Shoe Or Boot Type Patents (Class 211/34)
  • Patent number: 11033125
    Abstract: An apparatus for hanging an article from a door. In one aspect, the apparatus may be an over-the-door hanging apparatus that includes a support structure, a bracket assembly detachably coupled to the support structure, and at least one accessory unit detachably coupled to the support structure. The bracket assembly includes at least one mounting element for coupling the bracket assembly to the support structure and, at least one bracket configured to engage a top edge of a door for hanging the support structure from the door. The accessory unit may include a mesh portion and a plurality of hooks, with the mesh portion being positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew Scott Kressin, Ariane Ebba Boli
  • Patent number: 10959546
    Abstract: An over-the-door hanging apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus include a mirror apparatus having a rear surface, first and second mounting elements located on the rear surface of the mirror apparatus opposite sides of the vertical centerline; a first elongate member having a first bracket for engaging a top edge of a door, a first hook, and a second hook, and a second elongate member having a second bracket for engaging the top edge of the door, a first hook, and a second hook. The mirror apparatus may be mounted to the first elongate member through slidable mating between the first mounting element and one of the first and second hooks of the first elongate member slidable mating between the second mounting element and one of the first and second hooks of the second elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew S. Kressin, Michael Lee Pyle
  • Patent number: 10835061
    Abstract: An apparatus for hanging an article from a door. In one aspect, the invention can be an over-the-door mirror apparatus including a support structure having a rear surface with a vertical centerline; a first elongate member having a first bracket and a second elongate member having a second bracket for engaging a top edge of a door; the first elongate member slidably attached to the rear surface of the support structure at first and second connections that are vertically spaced; the second elongate member slidably attached to the rear surface of the support structure at third and fourth connections that are vertically spaced; and wherein the first and second connections are located on a first side of the vertical centerline and the third and fourth connections are located on a second side of the vertical centerline that is opposite the first side of the vertical centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: MCS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew Scott Kressin
  • Patent number: 10660433
    Abstract: A modular shelf assembly includes planar panels for defining the sides of the assembly, and elongated vertical rows of slots in the panels for receiving the hooked ends of shelf supporting rods, and planar crossbars and diagonal braces with hooked ends for releasably latching the panels together in parallel, spaced apart relationship to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Mohammed Jomaa
  • Patent number: 10570948
    Abstract: A universal support hook includes an elongated pin having a plurality of juxtaposed hangers rotatably mounted thereon. Each hanger includes a C-shaped gripping member with a hinge barrel at an upper end thereof. The hinge barrel includes a central, transverse bore that receives the pin to allow the hanger to freely rotate within a 360-degree range. When any desired number of hangers are raised to a vertical position, their C-shaped gripping members can be secured to a tubular or thin support structure, such as a passenger-seat tray, a closet rod, a chair frame or a shopping-cart handle. The remaining hangers freely hang from the pin to provide a hook for suspending handbags, jewelry items, garments and other similar personal items from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Yvette B Leslie
  • Patent number: 10499733
    Abstract: A shoe rock for holding organizing and holding shoes is provided. The shoe rack may include a base detachably connected to a first side rail and a second side rail, the first side rail and the second side rail extending upward from the base at an angle from 45 degrees to less than 90 degrees; and a plurality of shelves, each shelf comprising (a) a shelf platform; (b) a first joint detachably connected to the first side rail; and (c) a second joint detachably connected to the second side rail. The plurality of shelves can be at least three shelves. In addition, the present invention may include a kid for a shoe rack that includes a base, a first and second side rail, where each side rail has an angled first end that has an angle from 45 degrees to less than 90 degrees, a plurality of shelves that each has a platform, a first joint and a second joint and includes a plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Whitmor, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy Felsenthal, Steve Westcott, Milton D. Ruiz, Paul Mann
  • Patent number: 10136727
