FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to footwear racks and more specifically to a rotatable smart footwear rack that is intelligent, uses space efficiently and is suitable to fit a range of applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding 10 the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] In view of the fast developing economies around the world, consumerism habit of people has significantly risen. As space is now a precious commodity, there is a growing interest 15 in efficient storage of footwear and their easy accessibility. Other than efficient use of space, there are other factors encountered by people of all age categories which have fuelled an interest in efficient footwear racks. Footwear racks by virtue of their stored goods tend to be dusty and people who are allergic to dust face health issues when handling such racks. Often, elderly people are unable to bend down easily and so find it difficult to retrieve footwear present at the 20 bottom of the rack or adjust footwear in the rack. In the case of healthy young people with hectic work schedules and fast pace of life, they prefer and demand comfortable lifestyles and throw in their footwear anywhere in the rack. Children too may mischievously keep the footwear anywhere in the rack. Hence, organizing the footwear such that they can be easily accessed, efficient management of space in the rack and with an added benefit of dust-free handling is 25 highly desirable.
[0004] There are various shoe racks disclosed in the prior art including Rotatable Shoe Rack, Rotary Shoe Rack, Modular Shoe Rack, Stackable Shoe Rack and the like which include a plurality of storage members that rotate about a shaft mounted on a base for easy access of footwear. The embodiments are portable and the rotatable storage members provide ready access 30 to the shoes. Rotary dispensing racks of this kind not only have the disadvantage that they must be extended beyond the confines of the dead corner area in order to have any practical storage
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capacity, but also have the disadvantage that even when so extended they are inefficient in their utilization of the space they occupy and are unable to provide storage in depth. Further, shoes are either stored inside compartments with restricted air circulation, thereby promoting the growth of mildew and odor-causing bacteria, or the shoes are exposed to dust and dirt. Furthermore, the solutions available in the prior art lack the feature of smart tracking of the vacant space, and also 5 the solutions provided are not intelligent and smart.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need to develop a smart footwear rack that negates the defects and deficiencies of the existing state of the art whilst simultaneously providing efficient use of storage space with ease and proper hygiene in an intelligent manner.
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OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a smart footwear rack which is suitable for storing and dispensing footwear in an efficient manner and can overcome deficiencies prevalent in the current art.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable smart footwear rack 15 that can be used in any enclosed areas like home, office, hotel rooms, hospital rooms and the like which makes efficient use of storage space while providing easy access for storing and retrieving footwear.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart footwear rack for storing and dispensing footwear which comprises a plurality of horizontal shelves stacked in a 20 vertical plane and capable of rotating about a horizontal axis so as to bring the shelf of interest in the rack to the desired level and permit automatic placement of the footwear in an empty shelf space in an organized and time-efficient manner.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a smart footwear rack for storing and dispensing footwear which comprises a plurality of horizontal shelves stacked in a 25 vertical plane and capable of rotating about a horizontal axis so as to bring the shelf of interest in the rack to the desired level and permit retrieval of the footwear of interest in a time-efficient manner.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart footwear rack for storing and dispensing footwear which has a substantially higher efficiency of space utilization 30 and storage depth than rotary racks that revolve about a vertical axis.
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[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide smart footwear rack for storing and dispensing footwear that provides an efficient utilization of storage space by eliminating messy arrangements achieved by competent tracking of the storage space and organizing placement of footwear in the racks in an intelligent manner.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart functional footwear 5 rack that is visually appealing and provides high levels of satisfied user experience by graphic user interfaces for easy retrieval of footwear.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a smart functional footwear rack that is hygienic, dust-free, odor-free, easy-to-operate, and can also be safely operated by individuals prone to dust-allergy. 10
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart footwear rack for storing and dispensing footwear which is securely enclosed within a cabinet structure.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart footwear rack for storing and dispensing footwear which is inexpensive to manufacture, easily installed and contributes to a comfortable lifestyle experience. 15
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be 20 used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0017] The present invention relates to a stackable smart footwear rack comprising (a) a plurality of horizontal shelves (01) stacked in a vertical plane by means of stationary support framework (02) disposed oppositely at the ends of the shelves; (b) a slider (03) at the bottom of the rack for placing and retrieving the footwear wherein the slider is a flat tray-like structure with 25 upward angled sides comprising a set of clamps (04) and a plurality of cleaning brushes (05) disposed oppositely on the angled ends of the slider; and (c) a built-in intelligent console (06) comprising a semiconductor chip and a human machine interface (HMI) (07), for effective organizing, storing and retrieving of footwear.
