GB2597138A - Collapsible portable closet - Google Patents

Abstract

Collapsible portable closet or bag comprises rear panel 3 rising from a sub-base underlying foot plate 12, and side panels 4, 5. The so-defined compartment can be closed by lifting integrated front and top panels 8, 9, manipulating them so that panel 8 closes the compartment front, folding the top panel 9 over to close the compartment top. When closed, the compartment may be empty or store footwear. Opening is the reverse of closure, whereby faces 20, 21, placed over a ground/floor surface, form an easily cleaned matt for user approach to foot plate 12. Standing upon the foot plate 12, footwear may be removed, using open arches 22 as heal-engaging hooks, or footwear contained within the compartment may be placed on a user’s feet. The panels may be folded flat to lie against each other in a stowed state when the closet is not being used.

Description

Collapsible Portable Closet The present invention relates to the field of storage containers, and more particularly to containers for the storage of items such as footwear.

Many people like to take walks in the countryside. It is common to drive to locations, such as beauty spots and woodland etc. when taking trips in the car to the countryside to exercise, walk dogs or for pleasure. Wellington boots or walking boots are frequently worn, which gives the walker the freedom to walk in areas which may be quite muddy. Thus, when the walker returns to their vehicle, they have the problem of removal and storage of soiled footwear.

Canadian patent application CA2573875 discloses a bag for the storage of footwear, that is designed, when the bag is placed on the ground, to have an opening comprising a flap that, when unzipped and suitably configured, lays across the ground to provide a footwear changing area. The bag further comprises an inner pad that can be deployed to overlie the flap, to provide a larger surface area for changing, and which also provides physical protection to a zip on the flap from, e.g. blades from skates etc. The inner pad may be formed to fold over on itself when the changing of footwear is complete, so as to capture any dirt etc. that has accumulated thereon. If an inner pad large enough to make it comfortable and convenient to remove one's footwear is provided however, then such a pad can end up taking up a significant amount of space within the bag, reducing its utility.

US patent application No. US2015/0305536 discloses a boot jack to aid the removal of footwear, whilst also providing a central foot box for allowing a single foot to rest after removal of a boot or other footwear. The boot jack has a base making up a main standing area before removal of a boot, along with two raised notches located either side of the central foot box to aid in removal of the footwear.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a collapsible portable closet for use by a person in withdrawing a foot from an item of external footwear and comprising a rigid rear panel, at least one rigid side panel and a base, and further panels comprising at least of reconfigurable front and top panels defining with the base and side panel, in a first state, a step-in compartment and, in a second state, a closed storage closet, the closet having a third, collapsed state for use when the closet is to be stored and not in use; the front panel being flexibly connected to the base and to the top panel such that, in the first state the front and top panels are configurable so as to lie alongside the base, wherein the base provides a standing region for the person when withdrawing a foot from the footwear item, and the at least one rigid side panel providing means for allowing the person to stabilize themselves while removing the footwear, with the front and top panels connecting to the base providing a further area for standing during and after footwear removal; the flexible connection allowing a rotation of one element relative to the other, about the connection; and further wherein the further panels are reconfigurable as a set from the first to the second state, the front panel being reconfigurable become a wall of the closet, and the top panel to become a cover; and further wherein the rigid side panel, rigid rear panel, base, and further panels are further reconfigurable as a set to allow them to lie flat against each other, to put the closet into its third state.

Any one or more of the rigid rear panel, the at least one rigid side panel, the base, the further panels comprising at least a reconfigurable front and top panel and any other member serving to define a closed storage closet wall in said second state may conveniently be made of sheet material and in each case (or one or more of them), where rigidity is to be provided, this rigidity may be conferred by a rigidity-conferring element such as a frame supporting the sheet (eg around its edges), such as a metallic or plastics material frame. The sheet material used may in any one or more cases be made of a textile material as described hereinafter, whether or not the sheet material is supported by eg a frame.

Embodiments of the invention therefore provide a convenient means for a person wearing muddy boots or shoes etc. to remove them, whilst being able to steady themselves on the rigid side panel, and also to step out of the boots onto a clean and dry surface -namely the front and top panels that lie alongside the base in the first state.

Advantageously, in some embodiments the base comprises of a footplate rotatably connected to the rear panel adjacent an edge thereof, the footplate being positionable into a deployed position relative to the rear panel (in the first and second states), and being positionable to lie substantially flat against the rear panel (in the third state).

