TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention generally relates to a collapsible and extendable hanger.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Hangers are used to hang various articles of clothing. Examples include polo shirts, t- shirts, dresses, blouses, dress shirts, slacks, suit coats etc. Typically, when hanging an article of clothing, such as a dress shirt, the dress shirt may be unbuttoned and placed on a hanger. Once placed, a topmost button may be buttoned to secure the dress shirt on the hanger. In order to remove the hanger from the dress shirt the shirt must either be unbuttoned, the collar stretched or the hanger must be dropped through the torso of the shirt. Occasionally the hanger gets caught on the shirt when trying to remove it through the torso and often ends up on the floor. It would be much easier if a dress shirt could be buttoned to the top, a hanger inserted, expand it and hang up the shirt. When hanging t-shirts, polo shirts, blouses or any other top garments that do not have buttons, which enable the shirt and/or blouse to be entirely unbuttoned, the collar of the shirt or blouse may need to be stretched in order to place the hanger inside the garment. This stretching motion may cause the collar of the shirt and/or blouse to be damaged. This continued stretching motion may ruin the shirt and/or blouse. Additionally, trying to force a full sized hanger into an opening of a garment may cause the hanger to break which may cause injury to a user.

[0003] Alternatively, a hanger may be threaded through a shirt's torso opening and up to the neck. While this may eliminate stretching, this process is time consuming and as such, is not practiced as pervasively as stretching the neck opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 shows a collapsible hanger in an extended state according to embodiments.

[0005] FIG. 2 shows a collapsible hanger in an extended state according to alternative embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 3A shows a collapsible hanger in an extended state with hanger arm extenders according to alternative embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a hanger arm extender according to alternative embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 4 shows a collapsible hanger in a contracted state according to embodiments. [0009] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a collapsible hanger according to embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method for moving a collapsible hanger from an extended state to a contracted state with a single hand according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] This disclosure will now more fully describe exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which specific embodiments are shown. Other aspects may be embodied in many different forms and the inclusion of specific embodiments in the disclosure should not be construed as limiting such aspects to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the embodiments depicted in the drawings are included to provide a disclosure that is thorough and complete and which fully conveys the intended scope to those skilled in the art. When referring to the figures, like structures and elements are shown throughout are indicated with like reference numerals.

[0012] Described herein are embodiments of a collapsible hanger. The collapsible hanger has a hook disposed on a top portion of a deployment rod. A deployment hub is slideably coupled to the deployment rod and is configured to move the collapsible hanger from an extended state to a contracted state. A plurality of finger flanges are disposed on a proximal end of the deployment hub and a first connection flange and a second connection flange are disposed on a distal end of the deployment hub. A first hanger arm and a second hanger arm are pivotably coupled to the first flange and the second flange respectively. The collapsible hanger also includes a first deployment link and a second deployment link. A proximal end of the first deployment link is pivotably coupled to a distal end of the deployment rod and a distal end of the first deployment link is pivotably coupled to the first hanger arm. Additionally, a proximal end of the second deployment link is pivotably coupled to the distal end of the deployment rod and a distal end of the second deployment link is pivotably coupled to the second hanger arm.

[0013] Also described herein is a method of collapsing and extending a collapsible hanger with a single hand. According to this method a first finger of a hand is placed on a proximal end of a deployment rod that is coupled to a hook. A second finger and a third finger of the hand are inserted into a first finger flange and a second finger flange respectively. The first finger flange and the second finger flange are disposed on a deployment hub that is slideably coupled to the deployment rod. The deployment hub also has a first connection flange that is pivotably coupled to a first hanger arm and a second connection flange that is pivotably coupled to a second hanger arm. The collapsible hanger is moved from an extended state to a collapsed state by using the first finger of the hand to exert a downward force on the deployment rod. This downward force causes the deployment rod to slideably move in a downward direction from a first position to a second position. When the deployment rod moves in the downward direction, a proximal end of the first deployment link that is coupled to a distal end of the deployment rod and a proximal end of the second deployment link that is coupled to the distal end of the deployment rod, move in the downward direction which causes the first arm and the second arm to move from an extended state to a contracted state as a distal end of the first deployment link is pivotably coupled to the first hanger arm and a distal end of the second deployment link is pivotably coupled to the second hanger arm. Once contracted, the method provides that the collapsible hanger is inserted into an opening of a garment. Once inserted, the collapsible hanger is moved from the collapsed state to the extended state by the single hand.

