Patent application title: Tool for boot and the like
Inventors:
Xinzhong Bao (South El Monte, CA, US)
IPC8 Class: AA43D500FI
USPC Class:
12128 R
Class name: Boot and shoe making forms
Publication date: 2013-03-07
Patent application number: 20130055510
Abstract:
A tool, which is adapted for stabilizing a pair of boots in shape,
includes two retaining legs and a binding head. The two retaining legs
are extended side-by-side to define a retaining gap therebetween, wherein
each of the retaining legs has an upper end and a lower end to define a
retaining length at least longer than a length of a shaft of each of the
boots. The binding head is provided at the upper ends of the retaining
legs for applying an urging force therealong so as to minimize a width of
the retaining gap, wherein the retaining legs are adapted for inserting
into the shafts of the boots respectively at a position that two inner
sides of the shafts are held between the retaining legs so as to
stabilize the shapes of boots.Claims:
1. A tool for a pair of boots, comprising: two retaining legs extended
side-by-side to define a retaining gap therebetween, wherein each of said
retaining legs has an upper end and a lower end to define a retaining
length at least longer than a length of a shaft of each of said boots;
and a binding head provided at said upper ends of said retaining legs for
applying an urging force therealong so as to minimize a width of said
retaining gap, wherein said retaining legs are adapted for inserting into
said shafts of said boots respectively at a position that two inner sides
of said shafts are held between said retaining legs so as to stabilize
the shapes of said shafts of said boots.
2. The tool, as recited in claim 1, wherein said binding head, which is made of flexible material, comprises a U-shaped resilient head integrally extended from said upper ends of said retaining legs.
3. The tool, as recited in claim 2, wherein said resilient head has a cavity formed in oval shape communicating with said retaining gap, wherein a width of said cavity is larger than a width of said retaining gap.
4. The tool, as recited in claim 1, wherein said lower ends of said retaining legs are bent outwardly to form an enlarged bottom opening to communicate with said retaining gap.
5. The tool, as recited in claim 3, wherein said lower ends of said retaining legs are bent outwardly to form an enlarged bottom opening to communicate with said retaining gap.
6. The tool, as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said retaining legs has an elongated and straight configuration that two inner sides of said retaining legs are two elongated and straight surfaces for biasing against said inner sides of said shafts respectively.
7. The tool, as recited in claim 3, wherein each of said retaining legs has an elongated and straight configuration that two inner sides of said retaining legs are two elongated and straight surfaces for biasing against said inner sides of said shafts respectively.
8. The tool, as recited in claim 5, wherein each of said retaining legs has an elongated and straight configuration that two inner sides of said retaining legs are two elongated and straight surfaces for biasing against said inner sides of said shafts respectively.
9. The tool, as recited in claim 6, further comprising two holding elements provided at said inner sides of said retaining legs respectively, wherein each of said holding elements is made of anti-scratching material for securely engaging with said inner side of said shaft and for preventing said inner side of said shaft being scratched by said retaining leg.
10. The tool, as recited in claim 7, further comprising two holding elements provided at said inner sides of said retaining legs respectively, wherein each of said holding elements is made of anti-scratching material for securely engaging with said inner side of said shaft and for preventing said inner side of said shaft being scratched by said retaining leg.
11. The tool, as recited in claim 8, further comprising two holding elements provided at said inner sides of said retaining legs respectively, wherein each of said holding elements is made of anti-scratching material for securely engaging with said inner side of said shaft and for preventing said inner side of said shaft being scratched by said retaining leg.
12. The tool, as recited in claim 3, wherein said binding head further comprises a handling loop provided on top of said resilient head.
13. The tool, as recited in claim 8, wherein said binding head further comprises a handling loop provided on top of said resilient head.
14. The tool, as recited in claim 11, wherein said binding head further comprises a handling loop provided on top of said resilient head.
15. The tool, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a boot shaping unit for retaining a shape of said boot, wherein said boot shaping unit comprises two retaining members provided at two outer sides of said retaining legs respectively, and two boot shapers being held by said retaining members when said boot shapers are slidably inserted into said shafts of said boots respectively.
16. The tool, as recited in claim 5, further comprising a boot shaping unit for retaining a shape of said boot, wherein said boot shaping unit comprises two retaining members provided at two outer sides of said retaining legs respectively, and two boot shapers being held by said retaining members when said boot shapers are slidably inserted into said shafts of said boots respectively.
17. The tool, as recited in claim 14, further comprising a boot shaping unit for retaining a shape of said boot, wherein said boot shaping unit comprises two retaining members provided at two outer sides of said retaining legs respectively, and two boot shapers being held by said retaining members when said boot shapers are slidably inserted into said shafts of said boots respectively.
