CA2456618A1 - Garment hanger - Google Patents
Garment hanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2456618A1 CA2456618A1 CA002456618A CA2456618A CA2456618A1 CA 2456618 A1 CA2456618 A1 CA 2456618A1 CA 002456618 A CA002456618 A CA 002456618A CA 2456618 A CA2456618 A CA 2456618A CA 2456618 A1 CA2456618 A1 CA 2456618A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hanger
- garment hanger
- space
- garment
- upper edge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G25/00—Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
- A47G25/14—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers
- A47G25/18—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers for two or more similar garments, e.g. constructed to connect to, or support, a similar hanger
- A47G25/183—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers for two or more similar garments, e.g. constructed to connect to, or support, a similar hanger constructed to connect to, or support a similar hanger
- A47G25/186—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers for two or more similar garments, e.g. constructed to connect to, or support, a similar hanger constructed to connect to, or support a similar hanger comprising a separate connecting member
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- Holders For Apparel And Elements Relating To Apparel (AREA)
Abstract
A garment hanger is provided and includes a body having first and second ends and an upper edge and a hook member extending upwardly from the hanger body for suspending the hanger from a support location. The hook member is coupled to a base member that is attached to the upper edge of the body. The hanger also includes a structure that extends between the upper edge of the hanger body and the base member so as to define a space therebetween. The space is of sufficient size to receive a fastener therethrough for securely linking at least one additional garment hanger to the hanger body.
Description
..5 ~r - v GARMENT.IiANGER ~ - a TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to garment hangers, arid more particularly to a garment hanger that has a feature formed as part of a body portion thereof that permits reception of a fastener, such as a twist tie or other type of flexible tie member, for connecting two or more hangers together.
BACKGROUND
There are a number of different types of garment hangers that are used to hold a number of different articles of clothing or other types of articles, such as linens or other household fabrics. Typically, garment hangers are.either formed, of a plastic-material or a-metal--rr~~atet-ia~!-or-a-cot~bve~iot~-tt~et-ldat--as~ly-do-garment hangers come in, a variety of different sizes but they also come in a number of different styles which have different types of construction to accommodate different articles which are carried by the hangers.
', M:11533\Om4821EJE1613.DOC;1 J
.,. :. ;
The present invention relates generally to garment hangers, arid more particularly to a garment hanger that has a feature formed as part of a body portion thereof that permits reception of a fastener, such as a twist tie or other type of flexible tie member, for connecting two or more hangers together.
BACKGROUND
There are a number of different types of garment hangers that are used to hold a number of different articles of clothing or other types of articles, such as linens or other household fabrics. Typically, garment hangers are.either formed, of a plastic-material or a-metal--rr~~atet-ia~!-or-a-cot~bve~iot~-tt~et-ldat--as~ly-do-garment hangers come in, a variety of different sizes but they also come in a number of different styles which have different types of construction to accommodate different articles which are carried by the hangers.
', M:11533\Om4821EJE1613.DOC;1 J
.,. :. ;
For example, one type of garment hanger construction is designed to secure knitwear, blouses, slips, strapped garments, including dresses and lingerie.
Another type of garment hanger construction is designed to also secure blouses, dresses and other light garments, while another type of garment hanger is designed to s secure heavier knitwear, blouses, pants and light weight pant suits. Yet another type of garment hanger is designed to secure coats, jackets and outerwear. The foregoing types of garment hangers can be generally classified as being top garment hangers, while another class of garment hangers is pant hangers, which are those hangers that are designed to secure pants, skirts, and other outfits together. Often times, pant ~o hangers incorporate some type of clamp mechanism to securely grasp and hold the articles of clothing. one wil! appreciate that there are even more types of garment hangers (e.g., bra/panty hanger) that are intended for particular applications.
Referring first to Figs. 1A-1 B, a conventional garment hanger 10 is illustrated. The garment hanger 10 includes a body portion 12 (cross bar) having two is opposing ends 14, 16 and a hook member 20 that is attached to the body portion 12.
The exemplary garment hanger 10 is of the type that includes a clamp or grip assembly 30 formed at each of the first and second ends 14, 16. The grip assemblies 30 are integrally formed with body portion 12 at the first and second ends 14, 16.
The illustrated garment hanger 10 is of a swivel hook type construction in ?o that the hook member 20 is swivably or pivotally attached to the body portion 12 at a location that is generally at a midpoint along the body portion 12. The hook member 20 is pivotally received within a bore that is formed in a base structure 30 that is integrally attached at one end to an upper edge 13 of the body portion 12. The bore therefore {M:\153310m4821E,1E1613.DOC;t ) ., r has a complementary shape as the hook member 20 and thus, for the illustrated embodiment, the bore is annular in shape to complement the circular shape of the hook member 20. The overall shape of the base structure 30 is not critical and it can assume any number of different shapes. For example, while the illustrated base structure 30 s has a rectangular or square cross-section, it will be appreciated that the base structure 30 can have a number of different shapes, such as circular, oblong, etc. The hook member 20 is thus frictionafly fit within the bore; however, it is permitted to swivel freely __ therein when a user applied a force to the hook member 20 to produce such movement.
