Case for personal wear

This is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/GB96/03143 filed Dec. 19, 1996.

This invention relates to a case for personal wear and associated devices.

An object of the invention is to provide cases/luggage and associated items in which items of clothing can be packaged in a folded condition in relatively small space, suited for example to baggage space requirements in an aeroplane cabin, without unduly creasing the clothing. The invention may also be used as a low cost packaging system for example in the packaging of new items of clothing for use in retail outlets or in the transportation of items of clothing for use by the ‘mail order’ companies. Other possible uses of the present invention include a space-efficient means of storing clothing without it becoming unduly creased, so that the items of clothing may be unpacked with minimal creases, ready to wear.

According to a broad first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame for folding clothing thereon, the frame having one or more members thereto, which members define curved transitions for smoothing folding therearound. The members extend across the frame substantially parallel to one another. Preferably the members have at least one separator there between that are arranged substantially perpendicularly to the members. Most preferably the frame is of a generally rectangular configuration comprising two opposing members that define the curved transitions for smooth folding of clothing therearound and two opposing separators that extend between and connect the members.

The curved members have, in general terms, sufficient radius of curvature to reduce the formation of creases in clothes folded around them. The optimal radius of curvature depends upon the nature of clothing in terms of weight, fabric etc but preferably the radius is within the range 0.5-3 cm.

Most preferably the separators are substantially rigid in order to keep the curved members at a substantially fixed distance apart. In certain circumstances, it may be desirable for the distance between the curved members to be adjustable. This is most conveniently provided by a frame having separators of adjustable length. The advantage of such a frame is that in use, on folding clothing around the frame and securing such clothing to the frame, the length of separators may then be increased so increasing the distance between the curved members which has the effect of tightening the clothing folded onto the frame thus reducing the formation of creases and reducing any preformed creases in the clothing.

The length of separators may be adjustable by means of a ratchet system and/or the separators may be telescopic rods which may be extended or retracted as required.

In such an adjustable frame it is preferable for at least one curved member to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis to facilitate the stretching of the clothing on the frame. But, in order to also facilitate initial folding of clothing over the rotatable curved member(s), most preferably the curved member(s) are rotatable on a friction bearing, so that more force than simply the weight of the clothing is required to rotate the curved member(s). It is also preferred to provide the curved members with a substantially non-slip outer surface.

Most conveniently, in use, the item(s) of clothing are releasably retained in position on the frame by at least one holding device. The holding device preferably comprises an enclosure for the frame, but may comprise instead, or in addition, securing means such as clips or the like for releasably attaching the clothing directly onto the frame. The enclosure most preferably comprises a cover composed of flexible material such as fabric which may be packed in luggage, or comprises a case, which is preferably dimensioned to fall within the size restrictions generally imposed by air-lines to enable the case to be used as air-line carry-on luggage.

Any suitable securing means may be used, but conveniently the clothing is releasably attachable directly to the frame by means of at least one clip or the like. Preferably the securing means is mountable onto the frame and conveniently the securing means are slidably mounted on the frame. It is particularly preferred for at least one curved member to have at least one clip associated therewith for this purpose. Most preferably, the clip(s) are slidably mounted onto at least one curved member for attaching to the ends of clothes folded onto the frame. The clips are particularly useful for securing trousers onto the frame.

For clothes having a neck aperture such as shirts, jackets, dresses etc the securing means may comprise a hanger of suitable dimensions to fit inside the neck of the clothing for supporting the clothing. The hanger is connectable to the frame by any suitable connecting means such as adjustable and/or elasticated cords, loops etc associated with the hanger.

The curved member may also have a sheet of flexible material attached thereto. In use, the item of clothing may be retained onto the frame by means of the clip(s) and/or the sheet of material may then be wrapped around the frame loaded with clothing. Preferably the material is wrapped tightly and secured in the wrapped configuration by means of releasable securing means such as hooks, press-studs, fasteners, VELCRO RTM or the like.

It will be appreciated that the sheet of material need not be attached to the frame, but may simply be provided as a separate enclosure for the frame.

In this manner the item of clothing is secured in place on the frame and held under tension which reduces any creases already in the clothing prior to its folding around the frame and reduces the formation of any further creases by the folding. A compact package is accordingly provided which is easy to store and/or transport, in any orientation but which avoids creasing of the clothing.

With regard to retention of the item(s) of clothing in the frame, in certain circumstances there is preferably provided a transverse bar extending across one end of the frame which is releasably connectable to the main frame. The bar conveniently comprises two substantially parallel elements hinged at one end and closable at the other between which elements clothing may be clamped in use.

Items of clothing such as jackets, dresses etc, which are wider than the width of the frame may be folded onto the frame of the present invention by folding the clothing so that it is of a width that fits onto the frame prior to folding the clothing around the frame. In order to reduce the formation of creases at those additional folds, particularly at the points where the clothing is folded over the curved members, most preferably at least one flexible cord is provided which in use is placed along those folds, The flexible cord(s) has a curved outer surface for smooth folding therearound. Preferably the flexible cord(s) has temporary attachment means secured at one or both ends thereof for releasably attaching the cord to the frame.

A frame of smaller dimensions may be provided for the folding of smaller items of clothing such as neck-ties, scarves or the like. As with the frame hereinbefore described, the ties/scarves etc would most preferably be held in position on the frame by securing means and/or an enclosure such as a box, pouch, case, wrap of flexible material etc.

It may be desirable to secure a series of frames together in a linear array for example for suspending a set of frames in a vertical array in a wardrobe as a space-saving measure. For this purpose, suitable means to enable the frames to be linked together are provided. Conveniently the curved members and/or separators have apertures therein or hooks, loops attached thereto through which a cord or the like may be threaded between adjacent frames to link them together.

Clothing is folded onto the frame of the present invention in the following manner. The item of clothing is folded over one member which defines a curved transition such that that member is located along that fold, subsequently the so folded clothing is folded anain over a second member such that that second member is located along that subsequent fold. The so folded clothing is then retained on the frame in the folded condition.

Where the item(s) of clothing to be folded onto the frame is of a size that extends beyond the width of the frame, the method of folding includes the additional steps of folding the clothing to a size within the width of the frame and locating a flexible cord along the or each additional fold, prior to folding the clothing onto the frame as described above.

Clothes that are folded on a frame, secured thereto and/or packaged within an enclosure, in accordance with the present invention advantageously are easily packed and they may be stored in relatively small spaces without unduly creasing the clothing and may be carried, stored etc in any orientation. Space-efficient packing and storing is becoming increasingly important in crowded travel and urban environments. A particular beneficial use of the present invention is as compact luggage, especially for airline carry-on luggage, where size restrictions are generally imposed. Further uses include efficient stacking of clothing on shelves or in drawers instead of by hanging in a wardrobe. Furthermore the present invention advantageously allows packaged clothing to be handled in a modular fashion.