18. The tool, as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said retaining legs, which is a length-adjustable legs, comprises a plurality of leg portions being coupled together in a telescope manner to selectively adjust said retaining length corresponding to said length of said shaft of each of said boots.
19. The tool, as recited in claim 8, wherein each of said retaining legs, which is a length-adjustable legs, comprises a plurality of leg portions being coupled together in a telescope manner to selectively adjust said retaining length corresponding to said length of said shaft of each of said boots.
20. The tool, as recited in claim 17, wherein each of said retaining legs, which is a length-adjustable legs, comprises a plurality of leg portions being coupled together in a telescope manner to selectively adjust said retaining length corresponding to said length of said shaft of each of said boots.
Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to footwear, and more particular to a tool for a pair of boots and the like, which is adapted to stabilizing the shafts of the boots so as to retain the boots in shape.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ARTS
[0002] Boots are one of a popular style of women's footwear. A typical boot generally has a vamp attached to a sole, wherein the vamp surrounds the foot of the wearer and merges into a shaft which extends upwardly to the wearer's ankle along the wearer's calf. Accordingly, the vamp is usually made of flexible material and is adapted to be self-retained in shape by the sole when the boot is not worn. However, the shaft is too long that it cannot be maintained its shape. Therefore, when the boots are not worn, the shafts will usually be folded to the vamp.
[0003] It is always a hassle to display the boots in stores that the shafts of the boots must be retained at an upright manner. Boot shapers are generally used that the boot shapers are inserted into the shafts to maintain the shapes thereof. However, the customers must remove the boot shapers from the boots in order to test-wear the boots. Then, the customers may merely leave the boot shapers out of the boots or improperly insert the boot shapers back to the boots. An improper position of the boot shaper will cause the deformation of the shaft. In addition, boots are liable with use to become marred in appearance by marks due to stretching and creasing.
[0004] Shoe experts always mention that boots must be stored in an upright position with a boot shapers stuffed in the boot to the shaft with a boot form. The best places to store the boots in are cool, dry, and ventilated to prevent odor developing. However, the boot shapers have several drawbacks.
[0005] After wearing the boots, the boot shapers are inserted into the boots and will restrict the air circulation therewithin. Furthermore, the boot shapers are formed in one size that the boot shapers may not fit into different shapes of boots. An improved boot shaper has a shape-adjustable unit for enabling the wearer to selectively adjust the shape of the boot shaper in order to fit into the boots. However, the boot shaper with the shape-adjustable unit will increase the manufacturing cost and increase the weight of the boot shaper that the shaft of the boot may not able to support the boot shaper therein. Thus, the wearer must purchase the boot shapers in pairs. If one of the boot shapers is broken or lost, only one of the boots can be held in shape.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0006] The invention is advantageous in that it provides a tool for a pair of boots and the like, which is adapted to stabilizing the shafts of the boots so as to retain the boots in shape.
[0007] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a tool for boots, which has a single retaining structure to retain two boots in shape at the same time. In particular, the tool of the present invention can be selectively used for retaining one boot at a time or two boots at a time.
[0008] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a tool for boots, which allows air circulation of the boots.
[0009] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a tool for boots, which has a length-adjustably leg for selectively adjusting its height corresponding to the shaft-length of the boot.
[0010] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a tool for boots, which has a simple structure to minimize the manufacturing cost of the tool to retain the boots in shape.
[0011] Another advantage of the invention is to provide a tool for boots, wherein no expensive or complicated structure is required to employ in the present invention in order to achieve the above mentioned objects. Therefore, the present invention successfully provides an economic and efficient solution for stabilizing the shafts of the boots.
[0012] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.
[0013] According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a tool for a pair of boots, comprising two retaining legs and a binding head.
[0014] The two retaining legs are extended side-by-side to define a retaining gap therebetween, wherein each of the retaining legs has an upper end and a lower end to define a retaining length at least longer than a length of a shaft of each of the boots.
[0015] The binding head is provided at the upper ends of the retaining legs for applying an urging force therealong so as to minimize a width of the retaining gap, wherein the retaining legs are adapted for inserting into the shafts of the boots respectively at a position that two inner sides of the shafts are held between the retaining legs so as to stabilize the shapes of the shafts of the boots.
[0016] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
[0017] These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool for boots and the like according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the boots being retained by the tool according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a first alternative mode of the retaining leg of the tool according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a second alternative mode of the retaining leg of the tool according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a tool for a pair of boots according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the tool is adapted for holding the two boots together and for stabilizing the shape of the boots at the same time. Each boot 10 has a vamp 11 attached to a sole 12 and a shaft 13 merging with the vamp 11. According to the preferred embodiment, the tool comprises two retaining legs 20 and a binding head 30.
