US20230148713A1

US20230148713A1 - Boot tree holder

Info

Publication number: US20230148713A1
Application number: US17/528,614
Authority: US
Inventors: Marcantonio Salvatoré Pizzati; Justin Paul Pizzati
Original assignee: Snug Plug LLC
Current assignee: Snug Plug LLC
Priority date: 2021-11-17
Filing date: 2021-11-17
Publication date: 2023-05-18

Abstract

A boot tree holder has a leg portion. The leg portion is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. A swivel component is coupled to the leg portion. A toe portion is coupled to the swivel component. The toe portion is to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivel component is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments as described herein relate to shoe holders, and more particularly, to boot tree holders.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a shoe tree is a device that is placed inside a shoe to preserve its original shape and thereby extend the life of the shoe. Shoe trees are also used to draw off moisture caused by sweat to protect lining and leather of the shoe from degradation. Shoe trees may be designed to fit a wide range of footwear styles.
Generally, the shoe tree is cut of a piece of a material (e.g., plastic, wood, metal) that is inserted into a front portion of the shoe to preserve the original shape at the front of the shoe and keep away odor and moisture.
The shoe tree may have a generic last and a heel that are connected with a spring to fit different shoe sizes. The generic last of the shoe tree may have ventilation holes. The shoe tree may have a split toe to expand into the shoe when inserted into the shoe.
Generally, a boot tree refers to the shoe tree for boots. Typically, boot trees are used on ankle-high boots. Typically, the boot trees are similar to shoe trees but have a higher ankle area.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of boot tree holders and methods to manufacture and use thereof are described. For one embodiment, a boot tree holder comprises a leg portion that is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. A swivel component is coupled to the leg portion of the of the boot tree holder. A toe portion of the boot tree holder is coupled to the swivel component. The toe portion of the of the boot tree holder is configured to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivel component of the of the boot tree holder is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable.
For one embodiment, a boot tree holder comprises a leg portion that is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. The leg portion of the of the boot tree holder comprises a first edge and a second edge. A base is inserted into the leg portion of the of the boot tree holder. The base is at the second edge of the leg portion. A swivel component comprises a first end connected to the base and a second end. A rod is connected to the second end of the swivel component. A toe portion is connected to the rod. The toe portion of the of the boot tree holder is configured to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivel component of the of the boot tree holder is configured to provide about a 90 degrees angle between the toe portion and the leg portion when the toe portion is inserted into the foot part of the boot.
A method to manufacture a boot tree holder is described. A first end of a swivel component is coupled to a leg portion of the boot tree holder. The leg portion is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. A second end of the swivel component is coupled to a toe portion of the boot tree holder. The toe portion is configured to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivel component of the of the boot tree holder is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion of the of the boot tree holder that is adjustable.
A method to use a boot tree holder to provide a shape to a boot is described. The boot tree holder is inserted into the boot. The boot comprises an ankle part and a foot part. The boot tree holder comprises a leg portion that is configured to be inserted into the ankle part of the boot. A swivel component is coupled to the leg portion of the of the boot tree holder. A toe portion of the of the boot tree holder is coupled to the swivel component that is to be inserted into the foot part of the boot. The swivel component is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable when the toe portion is inserted into the foot part of the boot.
Other features of the application will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings illustrate examples and are, therefore, exemplary embodiments and not considered to be limiting in scope.

FIG. 1A is a view of a boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 1B is a view of a boot according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 2 shows a side view and a top view of a boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 3A is a side view illustrating a swivel component according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 3B illustrates a plurality of views of a swivel component that is positioned at a bottom edge of a base of the boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 4A shows a side view, a top view and a bottom view of a boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 4B shows a top view and a side view of a cap for the boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 5 shows views of a boot tree holder according to an alternative embodiment of the application.

