Kit comprising a detachable plate and a support shoe last for supporting a shoe, a support shoe last with a detachable plate, a detachable plate and method for attaching a detachable plate to a support shoe last

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kit (300) comprising a detachable plate (70) and a support shoe last (100) for supporting a shoe on display or during transportation, the support shoe last (100) comprises: - a shell body (10) defining a cavity (24) between two side sections (20,22) and comprising one or more perforations (34); and - a rear side surface (32) interconnecting the two side sections (20,22) and having a bottom edge (33), wherein the rear side surface (32) comprises an aperture (35) configured to receive a fragrance stick (50), wherein the detachable plate (70) is configured to be detachably attached to the rear side surface (32) by a first connection member (74).

Description

[0001] Kit Comprising a Detachable Plate and a Support Shoe Last for Supporting a Shoe, a Support Shoe Last with a Detachable Plate, a Detachable Plate and Method for Attaching a Detachable Plate to a Support Shoe Last

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a kit comprising a detachable plate and a support shoe last for supporting a shoe on display or during transport. The invention also relates to a use of the kit, a support shoe last, a detachable plate and a method for connecting a detachable plate to a support shoe last.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] WO2024125749 Al discloses a support shoe last configured to support a shoe and configured to removably hold a fragrance stick while supporting a shoe, so that the fragrance provided by the fragrance stick is distributed throughout the inside volume of the shoe.

[0006] One challenge in the prior art is that the replacement of the fragrance stick is difficult. This is due to the small area of the cap which slightly protrudes from the surface of the support shoe last, when the fragrance stick is held by the support shoe last. I.e., the cap is generally the size of, or smaller than a small shirt button and substantially flush with the surface of the support shoe last which it protrudes from. Hence, removal of the fragrance may result in spillage and getting residual fragrance on one’s hands, clothes and / or elsewhere.

[0007] A further challenge in the prior art is that providing a print onto the support shoe last, specifically on an area which is visible to a consumer and / or shoe user when the support shoe last supports a shoe, is difficult and / or expensive. The printing process may be difficult due to not being able to provide the print on a substantially flat area. The printing process may also be too expensive, because a custom print is provided to an area directly on the support shoe last hence making small production batches expensive.Object of the Invention

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide means to easily remove and replace a detachable plate from a support shoe last, wherein the detachable plate may be decorated with a customizable print and optionally may hold fragrance sticks to a support shoe last. The customizable print is placed on an area of the support shoe last that is visible while the support shoe last supports a shoe

[0009] Description of the Invention

[0010] One objective of the invention is achieved by a kit comprising a detachable plate and a support shoe last for supporting a shoe on display or during transportation, the support shoe last comprises:

[0011] - a shell body defining a cavity between two side sections and comprising one or more perforations; and

[0012] - a rear side surface interconnecting the two side sections and having a bottom edge, wherein the rear side surface comprises an aperture,

[0013] wherein the detachable plate comprises a plug complementary to the aperture and a detachable plate is configured for a snap fitting connection formed between the bottom edge and the plug.

[0014] The detachable plate may be attached on the rear side surface by fitting the plug into the aperture followed by fastening / engaging to the bottom edge, the detachable plate can be detached by leverage of the detachable plate.

[0015] One or more embodiments and / or aspects of the support shoe last will be described in detail in the description of the drawings and the detailed description of the invention. The detailed description is applicable to both the kit and the standalone support shoe last.

[0016] The detachable plate may be configured to provide secure and stable attachment of the detachable plate to the rear side surface. This attachment can be facilitated by the detachable plates plug being able to fit into the aperture of the support shoe last. This may be supported by at least one fitting connection formed between the rear side surface bottom edge and the plug, thereby creating a strain force that holds the detachableplate in place. This strain support could be achieved by having at least one other fastening point between the detachable plate to the bottom edge.

[0017] In another aspect, this fastening point could be positioned anywhere on the rear side surface and / or the detachable plate.

[0018] When the detachable plate is attached to the rear side surface it might also prove more stability and / or wear reduction for the support shoe last.

[0019] In one aspect the fastening points is solely on the detachable plate thereby making it compatible with prior art.

[0020] In one aspect of the attachment between detachable plate and rear side surface the fastening mechanism between plug and bottom edge or detachable plate and rear side could be snap fitting, a torsion snap joint, a prolonged snap in, a press-fit, magnetic connection, or a hook and loop fastener.

[0021] In one aspect, the detachable plate has an accessory that goes through the aperture when the detachable plate is securely attached to the rear side surface of the support shoe last. This accessory will then be arranged inside the cavity of the support shoe last. This accessory may be to improve fragrance, humidity, impregnation, antibacterial, waterproofing or thermoregulation.

[0022] In one aspect, the detachable plate may be easier customizable due to its small and substantially flat structure. This is especially the case when compared to customizing the entire support shoe last. This decreases the cost of customizing the support shoe last, and decrease material waste. Ways of customizing the detachable plate could be color, prints, engravings, inlay work, or custom textures etc.

