Abstract: A tightening member for a shoe having two straps disposed on the inner and the outer sides of the shoe and an adjuster disposed on the heel reinforcement portion. One end of the strap has lace holes. The strap is divided into two branches at the other end; one of the branches passes through a hole in the adjuster, and is connected to one end of a lateral strip member of a skeleton-shaped reinforcement portion. The other branch is attached to a stretchable member located on the heel reinforcement portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole extending from a toe to a heel. An upper is secured to the sole. The upper is formed of flexible material shaped to conform to a foot. The upper has opposing edges which define an ankle opening and a slot extending from the toe portion to the ankle opening. A flap is secured to the sole and sized to cover the slot. Adhering tabs are used to adhere the flap to the upper. The flap includes a raised end at the toe portion.

Abstract: An athletic shoe with a shoe upper having a plurality of panels, each of which is secured at a lower edge to the sole of the shoe, and has an arc-shaped upper edge including a high strength flexible loop of cable secured at each of its ends to the sole of the shoe. Each cable is hemmed into the periphery of a panel, and may be exposed in places along the upper edge of the panel so that shoelaces may be looped around the cable to draw together the cables on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe, securing the sole to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A shoe and method of forming the same having an upper portion which includes an individualized indicia display area in any one or more of the side quarter panel, tongue, or heel portion of the upper portion of the shoe. The shoe includes an outer covering material in which a window or opening is formed to make visible and accessible an indicia attachment panel underlying the outer covering material. A frame member having substantially the same shape as the window or opening projects from the indicia attachment panel through the window or opening with the outer perimetric edges of the frame member legs closely adjacent the corresponding perimetric edges of the window or opening. An indicia display panel is adhered, preferably by stitching, to the indicia attachment panel with the perimetric edges of the indicia display panel in abutting contact with the inner perimetric edges of the frame member legs.

Abstract: Footwear is provided for added comfort to the wearer by facilitating the removal and dissipation of perspiration from the foot of the wearer. The footwear has a knitted sock and a shoe in combination. The knitted sock has a toe portion formed of hydrophilic knit fabric and an instep portion adjacent the toe portion formed of hydrophobic knit fabric. Perspiration from the toe portion of the foot of the wearer is absorbed by the knit hydrophilic toe portion of the knitted sock and wicked therefrom by the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The shoe has a tongue portion overlying and contacting the hydrophobic knit instamp portion of the knitted sock. The tongue portion of the shoe has overlying inner and outer fabric layers formed of hydrophilic fabric and an intermediate fabric layer positioned between the overlying inner and outer hydrophilic fabric layers.

Abstract: A shoe and method of forming the same having an upper portion which includes an individualized indicia display area in any one of the side quarter panel, tongue, or heel portion of the upper portion of the shoe. The shoe includes an outer covering material in which a window or opening is formed to make visible and accessible an indicia attachment panel underlying the outer covering material. An indicia display panel is adhered to the indicia attachment panel. The display panel is formed from a plurality of individual indicia or is a unitary panel to which indicia, such as letters, numbers, or emblems, are applied. The purchaser has the ability to individualize the shoe in virtually unlimited manner to include a personalized message or slogan that no other purchaser may have.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad is used in footwear which has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The footwear includes a pair of compartments which substantially surround the foot cavity for receiving the therapeutic pad.

Abstract: A shoe, especially a sport, leisure or rehabilitation shoe, with an upper that is at least partially formed of an elastically flexible material, a central closure attached on an instep cover in an area of the wearer's instep, and with a wire-like tightening element that is coupled with the central closure and runs from the central closure down toward a toe end of the upper and then back up to the central closure, the tightening element passing back and forth between guide elements on the instep cover and on side parts of the upper at each of opposite sides of the throat area. In accordance with preferred embodiments, a projecting sheet-shaped tab is molded to the instep cover, the tab being securely connected at an instep area of the shoe, and the instep cover being folded around a hinge-like connection of the tab on the instep area to be covered. As a result, the instep cover is movably attached to the shoe upper in a simple way.

