FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hanger and hanger system according to the patent claims.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cloakrooms or cloak stands in public establishments such as restaurants, museums, concert halls, cinemas, conference centers, trade fairs and exhibition spaces must handle a large number of personal items belonging to visitors, such as garments including coats, jackets and scarves, along with other personal items such as bags and umbrellas. Because of growth in urban population, smartphone usage (for making restaurant, concert or other event bookings) and generally global GDP per- capita, the market for temporary personal item storage is forecast to grow tremendously in the near to mid-term future. The relevant industries are therefore moving to be prepared for a significantly larger number of people reguiring temporary storage for their belongings at the respective location or venue. In light of this, there is a need for self-service cloak stands or rooms having convenient master features that give the user the confidence to store his or her personal item on the cloak stand or in the cloak room unattended. At present, a person may hesitate to leave his coat or baggage unattended on a cloak stand. Similarly, there is a need in the textile and fashion industry for textile or garment storage systems conveniently secured against theft. Garment security systems are known in which a cable is passed through the sleeve of the garment and is attached to a lock connected to a hangar or rack. Securing the garment in such a manner can be cumbersome and time-consuming. For storage of baggage items, systems are known in which a chain or cable is passed around the handle of the baggage whereby the ends of the cable are fed into a lock connected to a hanger or rack to prevent removal of the baggage item. Because the baggage is often placed on the ground, a long chain or cable is reguired.

For garment security systems comprising cables as mentioned above, cable windings can help to avoid arrays of loosely dangling cables when they are not slung around garments or baggage items. These are, however, prone to technical faults and malfunction. Moreover, the user may accidentally insert the cable into the wrong lock, a situation for which help can be found only with additional time and resources such as attendant personnel. Further, the chains or cables can offer only a limited degree of security because they are relatively easily severed with a pair of pliers.

Apart from the need for master features, limited capacity of coat check stations can lead to waiting lines at larger venues like trade shows conferences and concerts. So far, technology to allow for both fast service, self-storage and secured storage was not available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object underlying the invention described in this document therefore is to provide means for temporarily storing personal items at a public location securely and efficiently for a large number of people.

In an aspect of the invention, the object is solved with a hanger comprising at least one first contact surface suitable for carrying an item on its own, at least one second contact surface having a shape complementary to that of the at least one first contact surface, and a clamping device for bringing the at least one first contact surface and the at least one second contact surface into a clamping state to temporarily secure the item in place. The item may be a personal item including objects such as a garment or bag. It may also be a non-personal item including objects for sale or demonstration, such as textiles or garments of the fashion industry. The item in particular includes any appendage attached to the item for the purpose of carrying, hanging or closing the item, such as a strap, band, cord, chain, ribbon, belt, tie or binding. The hanger further comprises a lock for maintaining and / or discontinuing the clamping state. Preferably, the lock is also suitable to maintain and / or discontinue an unclamped state. The lock may comprise a master lock and / or an interlocking mechanism. The hanger has the technical advantage that the item can be hung on the first contact surface for temporary storage guickly and securely by means of the clamping device. The guickness of hanging the item on the first contact surface is achieved at least in part by the latter being suitable to carry the item on its own so that said item may be placed on it with one hand, for example. In addition, because of the complementary shapes of the first contact surface and the second contact surface, the item hung on the first contact surface will be clamped in gently but firmly between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. Once the item is thereby secured in place, it cannot be easily removed from the hangar or stolen without damaging it. The hanger can therefore be considered an anti-theft hanger.

In an embodiment, the hanger comprises two pairs of contact surfaces each consisting of a first contact surface and a second contact surface, the respective second contact surface having a shape complementary to that of the respective first contact surface with which it brought into the clamping state. The hanger consisting of two such pairs has the advantage of being able to gently hold larger, heavier and / or delicate items, as the clamping force on the items is divided into two areas, resulting in reduced tension and strain in the clamped parts of the item. A larger number of such contact surface pairs is suitable for even larger items.

In an embodiment, the clamping device comprises a drive with a drive actuator for bringing the first contact surface and the second contact surface into the clamping state to temporarily secure the item in place. For example, the drive actuator is suitably arranged to exert a force on the second contact surface and to thereby displace it onto the at least one first contact surface. Alternatively, the drive actuator is suitably arranged to exert a force on the first contact surface and to thereby displace it onto the second contact surface. The force may be exerted by direct contact of the drive actuator to the respective contact surface or via intermediate force transmission such as gears, or movably mounted clamping arms, for example hinged clamping arms. An intermediate force transmission alters the direction and / or scalar component of the force vector. Intermediate force transmission may also include damping elements such at least one additional layer of material arranged between the drive actuator and the first contact surface or the second contact surface.

