FIELD
This disclosure relates to footwear hanging devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to mobile footwear hanging devices.
BACKGROUND
High heel shoes can be uncomfortable to wear, especially for extended periods of time. For pain relief, an individual may remove their shoes at certain events, such as a wedding or party, where a dress code may become less formal as the event progresses. Once the shoes are removed, however, the individual may feel compelled to carry their shoes and not set them down for fear of losing or misplacing them. When carried, the shoes occupy at least one hand and may hinder the person from eating, drinking, dancing, or otherwise enjoying the event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a footwear hanging device.
FIG. 2 shows an exploded front perspective view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows an exploded rear perspective view of a portion of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 shows a front view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1 with a first flexible portion and a second flexible portion in a stored configuration within an interior region of an enclosure that is in an open configuration.
FIG. 5 shows a front view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1 with a first flexible portion and a second flexible portion each arranged in a hanging loop configuration and the enclosure in an open configuration.
FIG. 6 shows the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1 in a hanging loop configuration with each of the first and second flexible portions suspending footwear and the enclosure in an open configuration.
FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1 in a hanging loop configuration, attached to a purse, with each of the first and second flexible portions suspending footwear.
FIG. 8 shows a front view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1 in a hanging loop configuration, attached to a purse, with each of the first and second flexible portions suspending footwear.
FIG. 9 shows a close-up view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1 in an extended configuration with each of the first and second flexible portions extending from an opening in the device.
FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 shows the footwear hanging device of FIG. 1 in the extended configuration, attached to a purse, with each of the first and second flexible portions suspending footwear by a heel portion of the footwear.
FIG. 13 shows a close-up view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 12.
DESCRIPTION
A device is needed that allows a person to remove their footwear and maintain control of the footwear without having to carry the footwear by hand. Mobile footwear hanging devices are shown and described herein. The footwear hanging devices can allow a person to remove their footwear and conveniently suspend the footwear from, for example, a purse, belt loop, bracelet, or other item, thereby freeing their hands for other tasks or activities. The footwear hanging device can be compact in size, making it easy to carry and stow in, for example, a pocket or purse. The footwear hanging device may have an external appearance resembling a locket, pocket watch, or charm, making it visually appealing and allowing it to serve as a fashion accessory.
Various examples of footwear hanging devices 100 are described herein. A footwear hanging device 100 can include an enclosure 105. The enclosure 105 can include a first portion 106 and a second portion 107 that together define the enclosure. In one example shown in FIG. 1, the first portion 106 can be a front portion, and the second portion 107 can be a rear portion. In another example, the first portion 106 can be a left portion, and the second portion 107 can be a right portion. In still another example, the first portion 106 can be a top portion, and the second portion 107 can be a bottom portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure 105 can be a clamshell-type enclosure with the first portion 106 joined to the second portion 107 by a non-static joint 145, such as a hinge. The joint 145 may be located at a perimeter of the enclosure 105, thereby allowing the enclosure to open and close, similar to a locket or pocket watch.
The footwear hanging device 100 can be configured to attach to a purse 300 or other object. The footwear hanging device 100 can include an attachment mechanism 110 that allows the footwear hanging device 100 to be attached to and detached from a purse 300 or other object. As shown in FIG. 1, the attachment mechanism 110 can be a clasp. In one example, the attachment mechanism 110 can be attached directly to the enclosure 105. In another example, the attachment mechanism 110 can be attached to the enclosure by a swivel 195. The swivel 195 can allow the enclosure 105 to rotate with respect to the attachment mechanism 110. The ability to rotate can be desirable to allow a user to reposition suspended footwear 200 without having to detach the attachment mechanism 110 from the purse 300. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the ability of the swivel 195 to allow for repositioning of the enclosure 105 and footwear without repositioning the attachment mechanism 110 relative to the purse 300 or other item.
