Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CASE FOR PERSONAL WEAR
This invention relates to a case for personal wear and associated
devices.
An object of the invention is to provide cases/luggage and associated
items in which items of clothing can be packaged in a folded condition in
relatively small space, suited for example to baggage space requirements
in an aeroplane cabin, without unduly creasing the clothing. The invention
may also be used as a low cost packaging system for example in the
packaging of new items of clothing for use in retail outlets or in the
transportation of items of clothing for use by the 'mail order' companies.
Other possible uses of the present invention include a space-efficient means
of storing clothing without it becoming unduly creased, so that the items
of clothing may be unpacked with minima! creases, ready to wear.
According to a broad first aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a frame for folding clothing thereon, the frame having one or more
members thereto, which members define curved transitions for smoothing
folding therearound. The members extend across the frame substantially
parallel to one another. Preferably the members have at least one separator
there between that are arranged substantially perpendicularly to the
members. Most preferably the frame is of a generally rectangular
. configuration comprising two opposing members that define the curved
transitions for smooth folding of clothing therearound and two opposing
separators that extend between and connect the members.
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The curved members have, in general terms, sufficient radius of
curvature to reduce the formation of creases in clothes folded around them.
The optimal radius of curvature depends upon the nature of clothing in terms
of weight, fabric etc but preferably the radius is within the range 0.5 - 3
cm.
Most preferably the separators are substantially rigid in order to keep
the curved members at a substantially fixed distance apart. In certain
circumstances, it may be desirable for the distance between the curved
members to be adjustable. This is most conveniently provided by a frame
having separators of adjustable length. The advantage of such a frame is
that in use, on folding clothing around the frame and securing such clothing
to the frame, the length of separators may then be increased so increasing
the distance between the curved members which has the effect of tightening
the clothing folded onto the frame thus reducing the formation of creases
and reducing any preformed creases in the clothing.
The length of separators may be adjustable by means of a ratchet
system and/or the separators may be telescopic rods which may be
extended or retracted as required.
In such an adjustable frame it is preferable for at least one curved
member to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis to facilitate the
stretching
of the clothing on the frame. But, in order to also facilitate initial folding
of
clothing over the rotatable curved member(s), most preferably the curved
members) are rotatable on a friction bearing, so that more force than simply
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the weight of the clothing is required to rotate the curved member(s). It is
also preferred to provide the curved members with a substantially non-slip
outer surface.
Most conveniently, in use, the items) of clothing are releasably
retained in position on the frame by at least one holding device. The holding
device preferably comprises an enclosure for the frame, but may comprise
instead, or in addition, securing means such as clips or the like for
releasably
attaching the clothing directly onto the frame. The enclosure most
preferably comprises a cover composed of flexible material such as fabric
which may be packed in luggage, or comprises a case, which is preferably
dimensioned to fall within the size restrictions generally imposed by air-
lines
to enable the case to be used as air-line carry-on luggage.
Any suitable securing means may be used, but conveniently the
clothing is releasably attachable directly to the frame by means of at least
one clip or the like. Preferably the securing means is mountable onto the
frame and conveniently the securing means are slidably mounted on the
frame. It is particularly preferred for at least one curved member to have at
least one clip associated therewith for this purpose. Most preferably, the
clips) are slidably mounted onto at least one curved member for attaching
' 20 to the ends of clothes folded onto the frame. The clips are particularly
useful for securing trousers onto the frame.
For clothes having a neck aperture such as shirts, jackets, dresses etc
the securing means may comprise a hanger of suitable dimensions to fit
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inside the neck of the clothing for supporting the clothing. The hanger is
connectable to the frame by any suitable connecting means such as
adjustable and/or elasticated cords, loops etc associated with the hanger.
The curved member may also have a sheet of flexible material
attached thereto. In use, the item of clothing may be retained onto the
frame by means of the clips) and/or the sheet of material may then be
wrapped around the frame loaded with clothing. Preferably the material is
wrapped tightly and secured in the wrapped configuration by means of
releasable securing means such as hooks, press-studs, fasteners, VELCRO
RTM or the like.
It will be appreciated that the sheet of material need not be attached
to the frame, but may simply be provided as a separate enclosure for the
frame.
In this manner the item of clothing is secured in place on the frame
and held under tension which reduces any creases already in the clothing
prior to its folding around the frame and reduces the formation of any further
creases by the folding. A compact package is accordingly provided which
is easy to store and/or transport, in any orientation but which avoids
creasing of the clothing.
With regard to retention of the items) of clothing in the frame, in
certain circumstances there is preferably provided a transverse bar extending
across one end of the frame which is releasably connectable to the main
frame. The bar conveniently comprises two substantially parallel elements
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hinged at one end and closable at the other between which elements
clothing may be clamped in use.
Items of clothing such as jackets, dresses etc, which are wider than
the width of the frame may be folded onto the frame of the present
invention by folding the clothing so that it is of a width that fits onto the
frame prior to folding the clothing around the frame. In order to reduce the
formation of creases at those additional folds, particularly at the points
where the clothing is folded over the curved members, most preferably at
least one flexible cord is provided which in use is placed along those folds.
The flexible cordls) has a curved outer surface for smooth folding
therearound. Preferably the flexible cords) has temporary attachment
means secured at one or both ends thereof for releasably attaching the cord
to the frame.
A frame of smaller dimensions may be provided for the folding of
smaller items of clothing such as neck-ties, scarves or the like. As with the
frame hereinbefore described, the ties/scarves etc would most preferably be
held in position on the frame by securing means and/or an enclosure such
as a box, pouch, case, wrap of flexible material etc.
It may be desirable to secure a series of frames together in a linear
array for example for suspending a set of frames in a vertical array in a
wardrobe as a space-saving measure. For this purpose, suitable means to
enable the frames to be linked together are provided. Conveniently the
curved members and/or separators have apertures therein or hooks, loops
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attached thereto through which a cord or the like may be threaded between
adjacent frames to link them together.
Clothing is folded onto the frame of the present invention in the
following manner. The item of clothing is folded over one member which
defines a curved transition such that that member is located along that fold,
subsequently the so folded clothing is folded again over a second member
such that that second member is located along that subsequent fold. The
so folded clothing is then retained on the frame in the folded condition.
Where the items) of clothing to be folded onto the frame is of a size that
extends beyond the width of the frame, the method of folding includes the
additional steps of folding the clothing to a size within the width of the
frame and locating a flexible cord along the or each additional fold, prior to
folding the clothing onto the frame as described above.
Clothes that are folded on a frame, secured thereto and/or packaged
within an enclosure, in accordance with the present invention
advantageously are easily packed and they may be stored in relatively small
spaces without unduly creasing the clothing and may be carried, stored etc
in any orientation. Space-efficient packing and storing is becoming
increasingly important in crowded travel and urban environments. A
particular beneficial use of the present invention is as compact luggage,
especially for airline carry-on luggage, where size restrictions are generally
imposed. Further uses include efficient stacking of clothing on shelves or
in drawers instead of by hanging in a wardrobe. Furthermore the present
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invention advantageously allows packaged clothing to be handled in a
modular fashion.
