Patent Publication Number: US-2023148777-A1

Title: Clothing Hanger Storage System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/280,654, which was filed on Nov. 18, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of clothing hangers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel storage device for efficient storage of unused clothing hangers. The storage device is in the form of a felt fabric having an attached hanger at the top end thereof for hanging the fabric on a wall-mounted hook. The device has a plurality of pairs of hooks for supporting clothing hangers thereon. The pairs of hooks support the hangers in upside down position and can accommodate, in one exemplary arrangement, up to 40 hangers. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     By way of background, garments such as shirts, pants, blazers, jump suits and more are stored in a closet. Commonly, each garment is placed on a hanger and is hung on a rod within the closet. A hanger, also referred to as a clothing hanger or coat hanger is a device contoured like human shoulders which is used for storing clothing in a designated area such as a closet. A hanger enables the users to quickly access their clothing and helps in storing clothing without a wrinkle. Almost all the hangers come with a lower horizontal bar extending across the shoulder contoured portions for hanging pants/trousers, skirts, and more. Hangers are also used for additional purposes such as for drying the clothing and for removing wrinkles from clothing by exposing them to a steam bath. 
     With the ever-increasing number of clothing for individuals, space in a closet becomes inadequate to store hangers when they are not used for hanging clothing. Hangers are generally stored in unusual places or hard-to-reach places when not used so that space in closet becomes free. Hangers when not used can get damaged when placed on a surface. Many times, individuals may scatter their hangers on the floor, risking them to being stepped on and broken. Sometimes, hanger stackers configured to pack hangers in a stack are used by individuals, but hanger stackers are expensive and consume space. As a result, individuals desire an effective way of storing hangers when they are not used for hanging clothing such that space in closet for storing hangers is minimized and organized. 
     Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose storage rack for storing clothing hangers. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage rack that prevents excess or unused hangers from being thrown on the floor. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that prevents hangers from being stored in unusual places. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a convenient storage area for clothing hangers when hangers are not in use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that obviates the requirement of storing unused hangers in a closet. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that can be easily hung or stored at a convenient and easily accessible area without taking up considerable space. There is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that safely stores unused hangers and protects them from physical damage. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that saves significant time, effort, and space when storing unused clothing hangers. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose storage device for unused clothing hangers. The storage device, in one embodiment, is designed to store up to 40 hangers in an easily accessible form thereby minimizing storage space and scattering of unused hangers. The storage device features a felt print fabric measuring, for example, about 12-inches wide by 58-inches long, having a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of opposing side edges. A durable hanger is integrally attached to the top end for hanging the felt print fabric on a wall mounted hook or hanger rod, four pairs of hooks are fastened on the fabric for supporting clothing hangers, the pair of hooks are vertically equidistant from each other such that longest or hypotenuse arm of the clothing hangers is positioned on a pair of hooks allowing the side arms of the hangers to hang for securely storing the clothing hangers. 
     In this manner, the clothing hanger storage device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a multipurpose storage rack for clothing hangers that supports a plurality of clothing hangers offering a convenient storage area for the hangers when not in use. The device has a plurality of pairs of hooks for holding up a plurality of hangers, thereby saving significant time, space, and effort in storing unused hangers. The device can be hung on the back of a closet door or on the clothes rod or rack in the closet without taking up considerable space. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose storage device for clothing hangers. The storage device, in one embodiment, is designed to store up to 40 hangers in an easily accessible form when hangers are not used for hanging clothing. The storage device further comprising a felt print fabric measuring, in one example, generally 12-inches wide by 58-inches long, the fabric is generally rectangular, having a top end, a bottom and a pair of opposing side edges, a durable hanger integrally attached to the top end for hanging the felt print fabric on a wall mounted hook or clothes rod, a plurality of pairs of hooks for supporting clothing hangers, each pair of hooks is fastened to a fabric loop positioned on the fabric, the pair of hooks are vertically equidistant from each other such that hypotenuse arm of the clothing hangers are positioned on a pair of hooks allowing the side arms of the hangers to hang for securely storing the clothing hangers. Each pair of hooks, in one embodiment, can store up to 10 hangers for easy storage and accessibility. 