It will be appreciated that the rotatable connection may be formed in any convenient manner. For example, a seam between two panels (either stitched together, or formed from a single sheet of material may conveniently provide a fold-line for a panel to rotate about another. Alternatively, a hinged arrangement may be used with discrete elements being used to connect adjacent panels together.

Advantageously, in some embodiments there are two rigid side panels, rotatably connected to the rear panel, at opposed sides thereof and in the first state the two rigid side panels are configurable to sit on opposite sides of the base and, together with the rear panel, define a closet volume for storage or removal of footwear.

Thus, in such embodiments, when in the first state, the two rigid side panels define a step-in region which becomes, when in the second state, a storage volume for transport of the footwear etc. Advantageously, in some embodiments the closet further comprises a sub-base arranged to sit under the foot plate when the closet is in the first and second states, and a pair of opposed, flexible side panels each connected to the rear panel along an edge thereof and further connected to an edge of the sub-base, each flexible side panel sitting outside of an associated rigid side panel when the closet is configured in its first and second states.

The flexible side panels thus act to contain the rigid side panels. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the rear panel, sub-base and flexible side panels together define a maximum rotation of both the rigid side panels and the footplate, with respect to the rear panel. The flexible side panels are advantageously sized so as to reach their full extent when the side panels and foot plate are both in their deployed positions (as the first or second state), and so prevent any significant travel of the rigid side panels or footplate.

The flexible side panels may be full panels, matching the size of the rigid side panels, or they may be partial panels, such as corner panels.

Conveniently, the side panels may be symmetrically shaped and located. The two flexible side panels may make up two opposed sides of the closet. Each flexible side panel may be connected to an edge of the sub-base and a respective edge of the rear panel, the connection to the rear panel being on the same edge to which an associated rigid panel connects, The flexible side panels may therefore act to limit the degree to which the foot plate rotates away from the rear panel, and also limit the degree to which the rigid side panels rotate out. This provides additional rigidity to the closet, in its first state (and second state), which is advantageous in providing support to someone removing footwear whilst standing.

Advantageously, in some embodiments the foot plate is positionable, when the closet is in its first or second states, to lie between and above a lower edge of each of the rigid side panels, so locking each rigid side panel against its associated flexible side panel. In such a position the foot plate acts to prevent the rigid side panels from rotating inwards to a stowed state, with the flexible side panels preventing the rigid side panels from further rotation out from the rear panel.

Advantageously, in some embodiments, each of the at least one rigid side panel(s) has a hand gripping region at an upper point thereon. This provides a convenient, and structurally stable point for gripping the closet when changing footwear.

Advantageously, the footplate may comprise means for engaging with footwear to ease the removal thereof. This may comprise of, in some embodiments, at least one raised member adapted to provide a gripping, or hooking action onto a heel region of the item of footwear. The raised member may comprise, in some embodiments, of a rigid loop, or partial loop. This therefore provides an aid for shoe or boot removal that allows a user to loosen the footwear without needing to reach down to it.

Conveniently, the front panel may be flexibly connected to the base along an edge thereof opposite to a side on which the rear panel is attached. Thus, the front panel is easily converted from being a panel wall (when the closet is in the second state), to being a clean platform on which to stand (when in the first state).

Conveniently, the top panel may be attached to an edge of the front panel opposite to the front panel edge that connects to the foot plate. By incorporating the top panel with the front panel, the top panel is also conveniently useable as further standing area when changing footwear. Of course, other embodiments may have the top covering attached to other panels, such as the rear panel.

The top panel may advantageously have a fastening means adapted to fasten to at least one of the other panels, having the effect of preventing the covering from inadvertently coming open. The fastening means may comprise of laces, buckles, clips, "hook-and loop" fastenings, or the like. When fastened, the closet may securely house footwear for storage or transport etc. The closet may conveniently comprise means for carrying the closet attached to at least one of the panels. The means for carrying may comprise one or more handles, or shoulder straps etc. or the like.

In some embodiments the at least one rigid side panel comprises of a metallic frame supporting a sheet material. The metallic frame may comprise a tube or rod formed into the desired shape of the panel. Advantageously the tube or rod is adapted to provide a continuous metallic band, for increased strength, by welding, or otherwise locking its ends together. The sheet material may advantageously be stretched around, and fastened to, the metallic frame by any convenient means, such as stitching or tying.

In some embodiments the sheet material is a foraminous textile sheet. This allows any footwear within the closet to "breathe", and so will help to prevent odour build-up, and allow trapped moisture to escape over time.

Conveniently, the rear panel may comprise of a metallic frame, similar in form to that of the side panel(s), The metallic frame may be arranged to support a sheet material.