Abstract: For the production of a shoe upper by cutting out of the shoe upper in the form of a layout from a web of material, shaping of the shoe upper with connection of material parts of the layout with formation of seams, a process is used by which such shoe uppers can be produced in a timesaving and efficient manner despite the many individual parts present or to be made visible. For this purpose, a web of material (1) is used to produce layouts (2) by different production measures, such as different styles, yarn material, color, material thickness, single layer or multilayer type of material or the like, at the same time with the production of web of material (1), and with a sole part attached to the layout. The layout is cut from the web as a unit with the sole part and processed into a shoe part having an upper and sole part.

Abstract: A shoe is provided comprising a sole, a sock attached to the sole, and a form-retaining shell attached to the sole, at least partially enclosing the sock, and not attached to the sock above the region of the sole, such that the sole may flex in use. The shell, an ankle restraint fastener and a heelband provide ankle support.

Abstract: A shoe for e.g. sporting activities is disclosed. The shoe has a peripheral portion including a pair of sections divided in a longitudinal direction of the shoe along a foot-arch portion thereof. The sections are configurated so that the sections are overlapped with each other at least at a portion of the foot-arch portion when cut portions of the respective sections are folded out with upper areas of the respective cut portions being placed in contact with each other. And, the sections are sewn to each other at the cut portions. Then, the peripheral portion is attached to a sole of the shoe with the foot-arch portion being recessed into interior of the shoe.

Abstract: Previous types of armored safety workwear are too inflexible, heavy or expensive to be useful. The present invention provides an article of protective clothing comprising a flexible supporting material and a plurality of elongated coil springs held in close proximity to the surface of said supporting material at spaced locations. Preferably, the coil springs are free to rotate in relation to the supporting material. The coil springs are held in elongated pockets secured to the surface of said supporting material.

Abstract: A light, comfortable, lined shoe made of soft synthetic resin that employs another more durable hot-melt bond synthetic resin in the critical heel and foot entry opening regions to prevent shape distortion over the long term is provided. An extremely simple method of manufacture allows the shoe to be made inexpensively in quantity.

Abstract: A ski boot comprises a rigid outer shell and an inner shell which is relatively flexible. The inner shell features a relatively flexible saddle region which extends over the metatarsal and/or instep portions of a wearer's foot. Tensile elements, such as cables or straps, extend over the saddle and cooperate with buckle mechanisms to provide a variable supporting force to the wearer's foot. The inner shell also comprises an ankle support structure which grasps the wearer's leg at a point just above the malleolus and cooperates with the heel spoiler to maintain the wearer's heel in contact with the sole of the boot.In another embodiment the ski boot features a hinged inner sole. The inner sole is secured to the outer shell in the phalanx region of the sole, and also is hingedly connected to the heel spoiler in the heel region of the inner sole. A hinge, either mechanical or natural, is disposed adjacent to or in common with the fastening point.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water proof snow boot and the method of manufacturing the same. A water-proof plastic intermediate member is disposed between the outer leather covering and the inner lining of the boot to prevent water or moisture from coming into the boot through tiny pores of the leather covering by permeation, thereby causing discomfort of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A process for applying a flocking fiber to a cloth surface of a shoe includes the step of spraying a clean dry cloth shoe with an adhesive, which adheres to the cloth substrate without excess penetration, which remains pliable, and is not water soluble when set. A short set time is desirable, and then flock fibers suitable for application are carried into a charge in an electrostatic field. A conventional flocking chamber is used, voltage is applied to the electric field, and the flock fibers are applied so that they adhere to the adhesive surface under controlled conditions. The shoe is dried in a drying oven, and then it is ready for use. The flocking process can use adhesives that are colored, flock that is colored, and the flock can be applied in any desired pattern because of the use of the adhesive for causing the flock material to adhere to the cloth surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an asymmetric shoe which provides greater support, proper flexion and a more accurate fit than conventional shoes. The shoe of the present invention structures one or more of the following portions of the shoe upper and sole asymmetrically between the medial and lateral sides. First, a lateral stability strap is positioned immediately posterior of the fifth metatarsal-phalanges joint while a medial stability strap is positioned posterior of the first metatarsal-phalanges joint. Second, a lateral flex notch is aligned with the fifth metatarsal-phalanges joint and a medial flex notch is aligned with the first metatarsal-phalangess joint to allow the shoe to flex along the foot's natural flex line. Third, a medial quarter notch is positioned anterior of a lateral quarter notch to accommodate the difference between the medial and lateral malleolar lengths.

