FOOTWEAR STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A storage system for footwear includes two container portions having open mouths formed by container walls. The container portions each include a footwear retainer configured to hold respective articles of footwear. One of the two container portions includes one or more magnets coupled to a peripheral edge of the respective open mouth and the other of the two includes a corresponding ferromagnetic portion configured to mate with the one or more magnets. The one or more magnets selectively hold the open mouths of the container portions together in a biased closure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES

The following applications and materials are incorporated herein, in their entireties, for all purposes: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/063,888, filed Aug. 10, 2020.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for storing articles of footwear. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to shoe boxes which securely hold shoes for display.

INTRODUCTION

In addition to the usual fashion and function related issues relating to footwear, shoes and the like are increasingly becoming prized possessions if not collector's items. Shoes, in particular sneakers, tennis shoes, and other athletic shoes, have become valuable for aesthetic as well as functional reasons. As a result, manufacturers of athletic shoes have developed packaging which provides purchasers with a unique “unboxing” experience. Shoe boxes designed for athletic shoes may include features which are perceived to increase the value of the shoes stored within the shoe boxes. Shoe boxes for collectable athletic shoes or other high-end athletic shoes may be designed to have increased durability, aesthetic appeal, and functionality when compared with conventional shoe boxes.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to footwear storage systems.

In some examples, a storage system for footwear includes: a first container portion having an open mouth formed by a first container wall, the first container portion further including a first footwear retainer having a first receiver configured to receive and hold a first article of footwear in the first container portion; and a second container portion having an open mouth formed by a second container wall, the second container portion further including a second footwear retainer having a second receiver configured to receive and hold a second article of footwear in the second container portion; wherein one of the first or second container portions includes one or more magnets coupled to a peripheral edge of the respective open mouth and the other of the first or second container portions includes a corresponding ferromagnetic portion configured to mate with the one or more magnets, such that the one or more magnets selectively hold the open mouths of the first and second container portions together in a biased closure.

In some examples, a method for storing and distributing footwear includes: securing a plurality of articles of footwear in a plurality of corresponding storage containers having open mouths, such that each article of footwear is removably held within a respective one of the storage containers; preventing each of the articles of footwear from falling out by holding the article of footwear in place using a retention mechanism of the respective storage container; selectively attaching corresponding edge portions of a selected two of the plurality of storage containers to each other using one or more integrated magnets; fully enclosing the secured articles of footwear within the selected two storage containers by coupling peripheries of the respective open mouths to each other.

Features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure, or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an illustrative storage system (AKA shoe box) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, shown in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the shoe box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the shoe box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the shoe box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the shoe box of FIG. 1, shown in a partially open configuration.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the shoe box of FIG. 1 in the partially open configuration of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the shoe box of FIG. 1 in the partially open configuration of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the shoe box of FIG. 1, depicted in a fully open configuration.

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view of a retaining component suitable for use in the shoe box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a shoe received within the retaining component of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an illustrative shoe box including magnetic closures.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an illustrative two-piece storage system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an illustrative footwear storage shelf for use with the illustrative storage system of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting steps of an illustrative method for storing and distributing shoes, e.g., from a manufacturer or in a warehouse situation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects and examples of a footwear storage system, as well as related methods, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, a storage system in accordance with the present teachings, and/or its various components, may contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed embodiments. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples and embodiments provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.

This Detailed Description includes the following sections, which follow immediately below: (1) Definitions; (2) Overview; (3) Examples, Components, and Alternatives; (4) Advantages, Features, and Benefits; and (5) Conclusion. The Examples, Components, and Alternatives section is further divided into subsections, each of which is labeled accordingly.

Definitions

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to show serial or numerical limitation.

“AKA” means “also known as,” and may be used to indicate an alternative or corresponding term for a given element or elements.

“Elongate” or “elongated” refers to an object or aperture that has a length greater than its own width, although the width need not be uniform. For example, an elongate slot may be elliptical or stadium-shaped, and an elongate candlestick may have a height greater than its tapering diameter. As a negative example, a circular aperture would not be considered an elongate aperture.