[0014] Other embodiments provide hanger arm extenders slidably coupled to the hanger arms adapted to extend and retract the total length of the arm members. Such embodiments are advantageous to hang clothes of variable sizes as well as when a user's clothing sizes rapidly change, such as the case when the user is an infant or child. Still yet other embodiments provide a collapsible hanger having a finger hub with a plurality of finger flanges disposed on a top end of the finger hub and a plurality of connection flanges disposed on a bottom end of the finger hub. A bore disposed on a center axis of the finger hub slideably couples the finger hub to the deployment rod. A hook is coupled to a top portion of the deployment rod. The hook has a thumb rest disposed thereon. A plurality of hanger arms are pivotably coupled to the plurality of flanges on the finger hub. Furthermore, a plurality of deployment links are pivotably coupled to the plurality of hanger arms and are also pivotably coupled to the deployment rod. Each of the plurality of deployment links are partially contained within a plurality of slots located on each of the plurality of arms.

Terminology

[0015] The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (" ") in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

[0016] The term "or" as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning "either or both".

[0017] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", "an alternative embodiment" and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.

[0018] The term "couple" or "coupled" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

[0019] The term "deployment hub" means a yoke or center piece of the collapsible hanger that causes the collapsible hanger to move from an extended state to a contracted state.

[0020] Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

[0021] Hangers are currently sized such that they can be placed through the collar of a garment, not to hang the garment in the most efficient manner possible. Children's clothes may also be difficult to hang because the hangers are either too small or too large for the clothes. With a collapsible hanger, typical adult sized hangers can be used for children's clothing. For adult garments, collapsible hanger arms may be considerably longer than the typical hanger arms. Thus, the distal ends of the hanger arms reach the sleeve/shoulder interface of a top garment and eliminate the "nipple" or bump that you commonly see on the shoulders of top garments that have been hanging on the typical undersized hanger. Using a collapsible hanger such as described herein may enable the garment to hang better and therefore, clothes may be less wrinkled. [0022] As discussed above, there are different hanger sizes for adult top garments versus children's top garments. Extendable hanger arms such as described herein may allow one hanger to be used for both children's clothing and all adults, male or female. Regardless of the type of garment being hung, a collapsible hanger may be collapsed, placed through a neck opening of the garment without stretching the neck, then extended in order to properly support the garment.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a collapsible hanger 100 in an extended state according to embodiments. A collapsible hanger 100 such as described below enables a user to extend and contract the collapsible hanger 100 with a single hand, such as, for example, three fingers on the single hand. A collapsible hanger 100 may be useful when hanging clothing articles. For example, when placing the hanger in a shirt, the hanger 100 may be held by one hand only, contracted and inserted into a collar of the shirt that is held be another hand, without necessitating that the collar be stretched. Once inserted into the shirt, the collapsible hanger may be moved from the contracted state to an extended state by one hand, and placed on a closet rod or other hanging device. A collapsible hanger such as the one described herein may prevent a collar of the shirt from being stretched each time a hanger is inserted and removed. Such a hanger 100 as described herein may also be suitable for traveling due to the compact nature of the hanger.

[0024] Embodiments provide that the collapsible hanger 100 such as the one described herein may be made of plastic or other such polymer. Other embodiments provide the hanger 100 may be formed out of wood, steel, aluminum or other such materials. Due to the slipperiness of the plastic, the moveable pieces of the collapsible hanger 100 need not be lubricated. Thus, the collapsible hanger 100 may be used multiple times without requiring any maintenance.

[0025] According to embodiments, the collapsible hanger 100 includes a hook 1 10 coupled to a top portion of a deployment rod 120. The hook 1 10 is configured to enable a user to hang the collapsible hanger 100 on any type of hanger rod or other hanging device. The deployment rod 120 is slideably coupled to a deployment hub 130. The deployment hub 130 has a plurality of finger flanges 135 disposed on a proximal end of the deployment hub 130. The deployment hub 130 also has a plurality of connection flanges, such as for example, finger flanges 433 (FIG. 5) coupled to a distal end of the deployment hub 130. A plurality of hanger arms 140 are pivotably coupled to the plurality of connection flanges 135 using a plurality of hinging pins, such as for example, hinging pins 470 (FIG. 5). It is also contemplated that a ball and socket connector may be used in lieu of the hinging pins or in combination with the hinging pins. [0026] The plurality of hanger arms 140 may have curved ends according to embodiments. The curved ends may be used to connect an optional removable cross-piece that connects each of the arms together. The curved end may also prevent "hanger bumps" from being formed on the shoulder of a garment when the garment is placed on the hanger. Additional embodiments provide that the curved portion of the hanger may be removably coupled to the hanger arms 140. In such embodiments, various sizes of curved extension portions may be removably coupled to the arm portions to either increase or decrease the overall length of the hanger arms. Thus, a single hanger, with or without the extensions, may be used to hang clothing of different sizes.

