WO2021087578A1

WO2021087578A1 - Wrinkle straightening device for a garment

Info

Publication number: WO2021087578A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/051220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Liam Anglin
Original assignee: Alexander Liam Anglin
Priority date: 2019-11-08
Filing date: 2020-11-09
Publication date: 2021-05-14

Abstract

A wrinkle straightening device includes a support structure to facilitate application of a garment thereon. The support structure has an upper portion disposed along a plane and configured to support a yoke of the garment. A co-planar lower portion extends from the upper portion and supports a bodice of the garment. The lower portion has legs that extend below a bottom end of the garment and terminate at a base. Clamps are provided to facilitate a user in clamping the bodice of the garment to the legs. A tensioning device is coupled to the base of the lower portion and is operable to secure the bottom end of the garment to the base. A size of the tensioning device is adjustable based on a size of the garment and a desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment for straightening out wrinkles from the garment along the plane.

Description

WRINKLE STRAIGHTENING DEVICE FOR A GARMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to the field of devices for use on garments. Particularly, the present subject matter relates to a wrinkle straightening device for use on garments.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many devices have been developed in the past to overcome the drawback of applying manual effort that is typical of pressing, ironing or steaming of clothes to remove wrinkles therefrom. For instance, U.S. Patents 8,595,960, 1,990,454 and 3,262,615 disclose devices that perform some type of shape forming operation on garments either through compression, distension, or use of steam on the garments. However, these previously known devices entail the use of at least one moving part therein, to which the user has to direct at least some manual effort for operating these devices in removing wrinkles from the garment, or alternatively make provisions to provide a flow of steam that aids in the removal of wrinkles from the garment. However, it is well known that ironing, steaming or pressing of garments for straightening undesired wrinkles may be regarded by some as being a chore while for others, they may be considered tedious, or at least cumbersome, activities to undertake. In cases where ironing boxes and steamers are used, the use of secondary power such as electric power, or coal, may have an adverse effect on the environment and is a less than optimal solution to the preservation of the environment. As such, the use of these devices may be detrimental to achieving an energy efficient planet.

[0003] U.S Patent 1,725,457 (hereinafter referred to as “the ’457 patent”) discloses a garment hanger that allows a user to apply a garment to a hanger for supporting the garment on the hanger and also for maintaining a shape or form of the garment. However, the hanger from the ’457 patent is less ergonomic for use by a user, in that, the user may have to exercise at least some level of dexterity in manipulating i.e., maneuvering hooks, attached to flexible cords and suspended from vertical edges of the hanger, for hooking and unhooking of the hooks onto, or from, buttons of the garment. These hooks may become hidden from a view of the user once the garment is applied to the hanger of the ’457 patent, and may therefore, be hard to locate by the user when the user wishes to secure the garment to the hanger upon application of the garment. Thus, the user would have to be adept at manipulating the cords and using the hooks when applying and securing the garment to the hanger of the ’457 patent. Also, in the ’457 patent, a bottom portion of the hanger is designed to terminate before a length of the garment. Owing to this i.e., the shortened height of the hanger of the ’457 patent, once a garment is applied and secured to the hanger, the hanger may only be used in a hung position. Concomitantly, use of this hanger would be limited to locations having a provision, for example, a ledge for hanging the garment hanger. Where there is no such provision, a user of the hanger may be inconvenienced in that the hanger may not be placed even upright on a floor without soiling the garment.

[0004] Keeping the foregoing discussion in view, the hanger of the ’457 patent may, at best, be considered a garment organizer and/or a holder for supporting a garment thereon. Therefore, the garment hanger of the ’457 patent endeavors to merely preserve the current state, that is, the wrinkled or unwrinkled state of the garment under changing conditions, for example, during transport or storage. As such, the ’457 patent does not disclose any active process for removal of wrinkles from the garment with, or during, use of the hanger per se. Moreover, the hanger of the ‘457 patent is formed as a unitary structure i.e., as a single piece and hence, lacks portability in that the hanger cannot be compacted further in size for storage and/or transportation purposes when not in use.

[0005] Further, Japanese Utility Patent Publication JPH04275 (U) (hereinafter referred to as “the ’275 reference”) discloses another device that that may be used for supporting a garment thereon. The device of the ’275 reference may presumably be used for drying and/or stretching the garment. However, some portions of the device, for instance, those portions that support the sleeves of the garment extend significantly outwards from a main, or central, portion of the device. This imparts a bulky configuration to the device of the ’275 reference and use of the device entails a large space claim. Consequently, the device may not be compact enough for storing in spaces where tight space constraints are typically encountered, for example, inside of a cupboard when the process of drying and/or stretching of the garment is to be carried out using the device.