“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

“Resilient” describes a material or structure configured to respond to normal operating loads (e.g., when compressed) by deforming elastically and returning to an original shape or position when unloaded.

“Rigid” describes a material or structure configured to be stiff, non-deformable, or substantially lacking in flexibility under normal operating conditions.

“Elastic” describes a material or structure configured to spontaneously resume its former shape after being stretched or expanded.

“Providing,” in the context of a method, may include receiving, obtaining, purchasing, manufacturing, generating, processing, preprocessing, and/or the like, such that the object or material provided is in a state and configuration for other steps to be carried out.

In this disclosure, one or more publications, patents, and/or patent applications may be incorporated by reference. However, such material is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict exists between the incorporated material and the statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of any such conflict, including any conflict in terminology, the present disclosure is controlling.

Overview

In general, a storage system, also referred to collectively as a shoe box, in accordance with the present teachings may include two elongate portions, each configured to hold a shoe. Each elongate segment or portion includes four walls coupled to a central floor panel (AKA central panel or floor), which collectively define an open-faced compartment. The two elongate portions are coupled together (e.g., using magnets, hinges, and/or the like) along long edges, such that peripheral edges of the four walls of the first elongate portion directly contact proximal edges of the four walls of the second elongate portion when the shoe box is in a closed configuration. Opening the box disposes the two elongate portions adjacent to each other along long edges, with compartment openings facing upward. Central floor panels of the first and second elongate portions are substantially coplanar when the box is in an open configuration.

Each elongate portion may include a footwear retainer configured to hold a portion (e.g., a heel, a toe, etc.) of a shoe. The footwear retainer may retain the shoe against the central floor panel of its respective elongate portion while the shoe box is in a closed configuration. In some examples, the cutouts are disposed such that a shoe received in the first elongate portion and a shoe received in the second elongate portion are facing in opposite directions. This configuration may reduce a necessary size of the box, as bulkier (e.g., heel) portions of a first shoe are disposed adjacent to less bulky (e.g., toe) portions of a second shoe when the box is in the closed configuration.

In some examples, the two elongate portions are coupled by a hinge (e.g., a living hinge) disposed along a medial edge and releasably coupled by magnets along a lateral edge. This configuration may facilitate storage of shoes in pairs (e.g., of a same size). Assembling a shoe box including two elongate portions coupled by a hinge disposed along a medial edge may include transitioning the shoe box from an open configuration to a closed configuration by rotating one elongate portion about an axis of rotation disposed along the hinge.

In some examples, each elongate portion includes magnets along a medial edge and a lateral edge. In these examples, shoes may be stored within elongate portions according to a size and a footedness (e.g., right foot, left foot). Assembling a shoe box including two elongate portions, each including magnets disposed along a medial edge and a lateral edge, may include selecting a first shoe disposed within a first elongate portion and having a first footedness and a first size; selecting a second shoe disposed within a second elongate portion and having a second footedness (e.g., opposite to the first footedness) and a second size; and coupling the first elongate portion and the second elongate portion using magnets. In some examples, assembling a shoe box further includes coupling a hinge to medial edges of the first and second elongate portions while the shoe box is in a closed configuration.

Examples, Components, and Alternatives

The following sections describe selected aspects of illustrative footwear storage systems, as well as related systems and/or methods. The examples in these sections are intended for illustration and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Each section may include one or more distinct embodiments or examples, and/or contextual or related information, function, and/or structure.

A. Illustrative Footwear Storage System

As shown in FIGS. 1-12, this section describes an illustrative storage system, also referred to as a flat-folding shoe box 100. Shoe box 100 is an example of shoe boxes described above. Shoe box 100 includes two elongate portions, also referred to as container portions, 110, 120, which are coupled together to collectively define the shoe box. Each elongate portion includes four vertical walls, collectively referred to as a container wall, 112, 122 (i.e., two long walls and two short walls) coupled to central floor panels 114, 124. In some examples, the walls are coupled to the central floor panels at right angles, such that each elongate portion is substantially cuboidal. Walls 112, 122 and central floor panels 114, 124 collectively define open-faced compartments, 116, 126 having open mouths 117, 127, which are respectively configured to hold a shoe.

