U.S. patent application number 12/077583 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for apparatus for storing sandals and other loose items.
Invention is credited to Mary Ellen Hathorn.
Application Number | 20090071917 12/077583 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40453336 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090071917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hathorn; Mary Ellen |
March 19, 2009 |
Apparatus for storing sandals and other loose items
Abstract
An apparatus for storing and displaying footwear including,
without limitation, flip-flops and thong-type sandals, as well as
other loose items, is provided. An elongate central body, such as a
length of ribbon or other similar structure, has a number of
upwardly facing hooks--typically combined in pairs--arrayed along
the length of the central body.
Inventors: |
Hathorn; Mary Ellen;
(Lafayette, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ted M. Anthony
P.O. Box 3408
Lafayette
LA
70502
US
|
Family ID: |
40453336 |
Appl. No.: |
12/077583 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60993558 |
Sep 14, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/318 20150115;
A47F 2005/0012 20130101; A47F 5/0006 20130101; A47F 7/08 20130101;
A47G 25/005 20130101; A47F 5/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/34 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/08 20060101
A47F007/08 |
Claims
1. A mounting apparatus comprising: a) an elongate central member
having a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side and a length;
b) at least one pair of hooks having a first hook and second hook,
wherein said first hook of said at least one pair of hooks is
disposed along said first side of said elongate central member, and
the second hook of said at least one pair of hooks is disposed
along the second side of said elongate central member.
2. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongate central
member comprises fabric.
3. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongate central
member comprises leather.
4. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongate central
member comprises flexible synthetic material.
5. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a loop
disposed at said first end of said elongate central member.
6. A mounting apparatus comprising: a) an elongate central member
having a first end, a second end, a length and a width; b) at least
one hanger member disposed on said elongate central member
comprising: i) a body section having a first end, a second end and
a length, wherein the length of said body section is greater than
the width of said elongate central member, and said body section is
oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
said elongate central member; ii) a first hook disposed at the
first end of said body section; and iii) a second hook disposed at
the second end of said body section.
7. The mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein said elongate central
member comprises fabric.
8. The mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein said elongate central
member comprises leather.
9. The mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein said elongate central
member comprises flexible synthetic material.
10. The mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least one
hanger member comprises molded plastic.
11. A mounting apparatus comprising: a) an elongate flexible
central member having a first end, a second end, a length and a
width; b) at least one hanger member disposed along the length of
said flexible elongate central member comprising: i) a body section
having a first end, a second end and a length, wherein the length
of said body section is greater than the width of said elongate
central member, and said body section is oriented substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said elongate central
member; ii) a first hook disposed at the first end of said body
section; and iii) a second hook disposed at the second end of said
body section.
12. The mounting apparatus of claim 11, wherein said elongate
central member comprises fabric.
13. The mounting apparatus of claim 11, wherein said elongate
central member comprises leather.
14. The mounting apparatus of claim 11, wherein said elongate
central member comprises flexible synthetic material.
15. The mounting apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a loop
disposed at said first end of said elongate central member.
16. The mounting apparatus of claim 11, wherein said at least one
hanger member comprises molded plastic.
17. The mounting apparatus of claim 11, wherein said at least one
hanger member further comprises: a. a slot extending through said
body section for receiving a loop formed from a portion of said
elongate flexible central member, wherein said slot runs
substantially parallel to the length of said body section and is
longer than the width of said elongate central member; b. an
elongate locking bracket disposed through said loop formed from a
portion of said elongate flexible central member and attached to
said body section.
18. The mounting apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a. at
least one snap aperture disposed on said body member; and b at
least one snap extension disposed on said elongate bracket member,
wherein said at least one snap extension of said elongate bracket
member is aligned with said at least one snap aperture of said body
member.
19. The mounting apparatus of claim 17, wherein said elongate
bracket member has at least one flat side.
20. The mounting apparatus of claim 17, wherein said elongate
bracket member has at least one gripping tooth disposed along the
length of said elongate bracket member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] THIS APPLICATION CLAIMS THE BENEFIT OF U.S. PROVISIONAL
PATENT APPLICATION NO. 60/993,558 FILED Sep. 14, 2007.
STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY
SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0002] NONE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention pertains to an apparatus for storing
and displaying footwear and other loose items. More particularly,
the present invention pertains to an apparatus for storing and
displaying strapped footwear including, but not necessarily limited
to, flip-flops and thong-type sandals, as well as other loose
items.