According to the present invention, the base structure 30 includes first and Lo second side elements 32, 34 that extend outwardly therefrom and are integral with the body portion 12. More specifically, each of the first and second side elements 32, 34 has a first end 31 that is integrally Connected to the base structure 30 and an opposing second end 33 that is integrally connected to the upper edge 13 of the body portion 12.
A space 40 is formed between each of the first and second side elements 32,,34 and ~s the base structure 30 and upper edge 13. The side elements 32, 34 served as structural support elements in that they further strengthened the base structure 30 and therefore, in the conventional design, the space 40 is very small and can not readily aceornmodatevitems.
Many,consumers utilize a dry cleaning facility for dry cleaning and :o pressing of their clothing. As consumers are aware, many,types of articles of clothing can not be machine washed and pressed but rather must be taken to the dry.cleaning facility. Thus, it is common for a consumer to bring in a number of different articles during each visit to the dry cleaning facility. More specifically, the consumer brings in a jM:\15331pm4821ElE1613.DOC;I j _ number of dress shirts, pants, as welt as other clothing, such as knitwear, and also potentially brings house linens, etc., in the same visit. The dry cleaning facility tags each consumer's articles and after dry cleaning, the articles are typically individually placed on their own garment hangers and loosely arranged and then a garment cover s and a garment bag is placed over a bundle of cloths or all of the articles, depending upon how many items are present.
Therefore, it is no surprise that because most consumers bring a number of articles of clothing to the dry cleaning facility that when they pick up the cleaned articles, they are provided with a number of loosely held garment hangers.
Because lo different types and sizes of garment hangers can be arranged loosely together, the hangers do not necessarily lie flush against one another and therefore, it may be cumbersome for the user to carry the articles of clothing by the garment hangers. Thus, the user may grasp one group of similar garment hangers and fail to completely grasp one or more other garment hangers, which is then subject to falling within the bag is resulting in wrinkling of the garment or in a worst case, the garment may fall onto the ground and be spoiled.
It is therefore desirable for one or more types of garment hangers to have a feature formed as a part thereof that permits coupling or securing of the individual garment hangers together.
.o SUMMARY
A garment hanger is provided and includes a body having first and second ends and an upper edge and a hook member extending upwardly from the hanger body (M:\t 533~Om4821E1E1613.DOC;1 }
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for suspending the hanger from a support location. The hook member is coupled to a base member that is attached to the upper edge of the body.
The hanger also includes a structure that extends between the upper edge ~f the hanger body and the base member so as to define a space therebetween:
The s space is of sufficient size to receive a fastener therethrough for securely linking at least one additional garment hanger to the hanger body. In one preferred embodiment, the fastener is a twist tie and the space has an area of at least about .~5 cm2.
By being securely connecting or linking individual garment hangers to one another, the problems that were often associated with carrying multiple loose hangers to are overcome since all of the hangers are joined to one another. Therefore, if the consumer loses grasp of one of the garment hangers when carrying the entire load, the garment hanger may slip slightly but it is prevented from completely falling to the bottom of the surrounding bag (if present) or to the ground surface when no protective bag surrounds the garments due to the presence of the fastener.
Is Further aspects and features of the exemplary apparatus disclosed herein can be appreciated from the appended Figures and accompanying written description.
The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following ~o drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:
Fig.-1A is a side elevational view of a conventional garment hanger;
Fig. 1 B is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the garment hanger of Fig. 1 A taken around the circle 1 of Fig. 1 A;
(M:\153310m4821E.fE1613.DOC;I ~
_6_ Fig. 2A is a side elevational view of a garment hanger according to one exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 2B is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the garment hanger of Fig, 2A taken.around the circle 2 of Fig. 2A;
s Fig. 3 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of two or more garment hangers connected together by a fasteners received through a feature formed as part of the hanger body;
Fig. 4A is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of a garment hanger according to another exemplary embodiment in which a fastener receiving feature is to itlustraf<ed; and Fig. 4B is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of a garment hanger according to another exemplary embodiment in which a fastener receiving feature is illustrated.
is DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to Figs. 2A-2B, a garment hanger 100 according to one exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The garment hanger 100 includes a body portion 110 (cross bar) having two opposing ends 112, 114 and a hook member 120 that is attached to the body portion 110. The exemplary garment hanger 100 is of the type that o includes a clamp or grip assembly 130 formed at each of the first and second ends 112, 114. The grip assemblies 130 are integrally formed with body portion 110 at the first and second ends 112, 114. Each grip assembly 130 includes a front grip member and a rear grip member 150 with the front grip member 140 having a first gripping ( M:\i 533\Om482\E3Etb13.170C;t } , '''.
_7_ feature (not shown} and the rear grip member 150 having a second gripping feature (not shown}. The article of clothing is placed between the front and rear grip members 140, 150 when they are opened and then the user closes the front grip member 140 with respect to the rear grip member 150. Preferably, the front grip member 140 is pivotally s attached to the body portion 110 in an integral manner. The. first and second gripping features serve to grip the article of clothing and can be. in form of shaped protrusions that mate with one another. In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second gripping features are a series of protrusions (nubs, etc.} arranged on the surface.
As is known, each grip assembly 130 also includes a movable clip io member 160 that is movable between an open position and a closed position.