Elongate portions 110 and 120 are coupled together along peripheral edges of long walls 112 by any suitable combination of coupling mechanisms, at least one of which is releasable, such as magnets, hinges, and/or the like. At least one of elongate portions 110 and 120 includes a first magnet (or magnets) coupled to a peripheral edge of a long wall. The other elongate portion includes either a second magnet (or magnets) coupled to a peripheral edge of the long wall or a ferromagnetic portion configured to mate with the first magnet, such that the one or more magnets selectively holds the open mouths of the elongate portions together in a biased closure. FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative arrangement wherein magnets (or ferromagnetic portions) 113 are disposed on or in a peripheral edge of wall 112, and corresponding magnets (or ferromagnetic portions) 123 are disposed on or in a peripheral edge of wall 122. Other numbers, combinations, and arrangements of magnets may be utilized. For example, there may be only one magnet or ferromagnetic portion 113 and one corresponding magnet or ferromagnetic portion 123.

Shoe box 100 is transitionable between a closed configuration (see FIGS. 1-4) and an open configuration (see FIGS. 8 and 10). When shoe box 100 is in the closed configuration, peripheral edges of vertical walls 112 are directly contacting peripheral edges of vertical walls 122 such that short walls contact short walls and long walls contact long walls. Adjacent compartments 116 and 126 collectively form an interior compartment. Central floor panels 114 and 124 are substantially parallel. In some examples, such as when the walls are coupled to the central floor panels at right angles, the elongate portions collectively form a cuboidal compartment or container when the shoe box is in the closed configuration. In some examples, walls 112 and walls 122 collectively form a continuous surface when the shoe box is in the closed configuration.

Transitioning shoe box 100 between the closed configuration and the open configuration includes pivoting one or both elongate portions about an axis of rotation 104 defined by medial edges 118 and 128. Shoe box 100 passes through a partially open configuration depicted in FIGS. 5-7, wherein elongate portions 110 and 120 are coupled only by a hinge 130 disposed at medial edges of the elongate portions and wherein central floor panels 114 and 124 are disposed transverse to each other.

As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5-7, hinge 130 may be a living hinge, and may comprise any foldable material such as paper, tape, fabric, and/or the like. In some examples, multiple hinges 130 may couple medial edges 118 and 128. In some examples, hinge 130 may comprise a pair of magnetically coupled magnets. In some examples, hinge 130 may comprise one or more magnets magnetically coupled to a piece of ferromagnetic metal.

FIGS. 8 and 11 depict shoe box 100 in an open configuration. Shoe box 100 folds flat along hinge 130 such that compartments 110 and 120 are disposed adjacent to each other and medial edges 118 and 128 contact each other. Central floor panels 114 and 124 are substantially coplanar.

Each elongate portion 116, 126 includes a retaining mechanism (AKA receiver) 150 configured to hold a portion of a shoe 160 (see FIGS. 9, 10). In some examples, retaining mechanism 150 includes a contoured opening configured to retain the shoe portion. In some examples, retaining mechanism 150 is contoured in two dimensions to receive a heel portion of a shoe such that ground-contacting surfaces of the shoe contact an interior surface of the elongate portion's respective central floor panel. In some examples, In some examples, retaining mechanism 150 is further contoured in a third dimension such that retaining the shoe includes sliding the heel of the shoe into the retaining mechanism such that portions of the retaining mechanism contact top surfaces of tapered outsoles.

