US20130206797A1

US20130206797A1 - Storage Aid for Boots

Info

Publication number: US20130206797A1
Application number: US13/369,798
Authority: US
Inventors: Janet R. Ivoska; Walter A. Ivoska; Amy J. Pressey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-09
Filing date: 2012-02-09
Publication date: 2013-08-15

Abstract

A storage aid for boots includes a pair of substantially rigid elongated tines secured to a common spacer at one end to support the tines in a spaced generally parallel arrangement. The storage aid is inserted into the leg sheath portions as well as ankle and shoe portions of a host boot pair. The cooperating gently captivity of the boot portions within the tine space is maintained to secure the boots in an extended upward configuration and avoid flopping of the leg sheath portions of the boots during storage.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to boots and storage apparatus and particularly to apparatus facilitating boot storage in a manner which retains boot shape and avoids leg sheath flopping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Foot appear of the type known generally in the art as “boots” have enjoyed long-term use and popularity for many years. Boot designs and structures vary from traditional highly functional designs to decorative high fashion designs. Boots are often fabricated to meet specific uses such as traditional western boots, known widely as “cowboy” boots and riding boots. Other boots are fabricated to meet fashion or style needs.
Not surprisingly, the styles, designs and uses of boots which have been provided by practitioners in the art are virtually endless. Thus, while the designs and structures of boots vary widely, virtually all boots exhibit certain similarities. For example, most boots provide a lower shoe portion fabricated to receive and support the wear's foot together with an angle portion joined to the shoe portion and extending upwardly which in turn is joined to leg sheath portions which depending upon the boot length are received upon the shin and calf portion of the wearer. To provide comfort and function, the angle portion of boots are typically fabricated of a flexible construction utilizing relatively flexible thin materials intended to accommodate the angular movement created between the foot and leg of the wearer during activities.
The relatively flexible ankle portions of typical boots while improving comfort for the wearer often allow the leg sheath portions of the boots to sag or bend downwardly in a “flopping” action when the boots are stored between wearings. Unfortunately, allowing the leg sheath portions of boots to flop downwardly during storage intervals raises several undesirable problems. Allowing boots to be stored with the leg sheath portions flopped downwardly creates excessive wrinkling of the material from which the boot ankle portions are fabricated. Excessive wrinkling of the ankle portions of boots creates a somewhat unsightly appearance and is generally not desired by boot wearers. In addition however, more serious problems of careless boot storage arise when the ankle portion material is subjected to cracking and degradation. In addition, boots stored in a careless manner in which the leg sheaths are allowed to flop over causes the boots to utilize more space in the storage environment such as a closet floor or the like. Further problems arises in that the flopped over leg sheath portion of the boot prevents circulation of air within the boot interior during periods of storage. In many instances, the boot wearer perspires during activities creating perspiration and moisture which is usually absorbed within the boot interior. It is highly desirable to facilitate air circulation within boots during storage to avoid problems such as accumulation of odor and actual damage to the boot material. With the leg sheath of a boot flopped over however, virtually no air circulation into and out of the boot interior is facilitated.
As a result of the foregoing problems created by careless and inept storage of boots, practitioners in the art have endeavored to provide apparatus which will meet the storage needs of such boots. In many instances, practitioners have provided boot trees which fit within the boot interior and support the boot ankle and leg sheath portions. Such apparatus however have been generally complex and unduly expensive. In other attempts by practitioners in the art, molded plastic clips configured to be secured to the leg sheath portions of the boots have been provided. One such molded plastic boot clip has been provided by Taizhou Zoyoo Daily Necessities Company Limited under the trade name BOOT CLIP, model ZY-2268A. While this product provides an apparatus which may be utilized to secure the leg sheaths of a boot pair together during storage, the spring clip structure thereof has been found to unduly compress the underlying portions of the boot leg sheaths and thereby imprint or mark the boot leg sheaths. In addition, this apparatus being fabricated of a molded plastic material fails to enhance the odor absorbsion characteristic which is highly desired in such apparatus.
There remains therefore a long-felt and unresolved need in the art for an improved storage aid for boots.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus for boot storage during nonuse. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for boot storage which avoids the flopping over of the bootleg sheath portions and which maintains the open air circulation configuration of the boots during storage and nonuse.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a storage aid for use in combination with a pair of boots each boot having a leg sheath, an ankle portion and a shoe portion, the storage aid comprising: a pair of elongated tines each having first and second ends and each being formed of a substantially rigid material; and a spacer having opposed sides, the opposed sides being joined to the first ends of the pair of tines to support the tines in a fixed generally parallel arrangement to define an elongated space therebetween, the storage aid being securable to a pair of boots by insertion of one of the pair of tines into juxtaposed boots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 sets forth a front view of a storage aid for boots constructed in accordance with the present invention received within a pair of typical boots shown in phantom line depiction;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C set forth front views of the present invention storage aid for boots fabricated in different sizes;

