AU2019100426A4 - A novel clothes hanger with added multi function capabilities - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A clothes hanger comprising a shoulder support comprising a first shoulder member and a second shoulder member which each extend outwardly and downwardly from the head; recesses are provided in each side of the shoulder section. a clothing bar extending between a lower portion of the first shoulder member and a lower portion of the second shoulder member, the clothing bar comprising: a first clothing bar section connected to the first shoulder member, and a second clothing bar section connected to the second shoulder member; an end face of the second clothing bar section comprises an aperture to receive the first clothing bar section to configure the clothes hanger in a closed loop configuration; the first clothing bar section is displaceable from the second clothing bar section configuring the clothes hanger in an open configuration in which a loop of an item can be received on the clothing bar.

Description

Clothes hangers

Technical Field [0001] The disclosure relates to clothes hangers, also known as coat hangers, methods of manufacturing clothes hangers, and moulds for forming clothes hangers.

Background [0002] Clothes hangers are typically used to hang clothes, for example, for storage or for drying. Clothes hangers may include a hook to suspend the clothes hanger, and a shoulder section having two sides sloping laterally downward from the hook for hanging of a coat, jacket, sweater, shirt, blouse, dress or the like. Clothes hangers may also include a lateral bar between the two sides of the shoulder section on which trousers or skirts can be hung.

[0003] Clothes hangers usually made from metal, plastic or wood. Metal clothes hangers may be constructed of a wire that is bent into a desired shape. Plastic clothes hangers may be moulded in one piece or constructed of multiple moulded pieces attached to one another. Wood clothes hangers may be constructed of sections of wood which are cut into desired shapes and joined.

[0004] Some clothes hangers include recesses in the shoulder section to receive straps of dresses or other clothing to prevent the straps slipping off the clothes hanger. However, recesses may not be suitable for situations where the straps may move and come out of the recesses, such as when clothes are drying in the wind or hanging in a car. The recesses may also interfere with shirts or other clothes that are hung over the clothes hanger by creating creases in the shoulders.

[0005] Some clothes hangers have improved the recesses as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 illustrates a clothes hanger 100 comprising a hook 110, a shoulder section 120 and a lateral bar 130 between the two sides of the shoulder section 120. Recesses 140 are

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 provided in each side of the shoulder section 120. The recesses 140 include overhanging edges or protrusions 145 to limit the movement of the straps out of the recesses 140. While the protrusions 145 may lessen the risk that the straps may move and come out of the recesses 140, the do not completely remove this risk. The protrusions 145 may also add to the complexity involved in manufacturing the clothes hanger 100 and increase the amount of material used for each clothes hanger 100 during manufacturing. As clothes hangers are typically produced in large numbers and sold in bulk, small changes in cost of producing each clothes hanger may result in a significant change in the overall production costs for the manufacturer.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary [0007] Throughout this specification the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0008] A clothes hanger is provided. The clothes hanger comprises: a head for suspending the clothes hanger, a shoulder support and a clothing bar. The shoulder support comprises a first shoulder member and a second shoulder member which each extend outwardly and downwardly from the head. The clothing bar extends between a lower portion of the first shoulder member and a lower portion of the second shoulder member. The clothing bar comprises: a first clothing bar section connected to the first shoulder member, and a second clothing bar section connected to the second shoulder member. An end face of the second clothing bar section comprises an aperture to receive the first clothing bar section to configure the clothes hanger in a closed loop

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 configuration. The first clothing bar section is displaceable from the second clothing bar section to configure the clothes hanger in an open configuration in which a loop of an item can be received on the clothing bar.

[0009] The clothes hanger may be flexible such that the first clothing bar section is displaceable from the second clothing bar section in a longitudinal direction. For example, the clothes hanger may be designed to flex in the first shoulder member and/or at a point where the first shoulder member meets the head.

[0010] The aperture may be of a complementary shape to a shape of an end of the first clothing bar section. The first clothing bar section may comprise a tapered end.

[0011 ] The end face of the second clothing bar section may be wider than the first clothing bar section. The clothes hanger may comprise a clip mechanism to secure the first clothing bar section in the aperture of the second clothing bar section. The clip mechanism may comprise a protrusion on the first clothing bar section and a corresponding recess in a wall of the aperture. The clip mechanism may comprise a protrusion on a wall of the aperture and a corresponding recess in the first clothing bar section.

