CN113811225A

CN113811225A - Display, fixing and transport device for a pair of shoes

Info

Publication number: CN113811225A
Application number: CN202080020099.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 凯梅·雅克拉; 乌格斯·里维斯特; 马丁·拉伯格; 费利佩·勒菲弗尔
Original assignee: Frilka
Current assignee: Frilka
Priority date: 2019-03-11
Filing date: 2020-03-10
Publication date: 2021-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-10
Also published as: US20220175102A1; EP3937722A4; CA3131278A1; WO2020181370A1; CA3131278C; EP3937722A1; GB2595165A; GB202111706D0; CN113811225B

Abstract

A display, holding and transport device that can be used with many types of footwear, including boots, dress shoes, sandals, cleats, high-heeled shoes, and casual shoes. The apparatus includes a first resilient body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a first shoe of a pair of shoes. The first resilient body defining a toe receiving portion and a heel receiving portion; and a side strap connects the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion. The second resilient body is adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a second shoe of a pair of shoes. The first and second elastic bodies are co-aligned at their respective side bands and attached to each other. A mounting device is provided on the apparatus to receive the hanger.

Description

Display, fixing and transport device for a pair of shoes

Technical Field

In general, the present invention relates to a consumer product that enables a user to secure and transport shoes to a number of items, such as backpack straps, sports bags, and strap tags on a number of bags. It may also be used to mount shoes to walls, and other surfaces for display and storage purposes.

Background

Various types of carriers for shoes are known. For example, U.S. patent No. 4,669,772 teaches a carrier that includes a shell to receive and enclose at least a rear quarter portion of a pair of shoes. A shoe insertion device is located in the rear quarter of the shoe to secure the shoe within the housing. A carrying handle is attached to the shoe insertion device. The presence of the housing and shoe inserts within the shoe and housing will result in a relatively heavy and bulky shoe bag for the user to carry.

U.S. patent No. 4,126,255 teaches a ski boot carrier that includes a base wheel for sliding over ice and snow. The base runner is provided with a boot clamping plate. Skis can also be transported by inserting them into the vector between the boots. Such a carrier is particularly suitable for snowboards and boots, but not for carrying other types of sports or leisure shoes.

U.S. patent No. 5,785,223 teaches a boot carrier with a support member that is insertable into each boot to abut the medial heel portion of the boot. The carrier includes a tether strap that holds a pair of boots together and is portable. The carrier will allow the boots to be separated from each other by the length of the tether, which means that the boots may swing substantially freely with respect to each other during carrying.

U.S. patent No. 8,714,370 teaches a shoe clamp fitting for clamping together a pair of shoes for attachment to a bag. The clip has a portion that fits within the shoe and is retained on a wall of the shoe. A locking mechanism secures the shoe in place and a load ring extends from the clamp. The metal clamping mechanism may create a permanent mark on the shoe at the point where the clamp has clamped the shoe.

US patent application US2009/0173647 teaches a shoe carrier having a central dividing wall within the body to define two cavities. The dividing wall comprises an integral handle. The main body includes a plurality of drain grooves and a vent. Each cavity is open at the top for insertion of a shoe. The carrier strip attaches to the body to hold the shoe in place within the two cavities of the carrier. The carrier is somewhat large in size to accommodate shoes of different sizes, and straps are required to retain the shoes within the carrier.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a shoe carrier that is lightweight and does not add large physical structures surrounding or attached to the shoe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carrier without parts that have to be separated from each other for inserting or mounting a shoe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carrier that is simple to manufacture and able to adapt to different types and sizes of shoes without leaving marks on the shoes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used to display, secure and transport shoes.

Disclosure of Invention

A display, securement and transport apparatus for a pair of shoes includes a first resilient body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a first shoe of a pair of shoes. The first resilient body defines a toe receiving portion and a heel receiving portion. The side strap connects the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion. The second resilient body is adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a second shoe of a pair of shoes. The second resilient body defines a toe receiving portion and a heel receiving portion. The side strap connects the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion. The first and second elastic bodies are co-aligned at their respective side straps and attached to each other, and a mounting device is provided on the apparatus to receive the hanger.

A shoe display, retaining and transport apparatus comprising: a resilient body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of an article of footwear. The resilient body defines a toe receiving portion and a heel receiving portion. The side strap connects the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion. The resilient body has a mounting means. The resilient body further includes a sole strap. The side straps define attachment points to receive fasteners for fastening the elastic body to a second elastic body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a second article of footwear.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the present disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention holding a pair of shoes.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in isolation.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the invention showing all components separately.

