202 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



These skates are formed in moulds like gum-elastic hollow- 

 ware. The steel runner is inserted in the bed, (which is made 

 of caoutchouc ivory,) when the ivory is in a soft state. 



The upper part, or shoe, is made of perforated elastic com- 

 pound, and cemented to the caoutchouc ivory When straps are 

 required, they are also cemented to the ivory; the entire skate 

 is then vulcanized in the mould at one time. The design of the 

 elastic shoe and straps is to obviate the difficulty of the skate 

 getting loose, and the feet being hurt, as is the case with skates 

 fastened in the usual way with leather. See plate xxiii., fig. 7. 



SKATE TRIMMINGS. 



Skates may be more firmly bound to the feet, and rendered 

 more comfortable, by inserting a spring of elastic compound 

 near the buckle in the front straps, and the addition of a heel- 

 strap made of perforated elastic fabrics. See plate xxiii., fig. 4. 



SKATING CAPS 



Are manufactured of porous napped fabrics, with a belt about 

 four inches in width and two in thickness, made of the quilted 

 fabrics, or of air- work, and inflated with air. See plate xxiii., 

 fig. 5. Considering the numerous hurts received by boys falling 

 upon the ice, this will not be considered an unnecessary precau- 

 tion. The same article, when made of tissue, of suitable pat- 

 terns, might also be found useful for children, to protect them 

 from injury by falls. 



SKATING JACKETS. 



This article is manufactured of vellum, and is either quilted 

 or inflated with air. It is not only designed for a life-preserver 



-csf^ 



