Hanger storage device

Abstract

A coat hanger storage device allowing hangers to be stored for transport or storage on or off a closet rod. The preferred embodiment includes a plurality of body panels forming an internal cavity in which hangers may be stored, with at least one body panel opening by releasing at least one fastener to allow for removal of one or more hangers. The enclosure is preferably made from a Plexiglas®, plastic or polymeric material. The fastener is preferably magnetic.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for storing hangers comprising a hanging portion and a clothes holding portion, the device comprising: 
 a first and a second shoulder portion; and    a first and a second side portion; 
 wherein the first shoulder portion is attached to the first side portion at a first interface;  
 wherein the second shoulder portion is attached to the first side portion at a second interface;  
 wherein the second side portion is attached to the first shoulder portion at a third interface;  
 wherein at least one of the second side portion or the second shoulder portion is rotatable around the axis defined by the third interface or the second interface respectively to rotate between an opened and a closed position;  
 wherein an engageable fastener is provided to maintain the at least one rotatable portion in the closed position when engaged; and  
 wherein the side portions and the shoulder portions define a gap for protrusion of the hanging portion of the hanger.  
   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein both the second side portion and the second shoulder portion are rotatable around the axes defined by the third interface and the second interface respectively.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a bottom portion attached to the first shoulder portion and the first side portion.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the fastener is chosen from a magnet, a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener, a button, a snap, or a latch.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the first and second side portion and the first and second shoulder portion comprise a rigid material.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the first and second side portion and the first and second shoulder portion comprise a flexible material.  
     
     
         7 . A device for storing hangers comprising a hanging portion and a clothes holding portion, the device comprising: 
 a first and a second shoulder portion;    a first and a second side portion; and    a bottom portion; 
 wherein the first shoulder portion, the second shoulder portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion are attached to the bottom portion at first, second, third, and fourth interfaces respectively;  
 wherein at least one of the second side portion or the second shoulder portion is rotatable around the axis defined by the fourth interface or the second interface respectively to rotate between an open and a closed position;  
 wherein an engageable fastener is provided to maintain the at least one rotatable portion in the closed position when engaged; and  
 wherein the side portions and the shoulder portions define a gap for protrusion of the hanging portion of the hanger.  
   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the mechanical fastener is chosen from a magnet, a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener, a button, a snap, or a latch.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the first and second side portion and the first and second shoulder portion comprise a rigid material.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the first and second side portion and the first and second shoulder portion comprise a flexible material.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 7  wherein both the second side portion and the second shoulder portion are rotatable around the axis defined by the fourth interface and the second interface respectively.  
     
     
         12 . A device for storing hangers comprising a hanging portion and a clothes holding portion, the device comprising: 
 an enclosure comprising four sides, a bottom, and a gap for protrusion of the hanging portion of the hangers, 
 wherein at least one of the sides is rotatable between an opened and a closed position;  
 wherein an engageable fastener maintains the at least one rotatable side in a closed position when the fastener is engaged; and  
 wherein the opening created when the rotatable side is opened is large enough to allow removal or addition of at least one hanger.  
   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12  wherein two sides are rotatable between an opened and a closed position.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the sides and bottom comprise a rigid material.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the sides and bottom comprise a flexible material.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the fastener is a magnet.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the fastener is a zipper.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 12  wherein two sides are rotatable between an opened and a closed position, wherein the sides and bottom comprise a rigid material, and wherein the fastener is a magnet.