[0027] The deployment rod 120 includes a thumb rest 125 disposed on a proximal end. When moving the collapsible hanger from the extended state such as shown in FIG. 1 to a contracted state (FIG. 4), a thumb 103 of a user's hand 101 may be placed on the thumb rest 125. The thumb 103 exerts a downward force on the thumb rest 125. The downward force causes the deployment rod 120 to move in a downward direction from a first position to a second position which causes the collapsible hanger 100 to move from the extended state to the contracted state.

[0028] To move the collapsible hanger from the contracted state to an extended state, the thumb 103 of the user's hand 101 may be inserted into a center opening of the hook 1 10. The thumb 103 exerts an upward force on the hook 1 10 which causes the deployment rod 120 to move in an upward motion from the second position to the first position which in turn, causes the hanger to move from a contracted state to an extended state.

[0029] The deployment rod 120 is slideably coupled to a deployment hub 130 via a bore, such as for example, bore 437 (FIG. 5), disposed in a central axis of the deployment hub 130. The deployment hub 130 also includes a plurality of finger flanges 135 disposed on a proximal end of the deployment hub 130.

[0030] The finger flanges 135 are used to support fingers 105 and 107 of a user's hand 101. The finger flanges 135 may also be used in conjunction with the thumb rest 125 when moving the collapsible hanger from an extend state to a contracted state. When the downward force is exerted on the thumb rest 125, an upward force, or counter force, may be exerted by the fingers 105 and 107 on the finger flanges 135. This causes the deployment rod 120 and deployment hub 130 to move the collapsible hanger 100 from an extended state to a contracted state.

[0031] The deployment hub 130 also includes a plurality of connection flanges, such as, for example connection flanges 433 (FIG. 5), disposed on a distal end of the deployment hub 130. The connection flanges are used to pivotably couple proximal ends of each of the hanger arms 140 to the deployment hub 130. The connection flanges may also be used as finger rests for fingers 105 and 107 when moving the collapsible hanger 100 from a contracted state to an extended state.

[0032] For example, when the thumb 103 is used to exert an upward force on the hook 1 10, fingers 105 and 107 may exert a downward force on the connection flanges. While the upward force of the thumb 103 on the hook 1 10 causes the deployment rod 120 to move in an upward direction, the downward force by fingers 105 and 107 on the connection flanges causes the deployment hub 130 to move in a downward direction. The combination of forces causes the hanger arms 140 to pivotally move from the contracted state to an extended state. Alternatively, the downward force on the connection flanges may provide enough resistance to cause the deployment rod to more easily slide in the upward direction which causes the hanger arms 140 to move from the contracted state to an extended state.

[0033] When in the extended state, the distal end of deployment rod positions the proximal end of the deployment links over-center. Such a configuration may cause the weight of the garment, when placed on the hanger, to apply a continuous upward force on the deployment links. The deployment rod keeps the proximal ends of the deployment links set firmly against the distal end of the deployment hub which prevents the hanger from contracting.

[0034] According to embodiments, the collapsible hanger 100 also includes a plurality of deployment links 150. A proximal end of each of the plurality of deployment links 150 are coupled to a distal end of the deployment rod 130. A distal end of each of the deployment links 150 are also coupled to the hanger arms 140 of the collapsible hanger 100. The deployment links 150 control the extension and contraction of the hanger arms 140. As the deployment rod 120 moves in a downward direction from a first position to a second position, the deployment links 150 pivotally move in the downward direction because they are pivotably coupled to the deployment rod. The downward motion causes the hanger arms 140 to move from an extended state to a contracted state.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a collapsible hanger 200 in an extended state according to alternative embodiments. The collapsible hanger 200 includes a hook 210 coupled to a top portion of a deployment rod 220. The deployment rod 220 is slideably coupled to a deployment hub 230 via a bore disposed on a central axis of the deployment hub 230. According to embodiments, the collapsible hanger 200 also includes a spring 260 disposed on the deployment rod 220. The spring 260 is positioned between the thumb rest 225 and the deployment hub 230.

[0036] The deployment hub 230 has a plurality of finger flanges 235 disposed on a proximal end of the deployment hub 230. The deployment hub 230 also has first and second connection flanges coupled to a distal end of the deployment hub 230. The collapsible hanger 200 also includes first and second hanger arms 240 that are pivotably coupled to the first and second connection flanges via a plurality of hinging pins.

[0037] The collapsible hanger 200 also includes first and second deployment links 250. A proximal end of each of the first deployment link 250 and the second deployment link 250 is pivotably coupled to a distal end of the deployment rod 220. Each of the first deployment link 250 and the second deployment link 250 is also pivotably coupled to the first and second hanger arms 140 respectively.

[0038] The deployment rod 220 is slideably coupled to a deployment hub 230 via a bore disposed on a central axis of the deployment hub 230. The deployment hub 230 has a plurality of finger flanges 235 disposed on a proximal end of the deployment hub 230. The deployment hub 230 also has first and second connection flanges coupled to a distal end of the deployment hub 130. First and second hanger arms 240 are pivotably coupled to the first and second connection flanges via a plurality of hinging pins.

[0039] When a downward force is exerted by the thumb 203 of the user's hand 201 on the thumb rest 225, the deployment hub 220 will move in a downward motion while the fingers 205 and 207 of the user's hand 201 stabilize the deployment hub 230 using the finger flanges 235. The downward motion of the deployment rod 220 cause the spring to become compressed as the collapsible hanger 200 moves from the extended state to the contracted state. When the downward force is removed, the spring 260 becomes uncompressed. The spring becoming uncompressed causes the deployment rod to move in an upward direction which moves the hanger arms 240 to move from a contracted state to an extended state.

[0040] Now referring to FIG. 3A, the collapsible hanger 200 is shown in the extended state with hanger arm extenders according to embodiments. Generally, hanger arm extenders are adapted to increase and decrease the overall length of arm members of the collapsible hanger 200. There are many ways contemplated to achieve such a mechanical interaction between the hanger arm extenders and the hanger arms. In one embodiment, the hanger arm extenders are adapted to be slidably coupled to and fixably movable with respect to the corresponding hanger arm 240 to which they are attached.

[0041] The hanger arm extenders include a variety of sizes and shapes such as, but not limited to, a straight hanger arm extender 280 and a curved hanger arm extender 290 as illustrated in FIG. 3A. It is pertinent to note that FIG. 3A shows two types of hanger arm extenders (280 & 290) on the collapsible hanger 200 for illustrative purposes only; typically in operation a single type of hanger arm extender is used in conjunction with both the first and second hanger arms 240. Each hanger arm extender typically includes a stopping mechanism adapted to aid in fixing the hanger arm extender to the corresponding hanger arm 240. The stopping mechanism can comprise a flexible (or somewhat pliable) circumferential flange inwardly extending having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the hanger arm 240 when the stopping mechanism is in an unstressed state.

[0042] Accordingly, when the stopping mechanism of the hanger arm extender engages with the hanger arm 240, the circumferential flange is compressed along the outer circumferential surface of the hanger arm 240 causing some frictional force, yet the hanger arm extender can be moved along the hanger arm 240 to increase or decrease the overall length of the arm member of the collapsible hanger 200. Moreover, when the stopping mechanism reaches a circumferential groove 245 on the hanger arm 240, the circumferential flange of the stopping mechanism

(stopping mechanism 285, for instance) will become slightly unstressed or expand to fill the circumferential groove 245 and effectively fix the hanger arm extender (straight hanger arm extender 285, for instance) in place with respect to the hanger arm 240. Many other variations of the stopping mechanism are contemplated. For example, the stopping mechanism can also include a piece that when depressed will reduce or release any pressure or force applied the surface of the hanger arm 240.

[0043] Still referring to FIG. 3A, stopping mechanism 285 of the straight hanger arm extender 280 and stopping mechanism 295 of the curved hanger arm extender 290 are typically coupled to an end of its hanger arm extender proximal the deployment hub 230 when attached to the hanger arm 240. The first and second hanger arms 240 are typically the same as described in other embodiments with the exception that they include one or more circumferential grooves 245 as illustrated. The circumferential grooves 245 are typically arcuate indentations extending circumferentially around the surface of the hanger arm 240. [0044] Other grooves extending partially or fully circumferentially the hangar arms such as, but not limited to, u-type indentations, v-type indentations, and square indentations can be used to fix the hanger arm extenders in place. When other grooves are utilized, corresponding stopping mechanism may be used with the hanger arm extender. It is also to be appreciated that in some embodiments, the one or more grooves 245 may not be required where, for instance, the stopping mechanism of the hanger arm extender provides a suitable frictional force to allow the hanger arm extender to both slide and become sufficiently fixed along the hanger arm 240.

