EP2312974A2

EP2312974A2 - Clamp-type clothes hanger

Info

Publication number: EP2312974A2
Application number: EP09784244A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olivier Verneau
Original assignee: Idey
Current assignee: Idey
Priority date: 2008-07-09
Filing date: 2009-07-02
Publication date: 2011-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-02
Also published as: FR2933589B1; WO2010004129A2; FR2933589A1; WO2010004129A3; US20110180572A1; WO2010004129A8; EP2312974B1; US8424729B2

Abstract

This invention relates to a clothes hanger (1) comprising arms which can be moved apart or moved towards each other and spring means (7) designed, at least partly, to press the arms against each other in order to clamp and hold a garment. It also comprises control means (8) for moving the arms apart, comprising an operating member (10) located on one of the arms and having at least one degree of freedom with respect to this arm so that it can be operated by the hand of the user holding the hanger (1). The invention is applicable to the hanging of garments such as trousers and skirts by clamp action.

Description

CLOSURE HANGER BY PINCH

The present invention relates to a hanger for holding a garment by pinching and provided with control means. The invention applies in particular to the pinch suspension of clothes such as pants or skirts. There are several models of clamp type hanger with two arms for pinching clothes. According to one type of these models, the two arms, for example wooden, are connected by a metal hook serving both as a means of suspension and lever to spread and bring the two arms together. These hangers are often not easy to use. Indeed, the user must both hold the hanger, operate the lever to lock or unlock the arm lock, spread or approach each other arms and position the garment between the two arms. Performing these various operations almost simultaneously is very difficult. Moreover, it is also very difficult to perform these operations using two hands only.

In addition, handling the hanger being complicated, there is a risk that a finger is caught between the two arms during closing. The force generated in the arms is large enough to make this situation very unpleasant for the user. There is therefore a need for a hanger to pinch a garment that is easy to use and has improved security.

One embodiment relates to a clothes hanger hanger comprising: two arms each comprising a pinch branch, the two arms being movable relative to each other between a spaced apart position where the two pinch branches are spaced apart; the other and a pinch position where they are against each other, elastic means for biasing the arms in the pinch position, to generate a clamping force between the pinch arms, capable of providing a holding by pinching a garment, and control means for bringing the arms in the spaced position, against the elastic means, under the effect of a pressure exerted on the control means. According to one embodiment, the control means are movably mounted on a first arm, so that they can be actuated by a pressure exerted by the hand of the user holding the first arm, the elastic means bringing the arms to the pinch position in the absence of pressure exerted on the control means.

According to one embodiment, the nip branches each have an elongated shape comprising a free end located in the nip position near the non-free end of the other nipping leg.

According to one embodiment, the arms each comprise a connecting branch secured to a non-free end of the nipping leg, the connecting branches being pivotally fixed to one another about an axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the arms is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the gripping arms.

According to one embodiment, the ends of the connecting branches attached to one another are shaped to cooperate mutually to form a pivot connection centered on the axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the connecting branch of one of the arms is shaped to act as a gripping area and holding the hanger by the hand of a user. According to one embodiment, the connecting branch of one of the two arms is provided at its end intended to be connected to the connecting arm of the other arm, a cylindrical portion intended to be inserted into the branch. connecting the other arm and cooperating with the actuating member.

According to one embodiment, the actuating member has relative to the first arm at least one degree of freedom in rotation.

According to one embodiment, the actuating member has relative to the first arm at least one degree of freedom in translation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the elastic means comprise a spring having a first end in contact with the first arm and a second end in contact with the second arm to exert on the arms a force tending to bring back and maintain the two arms in the position. pinch.

According to one embodiment, the actuating member comprises an extension intended to cooperate with a contact zone secured to the second arm so that the actuation of the actuating member rotates one of the two arms relative to the other about the axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the actuator comprises a tapered gear part for cooperating with a complementary shaped tapered gear part disposed on the second arm so that the actuation of the actuation causes the second arm to rotate about the axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the actuating member is shaped to allow a reduction of effort between the extension and the bearing zone so that the force exerted on the support zone, necessary to remove the arm, significantly less than the maximum effort that a user can usually provide by bending his thumb.

According to one embodiment, the second arm is shaped to increase the relative travel traveled by the pinch branch of the second arm relative to the stroke traveled by the contact zone.

In one embodiment, the hanger includes an indicator of the number of times the garment has been worn.