The frame may be provided in various dimensions suitable for use in
folding various types of clothing for example western-style clothing such as
trousers, jackets, skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses and (middle) eastern style
clothing such as Arabic dress, Japanese yukata etc. A smaller scale frame
is particularly suitable for use for folding neck ties, scarves or the like.
It will be appreciated that more than one item of clothing may be
folded onto a single frame.
The curved transitions) may be of a smoothly curved nature or may
be approximate to a smooth curve for example by being made up of multiple
angled faces.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is
provided a case for storing an item of personal wear, said case comprising
an elongate support, means for releasably retaining the item of personal
wear on said support, at least one hinge construction extending across the
support whereby the support can be folded on itself, together with the
retained said item, about such hinge construction, such hinge construction
being arranged to bend or pivot to define a curved transition between the
adjacent parts of the support, and means for releasably retaining the support
folded on itself as aforesaid.
With this arrangement, the folding support provides a convenient case
for storing an item of personal wear, in folded condition, and the curved
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configuration of the (or each) hinge construction minimises or avoids
creasing at the (or each) fold. It is therefore possible to fold an item of
personal wear, into a relatively small package without this resulting in
unsightly creases.
This invention may be used for storing any suitable item of personal
wear. Moreover, it is to be understood that the case may be used for single
items or multiple items, in the latter case the items being stored side-by-
side
and/or one on top of another.
With regard to the elongate support, this may take any suitable form
and may be formed from any suitable material. Preferably it is of the nature
of a sheet or strip and is formed from a suitable stiff or semi stiff material
particularly a plastics material such as polypropylene although other
materials such as card may also be used.
The hinge construction may be separate from the material of the
support but attached thereto whereby the said parts of the support are
formed separately and are linked by the hinge construction. Alternatively,
the said parts of the support and the hinge construction may be formed
integrally in one piece.
The curved configuration of the hinge construction may be of a
smoothly curved nature or it may approximate to a smooth curve in that it
is made up by multiple angled faces.
The hinge construction may be defined by a flexible strip which
conveniently may be formed from a stiff or semi-stiff strip to which requisite
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flexibility is imparted by multiple side-by-side score lines or other lines of
weakness, such arrangement facilitating bending in a curved (or approximate
curved) manner.
There may be two or more hinge constructions dividing the support
into three or more parts. In a particularly preferred embodiment there are
two hinge constructions dividing the support into three substantially equal
length parts, this being particularly convenient for folding a tie.
With regard to the retention of the item on the support, preferably
there is provided a transverse bar across one end of the support whereby the
item can be folded or looped around this bar. Conveniently, the bar may be
fixed at the end of the support with a gap being provided in the support
alongside the bar whereby the item can be passed through the gap and then
around the bar.
Alternatively or additionally there may be provided one or more straps
or other fixing devices for releasably attaching the item to the body of the
support.
With regard to the retention of the support in folded condition, this
may comprise linking structures releasably connectable between parts of the
support using any suitable kind of attachment means such as VELCRO
(RTM), zips, press studs.
Most preferably, one or more side flaps are provided which wrap
around the folded support and releasabfy attach thereto to act as a cover as
well as retaining the support in folded configuration.
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Thus, there may be two flaps, one on each side edge of the support
and which fold respectively onto the top and bottom sides of the folded
support to provide opposite covers therefore. These flaps may have end
tabs which fold over the respective ends of the folded support. Other
constructions are also possible including for example an extended side flap
which will wrap over both sides of the folded support.
Alternatively or additionally, the folded support may fit within a bag
or sleeve.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided
a carrying case for a folded jacket comprising an elongate closable bag with
a suspension support for the jacket at one end, and a folding frame having
one or more hinges thereto which hinges define curved transitions for
smooth folding therearound.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided
a jacket folding support comprising a suspension device, two retaining
projections extendable alongside each other and connected to the
suspension device for supporting the shoulders of the jacket with the jacket
folded centrally to bring said shoulders next to each other, and a retaining
device for retaining the jacket on the said projections.
This jacket folding support has many beneficial uses as it reduces the
space normally occupied by a hanging jacket. A particularly advantageous
application is the attachment of the support to the side of a chair for
example in an aeroplane, conference room etc. The retaining device and
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retaining projections may be provided as separate devices that are
connectable together. In this form, the jacket folding support has particular
application in hotels, aeroplanes, ocean liners etc where the retaining device
may be securely attached to a static object such as wardrobe, seat etc.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided
a trouser folding device comprising a suspension device and connected
thereto a folding frame having one or more members thereon which define
curved transitions for smooth folding therearound. Preferably this fits within
a closable bag.
The folding frame of the trouser folding device may be incorporated
as part of the folding frame of the carrying case according to the first
aspect
of the present invention to provide a carrying case for a folded jacket and
trousers.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a flexible sheet of material having temporary securing means integral
therewith, the material being wrappable and closable around a frame for
folding clothing thereon, the frame having one or more members thereto,
which members define curved transitions for smoothing folding therearound.
A suitably shaped piece of material is preferably secured onto the
upper and/or lower extensions of the vertical spacer bars/legs of a trouser
folding frame, for example by the use of appropriately located eyelets in the
material through which the extensions/legs may protrude. The material is
then wrapped around the clothing and frame until the edges of the material
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meet where they may be secured together using VELCRO (RTM), a hook and
eye system, press-studs or other temporary securing means, to provide a
tightly wrapped, closed package.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is
provided a clamping device comprising openable jaw members having a fixed
member there between against which each jaw member may clamp at least
one item of clothing in use.
Most preferably two openable jaw members are provided which are
biased in the closed position by a resilient tension member such as a spring
clip as in conventional "butterfly" clips. However, in contrast with known
clips in the present invention a fixed member is provided that acts as a
partition between the jaw members whereby items may be separately
clamped on either side of the fixed member, between the fixed member and
a jaw member.
According to a eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided
a flexible cord for use in folding clothing having a curved outer surface for
smooth folding therearound. Preferably the outer surface is composed of a
flexible resilient material. Advantageously, the cord is flexible laterally
but
not under tension.
The cord preferably has temporary attachment means such as hook(s),
clip(s), studs) etc. secured at one or both ends thereof.
The cord preferably comprises a central core composed of rope-like
material surrounded by an outer substantially non-compressible sponge-like
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material. The cord may be provided in a variety of diameters according to
its purpose. Most preferably the diameter is greater than approximately
1 cm. The cord may be composed of woven threads, rubber or plastics
material.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided
an item of luggage comprising one or more of the other aspects of the
present invention to provide a means for packaging clothing in a minimal
space whilst avoiding creasing of the clothing along its folds.
Conveniently the item of luggage is provided with a suspension
attachment device fixed to a side wall thereof, to which the various folding
devices of the present invention may be secured.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided
a case for storing multiple shirts comprising two interconnected storage
parts, each part adapted to store one or more folded shirts, each part
incorporating transverse stiffening to resist crushing of the shirt, each part
being at least partially open on one side, and the two parts being movable
to a closed position at which the parts overlie each other to close the said
open sides thereof.
Preferably the transverse stiffening is arranged to resist crushing of
the shirt in both the vertical and horizontal axes.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is
provided an item of luggage comprising in detachable combination some or
all of the items of the above aspects of the present invention.
