US20160095400A1

US20160095400A1 - Shoe Carrying Device

Info

Publication number: US20160095400A1
Application number: US14/870,582
Authority: US
Inventors: Sharon Lawton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-03
Filing date: 2015-09-30
Publication date: 2016-04-07

Abstract

A shoe carrying device for storing and carrying shoes. The device includes a bag having a front wall, a rear wall, and a main compartment within the interior in which a pair of shoes can be stored. In the main compartment, there is at least one removable vertical divider that allows for the separation and organization of one or more pairs of shoes and one or more shoe straps that can secure the pair of shoes in an upright position. The device includes an opening adapted to provide access to the main compartment of the bag. A cushioned insert is disposed on the bottom of the bag on the interior thereof, wherein the cushioned insert conforms to the size and shape of the shoe therein. In this way, the shoes remain in a preserved condition. The device further includes one or more pockets disposed on the exterior of the bag.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/059,465 filed on Oct. 3, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shoe carrying devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a bag having a front wall, a rear wall, and a main compartment within the interior adapted to receive one or more pairs of shoes therein. At least one removable vertical divider is disposed in the main compartment of the bag adapted to separate a pair of shoes. A cushioned insert is disposed on the bottom of the bag on the interior thereof, wherein the cushioned insert conforms to the size and shape of the shoe therein. In this way, the shoes remain in a preserved condition. The device further includes one or more shoe straps adapted to fit over a shoe and secure each shoe in an upright position. One or more pockets are disposed on the exterior of the bag, wherein each pocket includes a base and one or more sidewalls with a defined interior volume. One or more handles are disposed on the bag, as well as one or more shoulder straps adapted to fit around a user's neck or over a user's shoulder. The device includes a top opening, allowing access to the main compartment therein.
Many women enjoy wearing high heels and other stylish shoes when attending events, such as weddings, parties, and the like. However, high heels can become very uncomfortable to walk in after a period of time and a user may wish to change into a different pair of shoes. Some women decide to carry their shoes or pack their shoes in a purse, which is inconvenient and can cause damage to the shoes or the interior of a purse. The shoes can be dirty causing other objects in a purse to become dirty, including the interior of the purse. Furthermore, shoes occupy a large area, thereby preventing a user from placing other necessary objects therein. Thus, there exists a need for a bag adapted to store shoes and other items therein, while providing a visual appeal to the user.
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to shoe carrying devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to bags that include a separate compartment adapted for shoes to be placed therein. The compartment is typically disposed at the base of the bag, wherein other items may be stored above the shoes. These bags typically include side entry into the compartment in order to access the shoes therein. These devices include U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0000796 to Kameoka, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0146856 to Vancelette, U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,615 to Ginat, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2013/0048164 to Fleming. Other devices, such as U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2013/0105048 to Cornelius, relate to an expandable purse that includes an auxiliary bag that fits inside the expandable purse adapted for compact shoes to be placed therein. One other device, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2013/0020160 to Mangano, relates to expandable luggage with multiple compartments that can fit shoes and other travel items therein. These devices, however, fail to disclose a bag having a shoe compartment with one or more straps adapted to be placed over a shoe and a cushioned insert that conforms to the size and shape of the shoe placed therein. Furthermore, these devices fail to include a removable vertical divider adapted to separate a pair of shoes.
In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing shoe carrying devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of shoe carrying devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new shoe carrying devices wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when storing or carrying shoes.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shoe carrying device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoe carrying device comprising a bag having a main compartment adapted to receive one or more pairs of shoes therein and an opening adapted to provide access to the main compartment.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe carrying device wherein the interior of the bag includes at least one removable vertical divider adapted to separate a pair of shoes.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe carrying device further comprising a cushioned insert adapted to conform to the size and shape of the shoe placed therein.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe carrying device wherein the exterior of the bag includes one or more pockets adapted to receive objects therein, such as a wallet and smartphone.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe carrying device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the shoe carrying device.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the interior of an embodiment of the shoe carrying device.

FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross sectional view of the shoe carrying device.