In some examples, retaining mechanisms 150 are disposed at opposing ends of the elongate portions when the shoe box is in a closed configuration. In some examples, respective retaining mechanisms 150 are contoured for shoes having a specific footedness. In some examples, retaining mechanisms 150 are disposed such that a medial edge of a shoe is disposed adjacent to the medial edge of the elongate portion. Retaining mechanisms may comprise any suitable rigid, resilient, and/or elastic material configured to hold shoes in multiple orientations, such as cardboard, extruded polystyrene foams, expanded polystyrene foams, molded resilient materials (e.g., rubber, resilient polymers), molded plastics, molded foams (e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride), elastic bands, ribbons, and/or the like. Retaining mechanisms may be manufactured using any suitable technique for producing a contoured opening, such as molding, cutting, blowing, pressing, machining, stamping, and/or the like.

In some examples, a same sized shoe box is used for different shoe sizes. Retaining mechanisms 150 may have different shapes and/or sizes depending on a shoe style or a shoe size stored in the shoe box (see Appendix A). In some examples, retaining mechanisms 150 may comprise multiple pieces. In some examples, retaining mechanisms 150 may comprise a single piece.

As depicted in FIG. 11 and described above, shoe box 100 is held in a closed position using one or more magnets 170. In some examples, shoe box 100 includes a hinge 130 disposed at medial edges of elongate portions 110, 120, and one or more magnets 170 disposed at lateral edges. In some examples, shoe box 100 includes a hinge 130 disposed at medial edges of elongate portions 110, 120, elongate portion 110 includes one or more magnets disposed at a lateral edge, and elongate portion 120 includes one or more pieces of ferromagnetic metal disposed at a lateral edge. In some examples, magnets and/or pieces of ferromagnetic metal are disposed within walls 112, 122.

Shoe box 100 may comprise any suitable material for shoe boxes, including cardboard; extruded, expanded, and/or molded foams; molded plastics; metal; wood; and/or the like. In some examples, shoe box 100 includes non-ferromagnetic materials. In some examples, the walls of the shoe box are at least partially hollow and/or are honeycombed or otherwise internally structured.

B. Illustrative Two-Piece Footwear Storage System

In some examples, as depicted in FIG. 12, a footwear storage system, also referred to as a shoe box, 200 includes two discrete and/or disconnected elongate portions 210, 220. Shoe box 200 is substantially identical to shoe box 100, except as described below. Shoe box 200 is transitionable between a closed configuration, wherein peripheral edges of walls 212, 222 are held together by magnets 260, and an open configuration, wherein the elongate portions are completely disconnected from each other.

In some examples, shoe box 200 includes magnets and/or a combination of magnets and ferromagnetic metal disposed at both lateral and medial edges of elongate portions 210, 220. In some examples, magnets 260 disposed at medial edges of elongate portions 210, 220 may be stronger than magnets disposed at lateral edges of elongate portions 210, 220, allowing the elongate portions to pivot about a hinge defined by the stronger magnets. In some examples, shoe box 100 includes magnets and/or a combination of magnets and ferromagnetic metal disposed at medial edges of central floor panels 214 and 224, or at central edges of walls 212, 222, which may hold the box in an open configuration.

In some examples, shoes are stored in disconnected elongate portions 210, 220 (AKA shoe box halves). Disconnected shoe box halves may be arranged by any suitable shoe characteristic, such as shoe size, shoe color, shoe heel height, and/or the like and stored (e.g., in a warehouse). A customer may order and/or purchase two shoes having different shoe characteristics (e.g., different sizes). In response, a worker may select a first shoe box half including a first shoe having a first shoe characteristic and a first shoe footedness (e.g., right foot), select a second shoe box half including a second shoe having a second shoe characteristic and a second shoe footedness (e.g., left foot), and couple the two disconnected box halves (e.g., using magnets) to produce a shoe box.

In some examples, shoes having different sizes, but within a same size range (e.g., 4-7, 8-12, 13-15, etc.) may have a same sized shoe box 200. Customers having two feet of different sizes may therefore purchase a right shoe of a first size and a left shoe of a second size and receive a shoe box comprising two coupled box halves, each half including a shoe having a different size.

