Improvements in Boots.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 29th July, 1890-Accepted, 30th Aug., 1890
Improvements in Boots.
I, JAMES JEWETT TURNER, of Woodlawn Avenue, Idlewood, Alleghany County,
State of Pennsylvania, United States of America, Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN BOOTS," and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
My invention relates to boots, and has for its object to provide a boot especially
adapted for the use of railroad switchmen.
It is well known that switchmen are frequently killed or injured owing to their
boots catching in frogs or switches, and thus preventing them from escaping from
approaching trains. The object of my invention is to provide a boot for them, or
others exposed to the same danger, which will permit the easy withdrawal of the foot
therefrom and which at the same time will fit the foot closely and tightly, and be a
good water-tight wet weather boot. The boot must fit closely because switchmen are
required in the ordinary pursuit of their business to run and climb a great deal, and
working as they do in mud and wet weather their boots should be exceptionably
water-tight.
The nature of my invention by, which I secure the above-noted qualities in a boot
will be best understood as described in connection with the drawing in which it is
illustrated, and in which the boot is shown as made up of a portion A sewed to the
sole B and formed to cover the lower portions of the foot, being in effect a low shoe
or slipper with an opening a large enough to permit the ready withdrawal of the foot.
To the upper part of this low shoe I secure, as by stitches or lacing D, an upper
wholly or partially composed of elastic so that it will clasp the top of the foot and
the ankle and hold the boot closely and securely to the foot. This elastic upper, of
course, offers no substantial resistance to the withdrawal of the foot in case of emergency
as when the boot is caught in a frog or switch. Finger tabs E E are provided to
assist in putting the boot on the foot. The elastic upper would, of course, be
insufficient to protect the feet in wet weather or muddy places and to make the boot
substantially water-tight, I secure outside the elastic upper an exterior upper, or
leg piece, f, which can be sewed to the portion A as shown at G; and which is
made of a size which will permit the ready withdrawal of the foot through it. As
thus constructed, my improved boot answers all the requirements for comfort,
protection of the foot, and the safety of the wearer.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
A boot having in combination a portion A formed to cover the foot, and having
an opening a large enough to permit the ready withdrawal of the foot therefrom,
an elastic upper formed to clasp the upper part of the foot or ankle secured to
the top of the part A, and an exterior upper or leg-piece F secured to the upper
portion A outside of the elastic upper, and of a size to permit the ready with-
drawal of the foot through it, all substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Dated this 29th day of July 1890.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.