Clothes hanger

Abstract

A clothes hanger comprises a hook (2), two tensioning bars (9) for bearing against an inner side of a garment, and an adjusting mechanism (10) which connects the tensioning bars (9) and by means of which the tensioning bars (9) can be set with a variable transverse spacing (q1) relative to one another between a storage position and a tensioned position, wherein in the tensioned position the transverse spacing (q1) between the tensioning bars (9) is greater than the transverse spacing between the tensioning bars (9) in the storage position.

Description

[0001] Clothes hanger

[0002] The content of the German patent application DE 102025 104514.3 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The invention relates to a clothes hanger.

[0004] Washed garments are air-dried and / or tumble-dried, then ironed to remove unwanted creases. This process is labor-intensive and energy-intensive.

[0005] Various clothes hangers are known from JP H07-124393 A, US 2017 / 0342650 Al, KR 1020160 122344 A, US 2014 / 0061 259 Al, JP H02-42 580 U.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to minimize the effort involved in providing wrinkle-free garments.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a clothes hanger having the features of claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, it has been found that a garment, particularly outerwear, can be mechanically stretched on a clothes hanger while wet or damp, especially after washing. The garment dries wrinkle-free while hanging on the hanger. Additional energy consumption for tumble dryers and / or irons is reduced and, in particular, eliminated. Drying clothes with a clothes hanger is energy-efficient. The overall effort, especially the time required, is reduced.

[0009] The clothes hanger has two tensioning bars that serve to rest against the inside of the garment. The garment is typically outerwear, such as a jacket, shirt, blouse, T-shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, or similar item. However, it can also be trousers or a skirt. When the clothes hanger is suspended, the tensioning bars are oriented essentially vertically, and in particular, exactly vertically.

[0010] The clothes hanger has a hook that allows it to be hung on a support structure. This support structure typically includes a clothes rail, a wardrobe, or a clothes rack.

[0011] Using an adjustable kinematic mechanism, the tensioning bars can be arranged with a variable lateral distance to each other. In a storage position, the lateral distance between the tensioning bars is small and, in particular, minimal. In the storage position, the clothes hanger can be stored in a space-saving manner. In a tensioning position, the lateral distance between the tensioning bars is greater than in the storage position. The lateral distance of the tensioning bars in the tensioning position depends on the garment being hung, such that the garment is held on the clothes hanger with mechanical tension.

[0012] The clothes hanger is used to dry garments with a maximum width corresponding to the lateral spacing of the tensioning bars in the tensioned position. Specifically, the tensioning bars are arranged on the clothes hanger so that they rest against the inner seams of the garment.

[0013] In particular, the clothes hanger according to the invention differs from a tension hanger known from the prior art, which has telescopic rods pre-tensioned by means of springs and which have a maximum width in the storage position.

[0014] The tensioning strips can be designed as straight strips, especially for tensioning shirts or T-shirts. Depending on the cut of the garment, the tensioning strips can have a different contour, particularly with a curve.

[0015] The clothes hanger is preferably made of a plastic material. Plastic allows for cost-effective and lightweight production of the clothes hanger, especially in large quantities. It also offers a wide range of design possibilities for the shape of the clothes hanger. In particular, functional components of the clothes hanger can be molded as a single piece. The clothes hanger can also be made from recycled plastic. Such a clothes hanger is particularly sustainable. The plastic material can also include composite materials, especially fiber-reinforced plastics, particularly carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP), and / or glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP).

[0016] The clothes hanger can also include wooden components, either additionally or as an alternative. Wood is a renewable resource and has a high-quality look and feel.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the clothes hanger can also be made of metallic materials. Such a clothes hanger is particularly robust and of high quality. Metallic materials can be advantageous, especially when high stress is expected, particularly high cycle counts and / or mechanical loads.

[0018] In principle, other materials are also possible for the manufacture of the clothes hanger, in particular glass materials and / or textile materials that can form rope-like structures from threads and / or fibers, for example.

[0019] A clothes hanger according to claim 2 enables a stable arrangement of the garments on the hanger. Stable means that, in particular, the restoring force exerted by the garment on the hanger does not cause any displacement of the tensioning bars. The garment is reliably and permanently held taut. Unintentional displacement of the tensioning bars from their stable tensioned position is prevented. In particular, the tensioning bars are also stably arranged in their stored position. Handling of the clothes hanger is simplified. Mechanical spring elements, such as those found in prior art clothes tensioners, are unnecessary. A locking mechanism for the tensioning bars according to claim 3 further simplifies handling. The risk of the tensioning bars being unintentionally displaced is additionally minimized and, in particular, eliminated. The locking mechanism for the tensioning bars can be achieved, in particular, by a position lock.Additionally or alternatively, locking devices can be used to lock the clamping strips.

[0020] A locking mechanism for the adjustment kinematics according to claim 4 enables a particularly stable arrangement of the clothes hanger. In particular, the adjustment kinematics are also locked in the storage position.

[0021] At least one scissor arm according to claim 5 enables stable and reliable repositioning of the clamping strips from the storage position to the clamping position and back. The scissor arm comprises, in particular, several strips that are movably arranged relative to one another. The strips are also referred to as repositioning strips.

[0022] In particular, the strips are articulated to one another by means of several connecting joints. It is possible that the adjustment mechanism also includes several, in particular exactly two, scissor arms, which can be actuated independently of each other. This makes it possible, in particular, to reposition the clamping strips independently of each other and move them into a clamping position.

[0023] In particular, the scissor arm has a return element, which is primarily designed as a tension spring. The return element is positioned between two bars of the scissor arm such that a return force is exerted on the bars when they are in the clamping position. This facilitates the return of the clamping bars from the clamping position to the storage position.