[0023] The secure and stable attachment of the detachable plate to the rear side surface minimizes the risk of the detachable plate getting detached and lost when placing or removing the support shoe last and / or during transport. Furthermore, this would also decrease the risk of bending or breaking of the accessory due to movement of the detachable plate.The detachable plate also makes it easier to replace accessories compared to prior art, as in prior art, it could be difficult to get a firm grip onto the accessories. With the detachable plate, removing and / or replacing accessories for the support shoe last is much easier, due to the larger area and thereby getting a better grip. In addition, it also makes it easier and more resource efficient in case of changing the customizable design due to wear or simply wanting to change it to another design.

[0024] The support shoe last may support a shoe, where the shoe is comprising an outsole in contact with a surface on which the shoe is placed, and an upper part of the shoe that covers the foot that extends upwards from the outsole. The upper part may comprise a toe cap and a vamp, where the vamp is in connection with a tongue at the front of the shoe, and quarters at the rear of the shoe. The quarters may cover the heel of the foot. An insole in parallel contact with the outsole may comprise the bottom of the inside of the shoe. The shoe will further comprise a shoe opening where the foot can be inserted into the shoe.

[0025] The support shoe last may be inserted into the shoe opening and placed in the shoe such that the shell body supports the toe cap, vamp, and tongue of the shoe. Thus, the support shoe last may support the front of shoe from the inside of the shoe. Thereby, the support shoe last is a front foot support shoe last.

[0026] The support shoe last can be used for various shoe sizes as the dimensioning of the shoe support last just needs to be adapted to the different shoe sizes.

[0027] In one embodiment, the support shoe last may comprise of a single material and be cast in a single mould. In another aspect, the support shoe last may comprise of two materials and be cast in a dual mould.

[0028] The cavity of the shell body formed by the side sections is hollow and enables the shell body to adapt to the shape of the shoe, i.e. the shell body makes the support shoe last flexible, and thus adaptive to the original shape of the shoe.One advantage of the cavity is that it enables a fragrance stick to provide fragrance to substantially the entire inside of the shoe, i.e., the upper part, the quarters and the insole.

[0029] The rear side surface may have a top point, which may be the highest or tallest point of rear side surface or even the shell body. In this context the tallest point is relative to a surface which a shoe is placed on when the support shoe last supports a shoe or relative to a flat surface. The two side sections may be joined at the top point and spread towards each side of the shoe, wherein one side is towards the arch of a foot and the other side is towards the outer side of the foot. Hence, the shell body has a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to a cone, a triangle or a pyramid when viewed from a rear view. Similarly, the shape of the rear side surface extending between the top point, the two side sections and towards the bottom edge is substantially similar to a cone, a triangle or a pyramid. As such, the bottom edge bridges the two side sections substantially horizontal. This shape may be advantageous as it allows the shell body to be flexible so that it may pinch together towards the cavity when being placed in a shoe.

[0030] The rear view is in this context defined from the heel of a foot and towards the forefoot. The horizontal axis is in this context substantially parallel to the insole of a shoe.

[0031] The rear side surface may further be constructed so that a gap is obtained between the rear side surface and the insole of the shoe and / or the quarters of the shoe, thereby enabling the rear side surface to act as a handle, so that two fingers may grab around for easy removal of the support shoe last from the shoe or for carrying the shoes by holding the inside surface of the rear side surface.

[0032] In an embodiment of the support shoe last, the one or more perforations may be macro-perforations and / or micro-perforations in the shape of circles, ovals, squares, triangles, slots, diamonds, crosses, etc.

[0033] The macro-perforations may have the dimensions 2x3 cm or 1.5x2.5 cm or 1x2 cm or similar sizes in the range of cm.The micro-perforations may have a diameter of 2-7 mm or 3-5 mm or 3 mm or 4 mm or 5 mm.

[0034] An advantage of the micro-perforations and / or macro-perforations is that they may increase diffusion of air from and into the shoe, thereby increasing the respiration of the shoe, prolonging the durability of the shoe, and preventing unwanted odour. A further advantage is that the micro-perforations and / or macro-perforations enable the fragrance from a fragrance stick to be evenly distributed throughout the shoe.

[0035] Another advantage of the micro-perforations or macro-perforations is that they provide texture to the surface of the support shoe last, thus securing the support shoe last within the shoe by increasing friction. Thereby, the support shoe last holds itself in place within the shoe. The friction from the micro-perforations is greater than the macro-perforations. Thereby, the support shoe last can be secured without the need for an additional spring.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the kit, the bottom edge is a concave shape and defines an upper area of an open-ended or close-ended opening facing an insole area or a quarters area of the shoe when the shoe last supports the shoe.

[0037] In one aspect, the concave shape may be similar to an arch shape, such as a round arch, a segmental arch, a horseshoe arch, a triangular arch, a three-pointed arch, a parabolic arch, a rampart arch, etc.

[0038] The open-ended opening or closed ended opening may be an area spanning a bottom of the cavity. Hence, the opening may be defined by the bottom edge of the rear side surface and the bottom edges of the two side sections. The bottom edges of the two side sections may substantially contact the insole of the shoe when the support shoe last supports the shoe.Hence, by providing the bottom edge of the rear side surface with a concave shape an unfilled (partially convex) opening is defined between the bottom edge and the insole of the shoe. This unfilled opening may be used to pull out the support shoe last with one or more fingers. The unfilled opening may be used to carry the shoe by holding onto the bottom edge. The unfilled opening may be used to pull or leverage the detachable plate attached to the rear side surface in order to detach the detachable plate.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the kit, the detachable plate has a plate area when attached to the support shoe last the plate area extending at least between the aperture and at least the bottom edge.

