FOR A PAIR OF FOOTWEAR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a consumer product which enables users to secure and transport their footwear onto numerous items such as backpack straps, sports bags as well as the lash tags found on numerous bags. It can also be used for mounting footwear to walls, and additional surfaces for displaying and storage purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various types of carriers for footwear are known. For example,

US Patent No. 4,669,772 teaches a carrier which comprises a housing to receive and enclose at least the rear quarter portions of a pair of shoes. A shoe insert means is positioned within the rear quarter of the shoes to secure the shoes within the housing. A carrying handle is attached to the shoe insert means. The presence of a housing and a shoe insert positioned within the shoes and within the housing will result in a relatively heavy and bulky footwear bundle to be carried by a user.

[0003] US Patent No. 4, 126,255 teaches a ski boot carrier which comprises a base runner for sliding over ice and snow. Boot clamping plates are carried on the base runner. Skis can also be transported by inserting the skis into the carrier between the boots. This carrier is specially adapted for skis and boots, but would not be useful for carrying other types of athletic or casual footwear.

[0004] US Patent No. 5,785,223 teaches a boot carrier having support members which are insertable into each boot to bear against the inside heel portions of the boots. The carrier includes a tether strap to hold a pair of boots together and to facilitate carrying. This carrier would permit the boots to be separated from one another by the length of the tether, meaning that the boots could essentially swing free of one another during carrying.

[0005] US Patent No. 8,714,370 teaches a footwear clamp accessory used to clamp a pair of shoes together for attachment to a bag. The clamp has portions which are fit inside the shoes and are retained against the walls of the shoes. A locking mechanism secures the shoes in place and a carrying loop extends from the clamp. The metal clamping mechanism may cause lasting marks on the footwear at positions where the clamp has gripped the shoes.

[0006] US patent application US2009/0173647 teaches a footwear carrier having a center dividing wall within a body to define two cavities. The dividing wall includes an integral handle. The body includes a plurality of drainage slots and aeration openings. Each of the cavities is open at the top for insertion of footwear. Carrier straps are attached to the body to hold the footwear in position inside the two cavities of the carrier. This carrier is somewhat large in size to accommodate different sizes of footwear, and requires straps to retain the footwear within the carrier.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a footwear carrier that is lightweight, and does not add a large physical structure surrounding or attached to the footwear.

[0008] It is a further object to provide a carrier which does not have a component parts which must be detached from one another in order to insert or install the footwear.

[0009] It is a further object to provide a carrier which is simple to manufacture and which can accommodate different types and sizes of footwear, and which does not leave marks on footwear.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device which can be used for the purposes of displaying, securing and transporting the footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A display, securing and transporting device for a pair of footwear comprises a first elastic body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a first one of a pair of footwear. The first elastic body defines a toe receiving portion and a heel receiving portion. A lateral band connects the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion. A second elastic body is adapted to retaining and releasably engage a perimeter of a second one of a pair of footwear. The second elastic body defines a toe receiving portion, and a heel receiving portion. A lateral band connects the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion. The first elastic body and the second elastic body are coaligned and attached to one another at their respective lateral bands, a mounting means is provided on the device to receive a hanger.

[0012] A footwear display, securing and transporting device comprises: an elastic body adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of an article of footwear. The elastic body defines a toe receiving portion and a heel receiving portion. A lateral band connects the toe receiving portion and the heel receiving portion. The elastic body has a mounting means. The elastic body further comprises an under sole band. The lateral band defines an attachment point to receive a fastener for fastening the elastic body to a second elastic body adapted to retaining and releasably engage a perimeter of a second article of footwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention holding a pair of shoes. [0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in isolation.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the present invention showing all of the component parts in isolation.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a series of four simplified side views (A, B, C, D) of the invention to illustrate the method of inserting shoes into the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0019] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0020] Turning now to FIG. 1 , a display, securing and transporting device for a pair of footwear is identified generally by reference numeral 10. The device 10 is shown securing a pair of footwear, also referred to individually as a first one of a pair of footwear 12 and a second one of the pair 14. It should be understood that although a pair of athletic shoes is shown for illustrative purposes in the drawings that the device can also be used to display, secure and transport other types of footwear, including boots, dress shoes, sandals, cleats, high heeled shoes and casual shoes. For convenience and brevity, reference is sometimes made to a shoe, or to shoes in the present description, but it should be

understood that this terminology is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to shoes only.

[0021] The display, securing and transporting device 10 for a pair of footwear comprises a first elastic body 16 adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a first one 12 of a pair of footwear. As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the position at which the first elastic body engages the shoe 12 is the perimeter of the shoe, meaning that the elastic body 16 is in contact with the outer surface of the shoe and encircles an entire perimeter of the shoe with which it is in contact, adjacent to the shoe sole. The first elastic body 16 defines a toe receiving portion 18. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the toe receiving portion 18 is constructed as a loop of elastic material and the toe of the shoe can partially protrude through the center of the loop.