[0024] A central web according to claim 6 enables a stable design of the scissor arm. In particular, guided displacement of the scissor arm's bars along the central web is possible by means of a slide. Specifically, exactly two scissor arms are provided, each articulated to the central web by a first bar and to one of the clamping bars by a second bar. The central web is, in particular, rigidly connected to and attached to the hook. The adjustment of the slide along the central web is, in particular, manual. The slide is, in particular, stably arranged on the central web. This means that the slide can be continuously displaced along the central web, with any desired position being stable. Undesired displacement of the slide along the central web is prevented. Undesired displacement could, for example, occur as a result of the weight of the slide and / or the scissor arm itself.Unwanted displacement could also be caused by the restoring force exerted on the tensioning bars by the garment. Due to the stable arrangement of the carriage on the central web, constant tension on the garment is guaranteed.

[0025] In particular, the slide is held to the central web by means of static friction. This static friction is achieved by ensuring that at least one dimension of a cross-sectional area of ​​the central web is larger than a corresponding clear opening in the slide. The central web has an interference dimension relative to the slide opening. This interference dimension is specifically designed to allow for manual and / or motorized adjustment.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the central web can have an end stop for a maximum extension movement of the carriage.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the maximum extension movement of the carriage on the central web can also be limited by means of a cable pull. In particular, the maximum extension movement can be set, and especially adjusted, by the length of the cable that is pulled along when the carriage is moved. Specifically, the carriage is held in position on the central web by means of the cable pull. By actuating the cable pull, the position of the carriage on the central web can be changed.

[0028] A locking arrangement of the slide on the central web ensures that the adjustment kinematics and the clamping bars are locked in the clamping position. This locking can be achieved by means of a detent projection, which is formed, in particular, on the slide and is spring-loaded. The detent projection can engage in one of several detent recesses, which are formed, in particular, on the central web. Alternatively, the slide can be clamped to the central web, in particular by means of a clamping screw, or held magnetically. For this purpose, magnetic sections can be formed along the central web using integrated magnetic elements, in which the slide can be locked with a corresponding counter-magnet.

[0029] A toggle lever arrangement according to claim 7 ensures advantageous, and in particular mechanically stable, displacement kinematics. The toggle lever arrangement comprises several articulated bars. The bars act as lever elements. Starting from the bearing position, the toggle lever arrangement converts a small stroke with high force into a large stroke with lower force. The toggle lever arrangement acts as a force multiplier. In particular, the toggle lever arrangement guarantees that the scissor arm is stably arranged in both the clamping position and the bearing position.

[0030] The adjustment kinematics and the clamping strips can also be locked using at least one locking device according to claim 8, which is arranged on a connecting joint of the adjustment kinematics. The locking device can be designed as a clamping screw or as a magnet. The locking device can also be arranged on several connecting joints and, in particular, on all connecting joints.

[0031] Motorized actuation of the adjustment kinematics according to claim 9 increases ease of use. The adjustment of the carriage can also be performed electrically, for example, by means of an electric spindle drive. In particular, the spindle drive can be sensor-controlled and, in particular, moved into the clamping position using a sensor-controlled termination criterion. The termination criterion can be detected, in particular, by the force exerted as a result of the tension on the garment. This makes it possible to clamp the garments with repeatable clamping force. The drive data of the electric motor of the spindle drive, especially the drive torque, can serve as sensor data. It is particularly advantageous if electric motors are additionally or alternatively arranged at the connecting joints. Sensors, in particular integrated ones, can be arranged on the electric motors. The movement of the carriage according to claim 10 is uncomplicated and intuitive.A cable pull unit designed such that pulling the first end of the cable moves the carriage into a first position, thereby moving the clamping bars into the clamping position by means of the adjustment kinematics. Pulling the second end of the cable moves the clamping bars into their storage position. In particular, the carriage is held and stably arranged on the central web by means of static friction.

[0032] Alternatively, the cable pull unit can be designed with a cable pull anchor that can be locked onto the adjustment kinematics, in particular onto the central web. Specifically, the cable pull anchor can be released from the locked position by means of a release element.

[0033] In particular, the cable pull is located inside a telescopic tube assembly. This eliminates the possibility of incorrect operation of the cable pull unit or the risk of injury to the operator.

[0034] A telescopic tube arrangement according to claim 11 enables a space-saving arrangement of the clothes hanger in the storage position. The telescopic tube arrangement can be operated intuitively by a single operator.

[0035] A compression spring according to claim 12 simplifies the automatic relocation of the clothes hanger from the storage position to the clamping position.

[0036] An embodiment of the adjustment kinematics according to claim 13 is uncomplicated and intuitive to use. An articulated link rod functions like a folding ruler. The individual links are articulated to one another, with corresponding clamping inserts at the joints to allow the link rods to be rotated relative to each other about the joint axis. In particular, the rotational position of the link rods relative to each other can be continuously adjusted. Additionally, rotational locking positions can preferably be provided. In particular, the at least one articulated link rod can have locking means at its joint connections, similar to those at the connecting joints of the scissor arm. The locking of the joint connections is analogous.

[0037] An alternative design of the adjustment kinematics with at least one bellows tube is straightforward and intuitive. The bellows tube is made of a plastic and / or metallic material and possesses an inherent stiffness such that the transverse extent of the clamping bars relative to each other can be variably determined. The bellows tube has several creases that can be individually, and in particular independently of each other, moved between an unfolded and a folded arrangement. For each individual crease, the unfolded or folded arrangement is inherently stable. The more creases are arranged in the unfolded position, the greater the transverse distance between the clamping bars. The stability of the unfolded arrangement of the creases is defined by the material used.In particular, the bellows tube is designed with high inherent rigidity, so that unintentional displacement from the clamping position is prevented.

[0038] A clothes hanger according to claim 14 enables the advantageous mounting of outerwear. Shoulder supports extending in a transverse direction serve to advantageously mount outerwear. Padding elements can be arranged on the shoulder supports to prevent wrinkling in the shoulder area of ​​the outerwear. In particular, the shoulder supports define a clamping plane. The clamping plane especially includes the transverse direction. In a hanging arrangement of the clothes hanger, the clamping plane is a vertical plane.

