CONTAINERS

Cross References to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S. C. § 120 of U.S. Patent

Application No. 12/952,397, filed November 23, 2010, entitled "Shoe Storage Insert for Suitcase and Other Similar Travel Containers," which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/287,525, filed December 17, 2009, entitled "Shoe Storage Insert for Suitcase," which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety.

Background

[0002] Traveling is sometimes a necessary part of life and can not be avoided. Most people have difficulty when packing in general and more specifically when packing their footwear. When packing footwear, there is always the worry or risk that the shoes and, especially their soles, could potentially damage or dirty the items of clothing also sharing the luggage compartment. Furthermore, in the case of expensive footwear, a common concern is damage to the shoe itself through pressure or scuffing.

[0003] Consequently, there is a need for relatively inexpensive means for transporting shoes packed within suitcases and other similar travel containers. A solution to this problem may be to purchase and use a completely separate bag for the transportation of shoes. When packing light or economically, however, carrying an extra suitcase is not very efficient, and under current airline regulations, will result in increased costs to the traveler.

[0004] Existing footwear storage includes merely ornamental design containers that primarily appeal to the aesthetics of the shoe container. Examples of conventional footwear storage include individual compartments for storing a single pair of shoes in a hard case or a soft bag. On the other hand, conventional footwear storage for multiple shoes includes cases with racks for transporting the shoes in luggage. These racks however, take up most of the interior space of the luggage limiting its use just for shoe storage. [0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a shoe storage insert for the protection and storage of shoes during travel that can hold multiple pairs of shoes and can be used in conjunction with a suitcase without using the entire space within the suitcase.

Summary

[0006] In some embodiments, a shoe storage insert for a travel container is provided. The shoe storage insert comprises a first panel having a first plurality of shoe pockets and a second panel having a second plurality of shoe pockets. The first and second plurality of shoe pockets are arranged in alternate rows. The first and second panels are hinged together along a first edge of the first panel and a first edge of the second panel. The first panel can pivotally rotate along the first edge of the second panel and the second panel can pivotally rotate along the first edge of the first panel.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first and second panels are hinged together such that a second edge of the first panel is secureable to a second edge of the second panel and the second edge of the first panel may be secureable to the second edge of the second panel by at least one of a zipper, buttons, snaps, Velcro, and a cord.

[0008] In another embodiment, the shoe pockets of the first plurality of shoe pockets have different sizes than the shoe pockets of the second plurality of shoe pockets, and the shoe pockets of the second plurality of shoe pockets may be sized to hold boots.

[0009] In another embodiment, the shoe pockets of the first plurality of shoe pockets have same sizes as the shoe pockets of the second plurality of shoe pockets.

[0010] In another embodiment, the first plurality of shoe pockets comprises shoe pockets of different sizes.

[0011] In another embodiment, the second plurality of shoe pockets comprises shoe pockets of different sizes.

[0012] In another embodiment, the first plurality of shoe pockets includes at least two rows of shoe pockets.

[0013] In another embodiment, the second plurality of shoe pockets includes at least two rows of shoe pockets.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first and second plurality of shoe pockets have a closeable cover.

[0015] In another embodiment, the first and second plurality of shoe pockets are transparent. [0016] In another embodiment, the first and second panels are constructed of one of nylon, ballistic nylon, Cordura® nylon, and ABS plastic.

[0017] In another embodiment, the shoe pockets are constructed of one of nylon, ballistic nylon, and Cordura® fabric.

[0018] In alternate embodiments, a shoe storage insert for a travel container is provided where the shoe storage insert comprises a first panel having a first plurality of shoe pockets and a second panel having a second plurality of shoe pockets. The first and second plurality of shoe pockets are arranged in alternate rows. The first and second panels are hinged together along a first edge of the first panel and a first edge of the second panel. The first panel can pivotally rotate along the first edge of the second panel and the second panel can pivotally rotate along the first edge of the first panel. The first and second panels are rotatable to form two opposite sides of a two-sided shoe display capable of standing erect.

[0019] In another embodiment, the shoe storage insert, further comprises a loop, such that it can be hung for storage when closed or display purposes when opened. In one

embodiment, the loop is a handle by which the shoe storage insert can be carried.

[0020] In one embodiment, the shoe storage insert comprises a frame to secure the first and second panels.

[0021] In another embodiment, the shoe pockets are transparent. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 shows an illustrative implementation of an opened suitcase insert according to aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an illustrative implementation of an enlarged view of a single panel of an insert according to aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0024] Figure 3 shows an illustrative implementation of an opened insert according to aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0025] Figure 4 shows an illustrative implementation of an erected insert according to aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0026] Figure 5 shows an illustrative implementation of an enlarged, fragmentary view of a shoe pocket or pouch according to aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0027] Figures 6A-6D show illustrative implementations of a shoe insert being placed inside a suitcase according to aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

Detailed Description [0028] In the following description, specific details are set forth regarding the disclosed subject matter and the environment in which the disclosed subject matter may be utilized, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed subject matter. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known components, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter. For ease of explanation, the description below will refer to suitcases, but the use of the term is not meant to be limiting in any way and should be understood to encompass various similar types of travel containers.

