WO2010004298A2 - Garment hanger assembly - Google Patents
Garment hanger assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010004298A2 WO2010004298A2 PCT/GB2009/001726 GB2009001726W WO2010004298A2 WO 2010004298 A2 WO2010004298 A2 WO 2010004298A2 GB 2009001726 W GB2009001726 W GB 2009001726W WO 2010004298 A2 WO2010004298 A2 WO 2010004298A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- support
- hook
- garment carrier
- enclosure
- flexible
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G25/00—Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
- A47G25/14—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers
- A47G25/18—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers for two or more similar garments, e.g. constructed to connect to, or support, a similar hanger
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G25/00—Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
- A47G25/14—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers
- A47G25/16—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers for complete outfits
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G25/00—Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
- A47G25/14—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers
- A47G25/28—Hangers characterised by their shape
- A47G25/32—Hangers characterised by their shape involving details of the hook
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G25/00—Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
- A47G25/14—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers
- A47G25/40—Collapsible hangers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G25/00—Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
- A47G25/54—Dust- or moth-proof garment bags, e.g. with suit hangers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a garment carrier.
- the invention is particularly concerned with a garment carrier that is able to protect a number of garments, as well as be easy to transport.
- a garment bag is disclosed in US 2,935,182.
- the garment bag comprises a rigid hook assembly extending from the upper edge of a flexible garment bag.
- a second hook assembly is disposed within the garment bag, from which garments may be hung.
- a similar arrangement is shown and described in US 2,722,013.
- a hanging garment storage bag is shown and described in US 5,143,214 and has a series of hook assemblies connected to either the frame of the storage bag or a rail within the storage bag.
- US 2,293,625 discloses a garment bag having a generally rectangular cover having a rigid frame, the frame being provided with a cross-member from which garments may be hung and provided with a hook for suspending the bag. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved apparatus for carrying garments that will protect the garments, allow them to be transported easily and also provide easy access storage once at the destination, so as to save travellers time when packing and unpacking.
- a garment carrier for carrying and storing garments and other like items, the garment carrier comprising: a flexible enclosure within which garments may be stored; a first support for suspending the garment carrier from an external support; a second support disposed within the flexible enclosure for supporting garments within the enclosure; wherein the second support is directly attached to the first support by an attachment means extending through the flexible enclosure.
- the garment carrier of the present invention provides a design that is very suitable for use in situations where space is confined, such as in hostel dormitories and the like.
- the carrier may be hung from a suitable support, such as a door frame or the like, and used easily, without occupying a large volume of space.
- the garment carrier has a support assembly comprising a first support, such as a hook or the like, to allow the carrier to be suspended from a suitable structure, such as a rail in a wardrobe or a hook or the like.
- the support assembly has a second support, such % as one or more hooks, disposed within the enclosure of the carrier, allowing garments to be suspended.
- the first and second supports are connected by an attachment means that extends through the flexible enclosure. In this way, the support assembly is independent of the enclosure and the carrier does not rely upon the enclosure for providing any support to the garments within when the carrier is suspended from a rail and the like.
- the second support most preferably is connected to the attachment means such that is hangs freely within the enclosure, that is, is not directly connected or mounted to the enclosure. In this way, the weight of the garments suspended from the second support cannot be transferred to the enclosure, in turn allowing the enclosure to be made of a lighter, more flexible material. Further, the free hanging second support allows garments to be moved into and out of the enclosure with greater ease.
- the attachment means extending between the first and second supports may be any suitable means.
- the attachment means is flexible, for example comprising a chain or a cord or the like.
- a cord is a preferred attachment means, providing as it does a high degree of flexibility.
- the attachment means may be connected to the first and/or second support in a releasable or adjustable manner, such that the length of the attachment means, and hence the distance between the first and second supports, may be varied. Again, a cord provides a preferred attachment means for such an embodiment.
- the garment carrier comprises a flexible enclosure for housing garments that are being transported.
- the flexible enclosure is arranged so as to capable of being folded or rolled into a compact arrangement both when empty and when containing one or more garments.
- the garment carrier may be arranged in a compact manner for easy storage and/or transport. It is preferred that the flexible enclosure is arranged to be rolled into a compact form, especially when containing one or more garments, as this allows the garments to be compacted without providing significant creases or folds in the fabric of the garments, thus retaining their shape and form when unrolled.
- the flexible enclosure may be any suitable shape, one preferred shape being generally rectangular when suspended by the supports.
- the arrangement of the garment carrier is such that garments retained within the flexible enclosure are supported by the first and second supports of the support assembly and apply no weight to the flexible enclosure.
- the flexible enclosure may be formed from a light, flexible fabric or material, again allowing the flexible enclosure to be easily folded or rolled, in turn allowing the garment carrier to be arranged in a compact form
- the garment carrier is provided with means to support the enclosure, either directly or indirectly, and provide it with a shape.
- the attachment means also supports a lateral member that holds the apparatus in shape.
- the lateral member extends across the flexible enclosure, allowing the flexible enclosure to hang either directly or indirectly from the lateral member and adopt a generally rectangular shape.
- the lateral member is preferably rigid and manufactured from any suitable material, such as metal or plastic, and may be in the form of a tube, bar or rod or the like. Other suitable materials for the lateral member will be obvious to those skilled in the art. As the lateral member is only required to support garments within the garment carrier, even when the remainder of the carrier may be of considerable weight, for example when holding a large amount of laundry, it may be of relatively light construction, in turn allowing the garment carrier to be of reduced weight.
- the lateral member may be free to move relative to the support assembly, in particular along the attachment means between the first support on the inside of the flexible enclosure and the second support on the outside of the enclosure.
- the attachment means is preferably flexible and may take any suitable form, such as a series of links or a chain or the like.
- the first support and the second support are preferably attached by a cord.
- the cord will be of suitable strength so as to support any garments that are attached to the second support. Suitable types of cord will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
- the connection of the lateral member to the attachment means may be by having the cord extend through a suitable hole in the lateral member.
- the attachment means in the form of a cord may wrap around the lateral member or simply be tied to it.
- the position of the lateral member along the cord may be adjusted, for example by passing the lateral member along the cord or by untying or loosening the knot around the lateral member. Movement of the lateral member along the cord may be limited by one or more knots in the chord.
- the first support may take any suitable form, such as a hook, and is situated so as to be suitable to hang garments on while the garment carrier is in use.
- the direct attachment means between the first support and the second support enable the first support to support many garments at a time without breaking or ripping the flexible enclosure or requiring the enclosure to be strongly reinforced.
- the second support may be any suitable means, for example a hook, a plurality of hooks or other means for supporting garments either directly, or indirectly by means of a coat hanger or the like.
- the second support most preferably is not connected to the flexible enclosure and is free to hang within the enclosure from the attachment means. In this way, garments may be more easily moved within, into and out of the enclosure.
- the flexible enclosure may be of any suitable material and of any suitable shape and size to accommodate the required garments. As noted, the enclosure is preferably sufficiently flexible to allow it to be folded or rolled.
- the garment carrier preferably comprises adjustable straps situated near the lateral member and the bottom of the storage section of the flexible enclosure. The straps allow the garment carrier to be rolled up or folded and secured in this arrangement for easy transportation.
- One or more straps may be provided to allow the garment carrier to be carried by a person supported from their shoulder or on their back.
- the garment carrier may further comprise one or more storage means, for storing items, such as shoes, toiletries and the like.
- the storage means may be located in any suitable position on the garment carrier.
