WO2013063647A1

WO2013063647A1 - Improved boot storage apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2013063647A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/001338
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Philip SHAW
Original assignee: Shaw Jonathan Philip
Priority date: 2011-11-01
Filing date: 2012-11-01
Publication date: 2013-05-10
Also published as: AU2012101620A4; AU2012332048A1

Abstract

A boot storage apparatus (50) includes apertures (52a, 52b) and (54a, 54b) separated by transverse members (56a) and (56b). The apertures (52a) and (52b) are for the throat and shaft of boots to pass through whereas apertures (54a) and (54b) are designed to support the instep portion of the boots. Having dedicated apertures (52a) and (52b) for the shafts of the boots aids in reducing twisting of the boots in the storage device (50). Furthermore, the transverse members (56a) and (56b) add strength to the frame making it more difficult to pull the sides of the frame apart. As a consequence a smaller diameter, reduced thickness of material may be used for the frame and potentially cheaper materials such as plastics may be used rather than metal.

Description

IMPROVED BOOT STORAGE APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the storage of boots such as rubber boots.

BACKGROUND ART

There are a number of industries where large numbers of workers are required to wear boots. For example, in the mining industry workers frequently are required to wear rubber boots or "gum boots" or "Wellington boots" as they are sometimes called.

Similarly, workers in foundries and smelters are also often required to wear protective footwear in the form of boots.

Typically the boots are donned at the workplace and left there at the end of the day with other protective clothing. For example, it is not uncommon for each worker to be assigned a locker to store their clothing in while they are not at the work place.

Since boots are relatively bulky articles it is impractical for them to be stored In the lockers or taken into accommodation and living areas. Consequently, it has been found that the boots are often left untidily and insecurely about the locker room.

Figure 1 shows one approach of the prior art to storing work boots wherein they have been placed in a steel basket. It will be realized that retrieving the boots when they are required is a time consuming task and that paired boots become separated. Figure 2 shows another approach to storing work boots wherein a storage rack has been fitted above the lockers. However, the rack is difficult to reach, the boots are not securely retained and the content of the boots, e.g. water or waste from the work environment, may fall out of the boots and soil the workers below.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for the storage of boots that addresses one or more of the above described problems or which is at least a useful alternative to those boot storage arrangements that have hitherto been known in the prior art.

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIO

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a boot storage apparatus including:

at least one mounting arrangement;

a frame pivotally coupled to said mounting arrangement and including members for supporting at least one boot therebetween.

Preferably the apparatus further includes a retaining assembly fast with the frame for retaining said boot to the frame.

In one embodiment of the invention the frame includes first and second pairs of members each defining first and second spaces therebetween for supporting a first boot and a second boot respectively. ^' Alternatively the frame may be shaped to present two pairs of apertures wherein a each pair has an aperture for a shaft of a boot and an aperture for a forward portion of a boot. Preferably the mounting arrangement comprises first and second mounts disposed apart and pivotally connected to the frame at a first end thereof.

Alternatively, the mounting arrangement may comprise a single mount pivotally connected to the frame.

The inner ones of the first and second pairs of members may be interconnected at a second end of the frame opposite the first and second mounts.

The frame may include a number of struts or catches spaced apart for attachment of the free end of the retaining assembly to thereby accommodate boots of varying sizes. The retaining assembly may for example comprise a web, chain or strap.

Alternatively, the apparatus may include hinged members such as plates, flaps or the like to retain the boots.

In one embodiment the retaining assembly comprises a retaining web, chain or strap anchored to the frame at a first point and including a free end for attachment to a further point on the frame.

The frame may include attachment points in the form of lugs or protrusions extending outwardly. Preferably the lugs are formed with bores for the passage of a chain, strap or the like. The lugs may be formed with a notch or recess to assist in suitably locating the chain, strap or the like.

The retaining assembly may include at least a first transverse member extending from the retaining strap for abutment against a sole of the boots in a locking configuration. Free ends of the outer ones of the first and second pairs of members include angled returns to assist in retaining the boots in the respective first and second spaces. Alternatively, or in addition to the angled returns, the retaining assembly may include a second transverse member extending from the retaining strap for abutment.behind heels of the boots.

Furthermore, the retaining assembly may include additional transverse members extending from the retaining strap for abutment with other portions of the soles of the boots.

In a further embodiment, as an alternative to the transverse members, the retaining assembly includes a netting or fabric covering at least a portion of the soles of the boots.

In another embodiment, as an alternative to the transverse members, the retaining assembly includes a pair of holders shaped to complement a rearward portion of the heels and made fast with the retaining strap.

