US20220104646A1

US20220104646A1 - Convertible Valet Hanger

Info

Publication number: US20220104646A1
Application number: US17/493,379
Authority: US
Inventors: Charlotte Ntreh; Jacob Andrew Hethcock; James Donn Hethcock, Jr.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-04
Filing date: 2021-10-04
Publication date: 2022-04-07

Abstract

A system for the support and display of clothing and apparel that is amendable and adaptable to various configurations for the adherence of numerous clothing additions and orientations of clothing. The valet hanger that is the present invention is configured to extend a valet rod perpendicular to a hanger rod and towards the user to provide a convenient stable member on which to hang clothing in an orientation where the fronts or the backs of clothing may be viewed. Said hanger system is also configured to remain in a stable orientation by balancing against a back wall or brace behind said hanger or against a shelf or object directly over a hanger rod used to support the convertible hanger assembly vertically. The components of the convertible valet hanger being adaptable to various closet configurations as well as interchangeable between hanger conformations.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to clothing hangers and more particularly a portable compact closet valet hanger which can be used in a manner consistent with conventional hangers and any area that conventional hangers are used. The apparatus allows the user to place the present invention anywhere a clothes hanger normally fits, and, simply by adjusting its distal end to adapt to an anchoring feature of a closet, allow clothing to be hung along the front edge of a line of clothes hanging from a proximal clothes hanger rod uniformly and sequentially. In operation, a proximal clothes hanger rod projects outward from the present invention, from the end proximate the user, and extends toward the user perpendicular to a line of clothes placed upon a closet clothes rod. In order for the user to find the best ensemble of clothes, the valet hanger rod enables the user to hang their clothes squarely in front of the user at an appropriate height in order to “mix and match” shirts, blouses, coats and “tops” with pants and related “bottoms” from user's wardrobe.
The valet rod hanger apparatus may be supported by any traditional closet rod and in between customary hangers or inserted between any “like hangers” (i.e., other valet hangers), or a combination thereof. Moreover, the valet hanger may be used as would a standard hanger along and within any row of uniformly hung clothes or ‘converted’ to a secondary purpose of evidencing an extending arm outward, proximate to a user, wherein clothes may be placed upon said arm. Equally, the extended arm, and weight applied to said arm, is ‘counterbalanced’ by a rearward projecting “back stop” and is held in a largely horizontal conformation, relative to the crossbar, through said “back stop” and those clothes hanging to the left or right (optionally viewed as front or rear) which support the proper orientation of the valet hanger in use and prevent sway. The location of the valet hanger arm is identifiable by a readily visible safety ball, or similar structure, located at “shoulder height” with the other clothes which extends outward from said extendable arm.

BACKGROUND

Clothes hangers (i.e., coat hangers, clotheshangers) encompass a series of wide-ranging structural devices utilized to facilitate the support of various pieces of clothing (e.g., shirts, coats, dresses, pants, etc.) for display, drying or storage without wrinkling.
Taking one of two configurations, most modern hangers are currently available either form (1) a triangular construct, whether metal, plastic or wooden, whereby each hanger body arm descends downwardly, evidencing a reverse (downward facing) “V” shape, which connects to a cross member inferior to said hanger body arms and displays a hooking mechanism superior to said arms, or (2) a hanger having simply descending hanger arms and a superior placed hook or similar hooking mechanisms (e.g., antitheft “hotel” hangers). The former types of hangers are either metal, plastic, wooden or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the later type of hanger, those without cross members, require sufficient support and rigidity in the descending arms to avoid warping or excessive strain which would thwart their ability to support clothing—especially clothing (e.g., coats) exceeding a certain weight. These types of hangers, requiring more structural stability, necessitate more robust materials: typically, wood or plastic and almost entirely display a superior residing metal hook for hanging and placement upon a clothes rod on a rack or in a clothes closet.
Obviously, those hangers lacking a cross-member would require constructive materials having the ability to support heavier articles of clothing or, for that matter, would not allow adherence of pants, trousers or other legs-related apparel (e.g., shorts, skirts, leggings, tights and the like). Yet, it is the triangular construct that is the subject of improvements that are the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Although clothes hangers have been used ubiquitously since at least the 1800s, the rather pedestrian purpose of hangers has not changed greatly since their creation. Yet, certain structural aspects of the basic hanger have been developed and augmented over time from their original inception and reduction to practice. Patently, aside from the conventional “shoulder-shape”, the prior art is replete with a multitude of modifications and adjustments based on this traditional design while still adhering to this most pedestrian of purposes—the hanging of clothes.
O. A. North (Clothes Hook US 85,756) is widely accepted as the first inventor of the hanger as evidencing an example of what would be today vaguely recognized as a coat hanger, in 1869. Another permutation adding the age-old addition of pants to a shirt or coat support can be seen in the ‘combined coat and pantaloons supporter’ in 1888 (U.S. Pat. No. 381,888).
But, the father of the modern coat hanger, Albert J. Parkhouse, is oddly and sadly not the true patent holder of the invention and image the public would most readily ascribe to the modern coat hanger—a superiorly placed hook atop downward-sloping arms forming a largely triangular shape wherein the inferior portions of the arms accept a horizontal cross section. (See specifically U.S. Pat. No. 822,981 issued to C. L. Patterson in 1906). As was the common practice, the '981 patent, invented by Parkhouse, was actually filed by Patterson, an attorney for John B Timberlake of the Timberlake Wire and Novelty Company which was the employer of (Albert J Parkhouse subsequently assigning his rights to Timberlake—the ultimate beneficiary of the ascribed rights).
Since this '981 patent, coat hangers have continued to evolve, but never venturing far from this basic triangular design (a hook, two descending arms and a cross member all forming a triangle) or ‘quasi-triangular’ construct (wherein no cross member exists yet the materials and construction of each arm is sturdy enough to accept an article without warping, bending or succumbing to excess weight). Manifestly, hangers may include any number of internally facing hooks for garment strap adherence (WO 2006/034579), external padding for a rounded form and decreased clothes indention from bare hanger arm exposure (US 2006/0175364) (especially with the use of wire hangers) or any measure of paper draping for clothes protection (as is the case with dry cleaners). Clothes hangers exist for multiple hanger adherence (U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,753,143 and 5,107,996), with cross member clamps (U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,747), anti-slip attachments (U.S. Pat. No. 3,358,891), augmentability (US 2004/022691) and adjustability (U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,421,433 and 2,817,470) without departing from the hanger's primary purpose.
Yet there are no clothes hangers which allow for a ‘convertible’ hanger or hanger “convertibility” capable of extending (physically and functionally) the operability of both (1) an elongated platform for additional hanger adherence and (2) a rearward force-countering ‘back stop’ for weight stabilization that is necessitated as additional weight creates an increasingly additive downward pull with each successive addition of garments.
Thus, there is a significant, well recognized, and yet unmet, need in the art for a convertible clothes hanger featuring an extendable arm member with a back stop for weight counterbalance (and correction) which provides a clothes hanger that may be supportive of clothes or pants in a conventional manner, and equally may exhibit a functional arm member (extendable from within a transverse cross member) for receiving additional hanging items. The present invention satisfies this long-standing, unaddressed need in the art to both receive and fortify receipt of additional hangers upon a primary hanger and display those hung articles outwardly and perpendicular to a traditional line of clothes in a closet to substantially enhance traditional hanger functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a novel and inventive hanger with opposable, extendable arm members: (1) a frontward-facing extendable hanger arm capable of receiving and maintaining the adherence of one to multiple additional, traditional, valet hangers, clothes or a hanger strip and (2) a rearward-facing ‘back-stop’ countering the adherence of (additional) weight—all while maintaining a largely uniform horizontal conformation (in reference to the horizontal cross bar) within a closet.
It is therefore the stated goal of the present invention to provide for a multi-functionality hanger which (a) provides the customary advantages of a clothes or garment hanger (adherence and support of articles of clothing) with (b) the additional function of accepting subsequent clothes, a clothes hanger and/or multiple clothes hangers, largely perpendicular to the orientation of traditionally borne garments.
The present invention resembles standard clothes hanger or similar clothes hanging apparatus in that it is defined by a superior hook mechanism contiguous with downward extending, downward sloping collinear arms terminating in a communication with a crossbar or cross member thus forming an isosceles triangle wherein the most superior angle is obtuse and resultant arm to cross member angles are acute.
The cross member may form an either wholly or partially hollow cylinder capable of accepting inserted rod-like extendable members from either end. The cross-member itself acts whereby a front-facing advancing arm (with a terminal ball) and rear-facing adjustable arm (with back stop) are entirely or partially encapsulated within said hanger's cross member and are extendable and adjustable to various lengths (and depths), respectively.
As will be described and depicted in the below, the operability lies in the invention's two-fold ability to actuate the rear-facing adjustable arm and back stop combination in concert with said front-facing advancing arm with a terminal ball at variable and various depths and lengths, respectfully, wherein the attachment of one to a plurality of customary (or present invention) hangers may be added to said extendable front-facing arm, sequentially, and rear-facing adjustable arm and back stop may be extended to accommodate various closet depths and counterbalanced weights—all maintaining a largely horizontal cross member despite uneven (frontward) weight distribution. Moreover, each additional hanger attachment may be accomplished with nominal changes in hanger arms' pitch or cross bar's largely horizontal conformation despite the tendency of hanger biasing from increased front-weight creating rearward arm movement upward and forward arm movement downward.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the novel features and method of use of the application are set forth above, the application itself, as well as a preferred method of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referencing the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (in view of the appended claims), wherein:

FIGS. 1-9 depicts a convertible valet hanger that is the present invention;

FIGS. 1a and 1b are top front and right sided isometric views with the valet rod in the retracted and extended positions, respectfully;

FIGS. 2a and 2b are side views of the present invention alone and in use, respectfully;

FIG. 3a is a side view wherein said valet hanger is unattached;

FIG. 3b is a side view of the valet hanger in use with an outward facing hook mechanism;

FIG. 3c is an additional side view wherein said hook mechanism is inward facing;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear view with an outwardly presented back stop;

FIG. 6a is a cross sectional view wherein the present invention is dissected along its midline wherein said extendable arm is retracted;

FIG. 6b is a cross sectional view wherein the present invention is dissected along its midline wherein said extendable arm is retracted;

FIG. 7a is an isometric view viewed from the bottom front and right side;

FIG. 7b is a detail of the distal end B with adjustable rod retracted;

FIG. 7c is a detail, in the orientation of FIG. 7b , of a distal portion B of the hanger body;

FIG. 8a is a transparent view showing the internal components of the cross-tube assembly from the top, front, and right sides;

FIG. 8b is an exploded view of the valet hanger assembly from the top, front, and right sides;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention in a closet environment;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view looking from the top back and left side;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view looking from the bottom back and left side;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the present invention in superiorly braced preferred embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the present invention with retracted extendable arm;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the present invention with an extended arm;

FIG. 15a is a front view of the present invention embodiment in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15b is a back view of the present invention embodiment in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a side view of FIG. 2b configuration from the opposite side;

FIG. 17 is a side view of FIGS. 10-12;

FIG. 18 is a detail of the distal portion B of the cross section as shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a detail of the distal portion B of the cross section as shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a detail of the proximal portion A of the cross section as shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a detail of the back end of the view as shown in FIG. 15 b;

FIG. 22 depicts a Valet Strap on the proximal portion A of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view looking from the front direction.

And while the present invention and method of use are amendable to modifications and alternative configurations, embodiments thereof have been shown, by way of example only, in the drawings which are described herein in adequate detail to teach those having skill in the art how to make and practice the same. It should, however, be understood that the above description and preferred embodiments disclosed, are not intended to limit the invention to one particular embodiment disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, alternatives and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined within the claim's broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the specification.

REFERENCE LISTING KEY

A proximate end of valet hanger
B distal end of valet hanger
C Cross-section of hanger body along the midline
C₁compressive force
F₁downward force
F₂upward force
F₃inward, exterior force
R radial force
L load force
10 valet hanger
15 hanger body
16 valet hanger midline
20 valet rod
22 retracted valet hanger rod
25 extended valet hanger rod
30 safety ball
35 hook member
37 back stop
40 wall stop
45 shelf stop
50 adjustable rod
52 bullet end
54 adjustable horizontal rod
56 adjustable vertical rod
60 cross-tube member
62 horizontal threads
64 vertical threads
107 hanger body front arm opening
108 hanger body front arm
109 hanger body rear arm
110 central hub
112 hollow cavity
115 open side of hook
200 installed valet hanger
210 hanger rod
220 shelf
230 wall
240 closet
300 convertible valet hanger
302 valet rod
302 a bored valet rod
302 b counter bore
302 c chamfer
303 tension moment arm
304 compression moment arm
400 installed convertible valet hanger
601 hook support
602 hook retention
603 extended spring
604 spring mechanism
605 wall stop retention
606 adjustable rod support fitting
607 valet rod guide fitting
608 valet rod guide piston
609 safety ball retention
610 support fitting retention nut
610 a recessed torque feature
611 vertical rod opening
611 a vertical rod threaded hole
701 support fitting bulkhead
702 support wall
703 cross tube bulkhead
704 support fitting bulkhead opening
705 hanger body opening
705 a hanger body retention nut opening
705 b hanger body vertical rod opening
800 hanging strap
801 safety ball opening
802 height adjustable openings
803 strap twisted section
900 clothes hanger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Referring generally to FIGS. 1a -FIG. 1b and FIG. 2a , the valet hanger 10 is as first observed to be the present invention that is a valet clothes hanger. The centrally deposed hanger body 15 is formed by reciprocating hanger body arms 108, 109. The valet hanger 10 is comprised of (1) a pair of reciprocating arms 108, 109, specifically a hanger body front arm 108 and a hanger body back arm 109, extending downward at a shallow angle to either side of a central hub 110. A recognizable hook 35 extends upward from the central hub 110 of the valet hanger 10 and its opening (open side of hook 115) is facing toward an accessible valet hanger 10 side or that end proximate to the weight accepting end and user (proximal end A) of the valet hanger 10 (i.e., where the valet rod 20 is positioned with safety ball 30 appended). Upon closer examination, the valet hanger, 10 exhibits additional features exceeding that of traditional clothes hangers. Expressly, cross tube 60 is reminiscent of a crossbar made to stabilize arms 108 and 109, a support the addition of folded pants or sweaters, but this element also houses 2 assemblies at each end of the hanger that is the present invention allowing this device to also function as an operable valet hanger 10. Proximate end A of valet hanger 10, comprised of the cross-tube member 60 and hanger body front arm 108 conjunction, whereby both cross tube 60 and hanger body front arm join, proximal to the user (user not shown). As depicted in FIG. 1a , valet rod 20 resides almost entirely within the accepting central cavity of cross tube member 60 in the retracted position. Safety ball 30 is one primary functional feature, in combination with retractable valet rod 102, which is extendable to accept conventional hangers transversely, wherein said safety ball 30 is made to secure and hold in place clothes, one to a plurality of hanger hooks or one to a plurality of hanging strips (See FIG. 22). As shown in FIG. 1b the valet rod, 20 is both extendable and retractable as to accept clothes and hook members of one to a plurality of clothes hangers. Observable at the distal end B of the valet hanger 10 exists another unique element an adjustable rod 50 extendable from cross tube 60 in combination with wall back stop 37 where the rearward force created by adjustable rod 50 and back stop 37 is further supported by the hanger body rear arm 109 wherein back stop 37 is affixed to the distal end B of the adjustable rod 50 and made to stabilize valet hanger 10 and allow for increased weight and downward force application at valet rod 20 and safety ball 30. Additionally, the load bearing capacity of valet hanger 10 may be increased with the extension of retracted valet hanger rod 22 to various lengths, in an extended conformation, as evidenced by extended valet hanger rod 25.
Referring generally to FIG. 2a , the uninstalled valet hanger 10 illustrates an extended adjustable rod 50 which is extendable and positionable to abut a rear wall 230 (as shown in FIG. 2b ) at various distances from valet hanger 10 to keep cross tube member 60 nominally ‘level’ and horizontal and largely parallel to shelf 220. The installed valet hanger in FIG. 2b is shown positioned in a typical closet environment whereby hook 35 is affixed to hanger rod 210 and shelf 220 is shown positioned above hanger rod 210 and perpendicular to back wall 230 of the typical walled closet. Adjustable rod 50 is shown here shortened from its original position in FIG. 2a so that back stop 37 engages back wall 230 and maintains cross tube member 60 in approximately a horizontal position. The back stop 37 abuts back wall 230 and distributes pressure through a widened surface area (beyond the smaller surface area of simply adjustable rod 50) such that the back wall 203 itself is protected from punctures or marring. Safety ball 30 and valet rod 20, as depicted, are positioned in a retracted position wherein said valet rod 30 is mostly contained inside cross-tube member 60. Of note, the open side of hook 115 is faced open to the user whereby said valet hanger 10 is inserted under, behind and over hanger rod 210 as to obviate hook member, and valet hanger entirely, from being easily displaced.
Referring generally to FIGS. 3a-3c , the uninstalled valet hanger, FIG. 3a , is shown wherein both adjustable rod 50 and valet rod 20 are in fully extended positions (as shown as extended valet hanger rod 25). FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c depict valet hanger 10 positioned in a typical closet environment (corresponding to FIG. 2b ) wherein, though, in FIG. 3b , hook member 35 exhibits an open side 115 facing away from wall 203, and toward user (not shown), and in FIG. 3c , hook member 35 is facing toward wall 230 and away from user (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 1a, 2a and 2b retracted valet hanger rod 22 is recessed as to allow individual articles of clothing placement and disallow access for additional hangers to be attached to retracted valet hanger rod 22 which may be sequentially lengthened as clothes hangers are added. In opposite, as shown in FIGS. 1b, 3b and 3c , an extended valet rod 302 is depicted, in an extended conformation, where various clothes hangers can easily be hung from extended valet rod 25 dependent upon the number of added hangers giving rise to degrees of extension and retraction based on availability of space and extent of use. In one embodiment, a spring action may keep retracted valet hanger rod 22 in the retracted position under no load, but can be extended with light pressure away from cross tube member 60 exerted from attachment of a clothes hanger to retracted valet hanger rod 22 which will remain in various lengths of extended positioning as shown in FIGS. 1b, 3a-3c —dependent upon (1) the outward force exerted upon retracted valet hanger rod 22 and (2) the number of additional clothes hangers (or hanger strips), placed upon extended valet rod 20 in series. In another embodiment, the spring action on the retracted valet hanger rod 22 allows for a flush stop (effectuated by the placement of safety ball 30 at the proximal end of valet rod 20) with the most inferior portion of hanger body front arm 108. In yet another embodiment, retracted valet hanger rod 22 stops before retracted valet hanger rod 22 is fully retracted (i.e., exists in a state of partial retraction) leaving a portion of retracted valet hanger rod 22 visible, and accessible to additional clothes hanger attachments, beyond the hanger body front arm 108. This partial retraction keeps the safety ball 30 slightly extended beyond the shoulder width and uniform profile of adjacent clothes and more easily visible and discernable without becoming obscured by the surrounding clothes hangers. This slightly extended position also allows space to more easily attach a clothes hanger to retracted valet hanger rod 22 and to allow for manipulation of retracted valet hanger rod 22 to an extended valet hanger rod 25, or other various intermediate positions of retraction and extension, via one hand manipulation to allow extension of valet rod 20 outward to the extended position permitting a greater number of attached clothes hangers or hanger straps 800. In a different embodiment, at least two springs may act bi-directionally to position the valet rod in a prescribed position such that if the safety ball is pushed along the longitudinal axis of the cross-tube member 60 resistance is encountered, and if the safety ball is pulled along the longitudinal axis of the cross-tube member 60 again resistance is encountered in the opposite direction.