FIG. 4 is a series of four simplified side views (A, B, C, D) of the present invention to illustrate a method of inserting a shoe in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Turning now to fig. 1, a display, retaining and transport apparatus for a pair of shoes is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 is shown securing a pair of shoes, also referred to as a first shoe in a pair of shoes 12 and a second shoe in a pair of shoes 14, respectively. It should be understood that although a pair of athletic shoes are shown in the figures for illustrative purposes, the apparatus may be used to display, secure and transport other types of shoes, including boots, dress shoes, sandals, cleats, high-heeled shoes and casual shoes. For convenience and brevity, reference is sometimes made in this specification to a shoe or shoes, but it should be understood that this term is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to shoes only.

The display, securement and transport apparatus 10 for a pair of shoes includes a first resilient body 16 adapted to retainingly and releasably engage the perimeter of a first shoe 12 of a pair of shoes. As can be seen in fig. 1, the location where the first resilient body engages the shoe 12 is the periphery of the shoe, which means that the resilient body 16 is in contact with the outer surface of the shoe and around the entire periphery of the shoe in contact with the shoe, adjacent the sole. The first resilient body 16 defines a toe receiving portion 18. In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the toe receiving portion 18 is configured as a loop of resilient material and the toes of the shoe may project partially through the center of the loop. Since the elastic body 16 is composed of an elastic material, it can be simply stretched to receive the toes of the shoe in the toe receiving portions 18. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the toe receiving portion 18 is configured as a loop having two arms 20, 22. Both arms 20 and 22 will engage the surface of the shoe and provide two areas of contact, one near the top of the shoe and one near the sole. Configuring the toe receiving portion 18 as a loop having an opening 58 facilitates accommodating various shoe lengths. A long shoe and/or a shoe with a sharp toe will protrude farther through the opening 58 in the ring than a short or round shoe.

The first resilient body 16 also defines a heel receiving portion 24 adapted to receive the heel of the shoe. Heel receiving portion 24 may also be configured as a loop having a first arm 26 and a second arm 28. Both the first arm 26 and the second arm 28 engage the periphery of the shoe but provide two areas of contact with the heel of the shoe at adjacent locations. Preferably, the resilient body 16 additionally includes a sole strap 25 to provide additional contact points to retain the shoe within the resilient body 16. The sole strap 25 generally contacts the sole at a location just forward of the heel. A portion of the heel of the shoe may protrude through the opening 60 between the second arm 28 and the tread 25, particularly in the case of long shoes. Side straps 30 connect the toe receiving portion 18 with the heel receiving portion 24. As best shown in fig. 2 and 3, the side straps 30 extend along both sides between the toe receiving portion 18 and the heel receiving portion 24 such that the first resilient body 16 completely surrounds the perimeter of the shoe and acts at all points on the perimeter to retain the shoe within the first resilient body 16.

The second resilient body 32 is adapted to retainingly and releasably engage the perimeter of a second shoe 14 of a pair of shoes. The second resilient body 32 defines a toe receiving portion 34, a heel receiving portion 36, and a side strap 38 connecting the toe receiving portion 34 and the heel receiving portion 36. The first resilient body 16 and the second resilient body 32 are substantially identical in structure and function. The first and second

elastic bodies

16, 32 are co-aligned and attached to each other at their respective side straps 30, 38. This results in the pair of shoes being held together in an orientation in which the soles of the shoes face together, two heels are together and two toes are together. This orientation provides a compact bundle that is convenient to carry. The positioning of the shoe soles facing together reduces the likelihood that mud or dirt that may be present on the shoe soles will contaminate the user or his or her handbag, backpack, or other equipment. In addition, having the soles face together means that the neck of the shoe faces outward so that airflow can reach the interior of the shoe. This orientation maximizes airflow into the interior of the shoe to dry the footbed after the shoe is worn, a feature that is particularly advantageous for boots and athletic shoes.