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According to a twelfth aspect of the present
invention there is provided an item of luggage, preferably
although not necessarily accordin~~ to the ninth aspect,
incorporating a weight measuring device with an indicator
thereto.
According to a further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a fr<~me for folding clothing
thereon, the frame having at leas- one member thereto, which
members define curved transitions for smooth folding
therearound; wherein the frame comprises two opposing
members defining curved transitions and two opposing
separators connecting the members,, the members and
separators being substantially pe==pendicular to each other,
providing a frame of a generally ~~ectangular configuration;
and wherein, in use, the clothing is releasably retained in
position on the frame by at least one holding device; said
holding device comprising an enclosure for the frame; and
wherein the enclosure comprises a cover composed of flexible
material; and wherein the holding device further comprises
securing means for releasably attaching the enclosure
directly onto the frame; and said enclosure comprises
clamping means for releasably attaching to said clothing.
The invention will now be described further by way
of example only and with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatical representation of a
face side plan view of an unfolded carrying case for a
folded jacket in accordance with t_he second aspect of the
present invention;
Fig. 2 shows a diagramma.tical representation of a
rear side plan view of the carrying case shown in figure 1;
. , .... ,
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Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatical representation of
the stages of folding the carrying case of figures 1 and 2;
Fig. 3(a) a shows an unfolded face-side plan view;
Fig. 3(b) shows an unfolded rear-side plan view;
5 Fig. 3(c) shows a first folded face-side plan
view;
Fig. 3(d) shows a first folded rear-side plan
view;
Fig. 3(e) shows a fully folded face-side plan
10 view;
Fig. 3(f) shows a diagrammatic representation of a
perspective view of the carrying ease of figure 3(e);
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a jacket
folding support in accordance wits. the third aspect of the
15 present invention;
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a jacket folding support;
Figs. 6a-6b show perspective views of alternative
embodiments of the retaining device and retainer stop device
of figure 4/5;
Figs. 7a-7c show diagranmatical representations of
a further alternative embodiment cf a jacket folding
support;
Fig. 8 shows a diagrammatical representation of
the support of figure 4 in use;
. " ...,
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Fig. 9 shows a diagrammatical representation of
the support of figure 7 used in cc>njunction with the
carrying case of figures 1-3;
Fig. 10 shows a diagramrriatical representation of a
further alternative embodiment of a jacket folding support;
Fig. 11 shows an altern~.tive configuration of the
aperture of the retainer of the embodiment of the jacket
folding support shown in fig. 10;
Fig. 12 shows an altern~.tive embodiment of the
jacket retainer of the jacket folding support shown in
fig. 11;
Fig. 13 shows a further alternative embodiment of
a jacket retainer;
Fig. 14 shows a further alternative embodiment of
a jacket folding support;
Fig. 15 shows yet a further alternative embodiment
of jacket folding support:
Figs. 16 shows use of tr.e jacket folding in an
aircraft;
Figs. 17a-17c show diagrammatical representations
of a two-part jacket folding support;
Figs. 18a-18c show an alternative embodiment of
the two-part jacket folding support of figure 12;
Figs. 19a-19c show a still further embodiment of a
two-part jacket folding support;
,, . ,... ,
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Fig. 20 shows a diagramrlatical representation of a
trouser folding device in accordance with the fourth aspect
of the present invention;
Figs. 21a-21c show diagrammatical representations
of the stages of folding a pair off= trousers using the device
of figure 20;
Figs. 22a-22b show an a7_ternative embodiment of
trouser folding device;
Fig. 23 shows a still further alternative
embodiment of trouser folding device;
Fig. 24 shows a still further embodiment of
trouser folding device;
Fig. 25(a) shows a perspective view of a still
further alternative embodiment of a trouser folding device;
Figs. 25b-25c show a diagrammatical representation
of a folding frame in accordance with the present invention
having a dress secured thereto;
Fig. 26 shows a diagramrrlatical representation of a
trouser folding device enclosed within a fabric cover;
Figs. 27a-27f show an alternative embodiment of an
enclosure for a trouser folding device;
Figs. 28a-28b show a cl~.mp device in accordance
with a further aspect of the present invention;
Fig. 29 shows a flexible cord in transverse
section in accordance with a still further aspect of the
present invention;
i
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Fig. 30 shows a diagrammatical representation of
the flexible cord of fig. 29 in u:>e in combination with a
jacket folding support;
Fig. 31 shows a diagrammatical representation of
the arrangement of fig. 30 as used for folding a jacket;
Figs. 32a-32f show an item of luggage in
accordance with the ninth aspect c>f the present invention;
Fig. 33 shows a clamp for use in conjunction with
an item of luggage as shown in fic~. 32;
Fig. 34 shows a diagramniatical representation of
the perspective view of a case for storing multiple shirts
in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present
invention, in an (a) empty, open configuration, (b) filled,
open configuration and (c) closed configuration;
Fig. 35 shows a diagramn~atical representation of a
perspective view of an item of luggage in accordance with
the ninth aspect of the present invention;
Fig. 36 is a plan view of one form of a tie case
according to the second aspect of the present invention;
Fig. 37 is a side perspective view showing the tie
case in partially closed condition.;
Fig. 38 is a sectional view of one end of the tie
case; and
Figs. 39-41 are diagrammatic perspective views of
an alternative.
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embodiment in different stages of folding.
With reference to figure 1, a carrying case 2 is shown which is
composed of a fabric cover 4 in which the jacket 6 is placed. The cover can
be composed of any suitable material such as plastics, paper or metallic
foils. The carrying case 2 is shaped to contain a jacket 6 having the
shoulders 8 of the jacket 8 folded back on themselves resulting in the jacket
being folded vertically in half. As shown in figure 2, once inside the
carrying
case 2 the whole can be folded in a manner defined by folding frames 10
which assist folding at the appropriate points and provide support to the
folded jacket.
The carrying case 2 operates as shown in Figure 3. Figures 3(a)
and (b) show the carrying case 2 fully zipped from both sides and illustrates
there are two folding frames 10, one for each side. These two frames 'i 0
are offset and joined at a rolling hinge 12 (or other device providing a
curved
surface) which prevents creasing of the jacket where folding occurs. The
folding frame 10 on each side together with its intervening rolling hinge 12
forms a fixed shape for the enclosed jacket to be folded round without
sharp angles, so reducing the likelihood of creasing. The frames on each
side are offset, which creates a Z shape when it is fully folded as
illustrated
in figure 3(f).
In an alternative embodiment the carrying case may include a single
folding frame split by a single rolling hinge which may be simply folded once.
Whilst such a folded package may be longer than if it were multiply folded,
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26~
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it is flatter which may be desirable in certain circumstances.
As can be seen in Figure 3 these folding frames 10 are of rectangular
shape and are composed of a thin but rigid material, which may be for
example, plastics, metal or wood. They are attached in the middle by a
roiling hinge 12 of creased polypropylene sheeting or similar plastics or
other closely connected pieces of light, yet rigid material such as wood,
metal connected by sewn or glued material sheeting. The distance between
the creases and the stiffness of the joining material, whether the thinner
polypropylene or the glued material sheeting, determines the effective radius
of curvature of the rolling hinge. For example the creases of the rolling
hinge should be further apart in a jacket folding frame than for a shirt
folding
frame as described for example in International Application No.
