EP0482509A1 - Tensioner - Google Patents

Abstract

A tensioner for coats, trousers or the like is provided with a central part (10), which has a hanging hook and two guide arms (11) arranged on both sides of the hanging hook, and with tensioning arms (17) which are guided on the guide arms and can be drawn out, relative to the central part, for adaptation to different waist-band widths. A limiting stop is provided on the central part and limits the position of maximum extension of the tensioning arms relative to the central part. The tensioner is characterised in that the tensioning arms can be locked at different extended lengths. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a tensioner according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a tensioner, which can be used, for example, for skirts, trousers or the like, has a central part on which a hanging hook is attached. The middle part has guide arms into which clamping arms are inserted. The tensioning arms are mounted on the guide arms and can be displaced relative to them so that the tensioner can be used for different spans. The maximum span of the clamping arms is determined by a stop that limits their extension length.

In a known embodiment, the clamping arms are each under the action of a compression spring arranged in the middle part, which urge them into the outer limit position. The limit position itself is determined by the stop.

When using the tensioner, the tensioning arms are moved inwards against the spring force by the user and held in this position. Then the tensioning arms are inserted into the waistband of a skirt or another piece of clothing to be stretched and the tensioning arms are released so that they move due to the spring force in the direction of their outer limit position and thereby stretch the clothing. In this position, the tensioner can be hung with the garment.

The problem with such tensioners is that their tensioning position is not exactly defined, since the relative position of the tensioning arms relative to one another and relative to the central part is dependent on a large number of parameters. The tensioning position depends, among other things, on what resistance, for example frictional resistance, the tensioning arms were exposed to when moving from the tensioned position into the tensioning position. The clamping position also depends largely on the respective spring force of the two springs acting on the clamping arms. If it is not the same size, the clamping arms move outward to different extents.

In another known embodiment, in which the tension arms are directly above a single spring pushing them outward, different frictional forces and tilting of the tension arms result in unequal extension lengths in their guidance.

In the case of such tensioners, there is therefore no guarantee that the suspension hook will be arranged in the tensioned position in the central axis of the tensioner or, in other words, that the garment does not hang centered on the hanger. If the tensioner is hung up with an ironed-on garment, the tensioner stands at an angle due to the resulting moment, which means that the ironed-on garment can easily be pulled off and fall off. Surrender too problems hanging up the garments close together.

The common disadvantage of all known designs with tensioning arms under spring force is that the spring force decreases with increasing extension length, i.e. especially for skirts with a large waistband and great weight is less than for skirts with a small waistband, so that the entire range of waistlines in question must be grasped with different sized tensioners. Even more critical is the fact that the stretched garment on its waistband is constantly under full spring force, which is particularly the case with thin and sensitive fabrics, but especially with stretchy fabrics, e.g. Knitwear and knitwear, bulging.

In another known embodiment, the clamping arms are slidably mounted on guide arms and can be pulled out relative to them, wherein in an extended position they are prevented from inadvertently sliding back into the guide arms by means of a catch.

When using the tensioner, the tension arms with tension fingers engage in the waistband of the skirt or trousers and are tensioned within the waistband by extending the tension arms to the desired span. In order to achieve a reliable fastening of the garment, it is necessary to pull the tensioning arms apart enough, otherwise the tensioning force is too low and the garment can slide off the tensioner. However, if the tension arms are pulled apart to an excessively large span, the tension force acting on the waistband of the garment is too great. As a result, the waistband of the garment is excessively stretched so that it can lose its elasticity.

In addition, since the waistband of the item of clothing to be stretched varies greatly depending on the type of the item of clothing and in particular the clothing size, it is relatively difficult to use the known tensioners to set the correct tension or span for a piece of clothing to be attached.

The aforementioned problems occur both in tensioners, the tension arms of which can be pulled out independently of one another relative to the central part or the guide arms, and in tensioners in which the movement of the tension arms is synchronized with one another, for example by the tension arms within a housing on mutually facing sides each have a toothed rack, which are connected via a pinion arranged between them.

