Abstract:
A garment hanger including a hanger attachment means configured to attach the garment hanger to a hanging device. At least one strap extending from the hanger attachment means and a garment attachment means secured to an end portion of each strap. The garment attachment means configured to be removably attached to a garment.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to an improved means for hanging a garment on a hanger while relieving the stress of the hanging weight of a garment on the hanger and preventing the garment from slipping off the hanger. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Hanger loops are usually attached to a garment at the junction of the underarm, sleeve and sideseam of the garment in order to relieve the stress of the hanging weight of a full dress or garment on the fabric by slipping the loop over a hanger. Hanger loops are also applied to garments where the neckline is too wide for a hanger, a single strap garment, a garment where there are thin straps or strapless garment in order to prevent the garment from slipping off the hanger and to relive the stress of the hanging weight of the garment on the fabric. 
         [0003]    The hanger loop forms a continuous loop that begins and ends at the underarm seam. The loop can slide over a hanger and take all the hanging weight of the garment and put it on the loops, alleviating any weight from being carried by the bodice of the dress or garment, but short enough that the dress bodice or garment will just rest on the hanger. 
         [0004]    There are many different types of hangers available on the market, which have various different characteristics, such as size and thickness. Because the length of the hanger loop is often predetermined when the garment is manufactured, the length of the hanger loop is not always sufficient so as to carry the entire weight of the garment when it is placed on a hanger. 
         [0005]    As a result, a hanger loop that is too long or to short for a particular hanger can pull the garment fabric and cause wrinkles or puckering in the garment fabric. Typically, when the hanger loop is too long for the hanger, the fabric of the garment stretches because the entire weight of the garment is not transferred to the loops and bumps or pinched fabric form on the garment at the point where the garment is hung on the hanger. In this instance, the bumps or pinched fabric commonly occur on the shoulder of the garment. 
         [0006]    Although in some cases, hanger loops may be effective for solving the problem of storing or displaying a garment on a hanger, hanger loops also pose problems when the garment is worn. Typically, the hanger loops do not lie flat within the garment when it is worn and often are exposed by slipping out through an opening of the garment. A common practice is for the wearer to permanently remove the hanger loops from the garment, tuck the loops into the garment or underneath a bra strap. 
         [0007]    If the hanger loop is tucked within the garment or underneath a bra&#39;s strap, the hanger loop can slip out and become exposed; it can create a crease in the fabric or irritate the wearer&#39;s skin. If the hanger loop is permanently removed from the garment, it is then difficult to hang the garment on a hanger without putting stress on the fabric, or having the garment slip off the hanger. 
         [0008]    Often when the hanger loop is removed, the garment is placed on a hanger that has a covering, such as velvet that holds the garment in place using friction, or clips are used to attach the garment to the hanger. These solutions, however, do not relieve the stress that a hanging garment places on the fabric and can leave a deformity such as indentation or puckering in the fabric where the garment is in contact with the hanger or the clip. Additionally, friction hangers and clips do not work well for strapless, single strap, thin strap garments or garments that have a wide opening such as a boat neck garment or an off the shoulder garment. 
         [0009]    One solution to the hanger loops is to provide one loop at the back of the garment, just underneath or at the opening of a blouse or a dress. The single hanger loop, however also poses problems. It can get caught around a wearer&#39;s neck, head or face when putting on or removing the garment, and it can slip out of an opening of the garment so that it is exposed. If the single hanger loop is removed, the problem again arises as to how to effectively hang the garment without creating puckering or wrinkles in the fabric, stretching the fabric or having the garment continuously slip off the hanger and end up on the floor. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Disclosed herein are one or more inventions, the embodiments of which address the problems caused by hanger loops in garments. The garment hanger includes garment attachment means that are removably clipped or attached to a garment in order to hang the garment on a hanger. When a wearer wishes to wear the garment, the garment attachment means can be unclipped or unattached from the garment, permitting the garment to be worn without hanger loops and eliminating a need to tuck the hanger loops inside of the garment when it is worn or removing them completely. When the wearer wishes to re-hang the garment after use, the garment attachment means can be clipped or re-attached to a portion of the garment permitting the garment to hang on the hanger with the weight of the garment transferred to the straps of the garment hanger and prevent the garment from slipping off the hanger. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment the garment hanger includes a hanger attachment means configured to attach the garment hanger to a hanging device, at least one garment strap extending in a downward direction from the hanger attachment means and a garment attachment means secured to an end portion of each garment strap, the garment attachment means configured to be removably attached to a garment. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment according to principles of the invention, the garment hanger includes an adjustment means to adjust the length of the garment strap. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment according to principles of the invention, the garment hanger includes two straps which extend in a downward direction from the hanger attachment means. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment according to principles of the present invention the hanger attachment means is a loop that is secured to the straps. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment according to principles of the present invention, the garment hanger includes hanger attachment means which are configured to attach the fastener to the hook of a hanging device. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment according to principles of the present invention, the garment hanger includes a hanger attachment means that is configured to attach the garment to a horizontal bar. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment according to principles of the present invention, the garment hanger includes a strap comprising a first end and a second end, the strap removably attached to a hanging device; and a garment attachment means secured to each of the first end and second end of the strap, the garment attachment means configured to be removably attached to a garment. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment of the invention, the garment hanger has a strap that is looped over a hanger. 
