SHOE CARRYING DEVICE

Abstract

A shoe carrying device is disclosed, including an upper frame comprising a lower left member and a lower right member. A first spring is positioned between the lower left member and a first member, and a second spring is positioned between the lower right member and a second member. A first shoe retaining portion extends from the first member and a second shoe retaining member extending from the second member. The first shoe retaining member is configured to be insertable into a left shoe, and the second shoe retaining member is configured to be extended into a right shoe. A handle is connected to the upper frame via a cord, wherein the handle enables the user to carry the shoe carrying device.

Claims

1. A shoe carrying device, comprising: an upper frame comprising a lower left member and a lower right member; a first spring positioned between the lower left member and a first member, and a second spring positioned between the lower right member and a second member; a first shoe retaining portion extending from the first member and a second shoe retaining member extending from the second member, the first shoe retaining member configured to be insertable into a left shoe, and the second shoe retaining member configured to be extended into a right shoe; and a handle connected to the upper frame via a cord, wherein the handle enables the user to carry the shoe carrying device.

2. The shoe carrying device of claim 1, wherein the upper frame further comprises a top left member and a top right member, and wherein the upper frame is constructed having an x-shape.

3. The shoe carrying device of claim 2, wherein the top left member includes a first finger grip, and the top right member includes a second finger grip, wherein the upper frame enables the user to easily and comfortably grasp the shoe carrying device, and wherein the first finger grip and the second finger grip provide a comfortable contact point and increase friction between the user's grasp and the upper frame.

4. The shoe carrying device of claim 1, further comprising a second cord to secure the shoes in a suitable position during transport.

5. The shoe carrying device of claim 1, wherein the first cord includes a hook-and-loop fastener to enable the securement of the shoe carrying device onto a backpack.

6. The shoe carrying device of claim 1, wherein the first spring and the second spring enable the length of between the upper frame and the first and second shoe retaining portions to extend and retract based on the height of the left and right shoes.

7. The shoe carrying device of claim 1, further comprising a second cord terminating in a hook, the second cord and the hook to wrap around the left and the right shoes to secure each shoe in position during transport.

8. The shoe carrying device of claim 1, further comprising a first set of shoe grips positioned on a first inner surface of the first member and a second set of shoe grips positioned on a second inner surface of the second member, wherein the first and the second set of shoe grips increase friction between the left and the right shoes and the first and the second members.

9. The shoe carrying device of claim 1, wherein the first spring and the second spring enable the distance between the first member and the second member increase or decrease based on the size of the first shoe and the second shoe.

10. A shoe carrying device, comprising: an upper frame comprising a lower left member and a lower right member; a first spring positioned between the lower left member and a first member, and a second spring positioned between the lower right member and a second member; a first shoe retaining portion extending from the first member and a second shoe retaining member extending from the second member, the first shoe retaining member configured to be insertable into a left shoe, and the second shoe retaining member configured to be extended into a right shoe, wherein the first spring and the second spring are each flexibly connected to enable the distance between the first shoe retaining portion and the second shoe remaining portion to extend or retract based on the size of the left shoe and the right shoe; and a handle connected to the upper frame via a cord, wherein the handle enables the user to carry the shoe carrying device.

11. The shoe carrying device of claim 10, wherein the upper frame further comprises a top left member and a top right member, and wherein the upper frame is constructed having an x-shape.

12. The shoe carrying device of claim 11, wherein the top left member includes a first finger grip, and the top right member includes a second finger grip, wherein the upper frame enables the user to easily and comfortably grasp the shoe carrying device, and wherein the first finger grip and the second finger grip provide a comfortable contact point and increase friction between the user's grasp and the upper frame.

13. The shoe carrying device of claim 12, further comprising a second cord to secure the shoes in a suitable position during transport.

14. The shoe carrying device of claim 13, wherein the first cord includes a hook-and-loop fastener to enable the securement of the shoe carrying device onto a backpack.

