Aroma Hanger

Abstract

A clothing hanger is disclosed with at least one integral convenient, refillable scented material compartment with a control mechanism to regulate the amount of scent emanating from the clothing hanger, including a pair of shoulders to support clothing connected to a hook extending upwardly from a hanger neck to opposing distal ends, so that the clothing hanger can be hooked over a closet rod or the like. At least one storage compartment is integral with the neck and shoulders of the clothing hanger for containing scented materials. A cartridge housing is integral with the storage compartment, and the cartridge housing is designed to receive a snap-in scented material cartridge. The user will determine which scent is desired, and then will fill the cartridge with the appropriate scent, snap the filled cartridge into the storage compartment and the cartridge housing, hang up the clothing on the hanger, and enjoy the scent when they remove the clothing from the hanger.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS WEB)

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to clothes hangers, and particularly relates to an aroma clothes hanger.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventional clothes hangers have been used for centuries to organize articles of clothing and to keep the clothing from becoming wrinkled and disheveled. However, very few innovations have been promoted to solve the problem of dissuading insects from eating one's clothes. Typically, one would hang a sack of mothballs around the neck of the hanger to repel moths and other clothing eating insects. Clothing has become so expensive, that one is always dismayed when you remove an expensive wool coat from your closet, only to find moth holes in a conspicuous place on the front lapel, rendering the coat unwearable. Further, taking a sweater from your closet is equally upsetting when there are holes in the sweater from bugs. In that regard, prior attempts have also included hanging sachets not only from the neck or hanging bar of a clothes hanger, but within the closet itself to scent the entire closet.

One of the problems with the prior art devices is that there has not been any control over the level of scenting. Sometimes the scenting is too strong, or the naphthalene smell of mothballs is so strong that it not only is repelling to bugs, it is also repugnant to the person wearing the clothing. Besides, there is also the possibility of staining the clothes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new and novel clothes hanger with at least one storage compartment for an aroma configuration that will provide properly measured scented components, without any possibility of damaging the clothes that are hanging on the aroma clothes hanger.

In accordance with the present invention, the clothing hanger includes a pair of shoulders to support clothing, and is connected to a hook extending upwardly from a hanger neck adapted for hooking over a closet rod or the like. The pair of shoulders extend to opposing distal ends.

The at least one storage compartment is formed into and is integral with the clothing hanger for containing scented materials, and at least one storage compartment includes a control mechanism to control the amount of scent being exposed. A cartridge housing is formed integral with the storage compartment, and the cartridge housing receives a scented material cartridge that can be filled with various scented materials. Extending horizontally between the distal ends of the pair of shoulders is an arm extending therebetween.

Other aspects of the clothing hanger may also include arm hooks extending below the pair of shoulders for the purpose of hanging other accessories, such as belts, ties, or other accessories needed to fill out an outfit. Also envisioned by the present inventor is at least one accessory storage compartment for organizing accessories including such things as a cuff link or a ring, or any other accessory such as ear rings, lapel pins or the like.

In order to control the amount of scent being released, a control mechanism controls the amount of scent being exposed by including an adhesive tape which may be peeled back to expose more or fewer aroma release holes in order to control the intensity of the scent being released. Certain aspects of the control mechanism may also include a cartridge cover including three compartments having respective hinged doors having aroma release holes therein, such that if one wishes to fill each of the compartments with a different scented material, they can select which of the scents he or she wishes to release from individual compartments by either opening or closing its respective hinged door.

For advertising purposes, a neck plate may be applied to the front and/or rear face of the hanger neck, so that the neck plate is usable for identification, advertising, personalization or identification of the owner of the clothing if engraved and personalized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete and full understanding of the aspects and nature of the present invention will become apparent upon considering the following detailed description, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of an aroma hanger made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aroma hanger detailing the aroma component container;

FIG. 3. is a bottom perspective exploded view illustrating the relative placement of the scented component container into its cartridge housing;

FIG. 4 shows the scented cartridge in proper placement within the cartridge housing;

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the aroma hanger showing the non-slip shoulder grip portion;

FIG. 6 is an unassembled aroma hanger showing the cartridge and scented aroma beads outside of the hanger;

FIG. 7 illustrates how to fill the cartridge with scented beads;

FIG. 8 illustrates the accessory storage compartments made in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9A shows one aspect of a cartridge for scented constituents with scent releasing holes and having multiple doors attached by a living hinge to control the amount of scent;

FIG. 9B is yet another aspect for scent control including a peel-off tape portion; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various novel aspects of the present invention.