PCT/GB 94/00880.
A window 14 of a transparent or semi-transparent plastics material is
provided in the fabric cover 4 of carrying case 2 allowing the enclosed
jacket to be visible whilst the carrying case is closed.
!t will accordingly be appreciated that a carrying case in accordance
with the first aspect of the present invention enables jackets to be packed
in a manner whereby the width of the pack is around half as wide as
previous methods of packing jackets and the sleeves hang vertically so
reducing creases on the sleeves when folding.
For full practicality a hanger is required that can hang a jacket in the
before mentioned vertical fashion. The hanger described herein provides an
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important aid for this new form of packing jackets. Not only is it a packing
aid but it allows one to hang a coat or a jacket in a much smaller
cupboard/wardrobe space than before. This in turn allows new more
compact wardrobes to be built for smaller rooms, for new aircraft, for ships
and public places where space for wardrobes is at a premium. Alternatively
when fully folded, loaded carrying cases 2 may be stacked in a cupboard,
obviating the need for a hanger.
As can be seen in Figure 4, a jacket folding hanger support 16
(hereinafter referred to as a hanger 16) consists of a rigid frame having two
arms 20 for supporting the shoulders of a jacket. Arms 20 extend from two
rods 21. Spacer elements 22 are fitted between the rods 21 to hold the
arms 20 at a fixed distance apart. A third arm 24 extends perpendicularly
from the rods 21. This provides both the suspension point at the centre of
gravity of the jacket on the frame and provides a means on which the jacket
retaining device 30 may be mounted. A folding hook 26 used for hanging
is pivotally attached by means of a hinge 27 located at the centre of gravity
on a bar 28 extending across the space 38 between the frame defining the
arm 24. A jacket retaining device 30 is pivotally attached to and suspending
from arm 24. The retaining device 30 is of circular cross section. However,
alternative shaped retaining devices may be used, but these should
preferably have a curved surface where the device touches the jacket in
order to prevent a crease forming.
A retainer stop device 34 extends from the arm 24 and is positioned
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such that the lower part of the retaining device 30 may pivot upwardly in
the direction indicated by arrow 36 but is prevented from pivoting in the
opposite direction beyond its vertical axis. The space 38 permits pivotal
movement of the retainer 30. Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of
the jacket holding support described above.
An alternative retainer 30 and retainer stop device 34 is shown in
figure 6. In the embodiment shown in figure 6(a) the retainer 30 is
supported on the arm 24 and stop device 34 by transverse rods 31 and 35.
The rods 31 are free to slide along arm 24 as indicated by arrow 33. The
lower part of the retainer device 30 may pivot upwardly in the direction
indicated by arrow 36 as before. Three upstanding pairs of stops 37 are
positioned on the frame of the retainer stop device 34. Figure fi(b) shows
an embodiment where the retainer 30 is secured to the hanger by hinge 420.
In use, the retainer is pivoted backwards to enable a jacket to be drawn into
position and subsequently the retainer is pivoted forwards and locked into
position by latch 430.
In the embodiment of the hanger 16 shown in figure 6(a) the arms 20
and 24 are hinged to a rigid L-shaped body 40. A foldable hook 42 is
pivotally attached to the body 40. With this arrangement, the arm 24 may
be folded downwardly as indicated by arrow 44, arms 20 may be folded
outwardly as indicated by arrow 46 and hook 42 may be folded upwardly,
so forming a conventional hanger as shown in figure 6(b). Alternatively the
arms 20 and 24 and hook 42 may be folded so as to form the jacket folding
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hanger support 16 as shown in figure 6(c).
With reference to figure 7, in use the shoulders 8 of the jacket 6 are
folded back on themselves and the jacket 6 is slid onto the hanger 16 such
that each arm 20 (only one of which is shown) protrudes into and supports
each shoulder 8 of the jacket. As the jacket is drawn onto the frame, the
collar region 9 of the jacket 6 abuts the retainer 30 causing it to pivot
upwardly and away from the jacket, thus allowing the jacket to be drawn
completely onto the hanger past the retainer 30. Once the collar region 9
has passed the retainer 30, the retainer 30 returns to its original vertical
position and since it is prevented from pivoting beyond it vertical axis in
the
opposing direction by the retainer stop 34, the jacket 6 is held in position
on hanger 16 and is prevented from backwardly slipping off the arms 20.
If the embodiment of retainer 30 and retainer stop 34 employed is that
shown in figure 5, then as the jacket is drawn onto the frame, the collar
region of the jacket abuts the retainer 30 causing it to pivot upwardly and
away from the jacket in the same manner allowing the jacket to be drawn
completely onto the hanger past the retainer 30 as before. However whilst
the rods 35 are clear above the upstanding stops 37 the retainer 30 may be
slid along arm 24 towards the jacket collar so that the jacket may be pushed
fully onto the hanger. Once at the desired position the lower part of the
retainer 30 may pivot back and be held in position by abutment of the rods
35 against the appropriate pair of stops 37. By providing a series of stops
37 the retainer may be located at a series of positions along arrn 24.
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Although not shown in figure 7 it is most preferable for the rear surface 46
of the retainer 30 to be rounded to reduce creasing of the jacket.
Furthermore it is preferable that the front surface 48 is also rounded to
prevent the retainer 30 from snagging the jacket as the jacket is drawn onto
the frame. Figure 8 shows the support of figure 4 in use.
The jacket folding support hanger 16 may be used in conjunctio n with
the carrying case 2 in the manner illustrated in figure 9. The carrying case
2 is provided with a rigid bar 50 secured across the top part of the fabric
cover of the carrying case 2. A support member 51 is located at the centre
of the bar onto which the hook 26 of the hanger may be secured.
A further alternative embodiment of such a jacket folding support is
shown by way of example only in Figure 10. In this embodiment the jacket
retaining device 30 has slot 104 through it which is positioned along the
longitudinal axis of the retaining device. As may be seen in the Figure, the
slot preferably diverges at its lower end forming a circular aperture 106. The
retainer 30 is secured to the frame 108 of the jacket folding support by
means of at least one fixed guide pin 110 that passes through the slot 104.
The function of these guide pins in the position shown in Figure 10 is to
restrict the travel of the jacket retainer to the direction defined by the
line
between the two pins and to prevent the jacket retainer from pivoting so
preventing the jacket from slipping off the arms of the hanger in use.
Accordingly the pins may be replaced by a bar with a rectangular cross
section. It is preferable that there is not too much play between the guide
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pins) and the slot otherwise in use the jacket may force the retainer
backwards to such an angle that it may slip free of the arms. The slot
preferably passes fully through the jacket retainer as shown in Figure 10,
providing a secure arrangement for use and manufacture. Alternatively a
groove formed in the surface of the retainer may be provided on opposing
sides of the retainer into which shorter guide pins) located on opposing
surfaces of the frame 8 protrude. A plurality of guide pins of any suitable
size and cross-section to fit through the slot or into the grooves may be
used. in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 the retainer 30 suspends from
two guide pins 110 of circular cross-section that pass through the slot 104.
In this manner the retainer is unable to pivot from the substantially vertical
position shown in Figure 1.