The invention has for its object to provide a tensioner of the structure described above so that the garment is gently stretched and the appropriate span for a garment to be stretched can be set reliably and easily.

This object is achieved by a tensioner with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, the clamping arms can be locked in the desired extension lengths, as a result of which excessive, undesired pulling out of the clamping arms can be prevented.

In a tensioner, in which the tensioning arms in an advantageous development of the invention under the action of a spring force pushing them outward against the limit stop stand, the following sequence results when opening a garment:
One of the two tension arms extended to the maximum extension length is inserted with its end into the garment, for example the waistband of a skirt, and the other tension arm is pushed in so far that it can also be inserted. The spring force now acts completely on the collar. By locking the tension arms, the spring force acting between them can be derived or absorbed within the tensioner, so that the item of clothing has been tensioned with the necessary tension, but the spring force no longer constantly acts on the item of clothing or its waistband.

The movement of the tensioning arms can preferably be synchronized, so that when the one tensioning arm moves, the other tensioning arm is simultaneously displaced by a corresponding amount. A movement of only one clamping arm without a simultaneous movement of the other clamping arm is therefore not possible, even if they are exposed to different frictional forces. In this way, the tension arms always protrude by the same amount from the middle part, so that the suspension hook, which is attached in the middle of the middle part, is always in the center or gravity line of the tensioner. In this way, an inclination of the tensioner can be reliably avoided during use. This always central position does not only result for the limit position, but also for every intermediate position. Depending on the type of coupling, the tension arms can only be pulled out under the action of a spring force.

It can advantageously be provided that only one tension arm is assigned a spring or both tension arms are assigned a common spring, since in the event that the spring urges the tensioning arm acted upon by him, the other tensioning arm is also pushed outwards due to the synchronization of the movement. Instead, however, it can also be provided that each clamping arm is acted upon by its own spring.

The spring or springs can be arranged in different ways. On the one hand, it is possible and preferred to let the spring act between a tension arm and the middle part, but it is also possible to use the spring directly between the two tension arms. The spring element can preferably be arranged inside the central part, but also outside of it.

The synchronized movement of the clamping arms is advantageously achieved in that a toothed strip is formed on the clamping arms. The toothed strips of the tensioning arms face each other and are operatively connected via a pinion arranged between the toothed strips and mounted on the central part. A movement of a clamping arm is thus transmitted via its toothed rack to the pinion and from the pinion to the toothed rack of the other clamping arm.

Various elements can be considered as springs. In particular, compression springs or tension springs should be mentioned, which can be designed as a helical spring or preferably as an elastic band. When the tensioning arms are synchronized via the toothed rack and pinion, it can be provided that the pinion is acted upon by a torsion spring. When the tensioning arms are moved inwards by the user from their outer limit position, the pinion rotates with the tensioning of the torsion spring. When the user releases the tension arms, the torsion spring exerts on the pinion a turning force, due to which the clamping arms are moved outwards.

In order to achieve a defined movement of the tension arms relative to the middle part, it is advantageous to guide the tension arms on the middle part in each case. This is preferably achieved through a slot formed on the middle part, in which engage guide elements which are formed on the tensioning arms.

To relieve the tensioned garment from the spring force, according to a preferred embodiment it is provided that at least the limit stop associated with a tension arm is designed as a stop device which is adjustable for variable limitation of the extension length of the tension arms along the path of movement of the tension arm. After the tensioning arms have been inserted into the garment, the stop device is adjusted so that it interacts with a stop on the tensioning arm and absorbs the spring force or dissipates it into the middle part. The spring force acting on the other tensioning arm is absorbed by the coupling and also diverted via its bearing into the middle section.