Conveniently, the foot plate may comprise a metallic frame supporting at least one layer of sheet material. The sheet material may again comprise a sheet of synthetic textile material and the reader is referred to description hereinbelow in regard to textile materials which may be used.

In some embodiments the metallic frame may be adapted to further form the at least one raised member. For example, the metallic frame may be bent during manufacture to add loops, or partial loops, that remain uncovered by material, and so protrude to provide the means for aiding the removal of footwear.

Any of the metallic frames referred to may in particular be made of aluminium; in the alternative, a plastics material may be used instead of a metallic material for any of the frames (for example, the frames or any of them may be made of plastics rod) subject to the frames made of it having the required rigidity where rigidity is required and sufficient strength for the closet to bear the weight of footwear which it may be required to carry. In the latter connection, it may be preferred to employ a frame of metallic material for the foot plate frame previously referred to as this is subject to particular wear-and-tear in use of the closet. This is a particular preference in embodiments in which, as mentioned elsewhere herein, a rigid loop, or partial loop, may be employed at the footplate to assist a user to remove a boot; in such embodiments, the loop/partial loop, which will preferably be made of a metallic material (such as aluminium) for its strength and preferably will be mounted to the frame, will most advantageously be mounted to a metallic material foot plate frame not just for its strength but to enable the frame and loop/partial loop to be made as one component. This therefore provides an aid for shoe or boot removal that allows a user to loosen the footwear without needing to reach down to it.

Any one or more, and preferably all, of the rear panel, the one or more side panels, the base and the reconfigurable front and top panels referred to are conveniently made of a synthetic sheet material.

Any one or more, and preferably all, of the rear panel, the one or more side panels, the base and the reconfigurable front and top panels referred to are conveniently made of a textile fabric. The textile fabric used may be the same in each case or alternatively two or more different textile fabrics could be used. For example, the rigid side panels may be used in combination with flexible side panels, the rigid side panels being made of a foram inous fabric which supports ventilation of the interior space within the closet and which is supported by rigidity-conferring means such as a frame, the flexible side panels being made of a non-foram inous textile fabric and preferably overlying at least part of the foram inous fabric to screen the latter from external influences such as abrasion. Textile fabrics offering water repellence and/or abrasion resistance and/or resistance to tearing are preferred. Textile fabrics offering these characteristics include in particular those made of nylon fibre (e.g. nylon 6, 6 fibre) which may be blended with another fibre, for example a natural fibre (e.g. cotton fibre), in general these textile fabrics being woven. Preferred textile materials for use in the panels and/or base referred to above, except where use is made of a foram inous fabric as explained above, are those sold under the trade mark Cordura, and in particular the trade mark Cordura Classic. In this connection, the surfaces exposed internally of the closet should desirably have resistance to soiling by footwear which is removed from the wearer's foot, reinstated on a wearer's foot or temporarily stored the closet and this may be achieved by using a coated fabric, by coating and uncoated fabric or by using a fabric having a surface which is otherwise resistant to such soiling; self-evidently, this feature primarily concerns internal surface areas in the lower parts of the closet where exposure to footwear is at its highest.

In some or all embodiments, the front panel, top panel, flexible side panels, footplate and sub-base are all (or in some cases only, eg in one case) formed from a textile sheet material.

Advantageously, at least one surface of the sheets of material that make up the closet may be treated to provide a smooth surface for ease of cleaning.

In some embodiments some or all of the panels may alternatively be formed from layers of fabric having sandwiched therebetween stiffening material such as card, or metallic or plastic sheeting.

Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front and one side of one particular embodiment of a portable closet according to the invention, the closet shown in fully assembled condition wherein the closet provides an enclosed internal compartment for housing external footwear (the state shown in Figure 1 is referred to earlier as the second state of the closet) and the view ports A and B exposing to view certain details of construction otherwise concealed by overlying components; Figure 1A refers to view port A in Figure 1 and is a cross sectional detail showing the juxtaposed relationship of the identified components at the junction of the closet sides with its back; Figure 1B refers to view port B in Figure 1 and is a cross sectional detail showing the juxtaposed relationship of the identified components at the junction of the closet sides with its base; Figure 2 is a rear view the closet of Figure 1 showing a flap of the top cover panel pulled over onto the rear panel for securement thereto; Figure 3A is a perspective view from the front and one side of the particular embodiment of a portable closet according to the invention shown in Figure 1, the closet shown in a partially disassembled condition wherein the closet is ready for use by a user to remove footwear from his feet (the state shown is referred to earlier as the first state of the closet), the closet oriented to show the raised curved arches which serve as heel grips in the footwear removal process, the footplate overlying the sub-base and the "mat" formed by the panels 8 and 9 laid out in front of the footplate upon a flat surface such as a floor or the ground; Figure 3B is a view of the closet of Figure 1, somewhat similar to that shown in Figure 3A and again in the partially disassembled form represented by its first state; however, in order better to show certain components, the closet is depicted as seen from a slightly elevated viewing point above the components referenced "14" in Figure 3A looking into the internal compartment of the closet across the "mat" formed by the laid out panels 8 and 9, the closet being disposed with the "mat" and the sub-base 2 upon a pitched surface inclined downwards by about 30 degrees to horizontal towards the viewing point and with the footplate 12 flat upon the sub-base 2; Figure 4 is a plan view of the closet of Figure 1 showing the closet partially knocked down as a semi-flat pack, in readiness for complete knock-down or for assembly of the closet; Figure 5 is a further plan view, similar to that of Figure 4 but showing the closet of Figure 1 completely knock-down (the state shown in Figure 5 is referred to earlier as the third state of the closet), in readiness for storage or for assembly of the closet); and Figure 6 is a perspective view from the front and one side of the knocked down closet of Figure 5 partially inserted into a carrier.

Overall Construction and Functioning As shown in Figure 1, which shows the closet in assembled state, the portable closet 1 comprises of a sub-base 2 for ground contact, rear panel 3 rising slightly less than perpendicularly from the sub-base 2 with an internal lean, a mirrored pair of full side panels 4, 5 and a mirrored pair of side corner panels 6, 7, all four rising perpendicularly from the sub-base 2, a front panel 8 opposed to the rear panel 3 and rising from sub-base 2 with a pitch approximately the same as that of rear panel 3 but of opposite direction, and a top cover panel 9. As shown in Figure 1, the closet 1 is in essence a six-sided box construction which defines a compartment internally and has rear and front sides which slightly slope to one another.

Sub-base 2 (indicated and shown in the view port A of the figure), rear panel 3 (indicated and shown in the view port B of the figure), side corner panels 6, 7, front panel 8 and top cover panel 9 are made of a sheet synthetic textile material which is preferably a nylon fibre textile sold under the trade mark Cordura Classic. This textile material has one face which is smooth and which enables easy cleaning with a damp cloth: the closet 1 is so constructed that this face faces internally in the case of all panels made therefrom, commensurate with the application of the closet to receive soiled footwear internally The full side panels 4, ,5 are made of a forarninous textile sheet material which is also flexible (typically, a netting) normally to be of a dark color as shown, for aesthetic purposes.

Each of the last-mentioned panels is stiffened by a rigid frame 10, of rectangular form and with rounded corners, which defines the panel extremities, and a frame 11 of identical form but different frame dimensions is also provided for the same purpose in the case for the rear panel 3.

An arm of the frame 10 of panel 5 is shown in Figure 1 and designated by the reference numeral 10 and a lead line which is shown in broken lines to indicate that, whilst the outline of the frame is apparent; the frame is not visible as such but covered in partial concealment by forarninous textile sheet fabric visibly stitched about the arm in a manner described hereinbelovv, in similar fashion; Figure 1 shows the position of an arm of the frame 11 of side panel 6, that arm designated by the reference numeral 11 and a lead line which is shown in broken lines to indicate that, whilst the location of the frame can be felt by the fingers/thumb (arid to some extent visualized adjacent the very top section of arm 10); the frame is not visible as such but covered in full concealment by sheet fabric in a manner described hereinbelow. The frames 10 and 11 are in each case formed of aluminum round bar (typically 5mm in diameter) cold-in a single plane into the required rectangular form.

The textile material of the respective panels 4, 5 is stretched across the opening defined by the arms of the respective frames 10 and secured to the frame with a stitched turned-back overlap which envelops the circumference of the round bar making up the arms. In the case of the panel 3, the fabric sheet is retained by two methods. First, each of the side edges of the panel 3 is hem-stitched to a respective one of the side panels 6, 7 on a line adjacent the near side arm of frame 11 and externally of the frame, cable grips (not shown; typically at 150mm centres) looping about the metallic bar forming the side arms of the frame 11 and also extending through adjacent openings (not shown) in the fabric hem. Secondly, the fabric of the rear panel 3 extends over the top arm of the frame 11 to form a pocket 18 in which that top frame arm is received, the fabric of the rear panel 3 in addition forming with the sub-base 2 a fabric single piece which is pulled over the bottom arm of the frame 11 and carried forward to a stitched seam 23 retaining a metallic rod (not shown; made from the same material as the frames 10 and 11 although perhaps of smaller gauge) at the leading edge of the sub-base 2.