     In yet another embodiment, a multifunctional storage unit for clothing hangers is disclosed. The storage unit can be hung on the back of a closet door or on the clothes rod or rack in the closet without taking up considerable space for storing a plurality of idle clothing hangers. The storage unit includes a multitude of aligned pairs of hooks sewn to a generally rectangular felt fabric, a first pair of hooks is positioned at a first distance (i.e., 8-inches) from a top end of the fabric, a second pair of hooks is positioned at a second distance (i.e., 15-inches) from the first pair of hooks, a third pair of hooks is positioned at a third distance (i.e., 15-inches) from the second pair of hooks, a fourth pair of hooks is positioned at a fourth distance (i.e., 15-inches) from the third pair of hooks, each pair of hooks are fastened to a rod placed in a loop positioned at said positions where the pairs of hooks are positioned, a hanger integrally attached to the top end of the fabric for hanging the fabric to a hook or rod. Each pair of hooks is used for accommodating and supporting clothing hangers in unused or idle state by supporting the hypotenuse arm placed on the hooks such that the side arms hang down below the hooks. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for storing unused clothing hangers is described. The method includes the steps of providing a storage device, the storage device includes a multitude of pairs of U-shape hooks attached to a rectangular felt fabric, each pair includes two horizontally coplanar U-shape hooks, a hanger attached to the top end of the fabric for hanging the device on a wall-mounted hook or clothes rod; orienting a clothing hanger upside down, placing horizontal or hypotenuse arm of the clothing hanger on a pair of hooks such that the horizontal arm is supported by the pair of hooks and the side arms hang below the hooks. A plurality of clothing hangers are stored on each pair of hooks such that hangers supported by one pair of hooks do not touch the hangers supported by any other pair of hooks. 
     Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a clothing hanger storage device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view showing the clothing hanger storage device supporting a plurality of the unused or idle hangers for easy storage and accessibility in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view showing arrangement of the hooks in a loop of the felt fabric for supporting clothing hangers in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view showing the clothing hanger storage system stored at the back of a closet door in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose storage rack for storing idle clothing hangers. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage rack that prevents excess, idle, or unused hangers from being thrown on the floor. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that prevents hangers from being stored in unusual places. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a convenient storage area for clothing hangers when hangers are not in use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that obviates the requirement of storing unused hangers in a closet or on a clothes rod. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that can be easily hung or stored at a convenient and easily accessible area without taking up considerable space. There is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that safely stores unused hangers and protects them from physical damage. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing hanger storage device that saves significant time, effort, and space when storing unused clothing hangers. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a multifunctional storage unit for unused clothing hangers. The storage unit can be hung on the back of a closet door or on the clothes rod or rack in the closet without taking up considerable space for storing a plurality of idle clothing hangers. The storage unit efficiently stores the hangers in an easily accessible form. The storage unit includes a multitude of aligned pairs of hooks sewn to a generally rectangular felt fabric, a first pair of hooks is positioned at a first distance (i.e., 8-inches) from a top end of the fabric, a second pair of hooks is positioned at a second distance (i.e., 15-inches) from the first pair of hooks, a third pair of hooks is positioned at a third distance (i.e., 15-inches) from the second pair of hooks, a fourth pair of hooks is positioned at a fourth distance (i.e., 15-inches) from the third pair of hooks, each pair of hooks are fastened to a rod placed in a loop positioned at said positions where the pairs of hooks are positioned, a hanger integrally attached to the top end of the fabric for hanging the fabric to a hook or rod. Each pair of hooks is used for accommodating and supporting clothing hangers in unused or idle state by supporting the hypotenuse arm placed on the hooks such that the side arms hang down below the hooks. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of clothing hanger storage device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The clothing hanger storage device  100  of the present embodiment is designed as an improved, convenient storage unit for clothing hangers. The device  100  is flexible and is made of a substantially rectangular felt print or flexible fabric  102  preferably measuring about 12-inches wide by 58-inches long. The fabric  102  has a top end  104  and a bottom end  106  wherein the top end  104  has a continuous fabric loop  108  through which a lower arm  110  of a durable and sturdy hanger  112  is passed therethrough. The hanger  112  is integrally attached to the felt or flexible fabric  102  and is configured to hang on a wall mounted hook or from a clothes rod for easily storing the storage device  100  without occupying much space. 
