and leaving a solution containing acetate of alumina, acetate of potash and tannin.
This supernatant solution is drawn off carefully so as not to disturb or take with it
any of the precipitated lead sulphate. The cloth is then steeped for a short time
in the liquid so drawn off.
The cloth prepared in the described manner for use in the manufacture of
boots and shoes is quite waterproof, and is also permeable to air so that the foot is
ventilated.
The tannin also in addition to its tanning effect, causes the skin of the upper
part of the foot to draw together when the foot perspires and thus close the
pores more or less, so as to exercise a regulating influence upon the circulation of
the blood.
There is in cloth so prepared nothing which can affect the most delicate skin, nor
is there anything to counteract the hygienic effects which I have pointed out as
properly belonging to cloth treated in the manner described.
In order to cause the cloth to maintain its properties it may be treated with the
solution from time to time and this may be done either by dipping the cloth or by
5 applying the solution thereto by means of a rag or brush.

page_text: 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. Preparing cloth for use in the manufacture of boots and shoes by impregnating
it with the described solution.
.
2. As means for rendering cloth for use in the manufacture of boots and shoes,
waterproof and at the same time permeable to air, the solution prepared from the
materials and employed in the manner described.
Dated this 3rd day of July 1894.
E. K. DUTTON & Co.,
5, John Dalton Street, Manchester, Agents.