[0040] The plate area may extend outwards so that it covers an area greater than the aperture and the bottom edge. The plate area at least surrounds the aperture or an area surrounding the aperture.

[0041] The plate area may extend between the top point, the bottom edge and the side sections.

[0042] The plate area may substantially cover the rear side surface when the detachable plate is attached to the rear side surface.

[0043] One advantage of the plate area is that it enables the detachable plate to be leveraged in order to detach the detachable plate from the aperture of the support shoe last. I.e., the detachable plate may be pulled outwards and / or upwards at the bottom edge relative to the top point in order to provide leverage to detach the detachable plate.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the kit, the plate area is at least 3 square centimeters, 5 square centimeters, 7 square centimeters, 9 square centimeters or more.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the kit, the detachable plate comprises a first connection member extending from the detachable plate. The first connection member is adapted for engaging the bottom edge to form the snap fitting connection.In another embodiment of the kit the bottom edge comprises a second connection member extending from the bottom edge. The second connection member is adapted for engaging the detachable plate to form the snap fitting connection.. In another embodiment of the kit the detachable plate comprises the first connection member and the the bottom edge comprises a second connection member.

[0046] One advantage of providing the first connection member on the detachable plate, is that if the first connection member breaks due to fatigue or improper handling, the detachable plate is easier and less expensive to replace than if the support shoe last were to be replaced.

[0047] In one aspect the first connection member may be arranged substantially at or near the bottom edge, thus enabling the aforementioned leveraging movement of the detachable plate to detach it from the rear side surface.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the kit, the first connection member is arranged on or along one or more edges of the detachable plate and is configured to attach to one or more edges or perforations in the shell body.

[0049] One effect of providing the first connection member at or along one or more edges of the detachable plate, is that it provides a leverage point for pivoting the detachable plate.

[0050] In one aspect, the first connection member may be provided so that it connects to the rear side surface along the bottom edge, hence the user may easily be able to detach the detachable plate simply by pulling or pivoting the detachable plate along the bottom edge.

[0051] In a further embodiment of the kit, the first connection member or second connection member is a cantilever snap fit, a torsion snap joint, a prolonged snap-in, a perimeter snap in, a press-fit connection, a magnetic connection or a hook and loop fastener.

[0052] In one aspect, the cantilever snap fit and / or torsion snap fit may hook into or anchor onto the micro-perforations and / or the macro-perforations provided on the shell body.In a further embodiment of the kit, the plug comprises a bore for holding a fragrance stick , wherein the bore is arranged so that a fragrance stick extends into the cavity when the detachable plate is attached to the rear side surface by inserting the plug into the aperture.

[0053] The plug comprises a bore, which may be adapted for being a fragrance holder by holding a fragrance stick . The bore is configured for holding the a fragrance stick i.e. the bore and the fragrance stick have complementary shapes such that the fragrance stick can be inserted into and be held by the bore.

[0054] The the fragrance stick provides a fragrance to the shoe. The fragrance stick may be replaceable such that the fragrance can be changed to another fragrance or be replaced when depleted.

[0055] In one aspect, there may also be a perforated tube to be inserted into the aperture, the perforated tube may enable diffusion of fragrance from a fragrance stick or a fragrance stick. An advantage of the perforated tube is that a user or a piece of clothing or shoe does not come in direct contact with the fragrance stick.

[0056] The fragrance holder and / or the perforated tube is configured to extend through the aperture in the rear side surface, so that the fragrance holder is arranged inside the cavity. Thereby fragrance may be provided to the entire inside of the shoe. A further advantage is that the fragrance holder may be replaceable while the support shoe last supports the shoe.

[0057] An advantage of this is that it can prevent an unwanted odour from spreading from shoes packed in e.g., a suitcase or a bag to the rest of the packed content.Prior art fragrance holders in the shape of a tube has a top piece typically no larger than the diameter of a marker or pen, thus making it hard to remove and replace the fragrance stick from a support shoe last. An advantage of attaching the fragrance stick to the detachable plate is that it is easier to hold onto and thereby easier to remove and replace by leveraging part of the detachable plate relative to the aperture or the plug of the detachable plate.In an aspect, the bore may face towards the cavity when the detachable plate is attached to the rear side surface. In a further aspect, the bore may be aligned with the aperture in the rear side surface when the detachable plate is attached to the rear side surface, so that a fragrance stick held by the fragrance holder extends through the aperture and is provided inside the cavity.

[0058] Hence an advantage of providing the fragrance holder onto the detachable plate, is that the fragrance stick is easy to remove from the detachable plate in order to replace the fragrance stick inside the fragrance stick. A further advantage is that the fragrance stick easily replaceable while the support shoe last supports the shoe.

[0059] A further advantage of aligning the fragrance holder with the aperture in the rear side surface is that the detachable plate is compatible with prior art support shoe lasts configured to hold a fragrance stick. Hence, the advantageous effects of the detachable plate may be provided to the prior art support shoe lasts, thus overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art which is that removal and replacement of the fragrance stick is highly difficult.

