THE NORTHAMPTON INDEPENDENT

October 16, 1909, page 16

Shoe Trade Invention.

POSSIBILITY OF A NEW INDUSTRY FOR NORTHAMPTON.

While we in Northampton have been looking abroad for new industries several have been germinating in our midst. Such a one is the manufacture of the indestructible Resilient Toe Case, which is being carried on by Messrs. Berry & Co., of Angel Street, Northampton. Patented in 1907 by Mr. J. H. Brown and protected by 12 patents, this new toe case, which threatens to revolutionize the present system, is composed of moulded rubber, and is perfectly waterproof. A remarkable success is prophesied for it; the manufacturers are taking it up and Americans are offering considerable sums for the American patent rights. To demonstrate the advantages of the toe case, the company have taken large offices at the Shoe and Leather Fair, and a striking feature of the exhibit will be an electric machine that will show the extreme resiliency of the invention. A hand comes down, presses on to the toe, and then returns as illustrated on page 20.

A pair of toes fitted with this invention may be worn right down to the uppers but the toe will be thoroughly preserved, and neither crack nor wrinkle. We understand that the syndicate is open to receive proposals from anyone wishing to take part in the formation of a company of such magnitude as will be able to cope with the orders that are confidently expected when the full value of the patent is realised. We have reason to know that there is money and influence at the back of the venture, apart from that already named. The potentialities of this patent are very promising, for if only 25 per cent. of the boots now made in this country are fitted with this protection, it would necessitate the manufacture of from 200,000 to 300,000 pairs per week. Incidentally this seems to open up an opportunity of starting rubber mills in Northampton for this particular patent could give the mills a good start, and considering how many more articles could be made, for which there is a growing demand, it might be made the medium of bringing a welcome impetus to the trade of the town. The local public therefore will watch the development of this promised new industry with hopeful interest.