Preferably the retainer 2 has a detachable base portion 112 which
advantageously has a rounded surface. The rounded surface avoids
snagging of the material of the jacket in use. In certain circumstances it
might be desirable to provide an additional slot (not shown) that extends
from the aperture 106 to the base portion so that on removal of the base
portion the retainer may be drawn off the guide pins 110 and thus
completely removed from the frame.
By the arrangement shown in Figure 10, in use the retainer 30 may
be raised relatively to the guide pins 110 until the guide pins 110 are
located
within the aperture 106 of the slot. The aperture 106 is dimensioned such
that retainer is pivotable around the guide pins when the guide pins 110 are
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located in the aperture 106. The retainer 30 in this particular embodiment
may be pivoted around the fixed guide pins 110 located within the aperture
106 until the retainer lies substantially horizontally. With the retainer in
this
position the jacket (not shown) may be been drawn into position on the
frame as described earlier, the retainer 30 may then be rotated back to the
substantially vertical position and lowered relatively to the guide pins 110
until it is returned to the position as shown in Figure 10. In this manner
the collar region of the jacket is now folded around the retainer 30 and the
jacket is thus held in position on the frame and the shoulders of the jacket
are prevented from backwardly slipping off the arms 14.
It will be appreciated that the aperture 106 may be of any suitable
shape which accommodates the guide pins) and permits pivotal movement
of the retainer 30 around the guide pins 110. As shown in Figure 10, the
aperture 106 of the slot may pass through the retainer and may be circular
in cross-section. An alternative cross-section is shown diagrammatically in
Figure 11 which o~iy permits clockwise rotation from the vertical position
of the retainer 3 about guide pins 110 as indicated by arrows 105. It will
be appreciated that the aperture may be replaced by indentations formed in
opposing surfaces of the retainer suitably dimensioned to accommodate
guide/pins located on opposing surfaces of the frame.
A further alternative embodiment of jacket retainer is shown in Figure
12. In this embodiment the guide pin 110 is configured as a bar having a
substantially rectangular cross-section and the aperture 106 of the slot is
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configured to provide a shoulder 111 which allows the retainer to rest
upon the guide pin 110 on slight pivotal movement clockwise of the retainer
about the guide pin 210 when located in the aperture.
A further alternative embodiment of retainer is shown in Figure 13.
In this embodiment the retainer is provided as a half-cylinder having guide
rails 113 instead of a slot through which the guide pins) 110 pass.
In a simplified embodiment, the retainer may be provided with a
longitudinal slot through which passes a single guide pin. The retainer may
then simply be raised or lowered relatively to the guide pin as required for
drawing the jacket onto the frame and holding the jacket in position on the
frame respectively.
Any suitable suspension device may be secured to the frame of the
jacket support for hanging purposes. In the preferred embodiment shown
in Figure 10 a cantilevered hook 116 extends from the frame. A
cantilevered arm 118 as shown in Figure 14 may alternatively be used which
is adapted to engage with' a cooperating channelled support device (not
shown) from which the jacket folding support may suspend. The
engagement of the arm 17 8 and channel is preferably effected by
engagement of a spring-loaded ball-bearing with a circular recess. In the
embodiment shown in Figure 14 the ball-bearing 122 is located on the arm
118 and the circular recess is located in the channel, but it will be
appreciated that the positioning of the ball-bearing and recess could be
reversed.
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With reference to Figure 15, optionally a lateral support frame 124
may be secured to or be integrally formed with the main frame 108 to
provide additional strengthening of the main frame 1 O8. The frame 124 may
be advantageously formed into a handle to assist in guiding the arms 20 into
the shoulders of the jacket in use.
Figure 1 fi illustrates by way of example only a possible use of the
jacket folding support in an air craft for passengers' use.
Alternatively a small stand for the jacket folding support could be
provided, which could also be used in an office for example.
1 p In certain circumstances it may be preferable for the jacket folding
support to comprise a combination of two separable parts, wherein one part
comprises a suspension device and two retaining projections and the
second part comprises a retaining device for retaining the jacket on the
projections. Most preferably the second part additionally comprises a
suspension support for engaging the first part.
Preferably the retaining device and the suspension support (if present;
of the second part of the jacket folding support are mounted/rnountable on
a frame suitable for use in conjunction with a carrying case for example of
the type disclosed earlier.
The accompanying Figure 17 shows, by way of example only, an
embodiment of a two-part jacket folding support. As can be seen from
Figure 17 the first part consists of a substantially rigid jacket frame 1 19
having two arms 20 for supporting the shoulders of a jacket, and a third arm
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122 which acts as a suspension device for the jacket folding support. Figure
17 shows the second part which consists of a supporting bracket 121
having two staggered elongate strips of rigid material 123,125 from which
a suspension support 129 and jacket retainer 30 depend respectively. Figure
17 shows the combined use of those two parts of the jacket folding support.
Using leverage and gravity, in use the suspension support 129 prevents the
jacket frame 119 from slipping off the bracket 121 whilst the jacket retainer
30 prevents the jacket (not shown) from slipping off the jacket frame. The
support bracket may be conveniently fitted within a carrying case. This
jacket frame and bracket may also be used, for example, as a packaging
system built into the side of a seat in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, for
use
by a passenger.
Figure 18 shows, by way of example only, an alternative embodiment
of a two part jacket folding support. As may be seen from Figure 9 the first
part consists of a substantially rigid jacket frame having two arms 20 for
supporting the shoulders of a jacket. A cantilevered arm 132 extends from
the frame which acts as a suspension device for the jacket folding support.
A spring-loaded ball-bearing 133 is mounted at one end of the arm 132.
Figure 18(b) shows the second part of the jacket folding support
which consists of a flanged body 134 defining an elongate channel 136
dimensioned to receive arm 132 of the first part. The channel 136 has a
circular recess formed in it (not shown)positioned to receive the ball bearing
133 of arm 132. A jacket retainer 30 of circular cross section depends from
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the body 134. Such a flanged body defining an elongate channel (but
without a jacket retainer depending therefrom) would be suitable for use
with the above mentioned unitary jacket folding support with a cantilevered
arm as shown by way of example only in Figure 5.
Most preferably the flanges 137 of the channel have apertures (not
shown) therethrough to accommodate screws to enable the second part to
be secured for example to a case support 139 which may be secured at the
top of a carrying case. The jacket support frame and case support may be
composed of any suitable material such as wood, plastics or metal.
Figure 18(c) shows the manner in which the two separable parts
shown in Figure 18(a) and 18(b) ~t together in use. Arm 132 fits within
channel 136 and is retained in position by the engagement of the baU-
bearing 133 into the circular recess (not shown) of channel 136. As
described earlier, the positions of the ball-bearing and circular recess could
be reversed. It will be appreciated that any suitable engaging means could
be alternatively employed.
Figure 19 shows, by way of example only, a still further embodiment
of a two part jacket folding support. As can be seen from Figure 19(a) the
first part consists of a substantially rigid jacket frame having two hinged
arms 20 for supporting the shoulders of a jacket that are hinged to a support
section 135. The arms are thus able to be positioned in the open position
shown in Figure 19(a) to form a conventional hanger or folded together
along hinges 121 as shown in Figure 19(c) to form a jacket folding support
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hanger according to the present invention.