[0039] In particular, the clamping strips extend transversely to the transverse direction, and especially perpendicularly to the transverse direction. The clamping plane is defined by the longitudinal extension of the clamping strips and the transverse direction of the shoulder supports. The transverse spacing of the clamping strips is oriented along the transverse direction. In the clamping position, the transverse spacing of the clamping strips can be greater than the transverse extension of the shoulder supports. The clothes hanger, in which at least one of the shoulder supports is arranged to be displaceable along the transverse direction, and in particular a drive, especially an electric motor, is provided for motor-assisted displacement of the at least one shoulder support, enables adjustment of the transverse position of the shoulder supports. At least one of the shoulder supports is arranged to be displaceable along the transverse direction.The repositioning of the shoulder supports can be powered, particularly by motors and especially by electric motors. This also increases ease of use.

[0040] A clothes hanger according to claim 15 enables a simple and intuitive mechanism for repositioning the tensioning bars between the tensioning position and the storage position. In particular, the tensioning bars are attached to the central web by means of fastening elements and are pivotably mounted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the central web. In the storage position, the tensioning bars lie adjacent to one another. When pivoted by approximately 180° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central web, the tensioning bars are spaced apart from one another. In particular, the shoulder supports can be pivoted accordingly. The shoulder supports and tensioning bars are held at one and the same pivot joint. It is advantageous if the fastening elements for the tensioning bars are adjustable in length to allow for different tensioning positions, especially with different transverse distances between the tensioning bars.

[0041] Both the features specified in the claims and those specified in the following exemplary embodiments of a clothes hanger according to the invention are each suitable, individually or in combination with one another, for further developing the subject matter of the invention. The respective combinations of features do not constitute limitations with regard to further developments of the subject matter of the invention, but are essentially merely exemplary.

[0042] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawing. Figure 1 shows a front view of a clothes hanger according to the invention in a clamping position according to a first exemplary embodiment, in which an adjustment kinematic mechanism has a scissor arm.

[0043] Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a slider of the clothes hanger in Fig. 1,

[0044] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of a locking device of the slide in Fig.

[0045] 2,

[0046] Fig. 4 shows a representation of the clothes hanger in a storage position corresponding to Fig. 1.

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a representation corresponding to Fig. 1 of a clothes hanger according to a second embodiment, in which the tensioning bars are arranged to pivot around the central web,

[0048] Fig. 6 shows a representation of the clothes hanger in the storage position corresponding to Fig. 5.

[0049] Fig. 7 shows a two-part representation of a clothes hanger according to a third embodiment, in which the adjustment kinematics has a bellows tube,

[0050] Fig. 8 shows a representation corresponding to Fig. 7 of a clothes hanger according to a fourth embodiment, in which the adjustment kinematics has at least one articulated link rod,

[0051] Fig. 9 shows a representation corresponding to Fig. 1 of a clothes hanger according to a fifth embodiment with electromechanical actuation of the adjustment kinematics,

[0052] Fig. 10 shows a representation corresponding to Fig. 4 of a clothes hanger in the storage position according to a sixth embodiment with telescopic tube arrangement and cable pull arrangement; Fig. 11 shows a representation corresponding to Fig. 10 of the clothes hanger in the clamping position.

[0053] Fig. 12 shows a representation of the clothes hanger in an unlocked position, corresponding to Fig. 10.

[0054] Fig. 13 shows a sectional view according to section line XIII-XIII in Fig. 10,

[0055] Fig. 14 shows a sectional view according to section line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13,

[0056] Fig. 15 shows a sectional view according to section line XV-XV in Fig. 13,

[0057] Fig. 16 shows a sectional view according to section line XVI-XVI in Fig. 10,

[0058] Fig. 17 shows a sectional view according to section line XVII-XVII in Fig. 11,

[0059] Fig. 18 shows a sectional view according to section line XVIII-XVIII in Fig. 17,

[0060] Fig. 19 shows a sectional view according to section line XIX-XIX in Fig. 17,

[0061] Fig. 20 shows a sectional view according to section line XX-XX in Fig. 11,

[0062] Fig. 21 shows an enlarged detail view of detail XXI in Fig. 11.

[0063] Fig. 22 shows a sectional view according to section line XXII-XXII in Fig. 12,

[0064] Fig. 23 shows a sectional view according to section line XXIII-XXIII in Fig. 22,

[0065] Fig. 24 is a sectional view according to section line XXIV-XXIV in Fig. 22,

[0066] Fig. 25 shows a sectional view according to section line XXV-XXV in Fig. 12. A clothes hanger, marked as a whole with 1 in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, serves to hang a garment, in particular outerwear.

[0067] The clothes hanger 1 comprises a hook 2, which serves to suspend the clothes hanger 1 from a holding element 3, in particular a clothes rail. A central web 4 is integrally formed on the hook 2, in particular as a single piece, and extends vertically on the holding element 3 in the hanging arrangement of the clothes hanger shown in Fig. 1. Two shoulder supports 5 are held on the central web 4, extending in a transverse direction 6. The transverse direction 6 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central web 4. The shoulder supports 5 serve to hold outerwear in the shoulder area.

[0068] The clothes hanger 1 has a crossbar 7 around which trousers or a skirt can be draped. The crossbar 7 is connected at each end to a U-shaped deflection element 8, which in turn connects to the shoulder supports 5. Along the vertical direction, the crossbar 7 is positioned below the shoulder supports 5. The shoulder supports 5, crossbar 7, and deflection elements 8 can form a closed frame, particularly a one-piece frame, which is attached to the central web 4. Due to the frame-like design, the shoulder supports 5 exhibit high stability, especially in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing as shown in Fig. 1, i.e., in a normal direction to the frame plane.