Abstract: A composite rubber sheet material and a sport shoe including a composite rubber sheet material includes a sponge rubber sheet and a mesh cloth having a percentage of voids in the range of 15 to 75%. The mesh cloth is inset in one side surface of the sponge rubber sheet to a depth ranging from 5 to 75% of the thickness of the mesh cloth for enhancing the stability, durability, bendability and flexibility of the composite rubber sheet material.

Abstract: A boot or shoe has a gaiter, the lower end of which is permanently affixed by a waterproof join to the boot or shoe's outer surface, circumscribing the said boot or shoe above the sole. The gaiter has an opening extending down from the top, and a fastener, which when closed helps to keep the gaiter in an upright position on the wearer's leg. A gusset is disposed inwardly of the opening and forms a tubular shape when the fastener is closed. A pull cord or other closure at the top of the gaiter is operable to constrict the gaiter's upper periphery around the wearer's leg. This closure inhibits the flow of water into the boot or shoe. When not required, the gaiter folds down around the ankle of the wearer's leg.

Abstract: The invention presents to the art a novel, improved shoe stiffener which comprises co-extruded layers of plastics film. The shoe stiffener comprises co-extruded layers of plastics film, a first of the layers comprising an ionomeric material and providing a main body of the stiffener and a second layer comprising a plastics material which does not adhere to a fusion press under conditions normally encountered therein during bonding of a shoe stiffener to a shoe upper. Nylon 6 is the preferred second layer plastics material. The co-extrusion product replaces fabric backed shoe stiffeners in which flaws induced in the film by the fabric may provide notches from which cracks in the material can propagate.

Abstract: An athletic shoe adapted to maintain a foot housed therein in a relatively cool and dry state despite heat and moisture developed within the shoe interior in the course of activity. The shoe upper is provided with a metallized coating to reflect incident solar radiation. The shoe includes a ground-engaging outer sole, an inner sole and a contoured compressible inner liner which engages the plantar area of the foot. Interposed between the inner and outer soles is a thin insulating insert acting as a thermal barrier minimizing the conduction of ground heat to the shoe interior. Embedded in the inner sole is an array of tubes each extending along a diagonal axis and terminating at its leading end in an air scoop that projects from the outer side of the inner sole to intercept relatively cool ambient air.

Abstract: A lightweight athletic shoe includes reinforcing members which provide added strength and lateral support without detracting from breathability, comfort or flexibility. The reinforcing members extend upwardly from between the sole and the upper or opposite sides of the shoe to the forward portion of the lacing opening and comprise a thin, nonstretchable material. The reinforcing members are preferably fabricated as a strip with an interior region having openings and an edge region for stitching the strip to the upper of the shoe. A cross member can extend between and join the reinforcing members to define a unitary locking element. The reinforcing members and the cross member are located at least slightly behind the a line between the first metatarsal head and the fifth metatarsal head of the foot or flexing line of the shoe. An alternate embodiment provides a single lateral side reinforcing member.

Abstract: A shoe upper portion of a ski boot comprises a shell portion enclosing the foot and a tongue portion attached thereto. The tongue portion comprises an instep region and a shin region and a transition region therebetween. A corrugated or undulated wall section having elevations and depressions, i.e. corrugations, is located in the transition region. This wall section is composed of a different type of material than the remainder of the tongue portion and possesses a lower bending stiffness or flexural rigidity than the remainder of the tongue portion. This wall section is non-detachably joined to the remainder of the tongue portion and forms therewith a unitary structure. The larger bending or flexural elasticity of the wall section facilitates bending of the lower leg.

Abstract: A shoe is described having a shoe upper comprising an outer knit fabric layer, an inner knit fabric layer provided opposite to said outer knit fabric layer through a space, and a crossing thread which is interknitted to be bound into the outer and inner knit fabric layers and crosses the space.