     The felt or flexible fabric  102  has four parallel and equidistant loops  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  extending from one side edge  122  to another side edge  124  of the fabric  102  such that each loop includes a pair of fastened hooks for supporting a plurality of clothing hangers for easy storage and accessibility. As illustrated, the first loop  114  has a pair of fastened hooks  126 ,  128 , the second loop  116  has a pair of fastened hooks  130 ,  132 , the third loop  118  has a pair of fastened hooks  134 ,  136 , and the fourth loop  120  has a pair of fastened hooks  138 ,  140 . Each hook comprises a substantially U-shape or C-shape and is attached to the respective loop such that the hook is securely and stably positioned. Each pair of hooks can be individually fastened or sewn to the loop or can be attached to a horizontal rod placed in the loop. As illustrated, the hooks  126 ,  128  are attached to the rod  142 , the hooks  130 ,  132  are attached to the rod  144 , and similarly, the hooks  134 ,  136  are attached to the rod  146 , and the hooks  138 ,  140  are attached to the rod  148 . 
     The hooks  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  are preferably aligned vertically and the hooks  128 ,  132 ,  136 ,  140  are aligned vertically for maintaining balance of the device  100 . The hooks are preferably made of lightweight plastic or non-corrosive metal or alloy. All the hooks are substantially of the same shape and size and each pair of hooks fastened to a common loop are used for hanging and supporting unused or idle hangers as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . The felt or flexible fabric  102  can be of any design and shape and the hanger  112  enables the storage device  100  to easily store on the back of a closet door or on the clothes rod or rack in the closet without taking up considerable space. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view showing the clothing hanger storage device supporting a plurality of the unused hangers for easy storage and accessibility in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Each pair of hooks is configured to support a plurality of hangers for easy storage such that the hangers are not scattered on the floor nor do they consume undue space in a closet or any other area. Further, the pair of hooks are configured to support clothing hangers of different sizes and shapes. As illustrated, the four pair of hooks are independently and separately used for storing a plurality of clothing hangers  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 . For supporting a clothing hanger such as one of the hangers  210  on the first pair of hooks  126 ,  128 , the clothing hanger is positioned in an inverted position by turning the hanger in an upside-down position such that the horizontal or hypotenuse arm of the hanger is positioned on the pair of hooks  126 ,  128  while the side arms  214  hang downward. Vertical distance between each pair of hooks is such that the clothing hanger hook  212  does not touch the loop  116  therebelow. 
     Each pair of hooks can support, for example, up to 10 clothing hangers, thus providing convenient storage area of hangers when not in use. Further, the weight of the clothing hangers is evenly distributed along the length of the felt or flexible fabric  102  such that the stored hangers are not misplaced nor dropped from the storage device  100 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view showing arrangement of the hooks in a loop of the felt fabric for supporting clothing hangers in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the loop  114  has the rod  142  positioned therein with the rod  142  having the hooks  126 ,  128  removably attached thereto. The hooks  126 ,  128  extend out of the loop  114  and the curved portion of the hooks support the clothing hangers. 
     In some embodiments, the rods may not be positioned inside the respective loops and the hooks may be sewn directly to the loops. The loops do not allow the fabric to shrink or drop when a plurality of hangers are positioned on the hooks connected to the loops. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view showing the clothing hanger storage system stored at the back of closet door in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The storage system  100  can be easily stored at any convenient place for securely storing unused/idle hangers and for easily accessing them. As illustrated, the device  100  is stored at the back surface  404  of a closet door  402  on a wall-mounted hook  406  using the hanger  112 . The swivel hook  408  of the hanger  112  is engaged to the hook  406  for securely hanging the device  100  such that all the felt or flexible fabric  102  remains close to the back surface  404  of the door  402  and the hangers  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  remain easily accessible as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “clothing hanger storage device”, “clothing hanger storage rack”, “clothing hanger storage system”, “device”, and “storage device” are interchangeable and refer to the clothing hanger storage device  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the clothing hanger storage device  100  of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the clothing hanger storage device  100  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the clothing hanger storage device  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the clothing hanger storage device  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the clothing hanger storage device  100  may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.