GB2211723A

GB2211723A - Boot tree

Info

Publication number: GB2211723A
Application number: GB8726102A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen James Dunkelman
Original assignee: Dunkelman & Son Ltd
Current assignee: Dunkelman & Son Ltd
Priority date: 1987-11-06
Filing date: 1987-11-06
Publication date: 1989-07-12
Also published as: GB8726102D0

Abstract

Two shells 1 are connected by rivets 3 to a mechanism 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 for moving them towards and away from each other. The outer surface of the shells 1 has a flock coating 9 which covers the rivets 3, can absorb moisture, and may carry an anti-bacterial agent or an odorant. Optionally, the shells 1 have ventilation holes 11. Items 6 to 8 may also be flock coated, and so too may the inner surfaces of the shells 1. The flock coating consists of fibres 0.5 to 2mm long applied to a coating of adhesive. <IMAGE>

Description

BOOT TREE This invention relates to a boot tree comprising a pair of elongate shells linked together so as to be movable towards and away from each other.

In accordance with the invention, each shell has a coating of flock on its outer surface, i.e. the surface which is to come in contact with the inside of the boot.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the acccompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a boot tree; and Figure 2 is a front view of the boot tree.

The boot tree illustrated (also referred to as a boot shaper) comprises a pair of elongate hollow shells 1 of injection moulded plastics material, corresponding to the calf and the shin. The shells 1 are linked by a leaf spring 2 in the form of a loop whose opposite sides are fixed to the inside of the shells by rivets 3.

A pair of metal rods 4 pass slidably through an intermediate actuating member 6 fixed to the upper part of the looped spring 2. A lower actuating member 7 fixed on the lower end of the rods 4 engages the lower part of the looped spring 2. An upper actuating member 8 is fixed to the upper end of the rods 4. The members 6-8 are all of injection moulded plastics material.

Motion of the members 6 and 8 towards each other causes the looped spring 2 to extend in the vertical direction and therefore contract in the horizontal direction, bringing the shells 1 towards each other for insertion into a boot.

The entire outer surface of each shell 1 has a flock coating 9, which covers the rivets 3, The flock coating 9 consists of fibres 0.5 to 2 mm long applied in a conventional manner to a coating of adhesive. The flock fibres may, for example, be 0.5, 0.75, or 1 mm long.

An important advantage of the flock coating is that it tends to absorb moisture from the inside of the boot. This effect helps in drying the boot and removing perspiration. The flock coating can also be used as a carrier for one or more substances for improving the condition of the inside of the boot. Such substances may be anti-bacterial agents and odorants (e.g.

perfumes). For the same reason, the inner surfaces of the shells 1 and/or any of the plastics members 6-8 may be provided with a flock coating.

The use of a flock coating enables the colour of the boot tree to be changed easily, without having to change the colour (if any) of the plastics material. It also provides a smooth, cushioned surface without sharp edges, which is pleasant to handle and attractive in appearance.

Each shell 1 has ventilation holes 11. These are round and are preferably arranged according to a hexagonal lattice pattern as shown. Such a shape of holes provides adequate ventilation without unduly weakening the shells.

Claims

Claims:

1. A boot tree comprising a pair of elongate shells linked together so as to be movable towards and away from each other, characterised in that each shell has a coating of flock on its outer surface.

2. A boot tree as claimed in claim 1, including a mechanism for moving the shells towards and away from each other.

3. A boot tree as claimed in claim 2, in which the mechanism is connected to the shells by fixing means which are exposed on the outer surface of the shells and are covered by the flock coating.

4. A boot tree as claimed in claim 2 or 3, in which parts of the mechanism also have a coating of flock.

5. A boot tree as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inner surface of each shell also has a coating of flock.

6. A boot tree as claimed in any preceding claim. in which the flock coating consists of fibres 0.5 to 2 mm long.

7. A boot tree as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the flock coating carries at least one substance for improving the condition of the inside of a boot.

8. A boot tree as claimed in claim 7, in which the flock coating carries an anti-bacterial agent and/or an odorant.

9. A boot tree as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the shells have ventilation holes.

10. A boot tree as claimed in claim 9, in which the ventilation holes are arranged according to a hexagonal lattice pattern.

11. A boot tree substantially as described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.