Patent Application
20140061259
The present disclosure relates generally to devices for hanging clothing and more particularly to a pop-up hanger.
Storage of clothing can be difficult for some segments of the population and damaging for delicate clothing items. Closet rods are often out of reach for some members of the population, including children, elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Small or delicate clothing may be permanently deformed when stretched onto a conventional hanger.
In certain embodiments, an apparatus comprises a telescoping rod, a first arm and a second arm, a runner, a first arm support and a second arm support, and a hook. The telescoping rod comprises a top rod end, a bottom rod end, and one or more overlapping sections. The first and second arms are generally symmetric about the rod, each arm comprising a distal arm end and a proximal arm end. The proximal arm end is coupled to a top portion of the apparatus that includes the hook and the top rod end. The runner fits on the rod such that the runner can slide up and down the rod. The arm supports couple between the runner and the arms to facilitate extending and retracting the arms as the runner slides up and down the rod.
Certain embodiments of the invention may provide one or more technical advantages. As an example, in certain embodiments a clothing hanger provides a pop-up function that extends the reach of the hanger. The pop-up function may be implemented using an extendable rod positioned between a handle and the hook portion of the hanger. As the rod extends, the distance between the handle and the hook increases thereby extending the reach of the hanger. Accordingly, a user may be able to hang the hook of the extended hanger on a closet rod that was previously out-of-reach. As another example, a technical advantage of certain embodiments provides for extending and retracting the arms of the hanger. The hanger may be placed in a garment with the arms retracted, and the arms may be extended after the hanger is in place. The ability to extend the arms after placing the hanger in the garment may prevent small or delicate items of clothing from being deformed by a single or repeated stretching that may be required to fit the clothing onto a conventional hanger. In addition, the ability to extend the arms may allow clothing with elaborate straps to be placed on the hanger more easily.
Certain embodiments of the invention may include none, some, or all of the above technical advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein.
To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and the features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Apparatus 10 may be used to hang clothing to allow access to difficult to reach closet rods. To use the apparatus, a user may place a clothing item on hanger 15 and hold the apparatus 10 by handle 11. The user may then trigger telescoping rod 12 utilizing button 14, which would extend telescoping rod 12. Once extended, the user may hold handle 11 and access out-of-reach closet rods and hang apparatus 10 from the closet rod using hook 16.
Handle 11 is coupled to telescoping rod 12. Handle 11 allows a user to hold on to apparatus 10. As an example and not by way of limitation, handle 11 may be a generally elongated tubular rod that is firmly coupled to telescoping rod 12. The present disclosure contemplates handle 11 being any suitable size and any suitable shape. For example, handle 11 may be in the shape of a hook, a cylinder, a sphere, a cube, or other suitable shape. In various embodiments, handle 11 may include a flat portion, for example on an end portion opposite hook 16. The flat portion of the handle 11 may form a base allowing apparatus 11 to stand vertically when placed on a flat surface. Handle 11 may be any suitable component or hardware fixture and may be composed of any material suitable for household use such as wood, metal, or plastic.
Button 14 is located on handle 11. When a user depresses button 14 telescoping rod 12 will extend outward from handle 11. In various embodiments, depressing button 14 may allow one or more hanger arm mechanisms to extend the arms of the hanger, for example, as illustrated and discussed below in conjunction with
In some embodiments, button 14 may allow for variable extension of telescoping rod 12 and/or the hanger arm mechanisms. For example, a user may determine how far to extend telescoping rod 12 based on the distance between the user and the closet rod from which the user intends to hang hanger 15. As another example, the user may determine the angle to extend the hanger arms based on the size and shape of the garment placed on hanger 15.
Button 14 may optionally include more than one component. Accordingly, telescoping rod 12 may extend and retract independently from the hanger arms or, alternatively, telescoping rod 12 may extend and retract in conjunction with the hanger arms (e.g., sequentially or substantially simultaneously). Button 14 may be any mechanism suitable for controlling telescoping rod 12 or hanger arm mechanisms such as push button, a click setting, or tension setting. Button 14 may comprise an actuator that is operated by any suitable source of energy, such as the energy applied by a user, battery power, or other source of electric current. Button 14 may be any suitable size and may be located at any suitable point on handle 11 or apparatus 10. Particular embodiments may include one or more buttons.
Telescoping rod 12 includes a bottom rod end 12a, a top rod end 12c, and overlapping section 12b. Telescoping rod 12 is coupled to handle 11 and hanger 15. Telescoping rod 12 is capable of supporting the weight of hanger 15 along with an article of clothing and of maintaining stiffness when placed in a generally vertical orientation. When a user utilizes apparatus 10, he or she may deploy telescoping rod 12 using button 14, which will cause telescoping rod 12 to extend outward from handle 11. As telescoping rod 12 extends top rod end 12c and overlapping section 12b may first extend from within bottom rod end 12a, then top rod end 12c may extend from within overlapping section 12b, such that bottom rod end 12a, overlapping section 12b, and top rod end 12c are generally linear. As an example, but not by way of limitation, telescoping rod 12 may be manufactured to telescope up to any length, with the ability to partially telescope to a user's desired length. In certain embodiments, telescoping rod 12 may include one or more overlapping sections, similar to overlapping section 12b, and which extend in a similar manner. Telescoping rod 12 may include a mechanism for locking the telescoped segments in an extended or unextended position such as, but not limited to, a notch with a spring-loaded locking clip. In particular embodiments, telescoping rod 12 may telescope in a vertical direction or, alternatively, in an angled direction.
Hanger 15 is coupled to telescoping rod 12 and hook 16 and constructed to support an hanging article of clothing when apparatus 10 is hung from a rod or a hook. Hanger 15 may be composed of any material suitable and may be any suitable size for any intended article of clothing. For example, in certain embodiments hanger 15 may be generally sized larger to accommodate an overcoat, whereas in particular embodiments hanger 15 may be generally sized smaller to accommodate a tank top, children's clothing, or any other small garment. In various embodiments, apparatus 10 may include one or more hangers.
Hook 16 allows apparatus 10 to hang from a rod or a hook. Hook 16 is capable of supporting the weight of apparatus 10. Hook 16 may be composed of any material suitable for household use such as wood, metal, or plastic. Hook 16 may be positioned at a top portion of the apparatus. For example, hook 16 may generally be positioned at an end of telescoping rod 12 opposite handle 11. Accordingly, extending telescoping rod 12 causes the distance between hook 16 and handle 11 to increase. This may allow a user to access a previously out-of-reach closet rod with hook 16.
Technical advantages of particular embodiments of apparatus 10 may include allowing access to closet rods for those segments of the population who may not be able to reach a closet rod or those with limited mobility. Telescoping rod 12 may collapse for possible increased ease of storage or travel. Apparatus 10 may also maximize storage space in closets with high ceilings. For example, it may allow closet rods to be placed beyond the normal human reach, but within the reach of a user who utilizes telescoping rod 12.
First arm 21a and second arm 21b are configured to support an article of clothing during hanging. First arm 21a and second arm 21b are coupled to a top portion of apparatus 20. For example, the top portion may comprise hook 26, top rod end 22c, and/or a surface of the hanger positioned between hook 26 and top rod end 22c of telescoping rod 22. In some embodiments, mechanism 24a couples first arm 21a to the top portion of apparatus 20 and mechanism 24b couples second arm 21b to the top portion of apparatus 20. Each mechanism 24 may comprise any suitable joint, such as a hinge or other movable joint that couples arm 21 to apparatus 20. In some embodiments, first arm 21a and second arm 21b each comprise a distal arm end and a proximal arm end. The proximal arm end may couple to apparatus 20 and the distal end may be uncoupled, for example, such that it may be free to maneuver through an arm hole of a garment.
In various embodiments, first arm 21a and second arm 21b may be padded. Padding may provide addition protection to delicate clothing or may be aesthetically pleasing. First arm 21a and second arm 21b may be of any width or length suitable for clothing storage and may vary depending on the article a user wishes to hang. In certain embodiments, first arm 21 a and second arm 21 b may pivot forward and may allow an article of clothing to retain a desired shape or to conform to a desired hanging space. In particular embodiments, first arm 21a and second arm 21b may lock at an angle. First arm 21a and second arm 21b may include one or more grooves, which may increase the likelihood of an article of clothing staying in place during hanging or movement. In certain embodiments, first arm 21a and second arm 21b may include any combination of these features. In various embodiments, first arm 21a and second arm 21b may be generally symmetric about telescoping rod 22. First arm 21a and second arm 21b may be composed of any material suitable.
Telescoping rod 22 includes bottom rod end 22a, top rod end 22c, and overlapping sections 22b. Telescoping rod 22 may be similar to telescoping rod 12 described in conjunction with
Runner 23 slides along telescoping rod 22 and is coupled to first arm support 25a, second arm support 25b, or both. Sliding runner 23 along telescoping rod 22 moves first arm support 25a and second arm support 25b from a vertical position to an extended, angled position. A user may slide runner 23 along telescoping rod 22 manually, or the user may press a button to automatically slide runner 23 along telescoping rod 22.
Sliding runner 23 along telescoping rod 22 may actuate mechanism 24. Mechanism 24 allows first arm 21a and second arm 21b to move independently; for example to extend and/or to collapse first arm 21a and second arm 21b. Mechanism 24 may lock into any angle from telescoping rod 22, as required for various clothing articles. Mechanism 24 may comprise any component or fixture of hardware coupled to hanger 20 and first arm 21a or second arm 21b, and may be capable of supporting the forces applied when an article of clothing is placed on hanger 20. Examples of mechanism 24 may include a hinge, a crank, a flexible joint, or any other mechanism suitable to allow movement of arm 21. Mechanism 24 may be composed of any material suitable for household use such as wood, metal, or plastic.