[0018] In an aspect, the smart footwear rack of the present invention provides easy access 30 to organize, store and retrieve footwear in the shelves of the racks and provide efficient
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utilization of storage space. Each shelf has a plurality of cells wherein each cell is capable of storing one pair of footwear. The smart footwear rack of the present invention provides ease in handling by way of smart features such as human machine interface (HMI) and contributes to a comfortable lifestyle for all age groups.
[0019] In another aspect, the smart footwear rack of the present invention allows for smart 5 and efficient organization of the footwear in a cell (08) by means of sensors (09) affixed in the cells which provide information on available space and location for storage in the rack.
[0020] In another aspect, the smart footwear rack of the present invention is designed to have a rotational motion about a horizontal axis in an upward and downward manner for the plurality of shelves (01) along with a left and right sliding motion for the slider positioned at the 10 bottom of the rack, by means of electronic circuitry comprising human machine interface and sensors wired to a motor mechanism (10). By the tandem action of these two motions, the smart footwear rack allows a user to store footwear into and retrieve from the rack automatically, with ease and comfort, based upon the selection made by means of the HMI, rendering enhanced user interaction. 15
[0021] In another aspect, the smart footwear rack of the present invention is designed to minimize the exposure of the footwear and the shelves to any natural elements, dust, grime, and unwarranted exposure by means of the slider feature which functions on a single window concept resulting in a hassle-free, efficient, and easy means for organizing, storing and retrieval of footwear in the rack. 20
[0022] In yet another aspect, the smart footwear rack of the present invention allows for minimizing dust, odor and dirt by means of cleaning brushes (05) and (15) attached to the sides of the slider such that the cleaning brush is automatically employed when footwear is placed in the slider for storage or retrieval.
[0023] In another aspect, the smart footwear rack of the present invention is designed to be 25 housed in a cabinet comprising a protective hood on top, rear, bottom and sides with a transparent front such that the user can easily view the footwear present in each cell of the smart footwear rack. Preferably the built-in console is present on the top of the cabinet and the slider is positioned on the bottom of the rack.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS THE INVENTION
[0024] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein. 5
Figure 1 is a schematic view of complete layout of a smart footwear rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2(a) is a schematic front view of the motor mechanism for the shelves and slider in a smart footwear rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2(b) is an isometric view of the motor mechanism for the shelves and slider 10 in a smart footwear rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of the slider in a smart footwear rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a top view of the slider in a smart footwear rack according to an embodiment of the present invention. 15
Figure 5 is a schematic view of the motor mechanism in a smart footwear rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The 20 description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present disclosure. The amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as 25 defined by the appended claims.
[0026] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter 30 is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Reference
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throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be 5 combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0027] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the 10 definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0028] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” 15 unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0029] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0030] As used herein, the term “Human-machine interface (HMI)” is a component of 20 certain devices that are capable of handling human-machine interactions. The interface consists of hardware and software that allow user inputs to be translated as signals for machines that, in turn, provide the required result to the user.
[0031] As used herein, the term “graphical user interface (GUI)” is a form of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual 25 indicators such as secondary notation, instead of text-based user interfaces, typed command labels or text navigation.
[0032] The use of any and all examples, or exemplar language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in 30 the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the
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practice of the invention. The examples and exemplar embodiments are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.
[0033] The present invention relates to a stackable smart footwear rack. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of horizontal shelves (01), a slider (03) positioned at the bottom of the plurality of the shelves in the rack, and a built-in intelligent console (06) 5 comprising human machine interface (HMI) (07) that can be accessed by the user.
[0034] In an embodiment, as provided in Figure 1, a complete layout of the smart footwear rack comprises a plurality of horizontal shelves (01) wherein each self has placeholders for holding the footwear. The placeholders are also denoted as cells (08) and numbered. Any number of placeholders may be present in a shelf as determined by the physical constraints of space or 10 human design. The shelves rotate about a horizontal axis by means of pulley and chains deployed oppositely at the ends of the shelves on a stationary support framework (02), also shown in detail in Figures 2 and 5. Each horizontal shelf has a plurality of cells (08) and each cell is capable of storing one pair of footwear. Each cell is affixed with an IR sensor (09) for detecting the status of occupancy or vacancy of a cell. The rack further comprises a slider (03) at the bottom. The slider 15 comprises a set of clamps (04) placed oppositely and a plurality of cleaning brushes (05) on the upward angled ends of slider. The user operates the smart rack through the human machine interface (07) present in an intelligent console (06).
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of horizontal shelves (01) is stacked in a vertical plane by means of stationary support framework (02) disposed oppositely 20 at the ends of the shelves, as shown in Figures 2 and 5. The plurality of shelves can move in a rotational motion about a horizontal axis by means of a motor mechanism (10) based upon the selection made by the user. The rotational movement of the racks enable the rack of interest to descend to the bottom level so as to facilitate storing and retrieving footwear as indicated by the user. The rack motor mechanism uses chain or belt drive system to connect and rotate the 25 plurality of shelves about a horizontal axis such that the shelves move in a vertical up and down motion. As shown in Figure 5, the motor mechanism comprises a pulley with chain to rotate the racks.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, each horizontal shelf (01) has a plurality of cells (08) or placeholders for storing footwear. Preferably, each cell is capable of storing one 30 pair of footwear and numbered. Each cell (08) in the rack is affixed with a sensor (09) and
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connected to the console (06) that assists in detecting the occupancy/vacancy of a cell and in identifying empty cells in a shelf, as shown in Figure 1. The sensors include but not limited to an infrared (IR) sensor, an image sensor, ultrasonic sensor, microwave sensor, optical sensor, and proximity sensor Preferably the sensor in an embodiment of the present invention is an IR sensor. 5
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the slider (03) is a flat tray-like structure with upward angled sides comprising a set of clamps (04) and a plurality of cleaning brushes (05) disposed oppositely on the angled ends of the slider and used for placing and retrieving the footwear. The clamps in the slider assist while placing the footwear by pushing it from the slider to the empty cell and while retrieving the footwear by pushing from the cell into the slider by 10 means of motor that is signal-activated by means of micro controller. As shown in Figure 3, each clamp is fitted with a motor that is activated by means of a signal from a micro controller.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in Figure 4, the slider comprises a set of clamps disposed oppositely on the angled ends of the slider. One of the clamps in the set (11) is fitted with a motor (13) for allowing retrieval of footwear from the cell such that 15 the clamp pushes the footwear onto the slider. The other clamp (12) of the set is fitted with a motor (14) for allowing placement of footwear into the cell such that the clamp pushes the footwear from the slider to the cell in the rack. The clamps function by means of a motor activated by signal received from a micro controller.
[0039] The slider feature of the present invention provides a hassle-free, efficient and easy 20 means to organize, store, and retrieve footwear in the smart footwear rack by functioning on a single window concept. The slider also helps minimize the exposure of the footwear and the shelves to any natural elements, dust, grime, and unwarranted exposure. The slider also prohibits filling in more than one pair of footwear into a single cell thereby contributing to an efficiently organized content in the rack. 25
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of brushes (05) attached to the sides of the slider as a means for cleaning the footwear, as seen in Figure 1. As provided in detail in Figure 3, the plurality of cleaning brushes, (05) and (15) are disposed oppositely on the angled ends of the slider. The smart footwear rack of the present invention allows for minimizing dust, odor and dirt by means of cleaning brushes (05) and (15) attached to 30 the sides of the slider such that the cleaning brush is automatically employed when footwear is
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placed in the slider for storage or retrieval. The brushes are signal-activated by means of a micro controller. Preferably, infrared (IR) sensors are placed on the clamp of cleaning brush that sense the presence of footwear on the slider and activate the brushes.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the built-in intelligent console (06) comprises a semiconductor chip and a human machine interface (HMI) (07) that can be accessed 5 by the user for effectively organizing, storing and retrieving footwear. Each cell in the smart footwear rack is provided with a distinct number and correspondingly displayed on the HMI as a graphic user interface (GUI).
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the GUI includes but is not limited to a digital crystal display, push buttons board, touch screen, smart screen, voice recognition system 10 or a human interface device. Preferably, the GUI is a touch screen or a touch panel.
