U.S. patent application number 14/085261 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-22 for collapsible garment hanger.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kyle Douglas Keiser, Dylan John Sachs, Kyle Joseph Wasserman. Invention is credited to Kyle Douglas Keiser, Dylan John Sachs, Kyle Joseph Wasserman.
Application Number | 20140138414 14/085261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50726978 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140138414 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wasserman; Kyle Joseph ; et
al. |
May 22, 2014 |
COLLAPSIBLE GARMENT HANGER
Abstract
A collapsible garment hanger includes a means for supporting a
garment, an actuator configured to facilitate a movement of the
means for supporting the garment between an extended position and a
collapsed position, and an attachment member configured to
cooperate with a support structure. The means for supporting the
garment includes a pair of flexible arms having a desired spring
rate to facilitate an unassisted return of the arms from the
collapsed position to the extended position.
Inventors: |
Wasserman; Kyle Joseph;
(Fremont, OH) ; Sachs; Dylan John; (Fremont,
OH) ; Keiser; Kyle Douglas; (Holland, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wasserman; Kyle Joseph
Sachs; Dylan John
Keiser; Kyle Douglas |
Fremont
Fremont
Holland |
OH
OH
OH |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50726978 |
Appl. No.: |
14/085261 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61729036 |
Nov 21, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
223/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/4023 20130101;
A47G 2025/4092 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/85 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/40 20060101
A47G025/40 |
Claims
1. A collapsible garment hanger, comprising: a means for supporting
a garment which is selectively positionable between an extended
position and a collapsed position; and an actuator configured to
receive at least a portion of the means for supporting the garment
therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a movement of the means
for supporting the garment between the extended position and the
collapsed position.
2. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the means for
supporting the garment is in the extended position when the
actuator is positioned in a first position, and is in the collapsed
position when the actuator is positioned in a second position.
3. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the means for
supporting the garment includes a plurality of arms configured to
support the garment.
4. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 3, wherein the means for
supporting the garment includes a generally loop-shaped portion
having the arms extending laterally outwardly therefrom.
5. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 3, wherein the arms are
offset from one another to permit at least a portion of the arms to
crossover each other during operation of the hanger.
6. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 3, wherein at least one
of the arms is provided with an extension member to extend a length
of the at least one of the arms.
7. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 4, wherein the generally
loop-shaped portion is configured to provide a spring action which
causes the arms to move from the collapsed position to the extended
position.
8. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the means for
supporting the garment includes an attachment member configured to
cooperate with a support structure.
9. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein an outer
surface of the actuator includes at least one contour formed
therein.
10. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the actuator
includes a cavity formed therein, the cavity configured to receive
at least a portion of the means for supporting the garment
therein.
11. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 10, wherein the cavity
is formed by a first portion of the actuator coupled to a second
portion thereof.
12. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 10, wherein an inner
surface of the cavity of the actuator is configured to maintain the
actuator in a first position.
13. A collapsible garment hanger, comprising: a means for
supporting a garment including a plurality of arms selectively
positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position;
and an actuator including a cavity formed therein, the cavity
configured to receive at least a portion of each of the arms
therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a movement of the arms
between the extended position and the collapsed position.
14. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 13, wherein the arms
extend laterally outwardly from a generally loop-shaped portion of
the means for supporting the garment.
15. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 13, wherein the arms
are offset from one another to permit at least a portion of the
arms to crossover each other during operation of the hanger.
16. A collapsible garment hanger, comprising: a means for
supporting a garment including a plurality of arms extending
laterally outwardly from a generally loop-shaped portion thereof,
wherein the arms are selectively positionable between an extended
position and a collapsed position; and an actuator including a
cavity formed therein, the cavity configured to receive at least a
portion of each of the arms therein, wherein the actuator
facilitates a movement of the arms between the extended position
and the collapsed position.
17. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 16, wherein at least
one of the arms includes at least one contour formed therein to
militate against a disengagement of the actuator from the arms.
18. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 16, wherein the
generally loop-shaped portion is configured to provide a spring
action which causes the arms to move from the collapsed position to
the extended position.
19. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 16, wherein an inner
surface of the cavity includes at least one contour formed therein,
the at least one contour configured to receive a portion of the
generally loop-shaped portion of the means for supporting the
garment therein.
20. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 16, wherein an inner
surface of the cavity includes at least one contour formed therein,
the at least one contour configured to receive a generally arcuate
portion of one of the arms.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is entitled to claim the benefit of, and
claims priority to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
61/729,036 filed Nov. 21, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a garment hanger,
and more particularly, to a collapsible garment hanger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Necks of garments are sometimes overly stretched and damaged
as a result of being removed from and placed on hangers in the
conventional manner. The stretching usually occurs because the
distance between the hanger arms is greater than the opening of the
neck of the garment. To prevent damage, hangers must be separated
from the clothing by reaching up through the body of the garment
and manipulating the hanger down through the bottom. Or, if the
garment is a button type, the necessary number of buttons must be
undone before removal. If the article of clothing is removed by
manipulating the hanger down through the body of the garment, the
hook element is prone to damage the garment, this problem is
particularly acute with knitted garments.
[0004] Because of the small necks of garments, some garment hanger
manufacturers have made the arm-spans short enough to fit inside
the neck of garments. The short span of these hanger arms causes
the length of the arms to be inadequate for garment shoulder
widths. Traditional hanger arms are either too short to adequately
support the average garments shoulder length, or too wide to fit
through the neck of the garment.
[0005] It is desirable to produce a collapsible garment hanger that
provides adequate support to the garment, wherein a cost of
manufacture and a structural complexity thereof is minimized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In concordance and agreement with the present disclosure, a
collapsible garment hanger that provides adequate support to the
garment, wherein a cost of manufacture and a structural complexity
thereof is minimized, has surprisingly been discovered.
[0007] The hanger includes garment carrying arms. The arms of the
collapsible hanger are spring loaded and are forced downward from
an extended or garment holding position to a collapsed position
through the use of an actuator or sliding member. The arms return
to the extended position through a release of the sliding member.
Spring action created by a configuration of the arms, such as
crossed ends or a loop, for example, and a material elasticity are
used to urge the sliding member upward at a controlled rate through
friction while allowing the carrying arms to return upward to the
extended position. The overall objective of this invention is to
allow the arms to be urged together such that the arms can be
easily fit inside a shirt neck and/or collar to avoid a stretching
of the garment during an insertion and removal of the hanger from
the garment.
[0008] Another benefit of the hanger of the present invention is
ease of use. The spring return action of the arms permits the
garment to be easily hung on the hanger. By collapsing the arms
through the use of the sliding member being forced downward,
inserting the hanger into the shirt, and then simply holding onto
the sliding member while the arms spring upward, the hanger of the
present invention fits inside the garment more naturally than
existing prior art hangers. The invention provides a longer and
wider surface area onto which the garment can be place, thereby
militating against creases and wrinkles in shoulder areas of
delicate garments. Because the arms are configured to inwardly
collapse, the garment can be removed from the hanger without the
hanger being removed from a supporting structure (i.e. a closet
rod). Such configuration also permits the hanger to be inserted
through a neck portion of the garment as compared to inserting up
through a bottom of the garment as is commonly known to do with the
prior art hangers. After insertion of the collapsed hanger through
the neck portion of the garment, the spring force returns the arms
of the hanger to the extended position, requiring no manual
operation.
[0009] In one embodiment, a collapsible garment hanger, comprises:
a means for supporting a garment which is selectively positionable
between an extended position and a collapsed position; and an
actuator configured to receive at least a portion of the means for
supporting the garment therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a
movement of the means for supporting the garment between the
extended position and the collapsed position.
[0010] In another embodiment, a collapsible garment hanger,
comprises: a means for supporting a garment including a plurality
of arms selectively positionable between an extended position and a
collapsed position; and an actuator including a cavity formed
therein, the cavity configured to receive at least a portion of
each of the arms therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a
movement of the arms between the extended position and the
collapsed position.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, a collapsible garment hanger,
comprises: a means for supporting a garment including a plurality
of arms extending laterally outwardly from a generally loop-shaped
portion thereof, wherein the arms are selectively positionable
between an extended position and a collapsed position; and an
actuator including a cavity formed therein, the cavity configured
to receive at least a portion of each of the arms therein, wherein
the actuator facilitates a movement of the arms between the
extended position and the collapsed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above, as well as other objects and advantages of the
invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from a reading of the following detailed description of the
invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a collapsible garment
hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing
the hanger in an extended position and a portion of an actuator
removed therefrom;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the collapsible
garment hanger illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the hanger in a
collapsed position and the portion of the actuator removed
therefrom;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a collapsible garment
hanger according to another embodiment of the present invention,
showing the hanger in an extended position and a portion of an
actuator removed therefrom;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the collapsible
garment hanger illustrated in FIG. 3, showing the hanger in a
collapsed position and the portion of the actuator removed
therefrom;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a collapsible garment
hanger according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, showing the hanger in an extended position and a portion
of an actuator removed therefrom;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the collapsible
garment hanger illustrated in FIG. 5, showing the hanger in a
collapsed position and the portion of the actuator removed
therefrom;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, partially exploded, bottom
perspective view of the collapsible garment hanger illustrated in
FIGS. 5-6, showing the hanger in the extended position, wherein an
actuator of the collapsible garment hanger includes a first portion
and a second portion; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the second portion of
the actuator illustrated in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The following detailed description and appended drawings
describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled
in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
[0022] FIGS. 1-2 show a collapsible garment hanger 10 according to
one embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments,
the hanger 10 is configured to support a garment (not shown). It is
contemplated that the hanger 10 can be used for various other
applications and uses as desired. The hanger 10 includes a means 12
for supporting the garment thereon. In certain embodiments, the
means 12 for supporting the garment is a pair of flexible arms 14,
16 extending laterally, outwardly from a generally loop-shaped
portion 18 thereof. It is understood that the arms 14, 16 and the
portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment can be
separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as a
unitary structure, if desired. A length, a width, and a
configuration of the arms 14, 16 are of such length, width, and
configuration to support the garment. It is understood, however,
that the arms 14, 16 can have any shape, size, and configuration as
desired.
[0023] The arms 14, 16 are selectively positionable between a fully
extended or up position shown in FIG. 1, in which the arms 14, 16
support the garment, and a collapsed or down position shown in FIG.
2, in which the garment can be removed from the hanger 10. In the
extended position, the arms 14, 16 extend in opposite directions
with respect to the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the
garment. Contrarily, in the collapsed position, the arms 14, 16
extend in generally the same direction with respect to the portion
18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment such that ends of the
arms 14, 16 are substantially parallel with respect to each
other.
[0024] In the embodiment shown, the portion 18 of the means 12 for
supporting the garment provides a spring action which causes the
arms 14, 16 to move from the collapsed position to the extended
position. Various materials can be used to form the arms 14, 16 and
the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment such as a
metal (e.g. a spring metal, a high carbon 1080 steel music wire,
etc.), a plastic (e.g. a flexible plastic, a thermoplastic, a
thermo setting polymer, etc.), and the like, for example. In
certain embodiments, the arms 14, 16 and the portion 18 of the
means 12 for supporting the garment are formed from a suitably
flexible material having a desired spring rate to permit the arms
14, 16 to repeatedly return, unassisted by a user, from the
collapsed position to the extended position.
[0025] As illustrated, the arms 14, 16 may be provided with a pair
of extension members 20, 22, respectively. Although the extension
members 20, 22 shown are separate and distinct components of the
hanger 10, it is understood that the arms 14, 16 and the respective
extension members 20, 22 can be integrally formed as a unitary
structure, if desired. The extension members 20, 22 extend the
length of the arms 14, 16 to further support the garment in the
extended position. The extension members 20, 22 are configured to
distribute a weight of the garment over a broader area which
minimizes a formation of creases and wrinkles in a region where the
arms 14, 16 of the hanger 10 support the weight of the garment
(e.g. a shoulder region of the garment). The extension members 20,
22 shown are substantially similar to each other. However, it is
understood that each of the extension members 20, 22 can have any
suitable size, shape, and configuration as desired. It is also
understood that each of the extension members 20, 22 can be formed
from any suitable material as desired such as a metal or a
non-metal material (e.g. plastic, foam, etc.), for example.
[0026] An attachment member 30 is coupled to the means 12 for
supporting the garment. Specifically, the attachment member 30 is
coupled to the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the
garment. In certain embodiments, the attachment member 30 is
configured to removably secure the hanger 10 to a support structure
(not shown) such as a closet rod, a hook, and the like, for
example. As shown, the attachment member 30 is generally
hook-shaped. The attachment member 30 may also include an upward
extending portion 32 to militate against an undesired removal of
the hanger 10 from the support structure, especially when the user
is removing the garment from the hanger 10. In other embodiments,
the attachment member 30 is configured to secure the hanger 10 to
the support structure in such manner as to militate against removal
of the hanger 10 therefrom such as the attachment member 30
configured to completely surround the support structure, for
example. However, it is understood that the attachment member 30
can have any shape, size, and configuration as desired.
[0027] In the embodiment shown, the portion 18 of the means 12 for
supporting the garment is coupled to a lower portion of the
attachment member 30. It is understood that the means 12 for
supporting the garment and the attachment member 30 can be
separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as a
unitary structure, if desired. The attachment member 30 is a
fulcrum support for the arms 14, 16 which permits the arms 14, 16
to be positioned between the extended position and the collapsed
position. The arms 14, 16 are formed with respect to the attachment
member 30 and/or the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the
garment at a predetermined angle to provide various spring rates to
facilitate the unassisted return of the arms 14, 16 from the
collapsed position to the extended position.
[0028] As illustrated, the hanger 10 also includes an actuator 40.
The actuator 40 is configured to cause the arms 14, 16 to move from
the extended position to the collapsed position. In certain
embodiments, the actuator 40 is a slide member which receives the
arms 14, 16 and the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the
garment therein. The actuator 40 is selectively positionable
between a first position shown in FIG. 1 and a second position
shown in FIG. 2. The arms 14, 16 include respective portions 42, 44
to support and maintain the actuator 40 in the first position. The
portions 42, 44 of the arms 14, 16 are also configured to guide the
actuator 40 during operation of the hanger 10 and help to control
the spring motion produced by the portion 18 of the means 12 for
supporting the garment.
[0029] The actuator 40 is configured to slideably travel along the
arms 14, 16 from the first position to the second position, thereby
causing a downward motion of the arms 14, 16. The downward motion
of the arms 14, 16 causes the arms 14, 16 to collapse and the
portions 42, 44 thereof to crossover each other until the collapsed
position is reached as shown in FIG. 2. In this way, the actuator
40 performs as a handle to create the downward motion of the arms
14, 16. It is understood that the actuator 40 can have any size and
shape suitable to be gripped by a hand of the user. An outer
surface 46 of the actuator 40 may also include contours and/or
radii to allow fingers of the user to fit comfortably therein
during a movement of the actuator 40. The actuator 40 also performs
as a friction piece against the arms 14, 16 to control the return
of the arms 14, 16 to the extended position. Shoulder portions 48,
50 of the respective extension members 20, 22 perform as stops to
militate against the actuator 40 from being pulled too far downward
and disengaged from the arms 14, 16.
[0030] As illustrated, the actuator 40 includes an interior cavity
52 formed by a first portion 54 coupled to a second portion (not
shown). It is understood that the first portion 54 can be coupled
to the second portion by any suitable means as desired. Although
the first portion 54 and the second portion of the actuator 40
shown are separately formed as distinct components, it is
understood that the first portion 54 and the second portion of the
actuator 40 can be integrally formed as a unitary structure, if
desired. The cavity 52 is configured to receive the arms 14, 16 and
the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment therein.
In certain embodiments, the cavity 52 has a substantially uniform
cross-sectional area in a direction of a thickness of the actuator
40. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the cavity 52
can be varied in the direction of the thickness of the actuator 40.
It is understood, however, that the cavity 52 can have any size,
shape, and configuration as desired. An inner surface of the cavity
52 contacts the arms 14, 16 to provide a dampening friction effect
to slow the return of the arms 14, 16 from the collapsed position
to the extended position. It is understood that an amount of
contact of the inner surface of the cavity 52 can be any suitable
amount to obtain an optimal coefficient of friction and an optimal
speed of return of the arms 14, 16 from the collapsed position to
the extended position. It is also contemplated that the actuator 40
may also include additional features such as an O-ring disposed
therein, for example, to increase the friction between the arms 14,
16 and the actuator 40 to further control the return of the arms
14, 16 to the extended position. The actuator 40 also controls a
vibration of the arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 upon
the return to the extended position.
[0031] The hanger 10 may also include a means (not shown) of
locking the arms 14, 16 in the extended position to militate
against deflection of the arms 14, 16 when supporting a heavier
garment and/or a means (not shown) of locking the arms 14, 16 in
the collapsed position to maintain a compactness thereof such as
during a transportation of the hanger while traveling, for
example.
[0032] In operation, the arms 14, 16 are positioned in the
collapsed position using the actuator 40. Specifically, the
actuator 40 is moved from the first position adjacent the
attachment member 30 shown in FIG. 1 to the second position shown
in FIG. 2. The arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 are
brought together to a size smaller than a neck opening of the
garment. Thereafter, the arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20,
22 are inserted into the neck opening of the garment. Once the
hanger 10 is inserted into the garment, the actuator 40 is
permitted to return or is returned by the user from the second
position to the first position. Thus, the arms 14, 16 and the
extension members 20, 22 are caused to be positioned from the
collapsed position to the extended position in which the arms 14,
16 and the extension members 20, 22 support the garment.
[0033] When removal of the hanger 10 from the garment is desired,
the arms 14, 16 are again positioned in the collapsed position
using the actuator 40. More particularly, the actuator 40 is moved
from the first position adjacent the attachment member 30 shown in
FIG. 1 to the second position shown in FIG. 2. The arms 14, 16 and
the extension members 20, 22 are brought together to a size smaller
than the neck opening of the garment. Thereafter, the arms 14, 16
and the extension members 20, 22 are removed from the neck opening
of the garment.
[0034] Accordingly, the hanger 10 of the present invention can be
easily removed from and inserted into the garment. Hence, damage to
the garment such as a stretching of the collar or neck of the
garment is militated against. The hanger 10 of the present
invention is easy to use and is able to be collapsed and then
expanded inside the garment. As such, time needed to hang the
garment is minimized and an efficiency of the user is
maximized.
[0035] FIGS. 3-4 show a collapsible garment hanger 100 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. Like the hanger 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the hanger 100 is configured to support a
garment (not shown). It is contemplated that the hanger 100 can be
used for various other applications and uses as desired. The hanger
100 includes a means 102 for supporting the garment thereon and an
attachment member 103. In certain embodiments, the means 102 for
supporting the garment is a pair of flexible arms 104, 106. A
length, a width, and a configuration of each of the arms 104, 106
are of such length, width, and configuration to support the
garment. It is understood, however, that the arms 104, 106 can have
any size, shape, and configuration as desired.
[0036] The arms 104, 106 are selectively positionable between a
fully extended or up position shown in FIG. 3, in which the arms
104, 106 support the garment, and a collapsed or down position
shown in FIG. 4, in which the garment can be removed from the
hanger 100. In the extended position, the arms 104, 106 extend in
opposite directions with respect to the attachment member 103.
Contrarily, in the collapsed position, the arms 104, 106 extend in
generally the same direction with respect to the attachment member
103 such that the ends of the arms 104, 106 are substantially
parallel with respect to each other. In the embodiment shown, the
arms 104, 106 are formed from a suitably flexible material having a
desired spring rate to permit the arms 104, 106 to repeatedly
return, unassisted by a user, from the collapsed position to the
extended position. Various materials can be used to form the arms
104, 106 such as a metal, a spring metal, a high carbon 1080 steel
music wire, a flexible plastic, and the like, for example.
[0037] In certain embodiments, a pair of extension members 120, 122
may be coupled to the arms 104, 106, respectively. As illustrated,
the arm 104 provided with the extension member 120 and the arm 106
provided with the extension member 122 are substantially similar
and are laid reversed against each other. It is understood that
each of the arms 104, 106 and the respective extension members 120,
122 can be separate and distinct components or integrally formed as
a unitary structure, if desired. It is also understood that the
extension members 120, 122 can be formed from any suitable material
as desired such as a metal or a non-metal material (e.g. plastic,
foam, etc.), for example. The extension members 120, 122 extend the
length of the arms 104, 106 to further support the garment and
distribute a weight of the garment over a broader area, which
minimizes a formation of creases and wrinkles in a region where the
arms 104, 106 of the hanger 100 support the weight of the garment
(e.g. a shoulder region of the garment).
[0038] In certain embodiments, the attachment member 103 is
configured to removably secure the hanger 100 to a support
structure (not shown) such as a closet rod, a hook, and the like,
for example. In certain embodiments, the attachment member 103 is
generally hook-shaped. The attachment member 103 may also include
an upward extending portion 132 to militate against an undesired
removal of the hanger 100 from the support structure, especially
when the user is removing the garment from the hanger 100. In other
embodiments, the attachment member 103 is configured to secure the
hanger 100 to the support structure in such manner as to militate
against removal therefrom such as the attachment member 103
configured to completely surround the support structure, for
example. However, it is understood that the attachment member 103
can have any shape, size, and configuration as desired.
[0039] As shown, an end of each of the arms 104, 106 is directly
coupled to a lower portion of the attachment member 103. It is
understood that the arms 104, 106 and the attachment member 103 can
be separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as
a unitary structure, if desired. The attachment member 103 is a
fulcrum support for the arms 104, 106 which permits the arms 104,
106 to be positioned between the extended position and the
collapsed position. The arms 104, 106 are coupled to the attachment
member 103 at a predetermined angle to provide various spring rates
to facilitate the unassisted return from the collapsed position to
the extended position.
[0040] The hanger 100 also includes an actuator 140. The actuator
140 is configured to cause the arms 104, 106 to move from the
extended position to the collapsed position. In certain
embodiments, the actuator 140 is a slide member which receives the
arms 104, 106 therein and is selectively positionable between a
first position shown in FIG. 3 and a second position shown in FIG.
4. The actuator 140 is configured to slideably travel along the
arms 104, 106 causing a downward motion of the arms 104, 106 that
collapses the arms 104, 106 together from the extended position
shown in FIG. 3 until the collapsed position is reached as shown in
FIG. 4. In this way, the actuator 140 performs as a handle to
create the downward motion. It is understood that the actuator 140
can have any size and shape suitable to be gripped by a hand of the
user. An outer surface 146 of the actuator 140 may also include
contours and/or radii to allow fingers of the user to fit
comfortably therein during a movement of the actuator 140.
[0041] The actuator 140 also performs as a friction piece against
the arms 104, 106 to control the return of the arms 104, 106 to the
extended position. It is contemplated that the actuator 140 may
also include additional features such as an O-ring disposed
therein, for example, to increase the friction between the arms
104, 106 and the actuator 140 to permit further control of the
return of the arms 104, 106 to the extended position. The actuator
140 also controls a vibration of the arms 104, 106 and the
extension members 120, 122 upon the return to the extended
position. Shoulder portions 148, 150 of the respective extension
members 120, 122 perform as stops to militate against the actuator
140 from being pulled too far downward and disengaged from the arms
104, 106.
[0042] As illustrated, the actuator 140 includes an interior cavity
152 formed by a first portion 154 coupled to a second portion (not
shown). It is understood that the first portion 154 can be coupled
to the second portion by any suitable means as desired. Although
the first portion 154 and the second portion of the actuator 140
shown are separately formed as distinct components, it is
understood that the first portion 154 and the second portion of the
actuator 140 can be integrally formed as a unitary structure, if
desired. The cavity 152 is configured to receive the arms 104, 106
therein. In certain embodiments, the cavity 152 has a substantially
non-uniform or varied cross-sectional area. For example, the
cross-sectional area of the cavity 152 shown gradually increases
from an upper portion adjacent the attachment member 103 to a lower
portion adjacent the extension members 120, 122. In other
embodiments, the cavity 152 has a substantially uniform
cross-sectional area. It is understood, however, that the cavity
152 can have any size, shape, and configuration as desired. An
inner surface of the cavity 152 contacts the arms 104, 106 to
provide a dampening friction effect to slow the return of the arms
104, 106 from the collapsed position to the extended position. It
is understood that an amount of contact of the inner surface of the
cavity 152 can by any suitable amount to obtain an optimal
coefficient of friction and an optimal speed of return of the arms
104, 106 from the collapsed position to the extended position. It
is also contemplated that the actuator 140 may also include
additional features such as an O-ring disposed therein, for
example, to increase the friction between the arms 104, 106 and the
actuator 140 to further control the return of the arms 104, 106 to
the extended position. The actuator 140 also controls a vibration
of the arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 upon the
return to the extended position.
[0043] The hanger 100 may also include a means (not shown) of
locking the arms 104, 106 in the extended position to militate
against deflection of the arms 104, 106 when supporting a heavier
garment and/or a means (not shown) of locking the arms 104, 106 in
the collapsed position to maintain a compactness thereof such as
during a transportation of the hanger 100 while traveling, for
example.
[0044] In operation, the arms 104, 106 are positioned in the
collapsed position using the actuator 140. Specifically, the
actuator 140 is moved from the first position adjacent the
attachment member 103 shown in FIG. 3 to the second position shown
in FIG. 4. The arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 are
brought together to a size smaller than a neck opening of the
garment. Thereafter, the arms 104, 106 and the extension members
120, 122 are inserted into the neck opening of the garment. Once
the hanger 100 is inserted into the garment, the actuator 140 is
permitted to return or is returned by the user from the second
position to the first position. Thus, the arms 104, 106 and the
extension members 120, 122 are caused to be positioned from the
collapsed position to the extended position in which the arms 104,
106 and the extension members 120, 122 support the garment.
[0045] When removal of the hanger 100 from the garment is desired,
the arms 104, 106 are again positioned in the collapsed position
using the actuator 140. More particularly, the actuator 140 is
moved from the first position adjacent the attachment member 103
shown in FIG. 3 to the second position shown in FIG. 4. The arms
104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 are brought together to
a size smaller than the neck opening of the garment. Thereafter,
the arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 are removed
from the neck opening of the garment.
[0046] Accordingly, the hanger 100 of the present invention can be
easily removed from and inserted into the garment. Hence, damage to
the garment such as a stretching of the collar or neck of the
garment is militated against. The hanger 100 of the present
invention is easy to use and is able to be collapsed and then
expanded inside the garment. As such, time needed to hang the
garment is minimized and an efficiency of the user is
maximized.
[0047] FIGS. 5-7 show a collapsible garment hanger 200 according to
yet another embodiment of the present invention. In certain
embodiments, the hanger 200 is configured to support a garment (not
shown). It is contemplated that the hanger 200 can be used for
various other applications and uses as desired. The hanger 200
includes a means 202 for supporting the garment thereon. In certain
embodiments, the means 202 for supporting the garment is a pair of
flexible arms 204, 206 extending laterally, outwardly from a
generally loop-shaped portion 208 thereof. As shown in FIG. 7, the
arms 204, 206 are offset from one another to permit the arms 204,
206 to crossover each other during operation of the hanger 200. The
arms 204, 206 and the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting
the garment can be separately formed as distinct components or
integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. A length,
width, and configuration of the arms 204, 206 are of such length,
width, and configuration to support the garment. It is understood,
however, that the arms 204, 206 can have any size, shape, and
configuration as desired.
[0048] The arms 204, 206 are selectively positionable between a
fully extended or up position shown in FIG. 5, in which the arms
204, 206 support the garment, and a collapsed or down position
shown in FIG. 6, in which the garment can be removed from the
hanger 200. In the extended position, the arms 204, 206 extend in
opposite directions with respect to the portion 208 of the means
202 for supporting the garment. Contrarily, in the collapsed
position, the arms 204, 206 extend in generally the same direction
with respect to the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the
garment such that ends of the arms 204, 206 are substantially
parallel with respect to each other.
[0049] In the embodiment shown, the portion 208 of the means 202
for supporting the garment provides a spring action which causes
the arms 204, 206 to move from the collapsed position to the
extended position. Various materials can be used to form the arms
204, 206 and the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the
garment such as a metal (e.g. a spring metal, a high carbon 1080
steel music wire, etc.), a plastic (e.g. a flexible plastic, a
thermoplastic, a thermo setting polymer, etc.), and the like, for
example. In certain embodiments, the arms 204, 206 and the portion
208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment are formed from a
suitably flexible material having a desired spring rate to permit
the arms 204, 206 to repeatedly return, unassisted by a user, from
the collapsed position to the extended position.
[0050] As illustrated, the arms 204, 206 may be provided with a
pair of extension members 220, 222, respectively. Although the
extension members 220, 222 shown are integrally formed as a unitary
structure, it is understood that the arms 204, 206 and the
respective extension members 220, 222 can be separate and distinct
components of the hanger 200, if desired. The extension members
220, 222 extend the length of the arms 204, 206 to further support
the garment in the extended position. The extension members 220,
222 are configured to distribute a weight of the garment over a
broader area which minimizes a formation of creases and wrinkles in
a region where the arms 204, 206 of the hanger 200 support the
weight of the garment (e.g. a shoulder region of the garment). The
extension members 220, 222 shown are substantially similar to each
other. However, it is understood that each of the extension members
220, 222 can have any suitable size, shape, and configuration as
desired. It is also understood that each of the extension members
220, 222 can be formed from any suitable material as desired such
as a metal or a non-metal material (e.g. plastic, foam, etc.), for
example.
[0051] An attachment member 230 is coupled the means 202 for
supporting the garment. Specifically, the attachment member 230 is
coupled to the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the
garment. In certain embodiments, the attachment member 230 is
configured to removably secure the hanger 200 to a support
structure (not shown) such as a closet rod, a hook, and the like,
for example. As shown, the attachment member 230 is generally
hook-shaped. The attachment member 230 may also include an upward
extending portion (not shown) to militate against an undesired
removal of the hanger 200 from the support structure, especially
when the user is removing the garment from the hanger 200. In other
embodiments, the attachment member 230 is configured to secure the
hanger 200 to the support structure in such manner as to militate
against removal of the hanger 200 therefrom such as the attachment
member 230 configured to completely surround the support structure,
for example. However, it is understood that the attachment member
230 can have any shape, size, and configuration as desired.
[0052] In the embodiment shown, the portion 208 of the means 202
for supporting the garment is coupled to a lower portion of the
attachment member 230. It is understood that the means 202 for
supporting the garment and the attachment member 230 can be
separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as a
unitary structure, if desired. The attachment member 230 is a
fulcrum support for the arms 204, 206 which permits the arms 204,
206 to be positioned between the extended position and the
collapsed position. The arms 204, 206 are formed with respect to
the attachment member 230 and/or the portion 208 of the means 202
for supporting the garment at a predetermined angle to provide
various spring rates to facilitate the unassisted return of the
arms 204, 206 from the collapsed position to the extended
position.
[0053] As illustrated, the hanger 200 also includes an actuator
240. The actuator 240 is configured to cause the arms 204, 206 to
move from the extended position to the collapsed position. In
certain embodiments, the actuator 240 is a slide member which
receives the arms 204, 206 and the portion 208 of the means 202 for
supporting the garment therein. The actuator 240 is selectively
positionable between a first position shown in FIG. 5 and a second
position shown in FIG. 6. The arms 204, 206 are configured to guide
the actuator 240 during operation of the hanger 200 and help to
control the spring motion produced by the portion 208 of the means
202 for supporting the garment.
[0054] In certain embodiments, the actuator 240 is configured to
slideably travel along the arms 204, 206 from the first position to
the second position, thereby causing a downward motion of the arms
204, 206. The downward motion of the arms 204, 206 causes the arms
204, 206 to collapse and crossover each other until the collapsed
position is reached as shown in FIG. 6. In this way, the actuator
240 performs as a handle to create the downward motion of the arms
204, 206. It is understood that the actuator 240 can have any size
and shape suitable to be gripped by a hand of the user. An outer
surface 246 of the actuator 240 may also include contours 241
and/or radii to allow fingers of the user to fit comfortably
therein during a movement of the actuator 240. The actuator 240 may
also perform as a friction piece against the arms 204, 206 to
control the return of the arms 204, 206 to the extended
position.
[0055] As illustrated, each of the arms 204, 206 includes at least
one contour 242 formed therein. It is understood that at least one
contour 242 can be formed in the extension members 220, 222 if
desired. The contours 242 perform as stops to militate against the
actuator 240 from being pulled too far downward and disengaged from
the arms 204, 206. The contours 242 can also be configured to
comfortably receive fingers of the user to allow the user to grasp
the arms 204, 206 and/or the extension members 220, 222 during use
of the hanger 200. Each of the arms 204, 206 and/or the extension
members 220, 222 may also include a protuberance (e.g. a rib, a
ridge, a tooth, and the like, etc.) or a detent formed therein
which performs as a stop to militate against disengagement of the
actuator 240 therefrom.
[0056] In certain embodiments, the actuator 240 includes an
interior cavity 252 formed by a first portion 254 coupled to a
second portion 255. Although the first portion 254 and the second
portion 255 of the actuator 240 shown are separately formed as
distinct components, it is understood that the first portion 254
and the second portion 255 of the actuator 240 can be integrally
formed as a unitary structure, if desired. As illustrated, the
first portion 254 is coupled to the second portion 255 by an
interference fit between male members 256 of the first portion 254
and female members 257 (shown in FIG. 8) of the second portion 255.
It is understood, however, that the first portion 254 can be
coupled to the second portion 255 by any suitable means as desired
such as adhesive, fasteners, clips, and the like, for example. The
cavity 252 is configured to receive the arms 204, 206 and the
portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment therein. In
certain embodiments, an opening 258 is formed in the first portion
254 of the actuator 240 and an opening 259 is formed in the second
portion 255 thereof. Each of the openings 258, 259 of the actuator
240 receive a corresponding one of the arms 204, 206 therein.
[0057] An inner surface of the cavity 252 contacts the arms 204,
206 to provide a dampening friction effect to slow the return of
the arms 204, 206 from the collapsed position to the extended
position. It is understood that an amount of contact of the inner
surface of the cavity 252 can be any suitable amount to obtain an
optimal coefficient of friction and an optimal speed of return of
the arms 204, 206 from the collapsed position to the extended
position. It is also contemplated that the actuator 240 may also
include additional features such as an O-ring disposed therein, for
example, to increase the friction between the arms 204, 206 and the
actuator 240 to further control the return of the arms 204, 206 to
the extended position. The actuator 240 also controls a vibration
of the arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 upon the
return to the extended position.
[0058] The hanger 200 may also include a means of locking the arms
204, 206 in the extended position to militate against deflection of
the arms 204, 206 when supporting a heavier garment and/or a means
of locking the arms 204, 206 in the collapsed position to maintain
a compactness thereof such as during a transportation of the hanger
while traveling, for example. For example, the inner surface of the
cavity 252 can be configured to support and maintain the actuator
240 in the first position. In certain embodiments, the inner
surface of the cavity 252 includes opposing contours 260 formed
therein to receive the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting
the garment therein and opposing contours 262, 263 formed adjacent
the respective openings 258, 259 to receive a generally arcuate
portion 264 of a corresponding one of the arms 204, 206 to support
and maintain the actuator 240 in the first position. It is
understood, however, that the cavity 252 can have any size, shape,
and configuration as desired.
[0059] In operation, the arms 204, 206 are positioned in the
collapsed position using the actuator 240. Specifically, the
actuator 240 is moved from the first position adjacent the
attachment member 230 shown in FIG. 5 to the second position shown
in FIG. 6. The arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 are
brought together to a size smaller than a neck opening of the
garment. Thereafter, the arms 204, 206 and the extension members
220, 222 are inserted into the neck opening of the garment. Once
the hanger 200 is inserted into the garment, the actuator 240 is
permitted to return or is returned by the user from the second
position to the first position. Thus, the arms 204, 206 and the
extension members 220, 222 are caused to be positioned from the
collapsed position to the extended position in which the arms 204,
206 and the extension members 220, 222 support the garment.
[0060] When removal of the hanger 200 from the garment is desired,
the arms 204, 206 are again positioned in the collapsed position
using the actuator 240. The actuator 240 is moved from the first
position adjacent the attachment member 230 shown in FIG. 5 to the
second position shown in FIG. 6. The arms 204, 206 and the
extension members 220, 222 are brought together to a size smaller
than the neck opening of the garment. Thereafter, the arms 204, 206
and the extension members 220, 222 are removed from the neck
opening of the garment.
[0061] Accordingly, the hanger 200 of the present invention can be
easily removed from and inserted into the garment. Hence, damage to
the garment such as a stretching of a collar or neck of the garment
is militated against. The hanger 200 of the present invention is
easy to use and is able to be collapsed and then expanded inside
the garment. As such, time needed to hang the garment is minimized
and an efficiency of the user is maximized.
[0062] From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in
the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this
invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof,
can make various changes and modifications to the invention to
adapt it to various usages and conditions.
* * * * *