The exemplary clip member 160 is formed of metal and is generally U-shaped with a first section that travels within a guide track formed on an exterior surface of the rear grip member 150 and a second section that travels within a guide track formed in the exterior surface of the front grip member 140. In the open position, the second section is of the clip member 160 engages a beveled feature of the guide track formed in the exterior surface of the front grip member 140 so that the front and rear grip members 140, 150 are locked in the closed position with the article of clothing being securely held therebetween.
ft will be appreciated that this type of grip assembly 130 is merely one 20 exemplary type and that a number of other types of grip assemblies 130 can be used.
The body portion 110, including the grip assemblies 130 with the exception of the clip member 160, is preferably made as a single piece, molded in plastic using a plastic injection molding machine, as understood by those skilled in the {M:11533\Om4821E.tE1613.DOC;t ~
art. Any appropriate plastic can be used, such as styrene, which provides a clear, virtually transparent hanger and alternatively, the hanger 100 can be molded using polypropylene, such as H.l. styrene polypropylene, polypropylene;
polyvinylchloride, ABS or other suitable thermoplastics and/or mixtures thereof. As understood by those s skilled in the art, the plastic mixture used'to mold the hangers can include additional resins for added strength and reinforcement.
The illustrated garment hanger 100 is of a swivel hook type construction in that the hook member 120 is swivably or pivotally attached to the body portion 110 at a location that is generally at a midpoint along the body portion 110. The hook member io 120 is pivotally received within a bore that is formed in a base structure 170 that is integrally attached at one end to artwpper edge 111 of the body portion 110.
The bore therefore has a complementary shape as the hook member 120 and thus, for the illustrated embodiment, the bore is annular in shape to complement the circular shape of the hook member 120. The overall shape of the base structure 170 is not critical and is it can assume any number of different shapes. For example, while the illustrated base structure 170 has a rectangular or square cross-section, it wilt be appreciated that the base structure 170 can have a number of different shapes, such as circular, oblong, etc.
The hook member 120 is thus frictionally tot within the bore; however, it is permitted to swivel freely therein when a user applied a force to the hook member 120 to produce :o such movement.
According to the 'present invention, the base structure 170 includes first and second side elements 172, 174 that extend outwardly therefrom and are integral with the body portion 710. More specifically, each of the first and second side elements f M:\1533\Om4821E1Ei613.1)OC;1 }
172, 174 has a first end 176 that is integrally connected to the base structure 170 and an opposing second end 178 that is integrally connected to the upper edge 1 'f 1 of the body portion 110. While, the precise connection points between the first ends 176 and the base strucfure 170 and the second ends 178 and the body portion 110 can vary, it is s important that a space 180 of sufficient size is formed between each of the first and secor;d side elements 172, 174 and the base structure 170 and upper edge 111.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side elements 172, 174 are elongated, planar walls that extend from the upper edge 111 to an upper end of the base structure :170. The width of the first and second side elements 172, 174 and the lo base structure 170 is preferably the same or about the same. An angle is thus formed between each of the first and second side elements 172, 174 and the upper edge 111.
In this embodiment, the space 180 is generally triangular shaped. The frst arid second elements 172, 172 do not have to have a linear, planar construction, as it will be appreciated that the first and second side elements 172, 174 can have an arcuate s shape. In other words, the first and second side elements 172, 174 can have a curved surface (resulting in space 180 having an irregular space) so long as the space 180 is of sufficient size (e.g., Fig. 4A).
Space 180 is of a sufficient size when a fastener 200, shown in Fig. 3, can be received therethrough. For example, one exemplary fastener 200 is a conventional twist tie that is disposed through one of the spaces 180 and is then passed through other garment hangers and the free ends of the fastener 200 are brought together and tied so as to connect two or more garment hangers together. As is known, a conventional twist tie 200 is formed of an elongated wire that is encased between a jM:l153310m4821E,1E1613.IaOC;I j , f paper strip so that the user does not contact the metal wire itself and any sharp ends of the metal wire ate eliminated. Space 180 therefore is in contrast to space 50 which is of insufficient size to pass a fastener therethrough. Thus, the conventional hanger 10 of Fig. 1 had the associated disadvantage that the user or dry cleaner can not pass a s fastener 200 therethrough for linking a number of hangers together.
In one exemplary embodiment, the space 180 has an area of greater than .25 cm2. In other embodiments, the space 180 has an area of at least .3 cm2;
.4 cm2;
and .5 cm2, respectively. However, these values ace merely illustrative of the various embodiments.
~o It will be appreciated that fastener 200 is not limited to being a twist tie but also can be any other structure that is intended to be used to attach or connect articles to one another by manipulation of the fastener 200. Preferably, the size of the space 180 is such that the fastener 200 .can easily be received therethrough and the fastener 200 is permitted a degree of movement within the space 180. For example, the space ~s 180 can be sized so that it can accommodate a plurality of fasteners 200 therethrough even if in a preferred application, only a single fastener 200 is disposed through the space 180.