- the garment carrier comprises a storage assembly/disposed between the first and second supports, with the attachment means extending through the storage assembly.
- the garment carrier is provided with a lateral member, as hereinbefore described, the storage means extending from and being supported by the lateral member, the lateral member in turn being supported by the first support and/or attachment means, as described above.
- the flexible enclosure depends from and is supported by the storage means.
- the storage means may have any suitable shape and configuration, suitable for the storage of items to be carried by the user.
- the storage means is provided with one or more compartments or enclosures within which items may be placed.
- the storage means may be provided with a cross- sectional shape that allows it to act as a former or mandrel, around which the flexible enclosure may be folded or wrapped.
- the storage means may be flexible, so as to be compressed by the action of rolling the garments in the flexible enclosure around the storage means and, if present, tightening the retaining straps.
- the flexible enclosure may be releasable from the support assembly and, if present, the support or lateral member or storage means. In this way, the user may hang the garment carrier from a suitable support and remove the enclosure, to leave the garments exposed for easy handling. This may be required, for example, when the garment carrier is to be left in a position for an extended period of time, such as within a wardrobe, or the like, in a hotel or the like.
- a garment carrier for carrying garments and the like, the garment carrier comprising: a first portion comprising a support assembly having support means to support at least one garment; and a second portion for enclosing garments that are being supported by the first portion; whereby the second portion is removeably attached to the first support assembly.
- the garment carrier of this aspect of the invention has a first portion comprising means to support garments and a second portion for enclosing the garments.
- the second portion when attached provides an enclosure, preferably a flexible enclosure as hereinbefore described, and is removably attached to the first portion.
- the second portion may be removed, without disturbing the first portion or requiring the garments to be removed, thus allowing the second portion to be removed and taken away.
- the second portion may be used as a bag for holding laundry, which may be easily removed from the first portion, to transport the laundry for cleaning or washing.
- the second portion may be reattached around the garments, in order to protect them during transit.
- the construction of the garment carrier makes it is easy for a user to see when the laundry bag is full, and will also make it easier for a user to see which clothes are clean and which are to be washed.
- the first portion may have any suitable form.
- the first portion consists essentially of a support assembly as hereinbefore described, preferably with a lateral member to provide some shape and form to the first and second portions.
- the first portion is a storage assembly as hereinbefore described and has a flexible outer enclosure, which preferably comprises at least one compartment.
- the at least one compartment is suitable in size to hold small items, such as toiletry items, jewellery, underwear, hats shorts or the like, as aforementioned.
- the second portion provides an enclosure to surround garments being held or supported by the first portion, for example when the garment carrier is suspended from a hook or rail.
- the second portion preferably comprises a front portion and a back portion that are attached along their respective edges.
- the front and back portions are preferably removeably attached to each other using any suitable releasable fastening means, such as one or more zips, or either press studs or hook and loop fasteners, or a combination of the two.
- the front and back portions are preferably removeably attached to one another using a combination of press studs, hook and loop fasteners or zip fastners. Suitable types of press studs will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
- a suitable type of hook and loop fastener is Velcro®.
- the first and second portions of the apparatus are removeably attached.
- the means for removeably securing the first and second portions together may be one or more of the known suitable fasteners, such as zips, studs, hook and loop fastener systems, or plastic clips and the like. They are preferably removeably attached using a combination of hook and loop fasteners, press studs and/or plastic clips. Suitable types of press studs and hook and loop tape are as previously discussed.
- the first portion comprises means for supporting both garments within the second portion of the carrier and the carrier itself. Suitable means, such as hooks and the like, are known in the art.
- a particularly preferred support assembly is the one described herein before and forming part of the first aspect of the present invention.
- a coat hanger comprising: a hook; an arm assembly extending laterally from the hook; and a flexible connection member; said connection member engaging with each of the hook and the arm assembly, whereby the hook can be folded to overlay the arm assembly.
- a coat hanger comprising: a hook; an arm assembly extending laterally from the hook; and a rigid connecting member with a flexible connection to each of the hook and arm; said connection member engaging with each of the hook and the arm assembly, whereby the hook can be folded to overlay the arm assembly.
- the hook portion of the coat hanger is attached to the arm portion by a wholly flexible or rigid connecting member with flexible connections to each of the hook and arm, allowing the hook to be folded so as to overlie the arm portion. This allows the coat hanger to be rolled up in the garment without making it too bulky to transport.
- Such a compact coat hanger may be used in any situation where space is limited, such as luggage for a plane or in a backpack or the like.
- the coat hanger finds particular use in garment carriers of the type discussed above.
- the hook portion of the coat hanger may be of largely conventional shape and form.
- the arm portion of the coat hanger may be of any suitable form, for example comprising a pair of lateral arms extending from the hook portion.
- a lateral brace extending between the distal ends of the arms may be provided if required.
- the arms may be made sufficiently rigid to support the garments.
- the hook and arm assembly are connected by a flexible attachment member, allowing the hook to be folded relative to the arms.
- a flexible attachment member Any suitable flexible attachment may be employed.
- the flexible attachment is resilient, so as to bias the hook into the unfolded position relative to the arm.
- the attachment member can be a rigid connecting member with a flexible connection to each of the hook and arm.
- the rigid connecting member will allow the hook to rotate around the arm member.
- biasing means may be provided to urge the hook away from the arm into the unfolded position.
- the flexible attachment member preferably comprises two tubular portions.
- the first tubular portion engages with the arm assembly of the hanger and the second tubular portion engages with the hook of the hanger.
- the tubular portions preferably engage with the arm assembly and hook by means of a interference fit.
- the tubular portions are flexible and both the hook and the arm assembly comprise a portion of increased width, which fits into each respective tubular portion creating an interference fit.
- This arrangement may be formed, for example, by moulding a flexible material, such as rubber, over the respective parts of the hanger and the hook.
- the present invention provides a support for a coat hanger, the support comprising a first support member for engagement by the hook of a coat hanger; and a second support member moveable with respect to the first support member between an open position and a closed position, whereby in the closed position a portion of the second support member overlies a portion of the first support member such that a hook of a coat hanger disposed therebetween is held on the first support member.
- the first and second support members may have any suitable shape or form.
- the first support member is formed to engage with a hook of a coat hanger and may comprise a ring, loop or the like.
- the second support member is moveable with respect to the first support member and is preferably mounted to the first support member.
- the second support member is pivotably mounted to the first support member, so as to be moveable between the open and closed positions about the pivot.
- the second support member is slideabley mounted to the first support member and slides between the open and closed positions.
- the second support member may be rotatably mounted to the first support member so as to rotate between the open and closed positions.
- Figure 1 is a representation of the garment carrier according to a preferred embodiment in an assembled condition
- Figure 2 is a representation of the garment carrier of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the carrier in its detached form
- Figure 3a is a representation of the hook member of a coat hanger according to a preferred embodiment
- Figures 3b and 3c are a representation of the arm members of a coat hanger according to a preferred embodiment
- Figure 4 is a representation of the coat hanger according to a preferred embodiment in an assembled condition
- Figure 5 is a representation of the garment carrier of the embodiment of Figure 1 in use
- Figure 6 is a representation of a first embodiment of a support for a coat hanger according to the present invention.