[0006] For the aforementioned reasons, it would, therefore, be prudent to implement a device that is simple to manufacture, or assemble, yet easy for use in straightening wrinkles from a garment. Further, in view of the aforementioned drawbacks, there also exists a need for a device that obviates the need for manual effort or secondary power applications such as electricity or coal for de-wrinkling, or stated differently, for straightening out wrinkles from the garment.

SUMMARY

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned limitations and problems, the present disclosure provides a wrinkle straightening device for garments that effectively de- wrinkles i.e., straightens out wrinkles on garments without the need for manual effort or use of an alternate power source, for example, electricity or coal.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a wrinkle straightening device that is configured to help a user in de-wrinkling a garment by merely applying and securing the garment onto the wrinkle straightening device. Upon applying and securing the garment, the user can leave the wrinkle straightening device in a position, for example, upright or laid down on a horizontal surface such as a floor, or even hung to a ledge of a vertical wall to de- wrinkle the garment. The garment may be applied to the wrinkle straightening device whilst being fully wet, for instance, after a wash, partially wet, or even completely dry of any moisture.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wrinkle straightening device. The wrinkle straightening device includes a support structure that is configured to facilitate application of a garment thereon. The support structure has an upper portion that is disposed along a plane and configured to support a yoke of the garment, and a lower portion extending from, and disposed along the plane of, the upper portion. The lower portion is configured to support a bodice of the garment. The lower portion has a pair of legs extending below a bottom end of the garment and is configured to terminate at a base of the lower portion. Further, the wrinkle straightening device also includes a pair of clamps that operably facilitate a user in clamping the bodice of the garment to the pair of legs from the lower portion. Furthermore, the wrinkle straightening device also includes a tensioning device coupled to the base of the lower portion. The tensioning device is operable by a user to secure the bottom end of the garment to the base of the lower portion. A size of the tensioning device is adjustable based on a size of the garment and a desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment for straightening out wrinkles from the garment along the plane.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the support structure is formed using a modular frame. [0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support structure is formed from a plurality of discrete tubular segments. Each pair of adjacently located tubular segments are connectable via a quick-release mechanism for forming the frame.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the quick- release mechanism is formed using an angular joint having a pair of ends that are complimentary in structure to proximal ends of the pair of adjacently located tubular segments so as to releasably connect with the pair of adjacently located tubular segments.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of discrete tubular segments is detachable from one another by use of the quick-release mechanism to allow for compaction of the support structure.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the each clamp defines an elongated recess therein for accomplishing a snap-fit arrangement with a corresponding one of the tubular segments.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the elongated recess is configured within a pre-determined amount of tolerance with a perimeter of a corresponding one of the tubular segments to accommodate a hem of the bodice associated with the garment therein.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tensioning device includes an elastic cord having a first end coupled to the base of the lower portion of the support structure, and a clip that is coupled to a second end of the elastic cord for operably facilitating a securement of the bottom end of the garment to the base of the lower portion of the support structure.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first end of the elastic cord is coupled to the base of the lower portion using a hook and loop fastener.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first end of the elastic cord is coupled to the base of the lower portion using an anchor rigidly coupled to the base.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wrinkle straightening device includes a hook disposed at an apex of the upper portion. The hook is configured to facilitate the user to suspend the support structure on a support member.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wrinkle straightening device includes an elastic band wrapped around the pair of legs of the lower portion and positioned partway along a height of the lower portion. The band is provided with at least one tensioning device that is operable by a user to secure the bottom end of the garment to the elastic band. A position of the elastic band on the lower portion of the support structure is selected based on the size of the garment and the desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment along the plane. [0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support structure is a flat board having a pre-determined amount of thickness in the range of 1 millimeter to 1 inch.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wrinkle straightening device for straightening wrinkles on a garment that has a yoke supported on a garment hanger using a hook of the garment hanger. The wrinkle straightening device includes a support structure having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a screen. The upper portion is disposed along a plane. The upper portion has an apex and a loop suspended from the apex. The loop is disposed on a first side of the plane and configured to engage with the hook of the garment hanger for allowing the user to secure a first portion of the garment, along the first side of the plane, to the upper portion. The lower portion extends from and is disposed along the plane of the upper portion. A combined height of the upper and lower portions is less than a height of the garment. The screen is disposed along the plane and secured to each of the upper and lower portions respectively. The screen has a securement side disposed on a second side of the plane, whereby a user is facilitated to fold a second portion of the garment over the lower portion of the support structure such that the second portion of the garment lies facing the securement side of the screen. Further, the wrinkle straightening device also includes a tensioning device that is operable by the user to secure the second portion of the garment to the securement side of the screen. A size of the tensioning device is adjustable based on a size of the garment and a desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment for straightening out wrinkles from the garment.

