Abstract:
A multi-directional apparel rack for transport and storage of a plurality of garments in a confined space. The use of catenaries to support hangers allows garments to be easily spaced and compressed to allow selection without damaging neighboring garments. A large quantity of garments is visible from multiple sides so garments may be categorized. The catenaries are optionally removable so that multiple garments can be moved from a transport rack to a display rack, or between display racks quickly and easily as a group, rather than individually.

Description:
[0001]    This application is related to U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/526,066, by Lawrence E. Smith, “Multi-directional Apparel Rack” filed 06 May 2015, which, by this statement, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    This invention was not made with government support under any government contract; work for any government agency; or federally sponsored research and development. The government has no rights in the invention. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates to garment racks for use for storage and transport of apparel in a manner which also permits access to individual garments from among the collection therein. 
         [0004]    Clothes hangers are designed to facilitate the hanging of clothing in a manner that prevents wrinkles However, the clothes hanger cannot properly protect clothing if the close placement of similarl items causes clothing to become askew on the hangers. This is a common problem with current garment racks. Items are inserted and removed from the sides rubbing against adjacent garments and dislodging them or setting them askew. The required spacing to prevent such issues is unwieldy for large collections of garments. 
         [0005]    It is desirable that the rack hold apparel in a hanging configuration to avoid wrinkling or creasing and to allow easy selection of a single garment from among a group of closely spaced garments. The rack should hold a plurality of items in a minimal space, and be configured such that it may be transported easily through doors and hallways. 
         [0006]    Existing garment rack configurations pervasive in the fashion industry include a rectangular frame with perpendicular legs extending from each end of the bottom frame member with feet or wheels attached thereto. The top frame member provides a linear rod on which hangers are positioned. This garment rack must be sparsely loaded with few items, else adding or removing garments disturbs neighboring garments. In the alternative, longer racks carry more garments but are harder to maneuver around corners, or in confined spaces. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a multi-directional apparel rack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a half of a cross sectional view of the multi-directional apparel rack. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of a multi-directional apparel rack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a multi-directional apparel rack with an optional covering in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0011]    Described herein is a multi-directional garment rack for storage and transport of apparel. The garment rack supports the apparel in a hanging manner to prevent creases and wrinkling To increase garment capacity, and allow easy access to all garments, the garment utilizes central support arms curved outward on the ends. 
         [0012]    The top end of the support arm has a plurality of detachable joints from which chains are suspended. Garments are supported via hooks of hangers inserted into the links of the chains. The chain allows a larger quantity of garments to be stored in a smaller area, as it allows individuals to lie against one another. The catenary nature of the chain when pulled from or lowered to the vertical hanging position ensures that garments lie smoothly against one another without wrinkling or rubbing as with traditional garment storage bars. 
         [0013]    An optional handle, which may be a physical grip, a larger ring, or some other easy to hold configuration, may be attached to the lower end of the chain to provide a means for supporting the chain at both ends. Thus, with the top end being supported by the garment rack, the chain hangs as a catenary, spacing the plurality of garments supported thereon. The joint where the chain meets the support arm may be detachable, or may be permanently attached depending on the intended use of the specific rack configuration and use. 
         [0014]    The chains also provide a means for transporting a plurality of garments from one position to another by moving the entire chain of garments as a single unit to a new location on the rack, or to another rack. One skilled in the art would appreciate that chains could also be represented by other types of flexible cabling/ropes/cords/strings configured with a plurality of attachment points for the hooks of common hangers. 
         [0015]    In the preferred embodiment, welded loop-in-loop chains or Rolled Chains are employed to allow the natural openings of the links to be used for the hanger hooks. Specially configured chains with three loops per link allow hangers to be supported from a central loop while the adjacent links of the chain are attached to the distal loops. This construction prevents the hangers from interfering with the chains&#39; regular movement. Additionally, the chains may be configured to support hangers facing alternating sides depending on the orientation of the links, or the links could be configured to lie in a single orientation so that all clothing would be similarly oriented into a single orientation. Examples may be the Twisted Chains, Single-Loop Weldless Chains, or Safety Weldless Chains. 
         [0016]    The top of the support arm, may support a plurality of chains from different joints. Joints are positioned to provide spacing between chains depending on the chain&#39;s length, and anticipated loading, which may be dictated by intended industry or use. The bottom of the support arm may extend out to support footings. The footings of the preferred embodiment are multi-directional casters. One skilled in the art would appreciate that other types of movable or non-movable footings may be utilized. Additionally, the movable footings may be lockable. It is desirable for the footings to be located at an equal or greater distance from the center than the farthest joint to ensure the center of mass of the garment rack remains internal to the ‘wheel’ base to enhance stability, especially when moving. 
         [0017]    The support arms in the preferred embodiment are four curved metal pipes joined in the center by support plates. The support plates are configured to orient the support arms outwardly to quadrants. The pipes may be comprised of a plurality of joined sections to allow for disassembly for shipping or for non-use. 