[0005] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Flip-flops or thong sandals are typically backless sandals
having a substantially planar sole that is held loosely on a user's
foot by straps. In most cases, the straps of a flip-flop sandal
comprise two simple straps that come together to form a "Y" shape.
Each of said straps are typically anchored to the sole along both
the sides of a user's foot, extend over the top of said foot, and
converge together where they are joined. Such combined straps are
then anchored to the sole between the user's first (big) toe and
next (second) toe. Some thong-type sandals also have other straps,
and many different additions and/or variations of strap styles and
configurations are also possible.
[0007] Although basic thong sandals typically have a flat sole,
such thong sandals can also come in a variety of styles such as
heels, slides, wedges, and/or "kitten heels." Thong sandals can be
constructed from rubber or other relatively inexpensive materials,
while dressier versions can be made from leather, suede, patent
leather, and/or other materials. Depending upon prevailing fashion,
thong sandals are also sometimes embellished with accessories
including, but not limited to, buckles, jewelry, fringes,
medallions and/or beading. Because of the popularity of thong
sandals as dress shoes, some hosiery manufacturers even make
stockings with a gap between the first and second toes to
accommodate thong straps.
[0008] Organization and storage of flip-flops, thong sandals and
other similar footwear can present challenges. Due to the unusual
shape and configuration of such footwear including, without
limitation, the lack of regular "uppers," such footwear generally
cannot be stored using conventional shoe trees and/or other
existing footwear storage devices. Moreover, one member of a pair
can become easily lost or misplaced, which renders the remaining
member of such pair less desirable and, in some cases, useless.
[0009] Although particularly well suited for use with footwear such
as thong-type sandals and the like, the apparatus of the present
invention can also be used to conveniently store, organize and/or
display other items. By way of illustration, but not limitation,
the apparatus of the present invention can be used to beneficially
hold loose items such as children's toys, stuffed animals and the
like. For example, stuffed animals and/or similar toys such as
Beanie Babies.RTM. or Webkinz.RTM. can be efficiently stored and
displayed on the apparatus of the present invention. Said toys can
be maintained in a convenient location to prevent them from
becoming lost or misplaced, while permitting display of such toys
during periods when they are not in use.
[0010] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a convenient,
inexpensive and user-friendly device for storing flip-flops, thong
sandals and other similar footwear, as well as other loose items.
The device should permit the storage and display of such items and,
particularly in the case of footwear, should facilitate storage of
such footwear in matching pairs. Further, the device should be
capable of being used in multiple locations including, without
limitation, on coat hangers (such as in closets or similar
enclosures), or on hooks attached to walls, doors or other
convenient surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0011] The present invention comprises an elongate central body
member. In the preferred embodiment, said elongate central body
member is flexible, yet sufficiently strong to support the weight
of multiple pairs of flip-flops, thong sandals or other similar
footwear. By way of example, but not limitation, said elongate
central body member can be a length of ribbon, strap or other
similar material. A mounting means, such as a loop or "d-clamp", is
disposed at one end of said elongate central body member.
[0012] At lease one hanger member is attached to such elongate
central body member. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, each such hanger member comprises a substantially flat
body section having a first end, a second end, and a length. A
first hook is disposed at said first end of said hanger member,
while a second hook is disposed at said second end of said hanger
member. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said
first and second hooks are oriented in the same direction; that is,
the mouths or openings of said first and second hooks are both
facing in substantially the same direction (which, in most cases,
will be vertically upward when the central body member of the
present invention is mounted).
[0013] Said hanger members are disposed along the length of said
elongate central body member in spaced relationship. Further, in
the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said hanger
members are affixed to such elongate central body member so that
the longitudinal axis of the body section of each such hanger
member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of said elongate central member. In this configuration, each
hanger member essentially forms a pair of aligned hooks; one such
hook is laterally disposed on one side of said elongate central
member, while the other such hook is laterally disposed on the
opposite side of said elongate central member.
[0014] In operation, the mounting means of said elongate central
body member is typically attached to a clothes hanger, hook or
other stationary member, while said elongate central body member is
permitted to hang vertically. In this configuration, multiple pairs
of aligned hooks (formed by said hanger members positioned in
spaced relationship along the length of said elongate central body
member) are disposed at different points along said elongate
central body member. Said hanger members are oriented so that all
of the openings of said hooks face substantially upward.