In a variation of the hanger, the intermediate force transmission of the drive actuator comprises a lever, in particular a lever pivotably mounted on a pivot axis. Preferably, pivot axis is arranged off-center with respect to the length of the lever. One end of the lever is interconnected to an interlocking mechanism configured to arresting the lever at a certain position. Another end of the lever is preferably connected to the second contact surface.

In some embodiments, the drive actuator comprises two subsidiary drive actuators, wherein the second contact surface is mechanically connected to a dedicated second drive actuator and the first contact surface is mechanically connected to a dedicated first drive actuator, while in other embodiments, one drive actuator is provided wherein either the second contact surface is mechanically connected to a dedicated second drive actuator or the first contact surface is mechanically connected to a dedicated first drive actuator.

In an embodiment, the drive actuator including any subsidiary drive actuator is designed to be brought into at least two states of which one is a fully retracted state and one is a fully extended state. In addition, however, the drive actuator may be designed to be brought into at least one intermediate state to clamp a particular item with appropriate care. The intermediate state into which the drive actuator can be brought may be chosen to depend on the material and weight of the item to be clamped.

In an embodiment, the drive actuator including any subsidiary drive actuator is mechanical. It may include a piston of which an end is attached directly or via intermediate force transmission to the first contact surface or to the second contact surface. In an embodiment, the force exerted by the drive actuator onto the first contact surface or the second contact surface originates in a manual action by the operator of the hanger.

Alternatively, the drive actuator including any subsidiary drive actuator is an electric motor actuator. For example, the electric motor actuator comprises an electric motor with an electromagnet, a gear and a screw, the electric motor driving the gear whose rotation is translated into a longitudinal displacement of the screw, the latter comprising an end suitable to displace either the first contact surface, the second contact surface or an intermediate force transmission connected to either of these. As such, the electric motor actuator may be a linear electric motor actuator. The electric motor actuator may be brought into a fully retracted, fully extended and / or intermediate state as introduced above. In an embodiment, the drive of clamping device comprises a drive actuator control connected to the drive actuator. The drive actuator control may be mechanical, electromechanical or electronic.

In an embodiment, the drive actuator control comprises a trigger, for example a mechanical trigger. The mechanical trigger may comprise pre-tensioned elements such as springs, coils and / or latches which wind up, release and engage to displace the actuator when so initiated by the operator.

In an embodiment, the drive actuator control comprises gears, for example gears which initiate the correct displacements for triggering or winding up pre-tensioned components.

In an embodiment, the drive actuator control comprises mechanical components for switching sets of electrical contacts and permitting a current to move parts for displacing the actuator.

In an embodiment, the drive actuator control comprises a microcontroller with a program mounted on it to provide signaling for the components displacing the actuator. In an embodiment, the drive of the clamping device comprises a drive interface, which may be manual, electronic or electromechanical, for receiving control inputs from an operator. In an embodiment, the drive interface is connected to the drive actuator control. To that end, the drive interface preferably comprises a button, a lever, a keypad, setting wheel, a dial knob or other suitable initial forcetransmission connected directly or via intermediate force transmission to the drive actuator control. For example, the drive interface may comprise a switch with at least two states, preferably three states, to be chosen by the operator for the actuator control to move the drive actuator to fully engage, retract and / or achieve an intermediate extended or retracted state. The drive interface may also comprise a set of keys for inputting a password, or a reader such as a fingerprint, optical code or wireless signal reader which is relayed to the drive actuator control. Upon verification of the password, optical pattern or wireless authentication signal, the drive actuator control fully retracts or extends the drive actuator or brings it into an intermediate state.

In a variation, the drive interface comprises a wireless signal interface, in particular a wireless signal reader, configured to read and / or transmit a wireless signal, preferably a short-range wireless signal such as a radio freguency signal, in particular NFC (Near Field Communication) signal or a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) signal. The wireless signal interface is preferably configured to transmit a wireless signal to the operator's mobile device via any of the short-range wireless protocols, the transmitted wireless signal for example being encoded with an ID of the hanger, wherein, in an appropriate hanger system as described in further detail below, the mobile device is configured to process the wireless signal received from the hanger in order to effect a locking or unlocking of the clamping device, for example by means of sending an authorization information to the hanger. The wireless signal interface of the hanger may comprise an antenna, in particular a transceiver for receiving and transmitting wireless signals. The wireless signal interface may comprise or be connected to an electronic processor arranged in the hanger or in a hanger system as described below, the electronic processor being configured to generate a short-range signal encoded with ID information of the hanger, and preferably being configured to extract and verify authorization information encoded into the wireless signal received from the mobile device of an operator. The authorization information may include but is not restricted to any or more than one of service payment confirmation information, operator's identity, operator credit or pre-paid credit for using the hanger, operator credit card details. The wireless signal interface of the hanger may comprise or be connected to a controller configured to lock and unlock the clamping device upon receipt of positive authorization information, in particular to control a lock configured to maintaining and / or discontinuing a clamping or an unclamping state of the clamping device. For example, the hanger may comprise a lock control comprising the controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the lock via intermediate force transmission means.