It will be appreciated that the side arms of frame 10 and those of frame 11 are juxtaposed along their lengths, as depicted in Figure 1k The cable grips previously referred to not only loop about the side arms of the frame 11 but at the same time in each case loop about a side arm of a frarnel 0 with the result that each frame 10 is mounted to the frame 11 along their lengths. The cable grips prevent separation of the so-connected arms of frames 10, 11 but permit relative rotation, therefore serving as hinges. In this manner, the side panels 4, 5 can operate in the manner of a pair of side-hung doors, in assembly and knocking down of the closet as described hereinbekm when the footplate 12 has been displaced from its position of obstruction upon the sub-base 2. Thus, the bottom edges of panels 4, 5 can in this condition of the closet sweep across the upper surface of sub-base 2 between the positions shown in Figures 1 and 3 and positions in which side panels 4, 5 are each turned through an approximate right angle so that they then occupy a position immediately forward of rear panel 3 (as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5). In this latter position, the bottom edge of each panel 4, 5 is broadly aligned in parallel with the adjacent junction of the rear panel 3 with the sub-base 2 and the panels 4, 5 have freedom of movement. In the former panel positions (namely when the panels 4, 5 are as positioned as shown in Figure 1), the panels are weakly retained at the junction of the side panels 6, 7 with the sub-base panel 2 by the slightly raised profile of a stitched seam (not illustrated in the drawings) joining those panels.

The frarries 10 and ii may be in endless loop form, a configuration in which the panels enjoy a rigidity and dimensional stability which is retained by the inherent rigidity of the frames combined with the previously mentioned stitched turned-back overlap.

The top-to-bottom dimension of front panel 8 is slightly larger than the height of the internal compartment of the closet 1 in its second state (as shown in Figure 1), with the result that the top edge of panel 8 oversails the edge of the general surface of top cover panel 9. Top cover panel 9 in turn has an edge portion which forms an upturn which meets the oversailing top edge of front panel 8, the two 2 being stitched together at seam 15. This serves to produce what is essentially a upstanding fold at the front top edge of the assembled closet 1, as best seen in the rear view of the closet 1 shown in Figure 2, with equally-sized edge pieces of panels 8 and 9 forming, respectively, the front and rear faces of the fold. It will be appreciated that the converse side of the fold presents a slight depression between rear faces 20, 21 of top cover panel 9 and front panel 8 as shown in Figures 3A and 3B and designated by the same reference numeral 15.

There are three functions to the above described arrangement. The first is that the fold has a degree of stiffness which assists the carriage of the closet 1, particularly when it contains in its internal compartment a pair of boots of substantial size which might also be soiled e.g. with mud. The second and third functions are more particularly a function of the depression shown in Figures 3A and 3B formed between the compartment-facing faces 20, 21 of top cover panel 9 and front panel 8. Referring it first to this second of the three functions, the depression accommodates the top rounded corners of frame 10 as the panels 4, 5 are positioned in Figure 1, the depression essentially wrapping around those corners and adding to the rigidity, and neatness, of the closet 1 in its second state. Turning finally to the third function of the upstanding seam 15, it will be noted hereinafter with reference to Figures 3A and 36 of the drawings (which shows, as the reader will recall; the first state of the closet 1) that the upstand serves to provide an edge which can easily be grasped by a hand to lift the combination of top cover panel 9 and front panel 8 and transfer it to the internal compartment of closet 1. In this set of actions by the user; the top cover panel 9 extends over the top opening of the closet 1 and over the top rear edge of the closet (corresponding to the top rail of frame 11) by a modest amount to enable the tie cover panel 9 to be secured to the rear panel 3 by means two pairs of hook-and loop fasteners 14 shown in Figure 2 (of which one pair only is shown); as an alternative to hook-and loop fasteners, such fastening means as buckles may be used. A carrying handle 13 is provided for carriage of the closet 1 by a user in the closet 1 as shown in Figure 1 As shown in the view port A in Figure 1 and more particularly n Figures 3A and 36, the closet 1 is provided with a foot plate 12 Foot plate 12 is comprised of upper and lower layers of fabric sheet stitched together at edge seams to form a closed envelope. The internally-facing fabric face of foot plate 12 is, of course, the most likely surface to become soiled (muddied) in use, and accordingly, this fabric face ideally should present a smooth surface in order to facilitate cleaning. This is facilitated when using the preferred Cordura Classic textile material which, as mentioned previously; has one face which is smooth and easily cleaned using a damp cloth. The above-mentioned upper and lower layers of fabric sheet of foot plate 12 sandwich between them, and are supported upon, a metallic frame (not shown) made of metallic round bar. This metallic frame is substantially identical to frames 10 and 11 but comprises two straight opposed side arms, a rear arm which has an inwardly arcuate form and extends between and is connected to the two side arms and, instead of a conventional fourth arm, a length of metallic round bar formed with a pair of open arches 22, which bar extends between and is connected to the two side arms.