[0015] Flip-flops, thong sandals or other similar footwear can be
hung on said hooks for storage until needed for later use. Because
said hooks are disposed in pairs, one piece of footwear can be hung
on one hook, while the other matching piece of footwear can be hung
on the other matching hook. In other words, both pieces of footwear
can be kept together and conveniently stored in close proximity to
one another.
[0016] The present invention has a number of advantages, and can be
beneficially utilized in a number of different applications. For
ease of reference, the present invention is described herein
primarily in connection with applications involving footwear, and
especially "flip-flops" or thong-type sandals. However, the
description set forth herein is for illustration purposes only, and
is not intended to limit or otherwise restrict the scope of the
present invention in any way. Although the present invention is
primarily described herein in connection with the storage and
display of footwear, it is to be observed that the present
invention can be used with a multitude of other items including,
but not necessarily limited to, stuffed animals and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when
read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the invention, the drawings show certain preferred
embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed.
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of a prior art
thong-type sandal.
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of the mounting
apparatus of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of a hanger
member and elongate central member of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a detailed side perspective view of a
highlighted portion of the present invention depicted in FIG.
2.
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts a side sectional view of the present
invention along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 6 depicts a side sectional view of the present
invention along line 6-6 of FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 7 depicts a side sectional view of the present
invention along line 7-7 of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention has a number of advantages, and can be
beneficially utilized in a number of different applications. For
ease of reference, the present invention is described herein
primarily in connection with applications involving footwear, and
especially "flip-flops" or thong-type sandals. However, the
description set forth herein is for illustration purposes only, and
is not intended to limit or otherwise restrict the scope of the
present invention in any way. For illustration purposes, the
present invention is described in connection with the storage and
display of footwear; however, it is to be observed that the present
invention can be used with a multitude of other loose objects
including, but not necessarily limited to, stuffed animals and the
like.
[0026] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective
view of a prior art thong-type sandal 100. It is to be observed
that thong-type sandals such as sandal 100 are usually produced in
pairs; that is, one sandal for a right foot and a matching sandal
for a left foot. Prior art sandal 100 depicted herein is provided
merely for illustration purposes as an example of an existing
sandal design. Sandal 100 is just one of the many different types,
styles and/or configurations of footwear that can be beneficially
used in connection with the mounting apparatus apparatus of the
present invention.
[0027] Still referring to FIG. 1, sandal 100 generally comprises
sole 101 having substantially planar upper surface 102 and
substantially planar lower surface 103 (obscured from view in FIG.
1). Planar lower surface 103 of sole 101 may be smooth, or may
include treads, protrusions or other traction-promoting means well
known in the art. Similarly, upper surface 102 of sole 101 may be
smooth, or may include indentations or recesses designed to conform
to the curvature of a user's foot. Further, upper surface 102 of
sole 101 may also optionally include other features well known in
the art including, but not necessarily limited to, protrusions,
massaging elements and/or gripping features.
[0028] It is to be observed that prior art sandal 100 has
substantially flat sole member 100. Many different styles of prior
art sandals, such as sandal 100, have no significant change in sole
thickness. However, although not depicted as such in FIG. 1, sole
101 of prior art sandal 100 can be thicker at back end 101B than at
front end 101A, thereby defining an elevated heel section at back
end 101B.
[0029] Still referring to FIG. 1, sandal 100 has straps 104 that
create a substantially "Y-shaped" structure extending along a
portion of upper surface 102 of sandal 100. Said straps 104 of
prior art sandal 100 connect to sole 101 at their respective ends
104B. Although said ends 104B of straps 104 can connect to sole 101
at many different locations, in the particular style of prior art
sandal 100 depicted in FIG. 1, said straps connect to said sole 101
near the sides of sole 101, and closer to back end 101B than front
end 101A.
[0030] In the style of prior art sandal 100 depicted in FIG. 1,
straps 104 converge together and form anchor member 105. Said
anchor member 105 is connected to sole 101. Although precise
placement of anchor member 105 relative to sole 101 can be varied
to account for different sizes and shapes of feet, as well as style
preferences, in most cases anchor member 105 is positioned where it
will fit comfortably between a typical user's (not depicted in FIG.
