Patent Application
20240237840
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The present invention relates to a device and method that keeps count of the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn.
Wearing and then subsequently cleaning articles of clothing is a common practice. Certain articles of clothing are cleaned after they have been worn one time (e.g., underwear, undershirts and socks); however, other articles of clothing may be cleaned after they have been worn numerous times (e.g., suits, dress shirts, jackets, blouses, dresses and pants). Hanging articles of clothing may fall into the category of articles of clothing that may be cleaned after they have been worn numerous times. If the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn are not counted then the hanging articles of clothing can be worn too many times and become dirty which can result in poor hygiene. Alternatively, hanging articles of clothing can also be worn too few times which can result in unnecessary expenses and resource use. Because of these issues, it is beneficial to keep count of the number of times certain hanging articles of clothing have been worn. This creates a clothing wear counting problem.
Despite the importance that society places on hygiene, regular methods are not always used to address this clothing wear counting problem. The methods that have been used to keep count of the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn include: (i) the use of memory; (ii) the use of senses (e.g., sight and smell); (iii) the use of log systems; and (iv) the use of other counting devices that attach to individual articles of clothing or their hangers. However, these methods do not easily solve the clothing wear counting problem in a practical way and include their own shortcomings.
Methods that rely on the use of memory are likely to be inconsistent because of the large number of hanging articles of clothing that wardrobes can contain and the sporadic manner in which cleaning can be conducted. The use of memory is made more difficult because of the long periods of time that can pass between when certain hanging articles of clothing are worn.
Methods that rely on the use of the sense of smell are likely to be inconsistent because scents can be difficult to detect in certain settings and may not reveal the cleanliness of the hanging articles of clothing. Methods that rely on the use of the sense of sight are likely to be inconsistent because the appearance of hanging articles of clothing may not reveal the cleanliness of the hanging articles of clothing.
Methods may also rely on the use of log systems to keep count of the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn. However, relying on log systems requires diligent effort in order to maintain the information which may not be desirable. Additionally, log systems do not display the number of times that hanging articles of clothing have been worn in a readily apparent manner.
Methods may also rely on the use of counting devices that attach to individual articles of clothing or their hangers. Examples of devices that attach to individual articles of clothing or their hangers include: Pub. Nos. US 2022/0253666A1 and US 2021/0358334A1; U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,601,037, 9,480,354, 9,380,902, 8,627,584, 8,069,595, 7,246,730, 6,330,969, 5,564,361, 5,499,466, 4,886,010, 3,124,284, 2,169,552, 1,381,881, D845,807 and D430,219. However, the devices that attach to individual articles of clothing or their hangers require the purchase of additional devices for each hanging article of clothing that is owned and subsequently purchased which can be burdensome to maintain.
Therefore, there is a need for a method or device that keeps count of the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn while addressing the issues discussed above. The present invention provides a unique solution for quickly and easily solving this clothing wear counting problem.
The present invention relates to a device and method that keeps count of the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn. Keeping count of the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn provides quantitative information that can be used to determine when to clean the hanging articles of clothing and provides an alternate method for the organization of hanging articles of clothing.
The device is comprised of: (i) a set of multiple dividers; (ii) the dividers featuring a hook-like shape configuration that enables the dividers to be placed on closet hanger poles where hanging articles of clothing are placed; and (iii) the dividers featuring sequential numbering. The device functions as the basis for a method where hanging articles of clothing are placed in positions partitioned by the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers that indicate the number of times the respective hanging articles of clothing have been worn.
To use the device, the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers are placed on a closet hanger pole where hanging articles of clothing are placed. The hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers are arranged in sequential order. The hanging articles of clothing are then selectively placed in certain positions partitioned by the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers.
The positions partitioned by the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers directly relate to the number of times the hanging articles of clothing have been worn as shown by the sequential numbering on the respective individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers. For example, before a hanging article of clothing has been worn, its partitioned position is located on the outside of the set of hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers before the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 1; after a hanging article of clothing has been worn one time, its partitioned position is located after the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 1; after a hanging article of clothing has been worn two times, its partitioned position is located after the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 2; after a hanging article of clothing has been worn three times, its partitioned position is located after the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 3; after a hanging article of clothing has been worn four times, its partitioned position is located after the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 4; after a hanging article of clothing has been worn five times, its partitioned position is located after the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 5; after a hanging article of clothing has been worn six or more times, its partitioned position is located on the outside of the set of hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers after the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 6.
Once hanging articles of clothing are placed in their respective positions partitioned by the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers, the method can be implemented and will keep count of the number of times the hanging articles of clothing have been worn.
In this method, after the hanging articles of clothing that were placed in the partitioned positions have been worn again, a decision is presented for the hanging articles of clothing to either: (i) be cleaned; or (ii) be selectively placed in new positions partitioned by the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers that indicate the number of times the respective hanging articles of clothing have been worn.
If hanging articles of clothing are cleaned then the method is repeated and the hanging articles of clothing are placed at the starting position partitioned for the hanging articles of clothing that have not been worn.
Alternatively, if hanging articles of clothing are selectively placed in new positions partitioned by the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers that indicates the number of times the respective hanging articles of clothing have been worn then they may be worn again at a later time. If the hanging articles of clothing are worn again at a later time, then the above discussed decision is presented again. As hanging articles of clothing have been worn an increasing number of times, the positions partitioned by the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers that indicate the number of times the respective hanging articles of clothing have been worn will similarly increase in number. As a result, the hanging articles of clothing will be placed in changing and increasing partitioned positions after each time they are worn until reaching the final position partitioned by the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers.
This method continues to keep count of the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn until they are cleaned, at which point, the method is repeated and the hanging articles of clothing are placed at the starting position partitioned for articles of clothing that have not been worn.
Since an unlimited number of hanging articles of clothing can be selectively placed in the partitioned positions, this method can keep count of the number of times an unlimited number of hanging articles of clothing have been worn simultaneously. As the method is circular, it can be repeated indefinitely.
The present invention solves numerous problems that exist with the currently available methods. The present invention is superior to relying on the use of memory and the use of senses because it provides quantitative information by utilizing a method that keeps count of the number of times hanging articles of clothing have been worn and is not dependent upon other qualitative variables. The present invention is superior to log systems because it does not require diligent effort in order to maintain the information and it displays the number of times that hanging articles of clothing have been worn in a readily apparent manner. The present invention is superior to counting devices that attach to individual articles of clothing or their hangers because the present invention does not require the purchase of additional items for each hanging article of clothing that is owned and subsequently purchased which can make it less burdensome to maintain. The present invention also provides an additional advantage over the currently available methods because it quickly and easily indicates the number of times an entire wardrobe of hanging articles of clothing have been worn.
The present invention can be made in a variety of ways. The present invention can be created using a variety of materials.
The following drawings have been provided to assist with the understanding of the claims set forth within the specification. These drawings contain descriptive numbers and letters that identify elements of the device, aspects of the method of using the device, and other relevant objects, and are repeated throughout the figures. These drawings are not intended to be limiting as the present invention may be embodied in various ways.
Referring to
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Position A is the position partitioned for hanging articles of clothing that have not been worn. Position A is located on the exterior of the sequentially arranged set of hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers before the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 1. If a hanging article of clothing has not been worn, it should be selectively placed in position A.
Position B is the position partitioned for hanging articles of clothing that have been worn one time. Position B is located between the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 1 and the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 2. If a hanging article of clothing has been worn one time, it should be selectively placed in position B.
Position C is the position partitioned for hanging articles of clothing that have been worn two times. Position C is located between the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 2 and the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 3. If a hanging article of clothing has been worn two times, it should be selectively placed in position C.
Position D is the position partitioned for hanging articles of clothing that have been worn three times. Position D is located between the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 3 and the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 4. If a hanging article of clothing has been worn three times, it should be selectively placed in position D.
Position E is the position partitioned for hanging articles of clothing that have been worn four times. Position E is located between the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 4 and the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 5. If a hanging article of clothing has been worn four times, it should be selectively placed in position E.
Position F is the position partitioned for hanging articles of clothing that have been worn five times. Position F is located between the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 5 and the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 6. If a hanging article of clothing has been worn five times, it should be selectively placed in position F.
Position G is the position partitioned for hanging articles of clothing that have been worn six or more times. Position G is located on the exterior of the set of hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers after the individual hanging numbered clothing wear counting divider sequentially numbered 6. If a hanging article of clothing has been worn six or more times, it should be selectively placed in position G.
Referring to
The present flowchart illustration shows the circular method that hanging articles of clothing undertake when using the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers. The method starts at the top left location at an activity rectangle stating “Position A” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position A. Position A, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 1: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A”. At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 1: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Position B” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position B. Position B, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 2: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A”. At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 2: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Position C” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position C. Position C, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 3: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A”. At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 3: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Position D” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position D. Position D, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 4: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A”. At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 4: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Position E” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position E. Position E, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 5: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A”. At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 5: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Position F” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position F. Position F, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A”. At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Position G” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position G. Position G, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A”. At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the previously discussed activity rectangle stating “Position G” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position G. The method will continuously direct back to position G, or the position partitioned by the highest sequentially numbered divider, until a “No” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?” When a “No” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A”. At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
Referring to
The present visual depiction of the flowchart illustration shows the circular method that hanging articles of clothing undertake when using the hanging numbered clothing wear counting dividers. The method starts at “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5) which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position A. Position A, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 1: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing will be cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5). At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 1: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to “Position B” on the closet hanger pole (5) which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position B. Position B, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 2: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing will be cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5). At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 2: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to “Position C” on the closet hanger pole (5) which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position C. Position C, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 3: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing will be cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5). At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 3: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to “Position D” on the closet hanger pole (5) which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position D. Position D, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 4: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing will be cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5). At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 4: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to “Position E” on the closet hanger pole (5) which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position E. Position E, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 5: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing will be cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5). At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 5: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to “Position F” on the closet hanger pole (5) which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position F. Position F, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing will be cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5). At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to “Position G” on the closet hanger pole (5) which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position G. Position G, relating to the position that was established by
If a “No” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing will be cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5). At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
If a “Yes” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the previously discussed activity rectangle stating “Position G” which denotes the hanging article of clothing should be selectively placed in position G. The method will continuously direct back to position G, or the position partitioned by the highest sequentially numbered divider, until a “No” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?” When a “No” response is given to “Question 6: Wear again?”, the method then depicts an arrow which leads to an activity rectangle stating “Clean” which denotes that the hanging article of clothing is cleaned. Once the hanging article of clothing is cleaned, the method then depicts an arrow which leads back to the activity rectangle stating “Position A” on the left side of the illustration of the closet hanger pole (5). At this point, a cycle within the method has been completed and the method can be restarted and repeated indefinitely.
Referring to