Conveniently the frame may be made by cutting out the appropriate
shape from a plastics sheet (e.g. polypropylene sheet) and creasing the
sheet to form hinges 121. In the embodiment shown, upper 9 40 and lower
141 substantially rigid loops are secured to the frame. A conventional
folding hook 142 is secured to the upper loop 140. The hook acts as the
suspension device when the arms of the frame are positioned as shown in
Figure 19(a) to provide a conventional hanger. The hook 142 is preferably
pivotally attached to the loop 140 by means of a hinge so that when the
frame is to be used as a jacket folding support device, the hook 142 may
be folded substantially flat against the support section 135 of the frame.
Optionally, slidable latches 143 or the like may be provided which when slid
across the hinges 121 of the frame ensure the arms 120 remain in the open
position when required to provide a conventional hanger.
Figure 19(b) shows the second part of the jacket folding support
which consists of a jacket retainer 144 which depends from a support
bar/hook device 150. The support bar is substantially L-shaped orientated
such that one limb 151 is substantially horizontal and the other limb 152
extends downwardly substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
retainer. The retainer 144 depends from limb 151 and limb 152 is formed
into a support hook 153 at its lower end. Most preferably limb 151 has at
least one aperture therethrough for accommodating screws) to enable the
second part to be secured, for example, in a carrying case such as the type
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disclosed earlier.
The retainer may alternatively depend from a separate bar (not
shown) above a support bar/hook device 150 which device may be slidably
supported on rails beneath that separate bar. In this manner the support
bar/ hook device may be slidable away from and towards the retainer as
required to facilitate engagement with the jacket frame in use.
Figure 19(c) shows the manner in which the two separable parts
shown in Figure 19(a) and 19(b) fit together in use. The jacket frame is
supported by the support hook 153 by passing the limb 152 through the
upper 140 and lower 141 loops, the lower loop resting on the support hook.
The support hook may alternatively be configured so that it curves inwardly
towards the jacket frame in use. The lower loop would then not be required
as the base of the support section 135 of the frame could be supported on
the support hook instead.
The embodiment shown in Figure 19 provides a jacket frame where
the arms 20 may be flexed when in the closed position shown in Figure
19(c) such that they may be as close as can be allowed by the thickness of
the jacket being folded onto the jacket folding support in use. This enables
a jacket to be packaged in an extremely thin space without creasing. This
jacket frame may also be used as a conventional hanger and thus
advantageously has a dual function.
Figure 20 shows a trouser folding device 52 which consists of, a
rectangular frame 54 of rigid material having two crossbars 56 and 58 of
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circular cross section integral therewith. The circular cross-sectional cross
bars 56, 58 allow trousers to be folded on the frame 54 without creases in
the trousers forming where they are folded. Alternatively a rounded surface
may be provided for example by fitting rollers of circular cross section over
the cross bars or by fitting a curved plastics moulding onto the surfaces of
cross bars with which the trousers are in contact. The radius of curvature
of the rounded surface should be of a sufficient size to prevent creases
forming in the trousers, for example a Larger radius of curvature is generally
required for more readily creasable fabrics than for more crease resistant
fabrics. With reference to figure 21, in use trousers 60 are hung in the usual
manner over the lower bar 58 such that they are halved as in normal trouser
hanging systems (figure 21 a). The frame 54 is then rotated 180° such
that
the bar 58 that the trousers were hung over moves to the top (figure 21 (b)).
The frame 54 continues its rotation through a further 180° (figure 21
(c)) by
which point the trousers are folded into a quarter of their normal length with
the waist-band and base of the trousers hanging together at the base of the
device 52. They may be held on the frame 54 by clips 62 attached to the
lower cross-bar 58, that grip both ends of the trousers.
The trouser device 52 may incorporate a system that removes
creases, by means of two ratchets 64 on each vertical spacer rod 66 of the
frame 54, such that once the trousers 60 are placed on the frame 54, as
described above with the ends secured to the frame 54 in the clips 62,
then the horizontal cross-bars 56, 58 may be drawn apart until the tension
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of the trousers stretched over the frame no longer permits the cross-bars to
be drawn further apart. Rollers provided on the cross-bars mentioned above
will assist this action to proceed smoothly. By this means creases in the
trousers may be reduced in severity, an important aid to travellers.
Figure 22 shows by way of example only an alternative embodiment
of trouser folding device comprising a folding frame having one or more
members thereon which define curved transitions for smooth folding there
around. With reference to figure 22(a1 the folding frame comprises a
rectangular frame 155 consisting of two cross bars 156 and 157 of circular
cross-section, as described earlier, and two vertical spacer bars 158 and 159
which extend beyond the periphery of those sides of the rectangle defined
by the two cross bars 156 and 157. Figure 22(b) illustrates the folding
frame having an item of clothing half folded on the frame. The frame is not
restricted to use for folding trousers, it may be used for folding all types
of
clothing. To facilitate hanging, preferably a suspender bar 160 having a
hanging hook 161 or the like mounted thereon is secured to and extends
between the vertical spacer bars 158 and 159 as shown by way of example
only in Figure 23. Conveniently, so as not to hinder the folding of trousers
onto the frame, the suspender bar is composed of two parts 162 and 163
which may be hooked together to form a complete bar after a pair of
trousers has been loaded onto the frame.
In order to allow a jacket additionally to be laid over such a folding
device after the trousers have been loaded thereon, as described earlier, the
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folding frame preferably has legs extending therefrom. Most preferably the
lower legs 164 are of a length which allows the jacket to hang above the
feet 165 as shown by way of example only in the accompanying Figure 24.
Loops 166 may be provided on the upper legs 167 to allow a conventional
hanger to be threaded therethrough. Alternatively the upper legs may be
connected together by a suspender bar having a hanging hook or the like
mounted thereon as described above. The bar may be made up of two or
more engageable parts as described earlier. Depending on the clothing to be
folded onto the frame, the lower legs may be absent or of a relatively short
length enabling tighter packaging to be achieved.
With reference to Figure 25(a) a frame of larger dimensions is shown
whereby the trousers 60 are folded into a third of their length by threading
the trousers through the frame in a Z manner as shown. This requires two
sets of clips 62, 63 for each end of the trousers if it is required to tension
them to remove creases. It is also possible to attach clips along the creases
of the trousers to reinforce these creases during storage or travel.
To adapt to trousers of different lengths it is possible alternatively or
additionally to attach the trouser clips to the cross-bar via elastic to
produce
the required tension.
The device may be hung vertically in a cupboard via a foldable hook
64 suspended from the ends of the upper cross-bar or, wrapped securely
round its frame and stored in its cover, may be stacked in a cupboard as
with the jacket hereinbefore described and providing similar storage
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advantages.
Once folded into the frame 54 the trousers may be held in place by
enclosing the whole in a fabric cover 68 as shown in figure 11. The device
accordingly allows trousers to be stored in a smaller space either by hanging
or stacking.
With reference to Figure 25(b), items of clothing having a neck
aperture such as a dress, shirt, Arabic dress etc may be secured to the
frame using a strut or rod 440 which fits inside the neck aperture,
supporting the shoulders of the clothing. The strut 440 is secured to the
frame by means of elasticated/adjustable straps 450. This has particular
application for folding of laundered shirts. Fig. 25(c) shows a sleeveless
dress folded onto a folding frame of the present invention, which is secured
thereto by means of supporting a strut 440 and connecting straps 450.