Thus, thanks to these provisions, the user can hold the hanger by a hand with which he can also operate the control means that separate the two arms allowing the user to slip his garment between the two arms with the help of his other hand. Once the garment correctly placed between the two arms, the user releases the pressure exerted on the control means. The elastic means then return the two arms in their pinch position where the garment is maintained.

The invention thus greatly facilitates the use of clamp hangers.

The present application also aims to protect in a manner distinct from the hanger defined above, a clothes hanger comprising: a fixed arm comprising a fixed pinching branch, a movable arm comprising a movable pinch branch between a position spaced from the branch of fixed nip and a pinch position against the fixed pinch branch, resilient means for biasing the pinch leg movable into the pinch position, for generating a pinch force between the pinch legs, capable of maintaining pinching of a garment, and control means to exclude the mobile pinch branch of the fixed pinch branch, against the elastic means, under the effect of a pressure exerted on the control means. According to one embodiment, the movable arm and the fixed arm each comprise a connecting branch secured to a non-free end of the nipping leg, the connecting branches being fixed to each other pivotally about an axis of rotation. , the nip having an elongated shape each having a free end located in the nip position near the non-free end of the other nipping leg.

Exemplary embodiments are described below, in a nonlimiting manner in relation to the attached figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hanger according to an embodiment of the invention in pinch position, FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of various elements of the hanger illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a front view of the hanger illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a view according to section AA of the hanger of FIG. FIG. 5 is a view partly in longitudinal section of a portion of the hanger illustrated in FIG. 1, according to a first embodiment, showing control means in a non-actuated position, FIGS. 6 and 7 are views of FIG. the hanger part according to the sections BB and CC of FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a front view partly in longitudinal section of a part of the hanger illustrated in FIG. 1, according to a first embodiment, showing the control means in the actuated position, FIG. 9 is a view along section BB of the hanger portion of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a side view of a shaft at one end of the movable arm, FIG. is a view according to the arrows F of the end of the movable arm of FIG. 10, FIGS. 12 to 14 are views along sections GG, HH and II of the end of the movable arm of FIG. 10, FIG. 15 is a view partly in longitudinal section of a portion of the hanger illustrated in FIG. appearing the control means and the resilient means in a non-actuated position, Figures 16 to 18 are views according to the sections DD, CC and EE of the hanger portion of Figure 15, Figure 19 is a view from above , partially in section of the hanger portion of FIG. 15, FIG. 20 is a view partly in longitudinal section of a portion of the hanger illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the actuating member has been removed. FIGS. 21 and 22 are views according to sections DD and CC of the hanger portion of FIG. 20, FIG. 23 is a view from above of the hanger portion of FIG. 20, FIG. 24 is a view according to the sectional view. DD of the hanger part of Figure 5, Figure 25 is a side view of the hanger in the retracted position, Figures 26 and 27 are views according to the sections DD and CC of the hanger part of Figure 8, in remote position, Fig. 28 is a view of a first embodiment of indicator, Fig. 29 is a view of a second embodiment of indicator, Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the handlebar in remote position. FIG. 31 is a front view partially in longitudinal section of a portion of the hanger illustrated in FIG. 1, according to a second embodiment, showing the control means in a non-actuated position, FIG. 32 is a view according to FIG. JJ section of the hanger of Figure 31, Figure 33 is a front view of Artiellement in longitudinal section of the hanger part shown in Figure 31, showing the control means in an actuated position, Figure 34 is a view in section JJ of the hanger part of Figure 33, Figure 35 is a side view of the shaft of the hanger shown in FIGS. 31 to 34, provided with a conical tooth gear part, Figure 36 is a side view of the actuator member of the hanger shown in Figures 31-35, Figure 37 is a front view of the shaft according to Figure 35, Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view. according to the section KK of Figure 31 according to a variant wherein the resilient means are a leaf spring.

Figure 1 shows a hanger 1 of the type intended to be hanged by a hooking means 2 for example of the hook type. According to one embodiment, the hanger 1 comprises a fixed arm 1b and an arm 1a movable relative to the fixed arm between a spaced apart position and a position where the fixed and movable arms are in mutual contact. This mutual contact defines a pinch position of the hanger. The arm 1a can be rotatable about an axis of rotation X.

In the pinch position, the arms 1a, 1b are able to pinch hold a garment disposed between the fixed and mobile arms. By garment for example means a skirt, pants, Bermuda shorts, towel etc.