In an embodiment, the clamping device comprises a first magnet to which the first contact surface is mechanically connected and a second magnet to which the second contact surface is mechanically connected. The first magnet and second magnet have opposite polarity, attract each other and are therefore brought into the clamping state. In an embodiment, the first magnet and the second magnet are permanent magnets. This has the advantage of reducing the number of reguired parts, in particular moving parts and their respective controls. The clamping device preferably comprises a separator suitably arranged for separating the first permanent magnet from the second permanent magnet and to maintain their separation. By extension, therefore, the separator is suitably arranged to separate the first contact surface from the second contact surface and to maintain their separation.

In an embodiment, the clamping device comprises a separator actuator for engaging and disengaging the separator. The actuator may comprise features analogous in constitution to those of the drive actuator.

In an embodiment, the clamping device comprises a separator actuator control for controlling the separator actuator to disengage the separator, thereby allowing the first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet to move toward each other and to bring the first contact surface and the second contact surface into the clamping state. The separator actuator control is also provided to control the separator actuator so as to engage the separator, thereby restraining movement of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet, and by extension, the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

In an embodiment, the separator actuator control is connected to a separator actuator control interface comprising features analogous to the drive interface.

Preferably, the at least one first contact surface and / or the at least one second contact surface comprises at least one material having a coefficient of friction suitable for preventing removal of the item from the hanger in its clamping state by force, in particular by a force not stronger than that which would irreversibly distend or damage the item. The coefficient of friction is preferably determined out of the force of friction between the item and the first contact surface and the second contact surface. Preferably, the coefficient of friction lies in the range 0.5 and 1 .5, in particular 0.75 and 1 .25, but other values may be suitable depending on the type of item to be clamped.

In some embodiments, the at least one first contact surface and / or the at least one second contact surface comprises at least one material selected out of the group: rubber, textile, wood, plastic, metal, alloy, acrylic. For example, as material with beneficial properties in terms of grip, friction and delicate treatment of the item, rubber and felt were found to be suitable.

In an embodiment, the at least one first contact surface is curved. As the second contact surface has a shape complementary to that of the first contact surface, the first contact surface is also curved. This results in a curved clamping profile having the advantage of an increased surface area clamping the item and therefore reducing the pressure on the item at the clamping location. In addition, a curved clamping profile has the advantage of making it harder to remove the item out of the clamping state sideways.

In an embodiment, the hanger comprises a first bearing including an outer surface comprising the first contact surface. The first bearing may comprise a spherical, spheroid or u-shaped part. In embodiment where the clamping device comprises a drive with a drive actuator, the drive actuator including any electric motor and electromagnet may be mechanically connected directly or via intermediate force transmission to the first bearing. In an embodiment where the clamping device comprises permanent magnets, a permanent magnet may be contained in the first bearing. The first bearing may contain or largely consist of any material with a coefficient of friction as described above, for example rubber, textile, wood, plastic, metal, acrylic, however it need not be the same material as the first contact surface. For example, the first contact surface may consist of rubber or felt while the first bearing consists of a metal such as iron, brass or steel. In an embodiment, the first contact surface is a surface of a first contact layer arranged on the first bearing and fixed thereto. Said first contact layer may be fixed to the first bearing by means of an adhesive. In an embodiment, the hanger comprises a second bearing including an outer surface comprising the second contact surface. The bearing may comprise a part with a shape complementary to that of the first contact surface, in particular the shape of the first bearing at the first contact surface, if the first bearing is provided. The second bearing may comprise a part for form-fitting engagement with the first contact surface or first bearing, if provided, and may to that end comprise a shell shaped part or a disc-shaped part with an underside indentation. In embodiments where the clamping device comprises a drive with a drive actuator, the drive actuator including any electric motor and electromagnet may be mechanically connected directly or via intermediate force transmission to the second bearing. In an embodiment where the clamping device comprises permanent magnets, a permanent magnet may be contained in the second bearing. The second bearing may contain or largely consist of the same material as indicated for the first bearing and it need not be the same material as the second contact surface.