Such an adjustable stop device can, however, also be used with a tensioner, the tensioning arms of which are not spring-loaded. In this case, the possible extension of the tensioning arm relative to the middle part or to the guide arm can be limited by means of the adjustable stop device. Thus, if a garment of a certain waist size is to be ironed on, the stop device only has to be brought into a position assigned to this size, preferably readable on a scale, whereupon the tension arms are stretched to the span, which is now by the stop device is defined. The span adjusted in this way is adapted to the garment to be stretched and ensures that the waistband of the garment is not overstretched on the one hand, and that on the other hand sufficient tension is applied to hold the garment securely on the tensioner.

This training is particularly advantageous for the operational process in the ready-to-wear shop, in the returns department of mail order companies, but also in the retail business. The person who is responsible for ironing the goods only needs to position the attachment device to the desired waist size, then insert the tensioner in the waistband of the skirt or trousers and then move the tensioning arms to the stop position. An individual adjustment option and a cheap and reliable force dissipation is given if a separate anchor device is provided for each clamping arm.

With the design of the stop device in the form of an adjustable stopper, which can be fixed on the central part of the tensioner, and a stop element formed on the tensioner, preferably at its end located in the middle part, a structurally simple structure is achieved, so that the tensioner according to the invention can be produced inexpensively.

The movement of the stopper along a slot, which is formed on the central part, ensures simple and smooth adjustment and good guidance of the stopper. In this way, the desired position of the stopper can be set quickly and precisely.

If the stopper is additionally guided in a guide groove formed on the tensioning arm, tilting or jamming of the stopper can be reliably avoided and an exact alignment of the stopper can be achieved. In this way, a secure contact of the stop element with the stopper is also ensured.

In order to fix the stopper on the middle part and bring it into the desired position, a large number of latching recesses can be provided according to the invention, into which the stopper can engage with a latching lug. In order on the one hand to ensure that the stopper is held securely in the latching recess and on the other hand to achieve simple releasability of the latching connection, spring latching can be provided according to the invention. The spring force presses the locking lug into the locking recess, so that an unintentional loosening of this locking connection and a possible adjustment of the stopper is avoided. At the same time, the stopper can be released in a simple manner from the latching engagement of its latching lug with the latching recess by applying an actuating force against the spring force.

Although the spring force can be applied in many ways, the spring force is advantageously generated according to the invention due to the geometric configuration of the stopper. It can be provided that the stopper is at least partially U-shaped, the spring force occurring due to the elasticity of the legs when they are deformed when actuated. On the other hand, spring arms clamped on one side can also be formed on the stopper, the spring force of which occurs when they are deformed. In both cases, no separate spring element is necessary, which simplifies the construction of the stopper.

The adjustable stop device is preferably used in tensioners in which the synchronized movement of the tensioning arms is realized by means of toothed racks arranged thereon, facing one another and a pinion arranged between the toothed bars, and that a common stop device cooperating with the same is provided for both tensioning arms. In the case of a tensioner with such synchronized movement of the tensioning arms, only a single adjustable stop device is necessary, since the movement of one tensioning arm is limited to the same extent by the other tensioning arm in its movement. The design effort of the tensioner is thus further reduced.

Figur 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Spanners gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 2

eine schematische Ansicht eines Spanners gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 3

eine schematische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform des Spanners,

Figur 4

einen Schnitt durch den Spanner gemäß Figur 3 entlang der Linie IV-IV,

Figur 5

einen Schnitt durch den Spanner gemäß Figur 3 entlang der Linie V-V,

Figur 6

einen Figur 4 entsprechenden Schnitt durch einen Spanner gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figuren 7a und 7b

den in Figur 6 gezeigten Stopper in Ansicht und Aufsicht,

Figur 8

eine Teilansicht eines Spanners gemäß Figur 6,

Figur 9

einen Figur 4 entsprechenden Schnitt durch einen Spanner gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel und

Figuren 10a und 10b

den in Figur 9 gezeigten Stopper in Ansicht und Aufsicht.