- Figures 7a and 7b are representations of a second embodiment of a support for a coat hanger according to the present invention in the closed and open positions, respectively;
- Figures 8a and 8b are representations of a third embodiment of a support for a coat hanger according to the present invention in the closed and open positions, respectively;
- Figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a support assembly and lateral member of use in the garment carrier of Figure 1 ;
- Figures 10a and 10b are representations of the garment carrier of Figures 1 and 2 showing the mode of operation using the support assembly of Figure 9;
- FIGs 11 a and 11 b are representations of a fourth embodiment of a support for a coat hanger according to the present invention in the closed and open positions, respectively.
- a first embodiment of the garment carrier generally indicated as 2.
- the garment carrier 2 is shown in Figure 1 is a generally upright or vertical orientation, as it would be arranged when hanging from a suitable support, such as a hook or rail, and containing garments.
- the garment carrier 2 comprises a generally flat, rectangular body 4.
- the rectangular body 4 comprises a first portion 6 (uppermost as viewed in Figure 1), for storing items, and a second portion 8 (lowermost as viewed in Figure 1), for enclosing garments.
- the first portion 6 is situated and extends along one of the shortest edges of the rectangular body 4.
- the first portion 6 comprises approximately one fifth to one third of the rectangular body 4.
- the first portion 6 comprises a generally rectangular storage section 10.
- the storage section 10 comprises four compartments 12 (only 2 are shown for clarity) 12a, and 12b.
- the compartments 12 are each covered by a generally rectangular lid 14.
- the rectangular lid 14 can be opened and closed, thus allowing a user to put items securely into the compartments 12.
- the rectangular lid 14 can be opened and closed, thus allowing a user to put items securely into the compartments 12.
- the storage section 10 is suspended by a flexible, fabric band from a rigid lateral member 18.
- the rigid lateral member 18 is in the form of a rigid tube and extends through a sleeve formed in the edge portion of the fabric band from which storage section 10 is suspended.
- the rigid lateral member 18 holds the entire garment carrier 2 in shape.
- the lids 14 of the storage section 10, when open, are held in place by means of hook and loop fastener material attached to straps 30.
- the second portion 8 of the garment carrier comprises a flexible fabric enclosure having a front and a back portion, as shown in Figure 2.
- the second portion 8 provides a flexible enclosure in which garments may be stored and carried.
- the second portion 8 is flexible enough to allow the entire portion and the garments within to be folded or rolled around the storage section 10, thereby allowing the garment carrier to be made compact for carrying or transport.
- the second portion is unrolled or unfolded when it is desired to move garments within, into or out of the enclosure.
- the garment carrier 2 is supported, for example by hanging from a hook or rail in a wardrobe or the like, by means of a hook assembly 19 .
- the hook assembly 19 comprises a hook 20 for attaching to said hook or rail or the like.
- the hook 20 has one end attached to a cord 22.
- the cord 22 extends from the hook 20, through the rigid lateral member 18 and through the centre of the storage section 10.
- Attached to the other end of the cord 22 within the body 4 is a second support member 24.
- the second support member 24 allows garments and the like to be hooked onto the support member to be retained within the garment carrier.
- the support member 24 is shown as a ring-shaped member, which can easily accommodate the hooks of coat hangers and the like, to support the garments.
- the cord 22 may be looped or tied around the lateral member 18, so as to fix the position of the lateral member on the cord.
- the loop or knot may be loosened to adjust the relative positions of the hook 20, the lateral member 18 and the second support member 24.
- This avoids the need for the lateral support member to be provided with a hole, which may reduce its overall strength and rigidity.
- Figure 9 shows the hook assembly 19 in combination with a lateral member 18.
- the cord 22 of the hook assembly 19 is wrapped around the lateral member 18, so as to hold the lateral member in place along the cord.
- the second support member 24 is tied to and hangs from the lower end (as viewed in Figure 9) of the cord 22.
- garments attached to the support member 24 have their entire weight borne by the hook assembly 19, with their weight be held by the cord 22 and the hook 20. In this way, the weight of the garments is not applied to the body 4 of the garment carrier, which may be formed from a light, flexible material.
- the lateral member 18 is retained on the cord 22 by a series of knots in the cord. The knots may be positioned such that the lateral member and the body 4 are free to move along the cord.
- the first portion 6 and the second portion 8 are removeably attached along the line 26 shown in Figure 1 , by means of press studs 28a, 28b, and hook and loop fastener tape (not shown for clarity). Plastic clips may also be used as an alternative means of attaching the first and second portions.
- the second portion 8 of the body 4 is folded along its lower edge (as viewed in Figure 1), so as to form an enclosure, held closed by the press studs 28c and 28d, in which garments to be washed may be placed Velcro® or other suitable hook and loop fastener is also used inside the garment carrier, but is not shown for clarity., Other means of fastening the carrier will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
- the garment carrier 2 is able to be rolled up for easy transportation.
- the garment carrier 2 is rolled so that any garments attached to support member 24 and the lids 14 are on the inside of the roll.
- the rolled up garment carrier 2 is held in place by means of straps 30 (only one strap is shown for clarity).
- FIG 2 there is shown a representation of the garment carrier in Figure 1 where the first portion 6 and the second portion 8 of the body 4 have been detached along the line 26
- the second portion 8 is shown in its open state and the hook and loop fastener tape 32 can be seen running along the inside edges of the second portion 8.
- Straps 34a and 34b can be seen. Straps 34a and 34b hold the garment carrier in the closed, rolled-up position.
- the second section 8 is released by undoing the press studs 28c and 28d and hook and loop fastener tape 32 and a garment or garments are hooked onto the support member 24. Any smaller items are placed into the compartments 12.
- the second section 8 is then folded back up and attached by the press studs, 28c and 28d and hook and loop fastener tape 32.
- the garment carrier 2 is then rolled up and held in place and closed by means of the straps 30. The opening of the garment carrier 2 to access the articles and garments within is the reverse of this procedure. Should better access be required to the garments hanging from the support member 24, may be removed entirely by detaching from the lower edge portion of the first portion 6.
- the garments can also hang on the outside of the lower section 8 when the lower section is half or partially open.
- the second portion 8 is then reattached as required, for example to close the garment carrier for further travel.
- FIG. 3a there is shown a representation of a preferred embodiment of the hook member of a coat hanger, generally indicated as 102.
- the hook member 102 comprises a hook element 114 and a fitting member 106, both formed from a single length of wire.
- the fitting member 106 extends adjacent one end portion of the hook element.
- the fitting member 106 further comprises a loop 108, extending from the fitting member towards the end portion of the hook element.
- the arm members 202 comprise the arm elements 204a and 204b extending laterally from a central portion. A loop 206 is formed in the central portion.
- the arm members 202 are each formed from a single length of wire.
- the arm elements 202 of the arm member of Figure 3b each terminate in a hook portion 206, formed by the endmost portion of the arm element being folded back on itself.
- the hook portion 206 may be used to suspend garments as in a conventional coat hanger .
- the arm elements 202 of the arm member of Figure 3c have their ends connected by a cross- member 208, to form a substantially flattened triangular form.
- the coat hanger 306 comprises a hook member 102, as shown in Figure 3a, and an arm member 202, as shown in Figure 3b.
- the hook member 102 and the arm member 202 are held together by a flexible member 304.
- the flexible member 304 is formed of a resilient, elastic material and comprises a first tubular portion 306 and a second tubular portion 308, arranged in parallel to one another.
- the first tubular portion 306 holds the hook member 102, by having the fitting member 106 extend within the first tubular portion 306.
- the loop portion 108 of the hook member 102 forms an interference fit within the first tubular portion 306.