Since the elastic body 16 is constructed of an elastic material, it can simply be stretched to receive the toe of a shoe within the toe receiving portion 18. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the toe receiving portion 18 is constructed as a loop having two arms 20, 22. Loop arm 20 and loop arm 22 will both engage the surface of the shoe and provide two regions of contact, one near the top of the shoe and one near the sole of the shoe. Constructing the toe receiving portion 18 as a loop with an opening 58 is advantageous for

accommodating a variety of footwear lengths. Long shoes and/or shoes with pointy toes will protrude farther through the opening 58 in the loop than will short or rounded shoes.

[0022] The first elastic body 16 also defines a heel receiving portion 24 adapted to receive the heel of a shoe. The heel receiving portion 24 can also be constructed as a loop having a first arm 26 and a second arm 28. The first arm 26 and the second arm 28 both engage the perimeter of the shoe, but at adjacent positions to provide two regions of contact with the heel of the shoe. It is preferred that the elastic body 16 additionally comprises an under sole band 25 to provide an additional point of contact to retain the shoe within the elastic body 16. The undersole band 25 would typically contact the shoe sole at a position just ahead of the shoe heel. A portion of the heel of the shoe may protrude through opening 60 between the second arm 28 and the under sole band 25, particularly in the case of long shoes. A lateral band 30 connects the toe receiving portion 18 with the heel receiving portion 24. As best seen in FIG. 2, and FIG 3 the lateral band 30 extends along two sides between the toe receiving portion 18 and the heel receiving portion 24 so that the first elastic body 16 completely encircles the perimeter of the shoe and acts at all points on that perimeter to retain the shoe within the first elastic body 16.

[0023] A second elastic body 32 is adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a second one 14 of a pair of footwear. The second elastic body 32 defines a toe receiving portion 34, a heel receiving portion 36, and a lateral band 38 connecting the toe receiving portion 34 and the heel receiving portion 36. The first elastic body 16 and the second elastic body 32 are essentially the same in structure and function. The first elastic body 16 and the second elastic body 32 are coaligned and attached to one another at their respective lateral bands 30, 38. This results in the pair of shoes being held together in an orientation with the soles of the shoes facing together, both heels together and both toes together. This orientation provides a compact bundle for ease of carrying. The positioning of the soles facing together decreases the likelihood of mud or dirt which might be present on the soles rubbing off on a user or their hand bag, backpack or other equipment. Additionally, having the soles facing together means that the neck of the shoe faces outward enabling airflow to reach the interior of the shoe. This orientation maximizes air flow into the interior of the shoe to dry the footbed after the shoes have been worn, a feature particularly advantageous for boots and athletic shoes.

[0024] The first elastic body 16 and the second elastic body 32 may be attached together in many different ways. For example, a pair of magnets could fixed to or embedded within the lateral bands at positions to permit magnetic connection. Alternatively, the device 10 could be manufactured as a single piece in which the lateral bands 30, 38 are integrally connected.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2, and FIG.

3 the lateral band 16 of the first elastic body defines a first attachment opening 40. The lateral band 38 of the second elastic body 32 defines a second attachment opening 42. An attachment member 44 having a shank 45 is received through the first attachment opening 40 and through the second attachment opening 42, whereby the first elastic body 16 is attached to the second elastic body 32, while permitting pivotal motion of the first elastic body 16 relative to the second elastic body 32. The ability for pivotal motion between the first elastic body 16 and the second elastic body 32 makes it easier for a user to stretch them and adjust their positions relative to the perimeter of the shoes. Preferably the attachment member 44 is in the form of a double headed pin. It should be noted that the first and second elastic bodies are attached to one another at two positions, to correspond with both sides of a shoe. The presence of the shoes in FIG. 1 obscures the view of one of the points of attachment, such that only one attachment member 44 is visible. Both attachment members 44, 44 can be seen in FIG. 2. FIG 3 shows an attachment member 44 in isolation and a top attachment member 54 in isolation defining a mounting means 48.

[0026] The first elastic body 16 and the second elastic body 32 are textured 46 for frictional retention against the perimeter of the articles of footwear. The texture can be created by a plurality of protrusions or indentations in a desired pattern. For illustration, the pattern of ribbed lines is can be seen on the surface of the first and second elastic bodies. The texture is best seen in FIG. 1 and FIG 2. The texture creates additional contact points between to improve the grip elastic bodies on the footwear. Various patterns of texture could be used that will improve elasticity, reduce weight and provide alternate visual appeal while continuing to improve the grip of the shoe.