Abstract: An athletic shoe having an inner, forefoot-enveloping and gripping, elastic slipper sock for encompassing the forepart of the foot, the bottom of the elastic slipper sock being anchored to the sole assembly and being independent of the shoe upper, to move simultaneously with the foot and keep the shoe in tune with the foot. An extended toe bumper has medial and lateral cutouts astraddle the metatarsalphalangeal joint line to form vertically narrower portions. These cooperate with flexible mesh interconnecting portions of a bifurcated vamp in the upper, to effect controlled forefoot independence.

Abstract: A shoe of use on a post-operative or otherwise traumatized foot includes a sole assembly having a outer sole, a shock absorbing midsole and an inner sole conforming generally to the contour of the sole of the foot, the sole assembly having a limited degree of flexibility, and an upper assembly including an outer wall of a flexible mesh material and a lining of a soft, conformable material, adjustable straps connecting the opposite sides of the forward portion of the upper assembly. Preferably, the sole assembly is tapered, being of greatest thickness in the heel region; the heel portion of the upper is angled forwardly and upwardly; and one of the forward portions of the upper is of greater length than the other to protectively cover the dorsal aspect of the foot.

Abstract: In an athletic, casual, or other form of footwear, constructed having a vamp, sole, quarter, and counter portions, all fabricated into the shoe structure, and incorporating a shoe tongue therewith, the quarter portion(s) for the footwear is fabricated of a pair of liners, the normal inner liner forming the standard quarter portion structure, with an overlying outer liner disposed thereon, arranging in an intermediate spacing therein, and which may function as a pocket for the deposition of personal items, such as keys, coins, or the like therein.

Abstract: A shoe has an upper having a lateral lacing system and a band structure over the central longitudinal axis of the foot, so that the foot is retained conformally and the shoe fastening system is located over relatively planar regions of the wearer's foot. The upper has a slot disposed along a path commencing proximately to the connection of the phalanges with the metatarsus of the wearer's foot and continuing along the lateral side of the metatarsus to the top of the upper, so that the slot defines asymmetric lateral and medial panels of the upper. The medial panel overlies the central longitudinal axis of the foot and includes a plurality of bands disposed transverse to the axis. A fastening arrangement bridges the slot.

Abstract: According to the invention, a novel laminated fabric sheet of excellent air permeability and a method for producing the same are provided. The laminated sheet comprises a first base fabric including spun yarn and having previously been treated with a water and oil repellent, a rubber composition layer formed on the first base fabric and having a multitude of fine air passages therein and a second sheet of base fabric laminated on the rubber composition layer. The base fabric which has been treated with the water and oil repellent prevents the coated rubber composition from reaching roots of whisker fibers of the spun yarn in the base fabric and fine cells are thereby formed around the lower portion of the whisker fibers. Subsequent heating of the laminated sheet of fabrics for curing the rubber composition causes these fine cells to be inflated to form air passages through the cured rubber composition layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a flexible elongated vamp or front upper member having a plurality of apertures along its ends, a flexible elongated quarter or rear upper member having a plurality of apertures along its ends, a notched innersole, a flexible socklining having an expanded shape, slits along both sides of the front and rear portions thereof, and a plurality of apertures along both sides of each of the slits. The front and rear upper members are inserted into the slits in the socklining and joined therewith to form a one-piece unit by passing a thread or the like through the apertures to form a seam at each point of insertion. The peripheral portion of the expanded socklining then is wrapped around and attached to an innersole which is notched to receive the raised handsewn seams at the proper locations. Each seam is located closely adjacent and substantially parallel to the "feather line" of the shoe, i.e., the line at which a sole portion is joined to the innersole.

Abstract: The shoe consists of a shell (1) made of synthetic plastics material and has a bellows-like corrugation on the surface of the shell (1) in the area (2) of the roots of the toes. Ridges (3) and furrows (4) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction are provided, which, when viewed from above, are seen to be arranged asymmetrically and run backward towards the outside (10) of the foot. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: Heat-activating shoe stiffeners containing magnetic material by means of a high-frequency magnetic field.

Abstract: A process for forming a strong, pressure-tight joint between fabric substrates includes coating each substrate with polyurethane on one side, superimposing the fabric substrates so that the polyurethane layers are together, welding elongated regions of the polyurethane together under heat and pressure and sewing through the weld. The edge is then folded over and bonded to itself and the material is spread out. The resulting material can be bonded to a sole to form a waterproof, lightweight boot.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a sock formed of fabric material and a reinforcing structure of plastic material which is directly injected onto the sock. The reinforcing structure covers predetermined parts of the sock to form a toe region, a reinforcement for the heel region, an edging which surrounds the shoe opening, and one or more transverse bands, all parts of the reinforcing structure being mutually integral with each other. The sock comprises at least one lateral part forming an upper and a base part formed of a fabric which is less than the fabric forming the lateral part. The reinforcing plastic structure includes a shaped grid-like portion formed by mutually intersecting ribs which penetrate through the less dense fabric of the sock base part into the inside of the sock from its outside. The grid-like portion thereby constitutes gripping projections which bonds the plastic reinforcing structure securely to the sock and further functions as a support for an insole.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is disclosed. The athletic shoe includes an upper attached to a sole. The upper has a forepart section comprised of an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is preferably formed of relatively thin stretchable leather and the outer layer is formed of a breathable nonstretchable material, such as nylon mesh. A slight gap is formed between the outer surface of the inner layer and the inner surface of the outer layer to allow the inner layer to stretch a limited degree in order to mold to the forepart portion of the foot of the wearer of the shoe.

Abstract: A footwear such as shoes, boots, slippers etc., comprises a three-layered structure including an outer cover, an intermediate layer made of foamed urethane and an inner cover.The inner cover has a double-layered structure including first and second layer of fabric and the first and second layer are so combined as not only to show good absorption of the sweat emitted from the wearer's foot but also to keep the surface thereof held in contact to the foot dry.

Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear includes attaching a connecting strip to the peripheral lower edge portion of a pre-formed upper so that the connecting strip surrounds the upper. The connecting strip has a profiled section providing a projecting extension, and a pre-formed ring-like welt member having an inner surface shaped for snapping engagement with the projecting extension of the connecting strip, is snapped into engagement with the connecting strip. A pre-formed sole and heel unit is then attached to the welt member by causing the upper peripheral surface of the sole and heel unit to adhere to the lower surface of the welt member. Alternatively, the pre-formed welt member may be omitted, and the pre-formed sole and heel unit snapped directly onto the connecting strip.

Abstract: An athletic shoe upper construction comprises a vamp with an elongated throat opening and a one-piece reinforcement of non-stretchable material. The one-piece reinforcement has a lacing hole reinforcing portion which is secured to the vamp of the upper adjacent to and surrounding the throat opening, and medial and lateral reinforcing portions in the form of an elongated strip extending from the lacing hole reinforcing portion to the featherline of the vamp in the mid-tarsal region of the respective sides of the vamp. Additionally, the width and location of the respective medial and lateral reinforcing portions is sufficient to at least span respective holes of two pairs of lacing holes provided in the lacing hole reinforcing portion.

Abstract: A sports shoe having a thick sole and an enclosed upper in which the toe cap is divided by means of articulating hinge joints into several narrow strips each of which enclose an acute angle with respect to longitudinal axis of the shoe. The articulating hinges are approximately parallel to each other and run from the inside edge of the shoe and towards the heel. The sole is provided with grooves running in parallel to and beneath the moving joints.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe in which the solepiece has a wedge to facilitate supporting the runner's foot when contacting the ground; the toe box section being provided with pleats to allow expansion for toe movement when the foot flexes; the solepiece is provided with a flexure break segment of reduced thickness following the phalangal-metatarsal joint line of action of the human foot to permit differential flexure of the solepiece in a manner following such lines of action; and the heel part of the solepiece is rounded for optimizing initial and following ground foot contact.

Abstract: A shoe having segmented upper sections, each section including a closure in combination with at least one adjustable and flexible closure assembly including an anchor means, fastener strap and multi-position flexible separable fastening means which permit the wearer, using only one hand, to independently control and maintain a precise tautness of the shoe.

Abstract: A boot or shoe comprises a pre-formed portion and a portion which is moulded in one piece on to the pre-formed portion and which includes the sole unit and those parts of the upper not constituted by the pre-formed portion. The pre-formed portion comprises side panels extending along each side of the shoe and a sock for underlying the foot, which sock interconnects the side panels and the side panels and sock may be made in one piece or in separate pieces which are fastened together, as by sewing, before the moulded portion is moulded on to the pre-formed portion. The moulded portion is made from a plastics material, e.g. polyurethane, and the material does not overlap the inner face of the pre-formed portion but overlaps at least some of the marginal regions of the two side panels. The sock lies in the top surface of the sole unit. The two side panels may together extend also round the heel region of the upper and the plastics material may cover the outer face of the panels in the heel region.

Abstract: A light weight insulated athletic shoe is disclosed. The athletic shoe comprises a sole of flexible rubber having a skid resistant tread; an outer layer of semi permeable material which allows the passage of air and excludes the passage of moisture; an intermediate layer of stretchable sponge rubber bonded to the outer layer; and an inner lining of fabric bonded to the intermediate layer. A plurality of metallic inserts are disposed between the sole and the outer layer, the inserts include a threaded aperture to receive a threaded upper end of a removable stud. The studs are employed when the wearer encounters icy surfaces. The inserts are recessed below the surface of the sole so that metallic contact with paved surfaces and the resulting loss in traction will not occur when the studs have been removed. Wrench flats are provided along the projecting portions of the studs for ease of insertion and removal of the studs.

Abstract: A process for the production of synthetic plastic chamois leather footwear, comprising injection molding of the uppers of the footwear of plastics, attaching the sole and heel thereto, coating the uppers with adhesive and flocking them in a flocking machine with rayon flock having a certain count and length. To prevent the sole and heel from being flocked, too, they are inserted in an appropriate sole protection mold during the flocking operation.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is described including a shoe upper having a toe section and a main body section joined together and to a sole portion. Preferably the toe section extends forwardly of the metatarsophalangeal joints and is of a stretchable material to permit flexing of toes within the shoe, while the main body portion is of a nonstretchable material to restrict pronation of the rest of the foot. When the shoe is laced, first and second external reinforcing strips on the medial side of the upper, respectively exert pressure on the forward and rearward sides of the ball of the foot to restrict its motion. A third such strip on the other side of such upper limits the motion of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint and urges the ball of the foot between the first and second strips. The first and third strips also join the toe and main body sections together without these sections overlapping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breathable fabric comprising a woven first layer and a woven second layer said first layer at spaced points both longitudinally and laterally of said fabric being interwoven with said second layer providing tie-in points of said first layer to said second layer, the spacing between the tie-in points being sufficiently close to provide that the layers are always in contact with each other over the whole area of the adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: This invention is a reinforced ventilated shoe. It is formed with a strip of shoe cover material circumscribing the toe, sole, arch and heel. Reinforcing strips are provided to form an ankle band and parallel instep strips which extend from the toe portion to the ends of the ankle band. A vertically disposed strip connect the heel portion of the circumscribing strip and the back of the ankle band. Side strips connect the ankle band at one end and the other ends of the side strips are bifurcated below the ankle bone and connect the arch portion of the sole at spaced points. Other strips are provided connecting the parallel instep strips and the sole portion of the circumscribing strip; and strips horizontally disposed connecting the parallel instep strips and the vertically disposed strip at the heel. The shoe is provided with air penetratable netting in the spaces between the strips.

Abstract: An artificial leather sheet material, comprising a layer of permeable fabric made of interlaced multifiber yarns, the lower face of said fabric having an open nap of fibers teased from said yarns and bonded together, and a continuous layer of polymer material on the upper face of said fabric. The bonded nap may be subjected to spaced short cuts to give it a rough appearance.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional soccer shoe having two visually distinctive areas located in two regions of the shoe where proper contact with a soccer ball should be made. The first area covers a substantial part of the toe region of the shoe and the second area covers a substantial part of the instep sidewall region of the shoe. The two areas are visually distinctive from the remainder of the shoe.

Abstract: An artificial leather sheet material, comprising a layer of permeable fabric made of interlaced multifiber yarns, the lower face of said fabric having an open nap of fibers teased from said yarns and bonded together, and a continuous layer of polymer material on the upper face of said fabric. The bonded nap may be subjected to spaced short cuts to give it a rough appearance.