    Abstract: A boot rack with angled support, including a frame having a central bar extending between a pair of support feet, such that the pair of support feet engages a surface, and at least one elongate boot support element having a first end and a second end. The first end of the support element includes a fixed component and a rotating component, such that the fixed component is attached to the central bar, and the rotating component is connected to the fixed component via a hinge connection. The hinge connection can define an axis which allows the rotating component to rotate about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Richards Homewares, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Freelander
  • Patent number: 9079063
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval apparatus for objects with looped openings, the apparatus being flexible and made of metal, the apparatus characterized in having first and second arms, the first and second arms each having an upper end and each having a lower end, the apparatus having a body with first and second ends, the first end of the body connecting with the lower end of the first arm, the second end of the body connecting with the lower end of the second arm, the body having a shape, the shape of the body urging the first and second arms toward each other with a first spacing therebetween, the upper end of the first arm defining a first tip, the upper end of the second arm defining a second tip, the first tip and the second tip forming a space wider than the first spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Steven R. Knight
  • Patent number: 9022235
    Abstract: A footwear hanger includes a suspension portion for suspending a pair of shoes having toe separators in as side-by-side relation in an upright position, and a pair of support portions connected to, and in mirror symmetrical relationship with, the suspension portion. Each support portion has a plurality of uprights together operative for jointly supporting one of the shoes. The uprights of each support portion are spaced apart from one another and include bound spaces in which the toe separators of the respective shoe are received for holding the shoe upright in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Stuart Kalinsky
  • Patent number: 8925740
    Abstract: A women's footwear storage assembly organizes and stores high-heeled shoes by suspending them above a ground surface. The assembly includes a plurality of interwoven strands. The strands define a net wherein the net has openings extending between adjacently positioned strands. Each of the openings is configured to receive a heel portion of an article of high-heeled footwear. A frame is coupled to and extends around a perimeter edge of the net. The frame is configured thr supporting the net in a stretched position. An upper loop is coupled to a top end of the net. A holding member is selectively couplable to the upper loop and configured for retaining the net in an upright position against a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: John Fanok
  • Patent number: 8714370
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a footwear clamp bag accessory used to clamp a pair of shoes together and couple the clamped shoes to some other object using a claw-lock/clip. The footwear clamp bag accessory can include a base, at least two clamps, a locking mechanism, and a claw-lock/clip. The base can be the main structure that at least a portion of the clamps ride and that the claw-lock/clip is affixed to via a strap/cord. The at least two clamps can be a left clamp and a right clamp. Each of the left and right clamps can include a portion that rides a portion of the main structure. Further, clamp pads can couple to the left clamp and right clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sterko LLC
    Inventors: Nour Jebara, Liam Van Der Merwe
  • Publication number: 20140097148
    Abstract: A boot rack includes two vertical supporting frames arranged crosswise with an interval, with each frame including a top end, a seating bottom end, a front side and a rear side. At least one horizontal limiting frame is arranged crosswise between the two vertical supporting frames and at a certain height from the seating bottom end. A plurality of barrel limiting slots are arranged on the horizontal limiting frame with intervals, with each slot including a front side entry. The width of said front side entry must be sufficient for the barrel of at least one boot to be aligned and inserted into the barrel limiting slot so as to laterally limit the barrel. In this way, the boots can be placed tidily with less space occupation, meanwhile effectively avoiding possible tilting or bending. This provides a protection of the boots against deformation and is a practical advancement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: DONIDO ENTERFPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kun-Lung CHENG
  • Patent number: 8662318