[0043] In an optional embodiment of the invention, the console (06) has a protective covering for the human machine interface against natural elements and unwarranted user activities by means of a polymer covering, wooden boards and the like.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the slider moves in a horizontal motion 15 from one end of the rack to the other, a left-right movement, such that the footwear can be placed into and retrieved from the cell automatically based upon the selection made by means of the HMI.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment a process for placing the footwear in the smart footwear rack of the present invention comprises placing the footwear on the slider (03) by a 20 user. This triggers the circuit wherein the sensors (09), preferably the infrared sensors locate and identify an empty cell (08) in the shelf (01). Once an empty cell is detected, the motor mechanism (10) is triggered and the shelf of interest comprising the empty cell moves in a vertical direction such that the shelf of interest is brought down to the level of the bottom shelf. The slider (03) then, based on the position of the empty cell, moves in a horizontal direction and 25 parks itself before the empty cell on the shelf. Upon parking in front of the empty cell, the clamp for placing the footwear (12) pushes the footwear into the empty cell.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment a process for retrieving the footwear from the smart footwear rack of the present invention comprises selecting the footwear of interest and entering the cell location by means of a graphic user interface (07) on the console (06). This triggers the 30 circuit and by means of a motor mechanism (10), the shelf of interest on which the selected cell
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resides moves in a vertical direction and brought down to the level of the bottom shelf. Based on the position of the selected cell the slider (03) moves in a horizontal direction and parks itself before the selected cell. Upon parking in front of the selected cell, the clamp for retrieving the footwear (11) pushes the selected footwear from the cell onto the slider whereupon the user can access the footwear. 5
[0047] In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of horizontal shelves (01) stacked in a vertical plane by means of stationary support framework (02) disposed oppositely at the ends of the shelves and comprising a plurality of cells on each shelf along with the intelligent console (06), is housed in a cabinet comprising a protective hood on top, rear, bottom and sides with a transparent front such that the user can easily view the footwear present 10 in each cell of the smart footwear rack. Preferably the built-in console is present on the top of the cabinet which is easily accessible and secure from natural elements. Preferably, the slider is positioned at the bottom rack of the shelves in the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment, the slider can be pushed into a built-in slot at the bottom of the cabinet when not in use and pulled out for use when required. 15
[0048] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with 20 information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0049] The present invention provides a smart footwear rack for organizing, storing and retrieving footwear in a hassle-free, hygienic, and smart manner which also overcomes 25 deficiencies associated with the known arts.
[0050] The smart footwear rack of the present invention is novel and superior over the existing art as it imbibes the concept of smart space attributed to human machine interface components and has the capability to operate interactively and autonomously to some extent.
[0051] The smart footwear rack of the present invention helps negate disorganized 30 arrangement of footwear in the racks and is easy to use.
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[0052] The smart footwear rack of the present invention provides ease and comfort in storing and retrieving footwear for all age groups of users, the aged, young and children alike, thereby contributing to a comfortable lifestyle.
[0053] The smart footwear rack of the present invention provides a means to minimize incidences of dust or dirt due to soiled footwear in the rack and cabinet leading to increased 5 levels of hygiene when handling the contents and decreased exposure to dust, dirt or odor due to soiled footwear.

We Claim:
1. A smart footwear rack comprising:
(a) a plurality of horizontal shelves (01) stacked in a vertical plane by means of stationary support framework (02) disposed oppositely at the ends of the shelves; 5
(b) a slider (03) at the bottom of the rack for placing and retrieving the footwear wherein the slider is a flat tray-like structure with upward angled sides comprising a set of clamps (04) and a plurality of cleaning brushes (05) disposed oppositely on the angled ends of the slider;
(c) a built-in intelligent console (06) comprising a semiconductor chip and a human machine interface (HMI) (07) as a means for selection of footwear; 10
characterized in that,
- each shelf (01) has a plurality of cells (08) wherein each cell is capable of storing one pair of footwear;
- each cell (08) is affixed with a sensor (09) connected to the console;
- the plurality of shelves can move in a rotational motion about a horizontal axis by 15 means of a motor mechanism (10) based upon the selection made by means of the HMI; and
- the slider can move in a horizontal motion from one end of the rack to the other such that the footwear can be placed into and retrieved from the rack automatically based upon the selection made by means of the HMI.
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2. The smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is an infrared (IR) sensor that assists in identifying empty cells in a shelf.
3. The smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of cells are numbered and correspondingly displayed on the HMI as a graphic user interface (GUI). 25
4. The smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 3, wherein the GUI is selected from a digital crystal display, touch screen, push buttons board, voice recognition system or a human interface device.
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5. The smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of clamps disposed oppositely on the angled ends of the slider each comprise a motor such that one of the clamp (11) in the said set is fitted with a motor (13) for allowing retrieval of footwear from the cell by means of pushing the footwear onto the slider and the other clamp (12) in the said set is fitted with a motor (14) for allowing placement of footwear into the cell by means of pushing the footwear from the 5 slider into the cell.
6. The smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the clamps in the set of clamps comprises a motor that is activated by a signal from a micro controller.
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7. The smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning brush is held by means of one or more clamps affixed with a sensor.
8. The smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sensor is an infra red sensor.
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9. The smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning brush is automatically employed when footwear is placed in the slider by means of a signal from a micro controller.
10. A cabinet comprising a smart footwear rack as claimed in claim 1 with a protective hood on top, bottom and sides and a transparent front, a slot for console on top of the cabinet and a slot 20 for slider at the bottom of the cabinet such that the slider is pushed out of view when not in use.