The hanger 1 comprises elastic means 7 arranged to hold the movable arm 1a and the fixed arm 1b in mutual support on at least a portion of their respective surface. The resilient means are configured to exert a force on the movable arm so as to firmly press the latter against the fixed arm to allow the maintenance of a fairly heavy garment. When the movable arm 1a is moved away from the fixed arm 1b by opposing the elastic means 7, the previously pinched garment is released and / or another garment can be inserted between the arms. This configuration is designated by the separated position.

According to one embodiment, the arms 1a, 1b each comprise a nipping leg 3, 4 and a connecting leg 5, 6. In general, the nipping legs 3, 4 each have an elongate shape extending in a direction longitudinal direction Y substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X, with a non-free end secured to one of the connecting branches 5, 6 and a free end 3a, 4a. It should be noted that the elongated shape of the nip arms 3, 4 is also substantially parallel to the direction of the movement operated by the user for the introduction or removal of a garment. The pinch branches thus provide a certain guiding of the garment during its introduction to the hanger 1. Each of the connecting branches 5, 6 comprises a radial portion 5a, 6a extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X from the non-free end of a nipping leg 3, 4 to the axis of rotation X, and a longitudinal portion 5b, 6b extending substantially along the axis of rotation X between the radial portion 5a, 6a of the connecting branch and the longitudinal portion of the other branch link. Thus, the hanger 1 has in pinching position a general form of frame.

The movable arm 1a has relative to the fixed arm 1b an angular displacement of between 7 ° and 90 °. In one embodiment, this angular displacement is between 10 ° and 45 °, for example of the order of 15 °. As will be explained later, the hanger 1 may be shaped so as to allow free passage, above the pinch branches 3, 4, of the hand holding a garment during the introduction and withdrawal of the latter between the two pinch branches. Thus, no element of the hanger 1 interferes with the hand during this movement of setting up or withdrawal. Therefore, the minimum distance required between the pinch legs 3, 4 in the remote position is essentially imposed by the maximum thickness of the garment to pinch. The distance between the two pinch branches 3, 4 must therefore be able to reach a value greater than this maximum thickness. The angular displacement of the movable arm must make it possible to reach this distance between the nipping branches 3, 4.

The clamping branches 3, 4 have facing faces intended to come into contact with one another in the absence of clothing arranged between them.

The facing faces of the clamping arms 3, 4 may be provided with protuberances 15 illustrated in FIG. 4. The protuberances 15 are arranged so as to come into contact with one another. Thus, the contact surface between the facing faces of the clamping branches 3, 4 is limited to the contact surface of the protuberances. The protuberances 15 are intended to ensure better support of a garment even in the presence of an extra thickness such as a button or a seam. Indeed, the possible extra thicknesses of the garment can be accommodated in the space between the pinch branches 3, 4 which are held slightly δ spaced apart by the protuberances 15. The protuberances 15 may be made of a material whose coefficient of friction increases the friction between the clamping arms 3, 4 and the garment to ensure a good performance of the latter. For example, the protuberances 15 are made of a polymer-based material. Also provided on at least one of the clamping legs 3, 4 is a recess 31 for receiving a thick seam and disposed substantially in the middle of the nipping leg. The recess 31 makes it possible to maintain a homogeneous support between the clamping branches 3, 4. In FIG. 4, the hanger 1 has two recesses 31, 31 'facing each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile pinching leg 3 extends so that its free end 3a reaches practically as far as the radial portion 6a of the fixed link branch 6. The non-free end of the pinch leg mobile 3 is secured to one end of the movable connecting branch 5 on the side of the radial portion 5a. Similarly, the fixed pinch branch 4 extends so that its free end 4a reaches substantially to the radial portion 5a of the movable connecting leg 5. The non-free end of the fixed pinch branch 4 is secured. one end of the fixed link branch 6 on the side of the radial portion 6a. The two other ends 21, 22 of the connecting branches 5, 6 on the side of the longitudinal parts 5b, 6b cooperate to form a pivot connection allowing the movable pinching leg 3 to move away from the fixed pinch branch 4.

This arrangement makes it easier to use the hanger 1 because the user can slide the garment between the two pinching branches 3, 4 in an opening 23 obtained when the hanger is in the separated position, by a movement substantially parallel to the direction Longitudinal without being hindered by elements of the hanger 1. The location of this opening 23 appears in Figure 30 which shows the hanger 1 in the separated position.