FIG. 2D sets forth a side elevation view of the present invention storage aid for boots shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 sets forth a partial assembly view of the present invention storage aid for boots;

FIG. 4 sets forth a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots situated within a typical pair of boots shown in phantom line depiction;

FIGS. 5A through 5D set forth front views of still further alternate embodiments of the present invention storage aid for boots;

FIG. 6 sets forth a front view of a still alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots;

FIG. 7 sets forth a perspective front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots;

FIG. 8 sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots received within a typical pair of boots shown in phantom line depiction;

FIG. 9 sets forth a broken section front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots;

FIG. 10 sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots;

FIG. 11 sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots; and

FIG. 12 sets forth a front perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 sets forth a storage aid for boots constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Storage aid 10 includes a pair of elongated tines 11 and 12 joined to a spacer 13 by attachment described below in FIG. 3. Suffice it to note here that spacer 13 is joined to tines 11 and 12 such that tines 11 and 12 are maintained in a generally spaced apart parallel arrangement defining a space 14 therebetween. Tine 11 includes a lower end 15 having an angled surface 16 while tine 12 includes a lower end 17 having an angled surface 18.
Also shown in FIG. 1 is a pair of conventional boots 20 and 25 shown in phantom line depiction. Boots 20 and 25 are fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and will be understood to be illustrative and representative of a wide variety of differently fabricated boots. Accordingly, boot 20 includes a leg sheath 21 joined to an ankle portion 22 which in turn is joined to a foot-receiving shoe portion 23. Correspondingly, boot 25 includes a leg sheath 26 joined to an ankle portion 27 which in turn is joined to a foot-receiving shoe portion 28. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, storage aid 10 is received within boots 20 and 25 in a typical storage application in which boots 20 and 25 may be conveniently stored upon a closet floor or shelf surface as desired. The fabrication and structure of storage aid 10 is subject to considerable variation in the differing embodiments set forth below in greater detail. Suffice it to note here that storage aid 10 is sized and configured to meet the needs of boots 20 and 25. Correspondingly, as is illustrated below in FIGS. 2A through 2C different lengths of storage aids may be utilized to meet the application to boots having different length of leg sheaths. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, tines 11 and 12 as well as spacer 13 are formed of a hard wood material selected for its strength as well as its moisture and odor characteristics. Tines 11 and 12 are spaced apart sufficiently that the captivated portions of boots 20 and 25 situated within space 14 are not subjected to excessive compressive forces. This spacing is selected to avoid squeezing the captivated portions of boots 20 and 25 excessively in order to avoid imprinting or compressing the portions of boots 20 and 25 which are received within space 14. In this manner the present invention storage aid departs substantially from other apparatus directed toward storage use which excessively grips and compresses the captivated boot portions.
FIG. 2A through 2C set forth different size storage aid which, as is mentioned above, are provided to accommodate boots having different lengths of leg sheath portions. Accordingly, FIG. 2A sets forth storage aid 10 which, as described above, includes a pair of tines 11 and 12 joined to a spacer 13 at their upper ends. Spacer 13 secured tines 11 and 12 in a parallel spaced apart arrangement such that a space 14 is defines therebetween. Tines 11 and 12 define respective lower ends 15 and 17 which in turn define angled surfaces 16 and 18 respectively. Angled surfaces 16 and 18 facilitate the ease of insertion of tines 11 and 12 into the leg portions of boots 20 and 15 in the manner shown above in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B sets forth an alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid generally referenced by numeral 30 which is substantially identical to storage aid 10 shown in FIG. 2A with the difference being found in the length of tines 31 and 32. Thus, storage aid 30 includes a pair of elongated tines 31 and 32 joined to a spacer 33 and thereby forming a space 34 therebetween. In further similarity to storage aid 10, storage aid 30 defines lower ends 35 and 37 together with angled surfaces 36 and 38 formed upon the lower ends of tines 31 and 32.
FIG. 2C sets forth a further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid generally referenced by numeral 40. Once again, storage aid 40 is substantially identical to storage aids 10 and 30 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively. Accordingly, storage aid 40 includes a pair of tines 41 and 42 joined to a spacer 43 to define a space 44 between tines 41 and 42. By way of further similarity, tine 41 defines a lower end 45 having an angled surface 46 while tine 42 defines a lower end 47 defining an angled surface 48.
