Inflatable shoe tree

Abstract

The invention is directed to a inflatable shoe tree that is easy to inflate and that is highly suitable for use both at home and for travel. A version of the present invention provides an inflatable shoe tree comprising: a unitary body having, (a) an interior gas tight chamber, (b) a toe portion, (c) a heel portion, (d) a central portion between the toe portion and the heel portion, (e) a bottom portion, (f) a top portion, and (g) an inflation portion that allows for a volume of gas to enter and exit the gas tight chamber. The body is capable of being in an inflated position and a deflated position, and when in an inflated position it forms a preformed three-dimensional structure substantially in the shape of a human foot, and when the shoe tree is in a fully deflated position, it is substantially flat in shape. The inflatable shoe tree may also include a fragrance, a deodorant, or a combination thereof.

1 . An inflatable shoe tree comprising: 
 a unitary body having, (a) an interior gas tight chamber, (b) a toe portion, (c) a heel portion, (d) a central portion between the toe portion and the heel portion, (e) a bottom portion, (f) a top portion, and (g) an inflation portion that allows for a volume of gas to enter and exit the gas tight chamber.    
   
   
       2 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the shoe tree is made of a flexible plastic material selected from the group comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, thermoplastic, elastomeric plastic, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       3 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 2  wherein the shoe tree is partially coated on an exterior surface with a flock material selected from the group comprising cotton, rayon, nylon, polyester, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the shoe tree is coated with a chemical material selected from the group comprising a fragrance, a deodorant, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       5 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the shoe tree can be inflated by exhaled air from a user or by use with a manual inflation pump.  
   
   
       6 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the inflation portion includes an inflation port that may be opened to allow a volume of gas to enter the gas tight chamber and exit the gas tight chamber, or that may be closed to prevent the escape of the gas from the gas tight chamber.  
   
   
       7 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the central portion of the body has sides that include a plurality of recessed segments that allow a user to more easily grip the shoe tree when in use.  
   
   
       8 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein when the shoe tree is in a fully inflated position, it is substantially in the shape of a human foot, and when the shoe tree is in a fully deflated position, it is substantially flat in shape.  
   
   
       9 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the interior chamber is substantially hollow.  
   
   
       10 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the bottom portion of the body comprises a plurality of recessed segments.  
   
   
       11 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the top portion of the body comprises at least one recessed segment.  
   
   
       12 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 1  wherein the gas is air.  
   
   
       13 . An inflatable shoe tree comprising: 
 a body capable of being in an inflated position and a deflated position, and when in an inflated position forming a preformed three-dimensional structure substantially in the shape of a human foot, wherein the body has an interior hollow chamber adapted for receiving a volume of gas for inflation; the body has an exterior surface having a top portion, a bottom portion, and side portions; and, the body has an inflation port that may be opened and closed to allow for the volume of gas to enter and exit the gas tight chamber and to remain in the gas tight chamber.    
   
   
       14 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 13  wherein the shoe tree is made of a flexible plastic material selected from the group comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, thermoplastic, elastomeric plastic, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       15 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 14  wherein the exterior surface of the shoe tree is partially coated with a flock material selected from the group comprising cotton, rayon, nylon, polyester, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       16 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 13  wherein the shoe tree is coated with a chemical material selected from the group comprising a fragrance, a deodorant, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       17 . The inflatable shoe tree of  claim 13  wherein the shoe tree can be inflated by exhaled air from a user or by use with a manual inflation pump.  
   
   
       18 . An inflatable shoe tree comprising a body capable of being in an inflated position and a deflated position, and when in an inflated position forming a preformed three-dimensional structure substantially in the shape of a human foot, wherein the body has an inflation port that may be opened and closed to allow for a volume of gas to enter and exit the gas tight chamber and to remain in the gas tight chamber.