In an embodiment, the second contact surface is a surface of a second contact layer arranged on the second bearing and fixed thereto. Said second contact layer may be fixed to the second bearing by means of an adhesive. In an embodiment, the hanger comprises a sensor for detecting whether or not an item is hung on the hanger. Further, in an embodiment, the hanger comprises an electronic circuit including the sensor, whereby a computer program for detecting an item hung on the hanger is mounted on the electronic circuit. In an embodiment, the sensor, in particular the electronic circuit, is connected to the lock, in particular to a lock control. The lock control may control an intermediate force transmission connected to the lock. The hanger may comprise a sensor module including the sensor and the electronic circuit along with the computer program mounted thereon. Preferably, the sensor, electronic circuit, sensor module and / or the computer program are designed in way that an unclamped state is maintained while no item is hung on the hanger, or a clamping state of the hanger without items hung on the hanger is prevented.

In a variation, the hanger, in particular the lock comprises an interlocking mechanism including an interlocking member and an interlocking surface, wherein the interlocking member is configured to engage the interlocking surface in an interlocking manner. The interlocking member is at one end preferably interconnected to the drive, in particular to the intermediate force transmission of the drive actuator, for example a lever, and at another end to the interlocking surface. In a variation, the interlocking mechanism additionally comprises an interlock actuator interconnected at one end to the drive, in particular to its intermediate force transmission of the drive actuator, such as a lever, and at another end to the interlocking member. The interlock actuator may be interconnected to the drive actuator, in particular the lever, via a pivot joint. Preferably, the interlocking member comprises an engagement surface for interlocking with the interlocking surface. The engagement surface may be curved and / or comprise a topography consisting of grooves and ribs, for example a saw toothed topography. The interlocking surface is preferably arranged on the inside of the mounting plate, and may be curved and / or comprise a topology complementary to that of the engagement surface in particular of the interlocking member. The interlocking surface may thus comprise grooves and ribs, in particular it may comprise a saw-toothed topology. Preferably, the interlocking member is configured to be displaced in an arc along the interlocking surface. For interlocking, the interlocking member is for example configured to be pushed onto and pulled away from the interlocking surface.

In an embodiment, the at least one first contact surface and / or the at least one second contact surface is shaped to complement the shape of a garment or textile, in particular an area of the garment or textile resilient against strain or resilient against lasting deformation by pressure, in particular by clamping pressure. For example, the at least one first contact surface and / or the at least one second contact surface is shaped to complement the shape of a neck or collar area of the garment or textile.

In an embodiment, the hanger comprises a mount to which the second contact surface and / or the first contact surface are mechanically connected, the mount being suitable for mounting the hanger onto a support structure. The mount may comprise a plate with a recess through which fixing means such as screws, bolts and / or a clamp may be passed for fixing the hanger to the support structure.

In another aspect of the invention, a hanger system is proposed comprising a hanger as described in this document and a mobile device for use by an operator of the hanger, the mobile device comprising a computer program, in particular an app, configured to wirelessly send authorization information as previously described to the hanger, in particular to its wireless signal interface. The mobile device may be a mobile phone, in particular a smart phone. In some embodiments, the mobile device is a tag encoded with authorization information, for example with credit or pre-paid credit information and / or associated operator identity information. The tag may comprise a chip, such as an RFID chip, encoded with such information. Such a tag may advantageously be distributed and / or encoded by the entity providing the hanger service. In another aspect of the invention, a hanger system is proposed comprising a hanger and / or a mobile device as described in this document and a support structure, the second contact surface and / or first contact surface being mechanically connected to the support structure. The support structure may comprise any of a stand, an array of interconnected stands, a rack, a coat rack, a beam, a wall or a guide-rail.

In an embodiment, the hanger system comprises a plurality of hangers described in this document. For example, the hanger may be arranged on a coat rack. This increases the number of personal items that can be processed in a given time, such as in a cloakroom prior to and following a concert.

In an another aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for use of a hanger or a hanger system as described in this document, wherein when a garment or textile comprising an area resilient against strain or having an area resilient against lasting deformation by pressure, in particular by clamping pressure, for example a neck or collar area or the garment or textile, is hung with said area on the first contact surface, the clamping state is achieved wherein said area of the garment or textile is clamped.