Thus, comparison of FIGS. 2A through 2C reveals the different lengths of tines utilized in the present invention storage aid to suit boots having different length sheath lengths. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the three relative sizes of storage aid shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C are selected to be representative and illustrative of different sized storage aids. Accordingly, it will be understood that still further variations of relative size may be provide without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
FIG. 2D sets forth a side elevation view of storage aid 10. It will be understood that FIG. 2D is equally representative of the side elevations views for storage aids 30 and 40 shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Accordingly, storage aid 10 defines a pair of elongated tines 11 and 12 (tine 12 seen in FIG. 2A). In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, tines 11 and 12 further define curved surfaces 19 and 29. Curved surfaces 19 and 29 improve the general aesthetic appeal and functionality of the present invention storage aid in that they provide a more attractive and aesthetically pleasing apparatus while concurrently providing smooth curved outer edges which avoid catching on the interiors of boots during insertion.
FIG. 3 sets forth a partial assembly view of the upper portion of the present invention storage aid. FIG. 3 shows the upper portions of storage aid 10. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that storage aids 30 and 40 are fabricated in a similar manner and thus FIG. 3 is equally representative of the fabrications of storage aids 30 and 40. In accordance with the fabrication of storage aid 10, FIG. 3 shows the upper portions of tines 11 and 12 as well as spacer 13. Tine 11 defines a pair of spaced bores 50 and 51 while tine 12 defines a corresponding pair of bores 54 and 55. Correspondingly, spacer 13 defines a pair of spaced apart bores 52 and 53. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that positioning the upper ends of tines 11 and 12 against opposite sides of spacer 13 provide alignment between bores 50, 52 and 54 as well as bores 51, 53 and 55. The assembly of storage aid 10 is carried forward by positioning tines 11 and 12 against opposed sides of spacer 13 and thereafter inserting a pair of generally cylindrical dowels 56 and 57. Dowel 56 is sized to fit tightly when inserted into bores 50, 52 and 54. Correspondingly, dowel 57 is sized to fit tightly when inserted into bores 51, 53 and 55. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, a suitable adhesive or glue is placed between spacer 13 and tines 12 as well as between dowels 56 and 57 and each of the bores receiving the dowels. While the glue and dowel fabrication set forth in FIG. 3 is the preferred fabrication of the present invention storage aid, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other fastening apparatus such as threaded fasteners or screws may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The essential function of the attachment between spacer 13 and tines 11 and 12 is the secure positioning of tines 11 and 12 in the generally parallel spaced arrangement shown above.
FIG. 4 sets forth a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid generally referenced by numeral 60. For purposes of illustration, FIG. 4 shows storage aid 60 received within boots 20 and 25 which are shown in phantom line depiction and which, as is mentioned above in FIG. 1 are intended to be generally representative and illustrative of a variety of boots with which storage aid 60 may be utilized.
More specifically, storage aid 60 defines a pair of tines 62 and 66 joined to head portion 61 to provide a space 64 therebetween. Comparison of FIGS. 4 and 1 reveals that storage aid 60 is somewhat different in fabrication in that tines 62 and 66 define outwardly curved portions 65 and 68. Additionally, storage aid 60 provides a head portion 61 supporting a conveniently gripped knob 69. Tine 62 further defines a foot portion 63 while tine 66 further defines a foot portion 67. Foot portions 63 and 67 are generally shaped to accommodate the shape of shoe portions 23 and 28 of boots 20 and 25 respectively. In accordance with an important aspect of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, storage aid 60 utilizes outwardly curved portions 65 and 68 of tines 62 and 66 to further stabilize leg sheaths 21 and 26 of boots 20 and 25 respectively. In all other respects however, storage aid 60 functions in substantially the same manner as storage aid 10 set forth above. In further similarity, the preferred fabrication of storage aid 60 utilizes a hardwood material. However, other materials may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
FIGS. 5A through 5D set forth further alternate embodiments of the present invention storage aid. Accordingly, FIG. 5A sets forth a storage aid generally referenced by numeral 70 which is substantially identical to storage aid 10 set forth above with the added feature of an identifying indicia 71. Indicia 71 may be purely aesthetic or may be utilized in identifying the owner of the storage aid. Similarly, FIG. 5B shows a storage aid 72 substantially identical to storage aid 10 bearing a decorative indicia 73. By way of further similarity, FIG. 5C sets forth a storage aid 74 having a western themed horseshoe handle 75 secured thereto. Finally, FIG. 5D sets forth a storage aid 76 which is also substantially identical to storage aid 10 set forth above with the addition of a fastener 77 which secures a hanging loop 78. Hanging loop 78 may be utilized in hanging storage aid 76 either alone or together with a pair of boots.