The foot plate frame is mounted rotatably to the lower arm of frame 11 (the frame for rear panel 3) at the opposed points of junction between that lower arm of frame 11 and the arcuate rear arm of the foot plate frame. Mounting is achieved in essentially the same manner as the mounting of frames 10 to frames 11 described previously (using cable grips).

The open arches 22 are shown in Figures 3A and 38 fixed in upright orientations at the leading edge of the foot plate 12. Open arches 22 serve as heel grips each for use in retaining a boot-shoe through heel engagement as the user withdraws his foot from a footwear item.

In the fully assembled state of the closet 1 and in the state represented in Figures 3A and 38, the foot plate 12 is disposed in overlying relationship with the sub-base 2 and is sufficiently raised above the surface of the sub-base 2 to obstruct hinged movement of the side panels 4, 5 towards each other. The latter side panels thus remain to the side of the foot plate 12 as shown by reference to Figure 1. In this position, the foot plate 12 is readily and reliably accessible to a user wishing to enter the closet 1, the user placing his feet in the positions depicted in Figures 3A and 3B by foot outlines 19 printed upon the upwardly-facing foot plate surface. Each side panel 4, 5 has a rigidity sufficient to enable their effective use as a means of steadying support for a user as his weight shifts between one of his legs and the other during the process of withdrawing his feet from footwear whilst standing on the footplate; each is additionally provided with a hand grip 16 to be grasped by the user for assurance of that support. It will, of course, be appreciated that the previously mentioned mounting of each frame 10 to the frame 11 confers stability of form on the overall closet 1, adding to the efficacy of the frames 10 as a means of steadying a user, and that the user's weight when standing in the compartment of the closet 1 impedes sideways tipping of the overall rigid assembly of the two side frames 10 and the rear frame 11 as well as serving to anchor the structure during the set of user actions which normally need to be executed to withdraw a foot from eg a boot, as described later herein.

In the state shown in Figure 1, the closet 1 would normally contain in its internal compartment a pair of boots or shoes (which may be soiled but could be cleaned boots or shoes which had simply been stored in the closet and the closet placed in, for example, the boot or other storage area of a vehicle). To gain access to the footwear, the hook-and-loop fasteners 14 are first manually released. The top cover panel 9 is then grasped manually, removed from the top of the closet 1 in a peeling action and lifted from the top front corners of the frames 10. The front panel 8 is then taken down and, together with the top cover panel 9, laid out as a mat in front of the now accessible closet internal compartment as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Soiled boots/shoes in the internal compartment of the closet 1 can then be removed either for use or for alternative storage.

Equally, the user's objective might be to replace soiled footwear in the compartment of closet 1 by another pair of soiled boots/shoes removed from the user's feet in real time or the closet 1 may have just been assembled, its internal compartment empty. In either of these events, a user 'Nearing soiled boots/shoes may step into the internal compartment of closet 1 (positioning himself so that his feet are located upon the foot outlines 19), withdraw his feet from soiled boots/shoes one after the other by using the heel grips 22 at the front edge of foot plate 12, and leave them in the closet. The front panel 8 and top cover panel 9 are then put back in place and secured using the hook-and-loop fasteners 14 shown in Figure 2.

In any of the contexts, the laid out front panel 8 and top panel 9 present their coated faces 21, 20 as a standing and ground cover surface on which the user would stand whether this be after having removed his feet from a pair of soiled boots/shoes in the internal compartment of closet 1 (or, having removed one foot, the user may prefer to stand back for a moment on the above-mentioned ground cover surface) or simply for the purposes of accessing the compartment of the closet 1 for other purposes whilst wearing shoes unsuitable for sustained standing on the local terrain. However, typically, at this point, the user would be in the process of putting on his feet a replacement (clean) pair of boots/shoes. It will be appreciated that in this context, the overall process would be likely to be taking place in conditions, such as muddy conditions, normally experienced at the site of a field sport or other country pursuit and the user would not wish to stand without the protection of suitable outer footwear on a natural ground surface. Obviously, as and when the user has no further immediate use for the closet 1, then the closet 1 can be completely knocked down from the state shown in Figures 3A and 33. The process of knocking down will accordingly next be described, together with the process of deploying the closet 1 from its knocked down state.