[0027] The display, securing and transporting device 10 for a pair of footwear has mounting means 48 to receive a hanger. In a preferred

embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 1 , the mounting means 48 is constructed in connection with an additional attachment point. The first elastic body 16 defines a first top attachment opening 50 and the second elastic body 32 defines a second top attachment opening 52; and a top attachment member 54 having a shank is received through the first top attachment opening 50 and through the second top attachment opening 52. Thus, the first elastic body 16 is attached to the second elastic body 32. The attachment member 54 defines a mounting means 48, being a ring through which a hanger 56 may be received. For illustrative purposes a carabiner is shown in the drawings. A carabiner would allow a user to clip the device 10 holding a pair of shoes to a luggage carrying loop, a backpack or even a clothes hook on a wall or other surface. Simpler alternatives are also possible. The mounting means 48 can be a simple ring formed as a loop through one or both of the elastic bodies 16, 32. At its most basic, the mounting means 48 could simply be an opening in the elastic body.

[0028] The carrier of the present invention is constructed from an elastic material which enables it to retainingly and releasably engage the perimeter of an item of footwear. The elastic body is preferably constructed of rubber, and is manufactured through the vulcanization injection molding process. The thickness of bands and the length of the bands will be varied to work for lightweight, athletic, casual footwear and heavy industrial footwear. Other materials having sufficient elasticity to create the expansion and compression necessary to surround the perimeter of an article of footwear adjacent its sole, and to hold the article of footwear in compression, until it is removed could be used. By way of illustration only, the elastic body may be constructed

Thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, or calcium filled rubber. For an adult size, the elastic body has a thickness, when relaxed, of 2-5 millimeters, and a length from toe receiving portion to heel receiving portion of approximately 20-23 centimeters. When stretched the length of the elastic body will stretch to 40-45 centimeters and will fit around the perimeter of a typical adult’s shoe.

[0029] The method of using the display, securing and transporting device 10 for a pair of footwear will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 4. In the first step in the method, illustrated in drawing A of FIG. 4, the user will insert the toe of a first shoe 12 into the toe receiving portion 18 of the first elastic body 16 as shown by the arrow. This is most easily accomplished if the user holds the elastic body 16 near the heel receiving portion 24, orients the shoe 12 with the sole facing the under sole band 25, and moves the shoe 12 downward so that the toe of the shoe is received in the toe receiving portion 18. In the next step, as illustrated in drawing B, the user pulls back on the heel receiving portion 24 expanding the elasticity of the elastic body, especially through the lateral band 30 to create the required room to insert the heel of the shoe into the heel receiving portion 24 of the elastic body 16. The grip on the heel receiving portion 24 is then released and the elastic body 16 contracts as represented by the arrow, to secure the heel of the shoe within the heel receiving portion 24. Drawing C shows the first shoe 12 now retainingly and releasably engaged at its perimeter by the first elastic body 16. The second shoe 14 is then moved downwardly as shown by the arrow setting the toe of the shoe 14 within the second toe receiving portion 34 of the second elastic body 32. The user then pulls back on the second heel receiving portion 36 expanding the elasticity of the second elastic body 32 stretching the second lateral band 38 to create the required room to insert the heel of the second shoe 14 into the second heel receiving portion 36. Then, as shown in drawing D, the user releases the force on the second heel receiving portion 36 as indicated by the downward arrow, allowing the second elastic body 32 to contract to secure the heel of the second shoe 14 within the second heel receiving portion 36. Both shoes are now secured in a coaligned position with their soles facing together, and can be attached to a backpack or other bag for transport, or hung on a hook for storage or display.

[0030] The display, securing and transporting device for a pair of footwear allow the user to visually display their style of footwear that can be attributed to the user’s personality or character. The device permits users to store their footwear on an existing wall as a storage space eliminating the need for shelving units and increasing the vertical storage space in smaller dwelling units. The attachment members 44 can be can be used as mounting points to secure the bands to the desired surface (wall mount, bag back mount). Decorative embellishments or visual identifiers can be applied to the exterior surface of the attachment members 44. This feature could be used as a name tag to identify the owner of the footwear, or purely for esthetic purposes.

[0031] The display, securing and transporting device 10 for a pair of footwear can be conceptualized as two individual elastic bodies, each of which forms an exoskeleton around the perimeter adjacent to the sole of one of the pair of footwear. A footwear display, securing and transporting device 10 comprises an elastic body 16 adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of an article 12 of footwear. The elastic body 16 defines a toe receiving portion 18, a heel receiving portion 24, and a lateral band 30 connecting the toe receiving portion18 and the heel receiving portion 24. The device has a mounting means for attachment to a hanger. The toe receiving portion 18 defines an opening 58 through which a toe of the article of footwear may protrude. The heel receiving portion 24 defines an opening 60 through which a heel of the article of footwear may protrude. The elastic body 16 further comprises an under sole band 25. The mounting may comprise an opening defined through the elastic body 16 sized and positioned to receive a hanger. The lateral band 30 defines an attachment point 40 to receive a fastener 44 for fastening the elastic body 16 to a second elastic body 32 adapted to retainingly and releasably engage a perimeter of a second article 14 of footwear.

[0032] In a further alternative embodiment, the first elastic body and the second elastic body can be manufactured as a single piece instead of as two pieces attached together by an attachment means.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the elastic body can also be achieved with other materials that can be used to create the opening to insert shoe and tighten the opening to secure the footwear in place.