The enclosure 105 can be configured to receive and store a first flexible portion 115 and a second flexible portion 120. The first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be configured to suspend or otherwise support the weight of footwear in one or more configurations. More specifically, the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be extendable from the enclosure 105 and be configured to each attach to and suspend footwear 200, as show in FIGS. 6-9, 12, and 13. In a first configuration, shown in FIGS. 5-9, the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be configured to form hanging loops (119, 124) that support the weight of footwear (i.e. hanging loop configuration). In a second configuration, shown in FIGS. 10-13, the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be configured to extend substantially linearly from the enclosure and support the weight of footwear (i.e. extended configuration).
The first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be storable within the enclosure 105 when not in use, as shown in FIG. 4 (i.e. stored configuration). Each of the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be transitionable between the extended configuration and the stored configuration. Each of the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be transitionable between the hanging loop configuration and the stored configuration. Each of the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be transitionable between the extended configuration and the hanging loop configuration.
The enclosure 105 can be constructed from one or more hard (e.g. substantially rigid) materials, such as metal, metal alloy, wood, biodegradable material, synthetic material (e.g. plastic), etc. and/or one or more soft (e.g. flexible or pliable) materials, such as a natural fabrics synthetic fabric, flexible polymer, etc. A hard material may be desirable for durability. A soft material may be desirable for comfort or compressibility and ease of storage of the footwear hanging device 100 in a purse, pocket, or elsewhere when not is use.
The joint 145 may serve to attach the front portion 106 to the rear portion 107. The joint 145 may enable the enclosure 105 to open and close, thereby allowing an inner region 170 or cavity of the enclosure 105 to be accessed for storage and retrieval of the first and second flexible portions (115, 120), as shown in FIG. 4. The joint 145 may be a hinge with a hinge pin 147, as shown in the exploded views of FIGS. 2 and 3. The hinge pin 147 may be inserted though one or more hinge openings 146 in the hinge. In other examples, the hinge may be replaced by any suitable joint 145 that couples the first portion 106 to the second portion 107 and allows the enclosure 105 to open and close. For instance, the foot hanging device 100 may include an integral living hinge or a planar joint that allows the first portion 106 to move relative to the second portion 107 to allow an inner region of the enclosure 105 to be accessed and utilized for storage and retrieval of one or more flexible portions (e.g. 115, 120) configured to suspend footwear 200.
In some examples, the hinge 145 may be omitted. For instance, the first and second portions (106, 107) can be configured to snap together via a friction or interference fit to form the enclosure 105, thereby eliminating a need for the hinge 145 and potentially reducing manufacturing and assembly costs. In another example, the first and second portions (106, 107) can be configured to slidably engage to form the enclosure 105. In yet another example, the enclosure 105 may not include discrete first and second portions and may instead be a one-piece enclosure, such as a pouch or pocket. In still another example, the first and second portions (115, 120) may threadably engage to define the enclosure 105. In another example, the first and second portions (115, 120) may magnetically couple to define the enclosure 105.
FIG. 4 shows the enclosure 105 of the footwear hanging device 100 in an open configuration with the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) stored within the inner region 170 of the enclosure. The inner region 170 can be a cavity or interior volume within the enclosure 105. The inner region 170 can have a volume sized to allow the inner region to receive and store the first and second flexible portions (115, 120). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) can be randomly arranged and stored within the inner region 170 of the enclosure. In other examples, the first and second portions (115, 120) can be arranged in an orderly way to avoid unwanted tangling of the first and second portions. For instance, the enclosure 105 can include a post or structure extending from an inner surface 171 of the enclosure around which the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) can be wrapped for storage. In another example, the enclosure 105 can include a spring-loaded retractable device that retracts the first and second flexible portions (115, 120), thereby wrapping the flexible portions around a spool within the enclosure for storage, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,080, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In another example, the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may wrap around an outer perimeter of the enclosure 105 for storage. Wrapping the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) around an interior or exterior feature of the enclosure 105 may allow the effective lengths of the flexible portions to be adjusted to alter the distance the flexible portions extend from the enclosure to suit certain applications where it is desirable to hang footwear closer to the enclosure.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first flexible portion 115 may have a first end 117 and a second end 118. The first end 117 of the first flexible portion 115 may be attached to the enclosure 105. The first end 117 of the first flexible portion 115 may be attached to an inner surface 171 of the enclosure 105. The first flexible portion 115 may be made from any suitable natural or synthetic material that is capable of extending from the enclosure 105 and adequately suspending the weight of footwear. For example, the first flexible portion 115 can include a leather strip, rubber strip, cotton-based cord, nylon, monofilament or multifilament fishing line, shoe lace, braided metal cable, or fabric that is capable of suspending the weight of footwear 200. The second end 118 of the first flexible portion 115 may be attached to a first flexible loop 116. The first flexible loop 116 can be attached directly to footwear 205, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and can serve as a first footwear-securing feature. Alternately, the first flexible loop 116 can be attached to a first attachment feature 180 of the enclosure 105. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first flexible loop 116 can be an O-ring. The first attachment feature 180 can be a hook located within the enclosure 105.