[0069] It is advantageous if at least one shoulder support 5 or both shoulder supports 5 are designed to be displaceable along the transverse direction 6, as indicated in Fig. 1. In particular, the deflection elements 8 are also each displaceable with their respective shoulder support 5. In this case, the deflection elements 8 are designed to be detachable from the crossbar 7. A telescopic rod design is particularly suitable for displacing the shoulder supports 5. The shoulder supports 5 can be adjusted to the respective shoulder width of the outer garment. In the displaced arrangement, the shoulder supports 5 have a first width bi, which is greater than a second width b2 when the shoulder supports are not displaced, i.e., in a starting position. The clothes hanger 1 has two tensioning bars 9, which are connected by means of an adjustment kinematic 10 in the form of a scissor arm between a [missing information] as shown in Fig.The clamping strips 9 are movable between the first position shown in Fig. 1, also referred to as the clamping position, and a second position shown in Fig. 4, referred to as the storage position. In the clamping position, the clamping strips 9 have a transverse spacing qi that is greater than the transverse spacing q2 of the clamping strips 9 in the storage position. The transverse spacing q is variably adjustable and is defined as the distance between the outer surfaces of the clamping strips 9 facing away from each other along the transverse direction 6.

[0070] In the clothes hanger 1, the transverse spacing of the tensioning bars 9 and / or the width b of the shoulder supports 5 can be variably set. In the illustrated embodiment, the second width b? of the shoulder supports 5 is larger than the second transverse spacing q2 of the tensioning bars 9 in the storage position and smaller than the first transverse spacing qi of the tensioning bars 9 in the clamped position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first width bi essentially corresponds to the first transverse spacing qi. In particular, 0.5 * qi < bi < 2.0 * qi, more specifically 0.7 * qi < bi < 1.4 * qi, more specifically 0.9 * qi < bi < 1.1 * qi. The first width bi can therefore be smaller than, equal to, or larger than the first transverse spacing qi.

[0071] In particular, the relocation of the shoulder supports 5 is independent of the relocation of the tensioning strips 9. Either only the tensioning strips 9, only the shoulder supports 5, or shoulder supports 5 and tensioning strips 9 are relocated in combination.

[0072] The scissor arm 10 has two pairs of bars, each connecting a clamping bar 9 to the central web 4. Each pair of bars comprises a first displacement bar 11 and a second displacement bar 12. The first displacement bar 11 is pivotally connected to the central web 4 about a first pivot axis of a first connecting joint 13. The central web 4 has several receiving openings 37 for connecting the first displacement bar 11 to the central web 4. The adjustment kinematics 10 can be arranged on the central web 4 in a height-adjustable manner. In particular, the distance of the adjustment kinematics 10 to the shoulder supports 5 and especially to the crossbar 7 can be variably set.

[0073] At its opposite end, the first displacement strip 11 is displaceably arranged on the clamping strip 9. In particular, the first displacement strip 11 has a guide pin which is displaceably guided in an elongated recess 14 of the clamping strip 9. The first displacement strip 11 is pivotally connected to the second displacement strip 12 at a second connecting joint 15, particularly in a central region, especially between the two ends of the displacement strip 11. According to the illustrated embodiment, the connecting joints 13, 15 are formed by bolts which are arranged in aligned recesses of the first connecting strip 11 and the central web 4, or of the first displacement strip 11 and the second displacement strip 12, respectively. The bolts can also each be designed by a plug connection, screw connection, clamp connection, or similar.

[0074] The second displacement bar 12 is hinged at its first end to a third connecting joint 16 on the clamping bar 9. At its opposite second end, the second displacement bar 12 is mounted on the central web 4 by means of a slide 17. By actuating the slide 17, it can be moved along the central web 4. Moving the slide 17 upwards, i.e., towards the first connecting joint 13, causes the clamping bars 9 to move away from each other. This increases the transverse distance q. When the slide 17 is moved downwards along the central web 4, i.e., away from the first connecting joint 13, the clamping bars 9 are moved towards each other, thereby decreasing the transverse distance q.

[0075] According to the illustrated embodiment, several receiving openings are provided on the central web 4, in particular above the first connecting joint 13. This makes it possible to adjust the height of the entire adjustment kinematics 10 on the central web 4.

[0076] The adjustment kinematics 10 enable the clamping bars 9 to be stably arranged in both the clamping position and the storage position. In particular, the clamping bars 9 are locked in both the clamping position and the storage position.

[0077] The slide 17 has a slide housing 18. The slide housing 18 is essentially cuboid and has a through-opening through which the central web 4 passes. The slide 17 also has a locking device 19, which is shown separately in Fig. 3. The locking device 19 also has a through-opening through which the central web 4 passes. The locking device 19 is arranged at least partially within the slide housing 18. The locking device 19 has a spring element 20 with which the locking device 19 abuts a rear wall 21 of the slide housing 18. A connecting pin is arranged on an outer surface of the rear wall 21, in particular integrally formed, which serves for the pivotable linkage of the second displacement bars 12.

[0078] The spring element 20 is designed, in particular, as a curved structure having a quarter-circle contour in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal extent. The spring element 20 can also be designed in other ways, in particular as a coil spring or disc spring. The spring element 20 is attached to a support plate 22 of the locking device 19.

[0079] On the underside of the support plate 22, facing away from the spring element 20, a detent projection 23 is arranged, in particular integrally formed, on the support plate 22. The detent projection 23 has a protruding contour, in particular a substantially triangular one. The protruding contour can also have a different geometry. The detent projection 23 serves to engage in one of several detent recesses 24, which are integrally formed on the central web 4. It is advantageous if the geometry of the protruding contour of the detent projection 23 corresponds to a corresponding recess contour of the detent recesses 24. In particular, it is advantageous if the detent projection 23 is reliably detented in the detent receptacle 24 due to its protruding contour and can be unlocked by actuating the locking device.