The invention is described below with reference to two exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. The drawing shows:

Figure 1

2 shows a schematic view of a tensioner according to a first exemplary embodiment,

Figure 2

2 shows a schematic view of a tensioner according to a second exemplary embodiment,

Figure 3

2 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the tensioner,

Figure 4

4 shows a section through the tensioner according to FIG. 3 along the line IV-IV,

Figure 5

4 shows a section through the tensioner according to FIG. 3 along the line VV,

Figure 6

4 shows a section corresponding to FIG. 4 through a tensioner according to a further exemplary embodiment,

Figures 7a and 7b

the stopper shown in Figure 6 in view and supervision,

Figure 8

6 shows a partial view of a tensioner according to FIG. 6,

Figure 9

a section corresponding to Figure 4 through a tensioner according to another embodiment and

Figures 10a and 10b

the stopper shown in Figure 9 in view and supervision.

FIG. 1 shows a tensioner 1 which has a central part 10, in the upper region of which a suspension hook (not shown) is fastened. According to FIG. 1, the middle part has guide arms 11 which project on the right and left sides. On the central part 10, a right-hand clamping arm 17 and a left-hand clamping arm 17a, which is only indicated, are guided, as shown in FIG Guide arms 11 are provided.

Thus, the tension arms 17 are each adjustable relative to the central part 10 or the guide arms 11, whereby the tensioner 1 can be adjusted in its span to an item of clothing to be ironed on. At the outer ends of the tension arms 17, a tension finger 16 is arranged, which serves as a receptacle for a piece of clothing and keeps it exciting on the waistband. Since such clamping fingers are known per se, their details will not be discussed further at this point.

In the illustrated tensioner 1, the movements of the tensioning arms 17 are synchronized with one another, i. H. a movement of a tension arm 17 without a simultaneous corresponding movement of the other tension arm 17a is not possible. This is achieved in that the clamping arms 17, 17a each have a toothed strip, not shown, within the housing on mutually facing sides, which are connected via a pinion, not shown, arranged between them, which is rotatably mounted on a pinion bearing 13. Furthermore, a locking device, not shown, is provided for at least one of the tensioning arms in order to fix the tensioning arms in a specific extension length.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, an extension 12 is formed on the left side of the middle part 10. A corresponding extension 18 is formed on the lower clamping arm 17a in FIG. 1 in the region of its inner end and projects beyond the central part 10, which is open downwards over its entire length. Between the extension 12 of the central part 10 and the extension 18 of the clamping arm 17a, one is not closer Tension spring shown arranged so that a spring force F acts between the approach 12 and the approach 18 along an action line 20. The spring force F pulls the extension 18 of the clamping arm 17a in the direction of the extension 12, as a result of which the clamping arm on the left-hand side according to FIG 17a is pulled out of the middle part 10 or the left-hand guide arm 11. Due to the synchronization of the movements of the clamping arms, the right-hand clamping arm 17 is also pulled out of the central part 10. A coil spring, but preferably an elastic band, can be used as the spring between the extension 12 and the extension 18. However, other spring elements can also be used which, due to their spring force, move the shoulder 18 in the direction of the shoulder 12.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a tensioner, with a right-hand shoulder 14 now being provided instead of the left-hand shoulder 12 shown in FIG. Between the extension 14, which is formed on the middle part 10, and the extension 18 of the left-hand clamping arm 17a, a compression spring acts along the line of action 20, which forces the extension 18 away from the extension 14. The spring can be any compression spring. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in all other points.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the spring is arranged below the middle part. However, it is also possible to arrange the spring (s) within the central part in order to better protect them from external influences. An embodiment for this is indicated with dashed lines. A nose 14a is formed on the inside of the middle part closed at the top in the region of its end, while the tensioning arm 17 has a nose 18a at its inner end. A rubber tension spring is stretched between the two lugs 14a, 18a. In addition, instead of in the arrangement shown, in which it acts between the central part and a tensioning arm, the spring can also act directly between the tensioning arms. It's about it it is also possible to apply a torsion spring to the pinion, which synchronizes the movements of the two tensioning arms 17, 17a with one another, the spring force of which acts on the tensioning arms 17, 17a via the pinion and the toothed bars, not shown.