Referring specifically to FIG. 3c , the forces acting on the installed valet hanger 200 are displayed in greater detail. Installed valet hanger 200 should be positioned such that the cross-tube member 60 is generally horizontal and largely parallel to shelf 220. This is accomplished by manually changing the length of the adjustable rod 50 by either shorting or lengthening adjustable rod 50 until cross-tube member 60 is, to the greatest extent, horizontal as the back stop 37 abuts and engages with back wall 230. The weight of installed valet hanger 200 is distributed such that the downward force (F₁) pulls hanger body front arm 108 downward and hanger body rear arm 109 upward (F₂), as depicted through competing forces (F₁, F₂). These forces, F₁and F₂, may be maintained, even in a resting state (i.e., without additional weight being applied to extended valet rod 20) by using a denser, heavier material for the safety ball 30 and/or extended valet rod 302 than is used for the back stop 37 and/or adjustable rod 50 or using a lighter material for the back stop 37 and/or adjustable rod 50, or a combination thereof, to facilitate a uniformly horizontal cross-tube member at rest. The diameter and/or weight of the valet rod, 302 could also be increased comparatively to the adjustable rod 50 to shift the center of gravity (weight forward) for the valet hanger 200 assembly thus shifting weight to the proximate end A.
Referring again to FIG. 3c , the weight of the clothes hanging from the valet rod 20 is represented by the designation F₁or load. The load (F₁) is acting to pull the valet rod 20 down and in the direction of gravity. Considering the resultant moments about the center of the hanger rod 20, load is acting over a distance as shown by the tension moment arm 303 is described as moment M1 in a clockwise direction as shown in the FIG. 3c . To balance this moment M1 a compression force C develops at the wall stop and acting at a distance shown by the compression arm 304. This moment, M2 is acting in the opposite direction to counter M1. Since the compression arm 304 is generally less than the tension arm 303 and the resulting compression force is greater than the tension Force L in order for M1 to equal M2 and the valet hanger 200 to remain in a stable static equilibrium (where cross-tube member 60 maintains a largely horizontal conformation).
Continuing, to reference FIG. 3b , the resulting forces C and F₁react on the hanger rod 200 in the opposing directions, C at wall 203 acting against valet hanger's natural proclivity to (a) pivot around hanger rod 201 wherein downward F1 redistributes its weight through cross-tube member 60, through adjustable rod 50, through back stop 37 and to wall 203. It can be seen that the open side, 115 of the hook 35 is positioned toward the proximal end A of the valet hanger 200 user (not shown), F2 is trending upward and F1 is forced downward F1. In this position, the hook is secured from dislodgement via a back, under and over movement of the hook member 35 of the valet hanger 10 providing a means where valet hanger 10 can be securely positioned and hung “rearwardly”. Alternatively, the hook member 35 may be simply hung on the hanger rod, 210 with a simple over and down motion. Yet, if the valet hanger and hanger hook member 35 are dislodged and moves in an upward direction, there is the possibility that the hook 35 could become easily detached from the hanger rod 210, no longer support the weight of attached clothing and fall to the ground (hook member 35 orientation as seen in FIG. 3c ). In one preferred embodiment, the hook can simply be rotated to position wherein the opening is rotated 180 degrees in the opposite and desired direction, open face toward the proximal end A of the valet hanger 200, thereby obviating any untoward and unintended disassociation of hanger rod 210 from hanger hook 35. Although the motion to hook the valet hanger 10 behind and over the hanger rod 201 is somewhat more complex, an under-back, up-and-over motion, the resulting orientation of the hook opening 115 is now not easily unhooked (i.e., unsecured) by simply bumping the valet hanger 200 wherein attachment is firmly supported by the more secure hook member 35 placement (shown in FIG. 3b ).
Referring generally to FIG. 4, the inferior view of the central hub 110 can be seen as made up of functional mechanisms safety ball 30 and extended valet rod 25, proximally, and adjustable rod 50 and back stop 37, distally which is designed with an inferior-facing internal cavity 404 oriented downward to facilitate molding and specifically to enable release of the hanger body 15 from a mold. This design, though, may be easily modifiable to a closed cylinder. This design approach also allows access for the assembly of functional extendable and retractable components 701, 25, 50 within cross-tube member 60. This view shows one embodiment with a threaded adjustable rod 50 allowing adjustable rod 50 to be shortened and lengthened by screwing the adjustable rod in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. A single thread engagement may be used at the apex of hanger body front arm 108 and hanger body rear arm 109 and their junction to cross-tube member 60 at each support fitting bulkhead 701 (stationary length 101) as shown in this FIG. 4. The hanger body 15 has a prescribed width and thickness that gives said hanger body 15 sufficient stiffness as an open section against twisting, compression or bending. This particular design is well suited for molding with a rigid plastic material. Other embodiments may be shaped as solid or (hollow) cylindrical sections without use of an internal cavity which are best suited to be made from other materials common to hangers such as wood. In the view for FIG. 4, a slight flaring of the width is evident at the ends of the hanger body 110 and toward the two joints regions at the hanger body front arm 108 and the hanger body rear arm 109. This flaring allows the cross-tube member 60 to be encapsulated inside the ends of the hanger body 15.
Referring generally to FIG. 5, a sectional cut shown in FIG. 6 down the median C of the valet hanger 10 is defined looking at its distal end A whereby hook member 35 has its open end facing toward the hanger rod 201 (and user) in a nominally under-back, up-and-over orientation and back stop 37 is facing the observer (as if through a closet's rear wall). This, as detailed above, constitutes the preferred orientation as to preclude any premature dislodging of valet hanger 200 from hanger rod 201 (not shown). Further, exterior to a “placed” valet hanger 200 are applied forces, F₃, which are directed inwardly upon said valet hanger 200 to decrease the side-to-side mobility of said hanger 200 and causing said hanger 200 to maintain a largely perpendicular orientation.
Referring generally to FIG. 6a , featuring a retracted valet hanger rod 22, and 6 b, featuring an extended valet hanger rod 25, displays the interior mechanisms and arrangement depicted via a cross-sectional representation (C) (FIG. 5) of the valet hanger 10 whereby both adjustable rod 50 and valet rod 20 are illustrated as partially confined within cross-tube member 60. FIG. 6a shows a retracted valet hanger rod 22 in a partially rescinded position wherein valet rod 20 is in an intermediary degree of extension for the acceptance of one to a plurality of hangers perpendicular to the hanger body 15 and adjustable rod 50 (with back stop 37) evidences a more advanced deployment. As shown in FIG. 6b valet rod 20 in the extended position evidences extended valet hanger rod 25. The cross-tube member 60, as depicted, is hollow (semi-cylindrical or completely cylindrical) and has a valet rod guide fitting 607 mounted on the proximal end A which secures and freely guides valet rod 20 from extended valet hanger rod 25 to retracted valet hanger rod retracted 22 positions. The proximal end A of valet rod 10 exhibits a safety ball 30 retention 609 feature such (e.g., threads) used to attach safety ball 30 to valet rod 20 on the most terminal portion of proximal end A. In other embodiments the safety ball 30 may be stretched over a retaining feature such as a bulb or protrusion for replaceable adhesion to valet rod 20. In one embodiment, a single compression spring 603 is shown in FIG. 6a internal to cross-tube member 60 wherein little to no force is imparted on the valet rod guide piston 608 for valet rod 20 movement. When valet rod 20 is extended (as in FIG. 6b ) spring 604 is compressed and a maximum force is imparted on the valet rod guide piston 608 to return the valet rod to its stowed, retracted position when the clothes are removed from the valet rod 20. Opposite proximate end A is adjustable rod support fitting 606 affixed to the distal end B of the cross-tube member 60. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a the adjustable rod support fitting 606 is threaded such that there is engagement between the adjustable rod 50 and the adjustable rod support fitting 606 for the advancement and retraction of adjustable rod 50 through clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, respectfully. Yet, it is in the contemplation of inventors that the opposite may be true with regards to counterclockwise and clockwise rotation. It is recognized that valet rod 20 may be operated via a threaded screw and adjustable rod 50 may be spring operated, both valet rod 20 and adjustable rod 50 may be operated via a spring mechanism or both valet rod 20 and adjustable rod 50 may be operated via a threaded means of retraction and advancement. Further, other modes of extension and recession (e.g., slidable insertion and retraction, devoted rod and clasp, keyed surfaces, cam shafts and the like).