FIG. 2 shows an exploded front perspective view of the footwear hanging device 100 prior to installing the first and second flexible portions (115, 120). In FIG. 2, the first portion 106 is shown separated from the second portion 107, thereby revealing an inner region 170 of the enclosure 105.
The first attachment feature 180 and the second attachment feature 185 may be located in the inner region 170. As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second attachment features (180, 185) may be affixed to an inner surface 171 of the inner region 170. The first and second attachment features (180, 185) may be hooks or other suitable attachment features.
The enclosure 105 can include one or more openings through which the one or more flexible portions (e.g. 115, 120) can be routed when deployed. In one example shown in FIG. 2, the enclosure 105 may include a first opening 130, a second opening 135, and a third opening 140 through which the flexible portions (e.g. 115, 120) can be routed. In one example, when in a hanging loop configuration as shown in FIG. 5, the first flexible portion 115 can be routed out of the enclosure 105 through the first opening 130 and back into the enclosure through the second opening 135. Similarly, when in a hanging loop configuration as shown in FIG. 5, the second flexible portion 120 can be routed out of the enclosure 105 through the first opening 130 and back into the enclosure through the third opening 140. Other routing configurations may be used. In another example, multiple openings may be replaced with a single opening, such as a slot, located along a bottom perimeter of the enclosure 105.
FIG. 5 shows the footwear hanging device 100 in a hanging loop configuration. The enclosure 105 is shown in an open configuration to allow the inner region 170 of the enclosure 105 to be viewed as well as routing of the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) and attachment features (180, 185) proximate the inner region 170. As shown in FIG. 5, the first flexible portion 115 can be arranged in a loop configuration adapted to support the weight of footwear. Likewise, the second flexible portion 120 can be arranged in a loop configuration adapted to support the weight of footwear. The loop configuration of the first flexible portion 115 can define a first hanging loop 119. The loop configuration of the second flexible portion 120 can define a second hanging loop 124. The first and second hanging loops (119, 124) can be configured to support the weight of footwear.
FIG. 6 shows the footwear hanging device 100 in a hanging loop configuration with the first flexible portion 115 in a loop configuration suspending a first shoe 205 and the second flexible portion 120 in a loop configuration suspending a second shoe 210. The loop configuration of the first flexible portion 115 defines a first hanging loop 119. The loop configuration of the second flexible portion 120 defines a second hanging loop 124. The first and second hanging loops (119, 124) can be configured to adequately support the weight of footwear.
To secure footwear, the first footwear-securing feature 116 can be inserted through an opening in a first shoe 205, as shown in FIG. 6, or otherwise secured to a portion 225 of the first shoe 205 to suspend the shoe. In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first flexible portion 115 can be attached to the enclosure 105 at two points along its length, thereby permitting the first shoe 205 to be supported along a length of the first flexible portion between the two attachment points. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the attachment points coincide with the first and second ends (117, 118) of the first flexible portion 115, but this is not limiting.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second flexible portion 120 may have a first end 122 and a second end 123. The first end 122 of the second flexible portion 120 may be attached to the enclosure 105, such as to the inner surface 171 of the enclosure. The second flexible portion 120 may be made from any suitable natural or synthetic material that is capable of extending from the enclosure 105 and adequately suspending the weight of footwear. For example, the second flexible portion 120 can include a leather strip, rubber strip, cotton-based cord, nylon, monofilament or multifilament fishing line, shoe lace, braided metal cable, or fabric that is capable of suspending the weight of footwear 200. The second end 123 of the second flexible portion 120 may be attached to a second flexible loop 121. The second flexible loop 121 can be attached directly to footwear 210, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and can serve as a second footwear-securing feature. Alternately, the second flexible loop 121 can be attached to the second attachment feature 185 of the enclosure 105. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the second flexible loop 121 can be an O-ring. The second attachment feature 185 can be a hook located within the enclosure 105.