- the second tubular portion 308 holds the arm member 202, by having the central portion of the arm member 202 extending within the second tubular portion, such that the loop 206 forms an interference fit within the resilient tube.
- the flexible member 304 is arranged so as to hold the hook and arm members 102 and 202 in the form of a conventional coat hanger.
- the fitting member 106 and indentation 108 of the hook member 102 and the indentation 206 of the arm member 202 allows the arm member to form an interference fit with the flexible member 304, as noted.
- the coat hanger 302 may be folded about the flexible member 304, such that the hook member 102 overlies the arm member 202. In this way, the hanger may be folded with garments in a garment carrier, such as the one described hereinbefore, or the like, while occupying the minimum of space.
- the resilient properties of the flexible member 304 and the weight of any clothes suspended from the coat hanger cause the hook member 102 to revert to the position shown in Figure 4.
- FIG. 5 there is shown a representation of the garment carrier of the embodiment of Figure 1 in use, the garment carrier generally indicated as 2.
- the garment carrier 2 of Figure 5 is substantially as hereinbefore described and shown in Figure 1.
- Hook 24 is shown to support clothes 38.
- the garment carrier comprises a second support member 24, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example.
- the support member 24 accepts and engages with the hook of a coat hanger.
- One embodiment of a support assembly to releasably hold the hooks of coat hangers is shown in Figure 6.
- the support assembly generally indicated as 402, comprises a generally U-shaped first support member 404 having a portion 406 onto which the hook of a coat hanger is placed.
- a second support member 408, of a generally rectangular form and having a portion 410, is pivotably mounted in the open end of the first support member 404.
- the support assembly is in the open position, with the portion 410 of the second support member 408 lying outside the first support member 404. In the closed position, the portion 410 of the second support member 408 overlies the portion 406 of the first support member 404 and traps a portion of the hook of a coat hanger therebetween and holds the hanger in place.
- the support assembly generally indicates as 502, comprises a generally L-shaped first support member 504 having a portion 506 onto which the hook of a coat hanger is placed.
- a second support member 508, of a generally elongate form, is pivotably mounted on the end of the portion 506 of the first support member 504. As shown in Figure 7a, the support assembly is in the open position, with the second support member 508 lying outside the first support member 504. In the closed position, the second support member 508 overlies the portion 506 of the first support member 504 and traps a portion of the hook of a coat hanger therebetween and holds the hanger in place.
- the first and second support members may be provided with magnets to hold the assembly in the closed position, as shown in Figure 7b.
- FIG. 8a and 8b A further alternative support assembly is shown in Figures 8a and 8b.
- the assembly generally indicated as 602, comprises a generally ring-like first support member 604 having a bearing portion 606 on which the hook of a coat hanger may be engaged.
- the first support member has a hollow portion 608, within which is slideably mounted a second support member 610, moveable between an open position shown in Figure 8a and a closed position shown in Figure 8b. In the closed position, the second support member overlies the bearing portion 606 of the first support member and acts to retain and hold the hook of a coat hanger therebetween.
- FIGS 11a and 11b yet a further alternative support assembly is shown in Figures 11a and 11b.
- the assembly generally indicated as 702, comprises a generally rectangular first support member 704 having a square bore 706 extending centrally therethrough.
- a slot 708 is formed in one side portion of the first support member extending from the bore 706 to the outer edge surface of the first support member.
- a second support member 710 in the form of a rectangular block, is slideably mounted in the slot 708, so as to be moveable between an open position, as shown in Figure 11a in which the bore 706 is open, and a closed position, as shown in Figure 11b, in which the second support member extends into and across the bore 706.
- the hooks 2009/001726 is a generally rectangular first support member 704 having a square bore 706 extending centrally therethrough.
- a slot 708 is formed in one side portion of the first support member extending from the bore 706 to the outer edge surface of the first support member.
- a second support member 710 in the form of
- garment hangers may be passed through the bore in the first support member when in the open position. Once the hooks are in place, the second support member is moved to the closed position, trapping a portion of the hook between the second support member and the first support member. In this way, garments may be held securely, for example within a garment carrier as described above during transport and storage.
Landscapes
- Holders For Apparel And Elements Relating To Apparel (AREA)
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
A garment carrier (2) for carrying and storing garments and other like items, the garment carrier (2) comprising: a flexible enclosure (8) within which garments may be stored; a support assembly (12) comprising: a first support (20) for suspending the garment carrier from an external support; a second support (24) disposed within the flexible enclosure for supporting garments within the enclosure (18); wherein the second support (24) is directly attached to the first support (20) by an attachment means extending through the flexible enclosure (8).
Description
GARMENT HANGER ASSEMBLY
The present invention relates to a garment carrier. The invention is particularly concerned with a garment carrier that is able to protect a number of garments, as well as be easy to transport.
Travel is becoming an increasingly popular hobby amongst people of all ages. When using a suitcase or backpack to travel, it can be difficult to transport items such as trousers , dresses, jumpers, t-shirts, coats and suits and the like without folding them. If such items are folded for a long period of time, they often become creased, sometimes permanently. Although conventional garment carriers are able to protect a garment, they are often very cumbersome, and also require the garments to be totally removed from the carrier once the destination is reached. This is often inconvenient as there may be no suitable storage place for the garment, or the trip may only be short so unpacking everything from the carrier may not seem worthwhile. This is often of particular problem to backpackers. They are often required to unpack and pack the entire contents of their bag simply to find what they are looking for. As backpackers will often not stay in the same place for a long period of time, this is a particular problem.
A garment bag is disclosed in US 2,935,182. The garment bag comprises a rigid hook assembly extending from the upper edge of a flexible garment bag. A second hook assembly is disposed within the garment bag, from which garments may be hung. A similar arrangement is shown and described in US 2,722,013.
A hanging garment storage bag is shown and described in US 5,143,214 and has a series of hook assemblies connected to either the frame of the storage bag or a rail within the storage bag.
Finally, US 2,293,625 discloses a garment bag having a generally rectangular cover having a rigid frame, the frame being provided with a cross-member from which garments may be hung and provided with a hook for suspending the bag.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved apparatus for carrying garments that will protect the garments, allow them to be transported easily and also provide easy access storage once at the destination, so as to save travellers time when packing and unpacking.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment carrier for carrying and storing garments and other like items, the garment carrier comprising: a flexible enclosure within which garments may be stored; a first support for suspending the garment carrier from an external support; a second support disposed within the flexible enclosure for supporting garments within the enclosure; wherein the second support is directly attached to the first support by an attachment means extending through the flexible enclosure.
The garment carrier of the present invention provides a design that is very suitable for use in situations where space is confined, such as in hostel dormitories and the like. When provisions for hanging clothes are not available, the carrier may be hung from a suitable support, such as a door frame or the like, and used easily, without occupying a large volume of space.
The garment carrier has a support assembly comprising a first support, such as a hook or the like, to allow the carrier to be suspended from a suitable structure, such as a rail in a wardrobe or a hook or the like. The support assembly has a second support, such %as one or more hooks, disposed within the enclosure of the carrier, allowing garments to be suspended. The first and second supports are connected by an attachment means that extends through the flexible enclosure. In this way, the support assembly is independent of the enclosure and the carrier does not rely upon the enclosure for providing any support to the garments within when the carrier is suspended from a rail and the like.
The second support most preferably is connected to the attachment means such that is hangs freely within the enclosure, that is, is not directly connected or mounted to the enclosure. In this way, the weight of the garments suspended from
the second support cannot be transferred to the enclosure, in turn allowing the enclosure to be made of a lighter, more flexible material. Further, the free hanging second support allows garments to be moved into and out of the enclosure with greater ease.
