Abstract:
A garment hanger that folds around a point or series of points near the hook of the hanger, and is adapted to automatically extend to its original unfolded position upon release is disclosed. More specifically, an improved hanger, also referred to as a suspension device, with a hook, having a first member and a second member, with a pivot near the hook, adapted to allow movement of the first member and the second member between a first position and a second position is disclosed.

Description:
PRIORITY TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION 
   This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/464,567, filed on Apr. 22, 2003, entitled “Folding Garment Hanger”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. The Applicant hereby claim the benefits of this earlier pending provisional application under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e). 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Garments are frequently removed from their hangers by pulling from beneath. This action is especially common among children, who lack the height to reach the hanger from above and remove the hanger from the hanging rod. This action is not restricted to children, however. When a garment is removed from the hanger in such a manner, there are two several adverse effects, each of which is remedied by the present invention. 
   One adverse effect is that the neck of a shirt can be torn or stretched as it is forcibly pulled off of the hanger. Further, the hanger can be bent or broken under the stress of having the garment forcibly pulled over the wire or plastic “shoulders” of the hanger in one of the following ways: the lower, flat portion of a wire hanger may buckle in the middle, requiring the user to reshape the hanger; the lower, flat portion of a plastic hanger may break; the shoulder of a wire hanger may be bent out of shape, again requiring the user to reshape the hanger; the shoulder of a plastic hanger may break; the hook by which a wire hanger is hung on the rod may be bent out of shape; or the hook by which a plastic hanger is hung on the rod may be broken. 
   What is desired is an improved hanger that overcomes the disadvantages inherent in wire, wood or plastic hangers that have fixed, static shoulders (also referred to herein as “members”). The present invention has biased, collapsible members that advantageously allow the easy removal and placement of clothing thereon. With the present invention, a shirt with a button placket may be buttoned on a counter prior to placement on the hanger. The user may then hang the shirt on the hanger by collapsing the members of the hanger and inserting the collapsed hanger into the neck of the shirt from the top. This action is significantly easier than the action required to insert a fixed-member hanger through the bottom of the shirt and guide it through the neck from below. In addition, if the user so desires, the user may collapse the members of the hanger and remove the clothing item, thus permitting the user to leave the hanger on the rod permanently. The present invention can be tailored to several types and sizes of garment, primarily through creating multiple sizes of the hanger members. 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, the members of the hanger are adapted to pivot with respect to each other, so as to permit a first position in which the members are extended and adapted to hold the clothing item, and a second position in which the members are collapsed So as to permit the easy removal of the clothing item. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, the pivot mechanism of the hanger has a variety of tension and spring mechanisms adapted to create potential energy therein when the members are moved to the second position, said potential energy then adapted to cause the members to return to the first position when released. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally comprises a garment hanger that folds around a point or series of points near the hook of the hanger, and is adapted to automatically extend to its original unfolded position upon release. More specifically, the present invention is an improved hanger, also referred to as a suspension device, with a hook, and having a first member and a second member, with a pivot near the hook, adapted to allow movement of the first member and the second member between a first position and a second position. There is a bias device coupled with and adapted for biasing said first member and said second member toward said first position. The first position is an extended position for hanging a garment and the second position is an un-extended position for enabling removal of said garment. 
   FIGURES OF THE INVENTION 
   For a better understanding of the present invention including its features, advantages and specific embodiments, reference is made to the following detailed description along with accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1  depicts a front view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2  depicts a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4  depicts an exterior view of the first embodiment of the present invention in its folded position; 
     FIG. 5  depicts a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6  depicts a side view of the second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7  depicts a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention with the hook removed; 
     FIG. 8  depicts an exterior view of the second embodiment of the present invention in a folded position; 
     FIG. 9  depicts a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10  depicts a side view of the third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11  depicts a top view of the third embodiment of the present invention with the hook removed; 
     FIG. 12  depicts an exterior view of the third embodiment of the present invention in a folded position; 
     FIG. 13  depicts a front view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14  depicts a side view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15  depicts a top view the fourth embodiment of the present invention with the hook removed; 
     FIG. 16  depicts an exterior view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention in a folded position; 
     FIG. 17  depicts a front view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 18  depicts a side view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 19  depicts a top view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention with the hook removed; 
     FIG. 20  depicts an exterior view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention in a folded position; 
     FIG. 21  depicts a side view of the complete assembly of a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 22  depicts a side view of the hook-bearing half of the sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23  depicts a side view of the clip-bearing half of the sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 24  depicts a top view of the clip mechanism of the sixth embodiment of the present invention with the curved portion of the hook removed; 
     FIG. 25  depicts a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 26  depicts a side view of the rotating mechanism of the seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 27  depicts a view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention with internal magnets embedded in the members; and 
     FIG. 28  depicts a disassembled hanger of the present invention. 

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention comprises an improved clothing hanger, or suspension device. As described more fully herein, with the present invention, the user can place a shirt on the counter and button a shirt with a button placket prior to placement of the shirt on the hanger. The user may then hang the shirt on the hanger by collapsing the hanger and inserting it into the neck of the shirt from the top. This action is significantly easier than the action required to insert the hanger through the bottom of the shirt and guide it through the neck from below. 