[0023] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the tensioning device is secured to the securement side of the screen using a hook and loop arrangement.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tensioning device includes an elastic cord having a first end coupled to the hook and loop arrangement, and a clip that is coupled to a second end of the elastic cord for operably facilitating a securement of the second portion of the garment to the securement side of the screen.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support structure is formed using a modular frame. [0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support structure is formed from a plurality of discrete tubular segments in which each pair of adjacently located tubular segments are connectable via a quick-release mechanism for forming the frame.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the quick-release mechanism is formed using an angular joint having a pair of ends that are complimentary in structure to proximal ends of the pair of adjacently located tubular segments so as to lock relative positions of the pair of adjacently located tubular segments.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support structure is shaped in the form of an arrow head.

[0029] Other and further aspects and features of the disclosure will be evident from reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] The illustrated embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices and processes that are consistent with the disclosed subject matter as claimed herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of a wrinkle straightening device showing a support structure having an upper portion, a lower portion, a pair of clamps and a tensioning device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the support structure from FIG. 1 showing a tubular segment and a quick-release mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 3 A is a magnified front view of the clamp on the lower portion of the support structure of the wrinkle straightening device from FIG. 1 ;

[0034] FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the clamp from FIG. 3A showing an elongated recess therein;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a magnified view of the tensioning device from FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0036] FIGs. 5 A and 5B are front views of the wrinkle straightening device from FIG. 1 showing different stages of operation for applying and securing the garment;

[0037] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a modified configuration of the wrinkle straightening device when not in use;

[0038] FIG. 7 is a magnified view of the tensioning device, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIGs. 8A and 8B are assembled and exploded front views of the support structure, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration depicting stages of operation in assembling the support structure of FIGs. 8A and 8B;

[0041] FIG. 10A is a front view of the wrinkle straightening device from FIG. 1 showing an elastic band located partway along a length of the lower portion of the support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 10B is a front view of the wrinkle straightening device from FIG. 10A showing a garment applied thereto; and

[0043] FIGs. 11A and 11B are front and rear views of the wrinkle straightening device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following detailed description is made with reference to the figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosure, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations in the description that follows.

[0045] Reference throughout this specification to “a embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “one embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an embodiment” or “in one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0046] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosed subject matter can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other structures, components, and materials as substitution or replacement to the structures, components, materials disclosed herein. In other instances, one or more structures, components, and materials disclosed herein may altogether be omitted, and equivalent structures, components, materials may be used in lieu thereof. Also, in the present disclosure, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a front view of a wrinkle straightening device 100 showing a support structure 102 having an upper portion 108, a lower portion 110, a pair of clamps 118 and a tensioning device 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGs. 5 A and 5B are front views of the exemplary wrinkle straightening device 100 from FIG. 1 showing different stages of operation for applying and securing a garment 104. Explanation to the wrinkle straightening device 100 according to this embodiment will be made in conjunction with FIGs. 1 through 6 in which FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the support structure 102 from FIG. 1, FIG. 3 A is a magnified front view of the clamp 118 on the lower portion 110 of the support structure 102 of the wrinkle straightening device 100 from FIG. 1, FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the clamp 118 from FIG. 3A showing the elongated recess 128 therein, FIG. 4 is a magnified view of the tensioning device 120 from FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a modified configuration of the wrinkle straightening device 100 when not in use.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1 and as best shown in the views of FIGs. 5A and 5B, the wrinkle straightening device 100 includes the support structure 102 that is configured to facilitate application of the garment 104 thereon. The support structure 102 has the upper portion 108 that is disposed along a plane ‘X’ and configured to support a yoke 112 of the garment 104. The support structure 102 also has the lower portion 110 extending from, and disposed along the plane ‘X’ of, the upper portion 108. The lower portion 110 is configured to support a bodice 114 of the garment 104. The term “bodice” used herein may be regarded as a part or portion of the garment 104 that lies above the waist of a user. Moreover, as shown, the lower portion 110 has a pair of legs 110a, 110b that are configured to extend below a bottom end 116 of the garment 104 and terminate at a base 110c of the lower portion 110.