Fig. 3 illustrates garment hanger 100 being used with another garment hanger 300 such that the two hangers 100, 300 are securely connected to one another 'o using the fastener 200 in the following manner. First, it will be understood that the garment hanger 300 does not have to be of the same type as the garment hanger and in fact most times, the garment hanger 300 is of a different type than the garment hanger 100. For example, the illustrated garment hanger 300 is a traditional wire { M:\t 53310m482\EJE1613.DOC;1 j 1 ',.-i ,.
hanger. To securely connect the hangers, the fastener 200 is passed through one of the spaces 180 of the garment hanger 100 and then it is fed through a contained, bounded space that is formed in the garment hanger 300 and then the two free ends of the fastener 200 are brought to together and tied (e.g., twisted) so that the two hangers s 100, 300 are securely connected to one another. Tfie space in the other hanger through which the fastener 200 is disposed through can be identical to space 180 if the other hanger is identical to hanger 100 or it can be a different space so long as the space is bounded completely around such that the movement of the fastener 200 is restricted (i.e., fastener 200 can not slip out of space 180).
lo By being securely connected to one another, the problems that were often associated with carrying multiple loose hangers are overcome since all of the hangers are joined or connected to one another. Therefore, if the consumer loses grasp of one of the garment hangers when carrying the entire load, the garment hanger may slip slightly but it is prevented from completely failing to the bottom of the surrounding bag (if is present) or to the ground surface when no protective bag surrounds the garments due to the presence of the fastener 200. The length of the fastener 200 can tie varied since these types of fasteners 200 can easily be shortened by using scissors.
For purposes of simplicity, the garment hanger 100 is illustrated in Fig. 3 as being used in combination with only one additional garment hanger 300;
however, it to will be appreciated that in normal use, the garment hanger 100 will be connected or attached to two or more other garment hangers 300 or the tike byway of the fastener 200. Once again, the additional one or more garment hangers 300 to which the garment hanger 100 is connected can be of a different type (e.g., a standard metal (M:\i 53310m482\EJEI613.DOC;i ~
hanger, a plastic top hanger, etc.) than the garment hanger 100; which ire the illustrated embodiment, is a pant hanger.
1t will therefore be appreciated that the feature that is formed as part of the body portion of tk~e garment hanger for receiving the fastener 200 is not limited to being s formed as part of a garment hanger that has grasp (clamp) members or with a hanger.
that has a swivable hook member since this feature can be incorporated into a top hanger design or any other garment hanger design.
Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate a garment hanger 400 according to another embodiment. The,garment hanger 400 is very similar to the garment hanger 100 for io merely purposes of illustration since it wilt be understood that the garment hanger 400, as with the garment hanger 100, can take any number of different forms so Tong as the fastener receiving feature is formed as part thereof. 1n this embodirnenf, each of-the first and second side structures 172, 174 does not extend to the upper edge 111 of the body 110 but rather the ends of each of the first and second side structures 172, 174 ~s are integrally attached to the base section 170. In Fig. 4A, the first and second side structures 172, 174 each has an arcuate shape with .the space 180 being formed between the respective side structure 112, 174 and the base structure 170. In Figs. 4B
and 4B, the first and second side structures 172, 174 each has a "C" or "U' shape. In both embodiments and unlike the embodiment of Fig. 2A-2B, both ends of the fiirst and zo second side structures 172, 174 are attached to the base structure 170.
In sum, the present garment hanger has a feature formed as.part of a body portion thereof that permits reception of a fastener, such as a twist tie or other type of flexible tie member, for connecting two or more garment hangers together in an easy {M:\1s33\Om4821E.1Et613.DOC;1 j and efficient manner. Because in the preferred embodiment, the structures that define the space extend between the base member and the upper edge of the hanger body; the structures act as reinforcing or strengthening elements for the hanger body and more .
specifically for the:hook member portion thereof.
s While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred emboeliments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
~M:\1533~Om4821EJE1613.DOC;i ~
Another type of garment hanger construction is designed to also secure blouses, dresses and other light garments, while another type of garment hanger is designed to s secure heavier knitwear, blouses, pants and light weight pant suits. Yet another type of garment hanger is designed to secure coats, jackets and outerwear. The foregoing types of garment hangers can be generally classified as being top garment hangers, while another class of garment hangers is pant hangers, which are those hangers that are designed to secure pants, skirts, and other outfits together. Often times, pant ~o hangers incorporate some type of clamp mechanism to securely grasp and hold the articles of clothing. one wil! appreciate that there are even more types of garment hangers (e.g., bra/panty hanger) that are intended for particular applications.
Referring first to Figs. 1A-1 B, a conventional garment hanger 10 is illustrated. The garment hanger 10 includes a body portion 12 (cross bar) having two is opposing ends 14, 16 and a hook member 20 that is attached to the body portion 12.
The exemplary garment hanger 10 is of the type that includes a clamp or grip assembly 30 formed at each of the first and second ends 14, 16. The grip assemblies 30 are integrally formed with body portion 12 at the first and second ends 14, 16.
