LOW-PROFILE TRANSPARENT STORAGE FOR SHOES

Abstract

A shoe container is provided as a low profile, transparent bag comprising rugged and flexible material defined by first and second layers each having opposing first and second straight edges, where the first and second straight edges are longitudinally and oppositely spaced by an arcuate bottom edge and straight top edge. The first and second sides and arcuate bottom edges may be permanently bonded, respectively, to one another, while the top edges define an opening to receive shoes between the layers. The top edges may be further configured to receive means for cinching the top edges in a closed position so that when shoes are received therethrough, they may be secured within the bag. In this manner, the bag may support the weight and possibly destructive shape of contained shoes, protect shoes from damage caused by exposure, protect surroundings from debris tracked by unworn shoes, and further permit unimpeded view of shoes.

Claims

1. A bag for containing a pair of shoes, comprising: a transparent first and second layer, each of the first and second layers having parallel first and second edges longitudinally spaced by an arcuate bottom edge and a straight top edge; the opposite first, second, and bottom edges permanently and respectively bonded via threaded stitching to one another to define a closed bottom end; the opposite top edges defining an opening to receive at least one pair of shoes between the first and second layers; and means for adjustably cinching the opposite top edges to maintain any shoes contained between the layers.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second layers comprise sheets of biaxially oriented polypropylene.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second layers comprise sheets of polyurethane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a storage apparatus in use in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of the apparatus claimed. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the storage container 10 having shoes 30 placed therein is shown in use in one possible setting. The storage container 10 may be flexible enough to bulge with the shape of such shoes 30 and avoid puncturing, stretching and tearing under the weight and possibly sharp elements of the shoes. Although shown hanging in a closet 40 among other articles commonly found therein, it is contemplated that the ruggedness and flexibility of the materials comprising the storage container 10 will enable users to place the storage container 10 in innumerable settings. For example, it may be placed in any of the drawers 50 drawn in the closet 40. Additionally, the storage container 10 may be placed in a suitcase or other travel bag among other travel articles. Indeed, the flexibility of the storage container 10 may ensure that users are able to save space by folding unoccupied portions of the bag when packing or placing it in drawers. This may be space efficient, leaving room for other items within a travel bag or drawer.

[0026] Additionally, transparency permits view of the shoes 30 contained within the storage container 10.

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a low-profile storage 10 for shoes may comprise a first layer 12, a second layer 14. The first and second layers 12, 14 may comprise material chosen from any rugged and flexible material capable of being made transparent. For instance, in some embodiments, the first and second layers 12, 14 may comprise compositions of polypropelyne such as BOPP, vinyl such as PVC, and even polyurethane. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that various materials are available in the marketplace, and interchangeable with those listed, which are rugged, flexible, and transparent to permit repeated useincluding bending, folding, and washingand further permit view of any contents within.

[0028] Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second layers 12, 14 may each have a first side 16 and a second side 18 longitudinally spaced from one another by a top edge 20, and a bottom edge 22. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the first and second sides 16, 18 may be parallel to one another. It is further contemplated that the bottom edge 22 may be arcuate.

[0029] The first and second sides 16, 18, and bottom edge 22 respective to each of the first and second layers 12, 14 may be permanently bonded to each of those of the other layer. In this manner, the first and second layers 12, 14 may be connected to one another to define a closed end. In some embodiments, the first and second sides 16, 18, and bottom edge 22 may be bonded respectively to those of the the opposing first or second layer 12, 14 using threaded stitching. For example, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a running stitch 24 applied to the perimeter of the first and second layers 12, 14. In other embodiments, the first and second sides 16, 18, and bottom edge 22 may be bonded respectively to those of the the opposing first or second layer 12, 14 using glue or other adhesive. It should be noted, however, that any product configured to inseparably bond the two layers to one another is contemplated and the foregoing are offered by way of example only, not of limitation.

[0030] Because the container may comprise first and second layers 12, 14 as sheets, the bonded layers define a container having a low-profile. It is contemplated that providing a container having such low profile will permit a user to store an unoccupied storage container 10 with little difficulty. For instance, and with reference to FIG. 4, the storage container 10 may be rolled to define the shape of a compact tube. Alternatively, an unoccupied storage container 10 may be efficiently stacked with others similarly unoccupied. Still others may be easily and compactly folded to fit in small spaces. Thus, one skilled in the art will recognize that users will have no difficulty space-efficiently storing any storage containers 10 that are not in use.

[0031] Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the top edges 20 of each of the first and second layers 12, 14 remain unbonded to one another so that the top edges 20 define an opening sized to receive at least one pair of shoes between the first and second layers 12.

[0032] Finally, means for adjustably cinching the opposite top edges 20 to maintain any shoes contained between the layers 12, 14 may also be provided. In one embodiment, such means may comprise a drawstring 26 threaded through openings 28 defined by folding over and stitching portions of the opposite top edges 20. It is contemplated that providing means for adjustably cinching the opposite top edges 20 may allow a user to alternatively and flexibly accommodate shoes of different sizes and shapes within the same storage container 10. That is, because the top edges 20 may be adjustably cinched, it may be possible to open or close the storage container 10 to achieve a smaller or larger volume, defined by the first and second layers 12, 14, as needed given a particular pair of shoes for storing. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that providing a means for adjustably cinching the opposite top edges 20 as a drawstring 26 may provide users with additional options for placing the storage container 10. Here, in particular, an embodiment of the occupied storage container 10 is shown hanging in a closet 40 from the drawstring 26.

[0033] Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that means other than a drawstring may be used to adjustably cinch the top edges of the storage container, and further, where a drawstring is used, such drawstring may be comprise a variety of materials and dimensions without departing from the invention.

[0034] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0035] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0036] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although transparent, it is contemplated that the low-profile transparent container may be tinted with various colored dyes and even partially covered with opaque, aesthetic designs. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

[0037] The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0038] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the low-profile transparent container with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the low-profile transparent container to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the low-profile transparent container is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

[0039] While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0040] While certain aspects of the apparatus disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the apparatus are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the low-profile transparent container.