Clothes hanger storage device

Abstract

A clothes hanger storage device includes a container and a plurality of pillars inside the container for retaining a multitude of variously-sized and -shaped hangers. The plurality of pillars may be arranged as two sets of pillars, or two elongated pillar units, wherein large triangular hangers extend around both sets of pillars or around the two elongated pillar units, and small triangular hangers extend around only one set of pillars or one elongated pillar unit. Non-triangular hangers, such as hangers only comprising two shoulders, may be stored in the container by being trapped between the container wall and the pillars, but not extending around the pillars. The clothes hanger storage device may be adapted to be hung from a door, stored underneath a counter or in a closet, or attached to the door of a cabinet. In an optional embodiment, the container may be fitted with a releasable lid that fits over the top of the container. The preferred lid may be moved to a dispensing position, which leaves room between the container and the lid through which one or more hangers may be removed.

1 . A clothes hanger storage device comprising: 
 a container comprising a base and a side wall upending from a perimeter of the base to surround and define an interior space;    a plurality of pillars inside said interior space;    wherein said side wall comprises at least one opening; and    a hanger is located inside said container around said pillars.    
   
   
       2 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of pillars are arranged as two sets of pillars, and wherein each set of pillars comprises two pillars.  
   
   
       3 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of pillars are arranged in a triangle.  
   
   
       4 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of pillars are formed as an extension of the base.  
   
   
       5 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 2 , wherein said hanger extends around said two sets of pillars.  
   
   
       6 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 2 , wherein said hanger extends around only one set of pillars.  
   
   
       7 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 1 , wherein a neck of said hanger extends out through said opening in the side wall.  
   
   
       8 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of pillars are two elongated pillars.  
   
   
       9 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 8 , wherein one elongated pillar is longer than the other elongated pillar, and said elongated pillars are parallel to each other and form a triangle.  
   
   
       10 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 8 , wherein said hanger extends around both of said elongated pillars.  
   
   
       11 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 8 , wherein said hanger extends around only one of said elongated pillars.  
   
   
       12 . A clothes hanger storage device comprising: 
 a container comprising a base and a side wall upending from a perimeter of the base to surround and define an interior space, wherein said side wall comprises at least one opening and a top edge;    a plurality of pillars inside said interior space;    a hanger inside said container around said pillars; and    a lid that is securable to said top edge in a first, closed position wherein said lid is fitted around said top edge of the container, and a second, raised position wherein said lid is positioned a distance away from said top edge.    
   
   
       13 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 12 , wherein said container comprises handles in said top edge, and wherein said handles comprise apertures.  
   
   
       14 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 13 , wherein said lid comprises a plurality of latches, and wherein said latches are adapted to cooperate with said apertures.  
   
   
       15 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 12 , wherein said lid is secured in said first and second positions by at least two latches that each comprise a plurality of spaced connection members that are releasably connectable to the container.  
   
   
       16 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 15 , wherein one or more of said connection members releaseably grip said top edge.  
   
   
       17 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 15 , wherein one or more of said connection members abut said top edge.  
   
   
       18 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 12 , wherein, when said lid is in the second, raised position, it is parallel to said top edge.  
   
   
       19 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 18 , wherein said lid, being spaced a distance from said top edge, defines a space for dispensing said hanger from said container.  
   
   
       20 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 19 , wherein said hanger has a hook that is accessible through said opening, and said space for dispensing is sized so that, after being lifted up to the lid, said hanger will slide out of the device through said space.  
   
   
       21 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 12 , further comprising one or more brackets extending from said sidewall, and one or more brackets comprising a hooked end for extending over a door.  
   
   
       22 . A clothes hanger storage device as in  claim 12 , wherein said lid comprises holes adapted to cooperate with screws for being attached to an underside of a table or countertop.