[0023] The two retaining legs 20 are extended side-by-side to define a retaining gap 21 therebetween, wherein each of the retaining legs 20 has an upper end and a lower end 22 to define a retaining length at least longer than a length of the shaft 13 of each of the boots 10. In addition, a bottom opening 23 is formed between the lower ends 22 of the retaining legs 20 to communicate with the retaining gap 21.
[0024] The binding head 30 is provided at the upper ends of the retaining legs 20 for applying an urging force therealong so as to minimize a width of the retaining gap 21, wherein the retaining legs 20 are adapted for inserting into the shafts 13 of the boots 10 respectively at a position that two inner sides of the shafts 13 are held between the retaining legs 20 so as to stabilize the shapes of the shafts 13 of the boots 10, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the retaining legs 20 is made of lightweight but durable material, such as plastic or metal, that the shafts 13 of the boots 10 can be rigidly supported by the retaining legs 20. In particular, each of the retaining legs 20 has an elongated and straight configuration that two inner sides of the retaining legs 20 are two elongated and straight surfaces for biasing against the inner sides of the shafts 13 respectively. In other words, when the inner sides of the shafts 13 are held between the retaining legs 20, the boots 10 are retained side-by-side and in an upright manner. Preferably, each of the retaining legs 20 has a rectangular cross section or square cross section such that the inner side of each of the retaining legs 20 is a flat surface to enhance the contacting area with respect to the inner side of the shaft 13.
[0026] It is appreciated that each of the retaining legs 20 can be configured to have an elongated waving structure that the inner sides of the retaining legs 20 are two elongated and waving surfaces for biasing against the inner sides of the shafts 13 respectively. Therefore, each of the retaining legs 20 will also apply the urging force through the waving structure in order to stabilize the shape of the shaft 13. The waving surfaces of the retaining legs 20 will minimize the contacting area to the inner sides of the shafts 13 as well to reduce the mar of the shaft 13 due to urging force.
[0027] The binding head 30 is made of flexible material, such as plastic or metal, for applying the urging force along the retaining legs 20. In particular, the binding head 30 comprises a U-shaped resilient head 31 integrally extended from the upper ends of the retaining legs 20. In other words, the resilient head 31 is integrated with the retaining legs 20 to form a one piece integrated structure. It is appreciated that when the retaining legs 20 and the binding head 30 are made of plastic, the tool of the present invention can be made by injection to form the integrated structure. When the retaining legs 20 and the binding head 30 are made of metal, the tool of the present invention can be made by an elongated metal wire being bent to form the integrated structure.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the resilient head 31 is formed as a cornering portion of the tool and define a cavity 311 communicating with the retaining gap 21. The cavity 311 has an oval shape. In particular, a width of the cavity 311, i.e. along the radius, is larger than a width of the retaining gap 21. When the retaining legs 20 are moved away from each other to increase the width of the retaining gap 21, the resilient head 31 will apply the urging force against the retaining legs 20 to move toward each other. Therefore, when the retaining legs 20 are slidably inserted into the shafts 13 of the boots, the urging force will ensure the retaining legs 20 being moved toward each other so as to stabilize the shapes of the shafts 13. It is worth mentioning that the length of each of the retaining legs 20 is longer than the length of the shaft 13. Therefore, when the lower end 22 of the retaining leg 20 reaches the bottom side of the boot 10 within the shaft 13 thereof, the top edge of the shaft 13 will remain along the retaining leg 20. In other words, the cavity 311 of the resilient head 31 will be located above the top edge of the shaft 13, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] Accordingly, the binding head 30 further comprises a handling loop 32 provided on top of the resilient head 31, wherein when the tool of the present invention is not in use, the tool can be hanged at an object, such as a hanging hook, via the handling loop 32. In addition, the handling loop 32 can be a decorative ornament to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the present invention. Preferably, the handling loop 32 is integrally extended from the top side of the resilient head 31.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the two lower ends 22 of the retaining legs 20 are bent outwardly such that bottom opening 23 is enlarged to communicate with the retaining gap 21. Accordingly, the lower end 22 of each of the retaining legs 20 is bent in a curved form, wherein the bottom opening 23 is formed in a "V" shaped configuration. Therefore, when the retaining legs 20 are slidably inserted into the shafts 13 of the boots 10, the enlarged bottom opening 23 will ensure the top edges of the shafts 13 being easily slid to the retaining gap 21. In addition, the curved lower ends 22 of the retaining legs 20 can prevent any scratch at the inner surface of the shaft 13 when the retaining leg 20 is inserted into the shaft 13.