It will be realized that features of any or all of these embodiments might be used in conjunction with features of other embodiments.

In a further embodiment of the invention an additional support is provided for holding the frame relative to the mounting assembly in a raised configuration for ready insertion of the boots into the respective spaces.

The apparatus may further include a clip for fastening to a mounting surface common with the first and second mounts for retaining the frame in a stored configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the jnvention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1. depicts a first prior art storage arrangement for work boots.

Figure 2 depicts a second prior art storage arrangement for work boots. Figure 3 depicts a boot storage apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the boot storage apparatus in use in a loaded configuration.

Figure 5 is a front elevation of the boot storage apparatus in use.

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the boot storage apparatus in use.

Figure 7. is a side elevation of the boot storage apparatus in use in an unloaded configuration?

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the boot storage apparatus in use in a loaded configuration.

Figure 9 is a side elevation of the boot storage apparatus of Figure 8 in use in a loaded configuration.

Figure 10 depicts a second embodiment of the invention loaded with boots for storage.

Figure 11 depicts the embodiment of Figure 10 in an unloaded state.

Figure 12 depicts a boot storage apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 is a detail of a chain retaining lug of the embodiment of Figure

12.

Figures 14 and 15 are plan and isometric views of the preferred embodiment mounted to a vertical surface in an unloaded state. Figure 14A depicts a variation wherein only a single mounting bracket is used to mount the boot storage apparatus to a surface.

Figure 16 to 18 are isometric, side and rear views of the preferred embodiment of the invention in a loaded state.

Figure 19 depicts a final and preferred embodiment of the invention in an installed but unloaded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SECOND EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to Figure 3 there is shown a boot storage apparatus 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 2 includes at least one mounting arrangement in the form of first and second mounting brackets 4 and 6.

The mounting brackets 4 and 6 are pivotally coupled to a frame 8. Frame 8 includes paired members 10a and 10b and 12a and 12b respectively. Of these 10a and 12a comprise inner members whereas 10b and 12b comprise outer members. The outer members and the inner members define respective spaces 14a and 16a therebetween of sufficient width to receive the throat and shaft of the boot.

The inner ones 12a and 10a of the first and second pairs of members are interconnected by a link 1 at a second end of the frame opposite the first and second mounts 4 and 6. The boot storage apparatus 2 further includes a retaining assembly 18 for retaining a boot to the frame. In the presently described embodiment the retaining assembly 18 comprises a resilient and flexible strap 20 which is attached to the frame at a first end 22 between the first and second mountings 4 and 6.

At its opposite free end 24 the strap terminates in a ring 26 which may be locked to link 11 by means of a padlock 28 as shown in Figure 4. A number of struts 30 are disposed along the length of the frame to provide additional points of attachment of the end 24 of the strap 20 so as to accommodate boots of varying sizes. It will be observed that the retaining assembly 18 further includes a transverse member or bar 32 which extends from strap 20 for the purpose of abutting the forward sides of heels of the boots in order to retain the boots in place.

As shown in Figure 3, ends of the outer ones 10b and 12b of the first and second pairs of members include angled returns 34 and 36 to assist in retaining the boots in the respective first and second spaces 14a and 16a.

Alternatively, or in addition to the angled returns, the retaining assembly 18 may include a second transverse member (item 38 of Figures 8 and 9) extending from the retaining strap 20 for abutment behind heels of the boots to thereby further secure them in place in the loaded configuration.

Furthermore, the retaining assembly may include an additional transverse members (not shown) extending from the retaining strap for abutment with other portions of the soles of the boots.

In a further embodiment, as an alternative to the transverse members, the retaining assembly 18 may include a netting or fabric covering at least a portion of the soles of the boots.

Alternatively, the retaining assembly 18 may include a pair of holders shaped to complement a rearward portion of the heels of the boots and made fast with the retaining strap 20. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show the boot storage apparatus 2 in use wherein mounts 4 and 6 have been attached to a side 46 of a locker 44, which may comprise the locker's door. The shafts of Boots 40 and 42 have been loaded into the spaces 14 and 16 (shown in Figure 3) and retained in place by means of strap 20 and transverse bar 32 as previously described. The strap 20 has been locked to link 11 of frame 8 by means of the padlock 28. Figure 7 shows the apparatus 2 in use in an unloaded configuration wherein the boots 40 and 42 have been removed so that the frame 8 has pivoted about mounts 6 and 4 to an unloaded position against the front surface 46 of locker 44. It will be realized that in this configuration the apparatus takes up very little space and does not limit door opening of the locker. This is particularly helpful if someone is standing beside an adjacent locker.