In some examples, disconnected elongate portions may be configured to be permanently coupled by a worker before shipping. Elongate portions may include magnets disposed and/or a combination of magnets and ferromagnetic metal disposed at lateral edges. A worker may apply a hinge 230 by coupling a piece of paper, fabric, tape, and/or any other suitable material for a living hinge to medial edges of the elongate portions.

In some examples, disconnected box halves may include features and/or storage mechanisms configured to protect shoes stored therein. In some examples, disconnected box halves may comprise a temporary protective covering 270 applied to an open mouth 217, 227 of the box halves. In some examples, the temporary protective covering includes a removable protective film such as cling film, a cloth or plastic cover having an elastic mouth, and/or the like. In some examples, disconnected box halves are stored coupled to disconnected box halves including shoes having same shoe characteristics, but are uncoupled by a worker and coupled to disconnected box halves including shoes having one or more different shoe characteristics before distribution. In some examples, disconnected box halves may be stored in shelves 280 including a shelf height configured such that a bottom surface of a first shelf 282 seals an open mouth of a box half 210, 220 disposed on a second shelf 284 (see FIG. 13).

C. Illustrative Method

This section describes steps of an illustrative method 300 for storing and distributing footwear, see FIG. 14. Aspects of footwear storage system 100 and footwear storage shelf 280 may be utilized in the method steps described below. Where appropriate, reference may be made to components and systems that may be used in carrying out each step. These references are for illustration, and are not intended to limit the possible ways of carrying out any particular step of the method.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed in an illustrative method, and may not recite the complete process or all steps of the method. Although various steps of method 300 are described below and depicted in FIG. 14, the steps need not necessarily all be performed, and in some cases may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the order shown.

Step 302 of method 300 for storing and distributing footwear may include securing a plurality of articles of footwear in a plurality of corresponding storage containers having open mouths, such that each article of footwear is removably held within a respective one of the storage containers. In some examples, each of the plurality of storage containers comprises an open-topped cuboidal box.

Step 304 of method 300 may include preventing each of the articles of footwear from falling out by holding the article of footwear in place using a retention mechanism of the respective storage container. In some examples, the retention mechanisms each comprise a shaped cutout or slot configured to receive a portion of the corresponding article of footwear. In some examples, preventing each of the articles of footwear from falling out of the container comprises mating a portion of the article of footwear with a corresponding cutout or slot formed in the storage container. In some examples, the cutout or slot has a two-dimensionally curved profile (e.g., in X-Y directions), or a three-dimensionally curved profile (e.g., in the X, Y, and Z directions).

Step 306 of method 300 may include selectively attaching corresponding edge portions of a selected two of the plurality of storage containers to each other using one or more integrated magnets. For example one or more magnets may be embedded, enclosed, or contained within corresponding edges of either or both of the storage containers. In some examples, the selected two storage containers include differently-sized articles of footwear.

Step 308 of method 300 may include fully enclosing the secured articles of footwear within the two storage containers by coupling the periphery of the open mouth of one of the two to the periphery of the open mouth of the other of the two. In some examples, fully enclosing the secured articles of footwear within the two storage containers comprises pivoting the open mouths toward each other on a common hinge shared by the two storage containers. In some examples, two or more (e.g., three or four) corresponding edges of the containers are held together at least in part (directly or indirectly) by the one or more magnets.

Optional step 310 of method 300 may include storing the plurality of footwear-housing storage containers in a warehouse shelving system. This step may, for example, be performed between steps 304 and 306, although other suitable sequences may be performed. In some examples, this step includes coupling the open mouth of each of the storage containers to respective surfaces of the shelving system using the one or more magnets. In some examples, this step includes coupling a protective cover (e.g., a removable film) to the open mouth.

D. Selected Embodiments and Claim Concepts

This section describes additional aspects and features of footwear storage systems, presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more other paragraphs, and/or with disclosure from elsewhere in this application, including any attached Appendices, in any suitable manner. Some of the paragraphs below may expressly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, providing without limitation examples of some of the suitable combinations.