15. The shoe carrying device of claim 14, wherein the first spring and the second spring enable the length of between the upper frame and the first and second shoe retaining portions to extend and retract based on the height of the left and right shoes.

16. The shoe carrying device of claim 15, further comprising a second cord terminating in a hook, the second cord and the hook to wrap around the left and the right shoes to secure each shoe in position during transport.

17. The shoe carrying device of claim 16, further comprising a first set of shoe grips positioned on a first inner surface of the first member and a second set of shoe grips positioned on a second inner surface of the second member, wherein the first and the second set of shoe grips increase friction between the left and the right shoes and the first and the second members.

18. The shoe carrying device of claim 17, wherein the first spring and the second spring enable the distance between the first member and the second member increase or decrease based on the size of the first shoe and the second shoe.

19. A shoe carrying device, comprising: an upper frame comprising a lower left member and a lower right member; a first spring positioned between the lower left member and a first member, and a second spring positioned between the lower right member and a second member; a first shoe retaining portion extending from the first member and a second shoe retaining member extending from the second member, the first shoe retaining member configured to be insertable into a left shoe, and the second shoe retaining member configured to be extended into a right shoe, wherein the first spring and the second spring are each flexibly connected to enable the distance between the first shoe retaining portion and the second shoe remaining portion to extend or retract based on the size of the left shoe and the right shoe, and wherein the first spring and the second spring are biased to reduce the distance between the first shoe retaining portion and the second shoe retaining portion to provide a friction fit between the shoe carrying device, the left shoe, and the right shoe; a handle connected to the upper frame via a cord, wherein the handle enables the user to carry the shoe carrying device; a hook-and-loop fastener provided on the first cord, the hook-and-loop fastener to secure the shoe carrying device on a backpack, wherein the shoe carrying device provides a convenient and universal means of carrying the left shoe and the right shoe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the shoe carrying device, according to some embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the shoe carrying device connected to a pair of shoes, according to some embodiments; and

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a user holding the shoe carrying device while transporting a pair of shoes, according to some embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

[0020] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0021] In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to a shoe carrying device configured to attach to a pair of shoes, allowing a user to easily and efficiently carry the shoes. The shoe carrying device securely connects to the pair of shoes via a friction fit provided by first and second members which are inserted into the opening of each shoe. The shoe carrying device is a universal device which can securely connect to various style and forms of shoes including athletic footwear, boots, dress shoes, casual footwear, etc. A spring is provided on each member to allow the length of each member to adjust based on the configuration of the shoe. A handle is attached to the frame of the shoe carrying device to allow the user to easily carry the device and connected shoes using a single hand. Finger grips are provided at the top portion of each member to provide an alternative means of carrying the device and connected shoes using a single hand.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates the shoe carrying device 100 having a frame 101 which is comprised of a first member 103 and a second member 105 and an upper frame 111. A first spring 107 is connected between the first member 103 and a first side 109 of the upper frame 111. A second spring 113 is connected between the second member 105 and the second side 115 of the upper frame 111. A handle 117 is connected to the rear side 119 of the upper frame 111 via a first cord 121 to allow the user to easily carry the shoe carrying device. A second cord 123 is attached to the front side 125 of the upper frame 111 and includes a hook 127 to allow the user to extend the second cord 123 around the shoes to secure the shoes in position during transit.

[0023] The upper frame 111 is configured to be used as a means of carrying the shoe carrying device 100 and connected shoes. The upper frame 111 is configured in an x-shape 129 having a bottom left member 131 and a bottom right member 133. The bottom left member 131 connects to a first upper end 135 of the first spring 107 and the bottom right member 133 connects to a second upper end 137 of the second spring 113. A top left member 139 includes a first finger grip 141 on a first outer side 143 and a top right member 145 includes a second finger grip (not shown) on the second outer side (not shown). It is to be understood that, although not shown due to perspective in the drawings, the second finger grip and second outer side are similar in form, function, and construction as the clearly illustrated first finger grip 141 and first outer side 143. The finger grips are provided to allow the user to easily carry the shoe carrying device with a single hand by gripping the upper frame with a single hand. The user's fingers can easily extend of the finger grips which provide comfort and increase friction to allow the user to securely and easily carry the shoe carrying device 100 for extended periods of time.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first spring 107 and the second spring are flexibly connected such that the width between the first shoe retaining portion 151 and the second shoe retaining portion 153 can be widened or narrowed. This allows for shoes of different widths to fit on the shoe retaining device 100.