[0080] In the unactuated state of the locking device 19 shown in Fig. 2, the spring force exerted by the spring element 20 pushes it away from the rear wall 21 in the slide housing 18. This causes the detent projection 23 to come to rest in one of the detent recesses 24. The locking device 19 is locked to the central web 4. The transverse position of the clamping bars 9 relative to each other is fixed and cannot be unintentionally changed. To change the transverse distance q of the clamping bars 9, the locking device 19 can be actuated by pushing it into the slide housing 18 against the spring force of the spring element 20. This displaces the detent projection 23 from the detent recess 24. In this configuration, the slide 17 can be moved along the central web 4 and locked again in a different position.For this purpose, an actuating force is removed from the spring element 20, so that the locking device 19 is pressed into a detent recess 24 in the detent projection 23. Due to the close arrangement of the detent recesses 24 to each other along the longitudinal axis of the central web 4, very fine adjustment of the slide 17 and thus of the tensioning bars 9 is possible. This ensures that the transverse extension of the tensioning bars 9 can be individually adjusted for each garment. This makes it possible to individually tension a wide variety of garments. The clothes hanger 1 is very versatile. It is understood that additional locking means may be provided for locking the tensioning bars 9, which may be arranged in particular on at least one of the connecting joints 13, 15 or 16.

[0081] It is particularly possible to design two separate scissor arms, each attached to the central web 4. In this case, the carriage 17 can be C-shaped and only partially engage the central web 4 in the transverse direction. Otherwise, the functionality, especially of the carriage 17, remains unchanged. With a two-part scissor arm, it is possible to move the clamping strips 9 independently of each other and, in particular, asymmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry oriented perpendicular to the transverse direction 6.

[0082] The following describes a further embodiment of a clothes hanger with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Structurally identical components are given the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiment, to whose description reference is hereby made. Structurally different, but functionally similar, parts are given the same reference numerals with the suffix "a" appended.

[0083] The key difference compared to the previous embodiment is that the adjustment kinematics 10a has at least one pivot joint about which the clamping strips 9 are pivoted relative to the longitudinal axis of the central web 4. To move the clamping strips 9 from the storage position according to Fig. 6 to the clamping position according to Fig. 5, one clamping strip 9 rotates about the central web 4. This rotation occurs along an angle of approximately 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the central web 4. The clamping strips 9 are each held to the central web 4 by means of fastening elements 25. It is advantageous if the central web 4 and / or the clamping strips 9 have end stops against which they can rest in both the storage and clamping positions. Moving them between the two positions is straightforward and reliable.

[0084] This design is particularly straightforward. Moving it from the storage position to the clamping position is intuitive, especially by unfolding it.

[0085] In particular, it is possible that the shoulder supports 5 and the crossbar 7 are also foldable.

[0086] The following describes a further embodiment of a clothes hanger with reference to Fig. 7. Structurally identical components are given the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, to whose description reference is hereby made. Structurally different, but functionally similar, parts are given the same reference numerals with a trailing "b".

[0087] A key difference compared to the previous embodiments is that the adjustment kinematics 10b includes a bellows tube 26. The bellows tube 26 has inherent rigidity, allowing the clamping bars 9 to be displaced, particularly independently of one another, in the transverse direction 6 with respect to the central web 4. The bellows tube 26 has several bellows arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction 6, which can be actuated individually. In the clamping position shown on the left in Fig. 7, all bellows are extended. In the storage position shown on the right in Fig. 7, all bellows are compressed. Various intermediate positions are conceivable in which only some or many of the bellows are extended. A further embodiment of a clothes hanger is described below with reference to Fig. 8.Structurally identical components receive the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, to whose description reference is hereby made. Structurally different, but functionally equivalent, parts receive the same reference numerals with a trailing "c".

[0088] In the clothes hanger 1c, the adjustment mechanism 10c is designed in the form of a folding ruler. The adjustment mechanism 10c has two articulated link rods 27. Each articulated link rod 27 has several link rods 28, which are connected to each other at their ends by adjustment joints 29. The adjustment joints 29 are designed in such a way that they have a clamping mechanism that allows them to be stably arranged steplessly in any configuration. This enables stepless adjustment of the lateral distance.

[0089] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to attach locking devices 29 to the adjusting joints for locking the adjusting kinematics 10c.

[0090] The following describes a further embodiment of a clothes hanger with reference to Fig. 9. Structurally identical components are given the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, to whose description reference is hereby made. Structurally different, but functionally similar, parts are given the same reference numerals with a trailing 'd'.

[0091] The essential difference compared to the first embodiment is that the slide 17d is not moved manually, but by means of a drive, in particular an electric motor, and is actuated by means of a spindle drive 30. The spindle drive 30 is mechanically coupled to a drive 31, which is in particular designed as an electric motor. By actuating a switch 32, a rotary motion generated by the electric motor 31 is transmitted to the spindle drive 30. The slide 17d is designed as a displacement nut with an internal thread that corresponds to the drive thread of the spindle drive 30. A rotary motion of the spindle drive 30 causes an axial displacement of the slide 17d along the spindle drive 30. The spindle drive 30 is in particular designed as part of the central web 4d. The spindle drive 30 is received in a coupling 33 and in particular connected to the central web 4d.The spindle drive 30 is rotatably mounted in the coupling 33 about its longitudinal axis and axially held within the coupling 33 with respect to the longitudinal axis. The coupling 33 is rigidly connected to the central web 4d at its end opposite the spindle drive 30. Along the longitudinal axis of the spindle drive, the coupling 33 is arranged above the first connecting joint 13, i.e., between the first connecting joint 13 and the transverse rod 7.

[0092] To end the movement of the clamping bars 9 from the storage position to the clamping position, an operator can actuate the switch 32 again and stop the rotation of the electric motor 31. It is advantageous if the switch 32 can be actuated depending on the direction, i.e., if it has different switch positions for an extension movement and a retraction movement.