The method may further include

- sending, by the mobile device as described in this document, a wireless signal encoded with authorization information to a hanger comprising a wireless signal interface connected to an electronic processor as described in this document, said authorization information including a reference to or being encoded with the ID of the hanger,

- receiving, by the wireless signal interface of the hanger, the wirelss signal authorization information,

- determining, by the electronic processor, whether or not the operator is authorized to use the hanger based on the authorization information received,

- locking or unlocking the clamping device by a lock, for example a lock as described in this document, when the authorization is positively determined. The method may alternatively or additionally include

- sending, by the hanger as described in this document, in particular by the wireless signal interface of the hanger, a short-range wireless signal encoded with an ID of the hanger to a mobile device,

- receiving, by the mobile device, said short-range wireless signal, and - processing, by the mobile device, the ID of the hanger by means of a computer program so as to effect a payment,

- sending, by the mobile device, a wireless signal encoded with the authorization information including a reference to or being encoded with the ID of the hanger.

For example, the authorization information may include payment or credit information as previously described.

The computer program may be an app configured to carry out payment or credit transactions with a credit card company or other financial service. The app may further be configured to instruct the processor of the mobile device to generate a signal encoded with authorization information, said signal being a radio freguency signal and / or preferably being generated based on a short-range wireless protocol such as NFC or BLE. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to pro-vide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims.

Fig. 1 shows basic embodiments of a hanger according to the invention

Fig. 2 shows a control diagram for a hanger according to the invention,

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a hanger according to the invention,

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of a hanger according to the invention,

Fig. 5 shows a hanger system comprising a stand,

Fig. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a hanger according to the invention,

Fig. 7 is a front, edge-on view of an embodiment of a hanger according to the invention,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a hanger according to the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Embodiments disclosed therein may be carried out in different forms and should not be understood as limiting; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal reguirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

Figure 1 schematically depicts two basic embodiments of a hangar 1 according to Figures 1 a and 1 b. Figure 1 c shows the clamping state of the clamping device 4 according to Figure 1 a and Figure 1 d shows the clamping state of the clamping device 4 according to Figure 1 b. The hanger 1 as shown in Figure 1 a comprises a first contact surface 2 and a second contact surface 3 facing the first contact surface at a distance. The clamping device 4 may comprise a drive operated by hand or electronically. The clamping device is further connected to a lock 1 0 which mechanically immobilizes, either directly or via a trigger and / or intermediate force transmission, the clamping device, in particular the first contact surface 2 and / or the second contact surface 3.

The drive comprises a drive actuator, whereby for hand operation, the drive comprises a mechanical drive interface such as a grip, lever, setting wheel or an electromechanical drive interface including a switch or set of switches, in particular keypad lock, any of these being connected to an actuator. It was found that a mechanical input interface comprising a lever can be technically advantageous as the risk of injury to the operator is reduced because the lever is operated by the operator himself / herself. If a finger is accidentally caught in between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, the operator may instinctively lessen the power applied to the lever or reverse the movement of the clamping device. For a lock, a keypad lock, such as one used for a safe, comprises a keypad and a trigger to perform intermediate force transmission to operate and displace the clamping device, in particular the first contact surface and / or second contact surface (see also Figure 2). The drive actuator preferably including intermediate force transmission such as gears (see Figure 2) and / or hinges (see Figure 3) fixed at one end to the first contact surface 2 and / or to the second contact surface 3 to displace it. For electronic operation, the clamping device including its drive and drive actuator may be controlled electronically via an electronic network or via a dedicated circuit contained in each hanger. As to the drive interface, it may comprise a Graphical User Interface (GUI), for example a touchpad or screen for inputting a password via displayed keys. It may also comprise a reader, such as a bar-code reader, QR-code reader, fingerprint reader or NFC / Bluetooth reader, the latter receiving and sending signals from the operator's smartphone having the appropriate credentials. The clamping device may be connected to and part of a fixed-line or wireless electronic network, for example a secured WLAN, loT network and a server attached thereto, the latter comprising a program and hardware for password storage and authentication. Figure 1 also shows an item 8, for example a garment such as a shirt, hung with its collar on the first contact surface 2. The first contact surface 2 supports the item on its own and it is then secured when the clamping state is achieved. Preferably, the first contact surface and the second contact surface contain rubber. Alternatively, either the first contact surface or the second contact surface contain rubber while the respective other contact surface contains another material, such as felt.

Figure 1 b shows a hanger comprising a clamping device 1 comprising a drive for driving both the first contact surface 2 and the second contact surface 2. The depicted separation of two clamping devices 4 according to this drawing is intended to show operation of a force on both contact surfaces, however the clamping device may be thought of as one clamping device comprising one or more drives and respective actuators. For example, the drive and associated drive actuator divides the force to be imparted on the contact surfaces into two parts via dedicated intermediate force transmission, a first part for acting on the first contact surface and a second part for acting on the second contact surface. Alternatively, the clamping device comprises two drives, each with its own drive actuator or drive actuators, for individually driving the first and second contact surface. Hence, one end of a first drive actuator may be connected to the first contact surface via intermediate force transmission while one of a second drive actuator is connected to the second contact surface intermediate force transmission. The first and second drive may be operated interdependently or independently to achieve the clamping state. Figure l c shows the clamping state of the hanger 1 according to Figure 1 a, wherein the drive has displaced the second contact surface 3 onto the first contact surface. Preferably, the clamping forces imparted on the first contact surface and the second contact surface, i.e. the action and the reaction, have directions at an angle to the force of gravity, as this was found to enable a gentler handling of clamped items (see also the force arrows indicated for the embodiment according to Figure 3).

