Abstract:
An adjustable hanger includes a hook member, a coupler, and two arms. Said coupler serves as the main frame of the adjustable hanger, wherein the two arms are releasably connected. The releasable connection allows for the arms to be adjusted. The arms may be extended and retracted such as to fit garments of varying sizes. The arms may be secured in place by a variety of mechanisms, including male/female connections between said arms and said coupler, as well as arm holders. Said arms also include shoulder portions of a wide nature such that garments may be placed upon said adjustable hanger such that said garments do not form creases or other aberrations.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present adjustable hanger relates in general to a hanger, and more specifically to a hanger whose arms may be extended and retracted to match a particular garment&#39;s size. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A hanger is an excellent device for storing and maintaining a garment. It may be particularly useful for a jersey, a T-shirt, a long sleeved shirt, a sweater, a jacket, pants etcetera. Storing such garments on hangers helps to utilize closet space while saving dresser space. Using a hanger may also help to properly maintain a garment by helping to eliminate creases created by folding said garment and storing it in a dresser. Hanging a garment on a typical hanger, however, presents a host of issues. 
         [0003]    Many people use a typical hanger generally comprised of tubular plastic or metal no more than a few millimeters thick, in the general shape of an isosceles triangle, and with a hook member near where the two equal sides of the isosceles triangle meet. Generally, such a hanger has a tendency to cause bumps and creases in clothing, making it look unnatural or improperly cared for, because it is relatively thin and provides very little support. Even if a shirt is perfectly placed upon such a hanger, gravity pulls downward while the hanger stubbornly resists, leaving a perceptible aberration on the shirt. 
         [0004]    Various hangers have been developed to address these issues. Broad shouldered hangers, for example, provide much more support while eliminating the aberration problem. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,201,298 and 6,964,360 are examples of such hangers. The problem with these types of hangers, however, is that they tend to be relatively expensive to manufacture, assemble, and ship. They may also be heavy. Other hanger forms such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,446 are generally formed into a given length and may only be efficiently used with garments of specific sizes. These captively designed hangers lack adjustability. 
         [0005]    There is a need in the art for a hanger that provides the adequate support of a broad shouldered hanger, yet is slim, easy to manufacture, and adjustable. It is to these ends that the present adjustable hanger has been developed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present adjustable hanger describes an adjustable hanger comprising a coupler having a first male coupler connector and a second male coupler connector, a hook member, a first arm comprising a first shoulder portion and a first female arm connector, a second arm comprising a second shoulder portion and a second female arm connector, and wherein said coupler is configured to receive said hook member, said first arm, and said second arm, and said hook member, said first arm, and said second arm are releasably connected to said coupler. 
         [0007]    Said hook member is releasably connected to said coupler, said hook member comprising a male hook base connector, and said coupler comprising a female hook base connector. Said hook member is capable of rotating about an axis running perpendicularly from a planar surface through the center of said male hook base connector and said female hook base connector of said adjustable hanger in an upright position. 
         [0008]    Said first female arm connector of said first arm comprises at least one first female tooth, and said second female arm connector of said second arm comprises at least one second female tooth. Said first male coupler connector comprises a first plurality of male teeth, and said second male coupler connector comprises a second plurality of male teeth. 
         [0009]    Said coupler comprises one or more first arm holders configured such that said first arm is situated above said one or more first arm holders when said first arm is releasably attached to said coupler, and one or more second arm holders configured such that said second arm is situated above said one or more second arm holders when said second arm is releasably attached to said coupler. 
         [0010]    Said first arm comprises a first rail on the lower portion of said first arm extending the length of said first arm, said first rail situated above said one or more first arm holders when said first arm is releasably connected to said coupler, and said second arm comprises a second rail on the lower portion of said second arm extending the length of said second arm, said second rail situated above said one or more second arm holders when said second arm is releasably connected to said coupler. 
         [0011]    Said first arm comprises a first center portion extending the length of said first arm between said first rail and said first shoulder portion, said first center portion comprising one or more first openings extending the length of said first center portion, and said second arm further comprises a second center portion extending the length of said second arm between said second rail and said second shoulder portion, said second center portion comprising one or more second openings extending the length of said second center portion. 
         [0012]    Said first rail comprises a first groove situated underneath said first rail and extending the length of said first rail, and said second rail comprises a second groove situated underneath said second rail and extending the length of said second rail. 