The attachment means extending between the first and second supports may be any suitable means. Preferably, the attachment means is flexible, for example comprising a chain or a cord or the like. A cord is a preferred attachment means, providing as it does a high degree of flexibility. The attachment means may be connected to the first and/or second support in a releasable or adjustable manner, such that the length of the attachment means, and hence the distance between the first and second supports, may be varied. Again, a cord provides a preferred attachment means for such an embodiment.
The garment carrier comprises a flexible enclosure for housing garments that are being transported. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible enclosure is arranged so as to capable of being folded or rolled into a compact arrangement both when empty and when containing one or more garments. In this way, the garment carrier may be arranged in a compact manner for easy storage and/or transport. It is preferred that the flexible enclosure is arranged to be rolled into a compact form, especially when containing one or more garments, as this allows the garments to be compacted without providing significant creases or folds in the fabric of the garments, thus retaining their shape and form when unrolled.
The flexible enclosure may be any suitable shape, one preferred shape being generally rectangular when suspended by the supports.
The arrangement of the garment carrier is such that garments retained within the flexible enclosure are supported by the first and second supports of the support assembly and apply no weight to the flexible enclosure. In this way, the flexible enclosure may be formed from a light, flexible fabric or material, again allowing the flexible enclosure to be easily folded or rolled, in turn allowing the garment carrier to be arranged in a compact form
It is preferred that the garment carrier is provided with means to support the enclosure, either directly or indirectly, and provide it with a shape. In one preferred arrangement, the attachment means also supports a lateral member that holds the apparatus in shape. In particular, the lateral member extends across the flexible enclosure, allowing the flexible enclosure to hang either directly or indirectly from the lateral member and adopt a generally rectangular shape.
The lateral member is preferably rigid and manufactured from any suitable material, such as metal or plastic, and may be in the form of a tube, bar or rod or the like. Other suitable materials for the lateral member will be obvious to those skilled in the art. As the lateral member is only required to support garments within the garment carrier, even when the remainder of the carrier may be of considerable weight, for example when holding a large amount of laundry, it may be of relatively light construction, in turn allowing the garment carrier to be of reduced weight.
The lateral member may be free to move relative to the support assembly, in particular along the attachment means between the first support on the inside of the flexible enclosure and the second support on the outside of the enclosure. As noted above, the attachment means is preferably flexible and may take any suitable form, such as a series of links or a chain or the like. As also noted, the first support and the second support are preferably attached by a cord. The cord will be of suitable strength so as to support any garments that are attached to the second support. Suitable types of cord will be obvious to those skilled in the art. By having the attachment means in the form of a cord, the connection of the lateral member to the attachment means may be by having the cord extend through a suitable hole in the lateral member. Alternatively, the attachment means in the form of a cord may wrap around the lateral member or simply be tied to it. In this way, the position of the lateral member along the cord may be adjusted, for example by passing the lateral member along the cord or by untying or loosening the knot around the lateral member. Movement of the lateral member along the cord may be limited by one or more knots in the chord. Again, this provides for a very strong, yet light structure, that can support a large weight of garments, while not contributing significant weight itself to the garment carrier.
The first support may take any suitable form, such as a hook, and is situated so as to be suitable to hang garments on while the garment carrier is in use. The direct attachment means between the first support and the second support enable the first support to support many garments at a time without breaking or ripping the flexible enclosure or requiring the enclosure to be strongly reinforced.
The second support may be any suitable means, for example a hook, a plurality of hooks or other means for supporting garments either directly, or indirectly by means of a coat hanger or the like. As noted above, the second support most preferably is not connected to the flexible enclosure and is free to hang within the enclosure from the attachment means. In this way, garments may be more easily moved within, into and out of the enclosure.
The flexible enclosure may be of any suitable material and of any suitable shape and size to accommodate the required garments. As noted, the enclosure is preferably sufficiently flexible to allow it to be folded or rolled. The garment carrier preferably comprises adjustable straps situated near the lateral member and the bottom of the storage section of the flexible enclosure. The straps allow the garment carrier to be rolled up or folded and secured in this arrangement for easy transportation.
One or more straps may be provided to allow the garment carrier to be carried by a person supported from their shoulder or on their back.
The garment carrier may further comprise one or more storage means, for storing items, such as shoes, toiletries and the like. The storage means may be located in any suitable position on the garment carrier. In one preferred embodiment, the garment carrier comprises a storage assembly/disposed between the first and second supports, with the attachment means extending through the storage assembly. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the garment carrier is provided with a lateral member, as hereinbefore described, the storage means extending from and being supported by the lateral member, the lateral member in turn being supported by the first support and/or attachment means, as described above.
In one preferred embodiment, the flexible enclosure depends from and is supported by the storage means.
The storage means may have any suitable shape and configuration, suitable for the storage of items to be carried by the user. In one preferred arrangement, the storage means is provided with one or more compartments or enclosures within which items may be placed. The storage means may be provided with a cross- sectional shape that allows it to act as a former or mandrel, around which the flexible enclosure may be folded or wrapped. Alternatively, the storage means may be flexible, so as to be compressed by the action of rolling the garments in the flexible enclosure around the storage means and, if present, tightening the retaining straps.
The flexible enclosure may be releasable from the support assembly and, if present, the support or lateral member or storage means. In this way, the user may hang the garment carrier from a suitable support and remove the enclosure, to leave the garments exposed for easy handling. This may be required, for example, when the garment carrier is to be left in a position for an extended period of time, such as within a wardrobe, or the like, in a hotel or the like.
Accordingly, in a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment carrier for carrying garments and the like, the garment carrier comprising: a first portion comprising a support assembly having support means to support at least one garment; and a second portion for enclosing garments that are being supported by the first portion; whereby the second portion is removeably attached to the first support assembly.
The garment carrier of this aspect of the invention has a first portion comprising means to support garments and a second portion for enclosing the garments. The second portion when attached provides an enclosure, preferably a flexible enclosure as hereinbefore described, and is removably attached to the first portion. The second portion may be removed, without disturbing the first portion or requiring the garments to be removed, thus allowing the second portion to be removed and taken away.
For example, the second portion may be used as a bag for holding laundry, which may be easily removed from the first portion, to transport the laundry for cleaning or washing. The second portion may be reattached around the garments, in order to protect them during transit. The construction of the garment carrier makes it is easy for a user to see when the laundry bag is full, and will also make it easier for a user to see which clothes are clean and which are to be washed.
The first portion may have any suitable form. For example, in one embodiment, the first portion consists essentially of a support assembly as hereinbefore described, preferably with a lateral member to provide some shape and form to the first and second portions.
In one preferred embodiment, the first portion is a storage assembly as hereinbefore described and has a flexible outer enclosure, which preferably comprises at least one compartment. The at least one compartment is suitable in size to hold small items, such as toiletry items, jewellery, underwear, hats shorts or the like, as aforementioned.
The second portion provides an enclosure to surround garments being held or supported by the first portion, for example when the garment carrier is suspended from a hook or rail. The second portion preferably comprises a front portion and a back portion that are attached along their respective edges. The front and back portions are preferably removeably attached to each other using any suitable releasable fastening means, such as one or more zips, or either press studs or hook and loop fasteners, or a combination of the two. The front and back portions are preferably removeably attached to one another using a combination of press studs, hook and loop fasteners or zip fastners. Suitable types of press studs will be obvious to those skilled in the art. A suitable type of hook and loop fastener is Velcro®.