[0093] Additionally or alternatively, the extension movement into the clamping position can be terminated by sensor control. For this purpose, the clothes hanger Id has at least one sensor 34, which can be designed, in particular, as a rotary encoder. According to the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 34 are arranged, in particular, at the connecting joints 13, 15 and / or 16. The sensors 34 detect, in particular, an angular position of the strips relative to each other, namely 11, 11 or 11, 12 or 9, 12.

[0094] Additionally or alternatively, sensors 34 can also be arranged at the ends of the first displacement strips 11, which are guided in the elongated slot recess 14 of the clamping strips 9.

[0095] In addition, where sensors 34 are arranged, additional drives, in particular electric motors, can also be arranged to enable or support the displacement movement between the bearing position and the clamping position of the clamping bars 9. In particular, it is conceivable that a corresponding electric motor is integrated with a sensor 34. In the case of the clothes hanger Id, the displacement of the shoulder supports 5 with the deflection elements 8 can also be carried out by electric motor and / or sensor control. As shown in Fig. 9, a required electric motor 35 and in particular a sensor, which can be integrated, can be arranged directly on the shoulder support 5.

[0096] The electric motor 35 for the shoulder support 5 is specifically designed as a linear motor. The electric motor 35 can also be designed as a rotary drive for a spindle drive, similar to the electric motor 31.

[0097] It is understood that the clothes hanger Id advantageously has a control unit 36, which may be arranged centrally or integrated into one of the electric motors 31, 35 and / or into one of the sensors 34. According to the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 36 ​​is integrated into the electric motor 31. It is advantageous if all electric motors 31, 35 and / or all sensors 34 are in signal communication with the control unit 36.

[0098] In particular, the clothes hanger Id can be operated automatically by hanging a wet garment on it. By pressing switch 32, both the tensioning bars 9 and the shoulder supports 5 with the deflection elements 8 move into a tensioning position until the garment is optimally taut. To determine the optimal tension, the electric motors 31 and 35 stop their movement, especially when a tensioning position is detected by sensors 34. The tensioning position is detected by force control, i.e., when a counterforce acting by the garment on the tensioning bars 9 and / or the shoulder supports 5 with the deflection elements 8 reaches a predefined threshold.

[0099] In the following, a further embodiment of a clothes hanger is described with reference to Figures 10 to 25. Structurally identical components are given the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, to whose description reference is hereby made. Structurally different, but functionally similar, parts are given the same reference numerals with a trailing 'e'. The clothes hanger le is similar to the clothes hanger 1 according to the first embodiment. One difference is that the central web 4e has a telescopic tube assembly 37 which is attached to the hook 2. The telescopic tube assembly 37 is received in a sleeve-like housing 38 to which the hook 2 is attached, in particular to an end face of the housing 38.

[0100] The housing 38 holds a receiving base 39 to which the telescopic tube assembly 37 is attached.

[0101] The telescopic tube assembly 37 comprises a first tube 40 and a second tube 41. The first tube 40 is designed as an inner tube. The second tube 41 is designed as an outer tube and surrounds the first tube 40. The first tube 40 and the second tube 41 are arranged concentrically with respect to their respective longitudinal axes. The longitudinal axes of the tubes 40 and 41 are oriented parallel to each other and define a longitudinal axis of the telescopic tube assembly 37.

[0102] The first tube 40 is fixed in the housing 38, in particular in the receiving base 39. The second tube 41 is designed to be displaceable relative to the first tube 40.

[0103] A telescopic tube lock 42 is received in the receiving body 39. The telescopic tube lock 42 is displaceable along a displacement direction that is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic tube assembly 37. By means of a telescopic tube lock spring element 43, which is in particular designed as a helical compression spring, the telescopic tube lock 42 is mechanically pre-tensioned in a jacket tube opening on the second tube 41. The second tube 41 is latched to the telescopic tube lock 42. The telescopic tube lock 42 is a latching element.

[0104] A push button 44 is arranged on the housing 38. The push button 44 is positioned on the housing 38 opposite the telescopic tube locking element 42 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic tube assembly 37. The push button 44 is guided through a corresponding opening in the housing 38 and is therefore accessible to an operator from outside the housing, i.e., operable. The push button 44 can be actuated, i.e., pressed, along an actuation direction 45. The actuation direction 45 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly, especially radially, to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic tube assembly 37. Specifically, the actuation direction 45 is oriented opposite to, and in particular antiparallel to, the spring force exerted by the telescopic tube locking element 43.

[0105] The push button 44 has an actuating surface facing the inside of the housing 38. In the bearing position according to FIGS. 10 and 13, the push button 44 rests with its actuating surface against a main release element 46.

[0106] A cable release element 47 is also arranged on the receiving base body 39. The cable release element 47 is axially pre-tensioned in the receiving base body 39 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic tube assembly 37 by means of a spring element 48. The spring element 48 is designed as a helical compression spring. The spring element 48 is supported axially on one side by an end face of the receiving base body 39 and on the other by a corresponding end face of the cable release element 47. In the bearing position shown in Figures 10 and 13, the cable release element 47 is axially compressed and locked by the second tube 41.

[0107] An upper telescopic spring stop element 49 is arranged on the inner side of the first tube 40. According to the illustrated embodiment, the upper telescopic spring stop element 49 is designed as a sleeve that is held inside the first tube 40. A telescopic spring 50 is supported at its end face by the upper telescopic spring stop element 49.

[0108] Analogous to the telescopic tube bolt 42, a cable-operated anchor bolt 51 is also mounted on the receiving base body 39 and spring-supported by means of a cable-operated anchor bolt spring element 52. According to the illustrated embodiment, the cable-operated anchor bolt 51 is arranged on the receiving base body 39 such that the spring forces exerted by the spring elements 43 and 52 are oriented parallel to each other. The bolts 42 and 51 are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the telescopic tube assembly 37. The cable-operated anchor bolt 51 is arranged above the telescopic tube bolt 42, i.e., facing the hook 2.