The frame may be provided in various dimensions suitable for use in folding various types of clothing for example western-style clothing such as trousers, jackets, skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses and (middle) eastern style clothing such as Arabic dress, Japanese yukata etc. A smaller scale frame is particularly suitable for use for folding neck ties, scarves or the like.

It will be appreciated that more than one item of clothing may be folded onto a single frame.

The curved transition(s) may be of a smoothly curved nature or may be approximate to a smooth curve for example by being made up of multiple angled faces.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a case for storing an item of personal wear, said case comprising an elongate support, means for releasably retaining the item of personal wear on said support, at least one hinge construction extending across the support whereby the support can be folded on itself, together with the retained said item, about such hinge construction, such hinge construction being arranged to bend or pivot to define a curved transition between the adjacent parts of the support, and means for releasably retaining the support folded on itself as aforesaid.

With this arrangement, the folding support provides a convenient case for storing an item of personal wear, in folded condition, and the curved configuration of the (or each) hinge construction minimises or avoids creasing at the (or each) fold. It is therefore possible to fold an item of personal wear, into a relatively small package without this resulting in unsightly creases.

This invention may be used for storing any suitable item of personal wear. Moreover, it is to be understood that the case may be used for single items or multiple items, in the latter case the items being stored side-by-side and/or one on top of another.

With regard to the elongate support, this may take any suitable form and may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably it is of the nature of a sheet or strip and is formed from a suitable stiff or semi stiff material particularly a plastics material such as polypropylene although other materials such as card may also be used.

The hinge construction may be separate from the material of the support but attached thereto whereby the said parts of the support are formed separately and are linked by the hinge construction. Alternatively, the said parts of the support and the hinge construction may be formed integrally in one piece.

The curved configuration of the hinge construction may be of a smoothly curved nature or it may approximate to a smooth curve in that it is made up by multiple angled faces.

The hinge construction may be defined by a flexible strip which conveniently may be formed from a stiff or semi-stiff strip to which requisite flexibility is imparted by multiple side-by-side score lines or other lines of weakness, such arrangement facilitating bending in a curved (or approximate curved) manner.

There may be two or more hinge constructions dividing the support into three or more parts. In a particularly preferred embodiment there are two hinge constructions dividing the support into three substantially equal length parts, this being particularly convenient for folding a tie.

With regard to the retention of the item on the support, preferably there is provided a transverse bar across one end of the support whereby the item can be folded or looped around this bar. Conveniently, the bar may be fixed at the end of the support with a gap being provided in the support alongside the bar whereby the item can be passed through the gap and then around the bar.

Alternatively or additionally there may be provided one or more straps or other fixing devices for releasably attaching the item to the body of the support.

With regard to the retention of the support in folded condition, this may comprise linking structures releasably connectable between parts of the support using any suitable kind of attachment means such as VELCRO (RTM), zips, press studs.

Most preferably, one or more side flaps are provided which wrap around the folded support and releasably attach thereto to act as a cover as well as retaining the support in folded configuration.

Thus, there may be two flaps, one on each side edge of the support and which fold respectively onto the top and bottom sides of the folded support to provide opposite covers therefore. These flaps may have end tabs which fold over the respective ends of the folded support. Other constructions are also possible including for example an extended side flap which will wrap over both sides of the folded support.

Alternatively or additionally, the folded support may fit within a bag or sleeve.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a carrying case for a folded jacket comprising an elongate closable bag with a suspension support for the jacket at one end, and a folding frame having one or more hinges thereto which hinges define curved transitions for smooth folding therearound.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a jacket folding support comprising a suspension device, two retaining projections extendable alongside each other and connected to the suspension device for supporting the shoulders of the jacket with the jacket folded centrally to bring said shoulders next to each other, and a retaining device for retaining the jacket on the said projections.

This jacket folding support has many beneficial uses as it reduces the space normally occupied by a hanging jacket. A particularly advantageous application is the attachment of the support to the side of a chair for example in an aeroplane, conference room etc. The retaining device and retaining projections may be provided as separate devices that are connectable together. In this form, the jacket folding support has particular application in hotels, aeroplanes, ocean liners etc where the retaining device may be securely attached to a static object such as wardrobe, seat etc.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a trouser folding device comprising a suspension device and connected thereto a folding frame having one or more members thereon which define curved transitions for smooth folding therearound. Preferably this fits within a closable bag.

The folding frame of the trouser folding device may be incorporated as part of the folding frame of the carrying case according to the first aspect of the present invention to provide a carrying case for a folded jacket and trousers.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible sheet of material having temporary securing means integral therewith, the material being wrappable and closable around a frame for folding clothing thereon, the frame having one or more members thereto, which members define curved transitions for smoothing folding therearound.

A suitably shaped piece of material is preferably secured onto the upper and/or lower extensions of the vertical spacer bars/legs of a trouser folding frame, for example by the use of appropriately located eyelets in the material through which the extensions/legs may protrude. The material is then wrapped around the clothing and frame until the edges of the material meet where they may be secured together using VELCRO (RTM), a hook and eye system, press-studs or other temporary securing means, to provide a tightly wrapped, closed package.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a clamping device comprising openable jaw members having a fixed member there between against which each jaw member may clamp at least one item of clothing in use.

Most preferably two openable jaw members are provided which are biased in the closed position by a resilient tension member such as a spring clip as in conventional “butterfly” clips. However, in contrast with known clips in the present invention a fixed member is provided that acts as a partition between the jaw members whereby items may be separately clamped on either side of the fixed member, between the fixed member and a jaw member.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a flexible cord for use in folding clothing having a curved outer surface for smooth folding therearound. Preferably the outer surface is composed of a flexible resilient material. Advantageously, the cord is flexible laterally but not under tension.

The cord preferably has temporary attachment means such as hook(s), clip(s), stud(s) etc. secured at one or both ends thereof.

The cord preferably comprises a central core composed of rope-like material surrounded by an outer substantially non-compressible sponge-like material. The cord may be provided in a variety of diameters according to its purpose. Most preferably the diameter is greater than approximately 1 cm. The cord may be composed of woven threads, rubber or plastics material.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of luggage comprising one or more of the other aspects of the present invention to provide a means for packaging clothing in a minimal space whilst avoiding creasing of the clothing along its folds.

Conveniently the item of luggage is provided with a suspension attachment device fixed to a side wall thereof, to which the various folding devices of the present invention may be secured.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a case for storing multiple shirts comprising two interconnected storage parts, each part adapted to store one or more folded shirts, each part incorporating transverse stiffening to resist crushing of the shirt, each part being at least partially open on one side, and the two parts being movable to a closed position at which the parts overlie each other to close the said open sides thereof.

Preferably the transverse stiffening is arranged to resist crushing of the shirt in both the vertical and horizontal axes.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of luggage comprising in detachable combination some or all of the items of the above aspects of the present invention.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of luggage, preferably although not necessarily according to the ninth aspect, incorporating a weight measuring device with an indicator thereto.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1

shows a diagrammatical representation of a face side plan view of an unfolded carrying case for a folded jacket in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2

shows a diagrammatical representation of a rear side plan view of the carrying case shown in

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 3

shows a diagrammatical representation of the stages of folding the carrying case of

FIGS. 1 and 2

;

FIG.

