AU728932B2

AU728932B2 - Garment hanger

Info

Publication number: AU728932B2
Application number: AU26453/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Deliu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-06
Filing date: 2000-04-06
Publication date: 2001-01-18
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-06
Also published as: AU2645300A

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor JOHN DELIU JOHN DELIU Address for service is: WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Garment Hanger" Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): PP9577 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:h t 2/1 Title "Garment Hanger" Technical Field This invention relates to a garment hanger and in particular a garment hanger having provision to accommodate an odourous substance that can emit an odour into the garment or at least into the vicinity of the garment. The odour emitted by the odourous substance may function as an insect repellent or it may provide a fragrance which can be imparted into the garment.

Summary of Invention The present invention provides a garment hanger comprising a first portion adapted to be suspended from a support and a second portion adapted to receive and support a garment hung therefrom, at least either the first portion or the second portion comprising a tubular section adapted to accommodate an odourous substance, the tubular section being of a construction permeable to 15 odour emitted by the odourous substance so that the odour is dispersed into at least the vicinity of the garment, and a regulating means for selectively regulating the extent to which odour from the odourous substance can diffuse from the tubular section.

oe Preferably, the odourous substance is dispersed into the garment.

*o 20 The odourous substance may comprise an insect repellent such as naphthalene o".specifically intended as a moth repellent. Alternatively or additionally, the So. dourous substance may comprise a fragrant substance for imparting a pleasant or agreeable fragrance to the garment.

2/2- The garment hanger may have provision to accommodate an odourous substance which provides an insect repellent and a further odourous substance which provides a fragrance.

-3- Preferably, the tubular section is incorporated in at least the second portion of the garment hanger. However, the garment hanger may be of a tubular construction such that the tubular section is incorporated in both the first and second portions.

The permeable construction of the tubular section may be provided by one or more apertures in the tubular section through which the odour can diffuse.

Typically, the apertures comprise a plurality of holes formed in the tubular section along a length thereof.

The regulating means may comprise a closure means for selectively closing, or at least partly closing, one or more of the apertures.

The tubular section may be adapted to accommodate an odourous substance in any suitable form, such as a liquid, solid or gaseous form. Conveniently, the odourous substance is in a solid form and typically is in pellet or stick form.

Where the odourous substance is in pellet form, a multitude of such pellets are typically used. One common form of suitable pellet is a mothball.

The garment hanger may be provided with a visual indicator providing an •indication of the quantity of odourous substance accommodated in the tubular section. In one arrangement, the visual indicator may comprise a window incorporated in the tubular section through which the contents thereof can be viewed.

S..o A loading means may be provided through which the odourous substance can be loaded into the compartment. The loading means may comprise a loading S* aperture through which the odourous substance can be introduced into the tubular section.

The tubular section may be adapted to receive a carrier for carrying the odourous substance. The carrier may be of a single-use type whereby it is discarded when the odourous substance contained therein is depleted or it may be of a multiple-use type wherein the odourous substance can be replenished as necessary.

The carrier may be introduced into the compartment through the loading aperture. With such an arrangement, the carrier may incorporate a closure for selectively closing the loading aperture when the carrier is accommodated within the compartment.

Brief Description of the Drawings -The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description o 10 of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a garment hanger according to a first "embodiment; Figure 2 is a cross-section along the line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of a garment hanger according to a second embodiment; Figure 4 is an end view of the garment hanger of Figure 4 showing a loading opening for receiving an insert; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of one form of carrier to be received in the loading opening of the garment hanger according to the second embodiment; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another form of carrier to be received in a loading opening of the garment hanger according to the second embodiment; Figure 7 is a side view of a garment hanger according to a third embodiment; Figure 8 is a cross-section along the line 8-8 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a fragmentary view of a garment hanger according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 10 is a fragmentary view of a garment hanger according to a fifth embodiment; Figure 11 is a fragmentary view of a garment hanger according to a sixth embodiment; and 0 10 Figure 12 is a fragmentary view of a garment hanger according to a seventh embodiment.

oo Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a garment hanger 10 according to a first embodiment. The garment hanger 10 is of 15 conventional shape, comprising a first portion 11 and a second portion 12 formed integrally with each other. The first portion 11 is configured as a hook portion which is adapted to engage a support such as a hook or rail to be suspended therefrom. The second portion 12 is configured to receive and support a garment (not shown) in a hung condition. The second portion 12 comprises two inclined lateral rails 13 and a bottom rail The first portion 11 and the second portion 12 are of a tubular construction, comprising a cylindrical side wall 17 surrounding an interior cavity 19. The interior cavity 19 defines a compartment 21 which can receive and accommodate an odourous substance (not shown).