   The present invention can be fabricated to fit a variety of types and sizes of garments. This is accomplished by creating hangers with differently sized members that are adapted to be pivoted from the extended position to the collapsed position. For example, one hanger may have members that are each four inches in length, giving a total approximate length of eight inches across. A second hanger may have members that are each six inches in length, giving a total approximate length of twelve inches across. 
   Each embodiment of the present invention includes a mechanism, such as a spring-action or tension biased, hinge, located proximally to the hook component of the hanger. This hinge allows the hanger to fold, effectively reducing the width of the hanger. The hinge mechanism is adapted to keep sufficient tension on the members of the hanger to keep them expanded while the garment hangs on a clothing rod. In addition, the hinge mechanism has sufficient flexibility to allow the members of the hanger to fold together when the user intentionally folds the hanger to insert it into the neck of a garment or when the user pulls a garment off of the hanger from below. 
     FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of the present invention. As seen therein, hanger  100  has hook  101 , a folding mechanism  107  in which each of the two members  103 ,  104  of hanger  100  rotate around fixed pins  102 , a series of interlocking gear teeth  105  that ensure the symmetrical folding of hanger  100  and an elastic band  106  used as a tension mechanism to re-extend the members  103 ,  104  subsequent to being folded or collapsed. 
     FIG. 2  is a side view of hanger  100 , including hook  101  and member  103  that rotates around fixed pin  102 . 
     FIG. 3  is a top view of hanger  100 . Members  103  and  104  are shown in the extended position. 
     FIG. 4  is an exterior view of hanger  100 , with members  103  and  104  in the folded or collapsed position. 
     FIG. 5  is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, hanger  500  has hook  101 , and a folding mechanism in which each of the two members  503 ,  504  rotate around a fixed pins  502 . A series of interlocking gear teeth  505  allow the symmetrical folding of hanger  500 . A semi-rigid insert  501  is used as a tension mechanism to re-extend the members  503 ,  504  after being folded or collapsed. 
     FIG. 6  is a side view of hanger  500 , including hook  101  and member  503  that rotates around fixed pin  502 . 
     FIG. 7  is a top view of hanger  500 . Members  503  and  504  are shown in the extended position. 
     FIG. 8  is an exterior view of hanger  500 , with members  503  and  504  in the folded or collapsed position. 
     FIG. 9  is a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, hanger  900  has hook  101 , two interlocking members  903 ,  904 , a folding mechanism in which one of the two members  903  or  904  rotate around a fixed point  905 . The fixed point  905  can comprise a hollowed cylinder in the members  903 ,  904  with a dowel or similar plug being placed there through to pivotably hold the members in place. An elastic band  906  provides the tension necessary to re-position or re-extend the members  903 ,  904  after having been folded or collapsed. 
     FIG. 10  is a side view of hanger  900 , including hook  101  and member  903  that rotates around fixed point  905 . Member  904  contains a void into which the end of member  903  proximate the hook  101  is inserted and secured by a cylinder in a cylindrical shaft. 
     FIG. 11  is a top view of hanger  900 . Members  903  and  904  are shown in the extended position, held in place at pivot point  905 . 
     FIG. 12  is an exterior view of hanger  900 , with members  903  and  904  held at pivot point  905  in the folded or collapsed position. 
     FIG. 13  is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As seen therein, hanger  1300  has hook  101 , two interlocking members  1303 ,  1304  coupled at a folding mechanism in which one of the two members of the hanger  1300  rotates around a fixed point  1305  comprising a cylinder located snugly within a cylindrical shaft; and a semi-rigid insert  1306  used as a tension mechanism to re-position or re-extend the members  1303 ,  1304  after it has been folded or collapsed. 
     FIG. 14  is a side view of the fourth embodiment of hanger  1300 , including hook  101  and member  1303 . Member  1304  contains avoid into which the end of member  1303  proximate the hook  101  is inserted and secured. 
     FIG. 15  is a top view of the fourth embodiment of hanger  1300 . Members  1303  and  1304  are shown in the extended position, held in place at pivot point  1305 . 
     FIG. 16  is an exterior view of hanger  1300 , with members  1303  and  1304  held at pivot point  1305  in the folded or collapsed position. 
     FIG. 17  is a front view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As seen therein, hanger  1700  includes hook  101 , a central disk  1702  around which the members  1703 ,  1704  of the hanger  1700  rotate, and to which hook  101  is attached. In addition, torsion spring  1705  is used as a tension mechanism to re-position or re-extend members  1703 ,  1704  after the members have been folded or collapsed. As seen therein, members  1703 ,  1704  are shaped so as to incorporate recessed areas  1706  adapted to permit members  1703 ,  1704  to nestle partially within each other when hanger  1700  is in the folded or collapsed position. 
