This invention relates generally to foldable garment support frames and, more particularly, to a new and improved foldable garment support frame which firmly supports and maintains garments in a lightly stretched condition to minimize wrinkling that otherwise results from folding and packing such garments in luggage.
Folding garment fixtures are known which are adapted to aid the traveler in folding and maintaining garments in a neat and relatively wrinkle-free condition. Such garment frames are most useful for packing jackets, trousers and related clothing accessories into the limited confines of a suitcase. These garment frames are intended to inhibit a substantial amount of the wrinkling which otherwise would form in garments that have been folded tightly in a suitcase for long hours.
One known variety of foldable garment fixture comprises a conventional coat-and-trouser hanger suspended from an anchor point on a loop frame formed of metal rod, the frame including a swingable folding bar. To use such a fixture, the garment, typically a jacket and trousers, is arranged on the hanger and suspended from the anchor point. The folding bar is swung into place, laterally disposed across the garment about midway along its length. The garment is then folded around the folding bar back onto itself, being careful that the garment, and particularly any jacket sleeves, are neatly arranged to avoid wrinkling. Such a fixture is usually designed for use with a relatively large suitcase.
In a variation of the foregoing garment fixture, the garment may be folded about a second laterally disposed folding bar, with the result that the garment is folded approximately in thirds for packing in smaller suitcases, sometimes denoted "overnight" cases.
In using either of these foldable garment fixtures, it will be noted that care must be taken to maintain the garments in neat order when folding the assembly. Further, it is apparent that firm support is not provided over the major portion of the garment area which is spanned between the hanger and the folding bar or bars. In other words, the garment is still susceptible to being crushed or wrinkled by other objects which are likely to be placed next to or on top of the garment in packing because the garment is not backed by a firm, flat structure. One solution to this problem is to not pack such objects in the same luggage compartment with the subject garment, but this can result in a substantial waste of space.
Additionally, with these known foldable garment fixtures, there are no special means provided for maintaining the garment relatively tautly wrapped about the folding bars. If the garment should slip or loosen on the fixture, it is more likely to be wrinkled. On the other hand, a garment which is maintained in a lightly stretched condition is less subject to wrinkling.
Accordingly, a need is recognized for a foldable garment support frame which can be used easily for folding and packing garments, will firmly support the entire area of the garment and is effective to maintain the garment in a lightly stretched condition on the frame. The present invention clearly fulfills this need.