FOLDABLE CLOTHES HANGER

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a foldable clothes hanger. The foldable clothes hanger includes a case, first and second upper clothes rack members one ends of which are rotatably installed to the case, first and second engagement members formed at one end portions of the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively, so as to engage with each other such that the first and second upper clothes rack members rotate at the same angle as each other, a first elastic member installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members so as to provide elastic force such that the first and second upper clothes rack members rotate in a direction spaced apart from each other, and an angle fixing section installed to the case so as to engage with at least one of the first and second engagement members and fix rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members. The use of the foldable clothes hanger is convenient since the first and second upper clothes rack members are spread by elastic force of the elastic member without an operation of a user, and the foldable clothes hanger can be used for various clothes since the rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members are adjusted by the angle fixing section.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a foldable clothes hanger, and more particularly, to a foldable clothes hanger, a rack member of which is folded so as to enable clothes to be easily hung on or removed from the hanger.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, clothes hangers are home accessories on which clothes are hung in a spread state such that the clothes hangers are hooked to a rod provided in a wardrobe or the like in order to store the clothes.

Some of the clothes hangers include an upper clothes hanger on which upper clothes among clothes, namely, dress shirts or T-shirts with round necks are hung. The upper clothes hanger includes a hook portion which is formed at an upper side thereof to be hooked to a rod in a wardrobe or the like, an extension portion which extends downward from the hook portion, and racks which are inclined downward toward both sides at a predetermined angle from the extension portion.

Such a conventional clothes hanger is configured such that the hook portion, the extension portion, and the racks are integrally formed. For this reason, since the racks are inserted into upper clothes with small necks in a state in which the necks are forcibly stretched, the clothes hanger has a problem in that the necks of the upper clothes are deformed.

Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2011-0053296 discloses “a foldable clothes hanger”. The foldable clothes hanger includes first and second rack portions on which both shoulders of the clothes are supported, a protrusion portion which protrudes outward from the first rack portion such that the first and second rack portions are rotatably coupled to each other, a rotation portion formed within the second rack portion so as to be coupled to the protrusion portion, a fixed portion on which the first and second rack portions are in contact with each other when the first and second rack portions are rotated and spread, an elastic member coupled between the first and second rack portions for spreading the first and second rack portions, and a hook portion which is rotatably fixed to a rod or a peg while being assembled so as to be inserted and fitted into an upper portion of one side of the first rack portion.

However, the use of the foldable clothes hanger is inconvenient since a user has to operate a gear portion of the hanger for spreading a wing portion thereof, and it is difficult to use the hanger for various clothes since a rotation angle of the wing portion is not adjusted.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable clothes hanger capable of spreading upper clothes rack members by elastic force of an elastic member and of adjusting rotation angles of the upper clothes rack members.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a foldable clothes hanger includes a case, first and second upper clothes rack members one ends of which are rotatably installed to the case, first and second engagement members formed at one end portions of the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively, so as to engage with each other such that the first and second upper clothes rack members rotate at the same angle as each other, a first elastic member installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members so as to provide elastic force such that the first and second upper clothes rack members rotate in a direction spaced apart from each other, and an angle fixing section installed to the case so as to engage with at least one of the first and second engagement members and fix rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members.

The angle fixing section may include a hinge shaft extending in a direction intersecting center lines of rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members, and installed to the case at a position spaced either above or beneath an engaged portion of the first and second engagement members, a first clip member extending toward the first or second engagement member while one end portion of the first clip member is rotatably installed to the hinge shaft, a second clip member extending parallel with the first clip member while one end portion of the second clip member is rotatably installed to the hinge shaft, a second elastic member providing elastic force to the first and second clip members such that the other end portions of the first and second clip members rotate in a direction adjacent to each other, and a third engagement member formed at the other end portion of at least one of the first and second clip members, and engaging with at least one of the first and second engagement members when the first and second clip members rotate in a direction adjacent to each other, thereby stopping the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members.

The angle fixing section may include a rotation bar installed to the case such that one end portion of the rotation bar is rotatable in a direction parallel with center lines of rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members, and extending so as to be adjacent to at least one of the first and second engagement members, a third engagement member formed at the other end portion of the rotation bar and engaging with at least one of the first and second engagement members, and a second elastic member installed to the rotation bar and providing elastic force such that the other end portion of the rotation bar is adjacent toward the first or second engagement member.

The case may include front and rear case members which are coupled to each other and have a space therebetween such that one end portions of the first and second upper clothes rack members are rotatably installed therebetween, the rotation bar may be rotatably installed to the front case member such that one end of the rotation bar is located above an engaged position of the first and second engagement members and the rotation bar may extend downward such that the other end thereof is located beneath the engaged position, and the front case member may have a through hole formed at a position facing the rotation bar such that the third engagement member is inserted into the space to engage with the first and second engagement members beneath the engaged position when the rotation bar is rotated by elastic force of the second elastic member.

The foldable clothes hanger may further include a trousers rack section folded by the first and second upper clothes rack members while both ends of the trousers rack section are rotatably installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively, and at least one fixing clip installed to the trousers rack section so as to grip trousers and support the same by the trousers rack section.

The trousers rack section may include first and second rotation members one ends of which are rotatably installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively, first and second insertion members configured such that the other end portions of the first and second rotation members are slidably coupled to one end portions of the first and second insertion members in a longitudinal direction thereof, first and second installation members provided with the fixing clip while one end portions of the first and second installation members are slidably inserted into the other end portions of the first and second insertion members in a longitudinal direction thereof, respectively, and third and fourth rotation members configured such that the other ends of the first and second installation members are slidably coupled to one end portions of the third and fourth rotation members in a longitudinal direction thereof, respectively, and the other ends of the third and fourth rotation members are rotatably connected to each other.

The first and second upper clothes rack members may have interference members which protrude toward the third and fourth rotation members, respectively, beneath a connection portion of the first and second rotation members so as to support lower surfaces of the first and second rotation members and prevent the first and second rotation members from rotating downward.

The trousers rack section may include fifth and sixth rotation members one ends of which are rotatably installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively, while first lead ports are formed on the other end surfaces of the fifth and sixth rotation members, third and fourth installation members inserted into fourth insertion ports of fifth and sixth insertion members, respectively, and provided with the fixing clip, seventh and eighth rotation members having second lead ports formed on one end surfaces thereof such that the other ends of the third and fourth installation members are respectively inserted into the seventh and eighth rotation members while the other ends of the seventh and eighth rotation members are rotatably connected to each other, and a third elastic member inserted into the first lead ports of the fifth and sixth rotation members so as to provide elastic force in a direction in which the third and fourth installation members are adjacent to each other.

Advantageous Effects

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the use of a foldable clothes hanger is convenient since first and second upper clothes rack members are spread by elastic force of an elastic member without an operation of a user, and the foldable clothes hanger can be used for various clothes since rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members are adjusted by an angle fixing section.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a foldable clothes hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the foldable clothes hanger in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views illustrating an operation state of the foldable clothes hanger in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a foldable clothes hanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a foldable clothes hanger according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a foldable clothes hanger according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a foldable clothes hanger 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the foldable clothes hanger 100 includes a case 200, a hook member 300, first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420, first and second engagement members 510 and 520, a first elastic member 530, an angle fixing section 550, a trousers rack section 700, and a plurality of fixing clips 790.

The case 200 includes front and rear case members 210 and 220 which are coupled to each other and have a space therebetween such that the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 may be installed therebetween.

The front case member 210 has a circular plate shape and is preferably made of synthetic resin such as plastic having a predetermined strength and high formability. The front case member 210 has a first through hole 211 formed at a front central portion thereof to extend in a vertical direction such that a first clip member 552 of the angle fixing section 550 to be described later may pass through and be inserted into the first through hole 211. In this case, the first through hole 211 is preferably formed on the front case member 210 at a position facing an engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 to be described later.

In addition, a first fixing member 212 is formed at an upper portion of the front case member 210 such that a lower end portion of the hook member 300 may be fixed to the first fixing member 212. The first fixing member 212 is formed at an upper edge of the front case member 210. The first fixing member 212 is preferably formed so as to protrude rearward from a rear surface of the front case member 210, for spacing the front and rear case members 210 and 220 from each other such that the space is provided therebetween when the front case member 210 is coupled to the and rear case member 220.

The first fixing member 212 has a first insertion groove (not shown) formed on an upper rear surface thereof such that the lower end portion of the hook member 300 may be inserted into the first insertion groove. In addition, both left and right end portions of the first fixing member 212 extend downward along the edge of the front case member 210 in order to restrict rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 rotating in a direction in which the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are spaced apart from each other.

The first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 come into contact with the left and right end portions of the first fixing member 212 by elastic force of the first elastic member 530 when the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 rotate in the direction spaced apart from each other, and thus the rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are restricted.

The rear case member 220 has a circular plate shape corresponding to that of the front case member 210, and is preferably made of synthetic resin such as plastic having a predetermined strength and high formability.

In addition, the rear case member 220 has a second through hole 223 formed at a position facing the first through hole 211 such that a second clip member 553 of the angle fixing section 550 to be described later may pass through and be inserted into the second through hole 223. The second through hole 223 preferably extends in the vertical direction in parallel with the first through hole 211.

Meanwhile, a plurality of brackets 213 are formed on an upper front surface of the rear case member 220 such that a hinge shaft of the angle fixing section 550 to be described later may be installed to the brackets 213. The brackets 213 are formed at left and right edges of the second through hole 223 so as to face each other. The brackets 213 are formed at positions which are spaced downward from an upper end of the second through hole 223 by a predetermined distance while being formed at positions which are spaced upward from the engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 to be described later. Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the brackets 213 may also be formed so as to be spaced downward from the engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520.

The second fixing member 221 is formed at an upper portion of the rear case member 220 such that the hook member 300 may be fixed to the second fixing member 221. The second fixing member 221 is formed at an upper edge of the rear case member 220. The second fixing member 221 is preferably formed so as to protrude forward from a front surface of the rear case member 220, for spacing the front and rear case members 210 and 220 from each other such that the space is provided therebetween when the front case member 210 is coupled to the and rear case member 220.

The second fixing member 221 has a second insertion groove 222 formed on an upper front surface thereof such that the lower end portion of the hook member 300 may be inserted into the second insertion groove 222. In addition, both left and right end portions of the second fixing member 221 extend downward along the edge of the front case member 210 in order to restrict the rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 rotating in the direction in which the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are spaced apart from each other.

The first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 come into contact with the left and right end portions of the second fixing member 221 by elastic force of the first elastic member 530 when the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 rotate in the direction spaced apart from each other, and thus the rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are restricted.

The hook member 300 is inserted into the first and second insertion grooves 222 to be installed in the case by the first and second fixing members 221 and 222, and an upper end portion of the hook member 300 has a curved circular shape so as to be hooked to a rod in a wardrobe or the like. The lower end portion of the hook member 300 is formed with a separation prevention piece 301 such that the hook member 300 may be prevented from being separated from the first and second fixing members 221 and 222 when inserted into the first and second insertion grooves 222. The separation prevention piece 301 is preferably formed in a disc shape having a greater cross-sectional area than that of the hook member 300.

The first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 each extend by a predetermined length, and one end portions thereof are rotatably installed between the front and rear case members 210 and 220. In this case, one end portion of each of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 is preferably formed in an are shape having a predetermined radius with respect to a center of rotation thereof.

In this case, the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are preferably installed at respective positions spaced to the left and right from the first through hole 211 such that an engagement position of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 to be described later faces the first through hole 211.

The first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are preferably curved so as to correspond to shoulder lines of upper clothes in order to hang the upper clothes on upper sides of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420. In addition, hook grooves 411 are respectively formed on upper surfaces of lower sides of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420. A user may hang sleeveless shirts or underwear on the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 through the hook grooves 411.

In addition, the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 have fixing rings 414 formed above positions which are spaced apart from respective center lines of rotation thereof such that the first elastic member 530 may be fixed to the fixing rings 414.

Meanwhile, rotation pieces 412 are formed inside the other ends of the respective first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 such that first and second rotation members 710 and 720 of the trousers rack section 700 to be described later may be rotatably connected to the rotation pieces 412, respectively. Insertion ports 771 are formed such that the rotation pieces 412 may be inserted and pinned into the first and second rotation members 710 and 720.

In addition, the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 have interference members 413 which are formed beneath the rotation pieces 412 and protrude in a direction adjacent to each other, respectively. The interference members 413 support lower surfaces of the first and second rotation members 710 and 720 and prevent the first and second rotation members 710 and 720 from rotating downward.

The first and second engagement members 510 and 520 are respectively formed at one end portions of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420, so as to engage with each other. Since the respective first and second engagement members 510 and 520 have a plurality of gear teeth formed along edges of one end portions, having an arc shape, of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 and engage with each other, the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 may rotate at the same angle as each other.

The first elastic member 530 includes first and second coil springs 531 and 532, one ends of which are respectively installed on the front surface of the rear case member 220 while the other ends thereof are respectively fixed to the fixing rings 414 of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420. The first and second coil springs 531 and 532 provide elastic force such that the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 rotate in the direction spaced apart from each other.

The angle fixing section 550 includes a hinge shaft 551 installed to the brackets 213, a first clip member 552 which extends toward the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 while one end portion of the first clip member 552 is rotatably installed to the hinge shaft 551, a second clip member 553 which extends parallel with the first clip member 552 while one end portion of the second clip member 553 is rotatably installed to the hinge shaft 551, a second elastic member 555 which provides elastic force such that the other end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553 rotate in a direction adjacent to each other, and third engagement members 554 which are respectively formed at the other end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553, and engage with the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 when the first and second clip members 552 and 553 rotate in the direction adjacent to each other, so as to stop the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420.

The hinge shaft 551 is formed in a round rod shape having a predetermined radius, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the center lines of rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420. Both ends of the hinge shaft 551 are fixed to the brackets 213, respectively.

The first clip member 552 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and one end portion thereof is rotatably installed to the hinge shaft 551. In this case, the first clip member 552 preferably has a width and a length corresponding to the first through hole 211 so as to pass through the first through hole 211. In addition, the hinge shaft 551 is installed at a position spaced downward from an upper end of the first clip member 552 by a predetermined distance, in order for an upper end portion of the first clip member 552 to protrude through the first through hole 211 to the outside of the case 200 such that the user may grip the upper end portion of the first clip member 552 when the first clip member 552 is rotated by elastic force of the second elastic member 555. In addition, the first clip member 552 extends downward by a predetermined length such that the other end thereof is located beneath the engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520.

The second clip member 553 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and one end portion thereof is rotatably installed to the hinge shaft 551. In this case, the second clip member 553 preferably has a width and a length corresponding to the second through hole 223 so as to pass through the second through hole 223. In addition, the hinge shaft 551 is preferably installed at a position spaced downward from an upper end of the second clip member 553 by a predetermined distance, in order for an upper end portion of the second clip member 553 to protrude through the second through hole 223 to the outside of the case 200 such that the user may grip the upper end portion of the second clip member 553 when the second clip member 553 is rotated by elastic force of the second elastic member 555. In addition, the second clip member 553 extends downward by a predetermined length such that the other end thereof is located beneath the engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 and the second clip member 553 is parallel with the first clip member 552.

The third engagement members 554 are respectively formed on a rear surface of the other end of the first clip member 552 and a front surface of the other end of the second clip member 553 so as to face each other. The third engagement members 554 have a plurality of gear teeth formed at upper end portions thereof so as to engage with the first and second engagement members 510 and 520. The third engagement members 554 engage with the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 when the first and second clip members 552 and 553 rotate in a direction in which the other ends thereof are adjacent to each other by elastic force of the second elastic member 555, thereby stopping the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420.

Meanwhile, although a structure in which the third engagement members 554 engage with all of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 has been described in the illustrated example, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the third engagement members 554 may also be formed so as to engage with either the first engagement member 510 or the second engagement member 520.

In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the first and second clip members 552 and 553 extend such that the other ends thereof are located above the engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520, and the third engagement members 554 may also be formed so as to respectively engage with upper sides of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 above the engaged portion thereof.

The second elastic member 555 is installed to the first and second clip members 552 and 553 and provides elastic force such that the other end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are adjacent to each other. The second elastic member 555 is preferably a torsion spring.

When the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are spread, one end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are gripped and the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are rotated such that the other ends thereof are spaced apart from each other. The third engagement members 554 are decoupled from the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 by the rotation of the first and second clip members 552 and 553. In this case, the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are rotated and spread in the direction spaced apart from each other by elastic force of the first elastic member 530. Next, when one end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are released from the gripped state, the other end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are adjacent to each other by elastic force of the second elastic member 555 and the third engagement members 554 engage with the first and second engagement members 510 and 520, thereby stopping the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420.

When the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are folded or rotated at a desired angle, one end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are gripped and the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are rotated such that the other ends thereof are spaced apart from each other. The third engagement members 554 are decoupled from the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 by the rotation of the first and second clip members 552 and 553. In this case, the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are rotated in the direction adjacent to each other. Next, when one end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are released from the gripped state, the other end portions of the first and second clip members 552 and 553 are adjacent to each other by elastic force of the second elastic member 555 and the third engagement members 554 engage with the first and second engagement members 510 and 520, thereby stopping the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420.

As described above, the user can conveniently use the foldable clothes hanger since the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are spread by elastic force of the first elastic member 530, and the foldable clothes hanger can be used for various clothes since the rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are variously adjustable by the angle fixing section 550.

Meanwhile, FIG. 5 illustrates an angle fixing section 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts having the same functions as in the above drawings.

Referring to the drawings, the angle fixing section 600 is installed to the case such that one end portion of the angle fixing section 600 is rotatable in a direction parallel with the center lines of rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420. The angle fixing section 600 includes a rotation bar 601 extending so as to be adjacent to at least one of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520, a fourth engagement member 602 which is formed at the other end portion of the rotation bar 601 and engages with at least one of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520, and a third elastic member 603 which is installed to the rotation bar 601 and provides elastic force such that the other end portion of the rotation bar 601 is adjacent toward the first and second engagement members 510 and 520.

In this case, a first through hole 211 is formed on only the front case member 210 of the case 200, and brackets 613 are formed on the front surface of the front case member 210 so as to protrude forward. The brackets 613 are formed at left and right edges of the first through hole 211 so as to face each other. The brackets 613 are formed at positions which are spaced downward from an upper end of the first through hole 211 by a predetermined distance while being formed at positions which are spaced upward from the engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 to be described later. Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the brackets 211 may also be formed so as to be spaced downward from the engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520.

The rotation bar 601 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is installed to the brackets 613 of the front case member 210 so as to be rotatable by a rotation pin. In this case, the rotation bar 601 extends downward such that the other end thereof is located beneath the engaged portion of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520. The rotation bar 601 preferably has a width corresponding to that of the through hole 211 such that the other end portion of the rotation bar 601 may be easily inserted through the through hole 211.

The fourth engagement member 602 is formed on a rear surface of the other end portion of the rotation bar 601 so as to protrude rearward, and an upper end portion of the fourth engagement member 602 has a plurality of gear teeth such that the fourth engagement member 602 may engage with the first and second engagement members 510 and 520. The fourth engagement member 602 engages with lower sides of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 beneath the engaged portion thereof when the rotation bar 601 is inserted into the through hole 211, thereby stopping the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420.

Meanwhile, although a structure in which the fourth engagement member 602 engages with all of the first and second engagement members 510 and 520 has been described in the illustrated example, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fourth engagement member 602 may also be formed so as to engage with either the first engagement member 510 or the second engagement member 520.

The third elastic member 603 is installed to the rotation bar 601 and provides elastic force such that the other end portion of the rotation bar 601 is inserted into the through hole 211. The third elastic member 603 is preferably a torsion spring.

Both ends of the trousers rack section 700 are rotatably installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420, respectively, and the trousers rack section 700 is folded by the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420. The trousers rack section 700 includes first and second rotation members 710 and 720, first and second insertion members 730 and 740, first and second installation members 750 and 760, and third and fourth rotation members 770 and 780.

Each of the first and second rotation members 710 and 720 has a rectangular cross-section and extends by a predetermined length. One end portions of the first and second rotation members 710 and 720 are formed with first connection grooves 711 into which the rotation pieces may be inserted, respectively. The first and second rotation members 710 and 720 are pinned to the rotation pieces 412 of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420, respectively.

In addition, protrusion members 712 are respectively formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the other ends of the first and second rotation members 710 and 720 so that the first and second rotation members 710 and 720 may be caught by catching members 731 of the first and second insertion members 730 and 740 to be described later when inserted into the first and second insertion members 730 and 740 and may be prevented from being separated from the first and second insertion members 730 and 740. The protrusion members 712 are preferably formed so as to extend along edges on the outer peripheral surfaces of the other end portions of the first and second rotation members 710 and 720.

Each of the first and second insertion members 730 and 740 has a rectangular cross-section and extends by a predetermined length. The first and second insertion members 730 and 740 have through-ports which are formed therein and correspond to the cross-sections of the first and second rotation members 710 and 720 such that the first and second rotation members 710 and 720 may be slidably inserted into the through-ports in a longitudinal direction thereof. In this case, the through-ports preferably extend in a longitudinal direction of the first and second insertion members 730 and 740.

The catching members 731, which protrude inward to interfere with the protrusion members 712 in order to prevent the separation of the inserted first and second rotation members 710 and 720 to the outside, are formed on inner wall surfaces of one end portions of the first and second insertion members 730 and 740.

The first and second installation members 750 and 760 are slidably coupled to the first and second insertion members 730 and 740 in a longitudinal direction thereof in such a manner that one end portions of the first and second installation members 750 and 760 are inserted into the through-ports of the other end sides of the first and second insertion members 730 and 740. Each of the first and second installation members 750 and 760 has a round rod shape extending by a predetermined length. The fixing clips 790 are respectively installed to the first and second installation members 750 and 760 so as to grip and support trousers by the trousers rack section 700.

Each of the third and fourth rotation members 770 and 780 has a rectangular cross-section and extends by a predetermined length. The third and fourth rotation members 770 and 780 have insertion ports 771 formed on one end surfaces thereof such that the other end portions of the first and second installation members 750 and 760 are slidably coupled to the insertion ports 771 in the longitudinal direction thereof. In this case, the insertion ports 771 preferably extend by a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the third and fourth rotation members 770 and 780.

In this case, the third and fourth rotation members 770 and 780 are coupled such that the other end portions thereof are rotatable relative to each other. The other end portion of the third rotation member 770 is formed with a second connection groove 772 and the other end portion of the fourth rotation member 780 is formed with a first connection piece 773 which protrudes toward the third rotation member 770 so as to be inserted into the second connection groove 772. The first connection piece 773 is rotatably hinge-coupled to the third rotation member 770 by a hinge pin in a state of being inserted into the second connection groove 772.

As described above, since the trousers rack section 700 is configured such that the first and second rotation members 710 and 720, the first and second insertion members 730 and 740, the first and second installation members 750 and 760, and the third and fourth rotation members 770 and 780 are slidably coupled to each other, the trousers rack section 700 may be easily folded by the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 and may be maintained in a horizontal state even though the rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are changed.

In addition, sine the fixing clips 790 are installed to the trousers rack section 700, it may be possible to prevent generation of creases and to grip and hang trousers.

Meanwhile, FIG. 6 illustrates a trousers rack section 800 according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the trousers rack section 800 includes fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820, third and fourth installation members 830 and 840, seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860, and a fourth elastic member 870.

Each of the fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820 has a rectangular cross-section and extends by a predetermined length. One end portions of the fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820 are formed with third connection grooves 811 into which the rotation pieces of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 may be inserted, respectively. The first and second rotation members 710 and 720 are pinned to the rotation pieces 412 of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420, respectively.

The fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820 have first lead ports 812 formed on the other end surfaces thereof such that one end portions of the third and fourth installation members 830 and 840 to be described later may be slidably inserted into the first lead ports 812. In this case, the first lead ports 812 preferably extend in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820.

The third and fourth installation members 830 and 840 are slidably coupled to the fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820 in a longitudinal direction thereof in such a manner that one end portions of the third and fourth installation members 830 and 840 are inserted into the first lead ports 812 of the fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820. Each of the third and fourth installation members 830 and 840 has a round rod shape extending by a predetermined length. The fixing clips 790 are respectively installed to the fifth and sixth installation members so as to grip and support trousers by the trousers rack section 800.

Each of the seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860 has a rectangular cross-section and extends by a predetermined length. The seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860 have second lead ports 852 formed on one end surfaces thereof such that the other end portions of the third and fourth installation members 830 and 840 are slidably coupled to the second lead ports 852 in a longitudinal direction thereof. In this case, the second lead ports 852 preferably extend by a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860.

In this case, the seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860 are coupled such that the other end portions thereof are rotatable relative to each other. The other end portion of the seventh rotation member 850 is formed with a fourth connection groove 851 and the other end portion of the eighth rotation member 860 is formed with a second connection piece 853 which protrudes toward the seventh rotation member 850 so as to be inserted into the fourth connection groove 851. The second connection piece 853 is rotatably hinge-coupled to the seventh rotation member 850 by a hinge pin in a state of being inserted into the fourth connection groove 851.

The fourth elastic member 870 includes third and fourth coil springs 871 and 872 which are respectively inserted into the first lead ports 812 of the fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820. The third and fourth coil springs 871 and 872 provide elastic force such that the third and fourth installation members 830 and 840 slide in a direction adjacent to each other. The third and fourth installation members 830 and 840 come into close contact with the seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860, respectively, by elastic force of the fourth elastic member.

As described above, since the trousers rack section 800 is configured such that the fifth and sixth rotation members 810 and 820, the third and fourth installation members 830 and 840, and the seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860 are slidably coupled to each other, the trousers rack section 800 may be easily folded by the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 and may be maintained in a horizontal state even though the rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are changed. In addition, since the third and fourth installation members 830 and 840 come into close contact with the seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860 by elastic force of the fourth elastic member 870, the fixing clips 790 may be maintained at predetermined positions with respect to the seventh and eighth rotation members 850 and 860 even though the rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members 410 and 420 are changed.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and applications may be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the intrinsic aspects of the embodiments. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in concrete constituent elements of the embodiments, and it is to be understood that differences relevant to the variations and modifications fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable clothes hanger comprising:

a case;

first and second upper clothes rack members one ends of which are rotatably installed to the case;

first and second engagement members formed at one end portions of the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively, so as to engage with each other such that the first and second upper clothes rack members rotate at the same angle as each other;

a first elastic member installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members so as to provide elastic force such that the first and second upper clothes rack members rotate in a direction spaced apart from each other; and

an angle fixing section installed to the case so as to engage with at least one of the first and second engagement members and fix rotation angles of the first and second upper clothes rack members.

2. The foldable clothes hanger of claim 1, wherein the angle fixing section comprises:

a hinge shaft extending in a direction intersecting center lines of rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members, and installed to the case at a position spaced either above or beneath an engaged portion of the first and second engagement members;

a first clip member extending toward the first or second engagement member while one end portion of the first clip member is rotatably installed to the hinge shaft;

a second clip member extending parallel with the first clip member while one end portion of the second clip member is rotatably installed to the hinge shaft;

a second elastic member providing elastic force to the first and second clip members such that the other end portions of the first and second clip members rotate in a direction adjacent to each other; and

a third engagement member formed at the other end portion of at least one of the first and second clip members, and engaging with at least one of the first and second engagement members when the first and second clip members rotate in a direction adjacent to each other, thereby stopping the rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members.

3. The foldable clothes hanger of claim 1, wherein the angle fixing section comprises:

a rotation bar installed to the case such that one end portion of the rotation bar is rotatable in a direction parallel with center lines of rotation of the first and second upper clothes rack members, and extending so as to be adjacent to at least one of the first and second engagement members;

a fourth engagement member formed at the other end portion of the rotation bar and engaging with at least one of the first and second engagement members; and

a third elastic member installed to the rotation bar and providing elastic force such that the other end portion of the rotation bar is rotated adjacent toward the first or second engagement member and thus the fourth engagement member engages with the first or second engagement member.

4. The foldable clothes hanger of claim 3, wherein:

the case comprises front and rear case members which are coupled to each other and have a space therebetween such that one end portions of the first and second upper clothes rack members are rotatably installed therebetween;

the rotation bar is rotatably installed to the front case member such that one end of the rotation bar is located above an engaged position of the first and second engagement members, and the rotation bar extends downward such that the other end thereof is located beneath the engaged position; and

the front case member has a through hole formed at a position facing the rotation bar such that the third engagement member is inserted into the space to engage with the first and second engagement members beneath the engaged position when the rotation bar is rotated by elastic force of the second elastic member.

5. The foldable clothes hanger of claim 1, further comprising:

a trousers rack section folded by the first and second upper clothes rack members while both ends of the trousers rack section are rotatably installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively; and

at least one fixing clip installed to the trousers rack section so as to grip trousers and support the same by the trousers rack section.

6. The foldable clothes hanger of claim 5, wherein the trousers rack section comprises:

first and second rotation members one ends of which are rotatably installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively;

first and second insertion members configured such that the other end portions of the first and second rotation members are slidably coupled to one end portions of the first and second insertion members in a longitudinal direction thereof;

first and second installation members provided with the fixing clip while one end portions of the first and second installation members are slidably inserted into the other end portions of the first and second insertion members in a longitudinal direction thereof, respectively; and

third and fourth rotation members configured such that the other ends of the first and second installation members are slidably coupled to one end portions of the third and fourth rotation members in a longitudinal direction thereof, respectively, and the other ends of the third and fourth rotation members are rotatably connected to each other.

7. The foldable clothes hanger of claim 6, wherein the first and second upper clothes rack members have interference members which protrude toward the third and fourth rotation members, respectively, beneath a connection portion of the first and second rotation members so as to support lower surfaces of the first and second rotation members and prevent the first and second rotation members from rotating downward.

8. The foldable clothes hanger of claim 5, wherein the trousers rack section comprises:

fifth and sixth rotation members one ends of which are rotatably installed to the first and second upper clothes rack members, respectively, while first lead ports are formed on the other end surfaces of the fifth and sixth rotation members;

third and fourth installation members inserted into first insertion ports of fifth and sixth insertion members, respectively, and provided with the fixing clip;

seventh and eighth rotation members having second lead ports formed on one end surfaces thereof such that the other ends of the third and fourth installation members are respectively inserted into the seventh and eighth rotation members while the other ends of the seventh and eighth rotation members are rotatably connected to each other; and

a third elastic member inserted into the first lead ports of the fifth and sixth rotation members so as to provide elastic force in a direction in which the third and fourth installation members are adjacent to each other.