The first and second portions of the apparatus are removeably attached. The means for removeably securing the first and second portions together may be one or more of the known suitable fasteners, such as zips, studs, hook and loop fastener systems, or plastic clips and the like. They are preferably removeably attached using
a combination of hook and loop fasteners, press studs and/or plastic clips. Suitable types of press studs and hook and loop tape are as previously discussed.
The first portion comprises means for supporting both garments within the second portion of the carrier and the carrier itself. Suitable means, such as hooks and the like, are known in the art. A particularly preferred support assembly is the one described herein before and forming part of the first aspect of the present invention.
As noted above, it is often required to fold or roll garments within a garment carrier, in particular when the carrier is being used to carry garments for travel, such as when flying. A particular problem with existing garment carriers is that conventional coat hangers impede the folding and rolling of garments within garment carriers. They also bend out of shape and can snap easily. There is a need for an improved coat hanger that may be used in garment carriers.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a coat hanger comprising: a hook; an arm assembly extending laterally from the hook; and a flexible connection member; said connection member engaging with each of the hook and the arm assembly, whereby the hook can be folded to overlay the arm assembly.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a coat hanger comprising: a hook; an arm assembly extending laterally from the hook; and a rigid connecting member with a flexible connection to each of the hook and arm; said connection member engaging with each of the hook and the arm assembly, whereby the hook can be folded to overlay the arm assembly.
The hook portion of the coat hanger is attached to the arm portion by a wholly flexible or rigid connecting member with flexible connections to each of the hook and arm, allowing the hook to be folded so as to overlie the arm portion. This allows the coat hanger to be rolled up in the garment without making it too bulky to transport. Such a compact coat hanger may be used in any situation where space is limited, such as luggage for a plane or in a backpack or the like. The coat hanger finds particular use in garment carriers of the type discussed above.
The hook portion of the coat hanger may be of largely conventional shape and form. The arm portion of the coat hanger may be of any suitable form, for example comprising a pair of lateral arms extending from the hook portion. A lateral brace extending between the distal ends of the arms may be provided if required. Alternatively, the arms may be made sufficiently rigid to support the garments.
The hook and arm assembly are connected by a flexible attachment member, allowing the hook to be folded relative to the arms. Any suitable flexible attachment may be employed. Preferably, the flexible attachment is resilient, so as to bias the hook into the unfolded position relative to the arm.
Alternatively, the attachment member can be a rigid connecting member with a flexible connection to each of the hook and arm. The rigid connecting member will allow the hook to rotate around the arm member. Again, biasing means may be provided to urge the hook away from the arm into the unfolded position.
The flexible attachment member preferably comprises two tubular portions.
The first tubular portion engages with the arm assembly of the hanger and the second tubular portion engages with the hook of the hanger. The tubular portions preferably engage with the arm assembly and hook by means of a interference fit. In one arrangement, the tubular portions are flexible and both the hook and the arm assembly comprise a portion of increased width, which fits into each respective tubular portion creating an interference fit. This arrangement may be formed, for example, by moulding a flexible material, such as rubber, over the respective parts of the hanger and the hook.
In garment carries, in particular of the general kind described above, it would be advantageous to provide a means for holding the hooks of coat hangers in place on the support means. This prevents garments from becoming inadvertently released from the support, such as when being rolled or unrolled, and the like, and possible falling on the ground.
In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a support for a coat hanger, the support comprising a first support member for engagement by the hook of a coat hanger; and a second support member moveable with respect to the first support member between an open position and a closed position, whereby in the closed position a portion of the second support member overlies a portion of the first support member such that a hook of a coat hanger disposed therebetween is held on the first support member.
The first and second support members may have any suitable shape or form.
The first support member is formed to engage with a hook of a coat hanger and may comprise a ring, loop or the like. The second support member is moveable with respect to the first support member and is preferably mounted to the first support member. In one embodiment, the second support member is pivotably mounted to the first support member, so as to be moveable between the open and closed positions about the pivot. Alternatively, the second support member is slideabley mounted to the first support member and slides between the open and closed positions. As a further alternative, the second support member may be rotatably mounted to the first support member so as to rotate between the open and closed positions.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a representation of the garment carrier according to a preferred embodiment in an assembled condition;
Figure 2 is a representation of the garment carrier of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the carrier in its detached form;
Figure 3a is a representation of the hook member of a coat hanger according to a preferred embodiment;
Figures 3b and 3c are a representation of the arm members of a coat hanger according to a preferred embodiment;
Figure 4 is a representation of the coat hanger according to a preferred embodiment in an assembled condition;
Figure 5 is a representation of the garment carrier of the embodiment of Figure 1 in use;
Figure 6 is a representation of a first embodiment of a support for a coat hanger according to the present invention;
Figures 7a and 7b are representations of a second embodiment of a support for a coat hanger according to the present invention in the closed and open positions, respectively;
Figures 8a and 8b are representations of a third embodiment of a support for a coat hanger according to the present invention in the closed and open positions, respectively;
Figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a support assembly and lateral member of use in the garment carrier of Figure 1 ;
Figures 10a and 10b are representations of the garment carrier of Figures 1 and 2 showing the mode of operation using the support assembly of Figure 9; and
Figures 11 a and 11 b are representations of a fourth embodiment of a support for a coat hanger according to the present invention in the closed and open positions, respectively..
Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of the garment carrier, generally indicated as 2. The garment carrier 2 is shown in Figure 1 is a generally upright or vertical orientation, as it would be arranged when hanging from a suitable support, such as a hook or rail, and containing garments.
The garment carrier 2 comprises a generally flat, rectangular body 4. The rectangular body 4 comprises a first portion 6 (uppermost as viewed in Figure 1), for storing items, and a second portion 8 (lowermost as viewed in Figure 1), for enclosing garments.
The first portion 6 is situated and extends along one of the shortest edges of the rectangular body 4. The first portion 6 comprises approximately one fifth to one third of the rectangular body 4. The first portion 6 comprises a generally rectangular storage section 10. The storage section 10 comprises four compartments 12 (only 2 are shown for clarity) 12a, and 12b. The compartments 12 are each covered by a generally rectangular lid 14. The rectangular lid 14 can be opened and closed, thus allowing a user to put items securely into the compartments 12. The rectangular lid
14 is held open using a strip of hook and loop fastener tape 16, or alternatively a zip fastener may be used.
The storage section 10 is suspended by a flexible, fabric band from a rigid lateral member 18. The rigid lateral member 18 is in the form of a rigid tube and extends through a sleeve formed in the edge portion of the fabric band from which storage section 10 is suspended. The rigid lateral member 18 holds the entire garment carrier 2 in shape.
The lids 14 of the storage section 10, when open, are held in place by means of hook and loop fastener material attached to straps 30.
The second portion 8 of the garment carrier comprises a flexible fabric enclosure having a front and a back portion, as shown in Figure 2. The second portion 8 provides a flexible enclosure in which garments may be stored and carried. The second portion 8 is flexible enough to allow the entire portion and the garments within to be folded or rolled around the storage section 10, thereby allowing the
garment carrier to be made compact for carrying or transport. The second portion is unrolled or unfolded when it is desired to move garments within, into or out of the enclosure.
