CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application no. 62/237,740, filed October 6, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a system for hanging clothes. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for reading and transmitting data related to an item of clothing when hung on a hanger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Clothes hangers have been widely used for hanging garments both at home and in retailer stores. Traditionally, clothes hangers are only used to provide support for garments. More recently, some smart hangers, such as RFID-embedded hangers have been disclosed. However, in practice, the RFID tags embedded in the hangers need to be linked to the garments hung on them. If the garment is hung on a mismatched hanger, which very often happens in retail stores, the information stored in the hanger will be unrelated to the garment hung on it, and the customer will be confused. Therefore, there is a continuing need to develop new system for hanging clothes that can accurately identify the garment hung on a hanger and transmit the information of the garment for better customer experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for reading and transmitting data related to an item of clothing when hung on a hanger. In certain

embodiments, the system includes a hanger for supporting an item of clothing. The system also includes an identification reader associated with the hanger, and the identification reader is capable of obtaining data from an identification tag attached to the item of clothing when the item of clothing is hung on the hanger. The system further includes a transmitter for receiving data from the identification reader and transmitting message to an external component.

[0005] In one embodiment, the identification reader is a near field communication

(NFC) reader and the identification tag is an NFC tag.

[0006] In one embodiment, the transmitter is a Bluetooth transmitter. [0007] In one embodiment, the identification reader and the transmitter are comprised in a single device. In one embodiment, the identification reader and the transmitter are two separate devices.

[0008] In one embodiment, the identification reader and/or the transmitter is releasably attached to the hanger.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second data is the same as the first data. In one embodiment, the second data is different from the first data.

[0010] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a rechargeable battery associated with the hanger. The rechargeable battery is adapted to be recharged via a USB port, via a solar panel, wirelessly or via induction recharging.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the system further includes an item of clothing and an identification tag associated with the item of clothing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the system further comprises the external component.

The external component can be selected from the group consisting of a central computer or server, a cloud, a portable electronic device and a display.

[0013] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a controller operably linked to the identification reader and the transmitter. In one embodiment, the controller is devised to receive the first data, generate the second data based on the first data, and provide the first and/or the second data to the transmitter.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the system further includes a detection system for determining if the hanger is being moved.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the system further includes a proximity sensor to detect if a person is in the vicinity of the hanger.

[0016] In one embodiment, the identification reader and/or the transmitter is attached to the hanger.

[0017] In one embodiment, the hanger comprises two arms extending from a neck portion. In one embodiment, the identification reader and/or the transmitter is located at the neck portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system for hanging clothes.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary garment and an identification tag attached on the garment.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary system for hanging clothes. [0021] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary system for hanging clothes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In the Summary of the Invention above and in the Detailed Description of the

Invention, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0023] The term "comprises" and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article "comprising" (or "which comprises") components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components.

[0024] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant function being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations described herein. It will be understood that descriptions and characterizations of the embodiments set forth in this disclosure are not to be considered as mutually exclusive, unless otherwise noted.

[0025] The following definitions are used in the disclosure:

[0026] As used herein, a "hanger" means any clothes supporting structure capable of supporting garments, such as shirts, sweaters, jackets, blouses, dresses, trousers, skirts, and so on. A conventional hanger includes two arms, joined at a central neck portion, where a hanging hook is usually fitted. Many hangers also include a horizontal crossbar, extending between the distal ends of the two arms, with the crossbar being used for hanging garments such as trousers therefrom. A hanger can be made from wire, wood or plastic, or a combination of these materials. [0027] As used herein, an "identification tag" refers to an instrument that contains data or information about an item and through which the item can be uniquely identified. In certain embodiments, the identification tag contains electronically stored information, which can be read through radio waves. Typically, the tag receives an interrogating signal via an antenna, and then responds with its unique information. The tag can be either active or passive. An active tag usually contains its own power source that gives its ability to broadcast the information. A passive tag, on the other hand, does not have its own power source but is powered by the electromagnetic energy transmitted from a magnetic field nearby. For example, the tag can transmit the data or information stored when powered by electromagnetic induction from a magnetic field generated by a reader. A tag can be programmable, rewritable or permanently locked or encrypted. In certain embodiments, the identification tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In certain embodiments, the identification tag is a near field communication (NFC) tag. Typically, an NFC tag communicates with an NFC reader only when they are brought into proximity of a distance of 10 cm or less.