3

(

a

) shows an unfolded face-side plan view;

FIG.

3

(

b

) shows an unfolded rear-side plan view;

FIG.

3

(

c

) shows a first folded face-side plan view;

FIG.

3

(

d

) shows a first folded rear-side plan view;

FIG.

3

(

e

) shows a fully folded face-side plan view;

FIG.

3

(

f

) shows a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of the carrying case of FIG.

3

(

e

);

FIG. 4

shows a perspective view of a jacket folding support in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5

shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a jacket folding support;

FIG. 6

shows a perspective view of alternative embodiments of the retaining device and retainer stop device of FIGS.

4

/

5

;

FIG. 7

shows a diagrammatical representation of a further alternative embodiment of a jacket folding support;

FIG. 8

shows a diagrammatical representation of the support of

FIG. 4

in use;

FIG. 9

shows a diagrammatical representation of the support of

FIG. 7

used in conjunction with the carrying case of

FIGS. 1-3

;

FIG. 10

shows a diagrammatical representation of a further alternative embodiment of a jacket folding support;

FIG. 11

shows an alternative configuration of the aperture of the retainer of the embodiment of the jacket folding support shown in

FIG. 10

;

FIG. 12

shows an alternative embodiment of the jacket retainer of the jacket folding support shown in

FIG. 11

;

FIG. 13

shows a further alternative embodiment of a jacket retainer;

FIG. 14

shows a further alternative embodiment of a jacket folding support;

FIG. 15

shows yet a further alternative embodiment of jacket folding support;

FIG. 16

shows use of the jacket folding in an aircraft;

FIG. 17

shows a diagrammatical representation of a two-part jacket folding support;

FIG. 18

shows an alternative embodiment of the two-part jacket folding support of

FIG. 12

;

FIG. 19

shows a still further embodiment of a two-part jacket folding support;

FIG. 20

shows a diagrammatical representation of a trouser folding device in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 21

shows a diagrammatical representation of the stages of folding a pair of trousers using the device of

FIG. 20

;

FIG. 22

shows an alternative embodiment of trouser folding device;

FIG. 23

shows a still further alternative embodiment of trouser folding device;

FIG. 24

shows a still further embodiment of trouser folding device;

FIG.

25

(

a

) shows a perspective view of a still further alternative embodiment of a trouser folding device;

FIGS.

25

(

b

)(

c

) show a diagrammatical representation of a folding frame in accordance with the present invention having a dress secured thereto;

FIG. 26

shows a diagrammatical representation of a trouser folding device enclosed within a fabric cover;

FIG. 27

shows an alternative embodiment of an enclosure for a trouser folding device;

FIG. 28

shows a clamp device in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 29

shows a flexible cord in transverse section in accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 30

shows a diagrammatical representation of the flexible cord of

FIG. 29

in use in combination with a jacket folding support;

FIG. 31

shows a diagrammatical representation of the arrangement of

FIG. 30

as used for folding a jacket;

FIG. 32

shows an item of luggage in accordance with the ninth aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 33

shows a clamp for use in conjunction with an item of luggage as shown in

FIG. 32

;

FIG. 34

shows a diagrammatical representation of the perspective view of a case for storing multiple shirts in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention, in an (a) empty, open configuration, (b) filled, open configuration and (c) closed configuration;

FIG. 35

shows a diagrammatical representation of a perspective view of an item of luggage in accordance with the ninth aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 36

is a plan view of one form of a tie case according to the second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 37

is a side perspective view showing the tie case in partially closed condition;

FIG. 38

is a sectional view of one end of the tie case; and

FIGS. 39-41

are diagrammatic perspective views of an alternative embodiment in different stages of folding.

With reference to

FIG. 1

, a carrying case

2

is shown which is composed of a fabric cover

4

in which the jacket

6

is placed. The cover can be composed of any suitable material such as plastics, paper or metallic foils. The carrying case

2

is shaped to contain a jacket

6

having the shoulders

8

of the jacket

6

folded back on themselves resulting in the jacket being folded vertically in half. As shown in

FIG. 2

, once inside the carrying case

2

the whole can be folded in a manner defined by folding frames

10

which assist folding at the appropriate points and provide support to the folded jacket.

The carrying case

2

operates as shown in FIG.

3

. FIGS.

3

(

a

) and (b) show the carrying case

2

fully zipped from both sides and illustrates there are two folding frames

10

, one for each side. These two frames

10

are offset and joined at a rolling hinge

12

(or other device providing a curved surface) which prevents creasing of the jacket where folding occurs. The folding frame

10

on each side together with its intervening rolling hinge

12

forms a fixed shape for the enclosed jacket to be folded round without sharp angles, so reducing the likelihood of creasing. The frames on each side are offset, which creates a Z shape when it is fully folded as illustrated in FIG.

3

(

f

).

In an alternative embodiment the carrying case may include a single folding frame split by a single rolling hinge which may be simply folded once. Whilst such a folded package may be longer than if it were multiply folded, it is flatter which may be desirable in certain circumstances.

As can be seen in

FIG. 3

these folding frames

10

are of rectangular shape and are composed of a thin but rigid material, which may be for example, plastics, metal or wood. They are attached in the middle by a rolling hinge

12

of creased polypropylene sheeting or similar plastics or other closely connected pieces of light, yet rigid material such as wood, metal connected by sewn or glued material sheeting. The distance between the creases and the stiffness of the joining material, whether the thinner polypropylene or the glued material sheeting, determines the effective radius of curvature of the rolling hinge. For example the creases of the rolling hinge should be further apart in a jacket folding frame than for a shirt folding frame as described for example in International Application No. PCT/GB 94/00880.

A window

14

of a transparent or semi-transparent plastics material is provided in the fabric cover

4

of carrying case

2

allowing the enclosed jacket to be visible whilst the carrying case is closed.

It will accordingly be appreciated that a carrying case in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention enables jackets to be packed in a manner whereby the width of the pack is around half as wide as previous methods of packing jackets and the sleeves hang vertically so reducing creases on the sleeves when folding.

For full practicality a hanger is required that can hang a jacket in the before mentioned vertical fashion. The hanger described herein provides an important aid for this now form of packing jackets. Not only is it a packing aid but it allows one to hang a coat or a jacket in a much smaller cupboard/wardrobe space than before. This in turn allows new more compact wardrobes to be built for smaller rooms, for new aircraft, for ships and public places where space for wardrobes is at a premium. Alternatively when fully folded, loaded carrying cases

2

may be stacked in a cupboard, obviating the need for a hanger.