FIGS. 6a and 6b depicts hollow cross-tube member 60 with an adjustable rod support fitting 606 fitted on the distal end that allows the adjustable rod 50 to be fixed in the correct position (i.e., to the correct length). The adjustable rod support fitting 606 may be threaded corresponding to the threads on the adjustable rod 50. In another embodiment a twist lock feature may allow the adjustable rod to transfer the Compression C load into the adjustable rod support fitting 606. The cross-section C (FIG. 5) of valet hanger body 15 view shows a wall stop retention 605 feature that keeps the wall stop 37 affixed to the adjustable rod 50 which is in turn abutted to the interior surface of a closet (not shown).
In addition, FIGS. 6a and 6b depicts hook 35 supported in the central hub 110 with a hook support 601 feature. This hook support 601 allows hook 35 to rotate about its vertical axis for placement over a hanger rod 210 (not shown). A hook retention 602 feature keeps hook 35 secured within hanger central hub 110 while allowing hook 35 to freely rotate about its vertical support axis. In other embodiments the hook retention feature may be fixed thus preventing rotation about a vertical axis.
Referring generally to FIG. 7a valet hanger 10 is depicted from an inferior perspective view (i.e., looking up from underneath valet hanger 10). Via this depiction, it can be viewed here that hanger body 15 is designed with a hollow internal cavity 112 (i.e., with an open face downward) to facilitate ease of molding and specifically to enable release of the hanger body from a cast or mold. This design approach also allows access for the assembly of the components such as the cross-tube member 60. The cross-tube member 60 is shown nested up into the hanger body 15 inferiorly. Cutaway sections of 7 b and 7 c, from FIG. 7a , depicts cross-tube member 60 against hanger body 15 support fitting bulkhead 701 whereby cross-tube member 60 is squarely aligned on both the distal and proximal ends, B and A respectively. Assembled, cross-tube member 60 is placed between support walls 702 and against support fitting bulkhead 701 first inserting the valet rod 60 first through opening 107 in the terminal portion of hanger body front arm 108. With safety ball 30 removed, cross-tube member 60 can be inserted in the distal end B of valet hanger 10 via a recess underneath the hanger, against cross tube bulkhead 703, between support walls 702 and abutted bulkhead 701 of hanger body rear arm 109. Adjustable rod 50 may then be threadedly advanced into the cross-tube member 60, through support fitting bulkhead opening 704, locking the cross-tube member 60 into hanger body rear arm 109 at its most terminal portion. Safety ball 30 is then installed at the end of valet rod 20 ensuring securement of cross-tube member 60 at the proximal end A.
Referring specifically to FIG. 7c support walls 702 are of a sufficient distance from one another to provide for a width necessary to accept the diameter of cross-tube member 60 and its end fittings 606, 607 (see FIGS. 6a-6b, 7b ). The cross-tube bulkhead 703 (FIG. 7c ) is concave and positioned to accept the outside curvature of the cross-tube member 60 and to align cross-tube member 60's hollow center and threaded acceptance of adjustable rod 50, internally, through openings 704. Support fitting bulkhead 701 is designed to anchor the cross-tube member 60 by supporting the matching end fittings 607, 606 and transferring the axial load in the cross-tube member 60 between support walls 702 and cross-tube bulkhead 703, terminating at support fitting bulkhead 701. Succinctly, the support fitting bulkhead 701 contains a support fitting bulkhead opening 704, also mirrored in proximal opening A, to accept adjustable rod 50 and the valet rod 20 transferring loads lateral to the longitudinal axis of the cross-tube member 60 between the cross-tube member 60 and the hanger body 15. The hanger body 15 has an additional opening, hanger body opening 705, at the terminal portions of hanger arms 108 and 109, accepting, guiding and stabilizing adjustment rod 50 and valet rod 20 within cross-tube member 60.
FIG. 7b depicts the cross-tube member 60 with its distal end B adjustable rod support fitting 606 inserted into the hollow, threaded core of cross-tube member 60 through both support fitting bulkhead opening 704 of the terminal portion of hanger body rear arm 109. In another embodiment, the end fittings 606, 607 do not have axisymmetric radii that match the support fitting bulkhead 701, but rather are machined into cross-tube member 60 to correspond to the opening on either side of cross-tube member 60. This embodiment requires another machine step but reduces the stress and increases the durability of the assembly to handle additional and heavier loads from hanging clothes. This figure also clearly shows the threaded adjustable rod 50 passing through opening 704 and securing the cross-tube member 60 assembly into the hanger body 15 through attachment to hanger body arms (108, 109).
Turning now to FIGS. 8a and 8b , FIG. 8a illustrates each functional feature, valet rod 20, adjustable rod 50, cross-tube member 60, in addition to hanger body arms 108, 109 and hook member 35 integrated into one operative apparatus showing their respective relationship to each other. FIG. 8a shows these key features in combination whereas FIG. 8b shows each individual component in isolation in an exploded and expanded view. Of note, spring mechanism 604 associated with valet rod 20 is shown in a compressed state in both FIG. 8a and FIG. 8 b.
FIG. 9 illustrates an installed valet hanger 200 hanging from hanger rod 210 in closet 240 (valet hanger 200's primary functional environment) with hook member 35 engaged (back and over), adjustment rod 50 extended to a point where back stop 37 abuts the rear wall 230 of closet, extended valet hanger rod 25 displays clothing attached via a conventional coat hanger 900 which is securedly held, outwardly, by safety call 30. Cross tube member 60, extended valet hanger rod 25 and adjustable rod 50 are all horizontally oriented and coplanar wherein cross tube 60 and clothes hanger rod 210 are perpendicular.
FIGS. 10 and 11 show one preferred embodiment of valet hanger 10 wherein a convertible valet hanger 300 is depicted from a back and top side view (FIG. 10) and from a bottom inferior perspective view (FIG. 11). Both views, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, depict adjustable vertical rod 56 in a vertical position perpendicular to cross-tube member 60 yet coplanar with hanger body arms 108, 109, hanger body 15, central hub 110, cross-tube member 60 and valet rod 20. The valet rod 20 is in an extended position for the attachment of convention hangers 900 (see FIG. 9) as well as evidencing an upward “bracing” function wherein adjustable vertical rod 56 is extended to abut a top shelf (not shown) via connection and communication of shelf stop 45 with shelf 220 (see FIG. 12 below).
FIG. 12 shows the installed valet hanger 200 as it would be affixed with a superior residing shelf 220, horizontal cross-tube member 60, perpendicular adjustable vertical rod 56, and abutting (to shelf 220) shelf stop 45. In this vertical position, the stopper 45 is positioned to engage communicatively with a superiorly residing shelf 220 instead of a back wall 230. Adjustable vertical rod 56 can be raised (extended) and lowered (retracted) to adjust shelf stopper 45 to acquire the same level as the bottom of the shelf 220 with a goal of maintaining cross-tube member 60 relatively horizontal and parallel with shelf 220. Further, referring generally to FIG. 12 (evidencing convertible hanger 300 of FIGS. 10 and 11) forces acting on the installed valet hanger 200 are depicted as F1, F2, L and R. The installed valet hanger 200 should be positioned about hanger rod 210 such that the cross-tube member 60 is generally horizontal (i.e., F1=F2) in a retracted state with no attachment of clothing to the hanger body 15, itself, and no additional weight at valet rod 20. Upon application of weight at valet rod 20, this horizontal position is maintained by changing the length of the adjustable vertical rod 56 either shorting or lengthening vertical rod 56 and adjusting said length until the cross-tube member 60 is largely horizontal as the wall stopper 45 engages with the shelf 220. The weight of the valet hanger should be distributed such that it naturally wants to rotate with respect the axis of the hanger rod 210 in a counterclockwise direction (F1 downward and F2 upward) as shown in FIG. 12. This can be facilitated by using a heavier material for the safety ball 30 than for the shelf stop 45 or using a heavier material for valet rod 302 a such as steel and a less dense material for the adjustable vertical rod 56 such as aluminum or by using a hollow adjustable rod 56 to reduce weight. The diameter of the valet rod 302 a may also be increased comparative to the adjustable vertical rod 56 to shift the center of gravity forward, toward proximate end A, for whole valet hanger 400 assembly to the proximate end A.
