EP0588207B1

EP0588207B1 - Dress-hanger, particularly for a diving outfit such as a diving suit or the like

Info

Publication number: EP0588207B1
Application number: EP19930114312
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roberto Dr. Ing. Semeia
Original assignee: Scubapro Europe SRL
Current assignee: Scubapro Europe SRL
Priority date: 1992-09-16
Filing date: 1993-09-07
Publication date: 1997-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2013-09-07
Also published as: DE69315931D1; ITGE920056V0; ITGE920056U1; EP0588207A3; EP0588207A2; IT228578Y1; DE69315931T2

Description

The invention relates to a dress-hanger, particularly for a diving outfit such as a diving suit or the like, which comprises at least one supporting element or jacket-carrying element consisting of two downwardly inclined arms, and is formed with a dress-hanger-suspending hook member in the median top portion thereof between the arms of the jacket-carrying element and in which the supporting upper side of each arm of the jacket-carrying element is provided with a jacket-bearing member which is transversely enlarged relative to the longitudinal extent of the jacket-carrying element and has an upwardly rounded cross-sectional shape.
A dress-hanger of this type is known from the document US-A-5.056.693, which discloses a transversely enlarged, cake-like structure of the two hanger arms, having substantially the shape of human shoulders and suitable for supporting a scuba wet suit or the like in a position for drying. The body of this garment drying hanger is provided with a plurality of openings for removably receiving a plurality of rods upon which wet surf doots, surf gloves and the like can be positioned for drying.
Another dress-hanger of the type initially defined is described in the document US-A-4.029.239. This known dress-hanger comprises an elongated, completely enclosed, hollow plastic body having extending and transversely enlarged arms with convexly curved, transversely grooved upper surfaces.
The arms of the dress-hanger known from the document US-A-3.168.970 have a I-shaped cross section and are provided under their upper flange with slots which extend in the longitudinal direction of the arms and are adapted to receive wider straps of a garment, such as shoulder straps of an evening dress, for hanging. An opening over each slot is provided through the upper flange so that hanging straps may be readily inserted into the slots. The arms of the hanger have hooks at the underside of their ends, for supporting garments which are provided with narrow straps or hanging loops.
The document AU-B-544211 discloses a dress-hanger, the arms of which have a particularly profiled, relatively narrow (5mm) cross-section and are formed with overlying flexible retainers and downwardly depending supporting hooks.
One object of the invention is to improve a dress-hanger of the type initially described and defined in the preamble of claim 1, in order that either a sleeved or a sleeveless jacket may be borne by its shoulders by the transversely enlarged jacket-bearing members on the downwardly inclined arms of the jacket-carrying element.
The above indentified problem is solved by the invention by adopting the features defined in the characterizing part of claim 1.
Thus, in order that either a sleeved or a sleeveless jacket may be borne by its shoulders by the transversely enlarged jacket-bearing members on both downwardly inclined arms of the jacket-carrying element, these jacket-bearing members are advantageously made in two parts. The internal parts of the jacket-bearing members are adjacent to the respective side end of the intermediately located hook member, and extend therefrom to about half-way of the respective downwardly inclined arm of the jacket-carrying element, which is integrally formed with the hook member. These internal parts are solidary and preferably made of one piece with the respective arm of the jacket-carrying element. The external parts of the jacket-bearing members are both overhangingly associated with the outward end section of the respective underlying arm of the jacket-carrying element. The external parts of the jacket-bearing members are each carried by an arcuate, convex elastic tongue which by its arcuate end portion is connected with the outer end of the respective downwardly inclined arm, and has its closed end located at its outward end. Thus, hanger portions are formed between the overlying external parts of the jacket-bearing members and the underlying outward end sections of the downwardly inclined arms of the jacket-carrying element. Owing to the provision of the elastic tongues, these external parts are elastically liftable from the respective arm and are lowerable down thereon. Both external parts have their inward end beveled and inclined downward, and are spaced apart from the respective, also downwardly inclined, opposite internal part of the jacket-bearing members, so that a slot is formed therebetween. Through this slot a sleeveless jacket can be inserted by its shoulders into either of the hanger portions, by lifting up the external parts of the jacket-bearing members. Whereas, under the weight of a sleeved jacket being hung by its shoulders on the jacket-bearing members, the external parts of the jacket-bearing members are lowered down, and two continuous jacket-bearing members are thus formed with the internal parts thereof.
