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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to garment hangers, and in particular, to adjustable clothes hangers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the adjustable hanger with the shoulder segments disassembled, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B shows a cross section of an assembled shoulder segment and corresponding rail, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of a shoulder segment, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2D shows a bottom view of a portion of a rail, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2E shows an enlarged cross section of an assembled shoulder segment and corresponding rail, according to an embodiment of the invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 5C shows a partial side view of the shoulder segment of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D shows a partial side view of the shoulder segment of FIG. 5B.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.