Referring to the functionality of FIG. 12, the weight of clothes hanging from valet rod 20 is represented by load (F₁). The Load (F₁) acts to pull the valet rod 20 down in the direction of gravity. Considering the resultant moments about the center of the hanger rod 210, the Load (F₁) is acting over a distance as shown by the moment arm 303 is described as a moment M1 in a counterclockwise direction. To balance this moment, M1, a Compression force C₁develops between the shelf stop 45 and shelf 220 acting at a distance shown by the moment arm 304. This moment M2 is acting in the opposite direction or clockwise to counter M1. Since the moment arm 304 is generally less than the moment arm 303, the resulting compression force is greater than the tension Force F₁in order for M1 to equal M2 and the valet hanger 400 to remain in a stable static equilibrium. The resulting upward forces F₂, and F₁react on the hanger rod 201 in the opposite directions as paired couples.
FIG. 13 is a top view of FIGS. 1a -9 evidencing the ability and capacity to maintain a largely horizontal orientation wherein valet rod 20 cross-tube member 60 and adjustable rod 50 (not shown) are all linearly aligned with a medial bisected (valet hanger midline) 16 evidenced and similarly reproduced in FIG. 14.
FIG. 14 is a bottom view wherein the linear alignment of cross-tube member 60 and valet rod 20 are depicted wherein vertical rod hole 61, through cross-tube member 107, can be clearly seen looking up and under convertible valet hanger 300 for use as show in FIGS. 15a and 15b (infra).
FIG. 15a depicts a view from the proximal end A of the convertible valet hanger 300. FIG. 15b shows a view from the distal end B of convertible valet hanger 300. From both views the length of adjustable vertical rod 56 is evident. The adjustable vertical rod 56 exhibits threads that allow securement, retention, and adjustment to align shelf stop 45 with the bottom of a shelf positioned over convertible valet hanger 300 (not shown). From FIG. 15a it is evident that stop 45 is positioned higher than hook 35. The bullet end 52 of adjustable vertical rod 56 resides at the end opposite of shelf stop 45 of the adjustable vertical rod 56 allowing guided engagement of adjustable vertical rod 56 threads with hanger body opening 705 and vertical rod opening 611 as further defined by FIGS. 17 and 19 showing greater detail of convertible valet hanger 300.
In yet another embodiment, FIG. 16 represents a cross sectional view of convertible valet hanger 300 (i.e., conversion represented in a transfiguration of adjustable horizontal rod 54 to adjustable vertical rod 56 and vice versa) showing the operational components contained within cross-tube member 60. The adjustable horizontal rod 54 is inserted here within cross-tube member 60 wherein the horizontal position of which allows for engagement with a back wall 203 as shown in FIGS. 2b, 3b, 3c and 9. This particular cross-sectional view also shows an augmented hollow bored valet rod 302 a in its retracted position. Here the hollow bore of bored valet rod 302 a is made to accept adjustable horizontal rod 54 requiring an internal hollow core feature allowing for bullet end 52 insertion of horizontal adjustment rod 54 into the cavity of bored valet rod 302 a. FIG. 18 shows additional features and greater detail existing on the distal end B of the convertible valet hanger 300 with the adjustable horizontal rod 54.
FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view through convertible valet hanger 300 (transformable from a horizontal to a vertical rear “support” arrangement to a vertical to horizontal rear “support” arrangement or vice versa) also showing the components contained inside the cross-tube member 60 with the adjustable vertical rod 56 in the vertical position for engagement with a shelf 202 (not shown). This cross-sectional view shows valet rod 302 a in its extended position. The engagement of the adjustable vertical rod 56 with the internal components at the distal end B of the cross-tube member 60 assembly is further represented in FIGS. 18 and 19 while the details of the bored valet rod 302 a with the proximal end of the cross-tube member 60 assembly is shown in FIG. 20.
FIGS. 18 and 19 show two distinct modes of the convertible valet hanger 300 with dual function features on the internal adjustable rod support fitting 606 allowing adjustable rod 50 to be placed in the horizontal or vertical positions dependent on the closet space the present invention will occupy. As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, adjustable rod support fitting 606 has internalized threading for both horizontal and vertical adjustable rod insertional acceptance. FIG. 18 evidence a horizontal insertion threads 62 accepting of adjustable horizontal rod 54. In opposite, FIG. 19, exhibits vertical threads 64 for accepting adjustable rod 50 further matching internal vertical rod threaded hole 611 a in the adjustable rod support fitting 606 for vertical placement. It is in the contemplation of inventors that different types of threading may be selected to change the speed of adjustment and of extraction and insertion. A single thread per cross section is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Double and triple threads may be used to accelerate insertion by increasing the distance traveled per turns or revolutions. In some embodiments a quick release mechanism can be used to allow the adjustable rod support fitting 606 to be decoupled from the valet hanger 10 and easily withdrawn by simply pulling support fitting 606 out in a straight axial motion. A quick disconnect fitting may also be designed to allow easy extraction.
Shown in additional detail in FIGS. 18, 19, cross-tube member 60 assembly includes the adjustable rod support fitting on the distal end and the valet rod guide fitting 607 on the proximal end. As further depicted in FIG. 20, the cross-tube member 60 assembly is inserted into hanger body front arm 108 and rear arm 109 between the support fitting bulkheads 701. In addition, the vertical rod hole 611 and the vertical rod threaded hole 611 a (FIG. 18) may be aligned with an anti-rotation feature (not shown). The cross-tube member 60 and related assembly may be inserted from the bottom of the hanger body 15 and abut the cross-tube bulkheads 703 at either end of the valet hanger arms, 108 and 109. The cross-tube member 60 is designed to align with cross tube bulkheads 703 in an orientation that aligns the hanger body vertical rod opening 705 b with vertical rod opening 611. The placement of the bored valet rod 302 a through an opening in support fitting bulkhead 701 secures the cross-tube member 60 assembly at the front end while a support fitting retention nut 610 is inserted through hanger body retention nut opening 705 a and threaded into the adjustable rod support fitting 606 to lock the cross-tube member 60 assembly into the hanger body 15 space between hanger arms 108, 109. The cross-tube member 60 is then maintained within the hanger body 15 even when the adjustable rod 50 (and/or valet rod 20) is removed. The support fitting retention nut 610, recessed torque feature, hanger body opening and the hanger body retention nut opening 705 a are also depicted in greater detail in FIG. 21.
FIGS. 22 and 23 display yet another embodiment of installed valet hanger 200 that utilizes a hanging strap 800 to allow conventional clothes hangers 900 to be placed at various levels (heights) to, for example, position pants or skirts in a lower position and blouses or shirts or suit coats at a higher position to coordinate clothing ensembles. The clothes hangers may be inserted at various positions along the hanging strap 800 through a set of height adjusted holes 802. The hanging strap contains a safety ball opening 801 large enough to slip over the safety ball 30 (or over the smaller diameter of the rod 20 itself) to rest on the valet rod 20 or a “hooking mechanism” (not shown) similar to hook member 35 or hook member on clothes hanger 900 that may allow for hanging strap 800 to be easily placed and removed. The plane of the hanging strap 800 changes from (1) perpendicular to valet hanger 200 to (2) coplanar with valet hanger 200 wherein the upper end of hanging strap 800 is twists in upper section (803) in one embodiment to allow the plane of the clothes hangers 900 to be oriented parallel to the hanger rod 201 and allow the cloths to drape perpendicular to the uniformly positioned clothes hanging on hanger rod 201.