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying and storing footwear has a flexible, substantially “T” shaped member having a first section and a second section that is transverse to the first section. The second section extends in opposite directions to first and second distal ends. The “T” shaped member has front and rear sides, wherein fastening devices are attached to the front side and mating fastening devices are attached to the rear side. Each fastening device on the front side is configured to be removably attached to a corresponding mating fastener on the rear side. Fastening devices on the front side are located on the first section adjacent the second section and on the second section adjacent the first distal end. Mating fastening devices on the rear side are located on the first section adjacent the distal end of the first section and on the second section adjacent the second distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donna Caporale-Colon
  • Patent number: 8657391
    Abstract: A merchandise display system and method which promotes self-service by customers. The system includes plurality of cabinets each having a top surface and a plurality of pull-out racks. The top surface has a plurality of display areas corresponding to the plurality of pull-out racks. Each display area and a corresponding rack is marked with a matching identifying indicia. A merchandise sample is provided for each display area and is also conspicuously marked with matching identifying indicia. An inventory of merchandise removably hangs from each of the plurality of racks having the same features as the corresponding merchandise sample. A consumer viewing a desired merchandise sample on display can easily locate the corresponding inventory of merchandise by matching the identifying indicia of the desired sample with the rack supporting the corresponding inventory of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rubicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Simondi, Debra Hovel, Richard Hovel
  • Patent number: 8657124
    Abstract: A shoe hanging system is provided. The system includes a frame, where the frame is encapsulated by a cover. The cover is firmly attached to a spine. The spine is attached to a holding device, where the holding device is configured to hold at least one shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Shatikwa Brown
  • Publication number: 20140034587
    Abstract: The present invention describes a boot hanger assembly that provides a place for the storage and concealment of footwear. The assembly has a shroud and an elongate plastic chain that is hung from an elevated platform such as a wall, ceiling, or an existing rod. Hooks are hung from along the length of a plastic chain that enables boots or other footwear to be hung. This provides for a way to free up closet space while also organizing a person's footwear. The assembly also has a decorative shroud that covers the hanging footwear. The shroud functions to conceal the contents of the assembly, provide a protective barrier from environmental contaminants, as well as add to the aesthetic value of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Kelly Herold
  • Publication number: 20130200015
    Abstract: A footwear hanger includes a suspension portion for suspending a pair of shoes having toe separators in a side-by-side relation in an upright position, and a pair of support portions connected to, and in mirror symmetrical relationship with, the suspension portion. Each support portion has a plurality of uprights together operative for jointly supporting one of the shoes. The uprights of each support portion are spaced apart from one another and bound spaces in which the toe separators of the respective shoe are received for holding the shoe upright in the upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: WELLROX, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stuart KALINSKY
  • Patent number: 8439415
    Abstract: A reusable, hand-held carrier for transporting and storing a pair of ski boots includes: (a) a handle portion; (b) a shank including two opposite longitudinal first sides, an upper shank end being attached to a base handle section of the handle portion; (c) a hanger portion extending from a lower shank end and including at least two elongate hook elements, each of the hook elements including an open topped channel and a set of corresponding shoulder portions on opposite walls of the channel that form a pinched zone at the top of the channel. The boot carrier preferably also includes at least one carrier pin for holding a sole guard ski boot accessory within a recess in the carrier shank. A carrier wall mount and boot carrier set is also contemplated. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Laura Aubrey Valaas
  • Publication number: 20120223031
    Abstract: A method for storing and displaying footwear including, without limitation, flip-flops and thong-type sandals, as well as other loose items, is provided. An elongate central body, such as a length of ribbon or other similar structure, having a number of upwardly facing hooks - typically combined in pairs - arrayed along the length of the central body, is suspended from a support. Sandals and other loose items are hung on the hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Mary Ellen Hathorn
  • Publication number: 20120118838
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a portable item storage device, a rack that is disposed in the portable item storage device, a first shoe spacer, and a second shoe spacer. Each shoe spacer is removably coupled to the rack and adjustable in size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: YVONNE DNISE GUTIERREZ