FIG. 6 shows views of a boot tree holder according to an alternative embodiment of the application.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a boot tree holder according to an alternative embodiment of the application.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method to manufacture a boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 to use a boot tree holder to provide a shape to a boot according to an embodiment of the application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the boot tree holder and methods to manufacture and use the boot tree holder are described. A boot tree holder comprises a leg portion that is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. A swivel component is coupled to the leg portion of the of the boot tree holder. A toe portion is coupled to the swivel component. The toe portion of the of the boot tree holder is configured to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivel component of the of the boot tree holder is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable, as described in further detail below.
Various embodiments and aspects will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments.
Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “for one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Although the processes are described below in terms of some sequential operations, it should be appreciated that some of the operations described may be performed in a different order. Moreover, some operations may be performed in parallel rather than sequentially.
FIG. 1A is a view of a boot tree holder 100 according to an embodiment of the application. A boot tree holder 100 comprises a leg portion 101, a toe portion 105, as shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a view of a boot 120 according to an embodiment of the application. Generally, a boot is a type of shoe that covers the foot and the ankle and extends up the leg, sometimes up to the knee or the hip. Typically, a boot has a heel that extends from a portion of the sole. As shown in FIG. 1B, a boot 120 has an ankle part 121 and a foot part 122 that includes a sole 123 of the boot.
Referring back to FIG. 1A, a leg portion 101 of the boot tree holder is configured to be inserted into an ankle part 121 of the boot. A toe portion 105 of the boot tree holder is configured to be inserted into a foot part 122 of the boot. A swivel component (not shown) at a base 103 is coupled to the leg portion 101. Toe portion 105 is coupled to the swivel component using a rod 104, as shown in FIG. 1A. The swivel component is configured to provide an adjustable angle between the toe portion 105 and the leg portion 101, as described in further detail below. For an embodiment, rod 104 is made of metal, as manufactured by Zhongshan Tuer Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Zhongshan, Guangdong, China, or as supplied by another connector manufacturer. For another embodiment, rod 104 is made of a plastic, or other material. For an embodiment, the toe portion of the boot tree holder is made of a wood, a metal, a plastic, or any combination thereof. For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 is made of a wood, e.g., a cedar to fit into the foot part of the boot and control odor, absorb moisture, deodorize, and refresh the boot. For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 is made of a red cedar, as supplied by Qingdao Joyee Housewares Co., Ltd. of Qingdao, Shandong, China, or as supplied by another cedar wood toe supplier. For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 is used for a plurality of boot sizes.
For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 is made of a plastic, a metal, or other material to fit into the foot part of the boot. For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 has ventilation holes. For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 is cut from a generic last to fit various types of shoes. For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 has a non-last shape.
As shown in FIG. 1A, a skin 109 is deposited on an outer surface of the leg portion 101. For an embodiment, skin 109 is made of a material to match a lining of the boot. Skin 109 on the leg portion 101 is used to create a friction with the lining of the ankle part of the boot to prevent the boot tree holder from being pulled out the boot when elevated above the floor. For an embodiment, the skin 109 on the leg portion 101 acts as a boot staffer and boot shaper that expands to provide a tension for the ankle part of the boot and to protect from creases and shrinking. For an embodiment, the skin 109 is an animal skin—for example, a sheepskin, a lambskin, a palomino type skin, or any other skin including an exotic skin. For an embodiment, skin 109 is sheepskin, as supplied by Jiaozuo Muneao Fur Products Co., Ltd. of Jiaozuo, Henan, China, or as supplied by another sheepskin supplier. For an embodiment, the skin is made of a leather, a fur, a foam, or other material, e.g., a sheepskin, a lambskin, a snakeskin, a vegan type skin, to shape the ankle part of the boot. Skin 109 covers a bottom part of the leg portion, as described in further detail below. For one embodiment, a rim (not shown) is on a top edge of the leg portion 101. A cap 111 is configured to be placed on the rim. A handle 113 is attached to the leg portion 101 below the rim to carry or hang the boot tree holder, as described in further detail below. For one embodiment, a coating is deposited on an inner surface of the leg portion, as described in further detail below.
