The Folding Door-Stop Bootjack: Pointed Prongs That Also Bar the Door

"In the accompanying drawings, A A′ represent the two parts of my metal boot-jack, made in the form shown in Fig. 1 and connected in the center under the line B by the hinge C. (Shown in Figs. 2 and 3.) Each part is provided with a flange D D, Fig. 2, which serve as legs to hold up the crotched-end when the boot-jack is used." "This boot-jack may be cast of brass or some other compositions of metals, or of iron and converted into malleable iron by the mode usually practiced."

**Halves.** Saw two halves 35 × 6 cm from hardwood board, each with half of a heel notch at one end, and join them along their long edge with a butt hinge underneath so they fold together. **Legs.** Screw a block under each half near the notch end so that when unfolded the notch end stands up; folded, the blocks lie side by side. **Points.** Drive two nails part way into the notch ends of the prongs, cut their heads off and file them to points. Drive one into the other end, cut and file it to a conical point. **Test.** Take a boot off with it. Then set it at about 45° with the prongs on the floor and the point against a door that opens towards it, checking the angle with the protractor. Push the door with the spring scale and note the force it holds; do it on a smooth floor with the prongs taped over, and with them bare.

**William W. Cansler** of Baltimore received US 22,700, dated 25 January 1859. His pin could be cast in place as common butt hinges were, the area between the sides could carry scroll work, and a leather or paper case made it easy to carry. His claim is the metal folding bootjack with pointed prongs and a pointed end. **Honest limits.** Hardwood, a butt hinge and filed nails stand in for his cast brass or malleable iron. The notebook treats the jack as a straight strut and the floor as rigid; its force and angles are examples. Your door test is the result.