The first and second

elastic bodies

16, 32 may be attached together in a number of different ways. For example, a pair of magnets may be affixed to or embedded in the side band at locations that allow for magnetic attachment. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 may be manufactured as a single piece with the side straps 30, 38 integrally connected.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1, 2 and 3, the side straps 16 of the first elastic body define a first attachment opening 40. The side straps 38 of the second elastic body 32 define a second attachment opening 42. An attachment member 44 having a handle 45 is received through the first and

second attachment openings

40, 42, whereby the first resilient body 16 is attached to the second resilient body 32 while allowing pivotal movement of the first resilient body 16 relative to the second resilient body 32. The ability to pivot between the first and second

elastic bodies

16, 32 makes it easier for the user to stretch them and adjust their position relative to the periphery of the shoe. Preferably, the attachment members 44 are in the form of double-headed pins. It should be noted that the first and second elastic bodies are attached to each other at two locations to correspond to the sides of the shoe. The presence of the shoe in fig. 1 obscures the view of one of the attachment points so that only one attachment member 44 is visible. Two

attachment members

44, 44 can be seen in fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows a separate attachment member 44 and a separate top attachment member 54, which define the mounting device 48.

The first and second

elastomeric bodies

16, 32 have a texture 46 for frictionally being held against the perimeter of the article of footwear. The texture may be created by a plurality of protrusions or depressions in the desired pattern. For illustration, a ribbed pattern can be seen on the surface of the first and second elastic bodies. This texture is best shown in fig. 1 and 2. The texturing creates additional contact points therebetween to improve gripping of the resilient body on the shoe. Various texture patterns may be used to improve resilience, reduce weight, and provide alternate visual appeal while continuing to improve the grip of the shoe.

The display, holding and transport apparatus 10 for a pair of shoes has mounting means 48 to receive a hanger. In a preferred embodiment, as best shown in fig. 1, the mounting device 48 is configured to connect with additional attachment points. The first elastomeric body 16 defines a first top attachment opening 50, and the second elastomeric body 32 defines a second top attachment opening 52; and a top attachment member 54 having a handle is received through the first and second

top attachment openings

50, 52. Thus, the first elastic body 16 is attached to the second elastic body 32. The attachment member 54 defines the mounting device 48, which is a loop that can be threaded to receive the hanger 56. For the purpose of illustration, a shackle is shown in the drawings. The shackle will allow the user to clip the device 10 holding a pair of shoes to a luggage carrying loop, a backpack, or even a hook on a wall or other surface. Simpler alternatives are also possible. The mounting means 48 may be a simple ring formed as a loop through one or both of the

elastomeric bodies

16, 32. In its most basic case, the mounting means 48 may simply be an opening in the resilient body.

The carrier of the present invention is constructed of a resilient material such that it can retentively and releasably engage the perimeter of an article of footwear. The elastomeric body is preferably constructed of rubber and is made by a vulcanization injection molding process. The thickness of the strap and the length of the strap will vary for use in lightweight, athletic, casual shoes and heavy industrial shoes. Other materials having sufficient elasticity to create the expansion and compression required around the perimeter of the article of footwear adjacent the sole and to maintain the article of footwear in compression until it is removed may be used. By way of illustration only, the elastic body may be constructed of thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, or calcium filled rubber. For adult sizes, the resilient body has a thickness of 2-5 millimeters when relaxed and a length from the toe receiving portion to the heel receiving portion of about 20-23 centimeters. When stretched, the length of the elastic body will stretch to 40-45 centimeters and will fit around the perimeter of a typical adult shoe.

A method of using the display, securing and transport apparatus 10 for a pair of shoes will now be discussed with reference to fig. 4. In a first step of the method, as shown in figure 4, figure a, the user inserts the toes of the first shoe 12 into the toe-receiving portions 18 of the first resilient body 16, as indicated by the arrows. This is most easily accomplished if the user holds the resilient body 16 near the heel receiving portion 24, orients the shoe 12 with the sole facing the sole strap 25, and moves the shoe 12 downward so that the toes of the shoe are received in the toe receiving portion 18. In a next step, as shown in fig. B, the user pulls back on the heel receiving portion 24 to expand the resilience of the resilient body, particularly via the side straps 30, to create the space required to insert the heel of the shoe into the heel receiving portion 24 of the resilient body 16. The clamping of the heel receiving portion 24 is then released and the resilient body 16 contracts as indicated by the arrow to secure the heel of the shoe within the heel receiving portion 24. Fig. C shows that the first shoe 12 is now retentively and releasably engaged at its periphery by the first resilient body 16. Then, the second shoe 14 is moved downward as shown by the arrow such that the toe of the shoe 14 is disposed in the second toe receiving portion 34 of the second elastic body 32. Then, the user pulls the second heel receiving part 36 backward to expand the elasticity of the second elastic body 32, thereby stretching the second side band 38 to create a space required to insert the heel of the second shoe 14 into the second heel receiving part 36. Then, as shown in fig. D, the user releases the force on the second heel receiving portion 36 as indicated by the downward arrow, allowing the second resilient body 32 to contract to secure the heel of the second shoe 14 within the second heel receiving portion 36. Both shoes are now secured in a co-aligned position with their soles facing together and may be attached to a backpack or other bag for shipping or hung on a hanger for storage or display.