FIG. 2 shows a side view 221 and a top view 222 of a boot tree holder 200 according to an embodiment. The boot tree holder 200 includes a leg portion 201 to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. The leg portion 201 has a top edge and a bottom edge. A base 203 is at the bottom edge of the leg portion 201, as shown in FIG. 2 . For an embodiment, the base 203 is made of a wood. For another embodiment, the base 203 is made of a plastic, a metal, or other material. A swivel component 202 has a first (proximal) end connected to the base 203. The swivel component has a second (distal) end that is connected to a rod 204. A toe portion 205 is connected to the rod 204. An end of the rod 204 is inserted into an opening in the toe portion 205, as shown in FIG. 2 . For an embodiment, an end of the rod 204 is fastened in the toe portion 205 by using one or more screws. The rod 204 is inserted into an opening in the toe portion 205.
The toe portion 205 is configured to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 has a cylinder shape with a through hole extending from the top edge to the bottom edge of the leg portion, e.g. a tube. For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 flares out to accommodate the flared out boots. For alternative embodiments, the leg portion of the boot tree holder has a flat cone shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or any other shape to accommodate various boot styles. As shown in FIG. 2 , the leg portion 201 is a cylinder with a through hole. The leg portion 201 has an outer size 214 and an inner size 215. For one embodiment, the outer size 214 is in an approximate range from about 5.5 centimeters (cm) to about 8 cm. For one embodiment, the outer size 214 is about 6.5 cm. For one embodiment, the inner size 215 is approximately 4 cm to about 6 cm. For one embodiment, the inner size 215 is about 5 cm. For one embodiment, the length 216 of the leg portion 201 is in a range from about 5 cm to about 70 cm. For one embodiment, the length 216 of the leg portion 201 is in an approximate range from 20 cm to about 30 cm. For one embodiment, the thickness of the walls of the leg portion 201 is in a range from about 0.5 cm to about 1 cm. For one embodiment, the thickness of the walls of the leg portion 201 is about 0.7 cm. For one embodiment, the circumference of the leg portion 201 is in a range from about 15 cm to about 30 cm. For one embodiment, the circumference of the leg portion 201 is about 20 cm. For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 is made of an organic biodegradable cardboard material.
For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 is a durable pressed cardboard cylinder that is machined rolled, as produced by 5 Star Packaging Inc. of Anaheim, Calif., or as produced by another cardboard tube supplier. For one embodiment, the leg portion is a metal leg portion. For another embodiment, the leg portion of the boot tree holder is a plastic leg portion made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or another plastic. For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 includes a storage space 224 to store one or more products—for example, shoe cleaning supplies and accessories.
For an embodiment, the swivel component is made of a plastic, a metal, or any combination thereof. For an embodiment, the swivel component is made of a metal, e.g., chrome, anodized alloy, steel, or other metal. For an embodiment, the swivel component is a metal swivel joint, as manufactured by Zhongshan Tuer Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd of Zhongshan, Guangdong, China, or as supplied by another swivel joint and connector supplier. For an embodiment, the swivel component is made of a plastic or another material.
As shown in FIG. 2 , a coating 207 is deposited on an inner surface of the leg portion 201 to provide a clean environment inside the leg portion to store one or more products—for example, shoe cleaning supplies and accessories. For an embodiment, the coating 207 is a wear resistant coating. For an embodiment, the coating 207 is a plastic coating. For another embodiment, the coating 207 is a metal coating, a paper coating, a fabric coating, or other coating. For an embodiment, the coating 207 is a transparent plastic coating. For another embodiment, the coating 207 is a white gloss sheen coating. For an embodiment, the coating 207 is deposited using one of the coating deposition techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art—for example, a dip coating, brushing, roll coating, spraying, spin coating, flow coating, or other coating deposition technique.
Skin 209 is on an outer surface of the leg portion 201, as shown in FIG. 2 . For one embodiment, the skin 209 is a sheepskin, as produced by Jiaozuo Muneao Fur Products Co., Ltd. of Jiaozuo, Henan, China, or supplied by another sheepskin supplier. For an embodiment, the skin is made of leather, fur, or other material e.g., sheepskin, lambskin, snakeskin to shape the ankle part of the boot. For an embodiment, the skin 209 is attached to the outer surface of the leg portion 201 using an adhesive, e.g., hand stitched, sewn, elastic for the bottom hole of the boot tree. For an embodiment, the skin 209 is attached to the outer surface of the leg portion 201 using a double-sided adhesive tape. For an embodiment, a side of a double-sided adhesive tape is attached to the outer surface of the leg portion 201 and an opposite side of the double-sided adhesive tape is attached to the skin 209. For an embodiment, the skin 209 is attached to the outer surface of the leg portion using one or more pieces of a VELCRO® brand fastener. For an embodiment, the sheepskin is wrapped around the cardboard cylinder of the leg portion with a strip or two of the VELCRO® brand fastener in between the cardboard cylinder and the lining of the sheepskin. For an embodiment, the skin 209 is stretched on the outer surface of the leg portion and stitched using one or more stitching patterns. In an embodiment, in addition to Velcro®, an anti-slip traction rubber strip or tape can be applied.
