Apparel apparatus – Forming – pressing – molding – and stretching – Stretching
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-22
2002-08-13
Mohanty, Bibhu (Department: 3747)
Apparel apparatus
Forming, pressing, molding, and stretching
Stretching
C223S095000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06431418
ABSTRACT:
This is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/GB96/03143 filed Dec. 19, 1996.
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 minimal 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.
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 member(s) are rotatable on a friction bearing, so that more force than simply 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 item(s) 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 clip(s) are slidably mounted onto at least one curved member for attaching 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 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 clip(s) 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 item(s) 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 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 cord(s) has a curved outer surface for smooth folding therearound. Preferably the flexible cord(s) 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 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 cloth
Alix Yale & Ristas, LLP
Mohanty Bibhu
Smart Intellectual Properties Limited
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