  • Patent number: 8177075
    Abstract: A method for storing and displaying footwear including, without limitation, flip-flops and thong-type sandals, as well as other loose items, is provided. An elongate central body, such as a length of ribbon or other similar structure, having a number of upwardly facing hooks—typically combined in pairs—arrayed along the length of the central body, is suspended from a support. Sandals and other loose items are hung on the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Mary Ellen Hathorn
  • Publication number: 20120061336
    Abstract: A flip-flop hanger having an elongated body, a hook, an attachment device, an attachment aperture and two disc-shaped sections. The attachment device is disposed near the second end of the elongated body and the attachment aperture is located in the mid-section of the elongated body. The disc-shaped sections are disposed between the attachment device and the attachment aperture. Each disc-shaped section has an outer perimetrical edge, a central opening and a slot that extends between the central opening and the outer perimetrical edge. The central openings in the disc-shaped sections attach to the flip-flop straps between the bottom of the soles and the retaining devices. After the flip-flops are attached, the body is folded and the attachment device engages the attachment aperture. The flip-flop hanger can then be affixed to a rack or merchandise display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Norman, Keith Cedro, Jake Strassburger
  • Publication number: 20120048816
    Abstract: A shoe hanging system is provided. The system includes a frame, where the frame is encapsulated by a cover. The cover is firmly attached to a spine. The spine is attached to a holding device, where the holding device is configured to hold at least one shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Shatikwa Brown
  • Publication number: 20110120961
    Abstract: A method for storing and displaying footwear including, without limitation, flip-flops and thong-type sandals, as well as other loose items, is provided. An elongate central body, such as a length of ribbon or other similar structure, having a number of upwardly facing hooks—typically combined in pairs—arrayed along the length of the central body, is suspended from a support. Sandals and other loose items are hung on the hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Mary Ellen Hathorn
  • Publication number: 20100282696
    Abstract: A combined shoe rack comprises a combined frame and at least one movable spacer plate. The combined frame is defined with at least one holding groove. The movable spacer plate is disposed in the holding groove of the combined frame, and an edge of the movable spacer plate is pivotally combined to an inner edge of the holding groove in such a manner that the movable spacer plate can be pivoted about the inner edge of the holding groove within the holding groove. When the movable spacer plate is pivoted to incline along a diagonal plane of the holding groove, the holding groove will be divided into a first chamber and a second chamber both of which are triangular in cross section, so that one holding groove can hold two pairs of lower shoes or a pair of higher shoes, thus making full use of space to hold more shoes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Kuo-Wen Shang
  • Publication number: 20100270246
    Abstract: A door-supported storage device provides stable and readily reconfigurable storage units along a door or other substantially vertical surface to which rails may be mounted. The rails may be of an aesthetically pleasing design, in which coupling or mounting features are substantially hidden from view. Optionally, the rails are multi-piece rails. By positioning brackets at both upper and lower end portions of the rails, the rails are stably supported at the door, even during opening and closing of the door. Storage units adapted for mounting to the rails may include, for example, a paper-storage shelf, a hanger support, a basket shelf, a storage shelf for loose articles, a rolled paper retainer, a slanted storage shelf, a closable storage bin, a shoe rack, and a storage bin having at least one wall made up of a plurality of elastic cords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: David Robert Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7775410
    Abstract: A hanger includes first and second holding members, for reversibly grasping a pair of boots, which members are spaced apart from one another along a first axis and along a second axis, the first being approximately orthogonal to the second, and both the first and second being approximately orthogonal to vertical. This spacing allows the pair of boots to be held side-by-side so that a heel portion of one boot of the pair is approximately aligned with an arch portion of the mating boot. The hanger may include a neck and a pair of arms, which extend from the neck to support the holding members, and the neck and arms of the hanger may be formed from a single piece of wire. A holding device may include both the hanger and a covering to fit around the boots held by the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Boottique, Inc.