As previously mentioned, Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the invention wherein the retaining assembly includes a further transverse member 38 which assists in retaining boots 40 and 42 in place.

As will have been observed in Figure 6, in the loaded configuration the boot 42 acts to maintain the frame 8 pivoted out about mounts 6 and 4 from the front surface 46 of locker 44. It will be realized that in order to load the frame 8 with the boots it is necessary for a worker to firstly pivot the frame out from the front surface 46 of the locker and then manipulate the retaining assembly to lock the boots in place. This is potentially a demanding exercise and so a further embodiment of the invention is provided in Figure 9 which includes a support in the form of extension strut 48. The extension strut is pivotally connected to a mount 5, (similar to mounts 4 and 6) which in use is also fastened to front surface 46 of locker 44. Extension strut 48 can be pivoted out from surface 46 and its free end abutted against the remote end of frame 8, e.g. against one of ribs 11, 30 to maintain the frame 8 in an extended position for ready insertion of the boots into the respective spaces. A clip (not shown) may also be provided for fastening to a mounting surface common with the first and second mounts, e.g. surface 46 of locker 44, for retaining the frame in a stored configuration so that it doesn't swing out as the door of the locker which comprises the front surface is opened and shut.

^■ 5

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, there is depicted a further and second embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 the openings 16a and 14a are closed by the addition of arcuate sections 41 and 43 to the frame. Accordingly, the throat of the boot must be inserted through

10 the closed apertures 16a and 14a as shown in Figures 10 and 11. It will be observed that a retaining assembly in the form of a chain 66 is attached to one side and simply loops across the boots to hook over a lug on the other side. The lug accepts a padlock or other pin to secure the chain and boots. An advantage of this embodiment is that this arrangement of the retaining

15 assembly is far more secure since it prevents removal of the boots once chained in tight enough. Also the retaining assembly, i.e. the chain in this embodiment, hangs to one side and is out of the way when fitting the boots into the frame, which is in contrast to the previously decscribed embodiments wherein the front-to-back strap may be obstructive during use. Furtherriore,

20 the inventors have found that the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 accommodates a wider range of boot sizes than is possible with the previously described embodiments.

Further variations to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 are 25 possible. For example, the retaining assembly may comprise a strap or hinged plates, or fabric material wjth eyelets or a combination of them. Similarly the chain may be plastic, which the inventor has found to work acceptably. In addition, the lug may have different shapes i.e. round or square to suit the retaining assembly. Whatever its construction, the retaining 30 assembly preferably includes a plurality of holes that allow different boot sizes to be securely retained. Other advantages of the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 over the previously described embodiments of the invention are:

1. The frame itself is only in one plane, i.e. the angled returns 34, 36 of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 are not used, and the heel end is no longer open but is closed off. The closed loops also provide greater security, making it more difficult to remove the boots when the retaining assembly, i.e. chain 66, is in place. 2. Even without the retaining assembly, e.g. the chain, the boots are more likely to be self-supporting and able to rest against the door of the locker without falling out of the frame.

Referring now to Figure 12, there is depicted a further embodiment of a boot storage apparatus 50 according to the^' present invention. The boot storage apparatus 50 include apertures 52a, 52b and 54a, 54b formed by the inclusion of transverse members 56a and 56b. The apertures 52a and 52b are for the throat and shaft of the boots to pass through whereas apertures 54a and 54b are designed to support the instep portion of the boots. Having dedicated apertures 52a and 52b for the shafts of the boots aids in reducing twisting of the boots in the storage device 50. Furthermore, the transverse members 56a and 56b add strength to the frame making it more difficult to pull the sides of the frame apart. As a consequence a smaller diameter, reduced thickness of material may be used for the frame and potentially cheaper materials such as plastics may be used rather than metal.

In further embodiments of the invention the apertures 54a, 54b may be closed off or even raised or bent so that the boots must be chained in under tension. This in turn makes it more difficult for thieves to remove the boots without cutting the chain or removing the lock. About midway along the outsides of the loops 52a, 52b there extend opposing lugs 58a, 58b for attachment of a chain (shown as item 66 of Figure 14 for example. As shown in Figure 13, the lugs are formed with a bore 60 therethrough. Preferably the chain terminates in a split ring or the like which is readily affixed through the bore 60. Alternatively for a more permanent connection the chain could be fitted with a threaded fastener.