[0045] The hanger arm extender typically but not necessarily engages with the hanger arm 240 whereby a portion of the hanger arm 240 resides in an interior cavity of a bore within the hanger arm extender. The bore is typically centered at an end of the hanger arm extender proximal the deployment hub 230 (when engaged with the hanger arm 240) and extends longitudinally along the length of the hanger arm extender. Typically, but not necessarily, the bore does not extend completely through the entire length of the hanger arm extender, but rather stops at some point within the interior of the hanger arm extender.

[0046] An exemplary engagement of the bore of hanger arm extension 280 with hanger arm 240 therein is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B. While in some embodiments, the hanger arm extender and hanger arm are generally telescoping and circular, in other embodiments, the hanger arm extender and the hanger arm can be telescoping ovular, square, rectangular, or other cross-sectional shapes to prohibit or minimize any rotation between the hanger arm extender and the hanger arm. In yet other embodiments, the hanger arm extender and the hanger arm may not have a telescoping relationship at all, but rather employ an overlapping engagement, for example, adapted to enable the hanger arm extender to be fixably movable with respect to the hanger arm.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a collapsible hanger 300 in a contracted state according to embodiments. The collapsible hanger 300 includes a hook 310 disposed on a proximal end of a deployment rod 320. The deployment rod 320 is slideably coupled to a deployment hub 330 on which a plurality of finger flanges 335 and a plurality of connection flanges, such as for example finger flanges 433 (FIG. 5) are disposed.

[0048] When in the contracted state, a planar top surface of the deployment hub 330 is located near a thumb rest, such as for example, thumb rest 125 (FIG. 1 ) and hook 310. A substantial majority of the deployment rod 320 is located below the deployment rod 330 and between the hanger arms 340. As shown in FIG. 4, when the deployment rod 320 has slideably moved through the deployment hub 330, the plurality of deployment links 350 move from an extended state to a contracted state. As the deployment links 350 moves from the extended state to the contracted state, the hanger arms 340 also move from the extended state to a retracted state.

[0049] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a collapsible hanger 400 according to embodiments. The collapsible hanger 400 includes a hook 410 configured to be coupled to a proximal end a deployment rod 420. The proximal end of the deployment rod may be rounded to so as to provide comfortable thumb rest 425 for a thumb or finger of a hand of a user.

Alternative embodiments provide that the thumb rest 425 may be a small platform or other such mechanism that would provide a comfortable or suitable area to place a finger or thumb. The deployment rod 420 may be substantially circular in shape. However, it is contemplated that the deployment rod may also have other shapes, such as for example, square, triangular, oval etc. or any combination thereof. The deployment rod 420 may also have a section that is substantially rectangular in shape as the deployment rod 420 of the present disclosure as shown by FIG. 5.

[0050] A bore is disposed on a distal end of the deployment rod 420 and is used to pivotably couple a plurality of deployment links 450 to the deployment rod 420. A hinging pin 470 is used to secure the deployment rod to each of the plurality of deployment links.

[0051] According to embodiments, a spring 460 may be disposed on the deployment rod 420 and positioned between the hook 410 and a deployment hub 430. The spring 460 may be used to move the collapsible hanger from a contracted state to an extended state without the need for a user to exert any type of force.

[0052] The collapsible hanger 400 also includes a deployment hub 430 according to embodiments. The deployment hub 430 has first and second finger flanges 435 disposed on a proximal end of the deployment hub 430 while first and second connection flanges 433 are disposed on a distal end of the deployment hub 430.

[0053] Each of the first and second connection flanges 433 contain a bore through which a hinging pin 470 may be placed to pivotably couple first and second hanger arms 440 to the first and second connection flanges 433. The deployment hub 430 also contains a bore 437 disposed on a central axis. The bore 437 is configured to receive the deployment rod 420 and to enable the deployment rod 420 to slide within the deployment hub 430 from a first position to a second position and vice versa. [0054] According to embodiments the collapsible hanger 400 also includes first and second hanger arms 440. Each of the first and second hanger arms 440 have fiange connection points 447 disposed on proximal ends. The flange connection points 447 are configured to pivotably mate with the connection flanges 433 disposed on the deployment hub 430. When the fiange connection points 447 have mated with the connection flanges 433, a hinging pin 470 secures the flange connection points 447 to the connection flanges 433.

