Adhering Boot Shaper Device

Abstract

The invention provides an improved boot support and shaping insert system to keep boots attached together in an upright position when not being worn. The system includes an elongated curved shaper mirroring the natural tapered silhouette of the lower leg. The system self-adjusts to adopt the shape and fill the cavity of the boot without applying pressure that causes the boot to stretch. The system's snug fit supports the weight of the boot when inserted and allows a convenient means to carry and transport the boots. A portion of the system protrudes when inserted in a boot; this section has a handle facilitating manipulation, insertion, removal and transport. The protruding section is also fitted with visibility identifiers to diminish the risk of tripping hazard by increasing the boot's visibility. The system includes a mechanism allowing a pair of shapers to adhere to each other as a system or remain detached.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A boot shaper comprising:
 A first elliptical end and a second elliptical end;   A front surface extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end in a straight manner, the front surface having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the front surface being curved about a longitudinal axis;   A rear surface extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end in a curved manner, the rear surface having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the rear surface curved about a longitudinal axis;   A first side extending longitudinally from the first end to the second end, the first side smoothly and continuously connecting the first longitudinal edge of the front surface to the first longitudinal edge of the rear surface; and   A second side extending longitudinally from the first end to the second end, the second side smoothly and continuously connecting the second longitudinal edge of the front surface to the second longitudinal edge of the rear surface.   
     
     
         2 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein the front surface is semi rigid. 
     
     
         3 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the rear surface is compressible such that the entire cavity of the boot is filled by the boot shaper. 
     
     
         4 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein the front surface is semi rigid and at least a portion of the rear surface is compressible. 
     
     
         5 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein the curved rear surface is comprised of multiple arcs of varying radii. 
     
     
         6 . The boot shaper of  claim 3  wherein at least a portion of the rear surface contains a foldable section that can be released to expand the diameter of the boot shaper. 
     
     
         7 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein the boot shaper is enveloped in a smooth shell made of a fabric material. 
     
     
         8 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein the second end is designed to protrude from the opening of the boot when the boot shaper is placed in the boot. 
     
     
         9 . The boot shaper of  claim 8  wherein at least one of the first side and the second side further comprises a means to adhere to a second boot shaper. 
     
     
         10 . The boot shaper of  claim 9  wherein the interface between the means to adhere and at least one of the first side and the second side is reinforced with a reinforcing material. 
     
     
         11 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first end and the second end further comprises a handle. 
     
     
         12 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  further comprising at least one resilient perimeter rim extending about and adjacent to at least one of the first end and the second end. 
     
     
         13 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein the first end is beveled such that it is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the second end. 
     
     
         14 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  further comprising a weight adhered to the first end. 
     
     
         15 . The boot shaper of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first end and the second end further comprises visual identifier elements.