As can be seen in

FIG. 4

, a jacket folding hanger support

16

(hereinafter referred to as a hanger

16

) consists of a rigid frame having two arms

20

for supporting the shoulders of a jacket. Arms

20

extend from two rods

21

. Spacer elements

22

are fitted between the rods

21

to hold the arms

20

at a fixed distance apart. A third arm

24

extends perpendicularly from the rods

21

. This provides both the suspension point at the centre of gravity of the jacket on the frame and provides a means on which the jacket retaining device

30

may be mounted. A folding hook

26

used for hanging is pivotally attached by means of a hinge

27

located at the centre of gravity on a bar

28

extending across the space

38

between the frame defining the arm

24

. A jacket retaining device

30

is pivotally attached to and suspending from arm

24

. The retaining device

30

is of circular cross section. However, alternative shaped retaining devices may be used, but these should preferably have a curved surface where the device touches the jacket in order to prevent a crease forming.

A retainer stop device

34

extends from the arm

24

and is positioned such that the lower part of the retaining device

30

may pivot upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow

36

but is prevented from pivoting in the opposite direction beyond its vertical axis. The space

38

permits pivotal movement of the retainer

30

.

FIG. 5

shows an alternative embodiment of the jacket holding support described above.

An alternative retainer

30

and retainer stop device

34

is shown in FIG.

6

. In the embodiment shown in FIG.

6

(

a

) the retainer

30

is supported on the arm

24

and stop device

34

by transverse rods

31

and

35

. The rods

31

are free to slide along arm

24

as indicated by arrow

33

. The lower part of the retainer device

30

may pivot upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow

36

as before. Three upstanding pairs of stops

37

are positioned on the frame of the retainer stop device

34

. FIG.

6

(

b

) shows an embodiment where the retainer

30

is secured to the hanger by hinge

420

. In use, the retainer is pivoted backwards to enable a jacket to be drawn into position and subsequently the retainer is pivoted forwards and locked into position by latch

430

.

In the embodiment of the hanger

16

shown in FIG.

6

(

a

) the arms

20

and

24

are hinged to a rigid L-shaped body

40

. A foldable hook

42

is pivotally attached to the body

40

. With this arrangement, the arm

24

may be folded downwardly as indicated by arrow

44

, arms

20

may be folded outwardly as indicated by arrow

46

and hook

42

may be folded upwardly, so forming a conventional hanger as shown in FIG.

6

(

b

). Alternatively the arms

20

and

24

and hook

42

may be folded so as to form the jacket folding hanger support

16

as shown in FIG.

6

(

c

).

With reference to

FIG. 7

, in use the shoulders

8

of the jacket

6

are folded back on themselves and the jacket

6

is slid onto the hanger

16

such that each arm

20

(only one of which is shown) protrudes into and supports each shoulder

8

of the jacket. As the jacket is drawn onto the frame, the collar region

9

of the jacket

6

abuts the retainer

30

causing it to pivot upwardly and away from the jacket, thus allowing the jacket to be drawn completely onto the hanger past the retainer

30

. Once the collar region

9

has passed the retainer

30

, the retainer

30

returns to its original vertical position and since it is prevented from pivoting beyond it vertical axis in the opposing direction by the retainer stop

34

, the jacket

6

is held in position on hanger

16

and is prevented from backwardly slipping off the arms

20

. If the embodiment of retainer

30

and retainer stop

34

employed is that shown in

FIG. 5

, then as the jacket is drawn onto the frame, the collar region of the jacket abuts the retainer

30

causing it to pivot upwardly and away from the jacket in the same manner allowing the jacket to be drawn completely onto the hanger past the retainer

30

as before. However whilst the rods

35

are clear above the upstanding stops

37

the retainer

30

may be slid along arm

24

towards the jacket collar so that the jacket may be pushed fully onto the hanger. Once at the desired position the lower part of the retainer

30

may pivot back and be held in position by abutment of the rods

35

against the appropriate pair of stops

37

. By providing a series of stops

37

the retainer may be located at a series of positions along arm

24

.

Although not shown in

FIG. 7

it is most preferable for the rear surface

46

of the retainer

30

to be rounded to reduce creasing of the jacket. Furthermore it is preferable that the front surface

48

is also rounded to prevent the retainer

30

from snagging the jacket as the jacket is drawn onto the frame.

FIG. 8

shows the support of

FIG. 4

in use,

The jacket folding support hanger

16

may be used in conjunction with the carrying case

2

in the manner illustrated in FIG.

9

. The carrying case

2

is provided with a rigid bar

50

secured across the top part of the fabric cover of the carrying case

2

. A support member

51

is located at the centre of the bar onto which the hook

26

of the hanger may be secured.

A further alternative embodiment of such a jacket folding support is shown by way of example only in FIG.

10

. In this embodiment the jacket retaining device

30

has slot

104

through it which is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the retaining device. As may be seen in the Figure, the slot preferably diverges at its lower end forming a circular aperture

106

. The retainer

30

is secured to the frame

108

of the jacket folding support by means of at least one fixed guide pin

110

that passes through the slot

104

. The function of these guide pins in the position shown in

FIG. 10

is to restrict the travel of the jacket retainer to the direction defined by the line between the two pine and to prevent the jacket retainer from pivoting so preventing the jacket from slipping off the arms of the hanger in use. Accordingly the pins may be replaced by a bar with a rectangular cross section. It is preferable that there is not too much play between the guide pin(s) and the slot otherwise in use the jacket may force the retainer backwards to such an angle that it may slip free of the arms. The slot preferably passes fully through the jacket retainer as shown in

FIG. 10

, providing a secure arrangement for use and manufacture. Alternatively a groove formed in the surface of the retainer may be provided on opposing sides of the retainer into which shorter guide pin(s) located on opposing surfaces of the frame

8

protrude. A plurality of guide pins of any suitable size and cross-section to fit through the slot or into the grooves may be used. In the embodiment shown in

FIG. 10

the retainer

30

suspends from two guide pins

110

of circular cross-section that pass through the slot

104

. In this manner the retainer is unable to pivot from the substantially vertical position shown in FIG.

1

.

Preferably the retainer

2

has a detachable base portion

112

which advantageously has a rounded surface. The rounded surface avoids snagging of the material of the jacket in use. In certain circumstances it might be desirable to provide an additional slot (not shown) that extends from the aperture

106

to the base portion so that on removal of the base portion the retainer may be drawn off the guide pins

110

and thus completely removed from the frame.

By the arrangement shown in

FIG. 10

, in use the retainer

30

may be raised relatively to the guide pins

110

until the guide pins

110

are located within the aperture

106

of the slot. The aperture

106

is dimensioned such that retainer is pivotable around the guide pins when the guide pins

110

are located in the aperture

106

. The retainer

30

in this particular embodiment may be pivoted around the fixed guide pins

110

located within the aperture

106

until the retainer lies substantially horizontally. With the retainer in this position the jacket (not shown) may be been drawn into position on the frame as described earlier, the retainer

30

may then be rotated back to the substantially vertical position and lowered relatively to the guide pins

110

until it is returned to the position as shown in FIG.

10

. In this manner the collar region of the jacket is now folded around the retainer

30

and the jacket is thus held in position on the frame and the shoulders of the jacket are prevented from backwardly slipping off the arms

14

.