Leg portion 201 represents a leg portion 101, or other leg portion of the boot tree holder. Toe portion 205 represents a toe portion 105, or other toe portion of the boot tree holder. The base 203 has a top surface 231, a bottom surface 233, and a sidewall 232 between the top surface 231 and the bottom surface 233. The swivel component 202 has a joint 223 to adjust an angle 212 between the leg portion 201 and the toe portion 205. For one embodiment, angle 212 is adjusted in a range from about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees. For one embodiment, the angle 212 is adjusted to be in a range from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees.
As shown in FIG. 2 , angle 212 is greater than 90 degrees (dotted lines) when the toe portion 205 is inserted into the ankle part 121 of the boot and the bottom of the leg portion 101 is not on the sole 123 of the boot. The angle 212 is advantageously set to about a 90 degrees (solid lines) when the toe portion 205 is inserted into the foot part 122 of the boot and the bottom of the leg portion 201 drops down on the sole 123 of the boot and locks in place to keep the ankle part 121 of the boot in upright position relative to the foot part 122 of the boot.
FIG. 3A is a side view 320 illustrating a swivel component according to an embodiment of the application. Swivel component 322 has a joint 325 that connects an end portion 321 and an end portion 323. For an embodiment, the swivel component 322 represents the swivel component 202, or other swivel components described in the application. For an embodiment, the end portion 323 rotates relative to end portion 321, so that an angle 326 between the end portion 321 and end portion 323 is adjusted. For an embodiment, the joint 325 includes one or more screws to connect to the end portion 321 and end portion 323 that rotate relative to each other around an axis 324.
For one embodiment, angle 326 is adjusted in a range from about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees. For an embodiment, angle 326 is adjusted in a range from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. For one embodiment, the joint 325 has enough rigidity to maintain a 90 degrees angle when the toe portion 205 is inserted into the foot part 122 of the boot and the bottom of the leg portion 201 drops down on the sole 123 of the boot and locks in place to keep the ankle part 121 of the boot in upright position relative to the foot part 122 of the boot.
For an embodiment, the end portion 321 has a thread that is inserted into a base 203. For an embodiment, the end portion 323 has a thread to be inserted into a connector 217 to connect to one end of the rod 204. For an embodiment, rod 204 is made of a metal. For another embodiment, rod 204 is made of plastic or another material. For one embodiment, the length of each of the end portion 321 and end portion 323 is in a range from about 1 cm to about 3 cm.
Referring back to FIG. 2 , the base 203 is at the bottom edge of the leg portion 201. The base 203 extends along a central axis 218 from the bottom edge of the leg portion 201 to a predetermined height to embed the swivel component and provide a center support for the boot. For one embodiment, the height of the base 203 is in a range from about 3 cm to about 8 cm, or other height. For one embodiment, the height of the base 203 is about 5 cm. For one embodiment, the base 203 has a size and shape to fit to the internal shape of the leg portion 201. For one embodiment, the base 203 has an opening to receive the swivel component 202. For an embodiment, the base 203 is a wooden base. For another embodiment, the base 203 is a metal base. For yet another embodiment, the base 203 is a plastic base—for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or another plastic. For one embodiment, the base 203 is a wooden block with an opening to receive a 90 degrees swivel joint in the middle of the block to provide an adjustable 90 degrees angle between the toe portion and the leg portion of the boot tree holder to maintain the shape of the boot. For one embodiment, the base 203 is a wooden cylinder with a central hole to receive the swivel component 202, as described in further detail below. For one embodiment, the outer diameter of the base is in a range from about 4 cm to about 6 cm. For one embodiment, the diameter of the opening in the base 203 to receive the swivel component 202 is in a range from about 1 cm to about 2 cm.
The sidewall 232 of the base 203 is adjacent to the inner surface at the bottom edge of the leg portion 201, as shown in FIG. 2 . For one embodiment, the sidewall 232 of the base 203 is attached to the leg portion 201 by one or more connectors 211—for example, one or more screws, such as flat screws, or by other connectors. For one embodiment, the sidewall 232 of the base 203 is attached to the leg portion 201 by an adhesive—for example, Super Glue® adhesive or another adhesive.
As shown in FIG. 2 , an end of the rod 204 is connected to the distal end of the swivel component 202 via a connector 217. For one embodiment, the connector 217 is a part of the rod 204. For one embodiment, the connector 217 is a tube that has an internal thread to receive a matching thread at the distal end of the swivel component 202. For an embodiment, the connector 217 is a metal connector, as manufactured by Zhongshan Tuer Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Zhongshan, Guangdong, China, or as supplied by another connector supplier. For another embodiment, the connector 217 is a plastic connector, or other connector. An opposing end of the rod 204 is coupled to the toe portion 205. For one embodiment, the length of the rod 204 that extends between the connector 217 and toe portion 205 is in a range from about 7 cm to about 15 cm, or has another length. For one embodiment, the length of the rod 204 that extends between the connector 217 and toe portion 205 is about 10 cm. For one embodiment, the rod 204 has a cylinder shape, a rectangular shape, or other shape. For one embodiment, the swivel component 202 is a metal swivel joint that is embedded inside a wooden base to provide an adjustable angle between the leg portion and the toe portion of the boot tree holder to maintain a shape of the boot.
