Counterbalanced Boot Hanger for Vertical Storage and Shape Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boot hanger systems fail to efficiently utilize storage space, are difficult to install or relocate, cannot suspend multiple pairs of boots along a vertical axis, do not provide an ideal angle for viewing, and do not accommodate various boot lengths and weights effectively.
Innovation Solution
A boot hanger system with a counterbalance mechanism that allows for suspension along a vertical axis, adjustable to accommodate different boot sizes and weights, and easy installation/relocation, featuring a suspension portion and boot support legs with upturned feet to maintain the original boot shape and facilitate easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple boot hangers are arranged along vertical spaces inside a cabinet, then the quantity of boots stored increases, but the installation and relocation difficulty increases due to mechanical fastening arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The boot hanger system is divided into modular components: individual hanger units (3) that can be independently installed and removed, and separate mechanical fastening elements. This segmentation allows users to easily install or relocate individual hangers without affecting the entire system, resolving the contradiction between storing multiple boots and maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical fastening arrangement acts as an intermediary between the hanger and the cabinet wall, providing a simple interface for attachment and detachment. This intermediary mechanism enables easy installation and relocation while still securely holding multiple boot hangers in vertical spaces.
2Reliability
If a single hanger is inserted into each boot, then each boot is individually supported, but the storage space efficiency decreases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate hangers are merged into a single integrated hanger unit that can simultaneously support both boots of a pair. This merging reduces the number of hanger components needed, improves storage space efficiency by utilizing vertical space more effectively, and maintains individual boot support through separate support structures within the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger design transitions from horizontal placement (one hanger per boot on a shelf) to vertical suspension (multiple boots hanging from a single hanger unit). This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical arrangement maximizes storage space efficiency while maintaining reliable individual boot support.
3Shape
If fixed boot hangers are used, then the boot shape is maintained, but the adaptability to different boot lengths and weights decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The boot hanger incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different boot characteristics. The hanger can be adjusted in length and positioning to accommodate various boot sizes and weights while maintaining the boot shape through proper support distribution. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between fixed support for shape maintenance and adaptability for different boot types.
4Ease of operation
If boot hangers are arranged horizontally along a closet rod, then installation is simple, but the storage space efficiency decreases due to wasted vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal arrangement of boot hangers along a closet rod to vertical suspension of multiple hangers from a single mounting point. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical arrangement maximizes the use of vertical closet space while maintaining installation simplicity through the modular hanger design that can be easily attached to various mounting locations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a boot hanger and a boot hanger system and methods that provide for storage of boots. In an example, a boot hanger apparatus comprises an upper suspension portion and a boot support leg, wherein the upper suspension portion and boot support leg are connected by a counterbalance. The counterbalance is provided to control rotation and preferably to maintain a target slope angle Θ when a suspended boot hanger contains boots in a loaded condition. Further provided are coupler apparatus for forming a series of connected boot hangers suspended along a common vertical axis. In some examples, the boot hanger includes a hook-shaped suspension portion for attachment to a suspension apparatus such as a rod or a coupler within a series of connected boot hangers.