1) first (big) toe and next (second) toe. Further, straps 104 are
frequently oriented so that they extend from both sides of a user's
foot, converge over the top of such foot, and combine to form
anchor member 105.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, mounting apparatus 10 of the present
invention comprises an elongate central body member 11. In the
preferred embodiment, said elongate central body member 11 has top
12, bottom 13, first side 14 and second side 15. Said elongate
central member 11 is flexible, yet sufficiently strong to support
the weight of multiple pairs of sandals or other similar footwear
(such as, for example, prior art sandal 100 depicted in FIG. 1). By
way of example, but not limitation, said elongate central body
member 11 can be fashioned from a length of ribbon, strap, leather
or other natural or synthetic material(s) having desired
characteristics. In the preferred embodiment, d-clamp 16 is
disposed at top 12 of said elongate central body member 11. Still
referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of hanger members 20 is attached
to elongate central body member 11.
[0032] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of a hanger
member 20 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, each such hanger member 20 comprises a
substantially flat body section 21. A first hook 22 is disposed at
one end of said flat body section 21 of said hanger member 20,
while a second hook 23 is disposed at the opposite end of said flat
body section 21 of said hanger member 20. Hook 22 defines an upper
opening 22A providing access to concave surface 22B, while hook 23
similarly defines an upper opening 23A providing access to concave
surface 23B. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
said hooks 22 and 23 are oriented in the same direction; that is,
concave surfaces 22B and 23B of hooks 22 and 23, respectively, are
both facing in substantially the same direction.
[0033] Referring back to FIG. 2, said hanger members 20 are
disposed in spaced relation at desired positions along the length
of said elongate central body member 11. Further, in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, said hanger members 20 are
affixed to said elongate central member 11 so that the longitudinal
axis of the body section 21 of each such hanger member 20 is
oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
said elongate central member 11. In the preferred embodiment, body
section 21 of hanger member 20 is beneficially sized to be slightly
longer than the width of elongate body member 11, thereby
permitting hooks 22 and 23 to be laterally disposed along both
sides of said elongate central member 11.
[0034] In this configuration, each hanger member 20 essentially
forms a pair of laterally aligned hooks; one such hook from each
such pair is disposed along side 14 of said elongate central member
11, while the other hook from such pair is disposed along side 15
of said elongate central member 11. Said hanger members 20 can be
affixed to elongate central body member 11 using any number of
different fastening means including, but not necessarily limited
to, conventional rivets or fasteners.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts how hanger member 20 is affixed to elongate
central member 11 in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment of the
present invention each hanger member 20 has elongate slot 24. Said
elongate slot 24 extends through body section 21 of hanger member
20; the longitudinal axis of elongate slot 24 is beneficially
oriented in parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of
body section 21, and in perpendicular relationship with the
longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11. In the preferred
embodiment, the length of said elongate slot 24 is slightly larger
than the width of elongate central member 11 (that is, the length
of elongate slot 24 is slightly greater than the distance between
side 14 and side 15 of said elongate central member 11). At least
one snap aperture 25 is disposed at each end of elongate slot
24.
[0036] Still referring to FIG. 3, locking bracket 30 is provided to
facilitate attachment of hanger member 20 to elongate central body
member 11. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, locking
bracket 30 has flat side 31 and curved side 32 that defines a
substantially convex outer surface. Snap extensions 33 extend from
flat side 31 and are spaced so that they align and can mate with
snap apertures 25 of hanger member 20. In the preferred embodiment,
locking bracket 30 also has a plurality of friction-promoting
gripping teeth 34 disposed on its upper and lower surfaces.
[0037] Hanger member 20 can be beneficially affixed to elongate
central member 11 using locking bracket 30. Specifically, a portion
of elongate central member 11 is passed through elongate slot 24 of
hanger member 20, thereby forming loop 11A. Locking bracket 30 is
inserted into said loop 11A, and snap extensions 33 are inserted
into snap apertures 25. In the preferred embodiment, snap
extensions 33 are sized and configured to provide a frictional
connection when inserted within snap apertures 25 so that locking
bracket 30 can be removably attached to hanger member 20.