[0060] When the fragrance stick extends into the aperture, a frictional force may be achieved between the fragrance stick and / or the tube of the fragrance holder so that a connection point between the detachable plate and the rear side surface is provided. The frictional force may be achieved by a press-fit design, e.g., where the fragrance stick and / or the tube of the fragrance holder fits narrowly into the aperture in the rear side surface.

[0061] By having a connection point provided by the fragrance stick and / or the fragrance holder in addition to the connection points provided by the one or more connection members, at least two or more connection points are provided between the detachable plate and the rear side surface. In one aspect, three connection points are provided by two connection members and by the fragrance stick and / or the fragrance holder. The multiple connection points are advantageous as they ensure that the detachable plate is securely and strongly attached to the rear side surface and that the detachable plate is properly supported by the rear side surface.When the fragrance stick is removed from the tube, the fragrance stick may be replaced, hence only the fragrance stick is to be discarded when it is depleted, thereby reducing waste.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the kit, the detachable plate comprises a print on a side opposite to the plug.

[0063] The print may be a printed text, a printed logo or a printed image. The print may advantageously be used in a display situation to provide information to a customer; as advertisement for a sport team etc.; as personalization of the shoe or support shoe last; or as identification of the owner. The interaction between the plug and the aperture along with the detachable plate and the bottom edge ensures that the print will have the correct orientation when the support shoe last is inserted into a shoe.

[0064] One advantage of providing the print onto the detachable plate is that the print is visible when the support shoe last supports a shoe.

[0065] A further advantage of providing the print onto the detachable plate, is that it is easier using well-known printing processes to provide the print onto a substantially flat surface. The ease of the printing process may further be improved by the fact that the detachable plate is able to lie flat against a working area of the printing process. I.e., the detachable plate and the plate area are substantially parallel to the working area of the printing process.

[0066] A further advantage of providing the print onto the detachable plate, is that it is cheaper to produce a plurality of detachable plates with various custom prints configured to attach to a universal support shoe last rather than producing a plurality of support shoe lasts with various custom prints. This may also reduce waste, since if a custom print becomes outdated, the printing process is defective or the print gets worn, only the detachable plate is to be discarded instead of the entire support shoe last.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the kit, the detachable plate comprises one or more raised lines to engage the rear side surface.The one or more raised lines may be arranged on the surface where the plug is of the detachable plate . The raised lines will have a height that prevents the detachable plate from bending, in case of force is applied into the surface opposite of the plug, of the Plug

[0068] The one or more raised lines may be provided on a surface of the detachable plate in a particular shape such as e.g., a polygon, a circle, a square, a triangle, a cone, any truncated shapes thereof and / or any combination thereof. In another aspect, the raised lines may have a particular shape substantially similar to the outline of the detachable plate, albeit in a reduced size so that it fits within the outline of the detachable plate.. In another aspect, the raised lines may be provided in a honeycomb pattern or similar cell or grid patterns such as linear, hexagonal, rectilinear, concentric etc.

[0069] The one or more raised lines prevents or limits bugling of the detachable plate when a pressing force is applied to the detachable plate when the detachable plate attached to support shoe last by the one or more raised lines having a suitable height such that the raised lines engages the rear surface of the support shoe last when the detachable plate is attached to the support shoe last.

[0070] A further objective of the invention is achieved by a support shoe last for supporting a shoe on display or during transportation, the support shoe last comprises:

[0071] - a shell body defining a cavity between two side sections and comprising one or more perforations;

[0072] - a rear side surface interconnecting the two side sections and having a bottom edge, wherein the rear side surface comprises an aperture configured to receive a fragrance stick; and

[0073] - a detachable plate having a plate area extending between the aperture and at least the bottom edge where a plug complementary to the aperture and the detachable plate is configured for a snap fitting connection formed between the bottom edge and the plug.

[0074] One or more aspects in relation to the kit comprising a detachable plate and a support shoe last and / or the advantageous effects of the kit disclosed herein are also applicable to the standalone support shoe last with the detachable plate attached.A further objective of the invention is achieved by a detachable plate comprising: - a plug optionally comprising a bore configured to hold a fragrance stick;

[0075] and

[0076] - a plate area spanning a height and a width and having a side opposite to the plug, wherein the plug and the side opposite to the plug is configured for snap fitting connection with a support shoe last.

[0077] One or more aspects in relation to the kit comprising a detachable plate and a support shoe last and / or the advantageous effects of the detachable plate in the kit disclosed herein are also applicable to the standalone detachable plate. Advantages such as customization, production, and replacement / change of fragrance / accessories etc.

[0078] A further objective of the invention is achieved by a method for connecting a detachable plate to a support shoe last, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0079] - providing a support shoe last configured to support a shoe and having a shell body defining a cavity between two side sections and a rear side surface interconnecting the two side sections and having a bottom edge wherein the rear side surface comprises an aperture;

[0080] - providing a detachable plate comprising a plug complementary to the aperture.; - inserting the plug into the aperture until the detachable plate and the bottom edge form a snap fitting connection.