Further features of the invention form the object of the dependent claims.
The features of the invention and the advantages arising therefrom will more clearly appear from the following specification of the preferred embodiments thereof, which are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view showing one of the faces of a dress-hanger according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows a top view of the dress-hanger according to Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows a perspective detail view in an enlarged scale of one of the removable means for outfit pieces to be carried thereby.
Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the supporting lower element, so-called trousers-carrying bar, with a hanger member being removably fitted thereon.
Figure 5 shows a modified embodiment of the dress-hanger as viewed in Figure 1.
Figure 6 shows a modified embodiment of the removable means for outfit pieces to be carried thereby, as viewed in Figure 3.

In Figure 1 there is shown a dress-hanger according to the invention, which consists of a substantially triangular frame with its isosceles sides forming both arms 1', 1'' of a supporting upper element, so-called jacket-carrying element 1, and with its base forming a lower supporting element, so-called trousers-carrying bar 3.
A dress-hanger-suspending hook member 2 is integrally formed in the median top portion of the dress-hanger, between the arms 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1, which are downwardly inclined relative to the intermediately located dress-hanger hook member 2.
The downwardly inclined arms 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1 extend outwardly from both side ends of the intermediately located dress-hanger hook member 2. The outer ends of the downwardly inclined arms 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1 are connected to the ends of the trousers-carrying bar 3. On their upper side the said arms 1', 1'' are each formed with a respective member for a jacket or the like to be borne by its shoulders. The jacket-bearing members are transversely enlarged relative to the longitudinal extent of the jacket-carrying element and have an upwardly roundish cross-sectional shape so that a roundish upper surface is provided for the jacket shoulders.
In order that either a sleeved or a sleeveless jacket may be borne by its shoulders by the transversely enlarged jacket-bearing members on both downwardly inclined arms 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1, these jacket-bearing members are advantageously made in two parts 5, 5'.
The one internal parts 5 of the jacket-bearing members are adjacent to the respective side end of the intermediately located dress-hanger hook member 2, and extend therefrom to about half-way of the respective, downwardly inclined arm 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1, which is integrally formed with the dress-hanger hook member 2. These internal parts 5, 5' are solidary to, and preferably made of one piece with the respective arm 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1.
The other external parts 5' of the jacket-bearing members are both overhangingly associated with the respective outward end section of the underlying arms 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1. The external parts 5', of the jacket-bearing members are each carried by an arcuate, convex elastic tongue 4 which by its arcuate end portion is connected with the outer end of the respective arm 1', 1'', and has its closed end located at its outward end. Thus, hanger portions are formed between the overlying external parts 5' of the jacket-bearing members and the underlying outward end sections of the arms 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1. Owing to the provision of the elastic tongues 4, these external parts 5', are elastically liftable from the respective arm 1', 1'' and are lowerable down thereon. Both external parts 5', have their inward end beveled and inclined downward, and are spaced apart from the respective, also downwardly inclined, opposite internal part 5 of the jacket-bearing members, so that a slot 6 is formed therebetween. Through this slot 6 a sleeveless jacket can be inserted by its shoulders into either of the hanger portions, by lifting up these external parts 5'. Whereas, under the weight of a sleeved jacket being hung by its shoulders on the jacket-bearing members, the external parts 5' of the jacket-bearing members are lowered down, so that two continuous jacket-bearing members are then formed with the internal parts 5 thereof.
Both the internal and external parts 5, 5' of the transversely enlarged jacket-bearing members are improved in that they have their upward faces formed with a plurality of ribs 105, 105', to prevent the jacket shoulders from slipping off therefrom. These ribs are arranged transversely relative to the longitudinal extent of both arms 1', 1'' and in a mutually spaced apart relation, and are interconnected lengthwise of the arms 1', 1'' by a longitudinal median rib 205, 205'.
A median aperture 8 is formed in the dress-hanger portion 7 for connection of the intermediately located dress-hanger hook member 2 to either downwardly inclined arms 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1. The median aperture 8 is substantially rhomboidal in shape, and is so formed that its peripheral upper part is delimited by two diverging downward extensions 102 of the dress-hanger hook member 2, and has its open lower end closed by a U-shaped stirrup-like member 9. Through these two diverging downward extensions 102 the dress-hanger hook member 2 is connected to the associated inner ends of either arms 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1. By the provision of this aperture 8 a means is provided for holding up at least one pressure-reducing valve R of a delivery device for an air-breathing apparatus, particularly for holding up the pressure-reducing valves R of two delivery devices.