FIG. 3B illustrates a plurality of views of a swivel component 332 that is positioned at a bottom edge of a base 334 of the boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application. The swivel component 332 represents a swivel component of the boot tree holder. The base 334 represents a base of the boot tree holder. The base 334 has an opening 338 to receive the proximal end of the swivel component 332. A front view 330 shows the swivel component 332 having a proximal end 333 inserted into the opening 338 in the base 334. The swivel component 332 has a distal end 331 that is positioned vertically relative to a top surface of the base 334, as shown in the view 330. For one embodiment, each of the distal end 331 and proximal end 333 has a thread thereon. For one embodiment, the thread of the proximal end 333 is used to insert and fasten the proximal end of the swivel component 332 in the base 334. The swivel component 332 has a joint 335 that connects the proximal end 333 and the distal end 331. As shown in view 330, the joint 335 has an opening 336 to provide a space for the distal end 331 to tilt toward a plane that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the base 334.
A side view 340 shows the swivel component 332 having the proximal end 333 inserted into the base 334 and the distal end 331 positioned vertically relative to the top surface of the base 334. For an embodiment, the distal end 331 has shaved portions—such as a shaved portion 339—that are substantially flat and unshaved threaded portions, such as a threaded portion 337. For an embodiment, the shaved portions are on opposing sidewalls of the distal end 331.
A side view 350 shows the swivel component 332 with the proximal end 333 inserted into the base 334. The distal end 331 is tilted towards a plane that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the base 334. As shown in view 350, an angle between the distal end 331 and the proximal end 333 is about 90 degrees.
A top view 360 shows the swivel component 332 having the proximal end 333 inserted into opening 338 in the base 334 and the distal end 331 positioned vertically relative to the top surface of the base 334. For one embodiment, the distal end 331 has a threaded through hole cylinder shape, as shown in view 360. For one embodiment, the distal end 331 has a screw shape, or other shape, to connect to a rod of the toe portion of the boot tree holder.
FIG. 4A shows a side view 410, a top view 400 and a bottom view 450 of a boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application. A boot tree holder 404 includes a leg portion 401, a swivel component 402, a base 403, a rod 407 and a toe portion 405, as shown in a side view 410. The leg portion 401, swivel component 402, base 403, rod 407 and toe portion 405 represent the corresponding leg portion, swivel component, base, rod and toe portion of embodiments of the boot tree holder, as described above. As shown in view 410, the base 403 extends from the bottom edge of the leg portion 401 along a central axis of the leg portion 401 to a predetermined height, as described above.
A skin 409 is attached to an outer surface of the leg portion 401, as described above. For one embodiment, the skin 409 covers the sidewalls and the bottom of the leg portion 401, as shown in view 410 and in view 450. As shown in view 450, the skin 409 on the bottom surface of the leg portion 401 flushes with the joint of the swivel component 402. As shown in view 450, the joint of the swivel component 402 is exposed through an opening in the skin 409. The swivel component 402 has a joint to adjust an angle 412 between the leg portion 401 and the toe portion 405, as described above. The swivel component 402 is connected to the rod 407 via a connector 411, as described above. As shown in side view 410 and top view 400, the leg portion 401 has an opening 418. A rim 419 is placed on the top edge of the leg portion 401 around the opening 418 to protect from wear and reinforce the top edge of the leg portion 401.
As shown in view 410, skin 409 does not cover the rim 419. For an embodiment, the rim 419 is a plastic rim. As shown in view 410, the rim 419 has a top portion 406 and a sidewall portion 408 that extends from the top portion 406 at about 90 degrees angle to a predetermined length. For example, the length of the sidewall portion may be in a range from about 0.5 cm to about 2.0 cm. The top portion 406 is placed on the top edge of the leg portion 401. The sidewall portion 408 extends along the sidewall of the leg portion 401. For an embodiment, the rim 419 has a shape to fit the opening 418 at the top edge of the leg portion 401. For an embodiment, the rim 419 has a ring shape, or other shape to fit the opening 418 at the top edge of the leg portion 401. A cap 421 is placed on the rim 419, as shown in view 410 and in view 400.
For an embodiment, a handle 413 is attached to the leg portion 401 below the rim 419. For an embodiment, the handle 413 is a leather strap. For an embodiment, the handle 413 is a plastic handle, or wooden handle, or other material handle. For an embodiment, the handle 413 is attached between the skin 409 and the leg portion 401 using an adhesive, such as a Super Glue® adhesive, or other adhesive. For one embodiment, one end of the handle 413 is attached to one side of the leg portion 401 and another end of the handle 413 is attached to an opposite side of the leg portion 401 over the rim 419, as shown in FIG. 4A. For an embodiment, the handle 413 is a leather strap. For an embodiment, the opening 418 is used to store one or more products, e.g., shoe cleaning supplies and accessories.