The above described embodiments of folding frame provided, for
example, a simple means of packaging trousers or a suit for a retail outlet
which also protects the clothing from creasing (for example when being
carried home by the purchaser in the retailer's plastic bag). A retailer's bag
would preferably be designed to fit tightly around the suit and frame so
movement thereof is minimized.
A suitably shaped piece of material is preferably secured onto the
upper and/or lower extensions of the vertical spacer bars/legs of a trouser
folding frame, for example by the use of appropriately located eyelets in the
material through which the extensions/legs may protrude.
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Figure 27 shows in accordance with the fifth aspect of the present
invention and by way of example only, a shaped piece of material 164
having four holes 171, 172 therein for looping the material onto the
legs/extensions of a trouser folding frame. Strips of VELCRO (RTM) 174 are
located at the periphery of the material for securing the meeting edges of
material after the material has been wrapped around the clothing and frame.
A window 173 of transparent plastics material is provided so that the
clothing is visible after wrapping.
The material may also be attached by clamps to one end of the
trousers/suit loaded onto the folding frame. This prevents the clothing
failing off the frame and creasing, should the wrapped package be inverted
during travel or storage. Furthermore, the use of clamps advantageously
places tension on the clothing which assists in the removal or prevention of
unwanted creases.
Referring to Figure 27(a) such clamps 176 may be mounted onto a bar
178 attached to an edge of the material using elasticated straps 170.
The mode of operation of the material in combination with clamps for
wrapping around a loaded trouser frame will now be described by way of
example only with reference to the Figures 22 and 27(a).
In use, the clamps 17fi are attached, for example, to the bottoms
and/or top of a pair of trousers folded onto the trouser frame i 55. The
elastic straps 170 are stretched around the lower cross bar 157 and the
lower eyelets 171 are hooked over the upper extensions 168 of the trouser
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frame. At this point the trousers are firmly secured onto the frame and
accordingly no further material is required in a minimal embodiment of the
invention.
However, most preferably further material having a further two upper
eyelets 172 is provided as shown in Figure 27(a). In such an embodiment
the two upper eyelets 172 are then hooked over the extensions 177 at the
lower end of the trouser frame. The material is thus wrapped around the
clothing and frame forming a snugly fitting package which may be retained
closed using VELCRO (RTM) attachments.
Figure 27(b) and (c) show an alternative embodiment of the flexible
wrapping material particularly suited as an enclosure for trousers folded onto
the folding frame. Clips 500 are provided for securing to one end of the
trousers and elasticated straps 502 are provided at the opposing end for
securing to the frame. VELCRO RTM strips 503 for securing the wrap to
itself are also provided.
Figure 27(d) and (e) show a flexible wrap particularly secured for
enclosing a jacket. The wrap preferably has stiffened edges 506 into which
a hook, loop, clip 507 or the like is mounted to which the flexible cord 508
is attached. With reference to figure 27(e) in use a jacket 509 is laid onto
the wrap 510 in a folded condition, with the cord 508 located along the fold
of the jacket. The jacket is hooked into place on the hook/clip 507. With
reference to figure 27(f) a folding frame 511 loaded with a pair of
trousers/shirt etc 512 is placed over the jacket 509 so that the wrap 510
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can be wrapped around the frame so enclosing in a tight compact package
both the jacket and trousers.
A clamp according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is
illustrated by way of example only in accompanying Figure 28. Figure 28
(a) shows a perspective view of the clamp and Figure 28 (b) shows a
vertical section through the clamp along lines A-A indicated in Figure 29 (a).
The clamp consists of three panels 180, 181, 182 held together by a strong
spring clip 186. The clip may be composed of any suitable material such as
a resilient plastics or a metal such as steel. The central panel 181 is
configured so that it is substantially flat but defines a tubular channel 183
through which a bar 184 runs along which the clamp may slide so that the
position of the clamp on the bar is adjustable. The outer two "butterfly"
panels 180 and 182 are configured and positioned so that they may pivot
around the tubular channel 183. The clip 186 normally holds the upper
parts 187, 188 of the outer panels 180 and 182 closed against the upper
part of the central panel 181. To open the clamp the lower parts 189 and
190 of the outer panels are squeezed together which causes the upper parts
to open out from the central panel creating two gaps on either side of the
central panel into which two separate items (such as clothing) may be
placed. Release of the lower parts of the outer panels causes the upper
parts to close so clamping the two items against either side of the central
panel.
Preferably when using the clamp for clamping clothing, the clamping
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surfaces of the panels are at least partially covered with a sponge-like
material 185 to enhance the grip of the clamp on the clothing material.
Alternatively the grip of the clamps may be enhanced by providing
raised ridges moulded into the clamping surfaces of the panels running at
right angles to the direction of the grip. This is .particularly convenient
where the panels are composed of plastics.
Figure 29 shows by way of example only a transverse section of a
cord according to the present invention. The central core 194 composed of
a rope-like material is surrounded by an outer section 195 of sponge-like
material that provides a curved outer surface for smooth folding of clothing
therearound in use.
Such a flexible cord has many applications and has particular use in
combination with the other aspects of the present invention.
For example with reference to Figure 30 the cord may be used in
combination with a jacket folding support. As shown in this figure, by way
of example only, the cord 191 is attached at one end to the base of the
retainer 192 via a hook arrangement 193. The cord is placed inside the
jacket to lie along the line where the jacket is folded back on itself as
illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 31. In this manner the cord assists in
avoiding creasing at the point of folding.
It will be appreciated that the flexible cord has a wide variety of uses
in luggage, wardrobes, drawers etc. to prevent creasing of all types of
clothes at the point of folding. For example in a framed or solid-sided case
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or trunk the cord may be hooked between hooks provided on opposing walls
of the case/trunk over which clothes may be folded. The flexible cord may
advantageously be secured to the upper legs of a trouser folding frame, for
example of the type shown in figure 13, after the trousers have been loaded
thereon over which a jacket may then be folded.
Figure 32 shows by way of example only such an item of luggage for
packaging a suit in a minimum space and illustrates the method of folding
the suit. With reference to Figure 32 (a), the case 220 is provided with a
flexible cord 222 which is attached with a hook 224 to a loop 226 that is
slidably engaged in a track 228 secured to a side wall 230 of the case. A
suspension hook 231 is provided that is also siidable engaged in the track
228. A fixed hook and/or loop may be of course provided instead.
However, the sliding track allows the hook(s)/loop(s) to be placed in the
optimal position for a particular jacket or the like. The hook 224, loop 226
9 5 and track 228 arrangement may of course be secured to another side wall
of the case instead. In particular, it would also be convenient for that
arrangement to be secured to the flap of the case. With reference to Figure
32 (b) a jacket 232 is folded shoulder to shoulder and placed on a jacket
support device (not visible) as earlier described and suspended from the
suspension hook 230 provided in the case. The flexible cord 222 is drawn
taut down the central fold of the jacket.
With reference to Figure 32 (c) trousers 240 loaded onto a trouser
folding frame as earlier described are placed on the lid 241 of the case. The
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lower part 242 of the jacket may then be folded over the trouser folding
frame as shown in Figure 32 (d) and then folded over again into the main
body 243 of the case whereby the jacket and trousers are folded around the
trouser frame in a tight package.