The illustrated garment hanger 10 is of a swivel hook type construction in ?o that the hook member 20 is swivably or pivotally attached to the body portion 12 at a location that is generally at a midpoint along the body portion 12. The hook member 20 is pivotally received within a bore that is formed in a base structure 30 that is integrally attached at one end to an upper edge 13 of the body portion 12. The bore therefore {M:\153310m4821E,1E1613.DOC;t ) ., r has a complementary shape as the hook member 20 and thus, for the illustrated embodiment, the bore is annular in shape to complement the circular shape of the hook member 20. The overall shape of the base structure 30 is not critical and it can assume any number of different shapes. For example, while the illustrated base structure 30 s has a rectangular or square cross-section, it will be appreciated that the base structure 30 can have a number of different shapes, such as circular, oblong, etc. The hook member 20 is thus frictionafly fit within the bore; however, it is permitted to swivel freely __ therein when a user applied a force to the hook member 20 to produce such movement.
According to the present invention, the base structure 30 includes first and Lo second side elements 32, 34 that extend outwardly therefrom and are integral with the body portion 12. More specifically, each of the first and second side elements 32, 34 has a first end 31 that is integrally Connected to the base structure 30 and an opposing second end 33 that is integrally connected to the upper edge 13 of the body portion 12.
A space 40 is formed between each of the first and second side elements 32,,34 and ~s the base structure 30 and upper edge 13. The side elements 32, 34 served as structural support elements in that they further strengthened the base structure 30 and therefore, in the conventional design, the space 40 is very small and can not readily aceornmodatevitems.
Many,consumers utilize a dry cleaning facility for dry cleaning and :o pressing of their clothing. As consumers are aware, many,types of articles of clothing can not be machine washed and pressed but rather must be taken to the dry.cleaning facility. Thus, it is common for a consumer to bring in a number of different articles during each visit to the dry cleaning facility. More specifically, the consumer brings in a jM:\15331pm4821ElE1613.DOC;I j _ number of dress shirts, pants, as welt as other clothing, such as knitwear, and also potentially brings house linens, etc., in the same visit. The dry cleaning facility tags each consumer's articles and after dry cleaning, the articles are typically individually placed on their own garment hangers and loosely arranged and then a garment cover s and a garment bag is placed over a bundle of cloths or all of the articles, depending upon how many items are present.
Therefore, it is no surprise that because most consumers bring a number of articles of clothing to the dry cleaning facility that when they pick up the cleaned articles, they are provided with a number of loosely held garment hangers.
Because lo different types and sizes of garment hangers can be arranged loosely together, the hangers do not necessarily lie flush against one another and therefore, it may be cumbersome for the user to carry the articles of clothing by the garment hangers. Thus, the user may grasp one group of similar garment hangers and fail to completely grasp one or more other garment hangers, which is then subject to falling within the bag is resulting in wrinkling of the garment or in a worst case, the garment may fall onto the ground and be spoiled.
It is therefore desirable for one or more types of garment hangers to have a feature formed as a part thereof that permits coupling or securing of the individual garment hangers together.
.o SUMMARY
A garment hanger is provided and includes a body having first and second ends and an upper edge and a hook member extending upwardly from the hanger body (M:\t 533~Om4821E1E1613.DOC;1 }
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for suspending the hanger from a support location. The hook member is coupled to a base member that is attached to the upper edge of the body.
The hanger also includes a structure that extends between the upper edge ~f the hanger body and the base member so as to define a space therebetween:
The s space is of sufficient size to receive a fastener therethrough for securely linking at least one additional garment hanger to the hanger body. In one preferred embodiment, the fastener is a twist tie and the space has an area of at least about .~5 cm2.
By being securely connecting or linking individual garment hangers to one another, the problems that were often associated with carrying multiple loose hangers to are overcome since all of the hangers are joined to one another. Therefore, if the consumer loses grasp of one of the garment hangers when carrying the entire load, the garment hanger may slip slightly but it is prevented from completely falling to the bottom of the surrounding bag (if present) or to the ground surface when no protective bag surrounds the garments due to the presence of the fastener.
Is Further aspects and features of the exemplary apparatus disclosed herein can be appreciated from the appended Figures and accompanying written description.
The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following ~o drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:
Fig.-1A is a side elevational view of a conventional garment hanger;
Fig. 1 B is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the garment hanger of Fig. 1 A taken around the circle 1 of Fig. 1 A;
(M:\153310m4821E.fE1613.DOC;I ~
_6_ Fig. 2A is a side elevational view of a garment hanger according to one exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 2B is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the garment hanger of Fig, 2A taken.around the circle 2 of Fig. 2A;
s Fig. 3 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of two or more garment hangers connected together by a fasteners received through a feature formed as part of the hanger body;
Fig. 4A is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of a garment hanger according to another exemplary embodiment in which a fastener receiving feature is to itlustraf<ed; and Fig. 4B is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of a garment hanger according to another exemplary embodiment in which a fastener receiving feature is illustrated.
is DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to Figs. 2A-2B, a garment hanger 100 according to one exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The garment hanger 100 includes a body portion 110 (cross bar) having two opposing ends 112, 114 and a hook member 120 that is attached to the body portion 110. The exemplary garment hanger 100 is of the type that o includes a clamp or grip assembly 130 formed at each of the first and second ends 112, 114. The grip assemblies 130 are integrally formed with body portion 110 at the first and second ends 112, 114. Each grip assembly 130 includes a front grip member and a rear grip member 150 with the front grip member 140 having a first gripping ( M:\i 533\Om482\E3Etb13.170C;t } , '''.