FIG. 6 sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid generally referenced by numeral 80. Storage aid 80 includes a pair of tines 81 and 82 supported in a parallel arrangement by a spacer 83 to define a space 84 therebetween. Storage aid 80 further includes a pair of generally cylindrical rollers 87 and 88 rotatably supported upon ends 85 and 86 of tines 81 and 82. In the preferred fabrication of storage aid 80, rollers 87 and 88 are positioned upon ends 85 and 86 such that the interior portions of rollers 87 and 88 intrude slightly into space 84. Rollers 87 and 88 facilitate a greater ease of inserting storage aid 80 into the leg sheaths of a pair of boots in the manner shown above in FIGS. 1 and 4. The actions of rollers 87 and 88 allow ends 85 and 86 on tines 81 and 82 to “roll” upon the interior surfaces of host boots. In addition, storage aid 80 also shows a grip recess 89 formed in spacer 83. Grip recess 89 is recessed into spacer 83 and is preferably matched by a similar recess on the opposed side of spacer 83 (not shown). The availability of one or more grip recesses further facilitates the insertion or removal of storage aid 80 from a pair of boots.
FIG. 7 sets forth a front perspective view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots generally referenced by numeral 90. Storage aid 90 includes a pair of tines 91 and 92 supported by a spacer 93 to provide a generally parallel arrangement thereof forming a space 94 therebetweeen. Storage aid 90 includes a pair of foot portions 95 and 96 at the lower ends of tines 91 and 92. Foot portions 95 and 96 are received within the shoe portions of a pair of boots when storage aid 90 is inserted therein. Foot portions 95 and 96 further support resilient pads 97 and 98 on the lower surfaces thereof.
FIG. 8 sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid for boots generally referenced by numeral 100. Storage aid 100 is fabricated in substantial similarity to storage aid 10 set forth above in FIG. 1. Thus, storage aid 100 includes a pair of elongated tines 101 and 102 joined to a spacer 103 at their upper ends. Tine 101 includes a lower end 105 having an angled surface 106 while tine 102 includes a lower end 107 having an angled surface 108. Storage aid 100 is shown inserted into a typical pair of boots 20 and 25 which are shown in phantom line depiction. Once again, boots 20 and 25 will be understood to be illustrative of typical boots and in no way limit the application of the present invention. Storage aid 100 is preferably formed of a hardwood material and is assembled in the manner set forth above in FIG. 3. Alternatively, storage aid 100 may be formed of a different material which is sufficiently rigid and strong to provide the present invention operation in connection with boots 20 and 25. Storage aid 100 further includes a plurality of magnets 110 and 111 supported within tine 101 together with a plurality of magnets 112 and 113 supported within tine 102. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, magnets 110 and 111 are positioned with respect to magnets 112 and 113 in general paired alignment. In addition, magnets 110 and 112 are oriented to present opposite magnetic poles such that an attractive force is created between magnets 110 and 112. Similarly, magnets 111 and 113 are oriented to present attractive poles such that a magnetic attracting force is provided between magnets 111 and 113. By way of example, magnets 110 and 111 may be oriented to place their respective “north” magnetic poles directed toward magnets 112 and 113. Correspondingly, magnets 112 and 113 are oriented to present their respective “south” magnetic poles directed toward magnets 110 and 111. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that the converse situation may be utilized for magnets 110 through 113 in which magnets 110 and 111 present their “south” magnetic poles while magnets 112 and 113 present their “north” magnetic poles. The essential function between magnets 110 and 112 as well as magnet 111 and 113 is the attractive force which tends to gently secure storage aid 100 against the underlying surfaces of boots 20 and 25 which are positioned within space 104.
Thus, in accordance with the fabrication of storage aid 100, boot 20 which includes a leg sheath 21, an ankle portion 22 and a shoe portion 23 and boot 25 which includes a leg sheath 26, an ankle portion 27 and a shoe portion 28 are gently held within space 104 of storage aid 100. It is important to emphasize that in accordance with the fabrication of the present invention storage aid set forth above, storage aid 100 continues the operation of not utilizing a spring-loaded compressive force against the captivated portion of boots 20 and 25. Once again, this avoids marking or imprinting the boot material as often occurs with the above-described “spring clip” type apparatus.