[0109] In the area of ​​the cable-operated anchor bolt 51, the first tube 40 has a lateral opening, allowing the cable-operated anchor bolt 51 to project into the first tube 40. Specifically, the cable-operated anchor bolt 51 can engage a cable-operated anchor 53 at a holding surface. The cable-operated anchor 53 is dome-shaped. The cable-operated anchor 53 is arranged within the telescopic tube assembly 37 and is displaceable along this assembly, particularly along the first tube 40.

[0110] A support tube is arranged on the underside of the cable anchor 53 and is connected to the cable anchor 53, particularly at its end face. A cable 55 is also attached to the underside of the cable anchor 53 and is guided in the support tube 54.

[0111] A closing element 56 is held at a lower end of the central web 4e opposite the hook 2. The second tube 41 is attached to the closing element 56. A fixed deflection pulley 57 is also held on the closing element 56. The fixed deflection pulley 57 is rotatably mounted on the closing element 56 about an axis of rotation. "Fixed" in this context means that the deflection pulley 57 is not axially displaceable relative to the second tube 41. The rope 50 is guided around the deflection pulley 57.

[0112] A lower telescopic spring stop element 58 is formed on the end element 56, against which the telescopic spring 50 is axially supported. In the bearing position, the telescopic spring is compressed. The telescopic spring 50 exerts an extension force on the telescopic tube assembly 37 such that the first tube 40 is axially displaced away from the second tube 41. This displacement is prevented by the interlocking arrangement of the first tube 40 on the receiving base body 39. The slide 17e is axially displaceable on an outer side of the second tube 41. A displaceable deflection pulley 59 is rotatably mounted on the slide 17e about a pivot axis. When the slide 17e is axially displaced, the deflection pulley 59 moves directly with it. The cable 55 is guided from the fixed deflection pulley 57 to the displaceable deflection pulley 59 and from there to a cable fixing 60. The second end of the rope 55 is attached to the rope fixing 60.The rope fixing is arranged on the end element 56.

[0113] The adjustment mechanism of the clothes hanger le comprises two scissor arms lOe, each connected by several pivotally arranged and / or interconnected displacement bars. The pivot arms lOe are identical and arranged symmetrically with respect to a central plane on the central web 4e, which has the longitudinal axis of the telescopic tube assembly. Each pivot arm lOe has a slide bar 61, which is pivotally connected to the slide 17e. At its opposite end, the slide bar 61 is pivotally connected to an end element bar 62, which in turn is pivotally connected to the end element 56. The second end of the end element bar 62 is pivotally connected to a tension bar bar 63. The first end of the tension bar bar 63 is pivotally connected to the respective tension bar 9.The clamping strips 9 are therefore each pivotable about a pivot axis and held on the respective scissor arms lOe.

[0114] The clamping strips 9 are lightweight and feature a hollow honeycomb structure in a truss-like design, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. 16. The clamping strips 9 allow for a large clamping surface with low component weight.

[0115] At its second end, a connecting strip 64 is arranged on the tensioning strip 63, connecting the tensioning strip 63 to the slide strip 61. The connecting strip 64 is pivotally attached to the slide strip 61 between its endpoints, in particular adjacent to the pivot point at which the slide strip 61 is pivotally attached to the end element strip 62. Due to the arrangement of the strips 61, 62, 63, and 64, and in particular their pivoting relative to one another, a toggle lever is formed by the scissor arm l0e. The respective pivot joint connections of the strips 61, 62, 63, and 64 form the vertices of a quadrilateral, in particular a parallelogram.

[0116] According to the illustrated embodiment, the scissor arm lOe has a return element 65 designed as a tension spring. The return element 65 is attached at one end to the end element strip 62, particularly adjacent to the pivot point of the end element strip 62 on the tensioning strip strip 63, and to the connecting strip 64, particularly adjacent to the pivot point of the connecting strip 64 on the slide strip 61. For this purpose, the respective strips 62 and 64 can have corresponding fastening elements 66 in the form of hooks. In the tensioned position shown in Fig. 21, the return element 65 is tensioned. This means that the tension spring exerts a return force on the scissor arm lOe, which causes a return movement of the scissor arm lOe to the bearing position shown in Fig. 10.

[0117] The following section explains the function of the clothes hanger le, in particular its operation, with reference to Figs. 10 to 25.

[0118] Starting from the arrangement of the clothes hanger le according to Fig. 10 in the storage position, which is also referred to as the retracted state, actuation occurs by pressing the push button 44. The push button 44 directly actuates the main release element 46, i.e., displaces it radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic tube assembly 37, thus pressing it into the housing 38. This displaces the telescopic tube latch 42 against the spring force exerted by the telescopic tube latch spring element 43. This releases the latched arrangement of the second tube 41. The telescopic spring 50 is released.

[0119] Due to the spring force exerted by the telescopic spring 50, the second tube 41, as shown in Fig. 13, is displaced downwards, i.e., away from the hook 2. This axial displacement of the second tube 41 also directly causes an axial displacement of the end element 56, which is attached to the second tube 41. The rope fixing 60 is also displaced accordingly. Because of the guidance of the rope 55 over the deflection pulleys 57, 59, the slide 17e is displaced axially downwards towards the end element 56. Due to the axial displacement of the slide 17e, the two scissor arms 10e are opened, as shown in Fig. 11. In this state, which is shown enlarged in Fig. 21, the return element 65 is tensioned. This displacement occurs, in particular, either until the slide 17e rests axially against the end element 56, as shown in Fig. 20.Should the garment held on the hanger le have a narrower width than the transverse spacing qi of the tensioning bars in the tensioning position, a closer spacing of the tensioning bars 9 is also possible. In particular, stepless adjustment based on the garment width is possible.