First arm support 25a and second arm support 25b are coupled to runner 23 and to first arm 21a or second arm 21b, respectively. In some embodiments, arm support 25 couples to arm 21 at a point between the proximal end and the distal end of arm 21. The point may be substantially in the middle of arm 21, or offset from the middle (either toward the proximal end of arm 21 or toward the distal end of arm 21). Movement of first arm support 25a and second arm support 25b actuate mechanism 24, resulting in movement of first arm 21a and second arm 21b. In particular embodiments, first arm support 25a and second arm support 25b may be coupled to runner 23 and/or to first arm 21a and second arm 21b by a hinge or by any suitable means. First arm support 25a and second arm support 25b may be composed of any material suitable for household use such as wood, metal, or plastic.
Hook 26 allows a user to hang hanger 20 from a hook or a rod and is capable of supporting the weight of hanger 20 and any article of clothing. Hook 26 may be similar to hook 16 described in conjunction with
In particular embodiments with mechanism 24, an article of clothing may be placed on hanger 20 by inserting hanger 20 into the interior of the article through either the top or bottom of the article and deploying first arm 21a and second arm 21b so that the first arm 21a and second arm 21b move into a position that may hold the article at the shoulders. Using hanger 20 in this manner may prevent damage to delicate or unique features of the article because the article does not need to be stretched or deformed in order to insert hanger 20. First arm 21a and second arm 21b can be deployed at varying degrees to preserve the shape of the clothing article. In another embodiment with mechanism 24, hanger 20 may be collapsed into a form suitable for storage or travel. In other embodiments, first arm support 25a and second arm support 25b may be a single piece of hardware or segmented hardware.
Technical advantages of particular embodiments of hanger 20 may include the ability to place small or delicate items of clothing on hanger 20 without any stretching or deforming of the clothing. Clothing may be hung from first arm 21a and second arm 21b where the arms are deployed to any angle as may be desirable for a particular clothing article. The collapsible feature of hanger 20 may allow for ease of storage and travel, minimizing the space required for hanger 20 when not in use.
Handle 31 is coupled to telescoping rod 32 and may be similar to handle 11 described in conjunction with
Telescoping rod 32 includes bottom rod end 32a, a top rod end 32c, and overlapping section 32b. Telescoping rod 32 may be similar to telescoping rod 12 and telescoping rod 22 described in conjunction with
Attachment point 33 provides a spot to attach an additional hanger to telescoping rod 32 while still allowing telescoping rod 32 to perform the telescoping motion when an additional hanger is not attached. In various embodiments, there may multiple attachment points so as to allow the attachment of one or more hangers. In certain embodiments, attachments points may be located at any suitable place of telescoping rod 32 and may be on opposing sides of rod 32, allowing additional hangers to be hung on opposing sides and possibly increasing the number of hangers and articles of clothing that may be hung from one apparatus.
Button 34 is located on handle 31, and controls the extension of telescoping rod. Button 34 may operate one or more hanger arm mechanisms, similar to hanger arm mechanism 24, discussed in conjunction with
Hanger 35 allows a user to hang an article of clothing and is coupled to telescoping rod 32 and hook 36. Hanger 35 may be composed of any material suitable for household use such as wood, metal, or plastic. Hanger 35 may be similar to hanger 15 and hanger 20 described in conjunction with
Hook 36 allows a user to hang apparatus 30 from a hook or a rod and is coupled to hanger 35, and may be capable of supporting the weight of apparatus 30. Hook 36 may be similar to hook 16 and hook 26 described in conjunction with
Stand 37 allows apparatus 30 to remain vertical in circumstances where a user may not use hook 36. Stand 37 is coupled to handle 31, and includes an opening for inserting handle 31. Stand 37 may be composed of any material suitable for household use such as wood, metal, or plastic. Various embodiments may include stand 37 and hook 36. Particular embodiments may include either stand 37 or hook 36.
In particular embodiments with multiple attachment points 33, multiple hangers can be added to telescoping rod 32, allowing for storage of multiple clothing articles from a single hook on a high closet rod. Additional hangers 35 may be similar to collapsing hanger 20 as discussed in conjunction with
Technical advantages of particular embodiments of apparatus 30 may include the ability to save space in a closet by hanging multiple hangers 35 from a single hook 36 along a closet rod. The use of stand 37 may allow for apparatus 30 to be used for clothing, jewelry, or accessory display. Stand 37 also may allow for clothing storage without the requirement of a closet rod. Stand 37 may also allow for the display of an article or articles of clothing in a home or retail setting.
Although the present invention has been described in several embodiments, a myriad of changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes, variations, alterations, transformations, and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