[0049] In an embodiment, the support structure 102 may be formed using a modular frame, as denoted by reference numeral ‘106’ in the view of FIG. 1. The frame 106 may be made from a light-weight material including, but not limited to, metals, thermoplastics, thermo-polymers, and the like. In an example, the light-weight material may include Aluminum (Al). However, it should be noted that a type of material used for forming the frame 106 is merely explanatory in nature and hence, non-limiting of this disclosure. Persons having ordinary skill in the art will acknowledge that any suitable material may be selected based on various other requirements of an application. For instance, based on requirements of an application, the material used for forming the frame 106 may preferably be more rust-resistant than light weight achieved, for example, with use of a specific grade of thermoplastic.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1 and as best shown in the view of FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the support structure 102 may be formed from a plurality of discrete rotationally locked tubular segments 122. Each pair of adjacently located tubular segments 122 are connectable via a quick- release mechanism 124 for forming the frame 106. In this embodiment, the quick- release mechanism 124 may be formed using an angular joint (or joints) 126 as shown best in the view of FIG. 2. The angular joint 126 may be configured to have a pair of ends 126a, 126b that are complimentary in structure to proximal ends of the pair of adjacently located tubular segments 122 so as to releasably connect, in a rotationally fixed manner, with the pair of adjacently located tubular segments 122.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, an end of the pair of ends 126a/126b of the angular joint 126 and a corresponding end of the tubular segment 122 may be configured to together define, for example, a dovetail arrangement as shown exemplarily in the view of FIG. 2. Although the dovetail arrangement is disclosed herein, such an arrangement is merely illustrative in nature and hence, non-limiting of this disclosure. Rather, it will be acknowledged by persons skilled in the art that numerous other types of joints including, but not limited to, a tongue and groove joint, a mortise joint, or a miter joint may be implemented in lieu of the dovetail arrangement disclosed herein. The end 126a/126b of the angular joint 126 and the corresponding end of the tubular segment 122 may engage with each other in, for example, an interference fit, a snap fit, or other suitable releasable yet rotationally fixed relationships known to persons skilled in the art. As such, a type of engagement between the angular joint 126 and the tubular member may be such that any inadvertent relative displacement, i.e., axial and/or rotational displacement of the angular joint 126 and/or the tubular segment 122 may be prevented unless a user applies a pre-determined amount of force to cause the disengagement of the angular joint 126 from the tubular segment 122. [0052] Referring to FIGs. 1 , 5 A and 5B, the wrinkle straightening device 100 also includes a pair of clamps 118 that operably facilitate a user in clamping the bodice 114 of the garment 104 to the pair of legs 110a, 110b from the lower portion 110 of the support structure 102. In an embodiment as best shown in the view of FIG. 3B, each clamp 118 defines an elongated recess 128 therein for accomplishing a snap-fit arrangement with a corresponding one of the tubular segments 122. As such, in this embodiment, the clamps 118 are depicted in what may be commonly known to persons skilled in the art as a “tube clamp”. Further, referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, a depth ‘d’ of the elongated recess 128 may also be configured to he within a pre-determined amount of tolerance with a perimeter ‘P’ of a corresponding one of the tubular segments 122 to accommodate a hem Ή’ of the bodice 114 associated with the garment 104 therein (shown in the views of FIGs. 5 A and 5B).

[0053] Although a specific type and configuration of clamps 118 i.e., the tube clamps are disclosed herein, the specific type and configuration of the clamps 118 is merely illustrative and explanatory in nature, and hence, non-limiting of this disclosure. In alternative embodiments, other types and/or configurations of clamping structures including, but not limited to, a spring- loaded clamp, or other clamping mechanisms e.g., in which a pair of jaws are resiliently biased into a closed position may be implemented in lieu of the tube clamp configuration disclosed herein. Therefore, for realizing functions that are consistent with that of the clamps 118 disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous other equivalent structures are known in the art and such equivalent structures may be readily implemented for use by persons skilled in the art in lieu of the tube clamp configuration of the clamps 118 disclosed herein.

[0054] As such, it is hereby contemplated in an alternative embodiment of this disclosure that each clamp 118 may be configured such that the clamp 118 includes on a first portion (not shown) thereof - a pair of spring-loaded jaws that are operable for securing the clamp 118 onto the tubular segment 122, while on a second portion (not shown) of the clamp 118, there may be provided, or stated differently - defined, a snap-fit arrangement, for example, with the use of a pair of spring- loaded flaps that are configured to be resiliently biased into a seated position within a pair of recesses (not shown) defined on the second portion of a body of the clamp 118. Further, the pair of spring-loaded flaps may also be configured, i.e., shaped and/or sized to lie within a pre determined amount of tolerance with a size and shape of the corresponding recesses to secure a portion of, for example, the hem Ή’ associated with the bodice 114 of the garment 104 therebetween i.e., when the flaps close-in to establish the snap-fit engagement with the corresponding recesses. In this embodiment, a position, or location, of the snap-fit arrangement i.e., the flaps and recesses on the body of the clamp 118 may be selected such that when the pair of clamps 118 are secured to corresponding ones of the legs 110a, 11 Ob, and the pair of hems Ή’ associated with the bodice 114 of the garment 104 are inserted within the snap-fit arrangements, the garment 104 is held taut by the snap-fit arrangements from both clamps 118 for providing a stretching, or pulling force, to a fabric of the garment 104, thereby at least, assisting in the straightening out of any wrinkles that may be present within the garment 104.