To secure footwear, the second footwear-securing feature 121 can be inserted through an opening in a second shoe 210, as shown in FIG. 6, or otherwise secured to a portion 230 of the second shoe 210 to suspend the shoe. In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second flexible portion 120 can be attached to the enclosure 105 at two points along its length, thereby permitting the second shoe 210 to be supported along a length of the second flexible portion between the two attachment points. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the attachment points coincide with the first and second ends (122, 123) of the second flexible portion 120, but this is not limiting.
FIG. 7 shows the footwear hanging device 100 in a hanging loop configuration and attached to a purse 300. In FIG. 7, the first hanging loop 119 of the first flexible portion 115 is suspending the first shoe 205, and the second hanging loop 124 of the second flexible portion 120 is suspending the second shoe. FIG. 8 shows a view similar to FIG. 7 but with the footwear hanging device 100 and shoes (205, 210) rotated to expose the first portion 106 of the enclosure 105. FIG. 9 shows a close-up view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 shows a front view of the footwear hanging device 100 in an extended configuration with the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) each extending from an opening 130 in the enclosure 105. FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of the footwear hanging device 100 in a closed position with each of the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) in the extended configuration.
FIG. 12 shows the footwear hanging device 100 in a closed configuration and attached to a purse 300. FIG. 13 shows a shows a close-up view of the footwear hanging device of FIG. 12. The first flexible portion 115 can be arranged in an extended configuration and can suspend a first shoe 205 by a first heel portion 215 of the shoe, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Similarly, the second flexible portion 120 can be arranged in an extended configuration and can suspend a second shoe 210 by a second heel portion 220.
The first footwear-securing feature 116 can be part of the first flexible portion 115 or can be a separate component that is attached to the first flexible portion. In one example, the first footwear-securing feature 116 can be a loose end of the first flexible portion 115 that can be tied to footwear or otherwise used to suspend footwear. In another example, the footwear-securing feature 116 can be an elastomer portion, such as an O-ring, band, or tie. In one example, the footwear-securing feature 116 can be a flexible loop, such as a rubber O-ring, with a diameter of about 0.125-0.375 in., 0.25-0.5 in., 0.375-0.875 in., or 0.75-1.0 in. The first footwear securing feature 116 can be sized to stretch when a first heel portion 215 of a shoe 205 is inserted through an inner diameter of the first footwear-securing feature, as shown in FIG. 13. Upon stretching to accommodate the first heel portion 215, the first footwear-securing feature 116 may exert a compressive force around an exterior surface of the first heel portion 215. The compressive force, in combination with the static coefficient of friction between the material of the first footwear-securing feature 116 and the material of the first heel portion 215, may allow the first footwear-securing feature 116 to remain in position along the first heel portion 215 and not slide off due to the weight of the shoe. In some examples, the static coefficient of friction between the material of the first footwear-securing feature 116 and the first heel portion 215 of the shoe 205 can be about 0.45-0.65, 0.55-0.75, 0.65-0.85, 0.75-0.95, 0.85-1.05, or 0.96-1.16.