The garment carrier 2 is supported, for example by hanging from a hook or rail in a wardrobe or the like, by means of a hook assembly 19 . The hook assembly 19 comprises a hook 20 for attaching to said hook or rail or the like. The hook 20 has one end attached to a cord 22. The cord 22 extends from the hook 20, through the rigid lateral member 18 and through the centre of the storage section 10. Attached to the other end of the cord 22 within the body 4 is a second support member 24. The second support member 24 allows garments and the like to be hooked onto the support member to be retained within the garment carrier. The support member 24 is shown as a ring-shaped member, which can easily accommodate the hooks of coat hangers and the like, to support the garments.
As an alternative arrangement, the cord 22 may be looped or tied around the lateral member 18, so as to fix the position of the lateral member on the cord. The loop or knot may be loosened to adjust the relative positions of the hook 20, the lateral member 18 and the second support member 24. This avoids the need for the lateral support member to be provided with a hole, which may reduce its overall strength and rigidity. Reference in this respect is made to Figure 9, which shows the hook assembly 19 in combination with a lateral member 18. As can be seen, the cord 22 of the hook assembly 19 is wrapped around the lateral member 18, so as to hold the lateral member in place along the cord. The second support member 24 is tied to and hangs from the lower end (as viewed in Figure 9) of the cord 22.
By having the second support member 24 hanging from the end of the cord 22 and unconnected to the second portion 8 or the storage section 10, it is free to move within the second portion. This, in turn, allows garments to be moved freely within the enclosure and more easily placed in and removed from the enclosure, as shown in Figures 10a and 10b.
It will be noted that garments attached to the support member 24 have their entire weight borne by the hook assembly 19, with their weight be held by the cord 22
and the hook 20. In this way, the weight of the garments is not applied to the body 4 of the garment carrier, which may be formed from a light, flexible material. The lateral member 18 is retained on the cord 22 by a series of knots in the cord. The knots may be positioned such that the lateral member and the body 4 are free to move along the cord.
The first portion 6 and the second portion 8 are removeably attached along the line 26 shown in Figure 1 , by means of press studs 28a, 28b, and hook and loop fastener tape (not shown for clarity). Plastic clips may also be used as an alternative means of attaching the first and second portions. The second portion 8 of the body 4 is folded along its lower edge (as viewed in Figure 1), so as to form an enclosure, held closed by the press studs 28c and 28d, in which garments to be washed may be placed Velcro® or other suitable hook and loop fastener is also used inside the garment carrier, but is not shown for clarity., Other means of fastening the carrier will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
The garment carrier 2 is able to be rolled up for easy transportation. The garment carrier 2 is rolled so that any garments attached to support member 24 and the lids 14 are on the inside of the roll. The rolled up garment carrier 2 is held in place by means of straps 30 (only one strap is shown for clarity).
Referring to figure 2 there is shown a representation of the garment carrier in Figure 1 where the first portion 6 and the second portion 8 of the body 4 have been detached along the line 26 The second portion 8 is shown in its open state and the hook and loop fastener tape 32 can be seen running along the inside edges of the second portion 8. Straps 34a and 34b can be seen. Straps 34a and 34b hold the garment carrier in the closed, rolled-up position.
In use, the second section 8 is released by undoing the press studs 28c and 28d and hook and loop fastener tape 32 and a garment or garments are hooked onto the support member 24. Any smaller items are placed into the compartments 12. The second section 8 is then folded back up and attached by the press studs, 28c and 28d and hook and loop fastener tape 32. The garment carrier 2 is then rolled up and held in place and closed by means of the straps 30. The opening of the garment
carrier 2 to access the articles and garments within is the reverse of this procedure. Should better access be required to the garments hanging from the support member 24, may be removed entirely by detaching from the lower edge portion of the first portion 6. This may be desirable, for example, during a long stay in a hotel or the like, where repeated access to the garments will be required. The garments can also hang on the outside of the lower section 8 when the lower section is half or partially open. The second portion 8 is then reattached as required, for example to close the garment carrier for further travel.
Referring to Figure 3a there is shown a representation of a preferred embodiment of the hook member of a coat hanger, generally indicated as 102. The hook member 102 comprises a hook element 114 and a fitting member 106, both formed from a single length of wire. The fitting member 106 extends adjacent one end portion of the hook element. The fitting member 106 further comprises a loop 108, extending from the fitting member towards the end portion of the hook element.
Referring to Figures 3b and 3c there is shown a representation of two alternative designs of the arm members of a coat hanger generally indicated as 202. The arm members 202 comprise the arm elements 204a and 204b extending laterally from a central portion. A loop 206 is formed in the central portion. The arm members 202 are each formed from a single length of wire. The arm elements 202 of the arm member of Figure 3b each terminate in a hook portion 206, formed by the endmost portion of the arm element being folded back on itself. The hook portion 206 may be used to suspend garments as in a conventional coat hanger . The arm elements 202 of the arm member of Figure 3c have their ends connected by a cross- member 208, to form a substantially flattened triangular form.
Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a preferred embodiment of a coat hanger generally indicated as 302. The coat hanger 306 comprises a hook member 102, as shown in Figure 3a, and an arm member 202, as shown in Figure 3b. The hook member 102 and the arm member 202 are held together by a flexible member 304. The flexible member 304 is formed of a resilient, elastic material and comprises a first tubular portion 306 and a second tubular portion 308, arranged in parallel to one another. The first tubular portion 306 holds the hook member 102, by having the
fitting member 106 extend within the first tubular portion 306. The loop portion 108 of the hook member 102 forms an interference fit within the first tubular portion 306. The second tubular portion 308 holds the arm member 202, by having the central portion of the arm member 202 extending within the second tubular portion, such that the loop 206 forms an interference fit within the resilient tube. The flexible member 304 is arranged so as to hold the hook and arm members 102 and 202 in the form of a conventional coat hanger.
In use, the fitting member 106 and indentation 108 of the hook member 102 and the indentation 206 of the arm member 202 allows the arm member to form an interference fit with the flexible member 304, as noted. The coat hanger 302 may be folded about the flexible member 304, such that the hook member 102 overlies the arm member 202. In this way, the hanger may be folded with garments in a garment carrier, such as the one described hereinbefore, or the like, while occupying the minimum of space. When released, for example by unfolding or unrolling the garments suspended from the coat hanger, the resilient properties of the flexible member 304 and the weight of any clothes suspended from the coat hanger cause the hook member 102 to revert to the position shown in Figure 4.
Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a representation of the garment carrier of the embodiment of Figure 1 in use, the garment carrier generally indicated as 2. The garment carrier 2 of Figure 5 is substantially as hereinbefore described and shown in Figure 1. Hook 24 is shown to support clothes 38.
As noted above, the garment carrier comprises a second support member 24, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example. The support member 24 accepts and engages with the hook of a coat hanger. One embodiment of a support assembly to releasably hold the hooks of coat hangers is shown in Figure 6. The support assembly, generally indicated as 402, comprises a generally U-shaped first support member 404 having a portion 406 onto which the hook of a coat hanger is placed. A second support member 408, of a generally rectangular form and having a portion 410, is pivotably mounted in the open end of the first support member 404. As shown in Figure 6, the support assembly is in the open position, with the portion 410 of the second support member 408 lying outside the first support member 404. In the
closed position, the portion 410 of the second support member 408 overlies the portion 406 of the first support member 404 and traps a portion of the hook of a coat hanger therebetween and holds the hanger in place.
An alternative design of support assembly is shown in Figures 7a and 7b.