Figure 1 d shows the clamping state of the hanger 1 according to Figure 1 b, wherein the first drive and the second drive have displaced the first contact surface 2 and the second contact surface 3, respectively, into the clamping state. The clamping force directions are preferably at an angle as indicated in the example of Figure 1 c.

Figure 2 schematically shows a clamping device 4 comprised in a hanger 1 , said clamping device including a drive 5 and a lock 7. The drive 5 in this example includes a drive input interface 5a, which in its most general sense includes a lever, an input interface such as a keypad lock or a reader. The lock 1 0 is connected to the clamping assembly 4, and in this example in particular to the drive interface 5a via intermediate force transmission 6. The drive 5 comprises a drive actuator 5b, said driver actuator 5b comprising a trigger 5d as part of a drive actuator control 5c and an intermediate force transmission 5e connected to the first contact surface 2 and / or the second contact surface 3. It should be understood that any or all of the drive interface 5a, intermediate force transmission 6 for the lock 1 0 and the lock 1 0 can additionally be part of the drive actuator control 5c, and / or that the drive actuator control 5c can be a unit separate from the drive actuator 5b. When a key combination for entering a clamping state is input into the keypad lock 7, the lock is driven by intermediate force transmission 6 to unlock and mechanically or electronically release the trigger 5d to activate intermediate force transmission 5e, such as a sliding piston or electric motor, to drive first contact surface 2 and / or second contact surface 3, thereby bringing them into the clamping state. Conversely, when a key combination for disengaging from a clamping state is input into the key pad lock 7, the lock is driven by intermediate force transmission 6 to unlock and mechanically or electronically release the trigger 5d to activate intermediate force transmission 5e to drive first contact surface 2 and / or second contact surface 3 away from each other. When a clamping and unclamping operation has been completed, the lock 1 0 will re-enter the locked state and lock the intermediate force transmission 5e, thereby immobilizing it or preventing it from transmitting a force to the first contact surface 2 and / or second contact surface 3.

Figure 3 shows a hanger 1 with a clamping device 4 comprising an arm and a hinge as examples of intermediate force transmission 5e. The hanger 1 also comprises a mounting plate 9 for mounting the hanger 1 to a mount such as a rack or wall. The intermediate force transmission 5e transmits a force generated by an electric motor or by hand (not shown) by rotating the arm around the hinge, thereby moving the second contact surface 3 to or away from the first contact surface 2 as needed depending on whether a clamping state or an unclamped state is to be achieved. In this example, the second contact surface 3 is on the underside of a second bearing 1 2 taking the form of an indented disc, the indentation of the disc being provided on the underside of said disc. Hence, the second bearing 1 2 is an element of the intermediate force transmission means 5e. In this example, the first contact surface 2 is on the upper side of a first bearing 1 1 taking the form of a spheroid. The first bearing 1 1 is fixed and connected to the mounting plate 9.

Figure 4 shows a hanger 1 with a clamping device 4 comprising two arm - hinge pairs constituting parts of intermediate force transmission 5e. Each pair comprises a second bearing 1 2 cycloid outer profile or having a half-pipe shape, the underside or open side of which is provided with a second contact surface 3. The hanger 1 further comprises a first bearing 1 1 opposite the second bearing 1 2 in the form of a standard hanger with sloping or straight shoulders and a hook projecting from the center of the shoulder line / at the neck for mounting the hanger to a mount. In this example, two first contact surfaces 2 are provided on the upper side of the first bearing 1 1 . The intermediate force transmission 5e transmits a force generated by an electric motor or by hand (not shown) by rotating the arms around the hinge, thereby moving the second contact surfaces 3 to or away from the first contact surfaces 2 as needed depending on whether a clamping state or an unclamped state is to be achieved. The first bearing 1 1 may be fixedly attached to a mount, for example via the hook or another fixing means instead of the hook such as a clamp. In this case, the intermediate force transmission 5e transmits a force generated by an electric motor or by hand (not shown) by pulling the first bearing 1 1 against the second bearing 1 2, and conseguently the contact surface pairs, to enter the clamping state.