The embodiment according to FIG. 3 differs from that according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in that a stop device 2 serving to lock the tensioning arms 17, 17a is shown. It has a stopper 3, which can be inserted via an enlarged insert recess 4 into the slot 15 on the central part 10 and is guided on the walls of the slot and in a groove 5 of the tensioning arm 17. The stop device 3 also includes a stop element 6, which, for example, is formed on the guide element 19 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and protrudes beyond the surface of the middle part.

The inner region of the stopper 3, ie between the central part 10 and the guide groove 5 of the tensioning arm 17, has the shape of a U, a lower leg 21 coming to rest in the guide groove 5 of the tensioning arm 17, while an upper leg 22 on the Inner wall of the middle part 10 comes to rest (Fig. 4). The upper leg 22 and the lower leg 21 are connected by a web. At the free end of the upper leg 22 there is a locking lug 24 and an actuating element 23 which is accessible from the outside. Due to the elasticity of the upper leg 22, when a force is applied to the actuating element 23, the upper leg 22 can be deformed or displaced downward together with the latching lug 24 and the actuating element 23 according to FIG. 5. In this way, a spring force is generated in the stopper 22.

In or on the slot 5, a multiplicity of locking recesses 7 are formed, into which the locking lug 24 of the stopper 3 can snap. Due to the spring force of the U-shaped section of the stopper 3, the locking lug 24 can be held in engagement with a locking recess 7. The spacing of the locking lugs can roughly correspond to the gradations of common waist sizes of a skirt.

As already indicated, a stop element 6 is arranged on the tensioning arm 17, which abuts the stopper relative to the central part 10 when the tensioning arm 17 is pulled out, as a result of which the movement of the tensioning arm 17 and thus the span of the tensioner 1 is limited. Both in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 5, the stop element 6 is shown in contact with the stopper 3, so that a further movement of the tensioning arm 17 directed to the right according to FIG. 3 is prevented by the stopper 3.

In the starting position, the stopper 3 is in its extreme right position, so that the clamping arms 17, 17a are in a position of greatest extension length under the action of the spring 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In this position, the clamping finger 16 of one clamping arm is inserted into the collar and the other clamping finger is pressed inwards against the spring force until it can also be inserted into the collar. The stopper 3 is then pushed inwards until it abuts the stop 6 and latches in the recess 7 closest to it, so that it derives the spring force into the central part 10.

A further exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. As can be seen from FIGS. 7a and 7b, the spring force of a stopper 40 is not achieved here by a U-shaped area but by the arrangement of two spring arms 41, which occur when the stopper 40 is inserted are deformed and thereby generate a spring force directed as in the first embodiment. The free ends of the spring arms 41 can also be guided in a guide groove formed on the central part 45. The spring arms 41 are connected via a web 43 to an actuating element 42, a latch 44 being formed on the upper web 43 according to FIG. 7b. The locking lug 44 can engage in the locking recesses 46 shown in FIG. 8. When the stopper 40 is inserted into the slot 48 of the central part 45 of the tensioner 1, the spring arms 41 are pressed against the tensioning arm 47 and are deformed while generating a spring force. The operation of this embodiment with respect to the adjustment of the tensioner 40 corresponds to that of the first embodiment.