A display, securing and transport apparatus for a pair of shoes allows a user to visually display the style of the shoe which is attributable to the user's personality or personality. The apparatus allows a user to store their shoes as storage space on an existing wall, thereby eliminating the need for shelving units and increasing the vertical storage space in smaller dwelling units. The attachment members 44 may serve as mounting points to secure the strap to a desired surface (wall mount, bag back mount). Decorative trim or visual identifiers may be applied to the outer surface of the attachment member 44. This feature may be used as a nametag to identify the owner of the shoe, or simply for aesthetic purposes.

The display, fixation and transport apparatus 10 for a pair of shoes may be conceptualized as two separate elastic bodies, each forming an exoskeleton around the perimeter of the sole adjacent one of the shoes in the pair. The shoe display, securement and transport apparatus 10 includes a resilient body 16 adapted to retainingly and releasably engage the periphery of an article of footwear 12. The resilient body 16 defines a toe receiving portion 18, a heel receiving portion 24, and a side strap 30 connecting the toe receiving portion 18 and the heel receiving portion 24. The apparatus has a mounting device for attachment to the hanger. The toe receiving portion 18 defines an opening 58 through which the toes of the article of footwear may protrude. The heel receiving portion 24 defines an opening 60, and the heel of the article of footwear may protrude through the opening 60. The elastic body 16 also includes a sole strip 25. The mount may include an opening defined through the elastomeric body 16 that is sized and positioned to receive the hanger. The side straps 30 define attachment points 40 to receive fasteners 44, the fasteners 44 for fastening the resilient body 16 to the second resilient body 32 adapted to retainingly and releasably engage the perimeter of the second article of footwear 14.

In another alternative embodiment, the first and second elastic bodies may be manufactured as a single piece, rather than as two pieces attached together by an attachment means.

In alternative embodiments, the elastic body may also be implemented with other materials that may be used to form an opening for inserting a shoe and to tighten the opening to secure the shoe in place.

Claims

1. A display, retaining and transport apparatus for a pair of shoes, the apparatus comprising:

a first resilient body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a first shoe of a pair of shoes, the first resilient body defining a toe receiving portion, a heel receiving portion; a side strap connecting the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion;

a second resilient body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a second shoe of a pair of shoes, the second resilient body defining a toe receiving portion, a heel receiving portion; a side strap connecting the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion;

the first and second elastic bodies are co-aligned at their respective side bands and attached to each other; and the number of the first and second groups,

a mounting device for receiving the hanger.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second elastomeric bodies are textured for frictional retention against the perimeter of the article of footwear.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the side strap of the first elastic body defines a first attachment opening; the side straps of the second elastic body define a second attachment opening; and an attachment member having a handle is received through the first and second attachment openings, whereby the first resilient body is attached to the second resilient body while allowing pivotal movement of the first resilient body relative to the second resilient body.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first resilient body defines a first top attachment opening, the second resilient body defines a second top attachment opening; and a top attachment member having a handle is received through the first and second top attachment openings, whereby the first resilient body is attached to the second resilient body.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the top attachment member defines an opening to receive a hanger.

6. A shoe display, retaining and transport apparatus comprising:

a resilient body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a periphery of an article of footwear, the resilient body defining a toe receiving portion, a heel receiving portion; a side strap connecting the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion; and the number of the first and second groups,

and (5) installing the device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the toe receiving portion defines an opening through which a toe of the article of footwear may protrude.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heel receiving portion defines an opening through which a heel of the article of footwear may protrude.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the elastic body further comprises a sole strap.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the mounting device includes an opening defined through the elastomeric body, the opening sized and positioned to receive a hanger.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the side straps define attachment points to receive fasteners for fastening the elastic body to a second elastic body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a second article of footwear.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the attachment point is an opening formed through the side strap to receive a fastener therethrough.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the elastic body is textured to frictionally hold against the perimeter of the article of footwear.