     FIG. 18  is a side view of hanger  1700 , including hook  101  and member  1703  that rotates around fixed point  1705 . Member  1704  contains a recessed area  1706  into which the end of member  1703  proximate the hook  101  is secured at a pivot point  1702 . 
     FIG. 19  is a top view of hanger  1700 . Members  1703  and  1704  are shown in the extended position, held in place at pivot point  1705 . 
     FIG. 20  is an exterior view of hanger  1700 , with members  1703  and  1704  held at pivot point  1705  in the folded or collapsed position. 
     FIG. 21  is a side view of the complete assembly of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. As seen therein, hook  2101  of hanger  2100  is molded of a plastic material. Plastic spring clip  2102  holds the hanger closed and releases under tension. Member  2104  has the hook  2104  molded integral therewith. Member  2103  has clip  2102  molded integrally therein. Hanger  2100  pivots at point  2105 , allowing members  2103  and  2104  to be collapsed or folded together. 
     FIG. 22  is a side view of member  2104  of hanger  2100 . As seen therein, member  2104  is the hook  2101  bearing half of hanger  2100 . 
     FIG. 23  is a side view of member  2103  of hanger  2100 . As seen therein, member  2103  is the clip  2102  bearing half of hanger  2100 . 
     FIG. 24  is a top, partial view of hanger  2100  with the curved portion of the hook removed. As seen therein, the clip mechanism  2102  is molded into member  2103  and includes flange  2401  molded into and orthogonal to the member and the clip, so as to provide support for the partial, cylindrical clip  2102 . 
     FIG. 25  depicts part of a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As seen therein, the members of hanger  2500  can be coupled with an integral hook/pivot mechanism  2501 . Member  2504  has a hole  2502  through which a fastener can be threaded to hold the parts of member  2504  to the other member (not shown). Member  2504  and the other member not shown would have molded integral therewith bumps  2505 , having a corresponding depressions  2506  in the integral hook/pivot mechanism  2501 . When mated, the depressions and bumps would align, thus holding the members into a semi-locked position, either extended or collapsed. As in the other embodiments of the present invention, a tension mechanism can be included to cause the collapsed hanger  2500  to extend when pressure holding hanger  2500  in the collapsed position is released. 
     FIG. 26  depicts a side view of the rotating mechanism of the integral hook/pivot mechanism  2501  of hanger  2500 , with bumps  2505  and depressions  2506 . 
     FIG. 27  depicts a view of a eighth embodiment of the present invention. As seen therein, hanger  2700  has hook  101 , members  2703  and  2704 , pivot point  2705  and internal magnets  2706 ,  2702  embedded in the members  2703 ,  2704 , operable to assist the tension mechanism therein (not shown) in keeping hanger  2700  in the extended position. 
     FIG. 28  depicts the disassembled hanger  2800  of the present invention. 
   As seen in the several embodiments of the present invention, the hanger has at least two components, the right and left member, which are pivotably coupled. Further, a tension mechanism can be employed to permit the two members to collapse or fold, when sufficient torque is applied to members, but then return to their original extended position when the torque pressure is released. In each of these embodiments, the pivot point is proximal to the hook. The members can be fabricated from wood, plastic or other suitable, resilient, yet flexible material. The hooks can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as metal or can be integrally molded into the halves of the hanger assembly. In the plastic embodiment of the present invention, a spring clip mechanism can molded into one half of the hanger, operable to hold the hanger in the open position for hanging. 
   As seen in the Figures, the shape of the members can be fabricated to allow these hanger halves to be nestled together using the cut-outs in each half. This embodiment allows for the low-cost molding of each half from a solid piece of plastic and results in a more aesthetically pleasing shape to the hanger. Alternatively, the members can be pivotably coupled without a tension mechanism such that the members, once uncoupled, so not automatically return to the original, unfolded state. This embodiment obtains the advantages of the present invention while reducing the additional cost and complexity of manufacturing the hanger with a spring or tension mechanism. 
   In those embodiments that include the spring or tension mechanism, the hanger can be designed to have an inherent amount of force that holds the members in the extended positions. Each tension requires a specific amount of torque to force the members into the collapsed position. Three mechanisms in particular can be used to establish this tension. These include a pair of magnets embedded into each side of the hanger with their north and south poles facing each other when the hanger is in the extended position; a spring clip molded into the hanger that holds onto the hook; and a series of bumps and depressions on the mated surfaces of a central pivoting disk. In addition to the embodiments illustrated, a three-piece design is also possible, which is adapted to allow the hanger to fold symmetrically about the central point. 
   The innovative teachings of the present invention are described with particular reference to its use in clothing hangers. It should be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that the uses, and embodiment described herein provide only a few examples of the many advantageous uses and innovative teachings herein. For example, the present invention can be tailored to several types and sizes of garment, primarily through creating multiple sizes of the hanger, each with a different length for the members. In addition, the members of the present invention may be fabricated from any number of material compositions, such as wood, plastic, hardened rubber or other similar material. Further, different tension mechanisms can be used to cause the members to automatically return to their extended positions. Various alterations, modifications and substitutions can be made to the disclosed invention without departing in any way from the spirit and scope of the invention.