The support assembly, generally indicates as 502, comprises a generally L-shaped first support member 504 having a portion 506 onto which the hook of a coat hanger is placed. A second support member 508, of a generally elongate form, is pivotably mounted on the end of the portion 506 of the first support member 504. As shown in Figure 7a, the support assembly is in the open position, with the second support member 508 lying outside the first support member 504. In the closed position, the second support member 508 overlies the portion 506 of the first support member 504 and traps a portion of the hook of a coat hanger therebetween and holds the hanger in place. The first and second support members may be provided with magnets to hold the assembly in the closed position, as shown in Figure 7b.
A further alternative support assembly is shown in Figures 8a and 8b. The assembly, generally indicated as 602, comprises a generally ring-like first support member 604 having a bearing portion 606 on which the hook of a coat hanger may be engaged. The first support member has a hollow portion 608, within which is slideably mounted a second support member 610, moveable between an open position shown in Figure 8a and a closed position shown in Figure 8b. In the closed position, the second support member overlies the bearing portion 606 of the first support member and acts to retain and hold the hook of a coat hanger therebetween.
Finally, yet a further alternative support assembly is shown in Figures 11a and 11b. The assembly, generally indicated as 702, comprises a generally rectangular first support member 704 having a square bore 706 extending centrally therethrough. A slot 708 is formed in one side portion of the first support member extending from the bore 706 to the outer edge surface of the first support member. A second support member 710, in the form of a rectangular block, is slideably mounted in the slot 708, so as to be moveable between an open position, as shown in Figure 11a in which the bore 706 is open, and a closed position, as shown in Figure 11b, in which the second support member extends into and across the bore 706. The hooks
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of garment hangers may be passed through the bore in the first support member when in the open position. Once the hooks are in place, the second support member is moved to the closed position, trapping a portion of the hook between the second support member and the first support member. In this way, garments may be held securely, for example within a garment carrier as described above during transport and storage.
Claims
1. A garment carrier for carrying and storing garments and other like items, the garment carrier comprising: a flexible enclosure within which garments may be stored; a support assembly comprising: a first support for suspending the garment carrier from an external support; a second support disposed within the flexible enclosure for supporting garments within the enclosure; wherein the second support is directly attached to the first support by an attachment means extending through the flexible enclosure, the second support being unconnected to the flexible enclosure.
2. The garment carrier according to claim 1 , wherein the support assembly supports a lateral member that holds the flexible enclosure in shape.
3. The garment carrier according to claim 2, wherein the lateral member is rigid.
4. The garment carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the lateral member is free to move longitudinally along the attachment means between the first support inside the enclosure and the second support.
5. The garment carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means between the first support inside the enclosure and the second support is a cord.
6. The garment carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment means extends through an opening in the flexible enclosure, whereby the flexible enclosure may be moved longitudinally along the attachment means, thus altering the position of the second support within the enclosure.
7. The garment carrier according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible enclosure is sufficiently flexible to allow the enclosure to be rolled up for easy transportation.
8. A garment carrier for carrying garments and the like, the garment carrier comprising: a first portion comprising a support assembly having support means to support at least one garment; and a second portion for enclosing garments that are being supported by the first portion; whereby the second portion is removeably attached to the first support assembly.
9. The garment carrier according to claim 8, wherein the first portion comprises at least one compartment.
10. The garment carrier according to either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the first portion comprises a flexible outer member and further comprises a lateral member extending laterally to support the outer member.
11. The garment carrier according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second portion comprises a front portion and a back portion that are attached along their respective edges.
12. The garment carrier according to claim 11 , wherein the front and back portions are removeably attached along at least some of their respective edges.
13. The garment carrier according to claim 12, wherein the front and back portions are removeably attached using press studs and/or hook and loop fasteners.
14. A garment carrier according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the first and second enclosures are removeably attached using press studs and/or hook and loop fasteners and/or plastic clips.
15. A coat hanger comprising: a hook; an arm assembly extending laterally from the hook; and a flexible connection member engaging with each of the hook and the arm assembly, whereby the hook can be folded to overlay the arm assembly.
16. The coat hanger according to claim 15, wherein the flexible connection member is resilient and biases the hook into the unfolded position.
17. The coat hanger according to either of claims 15 or 16, wherein the flexible connection member comprises two tubular portions, the first tubular portion engaging with the hook element and the second tubular portion engages with the arm assembly.
18. The coat hanger according to claim 17, wherein each tubular portion forms an interference fit with the respective hook and arm assembly.
19. A coat hanger comprising: a hook; an arm assembly extending laterally from the hook; and a rigid connecting member with flexible connection to each of the hook and arm said connection member engaging with each of the hook and the arm assembly, whereby the hook can be folded to overlay the arm assembly
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0812691.4 | 2008-07-11 | ||
GB0812691A GB2461853A (en) | 2008-07-11 | 2008-07-11 | Garment hanger and carrier assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010004298A2 true WO2010004298A2 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
WO2010004298A3 WO2010004298A3 (en) | 2010-03-18 |
Family
ID=39722109
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2009/001726 WO2010004298A2 (en) | 2008-07-11 | 2009-07-10 | Garment hanger assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2461853A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010004298A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2770565A1 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2014-08-27 | Vito NV | Method of manufacturing gas diffusion electrodes |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2352102A (en) * | 1942-09-30 | 1944-06-20 | Warren Featherbone Co | Garment bag |
US2447132A (en) * | 1941-02-07 | 1948-08-17 | Meyer Siegfried | Hanger device for garments |
US3929224A (en) * | 1974-09-09 | 1975-12-30 | Jr Charles A Smith | Clothes-carrying assembly |
AU498398B2 (en) * | 1975-11-10 | 1979-03-08 | Fischer Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd. | Clothes hangers |
US4168791A (en) * | 1978-03-24 | 1979-09-25 | Tantera, Inc. | Folding hanger |
US5628398A (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1997-05-13 | Jackson; W. Shaun | Anthropomorphic travel system |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2293625A (en) * | 1940-02-05 | 1942-08-18 | Richards Boggs & King Inc | Garment bag |
US2755013A (en) * | 1952-06-11 | 1956-07-17 | Electrolux Corp | Fumigant-tight flexible containers |
US2935182A (en) * | 1959-02-09 | 1960-05-03 | Sarah L Cater | Garment bag |
US5143214A (en) * | 1991-12-09 | 1992-09-01 | Richards Homewares, Inc. | Hanging garment storage bag |
-
2008
- 2008-07-11 GB GB0812691A patent/GB2461853A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2009
- 2009-07-10 WO PCT/GB2009/001726 patent/WO2010004298A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2447132A (en) * | 1941-02-07 | 1948-08-17 | Meyer Siegfried | Hanger device for garments |
US2352102A (en) * | 1942-09-30 | 1944-06-20 | Warren Featherbone Co | Garment bag |
US3929224A (en) * | 1974-09-09 | 1975-12-30 | Jr Charles A Smith | Clothes-carrying assembly |
AU498398B2 (en) * | 1975-11-10 | 1979-03-08 | Fischer Engineering Co. Pty. Ltd. | Clothes hangers |
US4168791A (en) * | 1978-03-24 | 1979-09-25 | Tantera, Inc. | Folding hanger |
US5628398A (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1997-05-13 | Jackson; W. Shaun | Anthropomorphic travel system |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2770565A1 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2014-08-27 | Vito NV | Method of manufacturing gas diffusion electrodes |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010004298A3 (en) | 2010-03-18 |
GB2461853A (en) | 2010-01-20 |
GB0812691D0 (en) | 2008-08-20 |
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