As an alternative to using a jacket folding support the hanging loop
that is generally provided in suit jackets may be used to hang the jacket on
the suspension hook provided in the case.
A further alternative would be to provide a clamp as shown by way
of example in Figure 33 in place of or suspended from the hook. This clamp
would preferably be provided with panels having rounded clamping surfaces
250 to grip the top of the collar of the jacket. The rounded surface would
help to avoid creases forming in the collar. Most preferably the clamping
surfaces are ribbed or covered with a sponge-like material to enhance their
grip.
The above described method of folding may also be used to pack a
suit in a slim light fabric case with the jacket supported from a support
member such as a hook provided at one edge of such a case. The support
member would most preferably be secured to a rigid support frame/bar
provided across one side of the otherwise flexible, fabric case. Such a case
can be conveniently placed in a brief case or other small case, being
particularly convenient for use as hand luggage for air travel.
The case 70 shown in figure 34 holds 4 shirts, each folded on a shirt-
frame (not shown) for example as described International Patent Application
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No. PCT/GB 94/00880 each with it's own collar-case (not shown) for
example as also described in that International Application having vertically
rigid sides around 70% of it's circumference which allows them to be
squeezed into smaller collar sizes while still giving protection against
crushing. Ties, socks, underpants and other accessories may be stored
between the two halves of the folded shirt-frames and in the collar-cases.
The shirts 72 are arranged four square all facing in the same direction. They
are retained in the case prior to closing either by straps or flaps (not
shown)
such that when one side is folded over the other, the upper set of two shirts
loaded on their frames with collar-cases are not able to fall out. The shirts
are arranged such that when folded over the two sets of collars are on the
inside and at opposite ends of the case to use the least possible space.
A variation of this case is where one of the shirts has a separate case
which may be utilised independently or left to be replaced by a shoe-bag.
'! 5 The shirt case may be constructed as a separate section integral with
a main case or may be detachably engaged with a main case.
An item of luggage 76 is shown in figure 35 which consists of a
combination of a suit and wash bag section 78, holding a jacket carrying
case and trouser folding device as hereinbefore described, and a shirt case
section 70 as hereinbefore described. These two sections may be
temporarily engaged with each other by means of zips, clips or the like or
else may be permanently engaged by stitching, gluing or the like.
In order to be sure to meet travel weight restrictions means of
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measuring the weight of a case or at the very least of ensuring that the
weight is at or below the permitted weight for a given form of transport is
provided by the sixth aspect of the present invention.
In the most preferable embodiment the weight measuring device
would comprise an electronic system where the weight on the handle is
determined by strain gauges between the handle and case, driven by
electricity with the weight being displayed by a liquid crystal display. In an
alternative embodiment the weight of a case may be measured against a
calibrated spring system as with normal scales or by a spring system
calibrated to show red in a panel when the weight on the handle exceeds the
permitted weight. This is proposed to overcome the weight restrictions on
hand baggage that may be carried onto a plane, currently, 6kgs.
Alternatively the weight measuring device may function when resting
on the ground with the weight of the case applied from above to the sensor
rather than from underneath.
In a still further embodiment the weight measuring device may be built
into a carrying strap that has hooks at either end to attach to any case.
The present invention accordingly provides a means of packing
multiple shirts, jackets, trousers and skirts etc in a completely new manner
using new folding frames in order to pack these items into a much smaller
space than possible with present luggage while ensuring minimal creases.
It also allows for a means of determining if the weight falls within levels
allowed on commercial transport systems.
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The invention may be presented as an integral item of tuggage or as
a series of modular packs all fitting inside outer cases.
The tie case of Figs 36-38 is formed from a sheet of semi stiff
polypropylene defining (in one piece) an elongate support strip 301 and two
side flaps 302, 303 with respective end tabs 304, 305.
The support strip 301 is rectangular and is divided into three
rectangular equal-length parts 306, 307, 308 by means of two transverse
hinge constructions 309,310. The hinge constructions 309, 310 comprise
strips of the polypropylene sheet to which flexibility and a curved-bending
property is imparted by means of multiple side-by-side, parallel lines of
weakness or score lines (with or without a reduction in thickness).
One of the flaps 302 is hinged to one side edge of the middle part
307 of the support strip 301. The other flap 303 is hinged to the opposite
side edge of one of the end parts 306 of the support strip 301. These
hinges are defined by lines of weakness of the polypropylene sheeting.
The flaps 302, 303 are of rectangular form of substantially the same
dimensions as the parts 306, 307, 308 of the support strip 301.
The end tabs 304, 305 are rectangular portions hinged (by lines of
weakness) to the flaps 302, 303. The two tabs 304, 305 face in the same
direction i.e. towards the end part 308 of the strip 301.
The tabs 304, 305 have press studs 311, 312 thereon and at the
opposite ends of the other sides of the flaps there are cooperable press stud
parts 313, 314.
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The free end region of the end part 308, as shown in Figs. 36 and 38,
has an elongate transverse cut out 315 therein, and the end part 318
terminates in a captive circular cross-section rod 316 held in a formed loop
of the strip material.
In use, a tie 317 is threaded through the cut out 315 and looped
around the captive rod 316 so that the tie 317 lies over and along the
support 311 folded in half about the captive rod 316.
The support 301 can then be folded, with the tie 317, about the
hinges 309, 310 into a compact package, as shown in Fig. 39. The hinges
309, 310 when folded define curved transitions about which the tie 317 is
folded and this avoids the formation of creases.
The captive rod 31 fi holds the tie in position and also minimises
crease formation.
As indicated in Fig. 38, there may be efasticated loops or straps 318,
319 which hold the tie 317 to the support 301.
When folded, the flaps 302, 303 are wrapped around the opposite
sides of the support 301, and the tabs 304, 305 are folded over and fixed
in position by engagement of the studs 311, 312 with the stud parts 313,
314, so as to define an enclosed case containing the folded tie 317.
The material used for the support 301 and flaps 302, 303 may be
transparent, or an opening 320 may be provided in one or both of the flaps
302, 303 to permit inspection of the tie in the enclosed case.
With the modification of Figs. 39-41, there is a foldable support strip
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321 with two hinge constructions 322, 323, like the strip of Figs. 36-38.
Instead of two separate side flaps 302, 303 there is one, double with side
flap 324 which can wrap around the folded strip 321 and which has end
tabs 325, 326 which are folded over and field in position with studs.
The flap 324 is detachable from the support strip e.g. by means of a
Zip or other fastener along the line 327. Instead of (or additional to) the
flap
324 there may be a zip-up wallet or other construction into which the folded
strip can be inserted.
As shown in Figs 39-41, there may be an additional rod 328 spaced
from the end rod 329, with a gap 330 there between to receive the tie (like
the cut out 315 of Figs 36-38).
This rod 328 gives smooth reinforcement to the inward edge of the
gap 330.
There may also be a further rod 331 at the hinge joint 323 to prevent
the strip 321 from collapsing (and creasing the tie) at this joint.
The second rod 328 may define a hinge joint as shown in Fig. 41 to
permit an extra fold thereby permitting reduction in the length of the folded
package.
It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to
be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by
way of example only.