[0120] Since the cable-operated anchor release element 47 is arranged axially above the main release element 46 in the bearing position according to Fig. 13, and axial displacement of the cable-operated anchor release element 47 is blocked by the second tube 41, the cable-operated anchor 53 is not unlocked in this state by actuating the push button 44. Upon the first actuation of the push button 44, the cable-operated anchor 53 remains in the locked position according to Figs. 13 and 17.

[0121] It is understood that the telescopic spring 50 is relaxed in the tension position according to Figs. 17 to 21.

[0122] To return the clothes hanger to its storage position, the push button 44 can be actuated again. Since the second tube 41 is displaced from the receiving base 39 in this state, shown in Figures 12 and 22, the cable release element 47 has been axially displaced by the spring element 48. The actuation of the push button 44 is transmitted directly from the main release element 46 to the cable release element 47. In the arrangement according to Figures 12 and 22, which is also referred to as the unlocked state, the main release element 46 and the cable release element 47 are geometrically coupled to each other.

[0123] Accordingly, the main release element 46 and the cable-operated anchor release element 47 are geometrically decoupled in the bearing position shown in Figures 10 and 13, i.e., geometrically separated from each other. Actuation of the push button 44 causes the cable-operated anchor bolt 51 to be displaced via the main release element 46 and the cable-operated anchor release element 47 against the spring force exerted by the cable-operated anchor bolt spring element 52. This releases the cable-operated anchor 53, so that the cable-operated anchor 53 is displaced as a result of the restoring force exerted by the restoring element 65 in the respective scissor arm l0e. The scissor arms l0e are then retracted back into the bearing position with a transverse distance q2.

[0124] From this unlocked state, the clothes hanger can be moved back into the retracted state, i.e., into the storage position according to Fig. 10, by moving the end element 56 with the telescopic tube assembly 37 upwards towards the hook 2, in particular until the cable pull anchor 53 engages on the cable pull anchor latch 51 and the second tube 41 engages on the telescopic tube latch 42. This retraction, in particular of the cable pull anchor 53, is facilitated by the fact that the cable pull anchor 53 has corresponding locking chamfers that promote lateral displacement of the latches 42 and 51.

[0125] As with the previous embodiments, it is possible in the clothes hanger le to use a drive (not shown), in particular an electric motor, in addition to or as an alternative to the spring-loaded displacement of the telescopic tube assembly 37. The electric motor could, for example, be arranged in the housing 38 and actuated by means of the push button 44. Accordingly, the telescopic tube assembly 37 could be actuated not by means of a telescopic spring 50, but, for example, by a spindle drive.

[0126] Furthermore, the shoulder supports 5 can be designed to be displaceable in the transverse direction 6, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. This displaceability can be achieved manually and / or by motor.

Claims

1. - 28 - Patent claims 1. Clothes hanger with a. a hook (2), b. two tensioning strips (9) for contact with an inside of a garment, c. an adjustment kinematics (10; 10a; 10b; 10c; lOd) connecting the tensioning strips (9), by means of which the tensioning strips (9) can be arranged with a variable transverse distance (qi, q?) to each other between a storage position and a tensioning position, wherein in the tensioning position the transverse distance (qi) between the tensioning strips (9) is greater than the transverse distance (qz) between the tensioning strips (9) in the storage position.

2. Clothes hanger according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement of the tensioning bars (9) is stable in the tensioning position.

3. Clothes hanger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensioning bars (9) are arranged in the tensioning position.

4. Clothes hanger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment kinematics (10; 10a; 10b; 10c; lOd) is locked in the clamping position.

5. Clothes hanger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment kinematics (10; lOd) has a scissor arm.

6. Clothes hanger according to claim 5, characterized in that the scissor arm is adjustable by means of a slide (17) guided on a central web (4), wherein in particular the slide (17) can be arranged to be locked on the central web (4), in particular by means of a spring-loaded detent projection (23) which can be arranged in a detent recess (24) of the central web (4).

7. Clothes hanger according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the scissor arm has a toggle lever arrangement.

8. Clothes hanger according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by at least one locking means arranged on a connecting joint (13, 15, 16) of the adjustment kinematics (10).

9. Clothes hanger according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the adjustment kinematics (lOd) has a drive, in particular an electric motor (31).

10. Clothes hanger according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the slide (17) can be displaced on the central web (4) by means of a cable pull unit, wherein the cable pull unit in particular has a cable pull anchor (53) which can be arranged in a latched position in particular by means of a latching element (51), wherein the latching element (51) can be released by means of a release element (47).

11. Clothes hanger according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the central web (4) is designed as a telescopic tube arrangement (37) with a first tube (40) and a second tube (41) which can be displaced telescopically relative to the first tube (40), wherein in particular the second tube (41) is held latched to the first tube by means of a latching element, wherein the latched holder can be released by means of a release element (42).

12. Clothes hanger according to claim 11, characterized in that the telescopic tube arrangement (37) has a spring element (50), in particular a compression spring, which exerts an extension force on the second tube (41) such that it is displaced away from the first tube (40) in the released state.

13. Clothes hanger according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the adjustment kinematics (10b; 10c) comprises at least one articulated link rod (27) or at least one bellows tube (26).

14. Clothes hanger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by shoulder supports (5) extending in a transverse direction (6) for outerwear, wherein in particular at least one of the shoulder supports (5) is arranged to be displaceable along the transverse direction (6), wherein in particular a drive, in particular an electric motor (35), is provided for a motor-assisted displacement of the at least one shoulder support (5).

15. Clothes hanger according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the adjustment kinematics (10a) has at least one pivot joint by means of which the tensioning strips (9) are pivotably connected to the central web (4) with respect to its longitudinal axis.

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