Knocking down the Closet 1 for Storage and Carriage In the description in the immediately preceding paragraph, the opening steps in the 20 process of knocking down, namely removal of the front panel 8 and the top cover panel 9 have been completed.

Following these steps and continuing to refer to Figures 3A and 33 of the drawings, top cover panel 9 is folded over onto the face 21 of front panel 8. This exposes the upstand of the seam 15, which will generally upturn slightly off the ground surface, making it very easy for fingers to locate when the user is stretching down whilst in a standing posture. Seam 15 is accordingly then grasped in this manner and the combination of top cover panel 9 and front panel 8 raised and moved into the internal compartment of closet 1, with the seam 15 then at approximately the height of the rear panel 3 but to its fore. Whilst keeping hold of the seam 15 using one hand, the now exposed external face of front panel 8 is then pushed with the fingertips of the other hand down and backwards towards rear panel 3, allowing the front panel 8 to slide relative to the fingertips as this action proceeds, until the fingertips determine that the coated underside face 21 of the front panel 8 has reached the junction of foot plate 12 with the rear panel 3; at this point, the coated face 21 and part of the uncoated face of top cover panel 9 are in interfacial contact with foot plate 12 (the back-to-front dimension of face 21 being less than that of foot plate 12). The remaining part of top cover panel 9 is then folded forward over the exposed face of front panel 8 and laid over the latter. These actions assemble the rear panel, top cover panel and foot plate as a stack of members, the seam 15 at this point being adjacent the open front of the compartment within the closet 1. The leading edge of the foot plate 12 is then grasped and the foot plate rotated upwardly at its mounting to the lower arm of frame 11 so that the stack 8, 9, 12 as a whole hinges upwardly until it is disposed over and closely adjacent the internal face of rear panel 3. The side panels 4, 5 are then rotated laterally on their mountings with frame 11, one at a time. The second to do so overlaps the first as each of these side panels extends across more than half the width of the sub-base 2. At this point, the previously mentioned stack of members now further comprises the pair of side panels 4, 5.

The partially knocked down assembly is only semi-stable in this condition and, in particular, the inclined rear panel 3 is biased by its inclination to fall forward under the weight of the stack of members, although the stack itself normally will remain composed. The partially knocked down assembly is therefore immediately laid with its rear panel 3 disposed upon a flat, generally horizontal surface. This results in automatic collapse of the sub-base panel 2 onto the uppermost panel 4, 5 in the stack of members, with the side panels 6, 7 spread-eagled, all as shown in Figure 4.

The two spread-eagled wings (collapsed side panels 6, 7) are then folded over the collapsed sub-base 2, as indicated by the arrows shown in Figure 4, and the hookand-loop tab 24 attached to its mating hook-and-loop strip 25, as shown in Figure 5. The now completely knocked down closet is now ready for insertion into its envelope 26, as shown in Figure 5, for easer storage and carriage.

Assembling the Closet 1 for Use The normal starting point for assembly for use is the bagged flat-packed state of the closet shown in Figure 6.

The first step in assembly is to withdraw the flat-packed closet 1 from the bag or carrier 26, lay it on a flat horizontal surface, oriented as shown in Figure 5, and release the hook-and-loop tab 24 (Figure 5) attached to its mating hook-and-loop strip 25 (Figure 1). The side panels 6, 7 are then spread-eagled by folding outwardly according to the two opposed arrows shown in Figure 5. The closet is then raised, by lifting the closet 1 from the top arm of frame 11, until the rear panel 3 is perpendicular, the sub-base 2 at this point falling to, and the side panels 6, 7 assuming, their natural positions under gravity.

The rear panel 3 is then tilted forward until the sub-base 2 is flat on the ground or floor surface. The panels of the pair of door-like panels 4, 5 are then parted, to give form to the internal compartment of the closet 1, by rotating them away from the rear panel 3. Whilst holding them in this parted condition, the stack of panels 8, 9, 12 falls to the face of sub-base 2 (this may call for some degree of manual intervention depending of the degree to which the side panels 4, 5 have been transferred to and maintained in a parted condition). The foregoing step will expose the handle 13 of top cover panel 9, This can be grasped so that the front panel 8 and top cover panel 9 can be drawn out in front of the now almost fully functional closet internal compartment to form the standing ground cover surfaces or mat 20, 21 shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Finally, the now exposed foot plate 12 is gently pushed downwards Of necessary) to settle it properly upon the sub-base 2.

