Patent GB-190418632-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Wardrobe Trunks
Inventor: PARKHURST FREDERIC HALE
Filed: 1904-08-29
Granted: 1905-02-09
Abstract: 18,632. Parkhurst, F. H. Aug. 29. Trunks.-Relates to travelling trunks which are convertible into wardrobee. The two parts 3, 4, Fig. 1, are hinged together as usual. The part 4 constitutes a hanging-compartment, for coats, skirts, suits, &c., and the part 3 a cupboard compartment for collars, cuffs, shoes, and similar articles. The various garments are supported upon special hangers, described below ; the hangers are suspended from a rod 5, and are retained in position by means of a frame 6, pivoted to slides 7, working in guides 8, attached to one side of the part 4. The opposite side of the part 4 is provided with racks 9 with which spring-actuated locking-pawls 10 on the free edge of the frame engage. After the required number of garments has been suspended from the rod b, the slides 7 are pushed inwards, the frame is then swung round to touch the garments, and the locking- pawls secure it. To lock the slides in position, the frame carries, preferably at the top and bottom, a rubber or other projection which projects through an opening in the slide and engages the inside of the compartment 4 of the trunk. Trousers, vests, and similar garments are supported on arms 16 hinged to the frame 6 and arranged in pairs. By means of straps 7, provision is made for umbrellas, canes, and similar articles. Straps 61 may be provided to tie the bottom portions of the garments in position. The part 3 of the trunk, shown separately in Fig. 4, has a series of fixed shelves 27 which divide it into separate compartments. The upper compartment is fitted with a door 50 made in sections to roll back ; the next two compartments are closed by doors 51 ; a door 53<a> hinged above the shelf and a door 53 hinged at the bottom, and supported by stays 56, respectively close the next compartment, and a drawer 54 is fitted to the lower compartment. To ensure the trunk being placed the right way up, the upper end is bulged out as shown at 23, Fig. 1. A strengthening-frame carried by the part 4 consists of two members 18 fixed at one end to a bar in the part 4, and having at the opposite end a head 20 to enter the part 3 of the trunk, when closed, and to engage its side. The rod 5 is preferably supported by the head 20 ; the part extending from the hanging-compartment serves as a space into which the garments may be drawn to render them accessible. A locking-bar above the rod 5 prevents the garment hangers from being accidentally unhooked. A cross-piece 49 rigidly secured to the strengthening-frame fits the bulged-out part 23 to support it. The combined skirt and coat hanger, shown separately in Fig. 5, consists of a frame 85, 86, 87 to which is hinged a frame 80. A projection 90 on the frame 85 enters a notch in the bar 89. Skirts are hooked to the bar 86 as shown, and are folded over the bar 87 ; the frame 80 is then closed upon the skirt and secured by a strap 91. The frame 80 is curved to receive a coat &c., the part 83 being specially shaped to support the collar. The coat and skirt hangers may be used separately ; a clamping-bar is then provided for the skirt hanger. The hooks on the bar 86 may be dispensed with. Trousers may be placed upon the skirt hanger.