[0028] An "identification reader" used herein refers to a device that is capable of reading the data or information stored in an identification tag. In certain embodiments, an identification reader reads the data or information stored in an identification tag through radio waves. Typically, an identification reader sends an interrogating signal to the identification tag, which responds with its unique information. Preferably, the identification reader also provides the tag energy used by the tag to transmit the data or information stored. For example, an identification reader transmits to the tag an electromagnetic wave that generates a magnetic field near the tag. Powered by electromagnetic induction, the tag then transmits the data or information to the reader. In certain embodiments, the identification reader is an RFID reader. In certain embodiments, the identification reader is an NFC reader.

[0029] As used herein, a "transmitter" refers to a device capable of transmitting data or information to a receiver. In certain embodiments, a transmitter transmits electromagnetic waves, e.g., radio waves carrying data or information. In certain embodiments, the transmitter is a Bluetooth transmitter.

[0030] As used herein, the term "associate" or "associated" means physically or functionally linked, connected or attached. The association can be direct or indirect. The association can be permanent or temporary /reversible.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for hanging clothes. The system includes a hanger for supporting an item of clothing. The system also includes an identification reader associated with the hanger, wherein the identification reader is capable of obtaining a first data from an identification tag attached to the item of clothing when the item of clothing is hung on the hanger. The system further includes a transmitter for receiving the first data from the identification reader and transmitting a second data derived from the first data to an external component.

[0032] One embodiment of the system provided herein is illustrated in FIG. 1. The system includes a hanger 10 having two arms 11 and a neck portion 12. The arms 11 and the neck portion 12 can be integrally formed from a plastics or a wood material. The hanger 10 can also include a hanging means, for example a hook 13 for hanging the hanger from a support means such as a retail clothing rack. The hook 13 can be made of metal and connected to the top of the neck portion 12.

[0033] The system also includes an identification reader 20 and a transmitter 30, each of which is associated with or attached to the hanger 10. The identification reader 20 is capable of reading an identification tag and obtaining data or information stored in the identification tag. In certain examples, the identification reader 20 is an NFC reader. The data or information or data derived therefrom is communicated to the transmitter 30 that is capable of transmitting the data to an external component. In certain examples, the transmitter 30 is a Bluetooth transmitter. In certain examples, the identification reader 20 and the transmitter 30 is contained in a single device 40, e.g., a circuit or a chip. In certain examples, the identification reader 20 and/or the transmitter 30 are located at the neck portion 12. In certain embodiments, the identification reader 20 and/or the transmitter 30 are attached (e.g., fitted, fixed, secured or embedded) to the hanger 10 by suitable means, for example adhesives, clamps, clips or screws. In certain examples, the identification reader 20 and/or the transmitter 30 are fitted, fixed, secured, or embedded within the neck portion 12. In certain examples, the identification reader 20 and/or the transmitter 30 are releasably attached to the hanger 10.

[0034] The system can also include a rechargeable battery associated with the hanger

10 for providing energy to the identification reader 20 and/or transmitter 30. The

rechargeable batter can be recharged by suitable means, for example via a USB port, via a solar panel, wirelessly or via induction recharging

[0035] Fig. 2 shows an example of item of clothing 50 and an identification tag 60 associated with the item of clothing 50. The identification tag 60 can be associated with the item of clothing 50 by suitable means, for example, adhesives, stitches, clamps or clips. In certain examples, the identification tag 60 is fixed to the item of clothing 50. In certain examples, the identification tag 60 is releasably attached to the item of clothing 50. The identification tag 60 can be attached to the suitable parts of the item of clothing 50, for example, neck part, sleeves, waist or pocket. In certain examples, the identification tag 60 is an NFC tag. One of the advantages of using an NFC tag is that the identification reader 20 can read the NFC tag only when they are brought into proximity of a distance of 10 cm or less, thus reducing the likelihood of interrogation of tags on adjacent items of clothing.