         [0013]    Said one or more first arm holders comprises one or more first protrusions situated near the upper center portion of said one or more first arm holders, configured to guide and receive said first groove when said first arm is releasably connected to said coupler, and wherein said one or more second arm holders comprises one or more second protrusions situated near the upper center portion of said one or more second arm holders, configured to guide and receive said second groove when said second arm is releasably connected to said coupler. 
         [0014]    It is an objective of the present adjustable hanger to be adjustable such that it may be adjusted to hold garments of different sizes. 
         [0015]    Is another objective of the present adjustable hanger to provide adequate support such that garments do not become disfigured when hung. 
         [0016]    It is yet another objective of the present adjustable hanger to be able to be easily manufactured at low costs. 
         [0017]    These and other advantages and features of the present adjustable hanger are described herein with specificity so as to make the present adjustable hanger understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Elements in the FIGS. have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the adjustable hanger. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the adjustable hanger. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a three dimensional lower view of an adjustable hanger. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a three dimensional upper view of an adjustable hanger. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  a front elevation view of an adjustable hanger. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view depicting interior details of an adjustable hanger, including an alternative embodiment of the male/female connection between a hook and a coupler. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of an adjustable hanger. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6A  is a plan view of an adjustable hanger. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6B  is a bottom view of an adjustable hanger. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of a hook. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a three dimensional upper view of a coupler. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9A  is a plan view of a coupler. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9B  is a bottom view of a coupler. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10A  is a front elevation view of a coupler. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10B  is a front elevation cross section view of the coupler in  FIG. 9B . 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a three dimensional upper view of an arm. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a three dimensional alternative upper view of an arm. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of an arm. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14A  is a front elevation cross section view of an alternative embodiment depicting an arm, coupler, and teeth. 
           [0036]      FIG. 14B  is a front elevation cross section close up view of an alternative embodiment depicting an arm, coupler, and teeth. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present adjustable hanger, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the adjustable hanger may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the adjustable hanger. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a three dimensional lower view of adjustable hanger  101 . Adjustable hanger  101  may be generally comprised of hook  102 , coupler  103 , and two arms  104 . Hook  102 , coupler  103 , and arms  104  may be separately manufactured, individually packaged, and releasably connected by an end user. However, this is not to limit the scope of adjustable hanger  101 . In another embodiment, hook  102  may be releasably connected to coupler  103  in the manufacturing process while arms  104  may be releasably connected by an end user. In yet another embodiment, hook  102 , coupler  103 , and arms  104  may all be solidly connected during the manufacturing process, yet still allow for arms  104  to be adjustable. Each of these embodiments is within the spirit of adjustable hanger  101  and other similar variations are possible without departing from the scope of adjustable hanger  101 . 
         [0039]    The various components comprising adjustable hanger  101 , and thus adjustable hanger  101  itself, may be comprised out of an array of raw materials. For example, adjustable hanger  101  may be comprised of plastic. In another embodiment, coupler  103  may be comprised of metal, while arms  104  and hook  102  may be comprised of plastic. Other raw materials may be used to construct adjustable hanger  101  without departing from the nature of adjustable hanger  101 . 
         [0040]    Adjustable hanger  101  may be adjustable. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , arms  104  may be releasably attached to either side of coupler  103  and thereafter adjusted, such that the distal end of either arm  104  may be manually extended from a central point located on coupler  103  near where hook  102  is attached. Arms  104  may also be manually retracted, such that the distal end of either arm  104  may come to rest at a closer point in relation to a central point on coupler  103 . This adjustability may allow for both larger and smaller garments to be hung on the same adjustable hanger  101 . 
         [0041]    One feature that may make adjustability easier for an end user may be the inclusion of openings  109 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , openings  109 , may be in the in the shape of a circle with a diameter such as to easily allow for a finger to be inserted in said circle. Said finger may then either push or pull on arm  104  to retract or extend it in relation to coupler  103 . Another feature of openings  109  may include their use as a measuring device. One may use openings  109  as a visual to ensure that each arm is extended to an equal distance from coupler  103 . For example, one may extend each arm  104  such that there are an equal number of openings  109  on each arm  103  on the exterior of coupler  103 . 