    Inventor: Lindsay J. Zamzow
  • Patent number: 7762406
    Abstract: A modular folding shoe rack includes first and second side rails; first and second arms pivotably connected with the side rails at a first end of the arms; a first crossbar connected with the opposite ends of the arms; and a second crossbar connected with the side rails. Each side rail may also include complementary male/female connectors at its opposite ends to allow for connection of one side rail to another, resulting in a modular design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Whitmor Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Lu Zhi Qiang
  • Publication number: 20100084353
    Abstract: A hanger for a pair of sandals includes a pair of substantially rigid, foldable, planar wings, each wing having a support hook integrally formed with an elongate body member and a fold line extending between lateral sides of the body member for separating the support hook from the body member. An end portion of the body member remote from the support hook has a slot formed in one of its lateral sides for defining a laterally opening sandals engaging hook. The wings have substantially identical support hooks, which are arranged in overlapping registry and connected to each other. The wings fold outwardly along the fold lines for defining a cavity therebetween for accommodating a pair of sandals in sole-to-sole facing relationship therewithin, each sandal being supported by its thongs or straps from one of the sandals engaging hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: GreenHeart Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Barker, Michael Low
  • Publication number: 20090223911
    Abstract: A storage apparatus and method involves a wheel storage assembly having adjustable pockets for storage therein of an article. The wheel storage assembly generally includes a pocket assembly and opposite wheel assemblies. The pocket assembly may include a core, at least two dividers installed in an offset relationship on the core, the dividers being configured to project substantially radially outwardly from the core to form a free end of each divider, and a clip mounted at the free end of each divider. A base assembly may be employed to rotatably support the wheel storage assembly. A hub of each wheel assembly may be formed with an outer, substantially rounded surface and with a tension belt installed on a base connector of the base assembly and looped around the rounded surface to control the rotational speed of the wheel storage assembly as mounted on the base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Danilo Torro
  • Publication number: 20090211993
    Abstract: A shoe rack includes subassemblies comprising a lower support including an upward extending sleeve passing through a rear end and having a ridged section on its inner wall, an annular top projection extending inward, and an annular intermediate projection extending inward from the ridged section; and an upper support including a hollow cylinder passing through a rear end and having a ridged structure on its outer surface, an annular top groove on the ridged structure, and an annular intermediate groove on the ridged structure wherein the cylinder is dimensioned to insert into the sleeve to be pivotably frictionally secured thereto by engaging the top groove with the top projection and the intermediate groove with the intermediate projection or engaging the intermediate groove with the top projection; and a pole passing through the sleeve and the cylinder of each subassembly. Each subassembly is adapted to pivot about the pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Hsiao-Hung Chiang, Li-Chi Chu
  • Publication number: 20090071917
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and displaying footwear including, without limitation, flip-flops and thong-type sandals, as well as other loose items, is provided. An elongate central body, such as a length of ribbon or other similar structure, has a number of upwardly facing hooks—typically combined in pairs—arrayed along the length of the central body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Mary Ellen Hathorn
  • Publication number: 20090039747
    Abstract: A footwear storage device includes a housing member having a generally hollow interior portion. Such housing member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined size and shape. At least one drawer type member manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined size and shape is operably connected to such housing member at a predetermined location within such generally hollow interior portion. A supporting means is operably disposed within such at least one drawer member for supporting a plurality of predetermined items of footwear. A means having a first portion operably disposed on such drawer type member at a predetermined location thereon and a second mating portion operably disposed on such housing member at a predetermined location thereon enables such drawer type member to extend to a position outside of such interior portion and to retract to a position within such interior portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: James L. Webster, II, Peter R. Bryson, John S. Loney
  • Publication number: 20090008345
    Abstract: A shoe rack having at least one rod with an elongated rib extending outward from the rod and along a length of the rod. First and second end frames are connected to the rod by connectors. A plurality of shoe holders are mounted on the rod, the shoe holders having a base with a hole through which the rod and rib extends. The hole is sufficiently larger than the rod to allow movement of the shoe holder along a length of the rod. Two stops are connected to the base of each shoe holder or connected to one of the frames. The stops are located on opposing sides of the rib and spaced apart a distance selected to define an arc through which the shoe holder rotates. The connector has a projection mating with the rods, and parallel walls spaced apart to fit over a rail mate with.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Azad Sabounjian
  • Publication number: 20080256828
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least nine models of slippers, with at least three different sizes and at least three levels of firmness. Each of the slippers comprises a sole portion, an upper portion attached to the sole portion and configured for retaining the slipper on a wearer's foot, and a support portion located within the sole portion, wherein said models of slippers within the product line differ only in size and the cushioning properties of the support portion. In one embodiment, a slipper product line is provided comprising at least two different models of slippers, with at least two levels of firmness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Doran
  • Publication number: 20080116235
    Abstract: A hanger includes first and second holding members, for reversibly grasping a pair of boots, which members are spaced apart from one another along a first axis and along a second axis, the first being approximately orthogonal to the second, and both the first and second being approximately orthogonal to vertical. This spacing allows the pair of boots to be held side-by-side so that a heel portion of one boot of the pair is approximately aligned with an arch portion of the mating boot. The hanger may include a neck and a pair of arms, which extend from the neck to support the holding members, and the neck and arms of the hanger may be formed from a single piece of wire. A holding device may include both the hanger and a covering to fit around the boots held by the hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: BOOTTIQUE, INC.