C0. A storage system for footwear, the system comprising:

• • a first container portion including an open mouth formed by a first container wall, and a first footwear retainer having a first receiver configured to receive and hold a first article of footwear within the first container portion; and
  • a second container portion including an open mouth formed by a second container wall, and a second footwear retainer having a second receiver configured to receive and hold a second article of footwear within the second container portion;
  • wherein one of the first or second container portions includes one or more magnets coupled to a peripheral edge of the open mouth and the other of the first or second container portions includes a corresponding ferromagnetic portion configured to mate with the magnet, such that the one or more magnets selectively holds the open mouths of the first and second container portions together in a biased closure.

C1. The system of C0, wherein the first and second container walls comprise a non-ferromagnetic material.

C2. The system of C0 or C1, wherein the one or more magnets are disposed within the first container wall.

C3. The system of any one of paragraphs C0 through C2, wherein the first container portion is hinged to the second container portion.

C3A. The system of paragraph C3, wherein the first container portion is coupled to the second container portion by a living hinge.

C4. The system of any one of paragraphs C0 through C3, wherein the corresponding ferromagnetic portion comprises one or more second magnets.

C5. The system of any one of paragraphs C0 through C4, wherein the first and second receivers each comprise a contoured opening configured to receive a portion of a shoe.

C6. The system of C5, wherein the contoured openings of the first and second receivers each include a three dimensional contour.

C7. The system of C5, wherein the contoured openings of the first and second receivers are each configured to receive a heel portion of the shoe.

C8. The system of any one of paragraphs C0 through C7, wherein the first and second container portions are transitionable between a closed configuration wherein the first and second container portions are held together by the one or more magnets, and an open configuration wherein the first and second container portions are completely disconnected from each other.

C9. The system of any one of paragraphs C0 through C7, wherein the first and second container portions are transitionable between a closed configuration wherein the first and second container portions are held together by the one or more magnets, and an open configuration wherein the first and second container portions are pivoted away from each other on a common hinge, with the first container portion immediately adjacent the second container portion in a side-by-side arrangement.

C10. The system of any one of paragraphs C0 through C9, wherein the first and second footwear retainers are at opposing ends of the container portions when closed.

C11. The system of any one of paragraphs C0 through C10, wherein each of the container portions is cuboidal in shape.

C12. The system of paragraph C11, wherein the container portions collectively form a cuboidal container when closed together, such that the container walls form a continuous surface.

D0. A method for storing and distributing footwear, the method comprising:

securing a plurality of articles of footwear in a plurality of corresponding storage containers having open mouths, such that each article of footwear is removably held within a respective one of the storage containers;

preventing each of the articles of footwear from falling out by holding the article of footwear in place using a retention mechanism of the respective storage container;

selectively attaching corresponding edge portions of a selected two of the plurality of storage containers to each other using one or more integrated magnets;

fully enclosing the secured articles of footwear within the two storage containers by coupling the periphery of the open mouth of one of the two to the periphery of the open mouth of the other of the two.

D1. The method of D0, wherein the retention mechanisms each comprise a shaped cutout or slot configured to receive a portion of the corresponding article of footwear.

D2. The method of D0, wherein preventing each of the articles of footwear from falling out of the container comprises mating a portion of the article of footwear with a corresponding cutout or slot formed in the storage container.

D3. The method of D1 or D2, wherein the cutout or slot has a two-dimensionally curved profile.

D4. The method of any one of paragraphs D1 through D3, wherein the cutout or slot has a three-dimensionally curved profile.

D5. The method of any one of paragraphs D0 through D4, wherein fully enclosing the secured articles of footwear within the two storage containers comprises pivoting the open mouths toward each other on a common hinge shared by the two storage containers.

D6. The method of any one of paragraphs D0 through D5, wherein the selected two storage containers include differently-sized articles of footwear.

D7. The method of any one of paragraphs D0 through D6, wherein each of the plurality of storage containers comprises an open-topped cuboidal box.