[0031] According to the preferred embodiment, the tool further comprises two holding elements 40 provided at the inner sides of the retaining legs 20 respectively, wherein each of the holding elements 40 is made of anti-scratching for securely engaging with the inner side of the shaft 13 and for preventing the inner side of the shaft 13 being scratched by the retaining leg 20. Preferably, each of the holding elements 40 can also be made of frictional material to secure the position of the retaining leg 20 within the shaft 13.
[0032] The two holding elements 40 can be two fabric layers overlapped along the inner sides of the retaining legs 20 such that when the retaining legs 20 are inserted into the shafts 13 respectively, the holding elements 40 will contact with the inner sides of the shafts 13 without directly scratching thereat. It is appreciated that the holding elements 40 can be integrally formed at the inner sides of the retaining legs 20, wherein the inner side of each of the retaining legs 20 forms as a teething surface to engage with the inner side of the shaft 13. In other words, the holding elements 40 are two teething surfaces of the retaining legs 20 respectively.
[0033] The tool further comprises a boot shaping unit 50 for retaining the shape of the boot 10, wherein the boot shaping unit 50 comprises two retaining members 51 provided at two outer sides of the retaining legs 20 respectively, and two boot shapers 52 being held by the retaining members 51 when the boot shapers 52 are slidably inserted into the shafts 13 of the boots 10 respectively.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the retaining members 51 is formed in a hook shape and is integrally provided at the outer side of the respective retaining leg 20 at a position between the upper end and the lower end 22.
[0035] Each of the boot shapers 52 has a tubular shape, preferably a conical shape, adapted to be inserted into the shaft 13 of the boot 10. When the boot shaper 52 is disposed within the shaft 13, the bottom edge of the boot shaper 52 is held at the retaining member 51 to retain the boot shaper 52 in position.
[0036] In order to use the tool of the present invention, the wearer is able to place the boots 10 side-by-side at a position that the shafts 13 of the boots 10 are adjacent to each other. Then, by simply sliding the retaining legs 20 into the shafts 13 through the bottom opening 23, the inner sides of the shafts 13 will be held between the retaining legs 20. It is worth mentioning that the retaining legs 20 are preferably inserted into the shafts 13 until the lower ends 22 of the retaining legs 20 reach the bottom side of the boots 10 within the shafts 13, such that the shafts 13 will be held at an upright manner to stabilize the shapes of the shafts 13 and to enhance the air circulation of the boots 10. In addition, the wearer is able to insert the boot shapers 52 into the shafts 13 until the bottom edges of the boot shapers 52 engage with the retaining members 51 so as to further retain the shapes of the shafts 13. It is worth mentioning that in order to remove the tool of the present invention from the boots 10, the wearer is able to pull the tool at the handling loop 32 upwardly, such that the retaining legs 20 will be slid out of the shafts 13 at the same time. Therefore, the handling loop 32 also forms a handle of the tool of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative mode of the retaining legs 20', wherein each of the retaining legs 20' is bent to define an inner elongated portion 201', an outer hooking portion 202', and a turning portion 203' extended between the inner elongated portion 201' and the outer hooking portion 202'. Accordingly, the lower end 22' of each of the retaining legs 20' is defined at the turning portion 203' while the retaining gap 21' is defined at a space between the inner elongated portions 201'.
[0038] The binding head 30 is provided at the upper ends of the inner elongated portion 201' of the retaining legs 20' for applying an urging force along the inner elongated portion 201' so as to minimize a width of the retaining gap 21'. Accordingly, the binding head 30 is integrally extended from the upper ends of the retaining legs 20'. Preferably, the binding head 30 and the retaining legs 20' are formed by one or more flexible wires, such as metal wire, bent in a particular configuration as shown in FIG. 3.
[0039] The two outer hooking portions 202' of the retaining legs 20' form as the two retaining members 51', wherein when the boot shaper 52 is disposed within the shaft 13, the bottom edge of the boot shaper 52 is held at the outer hooking portion 202' to retain the boot shaper 52 in position.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative mode of the retaining legs 20'', wherein each of the retaining legs 20'' is embodied as a length-adjustable legs to selectively adjust the retaining length thereof. Accordingly, each of the retaining legs 20'' comprises a plurality of leg portions 201'' being coupled together in a telescope manner to selectively adjust the retaining length corresponding to the length of the shaft 13 of each of the boots 10. Therefore, the retaining legs 20'' can be folded to shorten the retaining lengths thereof. It is worth mentioning that the retaining member 51 is provided at each of the retaining legs 20'' at one of the leg portions 201'' thereof.
[0041] One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.
[0042] It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
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