The trousers-carrying bar 3 is connected to the jacket-carrying element 1 at respective intermediate locations by means of stiffening members 10, 11. These stiffening members are easily removable by breaking them up at predetermined weakening lines 12, and should be removed when trousers or the like are to be hung on the trousers-carrying bar 3.
The stiffening member 10 is for connecting at a median position the upper side of the trousers-carrying bar 3 to the bottom edge of the stirrup-like member 9. This stiffening member is removable by breaking it up at a predetermined weakening line 12.
The stiffening members 11 are provided at both sides of the intermediately located stiffening member 10. These stiffening members are in form of hanger members 11 for pieces of a diving outfit to be suspended therefrom. Each stiffening member 11 is removably connected by means of connecting webs 13 to the upper side of the trousers-carrying bar 3, as well as to the lower side of the respective arm 1', 1'' of the jacket-carrying element 1 and to the respective side edge of the U-shaped stirrup-like member 9. The hanger member-connecting webs 13 are removable by breaking them up at predetermined web-weakening lines 12, to have a clear space at the trouser-carrying bar 3. Moreover, the hanger members 11 are formed with further means 111, 112 for the hanger members to be snappingly engaged on the upper side of the trousers-carrying bar 3 in a removable manner.
Specifically, the trousers-carrying bar 3 has an H-shaped cross section, with both of its projecting upper and lower wing-like edges extending lengthwise of, and outwardly from either of the dress-hanger faces. At the top portion of each hanger member 11 for diving outfit pieces to be suspended therefrom, a respective means is provided for the projecting upper edges of the H-shaped trousers-carrying bar 3 to be engaged therein, and is formed with undercuts 111, 211. This means consists of a guide member extending across the top portion of the respective hanger member 11, and being associated with the upper end portion of the hanger member stem 311. At the one side end portion of this transversely extending guide member, preferably at the free side end portion thereof, a groove is formed between the undercut 111 and the underside of the hanger member top portion, into which one of the projecting longitudinal upper edges of the H-shaped trouser-carrying bar 3 is fittable. The other, opposite side end portion of this transversely extending guide member, which preferably lies on the side of the stem 311, is formed at the level of the bottom wall of the undercut 111 with a half-round inward projection 211. Owing to the inherent elasticity of the material from which the inward projection 211 is made, this inward projection is snappingly engageable under the projecting, other upper edge of the H-shaped trousers-carrying bar 3. The projecting trousers-carrying bar lower edge on the same side as the snappingly engageable inward projection 211, affords a surface for the stem 311 of hanger member 11 to rest thereon. By this arrangement further pieces of a diving outfit can be then suspended from the trousers-carrying bar 3.
According to a further feature of the invention, a projecting cylindrical member 202 is provided on both dress-hanger faces, at right angles with the hook member-connected common top portion of the diverging downward extensions 102. Owing to the provision of this member 202, annular seals 14 of the O-ring type may be held thereon. The outside diameter of the projecting cylindrical member 202 is advantageously slightly greater than that of the annular seals 14, which are then elastically retained thereon, however without undergoing any detrimental deformation.
The invention furthermore provides a safety means for closing the dress-hanger hook member 2 at its open side, so as to prevent this hook member from becoming disengaged from where it is hung. This safety means is in form of a string 15 or the like, and is passed through the holes 402, 302 respectively provided in the free end of the dress-hanger hook member 2 and in the top of the hook member-connected common portion of the diverging downward extensions 102.
Additional means 16 are provided for removably connecting, once the stiffening members 10 and 11 have been removed, the trousers-carrying bar 3 to the jacket-carrying element 1. These means are in form of one or more safety strings or the like, which are passed through at least the one hole 103, specifically through both holes 103, 203 in the median portion of the trousers-carrying bar 3 and around the curved downward portion of the U-shaped, stirrup-like lower member 9 forming the lower part of the aperture 8.
According to one advantageous feature, the dress-hanger is formed of one piece from plastics material. More particularly, the dress-hanger consists of one two-sided shaped flat piece, with its projecting, peripheral upper and lower, inner and outer edges being formed by continuous ribs extending outwardly from both of the dress-hanger faces, in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal extent of the dress-hanger, whereby a sufficient stiffness of the dress-hanger is thus ensured.