[0055] Each of the first and second hanger arms 440 also contain a deployment link connection point 445. The deployment link connection point 445 is disposed at a second point on each of the first and second hanger arms 440. The deployment link connection point 445 is configured to pivotably mate with distal ends of each of the first and second deployment links 450. Once mated, hinging pins 470 secure each of the first and second hanger arms 440 to the first and second deployment links 450. According to embodiments the deployment link connection point 445 is configured to enable at least a portion of each deployment link 450 to pivotably move within the deployment link connection point 445 when in both the extended state and the contracted state.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method 500 for moving a collapsible hanger, such as, for example, collapsible hanger 100 (FIG. 1 ), from an extended state to a contracted state with a single hand, such as, for example, using three fingers of the hand according to embodiments. Step 510 provides that a finger or thumb of a single hand of a user is placed onto a top portion or thumb rest of a deployment rod. The deployment rod may be deployment rod 120 and contain a thumb rest such as described above.

[0057] In step 520, fingers of the single hand of the user are placed onto a plurality of finger flanges that are disposed on a deployment hub of the collapsible hanger. According to embodiments, the deployment hub includes the plurality of finger flanges disposed on a proximal end and a plurality of connection flanges disposed on a distal end. Embodiments also provide that the deployment hub may be slideably coupled to the deployment rod.

[0058] Once the fingers of the single hand have been placed according to steps 510 and 520, flow proceeds to step 530 in which a downward force is exerted on the deployment rod which contracts the collapsible hanger. This force may be applied by a thumb or finger of the user on the thumb rest of the deployment rod. As the downward force is being applied, the fingers of the hand are exerting a counter force on the finger flanges of the deployment hub. These counteracting forces cause the deployment rod to slideably move in a downward direction within the deployment hub from a first position to a second position. As the deployment rod moves downward, first and second deployment links that are pivotably coupled to the deployment rod pivo tally move from an extended state to a contracted state. Because the first and second deployment rods are also pivotably coupled to first and second hanger arms, as the first and second deployment rods move from an extended state to the retracted state, the first and second hanger arms also pivotally move from and extended state to a contracted state.

[0059] Step 540 provides that the collapsible hanger is placed into a neck of a shirt or other such garment once the collapsible hanger has been moved to the contracted state. According to embodiments, the collapsible hanger is being held by a first hand while the shirt or garment into which the collapsible hanger is being placed is either held by a second hand or is laying flat on a surface such as a bed.

[0060] Once the collapsible hanger has been inserted into the neck of the shirt or garment, step 550 provides that the collapsible hanger is moved from the contracted state to the extended state. The extension of the hanger is performed by the single hand that guided the collapsible hanger into the neck of the shirt or garment.

[0061] The collapsible hanger may move from the contracted state to an extended state by placing a thumb on an inner portion of the hook of the hanger and placing first and second fingers between the finger flanges and connection flanges. As the thumb exerts an upward force on the hook of the hanger, the first and second fingers exert a downward force on the plurality of connection fianges. The combination of forces causes the deployment rod to slideably move in an upward direction within the deployment hub from the second position to the first position. As the deployment rod moves in the upward direction the first and second deployment links pivotally move from the contracted state to the extended state. Because the first and second hanger arms are also pivotably coupled to the first and second deployment links, as the deployment links move from the contracted state to the extended state, the movement causes the first and second hanger arms to pivotally move from the contracted state to an extended state. The shirt or garment may then be released by the second hand, and the hand holding the collapsible hanger may then place the hanger on a closet rod or other hanging mechanism.

[0062] Alternatively, when the collapsible hanger is in the contracted state and has been inserted into the neck of the shirt or garment held by the second hand, a spring, positioned between a hook of the collapsible hanger and the deployment rod may force the collapsible hanger to move from the contracted state to an extended state when the thumb is removed from the deployment rod and/or when a downward force is no longer being applied. Once the arms of the hanger have been extended in this manner, the hand holding the shirt or garment may release the shirt or garment to permit the shirt or garment to rest on the arms of the hanger. The hand holding the collapsible hanger may then place the hook portion of the collapsible hanger on a closet rod or other hanging device.

[0063] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments. As such, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described either individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make no mentioned of the particular feature. Thus, the absence of describing combinations should not preclude the inventor from claiming rights to such combinations.