[0025] The first member 103 includes a first set of shoe grips (not shown) positioned on a first inner surface (not shown). The second member 105 includes a second set of shoe grips 147 provided on the second inner surface 149. It is to be understood that while the first set of shoe grips and first inner surface are not illustrated due to the perspective of FIG. 1, the first set of shoe grips and first inner surface are similar in form, function, and construction as the second set of shoe grips 147 and second inner surface 149 clearly illustrated on the second member 105.

[0026] The first member 103 includes a first shoe retaining portion 151 and the second member 105 includes a second shoe retaining portion 153. Each shoe retaining portion 151,153 extends about perpendicular to the first and second members 103,105 respectively. The shoe retaining portions 151,153 are positioned through the opening of each shoe and extend towards the toe of each shoe (see FIG. 2) to retain the shoes on the shoe carrying device 100. A first protrusion 155 is provided on the first end 157 of the first member 103 and a second protrusion 159 is provided on the end 161 of the second member 105.

[0027] As previously mentioned, the first spring 107 connects the upper frame 111 to the first member 103 and the second spring 113 connects the upper frame 111 to the second member 105. Specifically, the first lower end 163 of the first spring 107 is connected to first member 103 and the second lower end 165 of the second spring 113 is connected to the second member 105.

[0028] In some embodiments, the user may fasten the shoe carrying device 100 to a backpack or bag using the first cord 121. In such, the first cord 121 is wrapped around the backpack and secured using the hook-and-loop fastener 167 provided on the first cord 121. Alternatively, the user may extend the first cord 121 over their shoulder, then hold the handle 117 to retain the shoe carrying device 100 on their back.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the shoe carrying device 100 connected to a pair of shoes 200, wherein the left shoe 201 is retained on the shoe carrying device 100 by the first member 103 and the right shoe 203 is retained on the shoe carrying device 100 by the second member 105. The x-shaped upper frame 111 allows the first member 103 and second member 105 to extend downwards at a suitable angle such that the shoes 201,203 are spaced apart yet able to contact one another at the central axis 205 of the shoe carrying device 100. This provides sufficient force to hold the shoes 201,203 together when being carried by the device 100. Further, the shoe retaining portions being extended within the interior of each shoe 201,203 further secures the shoes 201,203. Optionally, the user may wrap a second cord 123 around the shoes 201,203 for further security by preventing the shoes from moving, falling off, or otherwise becoming detached from the device 100. Each spring 107,113 allows the length between the upper frame 111 and shoe retaining portions 151,153 to be extended or retracted (i.e., the length may increase or decrease), depending on the specific shoe being carried. For example, a boot, which commonly taller than an athletic shoe, may require the increase in length via the springs 107,113.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a user 300 holding the shoe carrying device 100 using the handle 117. The handle 117 is positioned at the top end 301 of the first cord 121 and allows the user to comfortable hold the shoe carrying device 100. Alternatively, the user 300 may choose to hold the shoe carrying device 100 by gripping the upper frame 111.

[0031] As is previously mentioned, the user 300 may fasten the shoe carrying device 100 to a backpack or bag using the first cord 121. In such, the first cord 121 is wrapped around the backpack and secured using the hook-and-loop fastener provided on the first cord 121. The user 300 may also hold the handle 117 while the first cord 121 is extended over their shoulder to carry the shoe carrying device on their backside, with the first cord 121 and device 100 being supported by their shoulder.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

[0033] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0034] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

[0035] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms coupled and connected (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0038] While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

[0039] An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0040] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.