U.S. patent application number 12/623193 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-26 for adjustable clothes hanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to Thane International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sladjana Tukulj-Popovic.
Application Number | 20110121041 12/623193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44061358 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110121041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tukulj-Popovic; Sladjana |
May 26, 2011 |
ADJUSTABLE CLOTHES HANGER
Abstract
An adjustable clothes hanger assembly is provided. The
adjustable clothes hanger assembly has a substantially rigid frame
with a pair of slanted rail segments that are in transverse
relation to one another. The assembly also has a pair of shoulder
segments, each shoulder segment slidably disposed on a
corresponding rail segment. Each shoulder segment is slidable on
the corresponding rail segment between a collapsed position and an
at least partially extended position, providing adjustable hanger
width.
Inventors: |
Tukulj-Popovic; Sladjana;
(Toronto, CA) |
Assignee: |
Thane International, Inc.
La Quinta
CA
|
Family ID: |
44061358 |
Appl. No.: |
12/623193 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
223/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/442
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/94 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/22 20060101
A41D027/22 |
Claims
1. An adjustable clothes hanger assembly, comprising: a
substantially rigid frame comprising a pair of slanted rail
segments that are in transverse relation to one another; a pair of
shoulder segments, each shoulder segment slidably disposed on a
corresponding rail segment; wherein each shoulder segment is
slidable on the corresponding rail segment between a collapsed
position and an at least partially extended position, providing
adjustable hanger width.
2. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 1 wherein each
shoulder segment includes interlocking mechanisms for slidably and
adjustably maintaining the shoulder segment on the corresponding
rail segment.
3. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 2, wherein: each
rail segment comprises an elongate member; and each shoulder
segment has a U-shaped cross section sized to axially receive a
corresponding rail segment, wherein the shoulder segment is slidabe
along at least a portion of the length of the rail segment.
4. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 3, wherein: each
shoulder segment comprises essentially parallel side walls and a
top wall interconnecting the sidewalls, providing a U-shaped cross
section, said interlocking mechanisms comprising pairs of opposing
tabs extending inwardly from the walls of the shoulder segment.
5. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 4, wherein: at
least a portion of each rail segment is axially disposed in a
corresponding shoulder segment, maintained by said walls and said
tabs.
6. An adjustable clothes hanger assembly, comprising: a
substantially rigid frame comprising a pair of slanted rail
segments that are in transverse relation to one another; a pair of
shoulder segments, each shoulder segment slidably disposed on a
corresponding rail segment; each shoulder segment and corresponding
rail segment including interlocking mechanisms for slidably and
adjustably maintaining the shoulder segment on the corresponding
rail segment; wherein each shoulder segment is slidable on the
corresponding rail segment between a collapsed position and an at
least partially extended position, providing adjustable hanger
width.
7. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 6, wherein: each
rail segment comprises an elongate member; and each shoulder
segment has a U-shaped cross section sized to axially receive a
corresponding rail segment, wherein the shoulder segment is slidabe
along at least a portion of the length of the rail segment.
8. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 7, wherein: each
shoulder segment comprises essentially parallel side walls and a
top wall interconnecting the sidewalls, providing a U-shaped cross
section, said interlocking mechanisms comprising pairs of opposing
tabs extending inwardly from the walls of the shoulder segment.
9. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 8, wherein: at
least a portion of each rail segment is axially disposed in a
corresponding shoulder segment, maintained by said walls and said
tabs.
10. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 9, wherein:
each rail segment comprises a supporting wall and a bisecting wall
transverse to the supporting wall, providing an essentially
T-shaped cross section, said interlocking mechanisms further
comprising pairs of opposing protrusions extending outwardly from
said bisecting wall.
11. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 10, wherein:
the pairs of opposing tabs and the pairs of opposing protrusions
are located in an interlocking staggered pattern along the long
axis of the shoulder segment and corresponding rail segment,
respectively.
12. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 10, wherein:
the pairs of opposing tabs and the pairs of opposing protrusions
frictionally engage upon a shoulder segment being moved along a
corresponding rail segment.
13. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 10, wherein:
upon overcoming a friction threshold, the pairs of opposing tabs
and the pairs of opposing protrusions move past one another to
allow extending or collapsing a shoulder segment.
14. The adjustable clothes hanger assembly of claim 11, wherein the
interlocking mechanisms further provide multiple predetermined
extension positions of the shoulder segment between collapsed and
fully extended positions relative to said rail segment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to garment hangers,
and in particular, to adjustable clothes hangers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Garment hangers such as clothes hangers allow hanging items
of clothing to prevent wrinkles. A typical clothes hanger comprises
a flat triangular shape with a hook at the top for hanging the
clothes hanger (e.g., from a hanger bar in a closet). The
triangular shape has a base and two fixed sides, wherein the two
sides meet at the hook on top of the triangle. The fixed sides
resemble human shoulders for hanging shirts, jackets, coats and the
like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one embodiment, the invention provides an adjustable
clothes hanger assembly, comprising a substantially rigid frame
comprising a pair of slanted rail segments that are in transverse
relation to one another. The assembly further includes a pair of
shoulder segments, each shoulder segment slidably disposed on a
corresponding rail segment. Each shoulder segment is slidable on
the corresponding rail segment between a collapsed position and an
at least partially extended position, providing adjustable hanger
width.
[0004] Each shoulder segment may include interlocking mechanisms
for slidably and adjustably maintaining the shoulder segment on the
corresponding rail segment. Each rail segment may comprise an
elongate member; and each shoulder segment may have a U-shaped
cross section sized to axially receive a corresponding rail
segment, wherein the shoulder segment is slidabe along at least a
portion of the length of the rail segment.
[0005] Each shoulder segment may comprise essentially parallel side
walls and a top wall interconnecting the sidewalls, providing a
U-shaped cross section, said interlocking mechanisms comprising
pairs of opposing tabs extending inwardly from the walls of the
shoulder segment. At least a portion of each rail segment is
axially disposed in a corresponding shoulder segment, maintained by
said walls and said tabs.
[0006] In another embodiment, the invention provides an adjustable
clothes hanger assembly, comprising: a substantially rigid frame
comprising a pair of slanted rail segments that are in transverse
relation to one another and a pair of shoulder segments, each
shoulder segment slidably disposed on a corresponding rail segment.
Each shoulder segment and corresponding rail segment include
interlocking mechanisms for slidably and adjustably maintaining the
shoulder segment on the corresponding rail segment. Each shoulder
segment is slidable on the corresponding rail segment between a
collapsed position and an at least partially extended position,
providing adjustable hanger width.
[0007] Each rail segment may comprise an elongate member and each
shoulder segment may have a U-shaped cross section sized to axially
receive a corresponding rail segment, wherein the shoulder segment
is slidabe along at least a portion of the length of the rail
segment. Each shoulder segment may comprise essentially parallel
side walls and a top wall interconnecting the sidewalls, providing
a U-shaped cross section, said interlocking mechanisms comprising
pairs of opposing tabs extending inwardly from the walls of the
shoulder segment. At least a portion of each rail segment is
axially disposed in a corresponding shoulder segment, maintained by
said walls and said tabs.
[0008] Each rail segment may comprise a supporting wall and a
bisecting wall transverse to the supporting wall, providing an
essentially T-shaped cross section, said interlocking mechanisms
further comprising pairs of opposing protrusions extending
outwardly from said bisecting wall. The pairs of opposing tabs and
the pairs of opposing protrusions are located in an interlocking
staggered pattern along the long axis of the shoulder segment and
corresponding rail segment, respectively.
[0009] The pairs of opposing tabs and the pairs of opposing
protrusions frictionally engage upon a shoulder segment being moved
along a corresponding rail segment. Upon overcoming a friction
threshold, the pairs of opposing tabs and the pairs of opposing
protrusions move past one another to allow extending or collapsing
a shoulder segment. The interlocking mechanisms may further provide
multiple predetermined extension positions of the shoulder segment
between collapsed and fully extended positions relative to said
rail segment.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become understood with reference to the
following description, appended claims and accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an adjustable hanger
assembly having adjustable shoulder segments slidable on rails,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an adjustable hanger
assembly having adjustable shoulder segments illustrated in
extended position, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A shows a side view of the adjustable hanger with the
shoulder segments disassembled, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2B shows a cross section of an assembled shoulder
segment and corresponding rail, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of a shoulder segment, according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2D shows a bottom view of a portion of a rail,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2E shows an enlarged cross section of an assembled
shoulder segment and corresponding rail, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the adjustable hanger with the
shoulder segments assembled and in partially extended position,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a side view of an adjustable hanger with the
adjustable shoulder segments in collapsed position, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 5A shows a bottom view of a shoulder segment of the
adjustable hanger of FIG. 4 along the dashed lines, with the
shoulder segment in collapsed position, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 5B shows a bottom view of a shoulder segment of the
adjustable hanger of FIG. 5A, with the shoulder segment in
partially extended position, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 5C shows a partial side view of the shoulder segment of
FIG. 5A.
[0023] FIG. 5D shows a partial side view of the shoulder segment of
FIG. 5B.
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the adjustable hanger with the
shoulder segments in extended position supporting a wider shoulder
coat, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the adjustable hanger of FIG. 6
with the shoulder segments collapsed for supporting a narrower
shoulder coat, according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention provides adjustable hanger assembly.
One embodiment comprises a substantially rigid frame comprising a
pair of slanted rail segments that are in transverse relation to
one another. The assembly further includes a pair of shoulder
segments, each shoulder segments slidably disposed on a
corresponding rail segment. Each shoulder segment is slidable on
the corresponding rail segment between a collapsed position and an
at least partially extended position, providing adjustable hanger
width.
[0027] FIGS. 1A-B show perspective views of an adjustable hanger
assembly (hereinafter "hanger") 10, according to an embodiment of
the invention. Specifically, FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of
the adjustable hanger assembly 10, according to an embodiment of
the invention. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the adjustable
hanger assembly 10, in extended position.
[0028] Now also referring to FIG. 2A, the hanger 10 comprises a
substantially rigid support frame 11 and adjustable elongate
shoulder segments 12. The support frame 11 comprises a generally
triangular shape comprising a hook 11A, slanted elongate rail
segments (rails) 13, and an elongate base 14. The base 14 may be
optional. The slanted rail segments transverse in relation to one
another.
[0029] In one implementation, the shoulder segments 12 includes
interlocking mechanisms for slidably and adjustably maintaining
each shoulder segment 12 on a corresponding rail 13. Each rail 13
has a substantially T-shaped cross section (FIG. 2B), with a
generally smooth top portion 16 (FIG. 2A).
[0030] Each shoulder segment 12 is essentially channel shaped with
one closed end 12A (FIG. 2C), and has side walls 15 and a top wall
15A, together forming a U-shaped cross section for axially
receiving a corresponding rail 13 along the length of the segments
11 and 12 (FIG. 2B).
[0031] Each shoulder segment 12 is slidably and axially disposed on
a corresponding rail 13 (i.e., the shoulder segment 12 and
corresponding rail segment 13 are disposed essentially along the
long axis of each of the segments 12 and 13). The interlocking
mechanisms comprise pairs of tabs 18 on each shoulder segment 12.
Essentially, each shoulder segment 12 comprises substantially a
slidable sleeve for a corresponding rail segment, wherein the
shoulder segment can axially slide along at least a portion of the
length of the rail segment between collapsed and extended
positions.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the adjustable hanger 10 with
the shoulder segments 12 assembled and in partially extended
position 12. FIG. 4 shows a side view of the adjustable hanger 10
with the adjustable shoulder segments 12 in collapsed position.
[0033] FIG. 5A shows a bottom view of a shoulder segment 12 of the
adjustable hanger 10 of FIG. 4 along the dashed line 5-5, with the
shoulder segment 12 in collapsed position. As shown in FIG. 5A, the
shoulder segment 12 includes opposing tabs 18 protruding from
interior of side walls 15. FIG. 5B shows a bottom view of the
shoulder segment 12 of FIG. 5A, with the shoulder segment 12 in
partially extended position, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0034] On each shoulder segment 12, a distance D between the side
walls 15 (FIG. 2C) is marginally greater than a width d of the
element 13A (FIG. 2D) of the corresponding rail 13. Further, as
shown in FIG. 2E, a distance v between the tabs 18 and the top wall
15A is marginally greater than a thickness t of the element 13A of
the corresponding rail 13. These allow a rail 13 to be slidably
maintained within a corresponding channel shaped segment 12,
illustrated in cross section in FIG. 2B, between the top wall 15A
and tabs 18 in one dimension, and between the side walls 15 in
another dimension. Specifically, element 13A is slidably
maintained: (1) vertically between the tabs 18 and top wall 15A,
and (2) horizontally between the side walls 15.
[0035] In another implementation, the interlocking mechanisms
further comprise pairs of protrusions on each rail 13 that
interlock with pairs of tabs on the corresponding shoulder segment
12. Each rail 13 has a substantially T-shaped cross section (FIG.
2B), with a generally smooth top portion 16 (FIG. 2A) and includes
ribbed protrusions 17 on a bottom portion (opposing the top
portion), spaced along the length of the rail 13 (FIG. 2D). The
interlocking mechanism not only allows sliding a shoulder segment
12 on a corresponding rail 13, but also provides multiple
predetermined extension positions of a shoulder segment 12 between
a collapsed and fully extended positions relative to the rail
13.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2B-D and FIGS. 5A-B, the T-shaped cross
section of each rail 13 is formed by a support wall element 13A and
a bisecting wall element 13B, wherein the element 13A is transverse
relative to the element 13B. The protrusions 17 are generally
narrow rectangular tabs supported by the elements 13A, 13B as
shown, but can be of other shapes.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2C-E, for each pair of opposing
protrusions 17 at opposite sides of the element 13B which are
equidistant to an end wall 13E of a rail 13, an end-to-end distance
H for said pair of protrusions 17 is greater than an end-to-end
distance h between each pair of opposing tabs 18 which are
equidistant to the end wall 12E of the corresponding shoulder
segment 12.
[0038] As shown in the detail in FIG. 5B, the distance A between
each pair of adjacent protrusions 17 is greater than the width a of
each tab 18. The difference between A and a is preferably marginal,
but can be selected as desired.
[0039] As noted, FIG. 5A shows a shoulder segment 12 in fully
collapsed position, wherein all of the tabs 18 are closest to the
center of the frame 11 relative to the hook 11A, on one side of the
series of protrusions 17. The pairs of opposing tabs and the pairs
of opposing protrusions are positioned in an interlocking staggered
pattern along the long axis of the shoulder segment 12 and
corresponding rail 13, respectively. The shoulder segment is
prevented from sliding down the rail 13 by the tabs 18 being
frictionally blocked by the protrusions 17 from moving past the
protrusions 17.
[0040] To adjust the position of the shoulder segment 12 on a rail
13, such as adjusting the shoulder segment 12 from collapsed
position (FIG. 5A) to fully extended or partially extended position
(FIG. 5B), a user can grasp the hook 11A in one hand and the
shoulder segment 12 in another hand, then pull the shoulder segment
12 away from the hook 11A to slide along the corresponding rail 13
(see double solid arrows in FIG. 5B).
[0041] When the pulling force exceeds a friction threshold, the
opposing tabs 18, move past a first pair of opposing protrusions 17
along the way and snap back into the space between the first pair
and a next pair of opposing protrusions 17. In another
implementation, when the pulling force exceeds a friction
threshold, the opposing tabs 18 marginally bend around or over a
first pair of opposing protrusions 17 and snap back, into the space
between the first pair and a next pair of opposing protrusions 17.
This can be repeated as desired for adjusting the position of the
segment 12 relative to the rail 13.
[0042] FIG. 5B shows two tab pairs 18-1 and 18-2, spaced apart to
fit between two non-adjacent pairs of protrusions 17. For example,
comparing to FIG. 5A, the depiction in FIG. 5B illustrates that the
tab pair 18-2 has been moved to the space between the sixth and
seventh pairs of opposing protrusions 17-6, 17-7, relative to a
first pair of opposing protrusions 17-1.
[0043] Further, the tab pair 18-2 has been moved to the space
between the third and fourth pairs of opposing protrusions 17-3,
17-4. The reverse process allows fully or partially collapsing each
shoulder segment 12.
[0044] FIG. 5C shows a partial side view of the shoulder segment 12
of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D shows a partial side view of the shoulder
segment 12 of FIG. 5B.
[0045] The slidable shoulder segments 12 are independently
slidable, and allow adjusting the hanger 10 (providing adjustable
hanger width) to accommodate clothing items of different sizes
(e.g., jackets of different shoulder widths), to properly support
the shapes of such clothing items.
[0046] For example, FIG. 6 shows a side view of the adjustable
hanger 10 with the shoulder segments 12 in extended position
supporting a wider shoulder coat, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the adjustable hanger 10 of FIG.
6 with the shoulder segments 12 collapsed for supporting a narrower
shoulder coat, according to an embodiment of the invention. The
reverse process allows fully or partially collapsing each shoulder
segment 12.
[0048] The tabs 18 are made of flexible material such as plastics
that can bend/flex around/over the protrusions 17. The protrusions
17 are more rigid than the tabs 18 and generally do not flex in
relation to the tabs 18. In one example, all of the elements of the
adjustable hanger assembly can comprise known thermoplastic polymer
materials such as polypropylene (PP), or other known materials that
have similar properties, or other known polymers such as
engineering plastics or similar.
[0049] Using the three dimensional Cartesian axis x, y, z, in FIG.
2B (wherein z is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet),
in one example, each tab 18 has approximate dimensions of 0.1 cm
along y-axis, 0.25 cm along x-axis, 0.4 cm along z-axis, and about
2.5 cm spaced apart along each shoulder segment, and tips of
opposing tabs 18 are about h=0.4 cm apart along x-axis. The
protrusions 17 are about 0.1 cm along z-axis, 0.12 cm along x-axis,
and 0.15 cm along y-axis, and about A=0.6 cm spaced apart along
each rail 13. The element 13B is about 0.2 cm along x-axis. In one
example, H is greater than h (FIGS. 2C-D) where h=0.4 cm while
H=0.42 cm. Other example dimensions are possible.
[0050] In another example, H is less than h (FIGS. 2C-D), wherein
the tabs 18 and protrusions 17 do not engage one another and the
shoulder segments 12 freely slide on the rails 13.
[0051] Though the present invention has been described with
reference to certain versions thereof; however, other versions are
possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims
should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions
contained herein.
* * * * *