Preferred Embodiments

One preferred embodiment of the present invention is represented by a valet clothes hanger evidencing two inverted arms in an inverted “V” shape exhibiting a hooking mechanism superior to said arms (where conjoined) and an inferior cross-member interior to and at the most terminal portion of said arms whereby each arm and cross-member forms a triangular shape. The cross member itself may be a hollow (complete or semicircular) cylinder made to accept two opposable arm members from each end: (1) a frontward-facing, user proximal oriented extendable hanger arm capable of receiving and maintaining the adherence of individual clothes, one to a plurality of additional, traditional hangers, or valet hangers and (2) a rearward-facing, adjustable ‘back-stop’ countering the adherence of additional weight—all while maintaining a largely uniform horizontal cross-member conformation within a closet between uniformly hung clothes hangers in a closet.
In another embodiment, a valet clothes hanger evidencing an inverted “V” shape with conjoined arms at said “V's” apex exhibiting a hooking mechanism superior to said arms, at the point of said arm's junction, and an inferior cross-member inferior to and at the most terminal portion of said arms whereby each arm and cross-member forms a triangular shape. The cross member itself may be a hollow (fully circular or semicircular) cylinder made to accept two opposable arm members from each end: (1) a frontward-facing, user-proximal extendable hanger arm and safety ball capable of receiving and maintaining the adherence of a piece of clothing, one to a plurality of additional, traditional hangers, additional valet hangers or a hanger strip (capable of accepting a plurality of additional clothes hangers perpendicular to the coplanar hanger construct and (2) a rearward-facing, user distal, adjustable ‘back-stop’ and arm countering the adherence of additional weight—all while maintaining a largely uniform horizontal conformation, with reference to said cross-member, within a closet between uniformly hung clothes hangers in a closet.
In yet another embodiment, a valet clothes hanger evidencing two inverted “V” shaped arms exhibiting a hooking mechanism superior to said arms and a cross-member inferior to and at the most terminal portion of said arms whereby each arm and cross-member together forms a triangular shape. The cross member itself may be a hollow (circular or semicircular) cylinder made to accept two opposable arm members from each end: (1) a frontward-facing, user-proximal extendable hanger arm capable of receiving and maintaining the adherence of one to a plurality of additional, traditional hangers, additional valet hangers and (2) a rearward, user-distal, extendable/adjustable ‘back-stop’ and/or arm is positioned perpendicular to said cross member, abutting the bottom portion of a superiorly residing shelf thus countering the adherence of additional weight above said valet hanger—all while maintaining a largely uniform horizontal conformation within a closet between uniformly hung clothes hangers in a closet.
In another embodiment a valet clothes hanger evidencing two inverted “V” shaped arms exhibiting a hooking mechanism superior to said arms and a cross-member inferiorly, interior to the most terminal portion of said arms whereby each arm and cross-member forms a triangular shape. The cross member itself may be a hollow (circular or semi-circular) cylinder made to accept two opposable arm members from each said front and rear arms: (1) a frontward-facing, user-proximal extendable hanger arm capable of receiving and maintaining the placement of an article or articles of clothing, one to a plurality of additional, traditional hangers, additional valet hangers or a hanger strip or strips (capable of accepting additional clothes hangers perpendicular to the coplanar hanger construct) and a rearward, user-distal and adjustable ‘back-stop’ is positioned perpendicular to said cross member, abutting the bottom portion of a superiorly residing shelf thus countering the adherence of additional weight (by addition to said weight receiving adjustable, user-proximal arm) and transferring said weight to said shelf above said valet hanger—all while maintaining a largely uniform horizontal conformation within a closet between uniformly hung clothes hangers in a closet.
In another embodiment, the present invention may be “convertible” or “modifiable” between a (1) horizontal rearward, user-distal and adjustable arm and ‘back-stop’ and a (2) vertical rearward, user-distal and adjustable arm and ‘back-stop’ (as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17), as may be necessitated by closet conditions and closet space, in one convertible valet hanger.
In another embodiment, the safety ball that resides terminally on an extendable arm, proximal to the user, may be used to accept the hood of a hooded coat or sweatshirt, the collar of a jacket or shirt or the interior waist band of a pair of pants, directly, without the use of a hanger.
In yet another embodiment, the safety ball residing terminally on an extendable arm, proximal to the user, may be retracted and made to exhibit a low profile, within the line of conventional hangers, when not in use, as to create uniformity.
In yet another embodiment, said hanger strip/hanging strap contains a safety ball opening large enough to slip over the safety ball and rest on the valet rod or a “hooking mechanism that may allow for hanging strap to be easily placed and removed. The plane of the strap changes from perpendicular to valet hanger to coplanar with the valet hanger wherein the upper end of hanging strap is twisted 90 degrees in its upper section to allow the plane of the clothes hangers to be oriented parallel to the hanger rod and allow the cloths to drape perpendicular to the uniformly positioned clothes hanging on hanger rod.
From the above disclosure, many alterations and modifications, including preferred embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to a person having requisite skill in the art. Therefore, descriptions should be interpreted as merely illustrative and exemplary as providing the best mode or modes contemplated by inventors instructing the skilled artisan to make and use the same which is susceptible to broad utility and application. Expressly features, structures, sizes, variations and configurations may be amended, restructured and reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application.
The foregoing disclosure is not to be viewed in a limiting sense or to otherwise exclude any embodiments, adaptations or equivalent arrangements naturally following from disclosure of the present application. In opposite, the claims of present invention should be read giving the broadest interpretation to the inventive aspects of the invention described herein and only limited by the claims appended hereto including equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A convertible valet hanger comprising:

two conjoined hanger arms, a superior hook mechanism, and an inferior cross-member, all coplanar;

said two hanger arms, connected superiorly, descending and downward sloping, creating an inverse “V’ formation wherein each said descending arm is connected at an apex, superiorly, and extends downward and away from one another, each to an inferior terminus;

a hook mechanism existing superiorly and at the apex of said inverted “V”;

an inferiorly residing cross-member connecting terminal points of said descending, downward sloping arms;

said cross-member creating an isosceles triangle with said descending arms wherein said descending arms are of equal length and said cross-member is of a length longer than said length of each arm, forming an obtuse angle at the junction between said legs and an acute angles at the junction of said cross member and at said arms;

said cross member harboring two internal opposable arm members, a frontward-facing extendable hanger arm, proximate to a valet hanger user, and a rearward-facing extendable hanger arm, distal to a valet hanger user;

said frontward-facing extendable hanger arm exhibiting a safety ball, proximate to a user; and

said rearward-facing extendable hanger arm exhibiting a back stop member, distal to said user.

2. The convertible valet hanger of claim 1, wherein said hook is attached to a hanger rod in an over and down motion or an under-back, up-and-over motion, for upper securement, and wherein side-to-side movement of said valet hanger is reduced by sequentially hung hangers upon said hanger rod.

3. The convertible valet hanger of claim 2, wherein said frontward-facing extendable hanger arm is capable of extension and retraction to variable lengths to accept the placement of externally applied hanger hooks or direct placement of clothes.

4. The convertible valet hanger of claim 2, wherein said frontward-facing extendable hanger arm is capable of extension and retraction to variable lengths to accept the placement of a hanging strap between hanger arm terminal and safety ball.

5. The hanging strap of claim 4, wherein said hanging strap exhibits

(a) an opening or hooking mechanism for attachment to said frontward-facing extendable hanger arm, proximate to a user;

(b) a twisted, changing plane of said strap rotated 90 degrees from perpendicular to coplanar with said hanger arms, hook mechanism, and cross-member; and

(c) said perpendicular strap portion containing one to a plurality of openings for hanging of additional hanger hooks with garments of said additional hangers displaying garments perpendicular to clothes hanging in a closet in a descending manner.

6. The convertible valet hanger of claim 4, wherein said front-facing extendable hanger arm is extended and retracted via a slide, screw-type or spring-actuated mechanism.

7. The convertible valet hanger of claim 1, wherein said rearward-facing extendable hanger arm is wholly to partially inserted within said cross-member, capable of extension and retraction of variable lengths away from said cross member, at various points distal to a user, to abut a rear wall as to allow said cross-member to maintain a largely horizontal orientation with the addition of weight to said extendable hanger arm, proximate to a valet hanger user.

8. The convertible valet hanger of claim 6, wherein said rearward-facing, extendable hanger arm is extended and retracted via a screw-type or spring-actuatable mechanism.

9. A convertible valet hanger comprising two conjoined hanger arms, a superior hook mechanism, and an inferior cross-member, a front-facing extendable arm and an upward facing extendable arm, perpendicular to said front-facing arm;

said two hanger arms descending and downward sloping to create an inverse “V′ formation;

each said descending arms connected at an apex, superiorly, and extending downward and away from one another, each to a terminus;

said hook mechanism existing superiorly and at the apex of said inverted “V”;

a cross-member connecting terminal points of said descending, downward sloping arms;

said cross-member connected to said descending arms, each arm of equal length, and said cross-member a length longer than said length of each arm, forming a junction between said legs;

said cross member harboring one internal arm member;

said arm member being a frontward-facing extendable hanger arm, proximate to a user;

said frontward-facing extendable hanger arm exhibiting a safety ball; and

a rearward, upward-facing extendable hanger arm, perpendicular to said cross-member, exhibiting a top stop member to abut the bottom portion of a superiorly residing shelf, distal to a user.

10. The convertible valet hanger of claim 9, wherein said valet hanger is suspended via said superior hook which is attached to a hanger rod in an over and down motion, rearwardly open facing conformation, or an under-back, up-and-over, frontward open facing conformation for valet hanger support.

11. The convertible valet hanger of claim 10, wherein said frontward-facing extendable hanger arm is capable of extension and retraction of variable lengths to accept the placement of additional hanger hooks or clothes directly.

12. The convertible valet hanger of claim 11, wherein said frontward-facing extendable hanger arm is extended and retracted via a screw-type or spring-actuatable mechanism.

13. The convertible valet hanger of claim 9, wherein said upward-facing extendable hanger arm exhibiting a top stop member to abut the bottom portion of a superiorly residing shelf is adjustable to various lengths to (1) counter the weight of the placement of hangers upon said frontward-facing extendable hanger arm and (2) to keep said cross-member in a largely horizontal position in use.

14. The convertible valet hanger which is capable of conversion from (1) a rearward-facing, extendable hanger arm exhibiting a back stop member, parallel to said cross-member, to a (2) rearward, upward-facing, extendable hanger arm, perpendicular to said cross-member, exhibiting a top stop member to abut the bottom portion of a superiorly residing shelf and from (2) rearward, upward-facing, extendable hanger arm, perpendicular to said cross-member, exhibiting a top stop member to abut the bottom portion of a superiorly residing shelf to (1) a rearward-facing, extendable hanger arm exhibiting a back stop member, parallel to said cross-member, both distal to a user, for the provision of a counterweight.

15. The method of using the retracted arm version of valet hanger of claim 1 comprising:

placing said valet hanger hook on a hanger rod, between existing hangers, with an under-back, up-and-over motion;

extending outward and rearward, said rearward facing extending and retracting arm;

extending said rearward facing arm until said back stop abuts a rearward closet wall;

ensuring said cross-member is in a nominally horizontal position;

extending outward said front-facing extending arm to a desired length away form said valet hanger and toward a user; and

placing one to a plurality of hangers or articles of clothing upon said front-facing extending arm.

16. The method of using the retracted arm version of valet hanger of claim 15 comprising:

extending upward, said upward-facing extending and retracting arm;

extending said rearward, upward facing arm until said back stop abuts the lower face of an upper shelf superior to said valet hanger rod;

ensuring said cross-member is in a nominally horizontal position;

placing one to a plurality of hangers upon said front-facing extending arm.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said upward-facing extending and retracting arm may be repositioned to an outward and rearward facing extending and retracting arm and/or then returned to said upward-facing extending and retracting arm as utility requires.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said front-facing extending arm may be positioned to a desired length in order to receive a multi-hole hanging strap for the placement of additional hangers.