_7_ feature (not shown} and the rear grip member 150 having a second gripping feature (not shown}. The article of clothing is placed between the front and rear grip members 140, 150 when they are opened and then the user closes the front grip member 140 with respect to the rear grip member 150. Preferably, the front grip member 140 is pivotally s attached to the body portion 110 in an integral manner. The. first and second gripping features serve to grip the article of clothing and can be. in form of shaped protrusions that mate with one another. In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second gripping features are a series of protrusions (nubs, etc.} arranged on the surface.
As is known, each grip assembly 130 also includes a movable clip io member 160 that is movable between an open position and a closed position.
The exemplary clip member 160 is formed of metal and is generally U-shaped with a first section that travels within a guide track formed on an exterior surface of the rear grip member 150 and a second section that travels within a guide track formed in the exterior surface of the front grip member 140. In the open position, the second section is of the clip member 160 engages a beveled feature of the guide track formed in the exterior surface of the front grip member 140 so that the front and rear grip members 140, 150 are locked in the closed position with the article of clothing being securely held therebetween.
ft will be appreciated that this type of grip assembly 130 is merely one 20 exemplary type and that a number of other types of grip assemblies 130 can be used.
The body portion 110, including the grip assemblies 130 with the exception of the clip member 160, is preferably made as a single piece, molded in plastic using a plastic injection molding machine, as understood by those skilled in the {M:11533\Om4821E.tE1613.DOC;t ~
art. Any appropriate plastic can be used, such as styrene, which provides a clear, virtually transparent hanger and alternatively, the hanger 100 can be molded using polypropylene, such as H.l. styrene polypropylene, polypropylene;
polyvinylchloride, ABS or other suitable thermoplastics and/or mixtures thereof. As understood by those s skilled in the art, the plastic mixture used'to mold the hangers can include additional resins for added strength and reinforcement.
The illustrated garment hanger 100 is of a swivel hook type construction in that the hook member 120 is swivably or pivotally attached to the body portion 110 at a location that is generally at a midpoint along the body portion 110. The hook member io 120 is pivotally received within a bore that is formed in a base structure 170 that is integrally attached at one end to artwpper edge 111 of the body portion 110.
The bore therefore has a complementary shape as the hook member 120 and thus, for the illustrated embodiment, the bore is annular in shape to complement the circular shape of the hook member 120. The overall shape of the base structure 170 is not critical and is it can assume any number of different shapes. For example, while the illustrated base structure 170 has a rectangular or square cross-section, it wilt be appreciated that the base structure 170 can have a number of different shapes, such as circular, oblong, etc.
The hook member 120 is thus frictionally tot within the bore; however, it is permitted to swivel freely therein when a user applied a force to the hook member 120 to produce :o such movement.
According to the 'present invention, the base structure 170 includes first and second side elements 172, 174 that extend outwardly therefrom and are integral with the body portion 710. More specifically, each of the first and second side elements f M:\1533\Om4821E1Ei613.1)OC;1 }
172, 174 has a first end 176 that is integrally connected to the base structure 170 and an opposing second end 178 that is integrally connected to the upper edge 1 'f 1 of the body portion 110. While, the precise connection points between the first ends 176 and the base strucfure 170 and the second ends 178 and the body portion 110 can vary, it is s important that a space 180 of sufficient size is formed between each of the first and secor;d side elements 172, 174 and the base structure 170 and upper edge 111.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side elements 172, 174 are elongated, planar walls that extend from the upper edge 111 to an upper end of the base structure :170. The width of the first and second side elements 172, 174 and the lo base structure 170 is preferably the same or about the same. An angle is thus formed between each of the first and second side elements 172, 174 and the upper edge 111.
In this embodiment, the space 180 is generally triangular shaped. The frst arid second elements 172, 172 do not have to have a linear, planar construction, as it will be appreciated that the first and second side elements 172, 174 can have an arcuate s shape. In other words, the first and second side elements 172, 174 can have a curved surface (resulting in space 180 having an irregular space) so long as the space 180 is of sufficient size (e.g., Fig. 4A).
Space 180 is of a sufficient size when a fastener 200, shown in Fig. 3, can be received therethrough. For example, one exemplary fastener 200 is a conventional twist tie that is disposed through one of the spaces 180 and is then passed through other garment hangers and the free ends of the fastener 200 are brought together and tied so as to connect two or more garment hangers together. As is known, a conventional twist tie 200 is formed of an elongated wire that is encased between a jM:l153310m4821E,1E1613.IaOC;I j , f paper strip so that the user does not contact the metal wire itself and any sharp ends of the metal wire ate eliminated. Space 180 therefore is in contrast to space 50 which is of insufficient size to pass a fastener therethrough. Thus, the conventional hanger 10 of Fig. 1 had the associated disadvantage that the user or dry cleaner can not pass a s fastener 200 therethrough for linking a number of hangers together.
In one exemplary embodiment, the space 180 has an area of greater than .25 cm2. In other embodiments, the space 180 has an area of at least .3 cm2;
.4 cm2;
and .5 cm2, respectively. However, these values ace merely illustrative of the various embodiments.