         [0018]    In alternative embodiment, the support arms may be constructed of plastics, metal, wood, composites, or other materials. In alternative embodiment, the arms may be squared or angled and/or joined by bolted, welded, or similar connections rather than being bent or curved. In another embodiment, the support arms may be solid material rather than the hollow tubing used in the preferred embodiment. The support arms may be squared, octagonal, or other shapes and are not confined to tubular materials. 
         [0019]    In preferred embodiment, the chains and handles are constructed of steel. In alternative embodiment the chains and handles may be constructed of other metals, plastics, wood, composites, or other materials. Further, different chains may be of different configurations, lengths, and/or finishes and materials. Handles may differ from the chains. 
         [0020]    In the preferred embodiment, the garment rack and the chains are made from a stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, these elements may be chromed, painted, powder coated, enrobed in plastic, or otherwise finished to protect clothing and resist the scratching from hanger hooks, buttons, snaps, zippers, etc. It is also within the scope of this description that different components may be made of different materials, and may be finished in different finishes. Finishes should be selected which protect the apparel from rust, oxidation, oils, paints, snags, pulls, discoloration, or other damage. 
         [0021]    The drawings show a preferred embodiment where the top of the support arms are attached to a top plate which keeps dust and dirt from settling on the apparel. The top plate can also be used for a storage shelf. In another embodiment, the top shelf may be a cabinet space with enclosed storage. In another embodiment, the cabinet space may be a plurality of cabinets. In another embodiment, the cabinet space may comprise multiple levels. 
         [0022]    In another configuration, the top shelf may include an attachment point for a curtain to protect the apparel from the sides. The curtain may have a plurality of openings to access the apparel from multiple sides. In the preferred embodiment, the curtain also includes a valance for decorative purposes. The curtain may be of a protective nature, or may be for aesthetic reasons. 
         [0023]    In another configuration, the garment rack may be utilized as a reusable packaging for shipment or transport. In such a configuration, the side curtain may be a heavy cloth or plastic which connects with an optional bottom cover to fully surround the apparel. In another embodiment, the side curtains may otherwise join together at the bottom to fully surround the apparel. In another embodiment, the garment rack may be enclosed in a crate or box in its assembled and loaded configuration. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a multi-directional apparel rack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The multi-directional apparel rack ( 100 ) comprises a plurality of support arms ( 110 ) joined by a support brace ( 120   a ,  120   b ). The upper end ( 113 ) of the support arms ( 110 ) flair out to support a plurality of hangers or chains ( 145 ) at a plurality of joints/hooks ( 140 ). The distal ends of the chains ( 145 ) are terminated in handles ( 147 ). 
         [0025]    The top of the upper end ( 113 ) of the support arms ( 110 ) are attached to an optional top ( 200 ) which may be a top without structural support, a shelf, or a cabinet or drawers. The lower end ( 115 ) of the support arms ( 110 ) flair out at least as far as the top end ( 113 ), and has connected thereto casters ( 130 ) or feet. In alternative embodiments, the lower end ( 115 ) of the support arms ( 110 ) may form the feet which contact directly with the ground. The top ( 200 ) may further comprise a rod or support ( 320 ) for a side curtain ( 310 , not shown). 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a half of a cross sectional view of the multi-directional apparel rack. The support bar ( 110 ) is supported in two locations by bracing ( 120   a ,  120   b ). Three joints/hooks ( 140   a ,  140   b ,  140   c ) are illustrated on the upper end ( 113 ) of the support bar ( 110 ). In alternative embodiments, more or less may be employed. The three hooks ( 140   a - c ) each have a chain ( 145 ) which is terminated at the lower end by a handle ( 147 ). The top ( 200 ) has a curtain support rod ( 320 ) on which is supported the curtain ( 310 ) of the side cover ( 300 ). The lower end ( 115 ) of the support bar ( 110 ) has a caster ( 130 ) which is positioned further away from the center line than the farthest joint ( 140   a ) for stability of the rack. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of a multi-directional apparel rack in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The multi-directional apparel rack ( 110 ) comprises a center brace ( 120 ) and attaches the four support arms ( 110   a - d ), each of which contain a caster ( 130 ). The top ( 200 ) has a support rod ( 320 ). 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a multi-directional apparel rack with an optional covering in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The rack ( 100 , not designated) is substantially enclosed with a side cover ( 300 ) comprised of a curtain ( 310 ) and an optional valance (not numbered). A plurality of garments ( 410 ) are shown on hangers ( 400 ), suspended on the chain ( 145 ) above the handle ( 147 ). 
         [0029]    The diagrams in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to the particular proportions illustrated. Additionally, some elements illustrated in the singularity may actually be implemented in a plurality. Further, some elements illustrated in the plurality could actually vary in count. Some elements illustrated in one form could actually vary in detail. Further, specific numerical data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the invention. 
         [0030]    The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.