Figure 5 shows a hanger system 1 a comprising a rack 1 3 and a plurality of hangers 1 mounted on said rack. The rack 1 3 comprises horizontal bars 1 4 supported by rack pillars 1 5 and the hangers 1 are preferably mounted on these horizontal bars 1 4. A horizontal bar is arranged in the floor region of the rack 1 3 and hangers 1 are mounted on this horizontal bar for temporarily storing baggage items. The horizontal bar 1 4 in the upper region of the rack 1 3 supports hangers 1 for temporarily storing garments such as coats. Optionally, the hanger system 1 may comprise an electronic network linking the hangers 1 , in particular their clamping devices to one another and a central monitoring station such as a server. The network, in particular the communication lines, are at least partially contained in or on the pillars 1 5 and bars 1 4 of the rack 1 3.

Figure 6 shows a variation of a hanger 1 according to the present invention comprising a mounting plate 9 containing at least some of the components of a drive for driving the clamping device 4 or a lock for locking the clamping device 4, such as a drive and / or lock as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. At least some of the contents of the mounting plate 9 are shown in Figure 8 and explained in more detail with reference thereto. The mounting plate 9 may comprise a larger volume first part 9a and a smaller volume second part 9b. The clamping device 4 in particular its arm may be connected to the larger volume first part 9a while the first bearing may be connected to either, preferably to the smaller volume second part 9b. Both parts may be rectangular. Components taking up more space may be contained in the larger volume first part 9a while the smaller volume second part 9b may be devoid of mechanical parts interconnected to the clamping device 4, or it may contain fewer and / or smaller components that the larger volume part 9a. For example, the smaller volume second part 9b may comprise electronics, in particular control and / power circuitry. Further, the mounting plate 9 comprises a mounting surface 9c configured to stably fix the mounting plate to another fixed object, such as a rack as shown in Figure 5, a wall or other object to which the hanger shall be attached. The mounting surface 9c of the mounting plate 9c may comprise a plate extending away from the mounting plate 9, as described in additional detail with respect of Figure 8.

The clamping device 4 shown in Figure 8 extends away from the mounting plate 9 in the form of an arm that can be raised and lowered and with respect to the first contact surface 2. The arm preferably houses a number of drive and / or lock components as shown in more detail in Figure 8. The arm is preferably mounted pivotably on a hinge, for example as shown in Figure 8. The arm extending away from the mounting plate 9 may be shaped so as to widen as it extends away from the mounting plate 9. This provides added volume to accommodate components, in particular components arranged suitably to interconnect with the second contact surface 3, such as a lock to immobilize or release the clamping device 4. The clamping device 4 may comprise a sloped upper edge. The first contact surface 2 may be the upper surface of a ball-shaped or knob-shaped first bearing 1 1 , the latter for example being mounted fixedly to the mounting plate 9 via an arm, preferably an angled or inflected arm as shown here. The second contact surface 3 may be the lower surface of a second bearing 1 2 comprising an indented or recessed disc, in particular a recessed disc pad mounted to the clamping device 4, in particular its lower side as shown here, the disc pad and in particular its recess being shaped so as to at least partially complement the shape of the first contact surface 2, in particular the upper surface of the ball-shaped first bearing 1 1 . Optionally, the second contact surface 3 in particular the second bearing 1 2 and disc pad is tiltably mounted to the clamping device 4. As the arm of the clamping device 4 is lowered toward the first contact surface 2 and a garment hung on the latter, the second contact surface 3 is configured to tilt in such a manner that the area of contact between the garment and the second contact surface 3 is maximized as a clamped state of the garment is achieved. In particular, the second contact surface 3 is configured to tilt in such a manner that it tangentially touches the garment as the clamped state is achieved. Thus, firm clamping is achieved with minimal strain and / or compression on the garment.

Figure 7 is a front view of a hanger 1 according to the present invention. In this perspective, an optional operation light is shown connected to the drive interface, in particular to an electronic circuit connected to the drive interface. The operation light, such as an LED, shines continuously, intermittently and or in a specific color assigned to the clamping state of the hanger and / or to the state of authorization of use of the hanger. Figure 8 shows parts of the interior of the mounting plate 9 and the clamping device 4 including an arm as previously described. The clamping device 4 comprises a drive with an intermediate force transmission 5e including a lever 1 6 and a pivot axis 1 7, in particular a hinge, on either side of which is a lever part, the first lever part 1 6a being interconnected with the contact surface 3 via the second bearing 1 2 and a second lever part 1 6b being interconnected with an interlocking member 7a configured to be engaged and disengaged from an interlocking surface 7c.