It will be appreciated that the aperture

106

may be of any suitable shape which accommodates the guide pin(s) and permits pivotal movement of the retainer

30

around the guide pins

110

. As shown in

FIG. 10

, the aperture

106

of the slot may pass through the retainer and may be circular in cross-section. An alternative cross-section is shown diagrammatically in

FIG. 11

which only permits clockwise rotation from the vertical position of the retainer

3

about guide pins

110

as indicated by arrows

105

. It will be appreciated that the aperture may be replaced by indentations formed in opposing surfaces of the retainer suitably dimensioned to accommodate guide/pins located on opposing surfaces of the frame.

A further alternative embodiment of jacket retainer is shown in FIG.

12

. In this embodiment the guide pin

110

is configured as a bar having a substantially rectangular cross-section and the aperture

106

of the slot is configured to provide a shoulder

111

which allows the retainer to rest upon the guide pin

110

on slight pivotal movement clockwise of the retainer about the guide pin

210

when located in the aperture.

A further alternative embodiment of retainer is shown in FIG.

13

. In this embodiment the retainer is provided as a half-cylinder having guide rails

113

instead of a slot through which the guide pin(s)

110

pass.

In a simplified embodiment, the retainer may be provided with a longitudinal slot through which passes a single guide pin. The retainer may then simply be raised or lowered relatively to the guide pin as required for drawing the jacket onto the frame and holding the jacket in position on the frame respectively.

Any suitable suspension device may be secured to the frame of the jacket support for hanging purposes. In the preferred embodiment shown in

FIG. 10

a cantilevered hook

116

extends from the frame. A cantilevered arm

1

18

as shown in

FIG. 14

may alternatively be used which is adapted to engage with a cooperating channelled support device (not shown) from which the jacket folding support may suspend. The engagement of the arm

118

and channel is preferably effected by engagement of a spring-loaded ball-bearing with a circular recess. In the embodiment shown in

FIG. 14

the ball-bearing

122

is located on the arm

118

and the circular recess is located in the channel, but it will be appreciated that the positioning of the ball-bearing and recess could be reversed.

With reference to

FIG. 15

, optionally a lateral support frame

124

may be secured to or be integrally formed with the main frame

108

to provide additional strengthening of the main frame

108

. The frame

124

may be advantageously formed into a handle to assist in guiding the arms

20

into the shoulders of the jacket in use.

FIG. 16

illustrates by way of example only a possible use of the jacket folding support in an air craft for passengers' use.

Alternatively a small stand for the jacket folding support could be provided, which could also be used in an office for example.

In certain circumstances it may be preferable for the jacket folding support to comprise a combination of two separable parts, wherein one part comprises a suspension device and two retaining projections and the second part comprises a retaining device for retaining the jacket on the projections. Most preferably the second part additionally comprises a suspension support for engaging the first part.

Preferably the retaining device and the suspension support (if present) of the second part of the jacket folding support are mounted/mountable on a frame suitable for use in conjunction with a carrying case for example of the type disclosed earlier.

The accompanying

FIG. 17

shows, by way of example only, an embodiment of a two-part jacket folding support. As can be seen from

FIG. 17

the first part consists of a substantially rigid jacket frame

119

having two arms

20

for supporting the shoulders of a jacket, and a third arm

122

which acts as a suspension device for the jacket folding support.

FIG. 17

shows the second part which consists of a supporting bracket

121

having two staggered elongate strips of rigid material

123

,

125

from which a suspension support

129

and jacket retainer

30

depend respectively.

FIG. 17

shows the combined use of those two parts of the jacket folding support. Using leverage and gravity, in use the suspension support

129

prevents the jacket frame

119

from slipping off the bracket

121

whilst the jacket retainer

30

prevents the jacket (not shown) from slipping off the jacket frame. The support bracket may be conveniently fitted within a carrying case. This jacket frame and bracket may also be used, for example, as a packaging system built into the side of a seat in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, for use by a passenger.

FIG. 18

shows, by way of example only, an alternative embodiment of a two part jacket folding support. As may be seen from

FIG. 9

the first part consists of a substantially rigid jacket frame having two arms

20

for supporting the shoulders of a jacket. A cantilevered arm

132

extends from the frame which acts as a suspension device for the jacket folding support. A spring-loaded ball-bearing

133

is mounted at one end of the arm

132

.

FIG.

18

(

b

) shows the second part of the jacket folding support which consists of a flanged body

134

defining an elongate channel

136

dimensioned to receive arm

132

of the first part. The channel

136

has a circular recess formed in it (not shown) positioned to receive the ball bearing

133

of arm

132

. A jacket retainer

30

of circular cross section depends from the body

134

. Such a flanged body defining an elongate channel (but without a jacket retainer depending therefrom) would be suitable for use with the above mentioned unitary jacket folding support with a cantilevered arm as shown by way of example only in FIG.

5

.

Most preferably the flanges

137

of the channel have apertures (not shown) therethrough to accommodate screws to enable the second part to be secured for example to a case support

139

which may be secured at the top of a carrying case. The jacket support frame and case support may be composed of any suitable material such as wood, plastics or metal.

FIG.

18

(

c

) shows the manner in which the two separable parts shown in FIGS.

18

(

a

) and

18

(

b

) fit together in use. Arm

132

fits within channel

136

and is retained in position by the engagement of the ballbearing

133

into the circular recess (not shown) of channel

136

. As described earlier, the positions of the ball-bearing and circular recess could be reversed. It will be appreciated that any suitable engaging means could be alternatively employed.

FIG. 19

shows, by way of example only, a still further embodiment of a two part jacket folding support. As can be seen from FIG.

19

(

a

) the first part consists of a substantially rigid jacket frame having two hinged arms

20

for supporting the shoulders of a jacket that are hinged to a support section

135

. The arms are thus able to be positioned in the open position shown in FIG.

19

(

a

) to form a conventional hanger or folded together along hinges

121

as shown in FIG.

19

(

c

) to form a jacket folding support hanger according to the present invention.

Conveniently the frame may be made by cutting out the appropriate shape from a plastics sheet (e.g. polypropylene sheet) and creasing the sheet to form hinges

121

. In the embodiment shown, upper

140

and lower

141

substantially rigid loops are secured to the frame. A conventional folding hook

142

is secured to the upper loop

140

. The hook acts as the suspension device when the arms of the frame are positioned as shown in FIG.

19

(a) to provide a conventional hanger. The hook

142

is preferably pivotally attached to the loop

140

by means of a hinge so that when the frame is to be used as a jacket folding support device, the hook

142

may be folded substantially flat against the support section

135

of the frame. Optionally, slidable latches

143

or the like may be provided which when slid across the hinges

121

of the frame ensure the arms

120

remain in the open position when required to provide a conventional hanger.

FIG.

19

(

b

) shows the second part of the jacket folding support which consists of a jacket retainer

144

which depends from a support bar/hook device

150

. The support bar is substantially L-shaped orientated such that one limb

151

is substantially horizontal and the other limb

152

extends downwardly substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the retainer. The retainer

144

depends from limb

151

and limb

152

is formed into a support hook

153

at its lower end. Most preferably limb

151

has at least one aperture therethrough for accommodating screw(s) to enable the second part to be secured, for example, in a carrying case such as the type disclosed earlier.

The retainer may alternatively depend from a separate bar (not shown) above a support bar/hook device

150

which device may be slidably supported on rails beneath that separate bar. In this manner the support bar/hook device may be slidable away from and towards the retainer as required to facilitate engagement with the jacket frame in use.

FIG.

19

(

c

) shows the manner in which the two separable parts shown in FIG.

19

(

a

) and

19

(

b

) fit together in use. The jacket frame is supported by the support hook

153

by passing the limb

152

through the upper

140

and lower

141

loops, the lower loop resting on the support hook. The support hook may alternatively be configured so that it curves inwardly towards the jacket frame in use. The lower loop would then not be required as the base of the support section

135

of the frame could be supported on the support hook instead.

The embodiment shown in

FIG. 19

provides a jacket frame where the arms

20

may be flexed when in the closed position shown in FIG.

19

(

c

) such that they may be as close as can be allowed by the thickness of the jacket being folded onto the jacket folding support in use. This enables a jacket to be packaged in an extremely thin space without creasing. This jacket frame may also be used as a conventional hanger and thus advantageously has a dual function.

FIG. 20

shows a trouser folding device

52

which consists of, a rectangular frame

54

of rigid material having two crossbars

56

and

58

of circular cross section integral therewith. The circular cross-sectional cross bars

56

,

58

allow trousers to be folded on the frame

54

without creases in the trousers forming where they are folded. Alternatively a rounded surface may be provided for example by fitting rollers of circular cross section over the cross bars or by fitting a curved plastics moulding onto the surfaces of cross bars with which the trousers are in contact. The radius of curvature of the rounded surface should be of a sufficient size to prevent creases forming in the trousers, for example a larger radius of curvature is generally required for more readily creasable fabrics than for more crease resistant fabrics. With reference to

FIG. 21

, in use trousers

60

are hung in the usual manner over the lower bar

58

such that they are halved as in normal trouser hanging systems (

FIG. 21

a

). The frame

54

is then rotated 180° such that the bar

58

that the trousers were hung over moves to the top (FIG.

21

(

b

)). The frame

54

continues its rotation through a further 180° (FIG.

21

(

c

)) by which point the trousers are folded into a quarter of their normal length with the waist-band and base of the trousers hanging together at the base of the device

52

. They may be held on the frame

54

by clips

62

attached to the lower cross-bar

58

, that grip both ends of the trousers.

The trouser device

52

may incorporate a system that removes creases, by means of two ratchets

64

on each vertical spacer rod

66

of the frame

54

, such that once the trousers

60

are placed on the frame

54

, as described above with the ends secured to the frame

54

in the clips

62

, then the horizontal cross-bars

56

,

58

may be drawn apart until the tension of the trousers stretched over the frame no longer permits the cross-bars to be drawn further apart. Rollers provided on the cross-bare mentioned above will assist this action to proceed smoothly. By this means creases in the trousers may be reduced in severity, an important aid to travellers.

FIG. 22

shows by way of example only an alternative embodiment of trouser folding device comprising a folding frame having one or more members thereon which define curved transitions for smooth folding there around. With reference to FIG.

22

(

a

) the folding frame comprises a rectangular frame

155

consisting of two cross bars

156

and

157

of circular cross-section, as described earlier, and two vertical spacer bars

158

and

159

which extend beyond the periphery of those sides of the rectangle defined by the two cross bars

156

and

157

. FIG.

22

(

b

) illustrates the folding frame having an item of clothing half folded on the frame, The frame is not restricted to use for folding trousers, it may be used for folding all types of clothing. To facilitate hanging, preferably a suspender bar

160

having a hanging hook

161

or the like mounted thereon is secured to and extends between the vertical spacer bars

158

and

159

as shown by way of example only in FIG.

23

. Conveniently, so as not to hinder the folding of trousers onto the frame, the suspender bar is composed of two parts

162

and

163

which may be hooked together to form a complete bar after a pair of trousers has been loaded onto the frame.

In order to allow a jacket additionally to be laid over such a folding device after the trousers have been loaded thereon, as described earlier, the folding frame preferably has legs extending therefrom. Most preferably the lower legs

164

are of a length which allows the jacket to hang above the feet

165

as shown by way of example only in the accompanying FIG.

24

. Loops

166

may be provided on the upper legs

167

to allow a conventional hanger to be threaded therethrough. Alternatively the upper legs may be connected together by a suspender bar having a hanging hook or the like mounted thereon as described above. The bar may be made up of two or more engageable parts as described earlier. Depending on the clothing to be folded onto the frame, the lower legs may be absent or of a relatively short length enabling tighter packaging to be achieved.

With reference to FIG.

25

(

a

) a frame of larger dimensions is shown whereby the trousers

60

are folded into a third of their length by threading the trousers through the frame in a Z manner as shown. This requires two sets of clips

62

,

63

for each end of the trousers if it is required to tension them to remove creases. It is also possible to attach clips along the creases of the trousers to reinforce these creases during storage or travel.

To adapt to trousers of different lengths it is possible alternatively or additionally to attach the trouser clips to the cross-bar via elastic to produce the required tension.

The device may be hung vertically in a cupboard via a foldable hook

64

suspended from the ends of the upper cross-bar or, wrapped securely round its frame and stored in its cover, may be stacked in a cupboard as with the jacket hereinbefore described and providing similar storage advantages.

Once folded into the frame

54

the trousers may be held in place by enclosing the whole in a fabric cover

68

as shown in FIG.

11

. The device accordingly allows trousers to be stored in a smaller space either by hanging or stacking.

With reference to FIG.

25

(

b

), items of clothing having a neck aperture such as a dress, shirt, Arabic dress etc may be secured to the frame using a strut or rod

440

which fits inside the neck aperture, supporting the shoulders of the clothing. The strut

440

is secured to the frame by means of elasticated/adjustable straps

450

. This has particular application for folding of laundered shirts. FIG.

25

(

c

) shows a sleeveless dress folded onto a folding frame of the present invention, which is secured thereto by means of supporting a strut

440

and connecting straps

450

.

The above described embodiments of folding frame provided, for example, a simple means of packaging trousers or a suit for a retail outlet which also protects the clothing from creasing (for example when being carried home by the purchaser in the retailer's plastic bag). A retailer's bag would preferably be designed to fit tightly around the suit and frame so movement thereof is minimized.

A suitably shaped piece of material is preferably secured onto the upper and/or lower extensions of the vertical spacer bars/legs of a trouser folding frame, for example by the use of appropriately located eyelets in the material through which the extensions/legs may protrude.

FIG. 27

shows in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention and by way of example only, a shaped piece of material

164

having four holes

171

,

172

therein for looping the material onto the legs/extensions of a trouser folding frame. Strips of VELCRO (RTM)

174

are located at the periphery of the material for securing the meeting edges of material after the material has been wrapped around the clothing and frame. A window

173

of transparent plastics material is provided so that the clothing is visible after wrapping.

The material may also be attached by clamps to one end of the trousers/suit loaded onto the folding frame. This prevents the clothing falling off the frame and creasing, should the wrapped package be inverted during travel or storage. Furthermore, the use of clamps advantageously places tension on the clothing which assists in the removal or prevention of unwanted creases.

Referring to FIG.

27

(

a

) such clamps

176

may be mounted onto a bar

178

attached to an edge of the material using elasticated straps

170

.

The mode of operation of the material in combination with clamps for wrapping around a loaded trouser frame will now be described by way of example only with reference to the FIGS.

22

and

27

(

a

).

In use, the clamps

176

are attached, for example, to the bottoms and/or top of a pair of trousers folded onto the trouser frame

155

. The elastic straps

170

are stretched around the lower cross bar

157

and the lower eyelets

171

are hooked over the upper extensions

168

of the trouser frame. At this point the trousers are firmly secured onto the frame and accordingly no further material is required in a minimal embodiment of the invention.

However, most preferably further material having a further two upper eyelets

172

is provided as shown in FIG.

27

(

a

). In such an embodiment the two upper eyelets

172

are then hooked over the extensions

177

at the lower end of the trouser frame. The material is thus wrapped around the clothing and frame forming a snugly fitting package which may be retained closed using VELCRO (RTM) attachments.

FIG.

27

(

b

) and (

c

) show an alternative embodiment of the flexible wrapping material particularly suited as an enclosure for trousers folded onto the folding frame. Clips

500

are provided for securing to one end of the trousers and elasticated straps

502

are provided at the opposing end for securing to the frame. VELCRO RTM strips

503

for securing the wrap to itself are also provided.

FIG.

27

(

d

) and (

e

) show a flexible wrap particularly secured for enclosing a jacket. The wrap preferably has stiffened edges

506

into which a hook, loop, clip

507

or the like is mounted to which the flexible cord

508

is attached. With reference to FIG.

27

(

e

) in use a jacket

509

is laid onto the wrap

510

in a folded condition, with the cord

508

located along the fold of the jacket. The jacket is hooked into place on the hook/clip

507

. With reference to FIG.

27

(

f

) a folding frame

511

loaded with a pair of trousers/shirt etc

512

is placed over the jacket

509

so that the wrap

510

can be wrapped around the frame so enclosing in a tight compact package both the jacket and trousers.

A clamp according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is illustrated by way of example only in accompanying FIG.

28

.

FIG. 28

(

a

) shows a perspective view of the clamp and

FIG. 28

(

b

) shows a vertical section through the clamp along lines A—A indicated in FIG.

29

(

a

). The clamp consists of three panels

180

,

181

,

182

held together by a strong spring clip

186

. The clip may be composed of any suitable material such as a resilient plastics or a metal such as steel. The central panel

181

is configured so that it is substantially flat but defines a tubular channel

183

through which a bar

184

runs along which the clamp may slide so that the position of the clamp on the bar is adjustable. The outer two “butterfly” panels

180

and

182

are configured and positioned so that they may pivot around the tubular channel

183

. The clip

186

normally holds the upper parts

187

,

188

of the outer panels

180

and

182

closed against the upper part of the central panel

181

. To open the clamp the lower parts

189

and

190

of the outer panels are squeezed together which causes the upper parts to open out from the central panel creating two gaps on either side of the central panel into which two separate items (such as clothing) may be placed. Release of the lower parts of the outer panels causes the upper parts to close so clamping the two items against either side of the central panel.

Preferably when using the clamp for clamping clothing, the clamping surfaces of the panels are at least partially covered with a sponge-like material

185

to enhance the grip of the clamp on the clothing material.

Alternatively the grip of the clamps may be enhanced by providing raised ridges moulded into the clamping surfaces of the panels running at right angles to the direction of the grip. This is particularly convenient where the panels are composed of plastics.

FIG. 29

shows by way of example only a transverse section of a cord according to the present invention. The central core

194

composed of a rope-like material is surrounded by an outer section

195

of sponge-like material that provides a curved outer surface for smooth folding of clothing therearound in use.

Such a flexible cord has many applications and has particular use in combination with the other aspects of the present invention.

For example with reference to

FIG. 30

the cord may be used in combination with a jacket folding support. As shown in this Figure, by way of example only, the cord

191

is attached at one end to the base of the retainer

192

via a hook arrangement

193

. The cord is placed inside the jacket to lie along the line where the jacket is folded back on itself as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG.

31

. In this manner the cord assists in avoiding creasing at the point of folding.

It will be appreciated that the flexible cord has a wide variety of uses in luggage, wardrobes, drawers etc. to prevent creasing of all types of clothes at the point of folding. For example in a framed or solid-sided case or trunk the cord may be hooked between hooks provided on opposing walls of the case/trunk over which clothes may be folded. The flexible cord may advantageously be secured to the upper legs of a trouser folding frame, for example of the type shown in

FIG. 13

, after the trousers have been loaded thereon over which a jacket may then be folded.

FIG. 32

shows by way of example only such an item of luggage for packaging a suit in a minimum space and illustrates the method of folding the suit. With reference to FIG.

32

(

a

), the case

220

is provided with a flexible cord

222

which is attached with a hook

224

to a loop

226

that is slidably engaged in a track

228

secured to a side wall

230

of the case. A suspension hook

231

is provided that is also slidable engaged in the track

228

. A fixed hook and/or loop may be of course provided instead. However, the sliding track allows the hook(s)/loop(s) to be placed in the optimal position for a particular jacket or the like. The hook

224

, loop

226

and track

228

arrangement may of course be secured to another side wall of the case instead. In particular, it would also be convenient for that arrangement to be secured to the flap of the case. With reference to FIG.

32

(

b

) a jacket

232

is folded shoulder to shoulder and placed on a jacket support device (not visible) as earlier described and suspended from the suspension hook

230

provided in the case. The flexible cord

222

is drawn taut down the central fold of the jacket.

With reference to FIG.

32

(

c

) trousers

240

loaded onto a trouser folding frame as earlier described are placed on the lid

241

of the case. The lower part

242

of the jacket may then be folded over the trouser folding frame as shown in FIG.

32

(

d

) and then folded over again into the main body

243

of the case whereby the jacket and trousers are folded around the trouser frame in a tight package.

As an alternative to using a jacket folding support the hanging loop that is generally provided in suit jackets may be used to hang the jacket on the suspension hook provided in the case.

A further alternative would be to provide a clamp as shown by way of example in

FIG. 33

in place of or suspended from the hook. This clamp would preferably be provided with panels having rounded clamping surfaces

250

to grip the top of the collar of the jacket. The rounded surface would help to avoid creases forming in the collar. Most preferably the clamping surfaces are ribbed or covered with a sponge-like material to enhance their grip.

The above described method of folding may also be used to pack a suit in a slim light fabric case with the jacket supported from a support member such as a hook provided at one edge of such a case. The support member would most preferably be secured to a rigid support frame/bar provided across one side of the otherwise flexible, fabric case. Such a case can be conveniently placed in a brief case or other small case, being particularly convenient for use as hand luggage for air travel.

The case

70

shown in

FIG. 34

holds

4

shirts, each folded on a shirt-frame (not shown) for example as described International Patent Application No. PCT/GB 94/00880 each with it's own collar-case (not shown) for example as also described in that International Application having vertically rigid sides around 70% of it's circumference which allows them to be squeezed into smaller collar sizes while still giving protection against crushing. Ties, socks, underpants and other accessories may be stored between the two halves of the folded shirt-frames and in the collar-cases. The shirts

72

are arranged four square all facing in the same direction. They are retained in the case prior to closing either by straps or flaps (not shown) such that when one side is folded over the other, the upper set of two shirts loaded on their frames with collar-cases are not able to fall out. The shirts are arranged such that when folded over the two sets of collars are on the inside and at opposite ends of the case to use the least possible space.

A variation of this case is where one of the shirts has a separate case which may be utilised independently or left to be replaced by a shoe-bag.

The shirt case may be constructed as a separate section integral with a main case or may be detachably engaged with a main case.

An item of luggage

76

is shown in

FIG. 35

which consists of a combination of a suit and wash bag section

78

, holding a jacket carrying case and trouser folding device as hereinbefore described, and a shirt case section

70

as hereinbefore described. These two sections may be temporarily engaged with each other by means of zips, clips or the like or else may be permanently engaged by stitching, gluing or the like.

In order to be sure to meet travel weight restrictions means of measuring the weight of a case or at the very least of ensuring that the weight is at or below the permitted weight for a given form of transport is provided by the sixth aspect of the present invention.

In the most preferable embodiment the weight measuring device would comprise an electronic system where the weight on the handle is determined by strain gauges between the handle and case, driven by electricity with the weight being displayed by a liquid crystal display. In an alternative embodiment the weight of a case may be measured against a calibrated spring system as with normal scales or by a spring system calibrated to show red in a panel when the weight on the handle exceeds the permitted weight. This is proposed to overcome the weight restrictions on hand baggage that may be carried onto a plane, currently, 6kgs.

Alternatively the weight measuring device may function when resting on the ground with the weight of the case applied from above to the sensor rather than from underneath.

In a still further embodiment the weight measuring device may be built into a carrying strap that has hooks at either end to attach to any case.

The present invention accordingly provides a means of packing multiple shirts, jackets, trousers and skirts etc in a completely new manner using new folding frames in order to pack these items into a much smaller space than possible with present luggage while ensuring minimal creases. It also allows for a means of determining if the weight falls within levels allowed on commercial transport systems.

The invention may be presented as an integral item of luggage or as a series of modular packs all fitting inside outer cases.

The tie case of

FIGS. 36-38

is formed from a sheet of semi stiff polypropylene defining (in one piece) an elongate support strip

301

and two side flaps

302

,

303

with respective end tabs

304

,

305

.

The support strip

301

is rectangular and is divided into three rectangular equal-length parts

306

,

307

,

308

by means of two transverse hinge constructions

309

,

310

. The hinge constructions

309

,

310

comprise strips of the polypropylene sheet to which flexibility and a curved-bending property in imparted by means of multiple side-by-side, parallel lines of weakness or score lines (with or without a reduction in thickness).

One of the flaps

302

is hinged to one side edge of the middle part

307

of the support strip

301

. The other flap

303

is hinged to the opposite side edge of one of the end parts

306

of the support strip

301

. These hinges are defined by lines of weakness of the polypropylene sheeting.

The flaps

302

,

303

are of rectangular form of substantially the same dimensions as the parts

306

,

307

,

308

of the support strip

301

.

The end tabs

304

,

305

are rectangular portions hinged (by lines of weakness) to the flaps

302

,

303

. The two tabs

304

,

305

face in the same direction i.e. towards the end part

308

of the strip

301

.

The tabs

304

,

305

have press studs

311

,

312

thereon and at the opposite ends of the other sides of the flaps there are cooperable press stud parts

313

,

314

.

The free end region of the end part

308

, as shown in

FIGS. 36 and 38

, has an elongate transverse cut out

315

therein, and the end part

318

terminates in a captive circular cross-section rod

316

held in a formed loop of the strip material.

In use, a tie

317

is threaded through the cut out

315

and looped around the captive rod

316

so that the tie

317

lies over and along the support

311

folded in half about the captive rod

316

.

The support

301

can then be folded, with the tie

317

, about the hinges

309

,

310

into a compact package, as shown in FIG.

39

. The hinges

309

,

310

when folded define curved transitions about which the tie

317

is folded and this avoids the formation of creases.

The captive rod

316

holds the tie in position and also minimises crease formation.

As indicated in

FIG. 38

, there may be elasticated loops or straps

318

,

319

which hold the tie

317

to the support

301

.

When folded, the flaps

302

,

303

are wrapped around the opposite sides of the support

301

, and the tabs

304

,

305

are folded over and fixed in position by engagement of the studs

311

,

312

with the stud parts

313

,

314

, so as to define an enclosed case containing the folded tie

317

. The material used for the support

301

and flaps

302

,

303

may be transparent, or an opening

320

may be provided in one or both of the flaps

302

,

303

to permit inspection of the tie in the enclosed case.

With the modification of

FIGS. 39-41

, there is a foldable support strip

321

with two hinge constructions

322

,

323

, like the strip of

FIGS. 36-38

. Instead of two separate side flaps

302

,

303

there is one, double with side flap

324

which can wrap around the folded strip

321

and which has end tabs

325

,

326

which are folded over and held in position with studs.

The flap

324

is detachable from the support strip e.g. by means of a zip or other fastener along the line

327

. Instead of (or additional to) the flap

324

there may be a zipup wallet or other construction into which the folded strip can be inserted.

As shown in

FIGS. 39-41

, there may be an additional rod

328

spaced from the end rod

329

, with a gap

330

there between to receive the tie (like the cut out

315

of FIGS.

36

-

38

).

This rod

328

gives smooth reinforcement to the inward edge of the gap

330

.

There may also be a further rod

331

at the hinge joint

323

to prevent the strip

321

from collapsing (and creasing the tie) at this joint.

The second rod

328

may define a hinge joint as shown in

FIG. 41

to permit an extra fold thereby permitting reduction in the length of the folded package.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only.

Number	Name	Date	Kind
673197	Collins	Apr 1901	A
721749	Sander	Mar 1903	A
1666622	Hess	Apr 1928	A
1962798	West	Jun 1934	A
4364495	Walker	Dec 1982	A
4525909	Newman	Jul 1985	A

Case for personal wear

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Original Assignees

Examiners

Agents

CPC

US Classifications

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US

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)

PCT Information

US Referenced Citations (6)