~o It will be appreciated that fastener 200 is not limited to being a twist tie but also can be any other structure that is intended to be used to attach or connect articles to one another by manipulation of the fastener 200. Preferably, the size of the space 180 is such that the fastener 200 .can easily be received therethrough and the fastener 200 is permitted a degree of movement within the space 180. For example, the space ~s 180 can be sized so that it can accommodate a plurality of fasteners 200 therethrough even if in a preferred application, only a single fastener 200 is disposed through the space 180.
Fig. 3 illustrates garment hanger 100 being used with another garment hanger 300 such that the two hangers 100, 300 are securely connected to one another 'o using the fastener 200 in the following manner. First, it will be understood that the garment hanger 300 does not have to be of the same type as the garment hanger and in fact most times, the garment hanger 300 is of a different type than the garment hanger 100. For example, the illustrated garment hanger 300 is a traditional wire { M:\t 53310m482\EJE1613.DOC;1 j 1 ',.-i ,.
hanger. To securely connect the hangers, the fastener 200 is passed through one of the spaces 180 of the garment hanger 100 and then it is fed through a contained, bounded space that is formed in the garment hanger 300 and then the two free ends of the fastener 200 are brought to together and tied (e.g., twisted) so that the two hangers s 100, 300 are securely connected to one another. Tfie space in the other hanger through which the fastener 200 is disposed through can be identical to space 180 if the other hanger is identical to hanger 100 or it can be a different space so long as the space is bounded completely around such that the movement of the fastener 200 is restricted (i.e., fastener 200 can not slip out of space 180).
lo By being securely connected to one another, the problems that were often associated with carrying multiple loose hangers are overcome since all of the hangers are joined or connected to one another. Therefore, if the consumer loses grasp of one of the garment hangers when carrying the entire load, the garment hanger may slip slightly but it is prevented from completely failing to the bottom of the surrounding bag (if is present) or to the ground surface when no protective bag surrounds the garments due to the presence of the fastener 200. The length of the fastener 200 can tie varied since these types of fasteners 200 can easily be shortened by using scissors.
For purposes of simplicity, the garment hanger 100 is illustrated in Fig. 3 as being used in combination with only one additional garment hanger 300;
however, it to will be appreciated that in normal use, the garment hanger 100 will be connected or attached to two or more other garment hangers 300 or the tike byway of the fastener 200. Once again, the additional one or more garment hangers 300 to which the garment hanger 100 is connected can be of a different type (e.g., a standard metal (M:\i 53310m482\EJEI613.DOC;i ~
hanger, a plastic top hanger, etc.) than the garment hanger 100; which ire the illustrated embodiment, is a pant hanger.
1t will therefore be appreciated that the feature that is formed as part of the body portion of tk~e garment hanger for receiving the fastener 200 is not limited to being s formed as part of a garment hanger that has grasp (clamp) members or with a hanger.
that has a swivable hook member since this feature can be incorporated into a top hanger design or any other garment hanger design.
Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate a garment hanger 400 according to another embodiment. The,garment hanger 400 is very similar to the garment hanger 100 for io merely purposes of illustration since it wilt be understood that the garment hanger 400, as with the garment hanger 100, can take any number of different forms so Tong as the fastener receiving feature is formed as part thereof. 1n this embodirnenf, each of-the first and second side structures 172, 174 does not extend to the upper edge 111 of the body 110 but rather the ends of each of the first and second side structures 172, 174 ~s are integrally attached to the base section 170. In Fig. 4A, the first and second side structures 172, 174 each has an arcuate shape with .the space 180 being formed between the respective side structure 112, 174 and the base structure 170. In Figs. 4B
and 4B, the first and second side structures 172, 174 each has a "C" or "U' shape. In both embodiments and unlike the embodiment of Fig. 2A-2B, both ends of the fiirst and zo second side structures 172, 174 are attached to the base structure 170.
In sum, the present garment hanger has a feature formed as.part of a body portion thereof that permits reception of a fastener, such as a twist tie or other type of flexible tie member, for connecting two or more garment hangers together in an easy {M:\1s33\Om4821E.1Et613.DOC;1 j and efficient manner. Because in the preferred embodiment, the structures that define the space extend between the base member and the upper edge of the hanger body; the structures act as reinforcing or strengthening elements for the hanger body and more .
specifically for the:hook member portion thereof.
s While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred emboeliments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
~M:\1533~Om4821EJE1613.DOC;i ~
Claims (18)
1. A garment hanger comprising:
a body having first and second ends and an upper edge;
a hook member extending upwardly from the hanger body for suspending the hanger from a support location, the hook member being coupled to a base member that is attached to the upper edge of the body; and a structure that extends between the upper edge of the hanger body and the base member so as to define a space therebetween, the space being of sufficient size to receive a fastener therethrough for securely linking at least one additional garment hanger to the hanger body.
a body having first and second ends and an upper edge;
a hook member extending upwardly from the hanger body for suspending the hanger from a support location, the hook member being coupled to a base member that is attached to the upper edge of the body; and a structure that extends between the upper edge of the hanger body and the base member so as to define a space therebetween, the space being of sufficient size to receive a fastener therethrough for securely linking at least one additional garment hanger to the hanger body.
2. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the body has a clamp mechanism at each of the first and second ends.
3. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the hanger body is formed of a plastic material and the hook member is formed of metal.
4. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the hook member is swivably coupled to the base member.
5. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the base member has a proximal end integrally attached lo the upper edge and a distal end having a bore formed therein for receiving the hook member.
6. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a first side member and a second side member, the first side member having a first end integrally attached to one face of the base member and a second end that is integrally attached to the upper edge, the second side member having a first end integrally attached to an opposite face of the base member and a second end that is integrally attached to the upper edge.
7. The garment hanger of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second side members is an elongated rail.
8. The garment hanger of claim 7, wherein the rail has a linear shape.
9. The garment hanger of claim 7, wherein the space has a triangular shape.
10. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a twist tie.
11. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the space has a dimension that is at least twice as great as a width of the fastener.
12. The garment hanger of claim 11, wherein the dimension is a maximum width of the space.
13. The garment hanger of claim 11, wherein the dimensions is a maximum height of the space.
14. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the hanger body, the base member and the structure are all formed of a plastic material and are integral with one another.
15. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the space has an area of at least about .25 cm2.
16. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the space has an area of at least about .3 cm2.
17. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the space has an area of at least about .4 cm2.
18. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the space has an area of at least about .5 cm2.
l9. A garment hanger comprising:
a body having first and second ends and an upper edge;
a hook member extending upwardly from the hanger body for suspending the hanger from a support location, the hook member being coupled to a base member that is attached to the upper edge of the body; and a structure that is integral with the base member so as to define a space therebetween, the space being of sufficient size to receive a fastener therethrough for securely linking at least one additional garment hanger to the hanger body, wherein the space has an area of at least about .25 cm2.
l9. A garment hanger comprising:
a body having first and second ends and an upper edge;
a hook member extending upwardly from the hanger body for suspending the hanger from a support location, the hook member being coupled to a base member that is attached to the upper edge of the body; and a structure that is integral with the base member so as to define a space therebetween, the space being of sufficient size to receive a fastener therethrough for securely linking at least one additional garment hanger to the hanger body, wherein the space has an area of at least about .25 cm2.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US35858003A | 2003-02-05 | 2003-02-05 | |
| US10/358,580 | 2003-02-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2456618A1 true CA2456618A1 (en) | 2004-08-05 |
Family
ID=32849578
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002456618A Abandoned CA2456618A1 (en) | 2003-02-05 | 2004-02-02 | Garment hanger |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20050017031A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2456618A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7451185B2 (en) * | 2004-02-27 | 2008-11-11 | Fotomedia Technologies, Llc | Method and system for providing links to resources related to a specified resource |
| US20080295974A1 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-04 | Marilyn Stern | Method and apparatus for producing pleats in curtains and pleated curtains and hanging said curtains using said apparatus |
| USD735481S1 (en) * | 2012-12-18 | 2015-08-04 | Mainetti (Uk) Limited | Garment hanger |
| US10548688B2 (en) * | 2017-07-10 | 2020-02-04 | Addent, Inc. | Device and method for heating dental composite materials |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2505127A (en) * | 1946-08-24 | 1950-04-25 | L A Young Spring & Wire Corp | Garment hanger |
| US4034902A (en) * | 1976-07-19 | 1977-07-12 | Doris Grillo | Line engaging garment hanger |
| US4162753A (en) * | 1978-07-13 | 1979-07-31 | Brown William R | Necktie hanger |
| US4940174A (en) * | 1989-09-14 | 1990-07-10 | Parker Robert Mcd | Garment supporting system including tie therefor |
| US5029739A (en) * | 1990-03-20 | 1991-07-09 | Batts, Inc. | Two piece garment hanger with locking connection |
| US5330244A (en) * | 1992-10-01 | 1994-07-19 | Rodwell Donald C | Advertising base and clothes hanger carrier |
| US5613630A (en) * | 1995-01-10 | 1997-03-25 | Batts, Inc. | Drop loop garment hanger |
| US6209763B1 (en) * | 2000-02-09 | 2001-04-03 | Jack Rahmey | Hanging package display unit |
| US6467658B1 (en) * | 2000-08-31 | 2002-10-22 | Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd. | Coordinate loop garment hanger |
| US6308872B1 (en) * | 2000-09-25 | 2001-10-30 | Acotex-Duerr Inc | Hanger with multiple means for supporting other hangers |
| US6386406B1 (en) * | 2001-07-18 | 2002-05-14 | Daniel Moses | Garment hanger |
| US20040094582A1 (en) * | 2002-11-18 | 2004-05-20 | Jeffrey Schapiro | Plastic clothes hanger |
| FR2852504B1 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2006-12-29 | Zebra Compagny | HANGER FOR CLOTHING OF PLASTIC MATERIAL WITH REINFORCED RIGIDITY |
| US20050252938A1 (en) * | 2004-05-17 | 2005-11-17 | Cleaner's Supply, Inc. | Shoulder guard for wire clothes hanger |
-
2004
- 2004-02-02 CA CA002456618A patent/CA2456618A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-05-19 US US10/850,515 patent/US20050017031A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20050017031A1 (en) | 2005-01-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |