Toe-Separator Sandal Hanger Assembly for Upright Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying and storing sandals with toe separators, also known as pedicure slippers, are inadequate as they cannot effectively suspend and hold these shoes upright for merchandising or storage purposes.
Innovation Solution
A footwear hanger assembly featuring a suspension portion and mirror-symmetric support portions with spaced uprights that mimic human feet and toes, allowing sandals to be held upright in a side-by-side configuration, preferably made of molded plastic for economic and effective display and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hanger constructions are used, then general shoe display and storage is achieved, but sandals with toe separators cannot be readily frictionally gripped and held upright
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger features localized gripping surfaces with specific geometric shapes (curved surfaces, ridges, and grooves) positioned at exact locations corresponding to the toe separators and contours of sandals. These localized features provide frictional engagement specifically for sandal toe separators without affecting the hanger's ability to hold other shoe types.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger is divided into multiple functional zones: a main suspension portion for hanging, multiple support portions with different gripping geometries for various shoe types, and specific toe separator engagement features. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall versatility.
2Ease of operation
If sandals with toe separators are displayed upright, then visual display and organization are improved, but conventional hangers lack the structural features to securely hold them
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support portions with different gripping features are merged into a single integrated hanger body. The hanger combines suspension functionality, general shoe support, and specific sandal toe separator engagement features into one unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric features of the hanger (ridges, grooves, curved surfaces) are designed to automatically engage with the toe separators and contours of sandals when placed on the hanger. The structure self-adjusts to hold the sandals upright without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
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.