[0081] When the fragrance stick is held by the detachable plate and the detachable plate is attached to the support shoe last, the fragrance stick will be arranged inside the cavity, thus enabling the fragrance to be provided to the entire inside of the shoe. When the detachable plate holding the fragrance stick is to be attached to the support shoe last, the detachable plate may be lined-up with the support shoe last so that the fragrance stick extending out from the detachable plate aligns with an aperture in the support shoe last. The aperture in the support shoe last may be configured to receive the fragrance stick.The support shoe last and / or the detachable plate may be according to any one of the herein disclosed embodiments, particularly also the disclosed kit comprising the detachable plate and the support shoe last.

[0082] In an aspect of the method, the method may comprise a further step of arranging the support shoe last inside the shoe. This further step may be carried out before attaching the detachable plate to the rear side surface of the support shoe last.

[0083] In a further aspect of the method, the method may comprise a further step of detaching the detachable plate from the support shoe last. This step may be carried out by leveraging an edge of the detachable plate.

[0084] In a further embodiment of the method, wherein the detachable plate comprises a bore for holding a fragrance stick and the method comprises further steps of:

[0085] - providing a fragrance stick configured to provide a fragrance;

[0086] - connecting fragrance stick to bore.

[0087] One advantage of being able to swap the fragrance stick is that it may be replaced once the fragrance has been depleted.

[0088] The fragrance stick may also be according to any one of the herein disclosed embodiments or aspects.

[0089] The fragrance stick may be for providing fragrance to the shoe.

[0090] In another embodiment, the support shoe last may be made of a polymer material such as a thermoplastic material, wherein the polymer material may comprise an antimicrobial additive reducing growth of microbes such as bacteria and mould. Thereby providing the support shoe last with antimicrobial properties which reduces growth of microbes such as bacteria and mould in the shoe material of the shoe supported by the support shoe last and / or on the surface of the support shoe last. This support shoe last may or may not be fitted with a detachable plate. This support shoe last may be similar to figure 1 and / or figure 2.The polymer material may be chosen amongst thermoplastic polyurethane or recycled thermoplastic polyurethane or plant-based thermoplastic polyurethane or polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0091] The antimicrobial additive may be an antimicrobial additive comprising silver ions, and optionally a suitable carrier. The choice of carrier may be dependent on the polymer material and may assist in transferring the silver ions into the hydrophobic polymer material. The antimicrobial properties, inorganic nature, small particle size, and high temperature tolerance of the silver ions make silver ions highly suitable as an antimicrobial additive in polymer materials such thermoplastic materials.

[0092] A further advantages of utilizing silver ions as an antimicrobial additive in the polymer material of the support shoe last, is that it only imports the antimicrobial properties to the support shoe last, and therefore does not affect or at least minimally affects the coloring and surface finish of the polymer material and thus of the support shoe last.

[0093] By addition of the antimicrobial additive to the polymer material during manufacture of the support shoe last, the silver ions are incorporated into the polymer material, thereby providing permanent microbial protection to a shoe by the support shoe last. The incorporation of the silver ions into the polymer material prevents the silver ions from wearing off, being washed out or leaching out of the material of the support shoe last over time, which ensures that the antimicrobial properties of the support shoe last lasts for a maximum period of time, possibly even for the entire lifetime of the support shoe last.

[0094] The active silver ions incorporated into the polymer material are slowly released from the support shoe last for safely inhibiting microbial growth in the shoe material and / or on the surface of the support shoe last. The slow release of the silver ions ensures maximum long term antimicrobial activity of the support shoe last.

[0095] The antimicrobial additive may reduce the growth of bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. Coli), Listeria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas and / or Salmonella, with up to 99.99%. Thus, the antimicrobi-al properties of the support shoe last significantly reduce growth of harmful bacteria in the shoe material and / or on the surface of the support shoe last.

[0096] In an embodiment, polymer material of the support shoe last may comprise at least the 1% antimicrobial additive or 1-10% antimicrobial additive or 1-5% antimicrobial additive or 1-2% antimicrobial additive. An antimicrobial effect is observed from about 1% of antimicrobial additive.

[0097] Description of the Drawing

[0098] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon:

[0099] Fig. 1A illustrates a cross-section view of a prior art support shoe last holding a fragrance stick.

[0100] Fig. IB illustrates a cross-section view of one embodiment of a fragrance plug-in. Fig. 1C illustrates one embodiment of a fragrance plug-in.

[0101] Fig. ID illustrates a view of a prior art fragrance stick.

[0102] Fig. IE illustrates a view of a prior art fragrance stick.

[0103] Fig. 2A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a support shoe last.

[0104] Fig. 2B illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of a support shoe last.

[0105] Fig. 2C illustrates a front view of a one embodiment of a support shoe last.

[0106] Fig. 2D illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a support shoe last.

[0107] Fig. 3 A illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0108] Fig. 3B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0109] Fig. 3C illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0110] Fig. 4A illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0111] Fig. 4B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0112] Fig. 4C illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0113] Fig. 5 A illustrate a side view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0114] Fig. 5B illustrate a cross-section view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0115] Fig. 5C illustrate a cross-section view of one embodiment of a kit.

[0116] Fig. 6A illustrates a side perspective view of a detachable plate.

[0117] Fig. 6B illustrates a front perspective view of a detachable plate.

[0118] Fig. 6C illustrates a side view of a detachable plate.