FIG. 4B shows a top view 430 and a side view 440 of a cap 431 for the boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application. The cap 431 represents one of the caps as described above. The cap 431 includes a top portion 432 and a bottom portion 433 that extends vertically down from a central part of the top portion 432. The bottom portion 433 has a size to fit to the internal size of the leg portion 401. For an embodiment, the size of the bottom portion 433 is smaller than the size of the top portion 432.
For an embodiment, the bottom portion 433 has a groove 435 to receive a pad 434 to provide padding for the bottom portion 433 to fit to the internal size of the leg portion. For an embodiment, the bottom portion 433 has a groove 435 to receive a pad 434 to provide padding for the bottom portion 433 to twist and lock into the opening at the top edge of the leg portion. For an embodiment, the cap 431 is a wooden cap, for example a bamboo cap, as produced by Shenzhen Embrace Underwear Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen, Guandong, China, or as supplied by another lid supplier. For an embodiment, the pad 434 is a plastic pad, a rubber pad, or other material pad.
FIG. 5 shows views of a boot tree holder according to an alternative embodiment of the application. An assembly view 511 shows a leg portion 501, a bottom cap 517, a rod portion 504, and a toe portion 505. The leg portion 501 is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot, as described above. The toe portion 505 is configured to be inserted into a foot part of the boot, as described above. The leg portion 501 has a top edge 531, a bottom edge 532 and a space 533 within sidewalls extending between the top edge 531 and the bottom edge 532, as shown in view 511.
As shown in FIG. 5 , the leg portion 501 is a main cylinder 514. A front view 512, a section A-A view 513 and a top view 510 of the main cylinder 514 are depicted in FIG. 5 . For one embodiment, the space 533 in the leg portion 501 is used to store one or more products—for example, shoe cleaning supplies and accessories. For an embodiment, a threaded hole 515 is formed at the top edge of the leg portion 501 to receive a matching cap 509. The leg portion 501 includes holes 516 in the opposing sidewalls of the cylinder of the leg portion 501 to receive a pin 523 to fasten the base 503 to the leg portion 501.
The bottom cap 517 is at the bottom edge 532 of the leg portion 501, as shown in view 511. A front view 518, a side view 519 and a top view 521 of the bottom cap 517 according one embodiment are depicted in FIG. 5 . The bottom cap 517 includes a base 503 and a connector 502. The base 503 is within an internal sidewall of the leg portion 501. The connector 502 extends outside from the bottom edge 532 of the leg portion 501. For an embodiment, the bottom cap 517 is made of a wood, a plastic, a metal, other material, or any combination thereof.
The base 503 has a receptacle 507 for a pin 523. For an embodiment the base 503 is attached to the sidewall of the leg portion 501 using the pin 523 that is inserted into the receptacle 507. As shown in FIG. 5 , the connector 502 is connected to a rod portion 504 using a coupling component that acts as a swivel to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable. For one embodiment, the coupling component that connects the connector 502 and the rod portion 504 is a bottom cap pin 522, as shown in FIG. 5 . The rod portion 504 has a receptacle 506 to receive an extension to the toe portion 505. For an embodiment, the toe portion 505 is fastened in the receptacle 506 by using one or more screws. A skin 508 is on an outer surface of the leg portion 501, as described above.
For one embodiment, the diameter of the matching cap 509 is in a range from about 1 cm to about 3 cm. For one embodiment, the diameter of the leg portion 501 is about from about 2 cm to about 6 cm. For one embodiment, the length of the leg portion 501 is from about 20 cm to about 40 cm. For one embodiment, the length of the rod portion 504 is in a range from about 7 cm to about 15 cm. For one embodiment, the leg portion 501 has a circumference in an approximate range from about 10 cm to about 25 cm.
For one embodiment, the leg portion 501 is made of a cardboard, a metal, a plastic, or any combination thereof. For an embodiment, the connector 502 is made of a metal, a plastic, other material, or any combination thereof. For one embodiment, a coating (not shown) is deposited on an inner surface of the leg portion 501 to provide a clean environment inside the leg portion to store one or more products—for example, shoe cleaning supplies and accessories.
FIG. 6 shows views of a boot tree holder according to an alternative embodiment of the application. A leg portion assembly view 610 shows a leg portion 601. The leg portion has a top edge 635 and a bottom edge 636 and a space 634 within sidewalls extending between the top edge 635 and the bottom edge 636. A cap 609 is on the top edge 635. For an embodiment, a skin is on an outer surface of the leg portion 601, as described above.
The leg portion 601 is a main cylinder 633. A front view 606, a section A-A view 607, a top view 619 of the main cylinder 633 according one embodiment are depicted in FIG. 6 . The section A-A view 607 includes a cross-sectional view 608 of the cap 609. A front view 626, a side view 625 and a top view 621 of the cap 609 according to one embodiment are depicted in FIG. 6 . For an embodiment, the cap 609 is a pull handle that is fastened on the top edge 635 of the leg portion 601 using a screw 618 and a threaded nut. A top view 615 and side view 616 of the threaded nut for the pull handle are depicted in FIG. 6 .