The dress hanger shown in Figure 5 differs in construction from the dress-hanger embodiment according to Figure 1. In the modified embodiment, according to Figure 5, of the dress-hanger, the U-shaped stirrup-like lower member 9 has only one of its wings connected to the lower end of the associated donwnward extension 102 of the dress-hanger hook member 2. The other wing of this member 9 ends at a distance from the coinciding downward extension 102, whereby a gap 109 is formed in the peripheral outward edge delimiting the aperture 8. The means for holding pressure-reducing valves R of delivery devices for air-breathing apparatus therefore is substantially in form of a hanger member 9 with its curved portion arranged in the downward opposite direction to the upwardly turned curved portion of the dress-hanger hook member 2. A stiffening rib member 209 is further provided, and extends all around the peripheral outer edge of the U-shaped stirrup-like member 9. Just as the connected one wing of the U-shaped stirrup-like member 9, this stiffening rib member 209 is also connected to the lower end of the same downward extension 102. On the side of the connected one wing of the U-shaped stirrp-like member 9 the stiffening rib member 209 spreads upward from the lower end of this connected one wing to the underside of the associated dress-hanger arm 1'. Whereas, this member 209 gradually diminishes in size to the loose end of the not connected other wing of member 9. Therefore, a higher stiffness is afforded to the U-shaped stirrup-like member 9.
Also in the modified embodiment according to Figure 5, the hanger members 11 for diving outfit pieces to be suspended therefrom, are arranged in mutually symmetric positions relative to the transversal, vertical median plane of the dress-hanger.
Turning now to Figure 6, there appears that the hanger members 11 according to this modified embodiment, are each formed at their free end with a clamping member 17 for pieces of a diving outfit, such as a pair of gloves or of boots, a hood, or the like, to be retained therein. The clamping member 17 may be fastened to the free end of hanger member 11, or it may be made of one piece therewith.
According to the modified, advantageous embodiment shown in Figure 6, the clamping member 17 has its clamping parts respectively formed by the free end portion 411 of hanger member 11 and by the associated downwardly bent extension 117. This clamping member extension 117 is so bent that its downward free end 217 is caused to bear against the outward lower end of hanger member 11 free end portion 411. The downward free end 217 of clamping member 17 is enlarged, and has a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. This enlarged, downward free end 217 is caused to cooperate with a half-round projection 511 formed at the outward lower end of hanger member 11 free end portion 411, in facing relation with the clamping member downward end 217, and in a coincident position therewith. By a pressure being exerted on the clamping member 17, this member will be elastically spread apart from the hanger member free end portion 411, owing to the inherent elasticity of the material from which it is made. Like the hanger members 11 shown in Figures 3 and 4, also the hanger members 11 according to Figure 6, can be removably applied to the trousers-carrying bar 3.

Claims

A dress-hanger, particularly for a diving outfit such as a diving suit or the like, which comprises at least one supporting element or jacket-carrying element (1) consisting of two downwardly inclined arms (1', 1''), and is formed with a dress-hanger-suspending hook member (2) in the median top portion thereof between the arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1), and in which the supporting upper side of each arm (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1) is provided with a jacket-bearing member (5, 5') which is transversely enlarged relative to the longitudinal extent of the jacket-carrying element (1) and has an upwardly rounded cross-sectional shape, characterized in that the transversely enlarged jacket-bearing members provided on both arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1) and extending from the respective side end of the intermediately located hook member (2) are each made in two parts, that is, one internal part (5) which is adjacent to the respective side end of said hook member (2) and is integral with the respective arm (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1), and one external part (5') which is overhangingly associated with the underlying outward end section of the respective arm (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1), this external part (5') being elastically liftable from the respective arm (1', 1'') and being lowerable down thereon, and forming with the outward end section of the respective arm (1', 1'') a hanger portion having its closed outward end located at the outer end thereof, whereby a sleeveless jacket can be inserted by its shoulders into both of the hanger portions and hung thereon, and in that the transversely enlarged jacket-bearing members (5, 5') on both arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1) are formed by a plurality of transversely arranged ribs (105, 105') which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the jacket-carrying element (1).
The dress-hanger according to claim 1, characterized in that in their median top portion the ribs (105, 105') are mutually connected by an intermediate longitudinal rib (205, 205').