[0119] Fig. 6D illustrates a rear perspective view of the detachable plate.Fig. 7A illustrate one embodiment of a method.

[0120] Fig. 7B illustrates one further embodiment of a method.

[0121] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0122]

[0123]

[0124] Figure 1A illustrates a cross-section view of a prior art support shoe last 100. The support shoe last comprising a shell body 10 having two side sections 20,22, wherein only one of the side sections 22 is illustrated in the cross-sectional view. The shell body 10 further comprises a rear side surface 32 extending between the two side sections 20,22.

[0125] The rear side surface 32 comprises an aperture configured to receive a fragrance plugin 50. The fragrance plug-in comprises a cap 44 holding the fragrance plug-in on an outer side of the rear side surface 32, wherein the cap 44 has a small flange with a diameter slightly greater than the aperture. One the inner side of the rear side surface 32, facing the cavity 24, a perforated tube 46 being part of the fragrance plug-in 50 is arranged in connection with the cap 44. The perforated tube 46 encloses a fragrance stick inside the fragrance plug-in and further ensures that the fragrance plug-in is attached to the rear side surface 32.

[0126] Figure IB illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fragrance plug-in 50. The cross-sectional view illustrates the fragrance stick 41 inside the perforated tube 46. Furthermore, a tube 42 extending out of the cap 44 is also visible. The tube 42 is configured to hold the perforated tube 46 and the fragrance stick 41.

[0127] Figure 1C illustrates one embodiment of the fragrance plug-in 50 provided through an aperture in a flange 49. The fragrance plug-in 50 comprises a cap 44 and a perforated tube 46, when the cap 44 and perforated tube 46 are joined together, the fragrance plug-in is secured to the flange 49 due to the width of the cap 44 and perforated tube 46 being wider than the aperture in the flange 49. The perforations in the perforated tube 46 enable the fragrance stick housed inside to dissipate fragrance out of the perforations and to a shoe.Figure ID and IE illustrate a prior art fragrance stick 41 arranged in a cap 44 and held by a couple of fingers. The fragrance stick 41 may be provided into an aperture 49. The two views illustrate the very small size of the prior art cap 44 in relation to fingertips of a user. The size of the cap 44 makes it difficult to handle the fragrance stick 41 without the risk of spilling any fragrance and contaminating one’s fingers or clothing with the spillage. Furthermore, the size of the cap 44 makes it difficult to remove the cap 44 and fragrance stick from the aperture 49, due to the small diameter of the cap and the low clearance above the aperture 49. The low clearance is due to the height of the cap being very shallow.

[0128] Figure 2 A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a support shoe last 100; figure 2B illustrates a bottom view of the support shoe last 100; figure 2C illustrates a front view of the support shoe last 100; and figure 2D illustrates a rear view of the support shoe last 100.

[0129] The support shoe last 100 comprises a shell body 10 that defines a forepart 12, a waist part 14 comprising a cone part 36, and a feather edge 16 between the forepart 12 and the waist part 14.

[0130] The shell body 10 may be constructed to simulate the anatomy of a front foot. The shell body 10 enables the support shoe last 100 to simultaneously support the shoe while the support shoe last 100 is deformed by the shoe such that the support shoe last 100 does not permute the shoe in an unnatural way.

[0131] The shell body further comprises a top section 18 extending from the waist part 14 to the forepart 12 of the shell body 10. A first side section 20 and a second side section 22 extends downwards from the top section 18, thereby defining a cavity 24 of the shell body 10. Thus, the first side section 20 and the second side section 22 extend downwards from the top 18 section towards the insole 200 of the shoe. Thereby, the shell body 10 of the support shoe last 100 is adapted to a curvature of the upper part of the front of the shoe.The cavity 24 of the shell body 10 formed by the first side section 20 and the second side section 22 is hollow which enables the shell body 10 to adapt to the shape of the shoe i.e. the shell body 10 makes the support shoe last flexible, and thus adaptive to the original shape of the shoe.

[0132] The shell body 10 may further comprise at the waist part 14 and distal to the forepart 12 a rear side surface 32 extends downwardly from the top section 18 and interconnects the first side section 20 and the second side section 22 (see figure 2D). This provides a stiffness to the shell body 10 and increases the stability wherein collapse of the support shoe last 100 under pressure is prevented.

[0133] The rear side surface 32 may comprise a bottom edge 33 having a concave surface and interconnecting the first side section 20 to the second side section 22. Furthermore, the rear side surface 32 may comprise an aperture 35 configured to receive a fragrance plug-in 50 (see figure IB and 1C). When a fragrance plug-in is placed through the aperture 35, the fragrance plug-in extends into the cavity 24.

[0134] The bottom edge 33 may define a part of an open-ended or closed-ended opening 25. The opening 25 may be an opening towards the cavity 24 comprised between the two side sections 20,22.

[0135] The shell body 10 may further comprise one or more perforations 34 formed as microperforations and / or macro-perforations along the side sections 20,22.

[0136] The support shoe last 100 may be a one-piece construction without any hollow or delicate parts. It may further comprise of a thermoplastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane or recycled thermoplastic polyurethane or plant-based thermoplastic polyurethane or polyethylene.

[0137] The support shoe last 100 can be used for various shoe sizes as the dimensioning of the shoe support last 100 just needs to be adapted to the different shoe sizes.