[0029] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a suitcase insert made for the storage and transportation of footwear is provided. This insert may comprise two panels made out of material normally used in luggage construction. Non-limiting examples of such materials are ballistic nylon, Cordura® nylon, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastics. The two panels may be hinged together to form a book-like insert that may be closed and secured, for example, through means of a zipper, snaps, Velcro, a cord, or any other fastener that one of skill in the art would understand is capable of closing and securing the insert. The insert may be of different sizes and can be placed in standard and nonstandard sized suitcases.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows an illustrative implementation of an opened suitcase insert according to aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 1 shows an insert 100 displayed from a front upright position. The insert 100 has two panels 140, 150 secured at a common edge 160, such that the two panels 140, 150 can be pivotally turned along the common edge 160. The two panels of the insert may carry shoe pockets of different sizes. For example, shoe pocket 110 on panel 140 may be sized to carry a regular type of shoe, such as flats, high heels, or sneakers. Shoe pocket 120 is shown more elongated compared to pocket 110, and may be sized appropriately to hold tall boots or specialty footwear. Pocket 130 is sized to cover almost the entire length of panel 140 and may hold items such as socks, leggings, stockings or tights. The shoe pockets are arranged in alternating rows in the two panels 140, 150, as seen in Fig. 1, such that once the insert is closed, it can lay flat within any standard suitcase. It should be understood that the shoe pockets could be arranged in a number of configurations as one of skill in the art would understand. Additionally, the number of shoes each insert could hold may vary necessarily based on shoe size and the size and number of shoe pockets.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of panel 140 of insert 100. Panel 140 holds two rows of shoe pockets as well as pocket 130. The shoe pockets are preferably closeable for proper securing of the shoe when the suitcase and the insert are moved or rotated during travel. Specifically, shoe pocket 150 is shown to have a closable cover 180 and pocket 130 is shown to have a mechanism 170 along a side of a pocket to close or seal its content.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows an insert 300 opened and braced as a stand. Insert 300 can therefore function as a shoe display and holder once removed from the suitcase to allow easy access to footwear. Shoe pocket 310 may be made from a transparent material, for example, a meshlike fabric, allowing the traveler to view its contents without having to remove the footwear. The two panels 340 and 350 share a common edge 330, while the opposite edges 331 and 332 are secured and coupled using a frame 320. The frame 320 may be constructed from metal, plastic or any other durable material. In some embodiments, the pocket 310 may be made from different material than the panels 340 and 350. Fig. 4 shows the erected insert 300 of Fig. 3 from a side view to illustrate how the shoes can be on display for selection.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of a shoe pocket 500 with closeable cover 530. Shoes 510 and 520 are shown stored in the pocket in complementary position to utilize the pocket area. In some alternative embodiments, the shoe pocket may be sized to fit only one shoe or may be made from a flexible or expandable material to fit footwear such as a shoe, sneaker or boot. In some embodiments, the lining of the shoe pockets may be reinforced with thin wiring or plastic to prevent the enclosed item of footwear from being flattened or damaged while encased. The shoe pockets may be made from any material normally used in luggage construction, for example, nylon or mesh.

[0034] Fig. 6A shows the insert 600 fully closed and ready to be placed within a suitcase 610. Suitcase 610 is shown filled with clothes; however, as shown, the insert 600 can be placed within the suitcase 610, even if the suitcase is not entirely full with clothes. The insert 600 may preferably be closed using a zipper along the non-common edges of the two panels. Alternatively, snaps, button, ties, Velcro and any other means of fastening may be used to close the insert. In some embodiments, the insert may be made from nylon or other materials used in luggage construction (i.e., bal listic nylon, Cordura® fabric, ABS plastics, etc.) and may be designed as a. closeable flexible envelope constructed in the same general shape as the luggage within which it is to be used, and of a size which fits conveniently within the storage cavity of any standard size or custom luggage. In some embodiments, the two panels of the insert may be separated from each other, allowing each panel to be used separately inserted in the same or different suitcases. In some embodiments, the insert may be manufactured in a similar style and fashion using the same materials as current suitcase inserts. In some embodiments, the insert 600 may have a loop 614, such that it can be hung for storage when closed or display purposes when opened. Fig. 6A shows the shoe storage insert having a loop on one side 615 of the insert. In alternative embodiments, a second loop is provided on the other side 616 of the insert, such that the loops can be used as a handle to allow the insert to be carried.

[0035] Fig. 6B shows the insert 600 aligned with the suitcase 610 opening, right before placement inside the suitcase. The insert 600 may be sized according to standard suitcase sizes, so that it is secured and does not move within the suitcase 610. Alternatively, the insert 600 may be secured within the suitcase by fastening means, for example, Velcro or zipper, that may be in one of the inside panels of the suitcase, for example, panel 612 shown in Fig. 6B. Fig. 6C shows an opened insert 600 after it is placed within the suitcase. A traveler can therefore select shoes from the insert, without having to take the insert out of the suitcase. Fig. 6D shows the shoe storage insert having two loops on edges 617 and 618 of the insert, such that the loops can be used as a handle to allow the insert to be carried.

[0036] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in respects as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the number and sizes of the shoe pockets in the disclosed insert is just for illustration purposes. It is to be understood that the number and sizes of pockets in the insert may vary.