         [0042]    Openings  109  may also serve to cut down on the cost of making and shipping adjustable hanger  101 , as fewer raw materials may be used to construct adjustable hanger  101 . Furthermore, opening  109  need not be in the shape of a circle that would be amenable to a finger. The location on arm  104  resting within the confines of coupler  103 , for example, may also include several openings  109  that are more ovular in nature. These various shapes, however, are irrelevant, as opening  109  may be in the form of any shape. The number of openings  109  is also irrelevant, as arm  104  may be comprised of one large opening  109 , extending from the proximal to the distal end of arm  104 . In another embodiment, arm  104  may be comprised of several hundred small openings  109  in the form of a plastic mesh, for example. Although it may not be practical to use a finger to adjust such an adjustable hanger  101  through such a small opening  109 , this design may be desirable as a means of reducing costs. In another embodiment, adjustable hanger  101  may include arms  104  sans openings  109 . 
         [0043]    Arm  104  may also be comprised of shoulder support  105 . Shoulder support  105  may generally be located on the upper portion of arm  104 , extending the length from arm&#39;s  104  distal end to a portion near its center. Shoulder support  105 , however, may also extend the length of arm  104 . Shoulder support  105  may be the widest part of arm  104 . Such width may allow for garments to properly rest upon adjustable hanger  101  such that they do not become creased or bumpy. 
         [0044]    Shoulder support  105  may also be curved. Such curvature may match the natural curvature of a human shoulder. The curvature may also be similar to the manufactured curvature of a mannequin. Similar to a mannequin, a garment such as a T-shirt may be placed on the natural curvature of shoulder support  105  such that creases, bumps, etcetera may be altogether avoided. 
         [0045]    Arm  104  may also be comprised of rail  106  and rail groove  107 . Rail  106  may be located on the lower portion of arm  104 , opposite the portion where shoulder support  105  is situated, i.e., the upper portion of arm  104 . Rail groove  107  may rest on the underside and center of rail  106 , as depicted by the embodiment in  FIG. 1 . Rail  106  and rail groove  107  may work in conjunction with holders  108  located on coupler, as one means by which arm  104  may be securely attached to coupler  103 . A protrusion may be situated on the upper portion of holders  108  that may serve to guide arm  104  when releasably connected to coupler  103 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , holders  108  may be an extension of coupler  103 . Coupler  103  may further be comprised of several holders  108 . Four are depicted in  FIG. 1 , with two on either end of coupler  103 . More or less holders  108  may be utilized without departing from the scope of adjustable hanger  101 . In another embodiment, for example, coupler  103  may be comprised of two holders  108 , with one on each distal end. In yet another embodiment, arm  104  may be secured to coupler  103  such that holders  108  are unnecessary. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  is a three dimensional upper view of adjustable hanger  101 .  FIG. 2  further depicts hook base  201 . Hook base  201  may be located at the base of hook  102  and configured as a male connector that may be releasably connected to coupler  103 . The central portion of coupler  103  may further be configured as a female connector such as to receive the male connector of hook base  201 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , hook  102  may be inserted through the bottom of coupler  103  such that the male connector of hook base  201  comes to rest and can go no further past the point of the female connector located within coupler  103 . The design of said male/female connection may further allow for hook  102  to swivel 360 degrees in relation to coupler  103 . 
         [0048]    It may also be noted in  FIG. 2  how shoulder support  105  on arm  104  gradually widens from near the center of arm  104  to the distal end of arm  104  while at the same time tapering off such that shoulder support  105  is comprised of a curvature that may be amenable to the inherent curvature of various garments, including but not limited to the shoulder portions of jerseys, T-shirts, coats, etc. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  a front elevation view of adjustable hanger  101 .  FIG. 3  depicts arms  104  in a position such that they are fully retracted. Such a position may allow for a garment of a smaller size to be hung upon hanger  101 . Because adjustable hanger  101  is adjustable, however, arm  104  may be extended to allow for a larger garment to be hung. For example, were both arms  104  to be extended to their maximum allowable distances, this may effectively allow for adjustable hanger&#39;s  101  wingspan depicted in  FIG. 3  to be increased in size by around fifty percent. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view depicting interior details of an alternative embodiment of adjustable hanger  101 , namely how hook base  201  may be configured as a female connector rather than a male connector and connected to hook receiver  401 . In  FIG. 4  hook base  201  may be releasably and securely attached to hook receiver  401  located on coupler  103  by an end user. In this embodiment, however, the end user may attach hook  102  to the top of coupler  103 , rather than going through the bottom as described above. In another embodiment, hook base  201  may merely be connected to hook receiver  401  and not releasable. Hook receiver  401  may be located in a central point on coupler  103  near where hook  102  may be attached via the male connector of hook receiver  401  and the female connector of hook base  201 . This central location may also add an element of balance to adjustable hanger  101 . This reversed male/female connection between hook base  201  and coupler  103  may also allow for hook  102  to swivel 360 degrees in relation to coupler  103 . With either type of male/female connection, hook  102  may have an inherent level of swivel adjustability. In another embodiment, however, hook  102  may be solidly connected to coupler  103 , such that hook  102  is affixed to a single position in relation to coupler  103 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  further depicts arm receiver  402 . Arm  104  may be releasably attached to coupler  103  via arm receiver  402 , which may be configured in the form of a male connector. Arm  104  may be configured as a female connector, such that it may be securely and releasably attached with coupler  103 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  also depicts how arm receiver  402  and holders  108  may work in tandem to help keep arm  104  secured to coupler  103 . Arm  104  may be attached to coupler  103  via a male/female connection, near the upper portions of both arm  104  and coupler  103 . Simultaneously, rail  106 , located on the lower portion of arm  104 , may be situated above holders  108  on the lower portion of coupler  103 . This upper support with the male/female connection combined with the lower support of holder  108  may allow for a sufficient measure of support such that arm  104  is securely attached to coupler  103 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of adjustable hanger  101 . From this perspective, it may generally be noted how shoulder support  105  may be generally curved and of a substantially wider nature than a conventional wire or plastic hanger. As discussed above, this may allow for various garments, including garments worn about the torso, to be hung as if they were naturally being hung about the shoulders of a human body. It may also be noted that arm  104  may vary in width from the distal end of shoulder support  105  to the proximal end of arm  104 . In another embodiment however, the width of shoulder support  105  may be continuous. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  further depicts how coupler  103  may be comprised with a channel of such a width to allow for the proximal portion of arm  104  to be attached to coupler  103 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the channel of coupler  103  may be of such a width as to match the width of the proximal end of arm  104 . As such, another level of stability may be found between coupler  103  and arm  104 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 6A  is a plan view of adjustable hanger  101 .  FIG. 6B  is a bottom view of adjustable hanger  101 .  FIGS. 6A and 6B  generally depict how the distal portions of both shoulder supports  105  of arm  104  may be of a wider nature than the proximal portions of arm  104  and also of coupler  103 . Both  FIGS. 6A and 6B  also give another view of the channel that coupler  103  may be comprised of to allow for arms  104  to be securely connected to coupler  103 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 6B  further shows an alternative view of holders  108 . Four holders  108  are clearly depicted, two on each end of coupler  103 . However, this is not to narrow the scope of adjustable hanger  101 . As previously discussed, in another embodiment, only two holders  108  may be necessary with one located on each side of coupler  103 . In another embodiment, no holders  108  may be necessary where arm  104  is securely attached to coupler  103 , such as through a male/female configuration between arm  104  and coupler  103 . Other means may also be used. 
         [0057]      FIG. 6B  also shows adjustable hanger with a hook base  201  configured as a male connector, releasably attached to a female connector located in the center of coupler  103 . As discussed above, this configuration may allow for an end user to releasably attach hook base  201  to coupler  103  by inserting it from below coupler  103  and pushing it into the female connector on coupler  103 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of hook  102 . Hook  102  may be further comprised with hook base  201 , which is clearly depicted in  FIG. 7 . As noted above, hook base may be configured as a male or female connector. As a female connector, hook  102  may be snapped into place on a male connector located on coupler  103 , such as hook receiver  401  as shown in  FIG. 4 . As a male connector, hook  102  may be inserted through the bottom of coupler  103 , such that hook base  201  comes to rest within a female connector located in a central portion on coupler  103 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 8  is a three dimensional upper view of coupler  103 . As shown without the other components of which adjustable hanger  101  may be comprised, additional features of coupler  103  are visible in this FIG., namely arm receivers  402 . Arm receivers  402  may be solidly connected to coupler  103  during the manufacturing process and located within coupler&#39;s  103  channel. 