[0038] FIG. 4 depicts a detailed side perspective view of a
highlighted portion of the present invention depicted in FIG. 2. As
described above, loop 11A, formed by a portion of elongate central
member 11, is inserted through elongate slot 24 of hanger member
20. Locking bracket 30 is inserted laterally within said loop 11A,
and snap extensions 33 are locked in place within snap apertures
25. In the preferred embodiment, elongate central member 11 should
be pulled tight so that loop 11A is taut around locking bracket 30.
Although not visible in FIG. 4, gripping teeth 34 of locking
bracket 30 act frictionally act against the inner surface of loop
11A, thereby securing hanger member 20 in place and preventing
slippage of said hanger member 20 along the length of elongate
central member 11.
[0039] In this manner, a plurality of hanger members 20 can be
affixed or anchored to elongate central member 11. Further, use of
locking bracket 30 permits said hanger members 20 to be easily and
conveniently affixed, removed, and then re-affixed at different
locations along the length of said elongate central member 11. As
such, it is to be observed that said hanger members 20 can be
adjustably positioned along the length of elongate central member
11 to accommodate sizes, shapes, styles and/or other
characteristics of the footwear of other items to be supported by
the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 6 depicts a side sectional view of the present
invention along line 6-6 of FIG. 1. Loop 11A, formed by a portion
of elongate central member 11, extends through elongate slot 24 of
hanger member 20. Locking bracket 30 is inserted laterally within
loop 11A. Elongate central member 11 is pulled tight so that loop
11A is taut around the convex outer surface of curved side 32
locking bracket 30. Flat surface 31 of locking bracket 30 acts to
wedge a portion of loop 11A against body section 21 of hanger
member 20. Gripping teeth 34 of locking bracket 30 frictionally act
against the inner surface of loop 11A, thereby securing hanger
member 20 in place and preventing slippage of said hanger member 20
along the longitudinal axis of elongate central member 11.
[0041] FIG. 7 depicts a side sectional view of the present
invention along line 7-7 of FIG. 4. Snap extensions 33 of locking
bracket 30 are inserted into snap apertures 25 of hanger member 20.
In the preferred embodiment, snap extensions 33 are sized to
provide a frictional connection with snap apertures 25. Flat
surface 31 of locking bracket 30 acts to wedge a portion of loop
11A against body section 21 of hanger member 20, and thereby hold
said hanger member 20 in place.
[0042] Referring back to FIG. 2, in operation, clamp 16 of said
elongate central body member 11 can be attached to a clothes
hanger, hook or other stationary member, thereby permitting
elongate central body member 11 to hang vertically from said clamp
16. In this configuration, multiple pairs of aligned hooks (formed
by said hanger members 20 positioned in spaced relationship along
the length of said elongate central body member 11) are disposed at
different points along the length of said elongate central body
member 11. Said hanger members 20 are oriented so that all of the
concave surfaces of said hooks of such hanger members face
substantially upward.
[0043] Still referring to FIG. 2, multiple pairs of sandals 100 (or
other similar footwear) can be hung on said hooks of hanger members
20 for storage until needed for later use. Because said hooks are
disposed in pairs, one sandal of a matching pair can be hung on one
hook, while the accompanying (matching) sandal can be hung on the
laterally aligned hook. In other words, both sandals of a matching
pair can be kept together and stored in close proximity to one
another.
[0044] FIG. 5 depicts a side sectional view of the mounting
apparatus 10 of the present invention along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.
When thong-type sandals are being stored on the mounting apparatus
of the present invention, anchor member 105 of each such sandal 100
can be received upon upward-facing hook 23 of the present
invention. Specifically, such anchor member 105 rests upon upwardly
facing concave surface 23B of hook 23. In this orientation, sandal
100 rests in substantially flat and orderly orientation relative to
other sandals mounted in the same fashion on mounting apparatus 10.
It is to be observed that mounting apparatus 10 of the present
invention can also be used to hold/store many different styles of
footwear including, without limitation, non-thong and Crocs.RTM.
sandals.
[0045] It is to be observed that portions of central body member 11
and hanger members 20 can provide convenient surfaces for display
of various designs or indicia. By way of illustration, but not
limitation, cartoon characters, sporting team colors, logos,
emblems and/or other designs can be displayed on such surfaces.
[0046] The above-described invention has a number of particular
features that should preferably be employed in combination,
although each is useful separately without departure from the scope
of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that
the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically
illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and
arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the
invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of
the invention.
* * * * *