The split ring makes it simple to fit' the chain to either side. Alternatively the chain might be welded on to the frame. Obviously such an arrangement wouldn't require a lug. The chain may be welded directly to the side of the frame.

Alternatively the side of the frame may be drilled for a rivet or could also be tapped for a screw

Furthermore a larger link or split ring may be fitted over the side of the frame. This would mean the chain can be positioned anywhere along the length of the frame. An advantage of this approach is that it would be adjustable and so be adapted to suit a. wider range of sizes. However a disadvantage is that it interferes with the side of the boot.

A notch 62 is formed in the underside of each of the lugs 58a, 58b to assist in the chain locking itself in place before a padlock is fitted. Alternatively if a padlock or other method of retaining the chain is not used, the chain will still remain in place. The spring effect of the boots being clamped under the chain maintains tension in the chain so that the unit is self-supporting and holds itself together with or without the padlock. The padlock, as shown in Figures 16 to 18, is simply for security as the chain cannot be removed when the padlock is in place. It will be noted that the lugs are positioned in order that the chain fits over the narrowest portion of the boot, i.e. between the heel and the ball portions. This assists in improving security as it makes it even more difficult for the boot to be slid from the storage apparatus without severing or disengaging the chain. The embodiment of Figure 12 is suited to a cast design, however all embodiments preferably have a smooth rounded surface so as not to damage boots when pressed in tight with the chain.

The centre piece 64 at the front of the frame performs 2 functions. Firstly it ties the 2 loops together and reinforces the construction. Secondly it enables ease of use of the unit as it provides a handle to hold the frame up with when slipping the boots in and pulling the chain tight over the boots and onto the lug. This is helpful because when the boots are in the loops there is nothing else to conveniently hold on to and it provides a gripping point for an operator to hold the frame upwards against the downwards force of pulling the chain tight.

Figure 14A depicts a variation of the boot storage apparatus where instead of using two mounting brackets 4, 6 (as shown in Figure 14 for example), only a single mounting bracket 5 is provided. It may be a little quicker to install this version of the apparatus however it is less preferred since the installed apparatus is of somewhat reduced stability. Referring now to Figure 19, there is depicted a further and preferred embodiment of the invention shown in an installed but unloaded state.

In the embodiment of Figure 19 the boot shaft apertures 52a, 52b of the storage apparatus 68 have a lower narrowed portion formed by concave arcuate sections 70a, 70b of the frame. Narrowing the shaft apertures 52a, 52b assists in firmly retaining the shafts of the boots in place. It should be realized that various features of each embodiment described herein may be readily interchanged between embodiments. For example, while less preferable, the retaining strap 20 and transverse member 32 of the embodiment of Figure.3 might be used in the embodiment of Figure 11 , rather than chain 66. Similarly, the strut 48 and hinge 5 might be used with the embodiments of Figures 15 and 19. Furthermore, a single mounting bracket arrangement as shown in the embodiment of Figure 4A might be used in the other embodiments. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A boot storage apparatus including:

at least one mounting arrangement for attachment to a surface, a frame pivotally coupled to said mounting arrangement and including members for supporting at least one boot therebetween; and

a retaining assembly fast with the frame for retaining said boot to the frame.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting arrangement comprises first and second mounts disposed apart and pivotally connected to the frame at a first end thereof.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a single mount pivotally connected to the frame.

4. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein inner ones of the first and second pairs of members are interconnected at a second end of the frame opposite the first and second mounts.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame includes first and second pairs of members each defining first and second spaces therebetween for supporting a first boot and a second boot respectively.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second pairs of members are interconnected to thereby present first and second apertures for receiving the throat and shaft of said boots.

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame is formed with a number of spaced apart attachment formations for attachment of a retaining assembly.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6 including said retaining assembly wherein the retaining assembly comprises a web, chain or strap.

9. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the frame is shaped to present two pairs of apertures wherein each pair of said apertures has an aperture for a shaft of a boot and an aperture for a forward portion of a boot.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said apertures for the shaft of a boot include a narrowed portion.

11. An apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the frame includes attachment points in the form of lugs or protrusions extending outwardly.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the lugs are formed with a notch or recess to assist in suitably locating the chain, strap or the like.

13. An apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining assembly includes at least a first transverse member extending from the retaining strap for abutment against a sole of the boots in a locking configuration.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the retaining assembly includes a second transverse member extending from the retaining strap for abutment behind heels of the boots.

15. An apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims including a support member for holding the frame pivoted out from the surface for ready insertion of the boots into the respective spaces.