    Inventor: Lindsay J. Zamzow
  • Patent number: 7264127
    Abstract: A kitchen lid storage sack fabricated from a series of fabric panels each folded back upon itself in a U-shape forming a plurality of open mouth pockets, a rigid tube positioned in a pocket across the top of the sack providing a sliding support for the sack positioned between two adjacent surfaces, such as in the dead space between a cabinet and the side of a refrigerator. The sack is being supported by a stationary bar attached to one of the adjacent surfaces restricting the space between the adjacent surfaces thereby permitting the sack to be freely moved horizontally in and out from between the adjacent surfaces for removal and insertion of pot lids in the plurality of pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Westerman Jones
  • Patent number: 7178680
    Abstract: A rack and tray assembly for supporting foot apparel and collecting and retaining water, snow and debris temporally released therefrom. The rack and tray assembly comprising a folding frame structure having left and right legs and a tray support assembly situated and mounted thereinbetween for supporting at least one tray. Each tray comprising inclined sides extending upwardly from a base and terminating an upper rim collectively forming a reservoir for holding and retaining water, snow, and debris released from foot apparel. The upper rim comprising a ledge having an upper exposed surface for receiving thereon a grate and a lower exposed surface for engaging left and right tray rails integrally made part of and extending downwardly from the tray support assembly, which substantially serve to position each tray above a floor's surface to prevent inadvertent spillage of water, snow and debris contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Karen Lynn Botner
  • Patent number: 7097048
    Abstract: A shoe rack including at least one frame structure and a hanger coupled to the frame structure, the hanger being shaped to couple the shoe rack to a generally vertically-oriented support surface such that the frame structure is located generally adjacent to the support surface. The frame structure includes a plurality of support arms shaped to extend generally away from the support surface when the frame structure is located generally adjacent to the support surface. The rack includes a plurality of generally horizontally-oriented, vertically spaced inner rungs coupled to the frame structure and a plurality of generally horizontally-oriented, vertically spaced outer rungs coupled to the frame structure. The rack further includes a plurality of generally vertically-oriented struts, each strut extending between adjacent ones of the outer rungs or adjacent ones of the support arms to provide vertical support to the outer rungs and the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: HSN Improvements, LLC
    Inventors: Peter D. Rimback, James F. Vidmar
  • Patent number: 6877614
    Abstract: A support rack assembly includes a frame, and two hanging plates each mounted on the frame. The frame includes two side brackets and a plurality of transverse tubes mounted between the two side brackets. Each of the two side brackets has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. Thus, the side brackets are combined in a slide-snap manner without having to provide any fixing member to combine the side brackets. In addition, the hanging plate is locked on the frame in a slide-snap manner, so that the hanging plate is combined with the frame rigidly and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Cheng Wei Furniture Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming Hu
  • Publication number: 20040245192
    Abstract: A support rack assembly includes a frame, and two hanging plates each mounted on the frame. The frame includes two side brackets and a plurality of transverse tubes mounted between the two side brackets. Each of the two side brackets has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. Thus, the side brackets are combined in a slide-snap manner without having to provide any fixing member to combine the side brackets. In addition, the hanging plate is locked on the frame in a slide-snap manner, so that the hanging plate is combined with the frame rigidly and stably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ming Hu
  • Publication number: 20040181963
    Abstract: An insert is disposed in a glove to open up the glove and allow the flow of drying air to the inner surfaces of the glove. A cruciform shaped opening is provided in a central portion of the insert. The opening is adapted to interlock with a mating cruciform member on a drying tree for drying in ambient air. Alternatively, the insert with glove mounted thereon can be disposed in a mechanical dryer (electric or gas) if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Sherilyn G. Morris
  • Patent number: 6786337