[0055] Referring again to FIGs. 1, 5 A and 5B, the wrinkle straightening device 100 also includes the tensioning device 120 that is coupled to the base 110c of the lower portion 110. The tensioning device 120 is operable by a user to secure the bottom end 116 of the garment 104 to the base 110c of the lower portion 110. A size i.e., length ‘S’ of the tensioning device 120 is adjustable based on a size of the garment 104 and a desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment 104 for straightening out wrinkles from the garment 104 along the plane ‘X’.

[0056] In an embodiment as shown in the view of FIG. 4, the tensioning device 120 includes an elastic cord 130 having a first end 130a coupled to the base 110c of the lower portion 110 of the support structure 102. In a further embodiment, the first end 130a of the elastic cord 130 may be coupled to the base 110c of the lower portion 110 using an anchor 136 that is rigidly coupled to the base 110c, as shown best in the views of FIGs. 1, 4, 5 A and 5B. In an alternative embodiment, the first end 130a of the elastic cord 130 may be coupled to the base 110c of the lower portion 110 using holes (not shown) that may be defined in the base 110c to receive the first end 130a of the elastic cord 130 therethrough. The tensioning device 120 also includes a clip 132 that is coupled to a second end 130b of the elastic cord 130 for operably facilitating a securement of the bottom end 116 of the garment 104 to the base 110c of the lower portion 110 of the support structure 102. [0057] As shown in the view of FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the tensioning device 120 may additionally, or optionally, include a spring-loaded clasp 135 disposed partway along a length of the elastic cord 130. As such, two parallel portions of the elastic cord 130 - one portion before the clip 132 and one after the clip 132 may be received within receptacles defined by the spring- loaded clasp 135. The spring-loaded clasp 135 is operable by the user to selectively allow a bi directional passage of the elastic cord 130 therethrough. [0058] For use, the user may be required to assemble the wrinkle straightening device 100 by assembling the tubular segments 122 and the quick-release mechanisms 124 i.e., the angular joints 126 alternately until the support structure 102 is formed to a configuration that is depicted in the view of FIG. 1. The user then places the garment 104, for example, a shirt as shown in the view of FIG. 5 A, over the support structure 102 until the yoke 112 of the garment 104 is supported by the upper portion 108 of the support structure 102 and the bodice 114 of the garment 104 is supported by the pair of legs 110a, 110b that form, part of, the lower portion 110 of the support structure 102. With continued reference to FIG. 5A, the user may optionally stretch the garment 104 downward i.e., by pulling the bottom end 116 of the garment 104 away from the upper portion 108 of the support structure 102 to ensure that sufficient support is provided to the yoke 112 and the bodice 114 of the garment 104 by respective ones of the upper portion 108 and lower portion 110 of the support structure 102. Upon ensuring this, the user may proceed to pull the tensioning device 120 by pulling the clip 132 towards the bottom end 116 of the garment 104 due to which the elastic cord 130 may be expanded, if sufficient length of the elastic cord 130 is present between the anchor 136 and the clip 132. If not, the user can increase a length of the elastic cord 130 to the desired amount by operatively pressing the spring-loaded clasp 135 to release the elastic cord 130 therethrough. When the desired amount of the elastic cord 130 is present between the anchor 136 and the clip 132 i.e., based on the size of the garment 104 and the amount of tension desired in the garment 104, the user may proceed to lock the desired amount of the elastic cord 130 by releasing the spring-loaded clasp 135 and applying the clip 132 to the bottom end 116 of the garment 104. Further, the user may also secure the pair of clamps 118 over the hem Ή’ of the bodice 114 of the garment 104 so as to engage with the corresponding pair of legs 110a, 110b i.e., the pair of tubular segments 122 corresponding to the lower portion 110 of the support structure 102. Preferably, the user may secure the clamps 118 on the lowest possible locations on the pair of legs 110a, 110b i.e., least possible distance from the base 110c while also ensuring that a maximum, or at least an adequate, length of the hem Ή’ from the bodice 114 of the garment 104 is secured between the pair of clamps 118 and the corresponding ones of the pair of legs 110a, 110b. This way, the user can beneficially impart a stretch, or a pull, in the fabric of the garment 104 along the plane ‘X’ i.e., along both axes of the two-dimensional plane ‘X’. Thereafter, the wrinkle straightening device 100 is left alone, with the garment 104 being held taut thereon, for a period of time that is considered by the user as being adequate to straighten the fibers of the garment 104 i.e., without ripping the fabric of the garment 104 during such process. The period of time that may be adequate for wrinkles to straighten out from the garment 104 may range from a few minutes to a couple of hours, for example, up to 10 hours depending on various factors including, but not limited to, a type of fabric used in the garment 104, a level of moisture content in the fabric of the garment 104, a level of moisture content in the atmosphere, and a temperature of the environment in which the process of de- wrinkling i.e., a straightening of the wrinkles on the garment 104 is carried out. [0059] In regards to the foregoing embodiment, only one tensioning device 120 has been depicted and described. However, it may be noted that a number of tensioning devices used is non-limiting of this disclosure. In other implementations of the wrinkle straightening device 100, more than one, i.e., two, three or more tensioning devices, for example, five tensioning devices similar to the tensioning device 120 as shown in the view of FIG. 6 may be used in lieu of the singular tensioning device 120 disclosed herein.