The clamping device 4 optionally comprises a master lock 1 9, preferably arranged in the arm, which comprises a master lock actuator 1 9a, for example a key hole attached to a turnable locking bar. The locking bar may be connected to a pair of permanent magnets, whereby depending on proximity of the permanent magnets to one another, the clamping device can be locked or unlocked. The master lock 1 9 further comprises a first master lock intermediate force transmission 1 9b interconnected to the master lock actuator 1 9a at one end and to the interlocking mechanism 7 discussed below at another end. The master lock 1 9 additionally comprises a second master lock intermediate force transmission 1 9c interconnected at one end to the master lock actuator 1 9a and at another end to the second contact surface 3 via the second bearing 1 2. By turning a key inside the master lock actuator 1 9a to an operation position, the first and second master lock intermediate force transmissions 1 9b and 1 9c are actuated such that the engaging lock member 7a is pulled away from the interlocking surface 7c, the lever 1 6 can be pivoted and the second bearing 1 2 can be lifted away from the first contact surface 2. The lever 1 6 may constitute a part of the arm of the clamping device 4 and / or be an integral part of the arm. The second lever part 1 6b, the hinge 1 7, the interlocking member 7a and the interlocking surface 7c are preferably contained in the larger volume first part 9a of the mounting plate 9 having a volume suitable for accommodating these components. The second lever part 1 6b is preferably shorter than the first lever part 1 6a. The hinge 1 7 is preferably interconnected to tensioning elements 1 8 strutted against inner surfaces of the mounting element 9. For example, the tensioning elements 1 8 may comprise wires coiled around the hinge 1 7 in particular rotational axis with ends extending away from the coil and engaging an inner surface part of the mounting plate such as a recess, groove or rib.

The hanger 1 further comprises an interlocking mechanism 7 including a interlock actuator 7b interconnected at one end to an engaging interlocking member 7a configured to be pushed onto / pulled away from an interlocking surface 7c, and interconnected at another end to the lever 1 6, in particular to the shorter end 1 6b of the lever. An engagement surface of the interlocking member 7a and the interlocking surface 7c each preferably comprise mutually interlocking topographies. The topographies may be saw-toothed. The interlocking surface 7c further is curved in an arc corresponding essentially to the arc traced out when the lever 1 6, in particular the end of the shorter lever part 1 6b, is pivoted about the pivot axis 1 7. The interlock actuator 7b preferably is configured to bias the interlocking member 7a against the interlocking surface 7c when a locking position has been reached. For example, as the second contact surface 3, in particularthe bearing 1 2 is pushed down toward the first bearing 2, the second contact surface 3 experiences an upward resistive force by the garment hung on the first contact surface 2, and this force is transmitted to the interlocking mechanism 7, in particular the interlocking member 7a via the intermediate force transmissions 1 9c and 5e, interlock actuator 7b, thereby pushing the interlocking member 7a onto the interlocking surface 7c, where the former is immobilized due to the interlocking topologies of their respective surfaces. Thus, garments of different thickness can be clamped with the appropriate force to avoid damaging or crushing the garment fabric. When in an unlocking state, the interlock actuator 7b is configured to unbias the interlocking member 7a from the interlocking surface 7c, thereby allowing the lever 1 6 to be pivoted and the second contact surface 3 in particular the second bearing 1 2 to be lifted to and / or away from the garment.

As previously described, the hanger 1 may comprise a drive interface 5a configured to transmit and receive short-range wireless signals. The drive interface 5a is connected to a control (not shown) for actuating the master lock and / or the intermediate force transmission 5e, in particular for releasing and engaging the interlocking member 7a to and from the interlocking surface 7c. It should be noted that the master lock 1 9 is configured to be operable whether or not the drive interface 5a is functional. Unlocking and locking may proceed as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF SYM BOLS

1 Hanger

1 a Hanger system 9c mounting surface

2 first contact surface 1 0 lock

3 second contact surface 1 1 first bearing

4 clamping device 1 2 second bearing

5 drive 1 3 rack

5a drive interface 1 4 horizontal bar

5b drive actuator 1 5 pillar

5c drive actuator control 1 6 lever

5d drive actuator trigger 1 6a first lever part

5e drive actuator intermediate 1 6b second lever part

force transmission 1 7 pivot axis

6 intermediate force transmission 1 8 tensioning element for lock 1 9 master lock

7 interlocking mechanism 1 9a master key hole

7a engaging interlocking member 1 9b master lock intermediate

7b interlock actuator force transmission

7c interlocking surface 20 operation light 8 item

9 mounting plate

9a larger volume first part

9b larger volume second part