    Abstract: A wooden shoe rack constructed either as a unit hung on a door or as a self-standing unit. Frame sides connect with support arms at special dado joints. Shoe support bars extend between the joints on the opposite sides of the frame to support shoes. A single mechanical fastener is used at each joint to connect the frame sides, arms and shoe bars together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Lynk, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, John W. Scott, Chris Serslev
  • Publication number: 20040118791
    Abstract: A shoe rack including at least one frame structure and a hanger coupled to the frame structure, the hanger being shaped to couple the shoe rack to a generally vertically-oriented support surface such that the frame structure is located generally adjacent to the support surface. The frame structure includes a plurality of support arms shaped to extend generally away from the support surface when the frame structure is located generally adjacent to the support surface. The rack includes a plurality of generally horizontally-oriented, vertically spaced inner rungs coupled to the frame structure and a plurality of generally horizontally-oriented, vertically spaced outer rungs coupled to the frame structure. The rack further includes a plurality of generally vertically-oriented struts, each strut extending between adjacent ones of the outer rungs or adjacent ones of the support arms to provide vertical support to the outer rungs and the support arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Peter D. Rimback, James F. Vidmar
  • Patent number: 6732866
    Abstract: A display unit for use in combination with a shelf having a depressed well at its front end, the display unit providing a stop for merchandise resting on the shelf and being formed of a multiplicity of integrally formed panels, portions of which can be seated and locked into the well of the shelf, with other portions then being interengaged to rigidify the unit and preclude accidental collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: East Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob Fast, Robert Fast, Michael G. Lowry
  • Patent number: 6719157
    Abstract: An organizer for use with a closet rod extending along an axis includes a row of side-by-side compartments at least partially formed from a flexible material. Each side-by-side compartment has a floor, a pair of side walls extending from the floor and a mouth between the side walls. The organizer further includes a suspender coupled to the row of side-by-side compartments. The suspender is configured and adapted to hang the plurality of compartments from the closet rod such that each mouth faces a forward horizontal direction perpendicular to the axis of the closet rod when the organizer is hung from the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Closet & Organization Products Company
    Inventors: Darren W. Stoddart, James A. Sellors
  • Publication number: 20040035806
    Abstract: A wooden shoe rack constructed either as a unit hung on a door or as a self-standing unit. Frame sides connect with support arms at special dado joints. Shoe support bars extend between the joints on the opposite sides of the frame to support shoes. A single mechanical fastener is used at each joint to connect the frame sides, arms and shoe bars together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, John W. Scott, Chris Serslev
  • Patent number: 6598948
    Abstract: A shoe storage device is provided having two rotation members that are rotated by a motor. The rotation members have swinging shoe platforms that are rotated such that each, in turn, is proximate a transparent access hatch such that the displayed shoes can be removed. The housing interior is illuminated by a light assembly and the interior air is humidified by a humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Jonathan L Harmon
  • Patent number: 6581786
    Abstract: A suspended shoe rack providing a series of horizontally, or slightly inclined, shoe supports laterally within a structure of a rack, between a pair of side rods, and guide line or stabilizing rods, with the side rods providing structure for supporting the racks to a closet door, during usage. In addition, a plurality of such shoe racks may be nested together, to facilitate their packing assembly, for shipment, storage, or when displayed for sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Wire Products, Inc Missouri Corp.
    Inventors: William D. King, Frederick D. Oberhaus
  • Patent number: 6505742
    Abstract: A method for displaying a pair of shoes utilizes a shoe support disposed in a shoe box. One shoe of a matched pair is disposed in a substantially upside-down orientation on the shoe support, while the other shoe of the matched pair is disposed on the support in a given different orientation. A lid is removed from the box to reveal the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: BCNY International, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Bruce Cagner