D8. The method of any one of paragraphs D0 through D7, further comprising storing the plurality of footwear-housing storage containers in a warehouse shelving system.

D9. The method of D8, further comprising coupling the open mouth of each of the storage containers to respective surfaces of the shelving system using the one or more magnets.

D10. The method of D8, further comprising coupling a temporary protective cover to the open mouth.

D11. The method of D10, wherein the protective cover comprises a removable film.

Advantages, Features, and Benefits

The different embodiments and examples of the footwear storage system described herein provide several advantages over known solutions for footwear storage and inventory management. For example, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein provide a shoe box which can be used for shoe storage by a consumer (e.g., stored open on a shelf).

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow for storage, packaging, and distribution of shoes having different shoe characteristics (e.g., sizes).

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein provide an interesting and aesthetically pleasing shoe unboxing experience, thereby increasing perceived value to a consumer.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein secure shoes in a fixed position within a shoe box, thereby protecting the shoes during distribution.

No known system or device can perform these functions. However, not all embodiments and examples described herein provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.

CONCLUSION

The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct examples with independent utility. Although each of these has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A storage system for footwear, the system comprising:

a first container portion having an open mouth formed by a first container wall, the first container portion further including a first footwear retainer having a first receiver configured to receive and hold a first article of footwear in the first container portion; and

a second container portion having an open mouth formed by a second container wall, the second container portion further including a second footwear retainer having a second receiver configured to receive and hold a second article of footwear in the second container portion;

wherein one of the first or second container portions includes one or more magnets coupled to a peripheral edge of the respective open mouth and the other of the first or second container portions includes a corresponding ferromagnetic portion configured to mate with the one or more magnets, such that the one or more magnets selectively hold the open mouths of the first and second container portions together in a biased closure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second container walls comprise a non-ferromagnetic material.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are disposed within the first container wall.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first container portion is coupled to the second container portion by a hinge.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the corresponding ferromagnetic portion comprises one or more second magnets.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second receivers each comprise a contoured opening configured to receive a portion of the respective article of footwear.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the contoured openings of the first and second receivers each include a three-dimensional contour.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the contoured openings of the first and second receivers are each configured to receive a heel portion of the respective article of footwear.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second container portions are transitionable between a closed configuration wherein the first and second container portions are held together by the one or more magnets, and an open configuration wherein the first and second container portions are completely disconnected from each other.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second container portions are transitionable between a closed configuration wherein the first and second container portions are held together by the one or more magnets, and an open configuration wherein the first and second container portions are pivoted away from each other on a common hinge, with the first container portion immediately adjacent the second container portion in a side-by-side arrangement.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second footwear retainers are at opposing ends of the container portions when closed.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the container portions collectively form a cuboidal container when closed together, such that the container walls form a continuous surface.

13. A method for storing and distributing footwear, the method comprising:

securing a plurality of articles of footwear in a plurality of corresponding storage containers having open mouths, such that each article of footwear is removably held within a respective one of the storage containers;

preventing each of the articles of footwear from falling out by holding the article of footwear in place using a retention mechanism of the respective storage container;

selectively attaching corresponding edge portions of a selected two of the plurality of storage containers to each other using one or more integrated magnets;

fully enclosing the secured articles of footwear within the selected two storage containers by coupling peripheries of the respective open mouths to each other.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein preventing each of the articles of footwear from falling out of the container using the retention mechanism comprises mating a portion of the article of footwear with a corresponding cutout formed in the storage container.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the cutout has a two-dimensionally curved profile.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein fully enclosing the secured articles of footwear within the two storage containers comprises pivoting the open mouths toward each other on a common hinge shared by the two storage containers.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the selected two storage containers include differently sized articles of footwear.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of storage containers comprises an open-topped cuboidal box.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising storing the plurality of storage containers in a warehouse shelving system, wherein storing comprises coupling the open mouth of each of the storage containers to respective surfaces of the shelving system using the one or more magnets.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising coupling a temporary protective cover to the open mouth.