Improvements in Counters for Boots, Shoes, and the like.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Dec., 1895-Accepted, 2nd May, 1896
Improvements in Counters for Boots, Shoes, and the like.
I, THOMAS HENRY DONOVAN, of 328 Indiana Avenue Washington, in the
District of Columbia, United States of America, Gentleman, 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:-.
Heretofore the use of aluminum in constructing boot counters has been found to
be impracticable owing to the fact that when from any cause the counter is'
battered or bent inward it will. not return to its normal position. This objection
bas precluded the possibility of using aluminum in the construction of boot
counters which are intended for use in the construction of riding boots, such as are
used by "cow-boys" cavalry soldiers, and others, as the use of the spur upon the
counter of the boot will very soon effect a denting in of the counter, which would'
serve to render the boot worthless.
Another objection to the use of aluminum both in construction of boot and shoe
counters and also for many other purposes for which, upon account of its strength,
durability and lightness, it would otherwise be particularly adapted, has been due
to the fact that the nature of the metal is such that it does not furnish a good
bearing surface, and when nails, pegs or screws are passed through it, the slightest
movement laterally will cause the openings through which the fastening means are:
passed to wear away, thus rendering the fastening insecure and worthless.
The object of the present invention is to provide a means whereby the objections
heretofore inentioned may be obviated and a light and serviceable counter suitable
for use in the construction of riding and other boots or shoes may be provided.
To this end and to such others as the invention may pertain, the same consists in
the peculiar features of construction of the counter, whereby the counter is caused
to retain its form and to return at once to its normal position in case, it at any time
should be bent or dented inward, and the invention consists further in the novel-
means which I employ in securing the counter to the insole whereby a limited*
lateral movement of the counter is permitted without the loosening of the fastening
means, as would be the case if tacks or nails were employed, as is customary in
securing counters of leather and other like material.
The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which, with
the letters of reference marked thereon form a part of this Specification_ and in
which drawings
-
1
Figure 1 is a-perspective view of a boot counter constructed in accordance with
my.invention.
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the same.
Figure 3 is a rear view of a modified form of my counter.
Figure 4 is a section upon line 4-4 of Fig. 3 and
Figure 5 is a section on line 5--5 of Fig. 3 the same being on an enlarged scale.
Reference now being had to the details of the drawings by letter, A designates
the counter proper, which may be of any approved form of construction in its
general outlines and is molded of aluminum, or if preferred may be stamped or
At the rear end of
otherwise formed, as in the case of counters heretofore made.
the counter is a thin steel spring B which is preferably molded into the outer face
of the counter and has its outer face flush with the outer face thereof, the spring
extending vertically as shown. This spring strip receives the blow which may at
any time be imparted to the rear face of the counter, and serves to prevent the

page_text: counter from being dented inward, or, in case it is forced inward will cause the
depressed portion to be at once restored to its normal position.
In Fig. 3 of the drawings I have shown a modified form of my counter such as
is found to be better. adapted for use in the construction of boots and shoes for
ordinary use. In this construction I dispense with the spring B at the transverse
centre of the rear of the counter and in place thereof I. employ two similar.
springs B' one being placed on each side of the central line, and at a point midway
between these spring strips a vertical slit C is provided which slit extends vertically
from the upper edge of the counter to its bottom edge and at a point adjacent to
the upper end of the slit C, the adjacent side edges are held together by means of
an elastic fastening D. This construction enables the counter to readily adjust
itself to the movements of the heel of the wearer, as will be understood. In
securing the counter to the insole I have found that tacks or pegs cannot be
advantageously employed owing to the fact that the slight movements of the
counter will serve to wear out or enlarge the openings through which the tacks or
pegs are passed, and I therefore provide elongated openings E adjacent to the
inner edges of the bottom of the counter, and through these openings I pass a
loop F of elastic material and this elastic strip is pegged or otherwise secured to
the insole of the boot or shoe. This fastening means serves to securely hold the
counter in place and at the same time admit of the movement laterally within
certain limits so as to permit the counter to conform to the movements of the
wearer. .
The means which I employ of securing the aluminum articles in place by the
use of elastic strips passed through openings elongated in the direction of the edge
of the material is not broadly claimed in this Specification.
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. The combination with an aluminum boot or shoe counter of a metallic spring
embedded in the outer rear face of the counter, substantially as shown and
described.
2. The combination with an aluminum boot or shoe counter having its rear
portion provided with metallic spring, of elastic connections whereby the counter
is permitted to yield to the movements of the heel of the wearer, substantially as
shown and described.
"
3. The combination with the insole of a boot or shoe, of an aluminum counter
secured to the insole by means of, flat elastic strips passed through elongated
openings provided adjacent to the inner edges of the bottom portion of the counter,
said strips being nailed or otherwise fastened to the insole, substantially as shown
and described.
Dated this 24th day of December 1895.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.