The dress-hanger according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external parts (5') of the enlarged jacket-bearing members on both arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1) are each carried by an overhanging elastic tongue (4), which by the lower end of its arcuate end portion is integrally connected with the outer end of the respective arm (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1).
The dress-hanger according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is fitted with a lower supporting element or trousers-carrying bar (3) that by the ends thereof is connected with the outer ends of both arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1), said arms (1', 1'') extending from both sides of the intermediately located hook member (2) and being downwardly inclined relative to said hook member (2).
The dress-hanger according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with removable means (10, 11) for the trousers-carrying bar (3) to be connected at intermediary locations to the downwardly inclined arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1).
The dress-hanger according to claim 5, characterized in that said connecting means are in form of connecting webs (10) of a suitable material, which can be removed by breaking them up at a predetermined, respective weakening line (12).
The dress-hanger according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with immovable means (8) for holding up at least one, specifically two pressure-reducing valves (R) of air-delivery devices for air-breathing apparatus.
The dress-hanger according to claim 7, characterized in that said pressure-reducing-valve holding up means consists of a median aperture (8) which is located between the downwardly inclined arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1), and is formed in the downwardly extending portion (7) of the hook member (2).
The dress-hanger according to claim 7, characterized in that said pressure-reducing-valve holding up means is in form of a hanger member which is coplanar to the hook member (2), and has its curved portion arranged in the downward opposite direction to the upwardly turned curved portion of the hook member (2), that is, toward the trousers-carrying bar (3).
The dress-hanger according to claim 8, characterized in that the aperture (8) for holding up pressure-reducing valves (R) of air-delivery devices for air-breathing apparatus is delimited by two diverging downward hook member extensions (102), connected with the respective inner end of the arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1), and having their downward ends connected with a U-shaped stirrup-like member (9).
The dress-hanger according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the U-shaped strirrup-like member (9) has only one wing connected with the associated downward extension (102) of the hook member (2), the other wing of this member (9) being loose and ending at a distance (109) from the coinciding other downward extension (102).
The dress-hanger according to claim 11, characterized in that the U-shaped strirrup-like member (9) is provided all around its outer edge with a stiffening rib member, which gradually decreases in size to the end of its loose one wing and spreads outward from the lower side edge of its other wing connected with the associated downward hook member extension (102) up to an initial inward portion of the respective arm (1' or 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1).
The dress-hanger according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with removable means (11) for pieces of a diving outfit to be carried thereby, said means being removably fastenable to the jacket-carrying element (1) and to the trousers-carrying bar (3).
The dress-hanger according to claim 13, characterized in that said removable means for diving outfit pieces to be carried thereby are in form of hanger members (11) which are engageable on the trousers-carrying bar (3).
The dress-hanger according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that said removable means(11) for diving outfit pieces to be carried thereby are formed with means (111, 211) which are snappingly engageable on and removably fastenable to the trousers-carrying bar (3).
The dress-hanger according to claim 15, characterized in that said removably fastenable means (111, 211) are in form of a guide means provided at the top portion of hanger members (11), which is snappingly engageable on the upper edges of the trousers-carrying bar (3), extending in the transverse direction therefrom and projecting from both faces of the trousers-carrying bar (3).
The dress-hanger according to any of the preceding claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the hanger members (11) are each formed at their free end with a clamping member (17) for pieces of a diving outfit to be retained thereby.
The dress-hanger according to claim 17, characterized in that the clamping member (17) is made of one piece with the hanger member free end portion (411), and consists of an extension (117) which is so bent downwardly that its downward free end is caused to bear against the lower outward end of the hanger member free end portion (411), said clamping member (17) being elastically spreadable apart from the hanger member free end portion (411).
The dress-hanger according to claim 18, characterized in that the clamping member extension (117) and the hanger member free end portion (411) have their facing inward sides formed with cooperating transversely enlarged downward ends (217, 511).
The dress-hanger according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removable means for the trousers-carrying bar (3) to be connected to the arms (1', 1'') of the jacket-carrying element (1) are the removable hanger members (11), which are placed between said arms (1', 1'') and said bar (3) and are connected therewith by connecting webs (13) of a suitable material, whereby said hanger members (11) can be respectively removed by breaking them up at a predetermined web-weakening line (12).
The dress-hanger according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made from plastics material and consists of one two-sided shaped flat piece, with its projecting peripheral edges being formed by continuous ribs extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the dress-hanger.