Adjustable Garment Hanger Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/725,561, which was filed on Nov. 27, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of garment hangers. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adjustable garment hanger that comprises a pair of pivotably connected hanger arms configured to allow manual adjustment of the angle between the arms to suit various garment types and dimensions. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Conventional garment hangers are widely used for storing and organizing upper-body clothing items such as shirts, jackets, and blouses. However, said hangers present persistent structural limitations that compromise garment integrity during storage. For example, the mismatch between the fixed angle of standard hanger arms and the natural drape of the shoulders of the garment may result in distortion of the fabric. This angular misalignment leads to bunching of material across the torso, which in turn causes visible wrinkles to form. These wrinkles are especially problematic on dress shirts and formal wear, as they create an unkempt appearance and typically require additional maintenance, such as ironing, after storage. Another limitation involves the insufficient width of standard hangers, which often fails to extend to the outer edges of the shoulders of the garment. This results in localized pressure points that form unsightly bumps at the upper shoulder seams. Over time, repeated use of ill-fitting hangers can distort the shape of the garment and reduce its lifespan. These long-standing challenges indicate the need for a garment support system that conforms more precisely to the varying dimensions and structures of different clothing items.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an adjustable garment hanger device that conforms to the shoulder width of a variety of garments to reduce fabric distortion. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an adjustable garment hanger device that permits angular adjustment of the hanger arms to better match the natural drape of upper-body garments. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an adjustable garment hanger device that prevents wrinkle formation and minimizes garment maintenance following storage.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an adjustable garment hanger device. The device is comprised of an adjustable garment hanger that comprises a pair of pivotably connected hanger arms configured to allow manual adjustment of the angle between the arms to suit various garment types and dimensions. The device comprises multiple embodiments incorporating mechanical means for adjusting and locking the arms in place. In a first embodiment, each arm includes a curved slot engaged by a fastener and a lockdown nut, permitting angular adjustment through rotation about a central pivot. In a second embodiment, a threaded bolt is embedded in one arm and engaged by a thumbwheel in the opposing arm, wherein rotation of the thumbwheel alters the angle between the arms. A third embodiment employs opposing threaded nuts and a central thumbwheel to draw the arms inward or outward in a synchronized manner. A fourth embodiment utilizes a centrally mounted wedge with angled surfaces that interact with the arms to set and vary the angular spread. A fifth embodiment includes a radial tooth assembly with spring-loaded engagement, enabling ratcheted repositioning of the arms. Four embodiments further comprises a hanging hook inserted through the central pivot and secured by a cinch loop. One embodiment further comprises a hanging hook with a threaded shaft which engages with a wedge. These embodiments enable the device to support garments in a more anatomically accurate and stable configuration.

In this manner, the adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides an angle-adjustable garment hanger that can conform to the dimensions and contours of various garments. More specifically, the device mitigates bunching and distortion by enabling users to adjust the device to match the natural slope of the shoulders of the garment, thereby eliminating the formation of vertical and horizontal wrinkles. This angle adjustability of the device addresses the shortcomings of fixed-angle hangers by preventing shoulder deformation and garment distortion. The integration of various mechanical locking and adjustment systems ensures secure positioning of the arms while allowing easy customization for different clothing types. As a result, garments remain in better condition while stored, and the need for post-storage maintenance such as ironing is no longer necessary. Therefore, the device offers a practical solution to persistent issues in clothing storage by enhancing fit, improving appearance, reducing wear, and extending the longevity of garments.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an adjustable garment hanger device. The device is comprised of an adjustable hanger featuring two hanger arms. The angle between the hanger arms is modifiable and lockable to accommodate garments of varying shoulder widths and styles.

A first embodiment is comprised of a pair of hanger arms pivotably connected by a fastener. Each hanger arm includes a curved slot through which a secondary fastener passes and is secured by a lockdown nut. Adjustment of the angle between the arms is achieved by loosening the lockdown nut. A hanging hook is centrally mounted through the pivot fastener and retained by a cinch loop.

A second embodiment is comprised of two pivotably connected hanger arms. One arm includes an embedded bolt, and the other includes a threaded thumbwheel accessible externally. Manual rotation of the thumbwheel adjusts the angle between the arms by altering the engagement depth of the bolt. A hanging hook is mounted through the pivot fastener and secured with a cinch loop.

A third embodiment is comprised of two pivotably connected hanger arms. Each arm contains an embedded nut with opposing thread directions. A threaded member with a central thumbwheel engages both nuts. Rotation of the thumbwheel simultaneously moves the arms inward or outward, adjusting the angular spacing. A hanging hook is mounted through the pivot fastener and secured with a cinch loop.

A fourth embodiment is comprised of two hanger arms centrally connected by a threaded hook. The hook engages a wedge featuring angled side surfaces. Contact between the arms and the wedge surfaces sets the angular separation. Raising or lowering the hook alters the wedge position, changing contact points and adjusting the angle between the arms.