[0012] The clothing bar may comprise one or more grooves to locate items on the clothing bar.

[0013] A method of manufacturing a clothes hanger is provided. The method comprises forming a clothes hanger comprising:

a head for suspending the clothes hanger;

a shoulder support comprising a first shoulder member and a second shoulder member which each extend outwardly and downwardly from the head; and a clothing bar extending between a lower portion of the first shoulder member and a lower portion of the second shoulder member, the clothing bar comprising: a first

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 clothing bar section connected to the first shoulder member, and a second clothing bar section connected to the second shoulder member; wherein an end face of the second clothing bar section comprises an aperture to receive the first clothing bar section.

[0014] Forming the clothes hanger may comprise forming the clothes hanger as a single piece of material. Forming the clothes hanger may comprise moulding the clothes hanger. The method may further comprise forming a mould in the shape of the clothes hanger to mould the clothes hanger.

[0015] A mould for forming a clothes hanger is provided. The mould comprises: a head portion; a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion each extending from the head portion; and a clothing bar portion. The clothing bar portion comprises: a first clothing bar portion connected to the first shoulder portion, and a second clothing bar portion connected to the second shoulder portion. An end of the first clothing bar portion is separated from an end of the second clothing bar portion. The end of the second clothing bar portion comprises a protrusion.

[0016] The protrusion may be of a similar shape to the end of the first clothing bar portion. The protrusion may be of a greater size than the end of the first clothing bar portion.

Brief Description of Drawings [0017] Fig. 1 illustrates a clothes hanger according to the prior art.

[0018] Fig. 2 illustrates a clothes hanger 200 according to a first embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of part of a clothing bar of the clothes hanger of the first embodiment in a closed loop configuration.

[0020] Fig. 3 a illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of part of a clothing bar of the clothes hanger of the second embodiment in the closed loop configuration.

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 [0021 ] Fig. 3b illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of the part of the clothing bar in the closed loop configuration.

[0022] Fig. 4a illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar comprising a clip mechanism according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 4b illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar comprising a clip mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 5a illustrates a side view of the clothes hanger of the second embodiment in an open configuration.

[0025] Fig. 5b illustrates a underside view of the clothes hanger of the second embodiment in another open configuration.

[0026] Fig. 6 illustrates a clothes hanger according to a third embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 6a illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar in a closed loop configuration.

[0028] Fig. 7 illustrates a clothes hanger according to a fourth embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 8 illustrates a mould for forming a clothes hanger according to one embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 8a illustrates a cross section of a protrusion in the mould.

Description of Embodiments [0031] Fig. 2 illustrates a clothes hanger 200 according to one embodiment. The clothes hanger 200 comprises a head 210 for suspending the clothes hanger 200. The head 210 is in the form of a hook, which can be used, for example, to suspend the clothes hanger from a clothing rail or other suitable object. In other embodiments, the

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 head may be in other forms such as a connector that connects with a complementary connector of a clothing rack.

[0032] The clothes hanger 200 comprises a shoulder support 220. The shoulder support 220 comprises a first shoulder member 222 and a second shoulder member 224 which each extend outwardly and downwardly from the head 210. In Fig. 2, the first shoulder member 222 and the second shoulder member 224 slope outwardly and downwardly from the head 210. However, in other embodiments, the first shoulder member 222 and the second shoulder member 224 may be in other configurations, such as extending outwardly and then downwardly.

[0033] The clothes hanger 200 comprises a clothing bar 230 extending between a lower portion of the first shoulder member 222 and a lower portion of the second shoulder member 224. The clothing bar comprises: a first clothing bar section 232 connected to the first shoulder member 222, and a second clothing bar section 234 connected to the second shoulder member 224. An end face of the second clothing bar section 234 comprises an aperture 240 to receive the first clothing bar section 232 to configure the clothes hanger 200 in a closed loop configuration. The first clothing bar section 232 is displaceable from the second clothing bar section 234 to configure the clothes hanger 200 in an open configuration in which a loop of an item can be received on the clothing bar 200. The clothes hanger may be flexible, for example in the shoulder support 220, such that the first clothing bar section 232 is displaceable from the second clothing bar section 234 in a longitudinal direction. The clothes hanger 200 can then be returned to the closed loop configuration, for example after the loop of the item is looped around the clothing bar. In the closed loop configuration, the clothes hanger 200 forms a closed loop, such that a loop of an item that is received on the clothing bar 200 cannot be removed from the clothes hanger 200.

[0034] Fig. 2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar in the closed loop configuration. The first clothing bar section 232 comprises a tapered end 250. The tapering may assist in guiding the first clothing bar section 232 into the aperture 240. An end face 245 is provided above the aperture 240. The second

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 clothing bar section 234 comprises an end face 245 around the aperture. The end face

245 engages with an end face 255 of the second clothing bar section 234. This may provide more strength to the clothing bar 230 than if the aperture extended to the edge of the second clothing bar section 234.

[0035] In some embodiments, the angle of the tapering is selected to assist in guiding the first clothing bar section 232 into the aperture 240, but to withstand a threshold downward force on the clothing bar 230. The tapering may also be only on one side of the first clothing bar section 232 or in one plane, for example to enable the first clothing bar section 232 to be displaced from the aperture more or less easily in a selected direction. While a tapered end 250 is shown in Figs. 2 and 2a, the aperture 240 may be of any shape that complements the shape of the end to the first clothing bar section 232.

[0036] Fig. 3 illustrates a clothes hanger 300 according to one embodiment. The clothes hanger 300 comprises a head 210, a shoulder support 220 and a clothing bar 330. The shoulder support 220 comprises a first shoulder member 222 and a second shoulder member 224. The clothing bar 330 comprises: a first clothing bar section 332 connected to the first shoulder member 222, and a second clothing bar section 334 connected to the second shoulder member 224. An end face of the second clothing bar section 334 comprises an aperture 340 to receive the first clothing bar section 332 to configure the clothes hanger 300 in a closed loop configuration. The first clothing bar section 332 is displaceable from the second clothing bar section 334 to configure the clothes hanger 200 in an open configuration in which a loop of an item can be received on the clothing bar 300. The clothes hanger 200 can then be returned to the closed loop configuration. The end of the second clothing bar section 334 is wider than the end of the first clothing bar section 332.

[0037] Fig. 3a illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar 330 in the closed loop configuration. The end 350 of the first clothing bar section 332 may have rounded or bevelled comers 355, for example assist with insertion into the aperture 340. The aperture 340 may have complementary shaped comers 345.

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 [0038] Fig. 3b illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar 330 in the closed loop configuration. The aperture 340 in the end of the second clothing bar section 334 surrounds the first clothing bar section 332. In the embodiment shown, the aperture 340 is round. However, some embodiments, may have an aperture of a different shape, such as square aperture to limit twisting, [0039] Fig. 4a illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar 330 in the closed loop configuration according to one embodiment. The clothing bar 330 comprises a clip mechanism 460 to secure the first clothing bar section 332 in the aperture 340 of the second clothing bar section 334. The clip mechanism 460 comprises a protrusion 364 on the first clothing bar section 332 and a recess 362 in the side of the aperture 340 in the second clothing bar section 334. When the first clothing bar section 332 is moved into the closed loop configuration, the protrusion 364 is received in the recess 362 to secure the first clothing bar section 332 in the aperture 340.

[0040] The recess 362 may extend, for example circumferentially, around the aperture 340 or may be located at a position around the aperture that corresponds to the position around the first clothing bar section 332 of the protrusion. Multiple recesses 362 or protrusions may be used improve the effectiveness of the clip mechanism 460.

[0041] Fig. 4b illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar 330 in the closed loop configuration according to one embodiment. The clothing bar 330 comprises a clip mechanism 470 to secure the first clothing bar section 332 in the aperture 340 of the second clothing bar section 334. The clip mechanism 460 comprises a recess 374 in the first clothing bar section 332 and a protrusion 372 on the side of the aperture 340 in the second clothing bar section 334. When the first clothing bar section 332 is moved into the closed loop configuration, the protrusion 372 is received in the recess 374 to secure the first clothing bar section 332 in the aperture 340.

[0042] The clip mechanisms 360 and 370 may be configured to prevent movement of the first clothing bar section 332 out of the aperture 340 if less than a threshold force is applied.

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 [0043] In Figs. 2 and 3, the clothes hanger is in a closed loop configuration. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b illustrates the clothes hanger 300 in an open configuration. The first clothing bar section 332 is displaced from the second clothing bar section 334 such that a loop of an item can be received on the first clothing bar section 332. The first clothing bar section 332 may be displaced flexing the clothes hanger in the shoulder support, for example in the first shoulder member 222 or at a point where the first shoulder member 222 meets the second shoulder member 224.

[0044] In Fig. 5a, the first clothing bar section 332 is displaced downwardly from the second clothing bar section 334. This provides unimpeded access to the end of the first clothing bar section 332 such that items may be looped onto the first clothing bar section 332.

[0045] In Fig. 5b, the first clothing bar section 332 is displaced laterally from the second clothing bar section 334. This also provides unimpeded access to the end of the first clothing bar section 332 such that items may be looped onto the first clothing bar section 332. Lateral displacement of the first clothing bar section 332 may also be advantageous as downward displacement of the first clothing bar section 332 may encourage items to slide off.

[0046] Fig. 6 illustrates a clothes hanger 400 according to one embodiment. The clothes hanger 400 comprises a head 210, a shoulder support 220 and a clothing bar 430. The shoulder support 220 comprises a first shoulder member 222 and a second shoulder member 224. The clothing bar 430 comprises: a first clothing bar section 432 connected to the first shoulder member 222, and a second clothing bar section 434 connected to the second shoulder member 224.

[0047] An end of the second clothing bar section 434 comprises a lateral slot or groove 440 to receive the first clothing bar section 432 to configure the clothes hanger 400 in a closed loop configuration. The first clothing bar section 432 is displaceable laterally from the second clothing bar section 434 to configure the clothes hanger 200 in an open configuration in which a loop of an item can be received on the clothing bar ίο

2019100426 23 Apr 2019

420. The clothes hanger 200 may then be returned to the closed loop configuration when a force is no longer applied.

[0048] Fig. 6a illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of part of the clothing bar 430 in the closed loop configuration. The slot 440 is configured such that the first clothing bar section 432 is supported vertically by the second clothing bar section 434 and can be remove from the slot 440 is a lateral direction. In the embodiment shown, the slot 440 can be considered to be substantially C-shaped. However, some embodiments, may have a slot of a different shape which achieves the same purpose.

[0049] Fig. 7 illustrates a clothes hanger 500 according to one embodiment. The clothes hanger 500 comprises a head 210, a shoulder support 220 and a clothing bar 530. The shoulder support 220 comprises a first shoulder member 222 and a second shoulder member 224. The clothing bar 530 comprises: a first clothing bar section 532 connected to the first shoulder member 222, and a second clothing bar section 534 connected to the second shoulder member 224.

[0050] The clothing bar 530 comprises one or more grooves 536 to locate items on the clothing bar 530. The grooves 536 are in the first clothing bar section 536. The grooves 536 can mitigate the sliding of items on the clothing bar 530, for example, if the clothing bar 530 is angled downward or if the clothes are blown in the wind. Similar grooves can be implemented on the other clothes hangers described herein. The grooves may be, for example, bends, dips or notches.

[0051 ] In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a clothes hanger is provided. The method comprises forming a clothes hanger such as those previously described. For example, the method comprises forming a clothes hanger comprising: a head for suspending the clothes hanger; a shoulder support comprising a first shoulder member and a second shoulder member which each extend outwardly and downwardly from the head; and a clothing bar extending between a lower portion of the first shoulder member and a lower portion of the second shoulder member, where the clothing bar comprises: a first clothing bar section connected to the first shoulder member, and a

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 second clothing bar section connected to the second shoulder member, and where an end face of the second clothing bar section comprises an aperture to receive the first clothing bar section. In some embodiments, forming the clothes hanger comprises forming the clothes hanger as a single piece of material, In some embodiments, forming the clothes hanger comprises moulding the clothes hanger. For example, the method may further comprise forming a mould in the shape of the clothes hanger to mould the clothes hanger.

[0052] Fig. 8 illustrates a mould 600 for forming a clothes hanger. A mirror of mould 600 may be placed on top of the mould 600 when forming the clothes hanger. The mould 600 comprises: a head portion 610, a first shoulder portion 622 and a second shoulder portion 624 each extending from the head portion, and a clothing bar portion 630. The clothing bar portion 630 comprises a first clothing bar portion 632 connected to the first shoulder portion 622, and a second clothing bar portion 634 connected to the second shoulder portion 624. An end 633 of the first clothing bar portion 632 is separated from an end 635 of the second clothing bar portion 634. The end 635 of the second clothing bar portion 634 comprises a protrusion 636. Fig. 8a illustrates a cross section of the protrusion 636. In the embodiment shown, the protrusion 636 is of a similar shape to the end 633 of the first clothing bar portion 632 and is of a greater size than the end 633 of the first clothing bar portion 632. The end 633 of the first clothing bar portion 632 is located within the protrusion 636, for example so that the end 633 and the protrusion 636 overlap. However, in some embodiments, the end 633 of the first clothing bar portion 632 is instead formed beside the protrusion 636.

[0053] In some embodiments, the formed clothes hanger is removed from the mould when the moulded material, such as plastic, is above room temperature. This may allow the plastic to expand so that, in use, a first clothing bar section formed by the first clothing bar portion 632 fits tightly in an aperture formed by the protrusion 636. In some embodiments, the protrusion 636 may disconnect from the mould when removing the formed clothes hanger. This may allow the formed clothes hanger to be more easily removed from the mould. The protrusion 636 can then be removed from the clothes hanger at a later time.

2019100426 23 Apr 2019 [0054] The terms up down etc [0055] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

2019100426 23 Apr 2019

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A clothes hanger comprising:

   a head for suspending the clothes hanger;

   a shoulder support comprising a first shoulder member and a second shoulder member which each extend outwardly and downwardly from the head; and a clothing bar extending between a lower portion of the first shoulder member and a lower portion of the second shoulder member, the clothing bar comprising: a first clothing bar section connected to the first shoulder member, and a second clothing bar section connected to the second shoulder member;

   wherein an end face of the second clothing bar section comprises an aperture to receive the first clothing bar section to configure the clothes hanger in a closed loop configuration;

   wherein the first clothing bar section is displaceable from the second clothing bar section to configure the clothes hanger in an open configuration in which a loop of an item can be received on the clothing bar.
2. 2. The clothes hanger of claim 1, wherein the clothes hanger is flexible such that the first clothing bar section is displaceable from the second clothing bar section in a longitudinal direction.
3. 3. The clothes hanger of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clothes hanger is designed to flex in the first shoulder member and/or at a point where the first shoulder member meets the head.

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4. 4. The clothes hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the aperture is of a complementary shape to a shape of an end of the first clothing bar section.
5. 5. The clothes hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the first clothing bar section comprises a tapered end.
6. 6. The clothes hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the end face of the second clothing bar section is wider than the first clothing bar section.
7. 7. The clothes hanger of any preceding claim, comprising a clip mechanism to secure the first clothing bar section in the aperture of the second clothing bar section.
8. 8. The clothes hanger of claim 7, wherein the clip mechanism comprises a protrusion on the first clothing bar section and a corresponding recess in a wall of the aperture.
9. 9. The clothes hanger of claim 7, wherein the clip mechanism comprises a protrusion on a wall of the aperture and a corresponding recess in the first clothing bar section.

   2019100426 23 Apr 2019
10. 10. The clothes hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the clothing bar comprises one or more grooves to locate items on the clothing bar.
11. 11. A method of manufacturing a clothes hanger, the method comprising:

    forming a clothes hanger comprising:

    a head for suspending the clothes hanger;

    a shoulder support comprising a first shoulder member and a second shoulder member which each extend outwardly and downwardly from the head; and a clothing bar extending between a lower portion of the first shoulder member and a lower portion of the second shoulder member, the clothing bar comprising: a first clothing bar section connected to the first shoulder member, and a second clothing bar section connected to the second shoulder member; wherein an end face of the second clothing bar section comprises an aperture to receive the first clothing bar section.
12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the clothes hanger comprises forming the clothes hanger as a single piece of material.
13. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein forming the clothes hanger comprises moulding the clothes hanger.

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14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising forming a mould in the shape of the clothes hanger to mould the clothes hanger.
15. 15. A mould for forming a clothes hanger, the mould comprising:

    a head portion;

    a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion each extending from the head portion; and a clothing bar portion comprising: a first clothing bar portion connected to the first shoulder portion, and a second clothing bar portion connected to the second shoulder portion; wherein an end of the first clothing bar portion is separated from an end of the second clothing bar portion, and the end of the second clothing bar portion comprises a protrusion.
16. 16. The mould of claim 15, wherein the protrusion is of a similar shape to the end of the first clothing bar portion.
17. 17. The mould of claim 15 or 16, wherein the protrusion is of a greater size than the end of the first clothing bar portion.