A bottom cap 617 is at the bottom edge 636. The bottom cap 617 has a base 603 and a connector 602. A front view 629 and a side view 631 of the bottom cap 617 according to one embodiment are depicted in FIG. 6 . The base 603 is within an internal sidewall of the leg portion 601. The connector 602 extends outside from the bottom edge 636 of the leg portion 601. For one embodiment, connector 602 acts as a portion of a swivel to provide an angle between a toe portion and the leg portion of the boot tree holder that is adjustable, as described above.
For one embodiment, the base 603 has an opening to receive a main cylinder pin 613 to fasten the base 603 to the sidewall of the leg portion 601. For one embodiment, the connector 602 has an opening to receive a bottom cap pin 612 to connect to the toe portion of the boot tree holder. The toe portion includes a toe holder 614, as shown in view 611. The toe holder 614 has an end 623 and an end 624. A side view 628, a top view of the end 624 and a top view of the end 623 of the toe holder 614 according to one embodiment are depicted in FIG. 6 . The toe holder 614 includes a spring 604 that is used to adjust a size of the toe portion of the boot tree holder, as shown in view 611. For one embodiment, the spring 604 has one end that is attached to a steel shaft for a toe 622. The spring 604 has an opposite end that is attached to the end 624 of the toe holder 614 via a spring retaining pin 632.
For one embodiment, the leg portion 601 is made of a cardboard, a metal, a plastic, or any combination thereof. For an embodiment, the bottom cap 617 is made of a wood, a metal, a plastic, or any combination thereof. For one embodiment, a coating (not shown) is deposited on an inner surface of the leg portion 601 to provide a clean environment inside the leg portion to store one or more products—for example, shoe cleaning supplies and accessories.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a boot tree holder 700 according to an alternative embodiment of the application. For one embodiment, the boot tree holder 700 includes a leg portion 703 to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot, a toe portion 702 to be inserted into a foot part of the boot, a swivel component 704 having an end coupled to the leg portion 703 and an opposing end coupled the toe portion 702 via a rod 705, as described above. A cap 701 is on a top edge of the leg portion. For one embodiment, the boot tree holder 700 represents one of the boot tree holders, as described above.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 800 to manufacture a boot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application. The method 800 comprises coupling a first end of a swivel component to a leg portion 101 of the boot tree holder, wherein the leg portion is to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot at operation 801, as described above. At operation 802 a second end of the swivel component is coupled to a toe portion 105 of the boot tree holder, wherein the toe portion is to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivel component is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable, as described above.
The method 800 comprises inserting a first end of the swivel component into a base, inserting the base into the leg portion, connecting a second end of the swivel component to a rod, wherein the rod is configured to be coupled to the toe portion of the boot tree holder, as described above. For an embodiment, the method 800 comprises attaching a skin to an outer surface of the leg portion of the boot tree holder. For an embodiment, the method 800 comprises applying a coating to an inner surface of the leg portion of the boot tree holder. For an embodiment, the method 800 comprises placing a rim on a first edge of the leg portion, wherein a cap is to be placed on the rim; and attaching a handle to the leg portion below the rim, as described above. For an embodiment, the method 800 comprises adjusting the angle between the toe portion and the leg portion using the swivel component, as described above.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 to use a boot tree holder to provide a shape to a boot according to an embodiment of the application. The method comprises inserting the boot tree holder into the boot, wherein the boot comprises an ankle part and a foot part, and wherein the boot tree holder comprises a leg portion to be inserted into the ankle part of a boot, a swivel component coupled to the leg portion, and a toe portion coupled to the swivel component that is to be inserted into the foot part of the boot, wherein the swivel component is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable at operation 901, as described above. At operation 902 the angle is adjusted to about a 90 degrees when the toe portion is inserted into the foot part of the boot, as described above.
In at least one embodiment, the boot tree holder comprises a base connected to a first end of the swivel component and a rod connected to a second end of the swivel component. In at least one embodiment, the toe portion of the boot tree holder is coupled to the rod that is to be inserted into the foot part of the boot, as described above. In at least one embodiment, a skin is on an outer surface of the leg portion of the boot tree holder, and a coating is on an inner surface of the leg portion of the boot tree holder, as described above. In at least one embodiment, a rim is placed on a first edge of the leg portion of the boot tree holder, a cap is placed on the rim, and a handle is placed on the leg portion below the rim, as described above. In at least one embodiment, the leg portion of the boot tree holder comprises a storage space to store one or more products.
In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the application have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of embodiments of the application as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A boot tree holder, comprising:

a leg portion to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot;

a swivel component coupled to the leg portion; and

a toe portion coupled to the swivel component that is to be inserted into a foot part of the boot, wherein the swivel component is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable.

2. The boot tree holder of claim 1, further comprising:

a base coupled to the leg portion; and

a rod coupled to the toe portion, wherein the swivel component comprises a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the rod.

3. The boot tree holder of claim 1, further comprising:

a skin on an outer surface of the leg portion.

4. The boot tree holder of claim 1, further comprising:

a coating on an inner surface of the leg portion.

5. The boot tree holder of claim 1, further comprising:

a rim on a first edge of the leg portion;

a cap on the rim; and

a handle on the leg portion below the rim.

6. The boot tree holder of claim 1, wherein the angle is adjusted to a 90 degrees angle when the toe portion is inserted into the foot part of the boot.

7. The boot tree holder of claim 1, wherein the leg portion comprises a storage space to store one or more products.

8. A boot tree holder, comprising:

a leg portion to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot, the leg portion comprising

a first edge and a second edge;

a base to be inserted into the leg portion at the second edge;

a swivel component comprising a first end connected to the base and a second end;

a rod connected to the second end; and

a toe portion connected to the rod that is to be inserted into a foot part of the boot, wherein the swivel component is configured to provide a 90 degrees angle between the toe portion and the leg portion when the toe portion is inserted into the foot part of the boot.

9. The boot tree holder of claim 8, wherein the leg portion has a cylinder shape.

10. The boot tree holder of claim 8, further comprising:

a skin on an outer surface of the leg portion.

11. The boot tree holder of claim 8, further comprising:

a coating on an inner surface of the leg portion.

12. The boot tree holder of claim 8, further comprising:

a plastic rim on the first edge of the leg portion; and

a cap on the rim.

13. The boot tree holder of claim 12, further comprising:

a handle on the leg portion below the rim.

14. The boot tree holder of claim 8, wherein the leg portion comprises a storage space to store one or more products.

15. A method to manufacture a boot tree holder, comprising:

coupling a first end of a swivel component to a leg portion of the boot tree holder, wherein the leg portion is to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot; and

coupling a second end of the swivel component to a toe portion of the boot tree holder, wherein the toe portion is to be inserted into a foot part of the boot, and wherein the swivel component is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

inserting the first end of the swivel component into a base;

inserting the base into the leg portion; and

connecting the second end of the swivel component to a rod, wherein the rod is configured to be coupled to the toe portion.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

attaching a skin to an outer surface of the leg portion.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

applying a coating to an inner surface of the leg portion.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

placing a rim on a first edge of the leg portion, wherein a cap is to be placed on the rim; and

attaching a handle to the leg portion below the rim.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

adjusting the angle between the toe portion and the leg portion using the swivel component.