A fifth embodiment is comprised of two hanger arms pivotably connected by a fastener. Each arm includes a radial tooth assembly that engages in a ratcheting manner, maintained by a spring. Compressing the arms disengages the tooth assemblies for angle adjustment. Releasing the arms reengages the assemblies to fix the adjusted angle. A hanging hook is mounted through the pivot fastener and secured with a cinch loop.

An embodiment of the hanging hook is comprised of two opposing arm segments, each terminating in a 90-degree angled extension. These extensions insert through the central fasteners of the hanger arms. A cinch loop presses the arm segments together to retain the hook in place. Accordingly, the adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an angle-adjustable garment hanger that can conform to the dimensions and contours of various garments. More specifically, the device mitigates bunching and distortion by enabling users to adjust the device to match the natural slope of the shoulders of the garment, thereby eliminating the formation of vertical and horizontal wrinkles. This angle adjustability of the device addresses the shortcomings of fixed-angle hangers by preventing shoulder deformation and garment stretching. The integration of various mechanical locking and adjustment systems ensures secure positioning of the arms while allowing easy customization for different clothing types. As a result, garments remain in better condition while stored, and the need for post-storage maintenance such as ironing is eliminated. Therefore, the device overcomes the limitations of existing garment hangers known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters

refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a first potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of a first potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are attached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 1C illustrates a bottom view of a first potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are attached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a second potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of a second potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are attached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a third potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of a third potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are attached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a fourth potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of a fourth potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are attached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of a fifth potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom exploded view of a fifth potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of a fifth potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are attached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5D illustrates a perspective top view of a fifth potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a hanging hook of a potential embodiment of an adjustable garment hanger device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an adjustable garment hanger device that conforms to the shoulder width of a variety of garments to reduce fabric distortion. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an adjustable garment hanger device that permits angular adjustment of the hanger arms to better match the natural drape of upper-body garments. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an adjustable garment hanger device that prevents wrinkle formation and minimizes garment maintenance following storage.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an adjustable garment hanger device. The device is comprised of a pair of hanger arms that are pivotably connected and designed for manual adjustment of the angle between the arms to accommodate various garment types and sizes. In a first embodiment, each hanger arm includes a curved slot through which a fastener passes and is secured with a lockdown nut, enabling angular adjustment around a central pivot point. The second embodiment integrates a threaded bolt embedded in one arm, which engages a dial disc embedded in the opposing arm; rotation of the dial disc modifies the arm angle.

The third embodiment utilizes opposing threaded nuts embedded in the arms, coupled with a central thumbwheel. Rotation of the thumbwheel simultaneously moves the arms inward or outward to adjust the angular relationship. In the fourth embodiment, a wedge with angled contact surfaces is centrally mounted and interacts with the arms; vertical repositioning of the wedge adjusts the angular spacing between the arms.

The fifth embodiment incorporates a radial tooth assembly on each arm, maintained in engagement by a spring. Compressing the arms disengages the teeth to allow repositioning, while releasing them reengages the assembly to fix the new angle.

Four embodiments also include a hanging hook inserted through the central pivot and retained by a cinch loop. One embodiment further comprises a hanging hook with a threaded shaft that engages with a wedge. These configurations collectively enhance the device's ability to support garments in a stable and anatomically accurate orientation.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a first potential embodiment 200 of an adjustable garment hanger device 100 of the present invention wherein the hanger arms are unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of an adjustable hanger with two hanger arms, wherein the angle between the hanger arms may be increased or decreased to adjust the device 100 and lock the arms in place to accommodate shirts of various shoulder widths and styles.

A first embodiment 200 of the device 100, as seen in FIGS. 1A-C, may be comprised of a first hanger arm 202 and a second hanger arm 204. Each hanger arm 202, 204 may be comprised of an opening 206, 208, respectively, as seen in FIG. 1A. The openings 206, 208 may be aligned such that a fastener 210, such as but not limited to a pin of any type, pivotably connects the arms 202, 204, as seen in FIG. 1B. Each hanger arm 202, 204 may be further comprised of a curved slot 212, 214, respectively. A fastener 216 may be positioned through the slots 212, 214 and secured by a fastener 218, such as but not limited to a lockdown nut, as seen in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C. During use, the fastener 218 may be loosened to allow the angle between the arms 202, 204 to be adjusted about the pivot axis defined by the fastener 210. This embodiment 200 may be further comprised of a hanging hook 220. The hanging hook 220 is preferably positioned through the fastener 210 and locked in place with the cinch loop 222