[0060] Moreover, when not in use, the wrinkle straightening device 100 may be dismantled fairly quickly and easily by the user. The tubular segments 122 may be detached from one another by use of the quick- release mechanism 124 i.e., the angular joints 126 to allow for compaction of the support structure 102 as depicted in the view of FIG. 6. Although not necessary, in some implementations, upon detachment of the tubular segments 122, further disassembly may be carried out by removing the tensioning device(s) 120, at least in part, from the tubular segments 122. For example, the elastic cords 130 and the clip (or clips) 132 may be released from their corresponding anchors 136 by the user. Although the additional process of disassembly is disclosed herein, such sub-system level of disassembling the wrinkle straightening device 100 is neither required, nor necessary as it is hereby envisioned that the wrinkle straightening device 100 would be sufficiently compact in form and size to render the wrinkle straightening device 100 portable, thereby, facilitating the user in storing or transporting the wrinkle straightening device 100, that is, upon merely disassembling the tubular segments 122 from the angular joints 126. [0061] FIG. 7 depicts a magnified view of the tensioning device 120, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, in this embodiment, the first end 130a of the elastic cord 130 is coupled to the base 110c of the lower portion 110 using a hook and loop fastener 134. The hook and loop fastener 134 disclosed herein, is also commonly known to persons skilled in the art by the trademark Velcro®. [0062] FIGs. 8A and 8B depict assembled and exploded front views of a support structure 800, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration depicting stages of operation in assembling the support structure 800 of FIGs. 8A and 8B. In this embodiment, each tubular segment 822 is configured or shaped i.e., bent and sized to releasably, and directly, connect with an adjacent tubular segment 822 to form the support structure 800. For instance, as shown in the view of FIG. 9, a first end of each tubular segment 822 may include a protruding pin 802 while a second end of an adjacently located tubular segment 822 may define a receptacle 804 therein. The pin 802 from a first tubular segment 822 may be releasably secured within the receptacle 804 of a second tubular segment 822 i.e., in an interference fit, or with a detent mechanism 808 (hereinafter also referred to as “the detent 808”) as shown in the view of FIG. 9, so as to prevent any inadvertent movement in the positions of the adjacently located tubular members 822 upon engagement. As shown in the view of FIG. 9, the pin 802 may have an insert 806 transversely protruding therefrom and a groove is defined adjacent to the receptacle 804. The groove is also characterized with the detent 808 located partway along the groove. By moving the pin 802 axially within the receptacle 804, the insert 806 is moved axially along the groove until the insert 806 moves past the detent 808. Once the insert 806 is moved past the detent 808, the insert 806 is locked in place until the user provides a force of reversal i.e., to cause disengagement of the two tubular segments 822 in a direction and/or order opposite to that for engagement i.e., securement of the two tubular segments 822. With use and implementation of this embodiment, a number of components used in the manufacture of the support structure 800 may be beneficially reduced. It is hereby envisioned that a reduced number of components may consequently help reduce, or offset, costs, time and effort typically incurred in the manufacture of additional components.

[0063] FIG. 10A depicts a front view of the wrinkle straightening device 100 from FIG. 1 showing an elastic band 142 located partway along a height ‘hi’ of the lower portion 110 of the support structure 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 10B depicts a front view of the wrinkle straightening device 100 from FIG. 10A showing the garment 104 applied thereto. In an embodiment as best shown in the views of FIG. 10A and 10B, the elastic band 142 is wrapped around the pair of legs 110a, 110b of the lower portion 110 and positioned partway along a height ‘hi’ of the lower portion 110. The elastic band 142 is provided with at least one tensioning device 120, for example, three tensioning devices similar to the tensioning device 120 as shown in the view of FIG. 10A, that is operable by the user to secure the bottom end 116 of the garment 104 to the elastic band 142. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, a position of the elastic band 142 on the lower portion 110 of the support structure 102 can be selected based on the size of the garment 104 and the desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment 104 along the plane ‘X’.