[0138] Figure 3A, 3B and 3C illustrates three perspective views of one embodiment of a kit 300 comprising a support shoe last 100 and a detachable plate 70.The support shoe last 100 may be according to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 2 A to 2D. The detachable plate 70 is configured to attach to a rear side surface 32 of the support shoe last 100 by one or more connection members 74 engaging the bottom edge 33 of the support shoe last. In the shown embodiment the connection members 74 are first connection members attached to the detachable plate 70 together with a plug 75 of the detachable plate. The plug 75 is configured to be inserted into the aperture 35 and the detachable plate 70 is configured for a snap fitting connection formed between the bottom edge 33 and the plug 75.

[0139] The detachable plate 70 has a plate area 72 which may substantially cover the rear side surface 32 or at least cover the bottom edge 33 and the aperture 35 of the rear side surface 32 (see figure 2D). . In one embodiment, the plug 75 may comprises a bore 76 for holding a fragrance stick (not shown).

[0140] Thereby the fragrance stick will pass through the aperture 35 so that the fragrance stick is arranged inside the cavity 24.

[0141] The detachable plate 70 may be detached from the rear side surface 32 by a leveraging movement being applied to one or more edges of the detachable plate 70. The first connection member 74 may be configured to only require a small leveraging movement in order to detach the detachable plate 70. Once detached the plug of the detachable plate may be removed from the aperture by any outwards movement.

[0142] The detachable plate 70 comprises on a side opposite to the plug 75 which is viewable when the detachable plate 70 is attached to the support shoe last 100 and the support shoe last 100 is arranged in a shoe. The side opposite to the plug 71 may have a print provided onto a part or the entire surface area. The print may be a printed text, a printed logo or a printed image. The snap fitting connection between the plug and the aperture and the detachable plate and the bottom edge ensures that the print has a correct orientation when the support shoe last is inserted into a shoe.Figure 4A, 4B and 4C illustrates three perspective views of one further embodiment of a kit 300 comprising a support shoe last 100 and a detachable plate 70, similar to the illustrated embodiments in figure 3A, 3B and 3C.

[0143] In this further embodiment the detachable plate 70 comprises a raised line 78, as illustrated in figure 4C, wherein the raised line 78 is arranged on a surface of the detachable plate 70 opposite to the side opposite to the plug 71. The raised line 78 is configured to decrease buckling of the detachable plate 70 when the detachable plate 70 is attached to a support shoe last 100 by having a height such that the raised lines 78 engages the rear side surface 32 of the support shoe last 100 during normal use. .

[0144] Furthermore, the embodiment of the detachable plate 70 is configured with a first connection members 74 which are provided as dimples arranged on a lower edge of the side opposite to the plug 71. The dimples are configured to engage with a part of the bottom edge 33 of the support shoe last 100 to provide the attachment and detachment of the detachable plate 70 to the support shoe last.

[0145] The illustrated embodiment of the detachable plate 70 is further illustrated in fig. 6A through 6D.

[0146] Figure 5A illustrates a side view of the kit 300 wherein a fragrance plug-in 50 is attached to a detachable plate 70 configured to be detachably attached to the support shoe last 100.

[0147] Figure 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the kit 300 wherein the detachable plate 70 holding a fragrance plug-in 50 is attached to the support shoe last 100 and wherein the fragrance plug-in 50 extends into the cavity 24. The detachable plate 70 may have an area covering the aperture 35 (shown in fig. 2D) and at least the bottom edge 33 of the back side surface 32.

[0148] Figure 5C also illustrates a cross-sectional view of the kit 300 wherein the detachable plate 70 has been leveraged slightly away from at least one position along the support shoe last 100. The leveraging movement may be required in order to detach the first connection member 74, so that the detachable plate 70 can be removed from the sup-port shoe last 100. Once the first connection member 74 has been detached, the detachable plate may be pulled in an outwards direction away from the back side surface 32.

[0149] Figure 6A illustrates one side perspective view of a detachable plate 70 comprising a plug 75, first connection member 74 and one or more raised lines 78.

[0150] The first connection members 74 are arranged towards a bottom of the detachable plate 70 so that the first connection members 74 substantially aligns with a bottom edge 33 of a support shoe last 100. The raised line 78 is arranged on a surface of the detachable plate 70 facing a support shoe last 100 when the detachable plate 70 is attached to the support shoe last 100. The plug 75is configured to hold a fragrance stick by having complementary bore 76, so that when the detachable plate 70 is attached to the support shoe last 100 the fragrance stick extends into a cavity 24 defined by the support shoe last 100.

[0151] Figure 6B illustrates a front perspective view of the detachable plate 70 similar to the illustration in figure 6A. The front perspective view illustrates the surface of the detachable plate 70 which faces a support shoe last 100 when the detachable plate 70 is attached to the support shoe last 100.

[0152] Figure 6C illustrates a side view of the detachable plate 70, wherein the fragrance holder 76 is visible on one side of the detachable plate 70 and the side opposite to the plug 75 is visible on the other side of the detachable plate 70.

