Shoe Carrying Device

The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to shoe accessories and more particularly to shoe carrying and transportation devices.

Footwear is a ubiquitous element of daily attire in most cultures. Various forms of footwear exist including athletic footwear, boots, dress shoes, and casual footwear and their construction differs based on intended use. In such, it is not uncommon for individuals to carry multiple pairs of footwear throughout the day, such that the individual can change into other shoes based on their needs and environment. This ensures the individual is wearing the most suitable footwear to provide sufficient comfort and protection, as well as to ensure the footwear is suitable for the occasion or environment the individual finds themselves in.

When carrying multiple pairs of shoes, an easy solution is to simply carry the shoes using the hands. However, this occupies the hands, can be cumbersome, and inconvenient. Some individuals may choose to carry the shoes within a backpack or bag. While this frees the hands, the shoes occupy valuable space within the backpack or bag and can unpleasant odors. To alleviate this, the laces of the shoes or a cord can be used to fasten the shoes to the exterior of the backpack or bag. Even still, repeatedly fastening and unfastening the shoes can be time consuming and difficult.

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments provided herein relate to a shoe carrying device, 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.

The shoe carrying device described herein allows users to easily carry a pair of shoes using a single hand, or by attaching the shoe carrying device to a backpack. This eliminates the need to carry one's extra shoes within a backpack or bag, which can cause unwanted odors and fills valuable space within the backpack or bag. The device provides a secure fit while providing easy access to one's shoes throughout the day if the user decides to change shoes. The shoe carrying device provides a universal device for carrying nearly any style of shoe.

In one aspect, 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.

In one aspect, the top left member includes a first finger grip, and the top right member includes a second finger grip. The upper frame enables the user to easily and comfortably grasp the shoe carrying device. 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.

In one aspect, the shoe carrying device includes a second cord to secure the shoes in a suitable position during transport.

In one aspect, the first cord includes a hook-and-loop fastener to enable the securement of the shoe carrying device onto a backpack.

In one aspect, 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.

In one aspect, a second cord terminates in a hook which can be wrapped around the left and the right shoes to secure each shoe in position during transport.

In one aspect, a first set of shoe grips is 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. 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.

In one aspect, 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.

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.

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.

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.

illustrates the shoe carrying devicehaving a framewhich is comprised of a first memberand a second memberand an upper frame. A first springis connected between the first memberand a first sideof the upper frame. A second springis connected between the second memberand the second sideof the upper frame. A handleis connected to the rear sideof the upper framevia a first cordto allow the user to easily carry the shoe carrying device. A second cordis attached to the front sideof the upper frameand includes a hookto allow the user to extend the second cordaround the shoes to secure the shoes in position during transit.

The upper frameis configured to be used as a means of carrying the shoe carrying deviceand connected shoes. The upper frameis configured in an x-shapehaving a bottom left memberand a bottom right member. The bottom left memberconnects to a first upper endof the first springand the bottom right memberconnects to a second upper endof the second spring. A top left memberincludes a first finger gripon a first outer sideand a top right memberincludes 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 gripand first outer side. 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 devicefor extended periods of time.

In some embodiments, the first springand the second spring are flexibly connected such that the width between the first shoe retaining portionand the second shoe retaining portioncan be widened or narrowed. This allows for shoes of different widths to fit on the shoe retaining device.

The first memberincludes a first set of shoe grips (not shown) positioned on a first inner surface (not shown). The second memberincludes a second set of shoe gripsprovided on the second inner surface. 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, the first set of shoe grips and first inner surface are similar in form, function, and construction as the second set of shoe gripsand second inner surfaceclearly illustrated on the second member.

The first memberincludes a first shoe retaining portionand the second memberincludes a second shoe retaining portion. Each shoe retaining portion,extends about perpendicular to the first and second members,respectively. The shoe retaining portions,are positioned through the opening of each shoe and extend towards the toe of each shoe (see) to retain the shoes on the shoe carrying device. A first protrusionis provided on the first endof the first memberand a second protrusionis provided on the endof the second member.

As previously mentioned, the first springconnects the upper frameto the first memberand the second springconnects the upper frameto the second member. Specifically, the first lower endof the first springis connected to first memberand the second lower endof the second springis connected to the second member.

In some embodiments, the user may fasten the shoe carrying deviceto a backpack or bag using the first cord. In such, the first cordis wrapped around the backpack and secured using the hook-and-loop fastenerprovided on the first cord. Alternatively, the user may extend the first cordover their shoulder, then hold the handleto retain the shoe carrying deviceon their back.

illustrates the shoe carrying deviceconnected to a pair of shoes, wherein the left shoeis retained on the shoe carrying deviceby the first memberand the right shoeis retained on the shoe carrying deviceby the second member. The x-shaped upper frameallows the first memberand second memberto extend downwards at a suitable angle such that the shoes,are spaced apart yet able to contact one another at the central axisof the shoe carrying device. This provides sufficient force to hold the shoes,together when being carried by the device. Further, the shoe retaining portions being extended within the interior of each shoe,further secures the shoes,. Optionally, the user may wrap a second cordaround the shoes,for further security by preventing the shoes from moving, falling off, or otherwise becoming detached from the device. Each spring,allows the length between the upper frameand shoe retaining portions,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,.

illustrates a perspective view of a userholding the shoe carrying deviceusing the handle. The handleis positioned at the top endof the first cordand allows the user to comfortable hold the shoe carrying device. Alternatively, the usermay choose to hold the shoe carrying deviceby gripping the upper frame.

As is previously mentioned, the usermay fasten the shoe carrying deviceto a backpack or bag using the first cord. In such, the first cordis wrapped around the backpack and secured using the hook-and-loop fastener provided on the first cord. The usermay also hold the handlewhile the first cordis extended over their shoulder to carry the shoe carrying device on their backside, with the first cordand devicebeing supported by their shoulder.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.