The second footwear-securing feature 121 can be part of the second flexible portion 120 or can be a separate component that is attached to the second flexible portion. In one example, the second footwear-securing feature 121 can be a loose end of the second flexible portion 120 that can be tied to footwear or otherwise used to suspend footwear. In another example, the second footwear-securing feature 121 can be an elastomer portion, such as an O-ring, band, or tie. In one example, the footwear-securing feature 121 can be a flexible loop, such as a rubber O-ring, with a diameter of 0.125-0.375 in., 0.25-0.5 in., 0.375-0.875 in., or 0.75-1.0 in. The second footwear securing feature 121 can be sized to stretch when a second heel portion 220 of a shoe 210 is inserted through an inner diameter of the second footwear-securing feature 121, as shown in FIG. 13. Upon stretching to accommodate the second heel portion 220, the second footwear-securing feature 121 may exert a compressive force around an exterior surface of the second heel portion 220 The compressive force, in combination with the static coefficient of friction between the material of the second footwear-securing feature 121 and the material of the second heel portion 220, may allow the second footwear-securing feature 215 to remain in position along the second heel portion 220 and not slide off due to the weight of the shoe 210. In some examples, the static coefficient of friction between the material of the second footwear-securing feature 121 and the second heel portion 220 of the shoe 210 can be about 0.45-0.65, 0.55-0.75, 0.65-0.85, 0.75-0.95, 0.85-1.05, or 0.96-1.16.
The footwear hanging device 100 may include a securing mechanism 155 to maintain the enclosure 105 in a closed position. Although the securing mechanism 155 shown in FIGS. 2 and 11 is a latch, this not limiting. The securing mechanism 155 can be any suitable type of securing mechanism. In one example, the securing mechanism may be a lockable securing mechanism to prevent unauthorized opening of the enclosure 105. In this example, the one or more flexible portions (e.g. 115, 120) may be made of braided metal cable (e.g. braided steel cable), thereby allowing the device 100 to serve as a cable lock when one or more hanging loops are extending from the device, as show in FIGS. 7-9. The securing mechanism 155 may be a mechanical or an electro-mechanical securing mechanism. In one example, the securing mechanism 155 may be a keyed lock. In another example, the securing mechanism 155 may be a combination lock. In still another example, the securing mechanism 155 may be an electro-mechanical lock that is opened with physical buttons or through communication with an electronic device (e.g. a smartphone) that interfaces with the securing mechanism through wireless communication (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).
The enclosure 105 may include a fastener opening 190, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The fastener opening 190 may be configured to receive a fastener, such as a rivet, screw, hot melt glue, or other adhesive. The faster may secure the first flexible portion 115 to the enclosure 105. The faster may secure the first flexible portion 115 to the inner surface 171 of the enclosure 105. The faster may secure the second flexible portion 115 to the enclosure 105. The faster may secure the second flexible portion 115 to the inner surface 171 of the enclosure 105.
Although the figures show high-heel shoes (205, 210), this is not limiting. The footwear hanging device 100 may be compatible with many types of footwear, including, but not limited to, athletic shoes (e.g. running, football, tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer shoes, etc.), boots (e.g. work boots, hiking boots, ski boots, snowboarding boots, hunting boots, cowboy boots, rain boots, etc.), skates (hockey skates, figure skates, inline skates, etc.), slippers, and sandals.
Although a footwear hanging device 100 is shown attached to a purse 300 in the figures, this is not limiting. The footwear hanging device 100 can be used in many other applications. For instance, the footwear hanging device 100 can be used to hang footwear from items such as a backpack, suitcase, briefcase, duffel bag, hiking pack, or athletic equipment bag (e.g. hockey bag, soccer bag, etc.).
Although a footwear hanging device 100 with two flexible portions (115, 120) is depicted in the figures, this is not limiting. In some examples, the footwear hanging device 100 may have only one flexible portion 115. In these examples, the one flexible portion 115 can be configured to support the weight of one, two, or more than two items of footwear. In one example, the first and second flexible portions (115, 120) may be formed from a single portion that is secured near a middle region of the single portion, effectively allowing the single portion to serve as two portions. This configuration may simplify manufacturing and reduce cost.
It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the claims.
The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the embodiments disclosed. Other modifications and variations may be possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular uses contemplated. It is intended that the claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.
Patent Application
20190274458