FIG. 4 shows a horizontal cross sectional view of the shoe carrying device wherein the shoes are resting on the front wall of the bag.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the exterior pocket of the shoe carrying device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the shoe carrying device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for carrying a pair of shoes therein. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the shoe carrying device and a perspective view of the interior of an embodiment of the shoe carrying device. The device 11 comprises a bag having a front wall 12, a rear wall 13, and a main compartment within the interior of the device 11 adapted to receive one or more pairs of shoes 24 therein. However, other embodiments include other types of bags, such as a satchel, tote bag, backpack, clutch, duffel bag, messenger bag, sling bag, shoulder bag, or the like. The shoe carrying device 11 further includes a top opening 35 adapted to provide access to the main compartment. The main compartment protects shoes 24 placed therein by preventing exposure from damaging elements, such as water or scuffing that can be encountered while wearing or holding a pair of shoes 24.
The top opening 35 of the device 11 provides access to the main compartment therein. One or more fasteners are disposed along the opening 35 for removably sealing the opening to enclose the main compartment of the device 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener comprises a zipper 23 adapted to open and close the opening 35. The zipper 23 and opening 35 can extend from the base 36 of one side of the bag, vertically upwards to the top of the bag, across the top of the bag and down along the opposite side of the bag to the base 36. In other embodiments, the device includes multiple openings 35 in the bag adapted to provide access to the interior thereof, thereby providing an independent opening 35 for accessing a pair of shoes 24 and an alternative independent opening 35 for accessing other objects disposed therein, such as a wallet and keys. The multiple openings 35 can be disposed on the bag in any suitable configuration, such as a side opening 35 or an opening 35 disposed on the base of the bag. In this way, the interior of the bag allows for separation of a pair of shoes 24 and other objects included therein.
The device 11 further includes one or more U-shaped handles 14 adapted to be grasped by the user in order to support the device 11. The U-shaped handles 14 are disposed on upper ends of the front wall 12 and rear wall 13 of the bag and fastened thereto by any suitable fastener, such as stitching. One or more shoulder straps 22 are included so as to allow an alternate manner of carrying the device 11. The shoulder straps 22 are elongated and are preferably flat, wherein the strap 22 is adapted to be positioned around a user's neck or over a user's shoulder. The shoulder strap 22 can be adjustably attached to opposite sides of the bag. Corresponding D-rings 21 are fastened onto the bag, wherein the ends of the shoulder strap 22 include a clip adapted to fasten to the D-ring 21. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of D-rings 21 are disposed on opposing ends of the upper end of the bag. In this way, the bag is suspended in an upright position from a user's shoulder or neck.
In some embodiments, the device 11 comprises an additional fastener adapted to fit over the opening 35 of the device 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener is a clip 18 removably connected to a D-ring 16. The clip 18 is connected to a strap 15 adapted to be positioned over the top opening 35. The clip 18 is removably attached to the D-ring 16 disposed on the rear wall 13 adapted to receive the clip 18 thereon. The other end of the clip 18 is attached to the strap 15, wherein the opposite end of the strap 18 is permanently attached to the front wall 12. In this way, the clip 18 is adapted to secure the top opening in a closed position.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a vertical cross sectional view of the shoe carrying device. At least one removable vertical divider 25 is disposed in the main compartment of the bag, thus forming two compartments therein. The divider 25 is preferably rectangular in configuration and flat so as to allow the maximum amount of storage space in each of the compartments. The divider 25 is removably attached to the interior of the bag by any suitable fastener, such as magnets or adhesive. The divider 25 is adapted to separate a pair of shoes 24 for easy transport and storage thereof. However, the divider 25 can be removed as needed to create more space in the interior of the bag.
A cushioned insert 29 is disposed on the bottom of the bag on the interior thereof, wherein the cushioned insert 29 conforms to the size and shape of the shoe 24 therein. In this way, the shoes 24 remain in a preserved condition. The heel and toe of a shoe 24 form indentations 30, 31 in the cushioned insert 29. The indentations 30, 31 allow the shoe 24 to fit securely on the cushioned insert 29, wherein a cushioned surface is provided. The cushioning further protects the sole of the shoe 24 from becoming scuffed or scratched. The cushioned insert 29 is preferably similar in dimension to the dimension of the base of the bag. Any suitable fastener, such as adhesive, can be used to attach the cushioned insert 29 to the bottom interior of the bag. In some embodiments, the cushioned insert 29 is removable, thereby creating more space within the bag, if removal was necessary. The cushioned insert 29 can be composed of any suitable material, such as viscoelastic polyurethane foam. The thickness of the cushioned insert 29 is dependent on the weight and size of an individual's shoe. For example, a person using a the device 11 for carrying steel-toed work boots may require a thicker cushioned insert 29 than a person with a small shoe size carrying a pair of sandals.
The device further includes one or more shoe straps 28 adapted to fit over a shoe 24 and secure the shoe 24 in an upright position. The shoe strap 28 is an elongated member having a first end and a second end, wherein both ends attach to the surface of the cushioned insert 29. The shoe strap 28 is attached to the cushioned insert 29 by any suitable fastener, such as stitching. The shoe strap 28 is preferably composed of an elastic material, wherein the shoe strap 28 is adapted to be positioned over the upper end of a shoe 24 of varying dimensions and return to its original shape after becoming stretched. In use, the first side of the shoe strap 28 extends upward from a side of the cushioned insert 29, over the top of a shoe 24, and extends downward to an opposing side of the cushioned insert 29. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a first shoe strap 28 and a second shoe strap 28 adapted to secure each shoe 24 positioned on either side of the vertical divider 25.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a horizontal cross sectional view of the shoe carrying device wherein shoes are resting on the front wall of the bag. In some embodiments, the interior walls, including the front wall 12 and the rear wall 13, of the bag comprise a cushioned insert 43 disposed thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushioned insert 43 conforms to the size and shape of the shoe 24 disposed within the bag. In this way, the shoes 24 remain in a preserved condition if the bag 12 is laid on the front or rear wall 12, 13 or if the bag is placed under a heavier object and the walls 12, 13 collapse inward. The sides of a shoe 24 form indentations 44, 45 in the cushioned insert 43. The indentations 44, 45 allow the shoe 24 to fit securely on the cushioned insert 43, wherein a cushioned surface is provided. The cushioned insert 43 is preferably similar in dimension to the dimension of the interior walls 12, 13 of the bag. Any suitable fastener, such as adhesive, can be used to attach the cushioned insert 43 to the interior front wall 12 and rear wall 13 of the bag. In some embodiments, the cushioned insert 43 is removable, thereby creating more space within the bag, if removal was necessary. The cushioned insert 43 can be composed of any suitable material, such as viscoelastic polyurethane foam. The thickness of the cushioned insert 43 is dependent on the weight and size of an individual's shoe. For example, a person using a the device 11 for carrying steel-toed work boots may require a thicker cushioned insert 43 than a person with a small shoe size carrying a pair of sandals.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of the exterior pocket of the shoe carrying device. One or more pockets 19 are disposed on the exterior of the bag, wherein the pocket includes a base and one or more sidewalls with a defined interior volume 40. In the illustrated embodiment, a pocket 19 is disposed on the front wall 12 of the bag. The pocket 19 is rectangular in shape and expands the width of the bag. In this way, the pocket 19 is adapted to carry objects therein, such as a wallet 41, mobile phone 42, and the like. The strap 15 disposed on the front wall 12 that can extend over the opening of the bag is adapted to close the upper end of the pocket 19 and secure the objects therein. Thus, the device 11 eliminates the need to carry a pair of shoes by hand or to carry more than one bag in order to transport a pair of shoes. In some embodiments, one or more pockets 19 are disposed on the interior of the bag, thereby providing additional organization and storage space therein.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A shoe carrying device, comprising:

a bag having a front wall and a rear wall;

a main compartment included in an interior of said bag adapted to receive a pair of shoes therein;

wherein said bag comprises an opening adapted to provide access to said main compartment;

a cushioned insert disposed on an interior bottom surface of said bag adapted to conform to the size and shape of the shoe therein.

2) The shoe carrying device of claim 2, wherein said an opening is closed and opened by one or more fasteners.

3) The shoe carrying device of claim 2, wherein said one or more fasteners is a zipper or clip.

4) The shoe carrying device of claim 1, wherein said bag includes one or more handles.

5) The shoe carrying device of claim 1, further comprising one or more pockets disposed on said exterior of said bag, wherein said pocket includes a base and one or more sidewalls with a defined interior volume.

6) The shoe carrying device of claim 1, wherein said bag includes one or more shoulder straps adapted to be placed around a user's neck or over a user's shoulder.

7) The shoe carrying device of claim 1, further comprising at least one removable vertical dividers disposed in said main compartment, wherein said at least one removable vertical dividers adapted to separate a pair of shoes.

8) The shoe carrying device of claim 1, further comprising one or more shoe straps attached to said cushioned insert adapted to fit over said shoe and hold said shoe in an upright position.

9) The shoe carrying device of claim 1, wherein said cushioned insert is composed of foam.

10) The shoe carrying device of claim 9, wherein said foam is viscoelastic polyurethane foam.

11) The shoe carrying device of claim 1, wherein said cushioned insert is disposed on an interior wall of said bag.