         [0019]    Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1A  depicts a front perspective of an embodiment of the invention where the strap is attached at the upper portion of a hanger. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1B  depicts a front perspective of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1C  depicts a front perspective of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  depicts a front perspective of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  depicts an exploded view of the garment attachment means of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4A  depicts an embodiment of the invention where the strap is attached to the cross section of a hanger. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4B  depicts an embodiment of the invention where the strap is attached to the cross section of a hanger. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4C  depicts an embodiment of the invention where the strap is attached to the cross section of a hanger. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of the invention from a front perspective. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    The presently preferred embodiments according to principles of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures. Although the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with various technically preferred limitations, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a garment hanger ( 2 ) according to principles of the present invention. The garment hanger ( 2 ) can be made of various materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as Cotton, Wool, Bamboo, Polyester, Nylon, Denim, Suede, Leather, Velvet, Hemp, Vinyl, Satin, Linen, Heavy to medium weight elastic, Polypropylene, Rayon, 
         [0032]    Neoprene, Recycled Felt, Moleskin, Corduroy, Twill, Tweed, Poplin, Acrylic, Modal, Velour, combinations thereof or the like. The garment hanger ( 2 ) includes a strap ( 4 ), an adjustment means, ( 6 ) a garment attachment means ( 8 ) and a hanger attachment means ( 10 ). The garment attachment means ( 8 ) are removably attached to a portion of the garment, for example at the bodice of a dress or at the seam of an armhole. The adjustment means ( 6 ) are configured to increase or decrease the length of the strap ( 4 ). The garment hanger ( 2 ) can be removably secured to a hanger ( 12 ) via a hanger attachment means ( 10 ) which can be slipped over the hook ( 14 ) at the top portion of a hanger. The garment hanger ( 2 ) does not have to be secured to a hanger via a hanger attachment means ( 10 ), it can be draped ( 16 ) or looped/wound ( 18 ) around the hook of the hanger as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C . 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 1C , the strap ( 4 ) is adjusted in length by increasing or decreasing the amount of loops ( 18 ) draped or wound around the hook. For example, the strap can be wound, one, two, three or four or more times around the hook in order to shorten the length of the strap ( 4 ). If the strap ( 4 ) needs to be increased in length, one or more of the loops ( 18 ) can be unwound from the hook. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  depicts the garment hanger ( 2 ) according to an embodiment of the invention. The hanger attachment means forms a loop ( 20 ) that is secured to the straps ( 4 ). Each of the straps has an adjustment means ( 6 ) which adjusts the length of the strap in order to carry the entire weight of the garment and prevent any stretching, pulling, wrinkling or puckering of pull the garment fabric. In this embodiment each strap ( 4 ) is threaded through the adjustment means ( 6 ) which can be pulled up or down to adjust the length of the straps. The length of each strap ( 4 ) can vary. For example, one strap may be required to be slightly longer or shorter than the other strap in order to hang a garment that has an asymmetrical design, such as a one shoulder or one strap dress or blouse. Each strap adjustment means ( 6 ) individually adjusts the corresponding strap to the appropriate length. A garment attachment means ( 8 ) is secured at an end point of each strap ( 4 ). 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of the invention where the strap ( 4 ) is a single strap that is threaded through the adjustment means ( 6 ) with a garment attachment means ( 8 ) secured to the end of the strap ( 4 ). The garment attachment means ( 8 ) can be any type of clip or fastener such as an Alligator clip, Bulldog clip, Lingerie clip, Suspender clip, Hanger clip, spring clip, Binder clip, hook and eye, a clasp, button, snap, magnets or any other type securing means known in the art. Lingerie clips or buttons may be preferable for use in manufactured clothing, while an Alligator or Bulldog clip may be preferable for general consumer use. Magnets can be in the form of a magnetic clip, or as a pair of magnets in any shape. If a pair of magnets are used, each garment attachment means ( 8 ) consists of a pair of magnets such that when the magnets are placed so as to be attracted to each other, can removably attach a portion of the garment. The varying strength of magnets well known in the art can be used to attach to various types of fabrics from light weight silk materials to heavier wools and the like. Other types of magnetic attachment means known in the art can also be used. The interior portion ( 22 ) of the garment attachment means ( 8 ) can contain padding, grip or material to provide additional friction and grip when the clip is attached to a portion of the garment. The padding, grip or material can also serve as additional protection or cushioning for delicate fabrics such as silk. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of the invention where the garment hanger ( 2 ) is removably attached to the lower bar ( 24 ) of the hanger. In this embodiment, the strap ( 4 ) can be used to hang trousers, pants, skirts or the like from the lower bar ( 24 ). The strap ( 4 ) can have an adjustment means ( 6 ) which can vary the length of the strap in order transfer the weight of the garment to the strap and prevent puckering, wrinkling or dimpling of the garment fabric. The garment hanger ( 4 ) can also be placed at any point along the lower bar ( 24 ) in order to adjust to the appropriate width for the garment. 
         [0037]    The garment hanger can be removably attached to a portion of the hanger, for example at the hook or the hanger bar. In other embodiments of the invention, the garment hanger can be permanently affixed to a portion of the hanger. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of the invention showing the garment attachment means removably attached to the inseam of a blouse. 
         [0039]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.