[0064] Additionally, or optionally, the wrinkle straightening device 100 may include a hook 140 disposed at an apex 138 of the upper portion 108. The hook 140 is configured to facilitate the user to suspend the support structure 102 on a support member, for example, a ledge on a wall.

[0065] FIGs. 11A and 11B are front and rear views of a wrinkle straightening device 1100, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the wrinkle straightening device 1100 is configured to straighten wrinkles on a garment 1104 that has a yoke 1112 supported on a garment hanger using a hook of the garment hanger as shown best in the view of FIG. 11 A. Referring to FIGs. 11A and 11B, the wrinkle straightening device 1100 includes a support structure 1102 having an upper portion 1108, a lower portion 1110, and a screen 1150. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 11A and 11B, the upper portion 1108 and the lower portion 1110 are configured such that the support structure 1102 is shaped in the form of an arrow head. Moreover, the upper portion 1108 is disposed along a plane ‘X’. The upper portion 1108 has an apex 1138 and a loop 1152 suspended from the apex 1138. The loop 1152 is disposed on a first side ‘Xi’ of the plane ‘X’ and configured to engage with the hook of the garment hanger for allowing the user to secure a first portion 1104a of the garment 1104, along the first side ‘Xi’ of the plane ‘X’, to the upper portion 1108. The lower portion 1110 extends from and is disposed along the plane ‘X’ of the upper portion 1108.

[0066] Moreover, a combined height ‘hi’ of the upper and lower portions 1108, 1110 is less than a height of the garment i.e., a sum of heights

and ‘hT as shown in the views of FIGs. 11 A and

1 IB respectively.

[0067] Further, the screen 1150 is disposed along the plane ‘X’ and secured to each of the upper and lower portions 1108, 1110 respectively, for example, with the use of hook and loop fasteners integrally formed with the screen 1150. The screen 1150 has a securement side 1154 disposed on a second side ‘Xi of the plane ‘X’, whereby the user is facilitated to fold a second portion 1104b of the garment 1104 over the lower portion 1110 of the support structure 1102 such that the second portion 1104b of the garment 1104 lies facing the securement side 1154 of the screen 1150. [0068] Furthermore, the wrinkle straightening device 1100 also includes a tensioning device 1120. For example, three tensioning devices 1120 are exemplarily shown in the view of FIG. 1 IB. The tensioning device 1120 is operable by the user to secure the second portion 1104b of the garment 1104 to the securement side 1154 of the screen 1150. As such, in an embodiment shown in the view of FIG. 1 IB, the tensioning device 1120 may be secured to the securement side 1154 of the screen 1150 using a hook and loop arrangement 1134. Moreover, in this embodiment, the tensioning device 1120 includes an elastic cord 1130 having a first end coupled to the hook and loop arrangement 1134, and a clip 1132 that is coupled to a second end of the elastic cord 1130 for operably facilitating a securement of the second portion 1104b of the garment 1104 to the securement side 1154 of the screen 1150. Also, a size ‘S’ of the tensioning device 1120 is adjustable based on a size of the garment 1104 and a desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment 1104 for straightening out wrinkles from the garment 1104.

[0069] In embodiments herein, although the modular frame has been used in forming the support structure, in an alternative embodiment, the support structure may be embodied in the form of a flat board (not shown). This flat board may be configured suitably and used in lieu of the modular frame. The flat board may have a pre-determined amount of thickness that lies in the range of 1 millimeter to 1 inch. In an example, the flat board may have a thickness of 5 millimeters. In another example, the flat board may have a thickness of 7.5 millimeters. In yet another example, flat board may have a thickness of 10 millimeters.

[0070] It is hereby envisioned that in further embodiments herein, a plurality of wrinkle straightening devices 100/1100 may be coupled to provide a horse styled rack (not shown) that allows a user to support and de- wrinkle multiple garments 104 that are applied, at the same time, onto the plurality of wrinkle straightening devices 100/1100 present on the horse styled rack. It will be appreciated that a number of wrinkle straightening devices 100/1100 that are implemented within the horse styled rack and a type, shape, and configuration of the horse styled rack itself may also be selected to suit specific requirements of an application, including, but not limited to, space constraints associated with the application, for example, in a room, a cupboard, or another receptacle, a nature of the application, for instance, for domestic use or industrial use i.e., a heavy duty application, or other specific factors that may vary from one application to another.