[0153] Figure 6D illustrates a rear perspective view of the detachable plate 70 wherein the side opposite to the plug 75 is visible. The side opposite to the plug 75 is the surface facing away from the support shoe last 100 when the detachable plate 70 is attached to the support shoe last 100. The side opposite to the plug 71 may comprise a print.

[0154] Figure 7A illustrates one embodiment of a method 400 of arranging a fragrance stick in a support shoe last, wherein the method comprises the steps of

[0155] - providing 410 a support shoe last 100 configured to support a shoe and having a shell body 10 defining a cavity 24 between two side sections 20, 22 and a rear sidesurface 32 interconnecting the two side sections 20,22 and having a bottom edge 33, wherein the rear side surface 32 comprises an aperture 35

[0156] - providing 420 a detachable plate 70 comprising a plug 75 complementary to the aperture 35;

[0157] - inserting 430 the plug 70 into the aperture 35 until the detachable plate 70 and the bottom edge 33 form a snap fitting connection.

[0158] Figure 7B illustrates one further embodiment of the method 400 as illustrated on figure 75A, wherein the detachable plate comprises a bore 74 for holding a fragrance stick 50 and the method comprises further steps of:

[0159] - providing 440 fragrance stick configured to provide a fragrance;

[0160] - connecting 450 the fragrance stick to the bore 74.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A kit (300) comprising a detachable plate (70) and a support shoe last (100) for supporting a shoe on display or during transportation, the support shoe last (100) comprises:- a shell body (10) defining a cavity (24) between two side sections (20,22) and comprising one or more perforations (34); and- a rear side surface (32) interconnecting the two side sections (20,22) and having a bottom edge (33), wherein the rear side surface (32) comprises an aperture (35),wherein the detachable plate (70) comprises a plug (75) complementary to the aperture (35) and the detachable plate (70) is configured for a snap fitting connection formed between the bottom edge (33) and the plug (75).

2. The kit (300) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom edge (33) is a concave shape and defines an upper area of an open-ended or close-ended opening (25) facing an insole area or a quarters area of the shoe when the shoe last (100) supports the shoe.

3. The kit (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detachable plate (70) has a plate area (72), when attached to the support shoe last (100) the plate area extending at least between the aperture (35) and at least the bottom edge (33).

4. The kit (300) according to claim 3, wherein the plate area (72) is at least 3 square centimeters, 5 square centimeters, 7 square centimeters, 9 square centimeters or more.

5. The kit (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detachable plate (70) comprises a first connection member (74) extending from the detachable plate (70), the first connection member (74) is adapted for engaging the bottom edge (33) to form the snap fitting connection; and / orthe bottom edge (33) comprises a second connection member (74) extending from the bottom edge (33), the second connection member (74) is adapted for engaging the detachable plate (70) to form the snap fitting connection.

6. The kit (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection member (74) is arranged on or along one or more edges of the detachable plate (70) and is configured to attach to one or more edges or perforations in the shell body.

7. The kit (300) according claim 5 or 6, wherein the first connection member (74) or second connection member is a cantilever snap fit, a torsion snap joint, a prolonged snap-in, a perimeter snap in, a press-fit connection, a magnetic connection or a hook and loop fastener.

8. The kit (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug (75) (75) comprises a bore (76) for holding a fragrance stick, wherein the bore (76) is arranged so that a fragrance stick extends into the cavity (24), when the detachable plate is attached to the rear side surface.

9. The kit (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detachable plate (70) comprises a print on a side opposite to the plug (71).

10. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detachable plate comprises one or more raised lines to engage the rear side surface (32).

11. A support shoe last (100) for supporting a shoe on display or during transportation, the support shoe last (100) comprises:- a shell body (10) defining a cavity (24) between two side sections (20,22) and comprising one or more perforations (34); and- a rear side surface (32) interconnecting the two side sections (20,22) and having a bottom edge (33), wherein the rear side surface (32) comprises an aperture (35) configured to receive a fragrance stick (50), and- a detachable plate (70) having a plate area (72) extending between the aperture (35) and at least the bottom edge (33) a plug (75) complementary to the aperture (35) and the detachable plate (70) is configured for a snap fitting connection formed between the bottom edge (33) and the plug (75).

12. A detachable plate (70) comprises:- a plug (75) optionally comprising a bore (74) configured to hold a fragrance stick (50); and- a plate area (72) spanning a height and a width and having a side opposite to the plug (71), wherein the plug (75) and the side opposite to the plug (71) is configured for snap fitting connection with a support shoe last (100).

13. A method (400) for connecting a detachable plate to a support shoe last (100), wherein the method comprises the steps of- providing (410) a support shoe last (100) configured to support a shoe and having a shell body (10) defining a cavity (24) between two side sections (20,22) and a rear side surface (32) interconnecting the two side sections (20,22) and having a bottom edge (33) , wherein the rear side surface (32) comprises an aperture (35)- providing (420) a detachable plate (70) comprising a plug (75) complementary to the aperture (35) ;- inserting (430) the plug (70) into the aperture (35)until the detachable plate (70) and the bottom edge (33) form a snap fitting connection.

14. The method (400) according to claim 12, wherein the detachable plate comprises a bore (74) for holding a fragrance stick (50) and the method comprises further steps of - providing (440) a fragrance stick configured to provide a fragrance;- connecting (450) the fragrance stick to the bore (74);.

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