Multi-directional Apparel Rack

Abstract

A multi-directional apparel rack for transport and storage of a plurality of garments in a confined space. The use of catenaries to support hangers allows garments to be easily spaced and compressed to allow selection without damaging neighboring garments. A large quantity of garments is visible from multiple sides so garments may be categorized. The catenaries are optionally removable so that multiple garments can be moved from a transport rack to a display rack, or between display racks quickly and easily as a group, rather than individually.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-directional apparel rack comprising:
 a plurality of vertical supports;   the vertical supports connected and braced to face in differing directions;   one or more flexible supports attached near the upper end of a vertical support,   the flexible supports hanging downward from the attached upper end; and   displaceable into a catenary shape;
 the flexible supports further comprising: a plurality of openings through which the hooks of hangers may freely be attached. 
   
     
     
         2 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of vertical supports are evenly spaced and facing outward around the circumference of the rack. 
     
     
         3 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of vertical supports are removably joined from two or more shorter sections. 
     
     
         4 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of vertical supports are joined near the lower end to footings. 
     
     
         5 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 4  wherein the footings are wheeled. 
     
     
         6 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 1  further comprising a top positioned above the vertical supports, and attached thereto. 
     
     
         7 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 6  wherein the top is a flexible material. 
     
     
         8 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 7  wherein the top is removable. 
     
     
         9 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 6  wherein the top is a rigid solid material. 
     
     
         10 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 9  wherein the top is structurally sufficient to function as a shelf. 
     
     
         11 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 9  wherein the top is multiple tops spaced vertically and separated by walls of the same or similar material to form a cabinet. 
     
     
         12 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 1  further comprising a rod around the perimeter supporting a side curtain. 
     
     
         13 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 1  further comprising a rod surrounding the perimeter; and supporting a side curtain. 
     
     
         14 . A multi-directional apparel rack, as described in  claim 1  wherein the flexible supports are linked chain material. 
     
     
         15 . A system for transporting apparel comprising:
 an apparel rack comprising:
 a plurality of vertical supports; 
 one or more flexible supports attached near the upper end of a vertical support; 
 the flexible supports hanging downward from the attached upper end; and 
 displaceable into a catenary shape; 
 the flexible supports further comprising: a plurality of openings through which the hooks of hangers may freely be attached. 
   
     
     
         16 . The system, as described in  claim 15  further comprising:
 garments on hangers suspended from the flexible supports; 
 wherein the garments are transferred from the apparel rack to a secondary rack by transferring the flexible support from the rack to the secondary rack. 
 
     
     
         17 . The system, as described in  claim 15  further comprising:
 surrounding the apparel rack with a protective top and/or side cover. 
 
     
     
         18 . The system, as described in  claim 15  further comprising:
 moving the rack, loaded with garments, into a protective case such that the rack of garments is protected during transport.