Improvements in Supporters for Boots or Shoes.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd May, 1888.
Specification Accepted, 22nd June, 1888
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Supporters for Boots or Shoes.
I CHESTER PROUTY, of Galeton, in the County of Potter and State of Pennsylvania
United States of America, Lumberman, 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:-
My invention relates to supporters for boots or shoes and its objects are, first, to
obviate the tendency to run the heel off on one side; second, to support the foot in an
upright position; third, to counteract the formation of crooked ankles ; fourth, to
prolong the life of a shoe or boot so provided and fifth, to attain these ends with
structural simplicity or economy. I attain these purposes by the device illustrated in
the accompanying drawings in which
Fig. 1 represents the inner side of the inner sole of a boot or shoe provided with my
invention.
Fig. 2 is a side elevation of my improvement.
Fig. 3 indicates a plan view of my device and
Fig. 4 is a vertical section thereof on the line y-y of Fig. 3.
The same designations indicate corresponding parts in the several views.
To the inner sole A of a boot or shoe provided with an upper B and a counter C,
I secure, by nailing, pegging or sewing through the means of perforations G G¹ G",
the device D so that the bifurcated prongs D D shall be under the ball of the foot and
thus by its resiliency and elasticity assist the motion of walking.
The shank F is pegged or sewed on both sides of the shank of the shoe or boot by
means of perforations G while the terminal uprights F1 F1 run on each side of the
counter next to the sole leather between the counter and the upper and go across the
heel where they are clinched.
The device is preferably made of good steel with spring temper, the two prongs are
to be thick at the crotch and taper toward the points so as to secure pliability and the
shank is to be thicker in the center than at the ends.
Inasmuch as the heel and counter are made stiffer than customarily, the tendency to
run the heel down is neutralized and additional strength is imparted to the foot which
greatly aids those troubled with weak or crooked ankles. The invention thus inevitably

page_text: results in subjecting the boot or shoe to less strain and hence its life is greatly
prolonged.
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 :-
1. As an improved article of manufacture, the bifurcated strip D having prongs D¹ DI
and an integral shank F provided with perpendicular uprights Fi and having a series
of perforations G G¹ G₁ constructed as herein described and for the purpose set
forth.
2. The sole A of an ordinary boot or shoe, having an upper B and a counter C, in
combination with the bifurcated strip D having prongs D' D' and perforations G G¹ G
whereby joinder is made to the inner side of the inner sole by sewing or otherwise,
the shank Fintegral therewith and similarly secured, having perpendicular
uprights F which after passing between the counter and the upper are clinched under
the heel, the whole cooperating as and for the purpose herein set forth and in the
manner illustrated and specified.
BERNHARD DUKES,
226, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.