FIG. 9 sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention generally referenced by numeral 120. Storage aid 120 is fabricated to provide a pair of telescoping or length adjustable tines secured to a common spacer. Thus, storage aid 120 includes a spacer 123 supporting a pair of extendible tines 121 and 122. Tines 121 and 122 are maintained in a generally parallel spaced arrangement by spacer 123 to define a space 124 therebetween. Tine 121 is fabricated of three telescoping segments 125, 126 and 127. Tine 121 further includes a generally spherical ball end 128. Correspondingly, tine 122 is fabricated of telescoping segments 130, 131 and 132. Tine 122 also defines a ball end 133 supported upon segment 132. FIG. 9 shows broken sections of tine segments 125 and 126 to illustrate an illustrative fabrication for storage aid 120. It will be understood that tine 122 is identical in fabrication to tine 121 and the descriptions of tine 121 apply equally well to tine 122. Thus, tine segment 127 which is telescoping movable into tine segment 126 supports a detent mechanism comprising a pair of detent balls 151 and 152 supported within segment 127. Segment 127 further supports a pair of detent springs 153 and 154. Springs 153 and 154 urge detent balls 151 and 152 outwardly against the interior walls of segments 126. In cooperation, detent balls 151 and 152 together with springs 153 and 154 to provide a friction engaging detent mechanism 150 which operates between segments 127 and 126. A similar detent mechanism 140 is supported within the upper end of segment 126 and includes detent balls 141 and 142 together with detent springs 143 and 144. Once again, springs 143 and 144 urge detent balls 141 and 142 outwardly against the interior of segment 125. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, segments 125 and 126 define one or more sets of detent recesses which receive the cooperating detent balls of their telescoping sections such that a fixed position in the extended configuration shown in FIG. 9 is maintained.
In operation, an upward force in the direction indicated by arrow 145 against ball ends 128 and 133 overcomes the detent mechanisms within tines 121 and 122 forcing the movement of segments 127 and 132 upwardly into segments 126 and 121 and thereafter forcing segments 126 and 131 upwardly into segments 125 and 130 to collapse storage aid 120. For purposes of illustration, the collapsed configuration of tine 121 is shown in dashed-line representation. It will be noted that in accordance with the preferred fabrication of the present invention, the extendible telescoping construction of tines 121 and 122 facilitates intermediate positions between the tine segments to vary the length of the tines and thereby adjust for different sizes of boots in essence providing the multiple size fabrication set forth above in FIGS. 2A through 2C.
FIG. 10 sets forth a front view of a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid generally referenced by numeral 160. Storage aid 160 includes a spacer 163 supporting a pair of tines 161 and 162 in a parallel spaced arrangement to define a space 164 therebetween. Storage aid 160 presents a further embodiment of the present invention which facilitates the adjustment or change of tine length to accommodate different boot sizes. Thus, storage aid 160 will be viewed as an alternative to the fabrication of storage aid 120 shown in FIG. 9.
More specifically, tine 161 is fabricated of sections 165 and 166 joined by a pivot hinge 167. Hinge 167 facilitates the pivotal movement as indicated by arrows 168 pivoting segment 166 between the raised position shown in solid-line depiction and the lowered position shown in dashed-line representation. Similarly, tine 162 is fabricated of segments 170 and 171 joined at a pivot hinge 172. Segment 171 is also pivotally movable between the extended position shown in solid-line depiction in FIG. 10 and a raised position similar to that occupied by segment 166. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, tines 161 and 162 further include releasible latches 174 and 175 respectively. Latches 174 and 175 are fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication and provide a snap attachment between segments to secure the segments in the extended configuration.
FIGS. 11 and 12 set forth front views of still further alternate embodiments of the present invention storage aid for boots. Thus, FIG. 11 shows a storage aid 180 having a spacer 183 supporting a pair of tines 181 and 182. Tines 181 and 182 support respective multiple rib portions 185 and 186. A space 184 is formed between tines 181 and 182. The operation of storage aid 180 is substantially the same as storage aid 10 set forth above in FIG. 1. Accordingly, storage aid 180 is also preferably fabricated of a hardwood material or the like. Alternatively, storage aid 180 may be fabricated of other materials such as composites, plastics or the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, it will be noted that storage aid 180 maintains the fixed positions of tines 181 and 182 to avoid the potentially damaging spring jaw or spring clip structure utilized in many prior art devices.
FIG. 12 sets forth a still further alternate embodiment of the present invention storage aid generally referenced by numeral 190. Storage aid 190 is provided with a somewhat different and more novel aesthetic appearance in that tines 191 and 192 generally replicate the horns of an animal such as an antelope while spacer 193 generally replicates a novelty item such as an animal head or skull. Storage aid 190 functions in the same manner as storage aid 10 sets forth above in FIG. 1.
What has been shown is a novel storage aid for boots which provides a common spacer supporting a pair of elongated tines in a generally parallel spaced arrangement. The support of the tines is rigid minimizing the flexing of the tines and maintaining a loose captive contact with the host boots when the storage aid is inserted therein. The inventive storage aid is preferably fabricated of a material such as hardwood or the like but may be fabricated of other materials provided they are sufficiently rigid to avoid undue flexing of the tines.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A storage aid for use in combination with a pair of boots each boot having a leg sheath, an ankle portion and a shoe portion, said storage aid comprising:

a pair of elongated tines each having first and second ends and each being formed of a substantially rigid material; and

a spacer having opposed sides, said opposed sides being joined to said first ends of said pair of tines to support said tines in a fixed generally parallel arrangement to define an elongated space therebetween,

said storage aid being securable to a pair of boots by insertion of one of said pair of tines into juxtaposed boots.

2. The storage aid set forth above in claim 1 wherein said tines and said spacer form separate elements and wherein said storage aid further includes attachment means joining said first ends of said tines to said opposed sides of said spacer.

3. The storage aid set forth in claim 1 wherein said attachment means includes an adhesive material upon said opposed sides.

4. The storage aid set forth in claim 3 wherein said attachment means includes:

at least one bore formed in said spacer and said first ends of said tines; and

at lease one dowel inserted into said at least one bore in said spacer and said first ends of said tines.

5. The storage aid set forth in claim 4 wherein said second ends of said tines each define angled surfaces extending outwardly from said space to ease insertion of said tines into boots.

6. The storage aid set forth in claim 5 wherein said spacer and said tines are formed of a hardwood material.

7. The storage aid set forth in claim 6 wherein said spacer includes an indicia thereon.

8. The storage aid set forth in claim 6 wherein said spacer includes a handle.

9. The storage aid set forth in claim 6 wherein said tines each include at least one tine magnet each having a magnetic pole facing said space, said magnetic pole of one tine magnet being opposite to said magnetic pole of the remaining tine magnet to cause magnetic attraction therebetween.

10. The storage aid set forth in claim 4 wherein said second ends of said tines each include a roller rotatably supported thereon to ease insertion of said tines into boots.

11. The storage aid set forth in claim 4 wherein said second ends each include a transverse foot portion.

12. The storage aid set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said tines includes a plurality of telescoping tine segments to facilitate length change of said tines.

13. The storage aid set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said tines includes a plurality of tine segments and a hinge pivotally joining said tine segments.

14. The storage aid set forth in claim 3 wherein said tines each define a convexly curved outer edge.

15. The storage aid set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said tines includes a plurality of encircling ribs.

16. A storage aid for use in combination with a pair of boots each boot having a leg sheath, an ankle portion and a shoe portion, said storage aid comprising:

a spacer joined to said first ends of said pair of tines to support said tines in a fixed generally parallel arrangement to define an elongated space therebetween,

17. The storage set forth in claim 16 wherein said spacer and said tines are integrally formed as a substantially rigid one-piece member.

18. The storage aid set forth in claim 17 wherein said second ends of said tines each define angled surfaces extending outwardly from said space to ease insertion of said tines into boots.

19. The storage aid set forth in claim 17 wherein said spacer includes an indicia thereon.

20. The storage aid set forth in claim 17 wherein said spacer includes a handle.