Since, in the second exemplary embodiment, the stopper 40 is supported on the tensioning arm 47 via its spring arms 41, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, excessive actuation of the stopper 40 can lead to a deformation of the web of the tensioning arm directed to the right according to FIG 47 come. In order to prevent such a deformation, according to a third exemplary embodiment the cross section of the clamping arm 47a is U-shaped, the base of the U-shaped cross section of the clamping arm 47a being essentially in contact with an inner wall of the central part 45 of the clamping device 1. As shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b, the stopper 40 is enlarged in width compared to the second exemplary embodiment, so that it now rests on its base in the inserted state, which is shown in FIG. 9, at the base of the U-shaped cross section of FIG Can support arm 47a. Since the base is substantially in contact with the inner side wall of the middle part 45, there is a deformation of the base of the U-shaped cross section of the clamping arm 47a reliably avoided as a result of the actuation of the stopper. With regard to the mode of operation and the adjustability, this third exemplary embodiment essentially corresponds to the first and the second exemplary embodiment.

Claims (29)

Tensioners for skirts, trousers or the like, with a central part which has a hanging hook and two guide arms arranged on both sides of the hanging hook, and with clamping arms which are guided on the guide arms and can be pulled out relative to the central part to adapt to different waist sizes, with a central part Limiting stop is provided which limits the position of the maximum extension of the tensioning arms relative to the central part, characterized in that the tensioning arms (17, 17a) can be locked in different extension lengths. Tensioner according to claim 1, characterized in that the tensioning arms (17, 17a) are under the action of a spring force urging them outwards against the limit stop. Tensioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tensioning arms (17, 17a) are connected via a coupling which synchronizes their movement. Tensioner according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a spring (20) is assigned to only one tensioning arm (17a). Tensioner according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a common spring (20) is assigned to both tensioning arms (17, 17a). Tensioner according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a spring (20) is assigned to each tensioning arm (17). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring (20) is arranged between one of the tensioning arms (17a) and the central part (10). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the spring (20) is provided between the tensioning arms (17, 17a). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tensioning arms (17, 17a) are coupled by means of toothed racks arranged thereon facing one another and a pinion mounted between the toothed racks on the central part (10). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spring (20) is a torsion spring acting on the tensioning arm or arms (17, 17a). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spring (20) is a compression spring acting on the tensioning arm or arms (17, 17a). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spring (20) is a tension spring acting on the tensioning arms (17, 17a). Tensioner according to claim 12, characterized in that the spring (20) is an elastic band. Tensioner according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the spring (20) is a helical spring. Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least the limiting stop assigned to a tensioning arm (17) is designed as a stop device (2) which is adjustable along the path of movement of the tensioning arm in order to variably limit the extension length of the tensioning arms (17, 17a) . Tensioner according to claim 15, characterized in that the stop device can be preset in different positions which correspond to the selected waist sizes. Tensioner according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that a separate stop device is provided for each tensioning arm. Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the stop device (2) has an adjustable stopper (3; 40) which can be fixed on the central part (10; 45) and one on the tensioning arm (17, 17a; 47; 47a) has a trained stop element (6). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the stopper (3; 40) on the central part (10; 45) is guided in a slot (15; 48) and is adjustable along the same. Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the stopper (3; 40) on the tensioning arm (17, 17a; 47; 47a) is guided in a guide groove (5) and is adjustable along this. Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the stopper (3; 40) has a latching lug (24; 44) which can engage in a latching recess (7; 46) formed on the central part (10; 45). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the latching recess (7; 46) is an extension of the slot (15). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that a plurality of latching recesses (7; 46) is formed on the central part (10; 45). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the latching lug (24; 44) is held in the latching recess (7; 46) by a spring force. Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the stopper (3; 40) can be released against the spring force from the locking engagement with the locking recess (7; 46). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the stopper (3) is U-shaped, the spring force being generated due to the elasticity of the legs (21; 22). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the U-shaped stopper (3) lies with a lower leg (21) in the guide groove (5), the detent (at the free end of an upper leg (22) 24) and an actuating element (23) are arranged. Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the stopper (40) has curved spring arms (41), the spring force being generated on the basis of the elasticity of the spring arms (41). Tensioner according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the spring arms (41) are guided with their free ends in the guide groove (5).

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