[0036] FIG.3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in

FIG. 3, the system provided herein includes a hanger 10, an identification reader 20 and a transmitter 30 substantially the same as that illustrated in FIG 1. The system further includes an item of clothing 50 and an identification tag 60 associated with the item of clothing 50. When the item of clothing 50 is brought to the proximity to or hang on the hanger 10, the identification reader 20 reads the identification tag 60 and obtains a first data from the identification tag 60. The first data can be raw data about the item of clothing, such as brand, size, model, style, color, material, manufacturer, price and texture, or a unique code related to such raw data. The identification reader 20 communicates the first data to the transmitter 30, which then transmits a second data derived from the first data to an external component. In certain embodiments, the second data is the same as the first data. In certain embodiments, the second data is different from the first data.

[0037] There are at least several advantages of such system. First, the system is easy to manufacture and install. The data being transmitted to an external component is derived from the data obtained from the identification tag. There is no need for the identification reader or the transmitter to store specific information or data about each item of clothing. As a result, the system can be mass-produced without individually installing data/information about different items of clothing. Second, detailed information about each item of clothing can be stored in a centralized system in the external component. As a result, less data is stored in the identification tag and the tag need only include basic identification data, such as a unique identification code (e.g., a bar code or a QR code).

[0038] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in

FIG. 4, the system provided herein includes a hanger 10, an identification reader 20

associated with the hanger 10, a transmitter 30 associated with the hanger 10, an item of clothing 50 hung on the hanger 10, and an identification tag 60 attached to the item of clothing 50. The identification reader 20 reads the identification tag 60 and obtains a first data from the identification tag 60. The identification reader 20 communicates the first data to the transmitter 30, which then transmits a second data derived from the first data to an external component. The system further includes an external component, such as a display 70, a central server or computer or a cloud 80, or a portable electronic device 90.

[0039] In one example, the external component is a display 70, such as an LCD screen, an LED screen or a touch screen. When the display receives the data from the transmitter, the display shows content related to the item of clothing 50, such as an image of the item of clothing, its brand, model, size style, texture and so on, or a video of a model wearing the item of clothing, or customer experience of the clothes, e.g., the rating of the item of clothing on social media, or promotional information about the item of clothing.

[0040] In another example, the external component is a central computer, server or a cloud 80. In certain scenarios, the data being transmitted are related to customer use, such as how many customers have viewed the item of clothing, when, and how long, the hanger is taken off a clothing rack by a customer, or how long the item of clothing has been viewed by a customer (via sensing the customer in the vicinity of the hanger).

[0041] In still another example, the external component is a portable electronic device 90, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch (e.g., Apple Watch) and so on. The portable electronic device then displays or speaks information about the item of clothing, such as brand, size, model, style, color, material, manufacturer, price and texture of the clothes, promotional information, customer experience of the clothes and so on.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the system further includes a detection system capable of determining if the hanger is being moved. For example, when a customer takes the hanger off a hanging rack or picks the hanger from a display counter, the system senses the movement of the hanger and the transmitter transmits the data related to the item of clothing to an external component.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the system further includes a proximity sensor to detect if a person is in the vicinity of the hanger. When a customer is sensed to stand in front of the item of clothing hung on the hanger for a specific period of time that indicates the interest of the customer to the item of clothing hung on the hanger, the transmitter automatically transmits the data related to the item of clothing to an external component. [0044] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments (some of which are preferred embodiments), it should be understood by those having skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as disclosed herein.