The functions described herein as provided by individual components could, where appropriate, be provided by a combination of components instead. Similarly, functions described as provided by a combination of components could, where appropriate, be provided by a single component.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (22)

1. Claims 1. A collapsible portable closet for use by a person in withdrawing a foot from an item of external footwear and comprising a rigid rear panel, at least one rigid side panel and a base, and further panels comprised at least of a reconfigurable front panel and a reconfigurable top panel together defining with the base and side panel, in a first state, a step-in compartment and, in a second state, a closed storage closet, the closet having a third, collapsed state for use when the closet is to be stored and not in use; the front panel being flexibly connected to the base and to the top panel such that, in the first state, the front and top panels are configurable so as to lie alongside the base, wherein the base provides a standing region for the person when withdrawing a foot from the footwear item, and the at least one rigid side panel providing means for allowing the person to stabilize themselves while so doing, with the front and top panels connecting to the base and providing a further area for standing during and after footwear removal; the flexible connection allowing a rotation of the flexibly connected elements relative to the other, about the connection; and further wherein the further panels are reconfigurable as a set in changing state between the first and the second state, the front panel being reconfigurable to 20 become a wall of the closet in the second state, and the top panel to become a cover in that state; and further wherein the set consisting of the rigid side panel, rigid rear panel, base, and further panels is further reconfigurable to allow them to lie flat against each other, to put the closet into its third state.
2. 2. A closet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base comprises of a footplate rotatably connected to the rear panel adjacent an edge thereof, the footplate being positionable into a deployed position relative to the rear panel (in the first and second states), and being positionable to lie substantially flat against the rear panel (in the third state).
3. 3. A closet as claimed in claim 2 wherein there are two rigid side panels, rotatably connected to the rear panel, at opposed sides thereof and in the first state the two rigid side panels are configurable to sit on opposite sides of the base and, together with the rear panel, define a closet volume for storage or removal of footwear.
4. 4. A closet as claimed in claim 3 further comprising of a sub-base arranged to sit under the foot plate when the closet is in the first and second states, and a pair of opposed, flexible side panels each connected to the rear panel along an edge thereof and further connected to an edge of the sub-base, each flexible side panel sitting outside of an associated rigid side panel when the closet is configured in its first and second states.
5. 5. A closet as claimed in claim 4 wherein the rear panel, sub-base and flexible side panels together define a maximum rotation of both the rigid side panels and the footplate, with respect to the rear panel
6. 6. A closet a claimed in claim 5 wherein the footplate is positionable, when the closet is in its first or second states to lie between and above a lower edge of each of the rigid side panels, so locking each rigid side panel against its associated flexible side panel
7. 7. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims wherein each of the at least one rigid side panel(s) has a hand gripping region at an upper point thereon.
8. 8. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the footplate comprises means for engaging with footwear to ease the removal thereof.
9. 9. A closet as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for engaging with the footwear comprises of at least one raised member adapted to provide a gripping, or hooking action onto a heel region of the item of footwear.
10. 10. A closet as claimed in claim 9 wherein the at least one raised member comprises of a rigid loop, or partial loop.
11. 11. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the front panel is flexibly connected to the base along an edge thereof opposite to a side on which the rear panel is attached
12. 12. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the top panel has fastening means adapted to fasten to at least one of the other panels.
13. 13. A closet as claimed in claim 12 wherein the fastening means comprises a hook and loop fastening.
14. 14. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims and further comprising means for carrying the closet attached to at least one of the panels
15. 15. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the at least one rigid side panel comprises of a metallic frame supporting a sheet material.zo
16. 16. A closet as claimed in claim 15 wherein the sheet material is a foraminous textile sheet.
17. 17. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the rear panel comprises of a metallic frame supporting a sheet material.
18. 18. A closet as claimed in claim 17 wherein the sheet material comprises a sheet of synthetic textile material.
19. 19. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the front panel, top panel, flexible side panels, footplate and sub-base are all formed from a sheet of synthetic textile material.
20. 20. A closet as claimed in claim 18 01 19 wherein at least one surface of the sheets is treated to provide a smooth surface for ease of cleaning.
21. 21. A closet as claimed in any of the above claims wherein the footplate comprises of a metallic frame supporting at least one layer of sheet material.
22. 22. A closet as claimed in claim 21 when dependent upon claim 9, wherein the metallic frame is adapted to further form the at least one raised member.