A second embodiment 300 of the device 100 may be comprised of a first hanger arm 302 and a second hanger arm 304, as seen in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Each hanger arm 302, 304 may be comprised of an opening 306, 308, respectively, as seen in FIG. 2B. The openings 306, 308 may be aligned such that a fastener 310, such as but not limited to a pin of any type, pivotably connects the arms 302, 304, as seen in FIG. 2A. The first hanger arm 302 may be further comprised of an embedded bolt 312 or similar threaded member. The second hanger arm 304 may be further comprised of an embedded threaded dial disc 314 configured to receive the bolt 312. The dial disc 314 may be accessible from the exterior of the second hanger arm 304 such that manual rotation of the disc 314 is enabled. Rotating the dial disc 314 in a first direction may cause the bolt 312 to further engage the disc 314, thereby decreasing the angle between the arms 302, 304. Rotating the dial disc 314 in a second, opposite direction may cause the bolt 312 to disengage the disc 314, thereby increasing the angle between the arms 302, 304. This embodiment 300 may be further comprised of a hanging hook 320. The hanging hook 320 is preferably positioned through the fastener 310 and locked in place with the cinch loop 322.

A third embodiment 400 of the device 100 may be comprised of a first hanger arm 402 and a second hanger arm 404, as seen in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. Each hanger arm 402, 404 may be comprised of an opening 406, 408, respectively, as seen in FIG. 3A. The openings 406, 408 may be aligned such that a fastener 410, such as but not limited to a pin of any type, pivotably connects the arms 402, 404, as seen in FIG. 3B. The first hanger arm 402 may be comprised of a first embedded nut 412 having a first thread, and the second hanger arm 404 may be comprised of a second embedded nut 414 having a second thread, the second thread being opposite to the first thread of the first nut 412. A threaded member 416 (such as but not limited to a bolt) with a central thumbwheel 418 may be engaged with both the first and second nuts 412, 414 such that rotation of the thumbwheel 418 may increase or decrease the angle between the arms 402, 404 by simultaneously drawing the arms inward or outward. This embodiment 400 may be further comprised of a hanging hook 420. The hanging hook 420 is preferably positioned through the fastener 410 and locked in place with the cinch loop 422.

A fourth embodiment 700 of the device 100 may be comprised of a first hanger arm 702 and a second hanger arm 704, as seen in FIG. 4A. Each hanger arm 702, 704 may be comprised of an opening 706, 708, respectively. The openings 706, 708 may be aligned such that a hook 710, such as but not limited to a threaded hook, centrally connects the arms 702, 704, as seen in FIG. 4B. The fastener 710 may further engage a wedge 712 via a threaded opening 714 located on the wedge 712. The wedge 712 may be comprised of two angled side surfaces 716, 718 that form an included angle less than 90 degrees. During use, the arms 702, 704 may contact the respective angled surfaces 716, 718 such that the wedge 712 positions the arms 702, 704 at a specific angle. Lowering or raising the hook 710 relative to the opening 714 may raise or lower the wedge 712, thereby changing the points of contact between the wedge 712 and the arms 702, 704, and consequently adjusting the angle between the arms 702, 704.

A fifth embodiment 500 of the device 100 may be comprised of a first hanger arm 502 and a second hanger arm 504, as seen in FIG. 5A. Each hanger arm 502, 504 may be comprised of an opening 506, 508, respectively. The openings 506, 508 may be aligned such that a fastener 510, such as but not limited to a pin of any type, pivotably connects the arms 502, 504 as seen in FIG. 5C. Each arm 502, 504 may be further comprised of a radial tooth assembly 512, 514, as seen in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5D, wherein the radial tooth assembly 512 of the first hanger arm 502 may engage the radial tooth assembly 514 of the second hanger arm 504 in a ratcheting fashion. A spring 516 may be positioned between the assemblies 512, 514 to maintain engagement, as seen in FIG. 5B. The radial tooth assemblies 512, 514 may be disengaged by compressing the arms 502, 504 at the fastener 510, thereby allowing angular repositioning, as seen in FIG. 5C. Releasing the arms 502, 504 allows the assemblies 512, 514 to reengage, securing the adjusted angular orientation. This embodiment 500 may be further comprised of a hanging hook 520. The hanging hook 520 is preferably positioned through the fastener 510 and locked in place with the cinch loop 522.

As seen in FIG. 6, a specific embodiment 620 of the hanging hook 220, 320, 420, 520 may be comprised of two opposing arm segments 622, 624. Each arm segment 622, 624 may terminate in an angled extension 626, 628, respectively. The angled extensions 626, 628 are preferably oriented at 90 degrees relative to a vertical axis of the arm segments 622, 624 and may be inserted through the fasteners 210, 310, 410, 510 of the respective embodiments of the device 100. The hook 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 is secured in place within the fasteners 210, 310, 410, 510 in place with a cinch loop fastener 222, 322, 422, 522, 612 that presses the arm segments 622,624 toward each other.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “adjustable garment hanger device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the adjustable garment hanger device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the adjustable garment hanger device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the adjustable garment hanger device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the adjustable garment hanger device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the adjustable garment hanger device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the adjustable garment hanger device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.