ELEMENT LIST
10. Aroma Hanger
12. Hanging bar
14. Hook
16. Accessory storage compartment
17. Neck front
18. Arm
19. Neck
20. Arm holder
22. Shoulder grip
24. Shoulder
26. Arm hook
28. Bead cartridge
30. Bead cartridge cover
32. Cartridge housing
34. Neck back
36. (Left blank)
38. Neck Plate
40. Aroma bead pack
41. (Left blank)
42. Aroma beads
44. Hand
46. Cufflink
48. Ring
50. Cartridge Hook
52. Cartridge Hook Slot
54. Aroma Release Hole
55. Living Hinge
56. Hinged door

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 shows an aroma hanger in its environment on a closet rod which is disclosed and is generally denoted by numeral 10. Aroma hanger 10 comprises a pair of shoulders to support clothing and a hook extending upwardly from a hanger neck for hooking over a closet rod or the like. Closet rod or hanging bar 12 supports hook 14 thereon connected to hanger neck 19 having optional accessory storage compartments 16 thereon. Aroma hanger 10 includes shoulders 24 that emanate downwardly from neck 19 for supporting clothing, and shoulders 24 are shown as having thereon optional shoulder grips 22 to prevent slippage of clothing off the hanger. Extending horizontally between the distal ends of shoulders 24 is an arm 18, which extends between arm holders 20. Optional arm hooks 26 may extend below arm holders 20 for hanging other accessories, such as belts, ties, or other accessories needed to fill out an outfit. This is the structure generally of the first aspect of the invention and includes cartridge housing 32 adapted for receiving a cartridge for containing scented materials. Cartridge housing 32 will be described more fully hereinbelow.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the aroma hanger of FIG. 1 including hook 14, neck 19 and cartridge housing 32. In this aspect of the invention, cartridge 28 has a cartridge cover 30 for storing scented components (not shown). Optional accessory storage compartment 16 is on top of neck 19. Again, shoulders 24 emanate radially from neck 19 and may preferably include a non-slip material for shoulder grip 22. Arm 18 extends between arm holders 20 and may include arm hooks 26 for holding ties and/or belts etc.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of FIG. 2, using like element numbers, and illustrates how cartridge 28 is directed towards fitting up into cartridge housing 32.

FIG. 4 also illustrates a perspective of our aroma hanger, again using like element numbers, showing cartridge 28 in proper position inside neck 19. Once installed, the scented materials contained therein will release the odor, as intensely as determined by the owner, and the effects of the chosen scents will be realized.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another aspect of the present invention wherein a neck plate 38 may be applied to the front and/or rear face of the neck and may be usable for identification, advertising, personalization or identification of the owner of the clothing if engraved and personalized. Any other uses as advertising for the seller or for a serial number, or for any other suitable purpose are also envisioned. Typically, neck plate 38 will be located and adhered to neck front 17. Consequently, when hook 14 is hooked onto a closet rod or the like, a purchaser of clothing or a coat from a seller can look at the neck plate and any necessary information may be identified easily for identification or advertising purposes.

FIG. 6 shows an aroma hanger in accordance with the present invention with a single compartment cartridge 28 lying next to it on a table. Again, neck plate 38 is shown on neck front 17. In this aspect, an aroma bead pack 40 is preferably used within cartridge 28. The aroma beads are commercially available from candle suppliers, and the aroma beads slowly dissolve in the air and release their scent for weeks and/or months. When cartridge cover 30 is lifted up, the aroma beads in aroma bead pack 40 can be used to fill up cartridge 28. As one can imagine, more than one compartment could be made into the cartridge for holding different scented components for specific purposes, such as bug repellent, cedar chips, or the aroma beads from aroma bead pack 40. Suitable scented components will be selected by the user depending on what result that user desires.

It is envisioned by the present inventor that one or more compartments can be fillable inside cartridge 28. For example, depending on the location of the hanger, moths may be a problem when they chew holes into a wool garment, or other identified insects will eat cotton. Or, the owner might like their favorite particular signature scent to be employed in one of the compartments so that not only does the owner put on his favorite cologne or scent, his clothes will smell that way as well. Some swaddling material or sponge-like cotton could be sprayed with the favorite cologne and placed into the cartridge. Furthermore, cedar chips or the like may be placed into the cartridge in order to repel insects that can damage the garment. If the hanger owner is not concerned with bug deterrents, he or she can use scented beads to complement their cologne such that when their clothes are removed from the hanger, their favorite scent could furthermore be soaked into some unscented beads, whereby the personalized scent can waft its way through the fabric to compliment that person's cologne.

FIG. 7 shows an owner's hand 44 filling cartridge 28 with scented beads 40 after cartridge cover 30 has been removed. Once cartridge cover 30 is replaced back onto cartridge 28, the scented beads 40 will allow their scent to be released. In the event that a user wishes to provide both bug deterrents as well as scented beads to release their aroma into the clothes hung thereon, a multiple compartment cartridge may be employed. The user may fill cartridge 28 with any type of scented materials that he or she might desire. It may also be possible for liquid scents to be applied to a cotton or other spongy material, and thereafter the scented material placed into the cartridge before installing the cartridge into the neck of the hanger.

