Folding hanger for garments and the like

Abstract

A folding hanger to be employed in the hanging of garments and the like is provided. The hanger includes a first wing portion and a second wing portion which fold about a central pivot. The central pivot may be a living hinge or a pin element which rotates in a bearing. The hanger has a simple folded and unfolded configuration. Latching means are provided for the hanger when in the unfolded configuration. The latching means includes a simple flexible tongue element which is received in a socket. The flexible tongue element includes a protrusion proximal the tip which will be positively retained in the socket. By depressing the flexible tongue the protrusion will be brought out of retention in the socket permitting the hanger to be folded about the central pivot. A J-shaped hook depends from one of the wings which permits the hanger to be hung in a conventional fashion. The hanger may be manufactured as a integral unit through a molding process and may be comprised of one of any of a variety of plastics or the like. Other embodiments of the hanger may be provided as well, including one comprised of wire.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.