         [0060]    Other embodiments with different configurations of arm receiver  402  are possible, however, without departing from the scope of adjustable hanger  101 . For example, rather than having arm receiver  402  broken into two separate pieces as shown on the left side of coupler  103  in  FIG. 8 , arm receiver  402  may be in a single solid configuration. Arm receiver  402 , may also be longer or shorter. These variations are well within the scope of adjustable hanger  101 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 9A  is a plan view of coupler  103 .  FIG. 9B  is a bottom view of coupler  103  with a  FIG. 10B  cross section line. It may be noted that in both  FIGS. 9A and 9B , coupler  103  may be comprised of arm receivers  402  which may be solidly connected within the channel of coupler  103 . It may also be noted that coupler  103  may be further comprised of hook receiver  401 , a male connector, which may be solidly connected to coupler  103  as depicted in  FIG. 9A . 
         [0062]      FIG. 10A  is a front elevation view of coupler  103 .  FIG. 10B  is a front elevation cross section view of coupler  103 . The cross section depicted is demarcated by the  10 B cross section line in  FIG. 9B .  FIG. 10B  shows how the components within the channel of coupler  103  may be connected to one another. For example, hook receiver  401  may be solidly connected to interior floor  1001  and interior wall  1002 , which may then be solidly connected to the proximal portions of arm receivers  402 . This depiction is not to limit the scope, however, of adjustable hanger  101 . Although some of the interior components of coupler  103  may be solidly connected to one another, in another embodiment, these various components may also be independent of one another and secured solely by a solid connection to the channel walls of coupler  103 . This may be demonstrated in  FIG. 10B  by the distal portions of both arm receivers  402 . Said distal portions are independently and solidly connected to the channel of coupler  103 . In another embodiment, arm receiver  402  may be one solid configuration and only attached to the channel walls of coupler  103 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 11  is a three dimensional upper view of arm  104 . An additional feature which may be noted on the female connector of arm  104  includes female teeth  1101 . Female teeth  1101  may serve a similar function to female threads in a female nut. Thus, the female connector of arm  104  may be thrust upon arm receiver  402 , said arm receiver  402  being further comprised of male teeth, for example. Once fully connected, said interlocking teeth may naturally clench one another and secure arm  104  to coupler  103 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 12  is a three dimensional alternative upper view of arm  104 .  FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of arm  104 . These FIGS. should not be taken as limiting adjustable hanger  101  to the forms depicted. Arm  104  may take on other variations with different features. Such other variations may include arm  104  sans openings  109 . In another embodiment, arm  104  may have a female connector with no teeth  1101 . In yet another embodiment of adjustable hanger  101 , coupler  103  may be comprised of a female connector while arm  104  may be comprised of a male connector. This reversal of roles is still within the scope of adjustable hanger  101 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 14A  is a front elevation cross section view of an alternative embodiment depicting arm  104 , coupler  103 , female teeth  1101 , and male teeth  1402 . It may be noted as there is no other FIG. demarcating a cross section line, it may be assumed that from a plan view of this embodiment, the cross section line would horizontally bisect the embodiment. As depicted, arm  104  may be extended away from coupler  103 , thus allowing for adjustable hanger  101  to be adjustable. Arm  104  may also be secured by male teeth  1401  located on arm receiver  402  interlocking with female teeth  1101  located on arm  104 . Said male teeth  1401  and female teeth  1101  may be configured with such raw materials as to allow for arm  104  to easily adjust and to easily interact with one another, but to also provide the necessary support such that arm  104  does not simply fall off of coupler  103 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 14A  also depicts how one holder  108  may be employed when arm  104  is extended to such a length that another holder  108  may not be employed. As discussed above however, the male/female connection between arm  104  and coupler  103  via said interlocking male  1401  and female teeth  1101  may facilitate a design that requires no holders  108  to be employed in order to properly function. 
         [0067]      FIG. 14B  is a front elevation cross section close up view of an alternative embodiment depicting arm  104 , coupler  103 , female teeth  1101 , and male teeth  1401 . It may be also noted here as there is no other FIG. demarcating a cross section line, it may be assumed that from a plan view of this embodiment, the cross section line would horizontally bisect the embodiment. In this embodiment, only one female tooth  1101  is depicted. Nevertheless, said one female tooth  1101  may still provide a level of resistance sufficient to hold arm  104  in place on coupler  103 . In order to remove arm  104  from coupler  103 , it may still be necessary that each male tooth  1401  would have to surpass the resistance of said one female tooth  1101 . Furthermore, alternative male teeth  1401  on coupler  103  teach that several variations on teeth may still be used without departing from the scope of the adjustable hanger  101 . 
         [0068]    An adjustable hanger has been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the adjustable hanger has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the adjustable hanger to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the adjustable hanger.