FIG. 8 shows yet another aspect of the present invention including at least one accessory storage compartment 16 for organizing accessories 46 including such things as a cuff link 46 or a ring 48, or any other accessory such as ear rings, lapel pins or the like. Compartments 16 can hold any small item that one might want to keep together with a particular outfit so that when the hanger is removed from the closet not only will the clothes come out, but the matching accessories also come out with the clothing to complete an outfit. These types of organizational features are popular for business people to get dressed in order to be able to select an outfit on a hanger, and everything will be right there for getting dressed.

FIG. 9A illustrates yet another aspect of cartridge 28 with a cartridge cover 30 including three compartments having aroma release holes 54 therein. If one wishes to fill all three compartments with the same scented materials, it will be advantageous to form a sealing hinged door 56 operable by a living hinge 55 formed during the manufacturing process. If, on the other hand, each of the compartments is filled with a different scented material the owner can select which of the scents he or she wishes to release from individual compartments by either opening or closing its respective hinged door 56. Cartridge 28 may also include aroma release holes 54 on the bottom of cartridge 28.

FIG. 9B shows yet another aspect of the present invention including an adhesive tape 58 which may be peeled back to expose more or fewer aroma release holes 54 in order to control the intensity of the scent being released. As disclosed above with reference to FIG. 9A, multiple compartments may be considered, thereby necessitating individual aroma release hole tape sections 58, rather than one single piece of tape.

FIG. 10 illustrates a final aspect of the present invention, wherein cartridge 28 may include cartridge hooks 50 under cartridge cover 30. Cartridge hooks 50 are adapted for being received within cartridge hook slots 52 in cartridge housing 32. Alternatively, cartridges 28 may also be inserted into a cavity within shoulder 24 underneath the optional shoulder grips 22. Like-wise, such a cartridge for insertion under shoulders 24 may have multiple scented components compartments.

It is envisioned by the present inventors that any desirable type or configuration of scented materials can be clipped into place within the body of aroma hanger 10. When the scent material cartridges 28 are clipped into place, the clothing hanging thereon is shielded from any leakage from the scented materials.

Suitable scented materials may be purchased for different purposes, such as desirable perfume-like scented infused beads for favorably scenting the clothing being hung thereon. Depending upon the environment of the user, it may prove to be advantageous to supply scented materials including cedar scented materials to ward off moths, naphthalene for bug deterrent, moisture absorbing materials such as calcium carbonate or the like, or any other material needed to obtain the desired result. Of course, it is also envisioned that custom scented materials may be utilized to match someone's favorite cologne or perfume. For example, a gentleman may like to wear Ralph Lauren's Polo Red cologne, and if he used scented beads that were soaked in an eau de toilette of Polo Red, this would give a light airy scent to the clothing. That means the scent on the person and the scent on the clothing would not clash, but would rather complement each other.

In addition, odor neutralizers, such as baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, or other odor neutralizers may be included to remove body odors from clothing. Further envisioned is the use of suitable anti-mold agents for clothing storage and basements or other mold prone areas.

The foregoing description of a preferred aspect of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings with regards to the specific aspects. The various aspects were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various aspects and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A clothing hanger, comprising: a pair of shoulders to support clothing connected to a hook extending upwardly from a hanger neck to opposing distal ends, said clothing hanger being adapted for hooking over a closet rod or the like;at least one storage compartment integral with the clothing hanger for containing scented materials, said at least one storage compartment including a control mechanism to control the amount of scent being exposed;a cartridge housing integral with the storage compartment, wherein said cartridge housing is adapted for receiving a scented material cartridge; andextending horizontally between the distal ends of the pair of shoulders is an arm extending therebetween.

2. The clothing hanger of claim 1, further comprising arm hooks extending below the arm holders for the purpose of hanging other accessories, such as belts, ties, or other accessories needed to fill out an outfit.

3. The clothing hanger of claim 1, further comprising at least one accessory storage compartment for organizing accessories including such things as a cuff link or a ring, or any other accessory such as ear rings, lapel pins or the like.

4. The clothing hanger of claim 1, wherein said control mechanism to control the amount of scent being exposed is accomplished by including an adhesive tape which may be peeled back to expose more or fewer aroma release holes in order to control the intensity of the scent being released.

5. The clothing hanger of claim 1, further comprising a cartridge cover including three compartments having respective hinged doors having aroma release holes therein, such that if one wishes to fill each of the compartments with a different scented material, the owner can select which of the scents he or she wishes to release from individual compartments by either opening or closing its respective hinged door.

6. The clothing hanger of claim 1, further comprising a neck plate applied to the front and/or rear face of the hanger neck, wherein said neck plate is usable for identification, advertising, personalization or identification of the owner of the clothing if engraved and personalized.