-6- A plurality of apertures 23 are provided at spaced intervals along the underside of the bottom rail 15 and the two lateral rails 13. Additionally, an aperture 23 is provided on the underside of the first portion 11. An odourous substance accommodated within the compartment 21 can disperse within the cavity 19 and diffuse through the apertures 23. In this way, the odour can be dispersed into the vicinity surrounding the garment hanger and into any garment supported on the hanger.

The odourous substance would usually comprise either an insect repellent such as naphthalene in a case where a deterrent to moths is required, or a fragrant go* 10 substance for imparting a pleasant or agreeable fragrance to the region occupied by the garment hanger and any garment hung thereon.

*go• The odourous substance can be introduced into the compartment 21 in any suitable way.

•go• Referring now to Figures 3 to 6, there is shown a garment hanger 10 according to a second embodiment. The garment hanger 10 comprises a hook portion 11 and a garment supporting portion 12. As was the first embodiment, the garment supporting portion 12 includes a bottom rail 15 and two lateral rails 13.

In this embodiment, the bottom rail 15 is of a tubular construction having a cylindrical side wall 17 surrounding an interior cavity 19 defining a compartment 21. One end 24 of bottom rail 15 is open to define an access opening through which an odourous substance can be introduced into the compartment 21. In this embodiment, the odourous substance can be introduced into the compartment within a carrier 27 which is adapted to be inserted into the compartment.

One suitable carrier 27 is illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings and comprises a body 29 defining a cradle 30 to receive the odourous substance in pellet or stick form. The body 29 incorporates a plurality of apertures 31 extending along the length thereof at intervals corresponding to the spacing between the apertures 23 in the bottom rail 15. With this arrangement, the carrier 27 can be introduced -7into the compartment 21 and positioned so that the apertures 31 therein register with the apertures 23 in the bottom rail 15. With the apertures 31 registering with the apertures 23, odours emanating from the odourous substance can diffuse freely through the registering apertures 31, 23 and into the vicinity surrounding the garment hanger 10 and in particular into any garment suspended on the hanger. Because the carrier 27 is movable axially within the compartment 21, the extent to which the holes 31 register with the holes 23 can be regulated by selective positioning of the carrier within the compartment. This in turn provides the ability to regulate the extent to which the openings 23 are exposed to allow diffusion of odour from the odourous substance. The carrier 27 can be so .O positioned that only selected holes 31 in the carrier register with holes 23 in the bottom rail 15. Alternatively, the carrier 27 can be so positioned that the holes 31 therein only partly register with the holes 23 in the bottom rail o.

Referring now to Figure 6 of the drawings, there is shown an alternative form of suitable carrier 27. In this arrangement, the carrier 27 incorporates a body 29 for carrying the odourous substance and openings 34 provided therein. A flange 37 is provided on the body 29. The flange 37 provides a closure for the access opening 25 when the body 29 is inserted into the compartment. The carrier 27 also incorporates a handle portion 39 by means of which the carrier can be 20 grasped and manoeuvred. The handle portion 39 is exposed when the body 29 is accommodated within the compartment, so allowing the carrier to be rotated within the compartment to selectively move the apertures 31 into and out of registration with the apertures 23 in the bottom rail. The extent of registration between the apertures 31 and 23 regulates the extent to which odour can disperse through the apertures 23 into the vicinity of the coat hanger and to any garment suspended thereon. Furthermore, the carrier 27 can be moved into a position in which it blocks the apertures 23 entirely if it is desired to stop dispersion of the odourous substance.

The embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 is directed to a garment hanger comprising a hook portion 11 and a garment portion 12 incorporating lateral rails 13 and a bottom rail 15. The bottom rail 15 is of hollow construction, comprising -8a cylindrical wall 17 defining a cavity 19. A carrier 41 is slidably supported within the cavity 19. The carrier 41 comprises a body 42 of cylindrical construction and a plurality of apertures 43 formed in the body at spaced intervals corresponding to the intervals between apertures 23 in the bottom rail 15. The carrier 41 also incorporates a protrusion 45 which extends through a slot 47 in the side of the cylindrical wall 17 of the bottom rails. The protrusion 45 provides a slide button by means of which the carrier 41 can be moved axially along the bottom rail to move the apertures 43 into and out of registration with the apertures 23 in the bottom rail. This arrangement provides a convenient way by means of which a user can regulate the extent to which odour from the odourous substance 49 accommodated in the carrier can be diffused.

Referring now to Figure 9 of the drawings, there is shown a garment hanger which has a bottom rail 15 of tubular construction comprising a cylindrical side wall 17 defining a cavity 19 which provides a compartment 21 to receive pellets **9 15 51 of odourous material. In this embodiment, the pellets 51 are in the form of .o mothballs. The cylindrical side wall 17 incorporates a slot which provides an access opening through which the pellets 51 can be inserted into a loading chamber 54 defined in the compartment 21. The pellets 51 are urged along the length of the compartment from the loading chamber 54 by a spring 55. With this 20 arrangement, pellets 51 can be progressively fed into the compartment and are retained under tension by the spring. When it becomes apparent that the pellets have depleted to an extent that replenishment is necessary, it is a simple matter to introduce further pellets 51 into the compartment. The presence of the opening 53 provides a visual indication of the quantity of pellets 51 remaining. In this way, it is readily apparent when it is necessary to replenish the pellets.

The embodiment shown in Figure 10 is somewhat similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 9 with the exception that the hanger 10 is fitted with a loading chamber 60 at the junction between the hook portion 11 and garment supporting portion 12. Pellets 61 can be accommodated in the loading chamber 60 and delivered into a compartment defined within the interior of the lateral rails 13 under the influence of spring 63.

-9- Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the garment hanger includes a hook portion 11 having an access opening 70 defined at the free end thereof. An odourous substance may be introduced into a compartment defined within the hook portion 11 through the access opening 70. The hook portion 11 is provided with apertures 23 through which the odour emanating from the odourous substance can diffuse in a manner similar to the earlier embodiments.

The embodiment shown in Figure 12 comprises an access opening 80 provided in the garment supporting portion 12 through which an odourous substance can be introduced into a compartment defined within the bottom rail 15. The access 10 opening 80 is closable by a hinged cover 81.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention provides a simple yet highly effective arrangement for accommodating an odourous substance in a garment hanger in a manner which allows an odour from the odourous substance to diffuse into the vicinity of the garment hanger and through any 15 garment supported thereon.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the various embodiments described, nor is it limited to material, shape, size or colour.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A garment hanger comprising a first portion adapted to be suspended from a support and a second portion adapted to receive and support a garment hung therefrom, at least either the first portion or the second portion comprising a tubular section adapted to accommodate an odourous substance, the tubular section being of a construction permeable to odour emitted by the odourous substance so that the odour is dispersed into at least the vicinity of the garment, and a regulating means for selectively regulating the extent to which odour from the odourous substance can diffuse from the tubular section. S*

2. A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein the tubular section is incorporated in at least the second portion of the garment hanger. *O o S.

3. A garment hanger according to claim 2 wherein the tubular section is incorporated in both the first and second portions.

4. A garment hanger according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the permeable construction of the tubular section comprises one or more apertures in the tubular section through which the odour can diffuse.

5. A garment hanger according to claim 4 wherein the apertures comprise a plurality of holes formed in the tubular section along a length thereof.

6. A garment hanger according to claims 4 or 5 wherein the regulating means comprises a closure means for selectively closing or at least partly closing the one or more apertures.

7. A garment hanger according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a visual indicator providing an indication of the quantity of 5 odourous substance accommodated in the compartment. -11

8. A garment hanger according to claim 8 wherein the visual indicator comprises a window incorporated in the tubular section through which the contents thereof can be viewed.

9. A garment hanger according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a loading means through which a quantity of the odourous substance can be loaded into the tubular section.

A garment hanger according to claim 10 wherein the loading means comprises a loading aperture through which the odourous substance can be introduced into the tubular section.

11. A garment hanger according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tubular section is adapted to receive a carrier for carrying the odourous substance.

12. A garment hanger according to claim 12 wherein the carrier is adapted to be introduced into the tubular section through the loading aperture. 15

13. A garment hanger according to claim 13 wherein the carrier incorporates a closure for selectively closing the loading aperture when the carrier is zaccommodated within the compartment.

14. A garment hanger substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this nineteenth day of October 2000. JOHN DELIU Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant