Personal Equipment for Low Seam Coal Miners: VIII. Improved Traction Rubber Boot Soles.

Sanders-MS; Downing-JV

NTIS: PB/83-218594 :26 pages

10002980

Based on laboratory and preliminary field tests of off-the-shelf steel-toed rubber boots, a molded sole design was developed to provide increased traction over conventional calendared sole miners' boots. The pattern provided sharp edged perpendicular to both lateral and fore-aft slip vectors. The sole was designed to reduce mud caking. An instep lace-up capability was added to better secure the foot inside the boot. A 5-month field evaluation compared the prototype boots to the boots the participants usually wear. Although objective slip and fall data showed no significant advantage for the prototype, subjectve evaluations made by the participants indicated increased traction for the prototype boots. Approximately 75 percent preferred the prototype to their own boots. Approximately one-third used the lace-up capability. It was concluded that molded soles provide better traction than calendared soles for the underground mining environment.

19820101

CP; Final Contract Report;

1982

PB83-218594

A03

OFR 110-83

PRC;

NTIS: PB/83-218594

Canyon Research Group