[0071] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

[0072] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A wrinkle straightening device for a garment, the wrinkle straightening device comprising: a support structure that is configured to facilitate application of a garment thereon, the support structure having: an upper portion disposed along a plane and configured to support a yoke of the garment; and a lower portion extending from, and disposed along the plane of, the upper portion, the lower portion configured to support a bodice of the garment, the lower portion having a pair of legs extending below a bottom end of the garment and configured to terminate at a base of the lower portion; a pair of clamps that operably facilitate a user in clamping the bodice of the garment to the pair of legs from the lower portion; and a tensioning device coupled to the base of the lower portion, wherein the tensioning device is operable by a user to secure the bottom end of the garment to the base of the lower portion, and wherein a size of the tensioning device is adjustable based on a size of the garment and a desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment for straightening out wrinkles from the garment along the plane.

2. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 1, wherein the support structure is formed using a modular frame.

3. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 2, wherein the support structure is formed from a plurality of discrete rotationally fixed tubular segments, and wherein each pair of adjacently located tubular segments are connectable via a quick-release mechanism for forming the frame.

4. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 3, wherein the quick-release mechanism is formed using an angular joint having a pair of ends that are complimentary in structure to proximal ends of the pair of adjacently located tubular segments so as to releasably connect in a rotationally fixed manner with the pair of adjacently located tubular segments.

5. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of discrete tubular segments are detachable from one another by use of the quick-release mechanism to allow for compaction of the support structure.

6. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 3, wherein each clamp defines an elongated recess therein for accomplishing a snap-fit arrangement with a corresponding one of the tubular segments.

7. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 6, wherein a depth of the elongated recess is configured to he within a pre-determined amount of tolerance with a perimeter of a corresponding one of the tubular segments to accommodate a hem of the bodice associated with the garment therein.

8. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 1, wherein the tensioning device comprises: an elastic cord having a first end coupled to the base of the lower portion of the support structure; and a clip coupled to a second end of the elastic cord for operably facilitating a securement of the bottom end of the garment to the base of the lower portion of the support structure.

9. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 8, wherein the first end of the elastic cord is coupled to the base of the lower portion using a hook and loop fastener.

10. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 8, wherein the first end of the elastic cord is coupled to the base of the lower portion using an anchor rigidly coupled to the base.

11. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 1 further comprising a hook disposed at an apex of the upper portion, the hook configured to facilitate the user to suspend the support structure on a support member.

12. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 1 further comprising an elastic band wrapped around the pair of legs of the lower portion and positioned partway along a height of the lower portion, the band provided with at least one tensioning device that is operable by a user to secure the bottom end of the garment to the elastic band, and wherein a position of the elastic band on the lower portion of the support structure is selected based on the size of the garment and the desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment along the plane.

13. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is a flat board having a pre-determined amount of thickness in the range of 1 millimeter to 1 inch.

14. A wrinkle straightening device for straightening wrinkles on a garment, the garment having a yoke that is supported on a garment hanger using a hook of the garment hanger, the wrinkle straightening device comprising: a support structure having: an upper portion disposed along a plane, the upper portion having an apex and a loop suspended from the apex, the loop disposed on a first side of the plane and configured to engage with the hook of the garment hanger for allowing the user to secure a first portion of the garment, along the first side of the plane, to the upper portion; a lower portion extending from and disposed along the plane of the upper portion such that a combined height of the upper and lower portions is less than a height of the garment; and a screen disposed along the plane and secured to each of the upper and lower portions respectively, the screen having a securement side disposed on a second side of the plane, whereby a user is facilitated to fold a second portion of the garment over the lower portion of the support structure such that the second portion of the garment lies facing the securement side of the screen; and a tensioning device operable by the user to secure the second portion of the garment to the securement side of the screen, wherein a size of the tensioning device is adjustable based on a size of the garment and a desired amount of tension to be applied on the garment for straightening out wrinkles from the garment.

15. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 14, wherein the tensioning device is secured to the securement side of the screen using a hook and loop arrangement.

16. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 15, wherein the tensioning device comprises: an elastic cord having a first end coupled to the hook and loop arrangement; and a clip coupled to a second end of the elastic cord for operably facilitating a securement of the second portion of the garment to the securement side of the screen.

17. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 14, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion of the support structure is formed using a modular frame.

18. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 15, wherein the support structure is formed from a plurality of discrete rotationally fixed tubular segments, and wherein each pair of adjacently located tubular segments are connectable via a quick-release mechanism for forming the frame.

19. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 16, wherein the quick- release mechanism is formed using an angular joint having a pair of ends that are complimentary in structure to proximal ends of the pair of adjacently located tubular segments so as so as to releasably connect, in a rotationally fixed manner, with the pair of adjacently located tubular segments.

20. The wrinkle straightening device of claim 14, wherein the support structure is shaped in the form of an arrow head.