It should be noted that the hanger has in the spaced apart position another opening 23 'formed between the end 3a of the nipping leg 3 and the radial branch 6a of the connecting branch 6, the opening 23 being usable by the right-handers and the opening 23 'by the left-handed. The radial portions 5a, 6a of the connecting legs 5, 6 are represented as forming a substantially right angle with the nipper branches 3, 4. Thus, the hanger 1 shown in the figures has the shape of a substantially rectangular frame, when he is in a pinch position. It may be envisaged that the radial part 5a, 6a of the connecting branches 5, 6 forms an acute angle or an arc of a circle with the nipper branches 3, 4. A hanger 1 of trapezoidal or elliptical shape can thus be envisaged.

The longitudinal portions 5b, 6b of the connecting branches 5, 6 which define the axis of rotation X of the movable arm 1a are substantially parallel to the clamping branches 3, 4. This facilitates the assembly of the arms 1a, 1b by the branches linkage 5, 6.

The connecting branch 6 of the fixed arm 1b may be shaped to act as a gripping area of the hanger by the hand of the user. In particular, the radial portion 6a of the connecting branch 6 may have a length sufficient to accommodate the hand of the user and ensure good grip of the hanger 1 during its handling. The length of the radial portion 5a, 6a of the connecting branches 5, 6 also conditions the width of the opening 23, 23 'by which a garment can be introduced and removed from the hanger 1.

Each of the arms 1a, 1b may be formed of a single piece. Nevertheless, it can be envisaged that each connecting branch 5, 6 is attached to one of the pinch branches 3, 4.

The movable arm 1a is remote from the fixed arm 1b by control means 8 arranged at least partly on the fixed arm. The control means 8 comprise an actuating member 10 fixed on the fixed arm, so as to allow at least one degree of freedom with respect to the fixed arm.

This degree of freedom can be a degree of freedom in rotation. Thus, the rotation of the actuating member 10 may be performed around an axis of rotation 11 substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X of the movable arm 1a.

According to another possibility, the actuating member 10 may admit a degree of freedom in translation or in rotation along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X. It is thus possible in particular to provide that the actuating member 10 rotates. around the axis of rotation X. The actuating member 10 comprises a bearing zone 9 forming for example a button, on which the user exerts a pressure to actuate the actuating member 10. The provision of the actuating member 10 on the hanger allows the user to operate it with the hand holding the hanger 1 at the same time.

This arrangement allows the user to actuate the control means 8 with the thumb of the hand which holds with its other fingers and palm the radial portion 6a of the fixed link branch 6. Thus, the arrangement of the connecting branch 6 of the fixed arm and control means allows the user with the same hand to hold the hanger by the fixed link branch 6 and actuate the control means 8. The use of the hanger 1 according to the invention is therefore particularly simple and intuitive.

Figures 5 to 9 and 24 to 27 illustrate the actuation of the control means 8 and the spacing of the hanger 1. In the connection zone of the longitudinal portions 5b, 6b of the two connecting branches 5, 6, the longitudinal portion 5b comprises an end 21 having a shape substantially complementary to that of the end 22 of the longitudinal portion 6b. The end 21 forms for example a rotation shaft 12 intended to be inserted into the end 22 of the fixed link branch 6. For this purpose, the end 22 of the branch 6 is shaped to form a sleeve around the 12, and thus act as a bearing to maintain and guide the shaft in rotation about the axis of rotation X.

The actuating member 10 is disposed in a housing 20 of the fixed link branch 6. The hanger 1 is arranged so that the bearing zone 9 of the actuating member 10 protrudes outside the fixed arm 1b . Thus, the user freely accesses the support zone 9.

The actuating member 10 and the fixed arm 1b comprise mechanical coupling means forming a pivot connection of the actuating member 10 in the housing 20. The coupling means may comprise lateral protuberances intended to be housed in a receiving part 24. The receiving part 24 may be attached to the housing 20 or formed in the housing 20. The lateral protuberances may be rounded to act as an axis of rotation 11 of the actuating member 10. The reception room 24 then presents a complementary concave rounded shape of the protuberances, to receive the lateral protuberances and thus act as a bearing centered on the axis of rotation 11 of the actuating member 10.

The actuating member 10 and the shaft 12 also comprise mechanical coupling means arranged so that a pressure exerted on the actuating member 10 rotates the movable arm 1a relative to the fixed arm 1b towards the position spaced, against elastic means 7, and a release of the actuator tends to rotate the shaft 12 in the opposite direction to the pinch position of the arms 1a, 1b, under the effect of the means elastic.

The coupling means between the actuating member 10 and the shaft 12 comprise for example an extension 13 of the actuating member 10 extending beyond the axis of rotation 11 at an end opposite to the support zone 9, which cooperates with a contact zone 14 integral with the movable arm 1a. The extension 13 comprises for example a finger 13 which may have a substantially parallelepiped shape. The contact zone 14 may be formed on the shaft 12 and have an arcuate profile extending a portion of the shaft 12.

Thus when the user actuates the actuating member 10, the finger 13 moves in the plane of the hanger 1 parallel to the axis of rotation X and in a direction substantially perpendicular to this axis, and exerts on the contact zone 14 a force having at least one component in this plane. This force thus generates a torque tending to rotate the movable arm 1a about the axis of rotation X. The cooperation of the fixed arms 1b and mobile 1a in the longitudinal portions 5b, 6b of the connecting arms 5, 6 thus allows to transforming the rotational movement of the actuating member 10 about the axis 11 in a rotational movement of the movable arm 1a about the axis X.

When the user releases the actuating member 10, the elastic means 7 tend to turn the shaft 12 in the opposite direction to the pinch position. At the same time, the shaft 12 generates a thrust of the contact zone 14 on the finger 13 so as to cause a rotation of the control member 10 to its rest position.

According to a variant represented in FIGS. 31 to 37, the actuating member 10 comprises at its end opposite to the support zone 9 an extension beyond the axis of rotation 11 having a bevel gear portion 32. The bevel gear portion 32 is disposed on the extension 13 to engage a bevel gear portion 33 of complementary shape arranged on the movable arm 1a. The gear part 33 can be formed on the shaft 12. According to this variant, the gear parts 32, 33 cooperate in the same manner as described above for the finger 13 and the contact zone 14.

The use of bevel gear parts 32, 33 distributes the actuating forces on the surface of the different teeth of the gear part, for example three in number on the actuating member 10. Thus, the stresses exerted between the different parts of the hanger are limited. The robustness of the hanger 1 is improved.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuating member 10 is mounted in translation on the fixed arm 1b in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X. The actuating member 10 and the movable arm 1a can then be mechanically coupled by a cam-shaped profile and a contact finger, which are arranged to cooperate so that a translation of the actuating member towards the end 22 of the fixed link branch 6 causes a sliding relative finger on the cam-shaped profile which causes a rotation of the shaft 12 about its axis of rotation X.

When the user releases the actuating member, the elastic means 7 tend to turn the shaft 12 in opposite direction until reaching a position in which the hanger is in its pinch position. At the same time the shaft 12 causes a relative sliding of the finger on the cam-shaped profile, causing a translation of the control member to its rest position.

Thus, the cooperation of the fixed arms 1b and mobile 1a in the connection zone between the two arms makes it possible to transform the translational movement of the actuating member into a rotational movement of the movable arm about the axis X.

According to one embodiment, shown in Figure 38, the resilient means comprises a leaf spring 34. The leaf spring 34 is disposed in a housing provided between the shaft 12 of the movable arm 1a and the fixed arm 1b. The shaft 12 is truncated in its central part on a sector about 180 ° and a length substantially equivalent to the width of the leaf spring 34.

The leaf spring 34 is placed in the truncated portion of the shaft 12. Then the shaft 12 is inserted into the end 22 of the fixed link branch 6, as shown in FIG. 38. The leaf spring 34 can be arranged in the shape of a V, one end of which comes into contact with an inner face of the end 22 surrounding the shaft 12, and of which another end 36 comes into contact with a wall of the truncated part of the shaft 12. The end 35 is in contact with the fixed arm 1b and the end 36 is in contact with the movable arm 1a. As a result, the spring 34 exerts on the movable arm a force tending to bring back and maintain in support the movable arm on the fixed arm.

It can be provided that the leaf spring 34 is provided with anti-return means for example harpoon type. Thus, once the shaft 12 provided with the leaf spring 34 is inserted into the end 22, the reverse movement of withdrawal of the shaft 12 out of the end 22 is impossible because of the presence of the non-return means . The hanger is therefore indémontable. This indémontable character ensures a certain security vis-à-vis the user. Indeed, the spring 34 having a significant stiffness, inadvertent disassembly could hurt the user. According to a second embodiment, the elastic means comprise a torsion spring 7, for example of helical type. The spring 7 is inserted at one end into an axial housing provided in the shaft 12. The end 25 slides along a slot 27 extending longitudinally in the wall of the shaft 12. The slot 27 opens, at a certain depth in the housing of the shaft 12, in a locking housing 28.

The shaft 12 provided with the spring 7, is inserted in the end 22 of the fixed link branch 6. The end 22 comprises on its inner wall intended to be in contact with the end of the shaft 12 a relief forming stop 29 extending longitudinally from the end 22. The spring 7 comprises another end 26 arranged to bear on this stop 29. The spring 7 is constrained by the stop 29 during its insertion into the fixed arm 1b. At a certain depth in the end 22 of the connecting branch 6, the positioning stop 29 stops to give way to another relief forming a rotational locking abutment 30 for the spring.

The locking abutment 30 is arranged so that the torsional stress it exerts on the spring 7 is less than that exerted by the positioning abutment 29. The relative angular position between the wall forming the locking housing 28 and the locking stop 29 keeps the spring 7 in a state constrained in torsion. This constraint generates, even in the pinching position, a torque between the movable arms 1a and fixed 1b. This torque is sufficient to exert a clamping force of the movable arm 1a on the fixed arm 1b, allowing the holding by pinching of the garment.

The positioning abutment 29 and the locking abutment 30 may also have walls forming a stop in longitudinal translation for the spring 7. The positioning abutment 29 may be arranged so that once the end 26 of the spring bears against the lock stop 30 it opposes the sliding of the second end 26 of the spring 7 towards the end 22 of the fixed link branch 6. The spring 7 can not be extracted from the fixed link branch 6. Similarly, the slot 27 and the locking housing 28 can also be configured to oppose the sliding of the first end 25 of the spring 7 towards the end 21 of the movable arm 1a. Thus, the spring 7 can no longer be extracted from the movable link branch 5. This arrangement makes it possible to prevent any withdrawal of the spring 7 once the end 25 is in the locking housing 28 and the end 26 is resting against the locking stop 30.

Thus, the hanger is unmountable. As in the embodiment with the spring 34, previously described, this indémontable character ensures a certain security vis-à-vis the user.

The description below describes an embodiment comprising a torsion spring, and involving the finger 13 cooperating with the contact zone 14. This description applies equally well to embodiments in which the torsion spring 7 is replaced by another type of spring such as a leaf spring, and / or in which another mechanical coupling between the actuating member 10 and the shaft 12, such as the bevel gear parts 32, 33 replaces the finger torque 13, contact zone 14.

The pinching force exerted by the movable nipping leg 3 on the fixed nipping leg 4 must be large enough to ensure a reliable hold of even heavy clothing. This force is generated by the torque exerted by the spring 7, 34 on the movable arm. Therefore, the torque exerted by the spring must be relatively large.

In addition, the force exerted by the finger 13 on the contact zone 14, or by the gear part 32 on the gear part 33, to rotate the movable arm about the axis of rotation X must overcome the torque generated by the spring 7, 34. The force exerted by the finger 13 or the gear part 32 must therefore be equally important.

Therefore, so that the user can easily actuate the spacing of the hanger, it is necessary to multiply the force that it must exert on the bearing zone 9 relative to the force that the finger 13 or the gear part 32 must exert on the contact zone 14 or the gear portion 33. It is generally considered that the maximum force that a person can easily exert with his thumb is of the order of 15

Newton. For this purpose, it is expected that the distance between the axis of rotation 11 of the actuating member 10 and the finger 13 or the gear portion 32 is significantly less than the distance between the same axis of rotation 11 and the support zone 9. In the remainder of the description, reference is made to:

D1: the distance between the axis of rotation X and the movable nip 3 and fixed branches 4, d1: the distance between the axis of rotation X and the contact zone 14 or the gear part 33,

D2: the distance between the axis of rotation 11 of the actuating member 10 and the bearing zone 9, d2: the distance between the axis of rotation 11 of the actuating member 10 and the finger 13 or the gear part 32,

Finishing: the minimum force that the movable pinch leg 3 must exert on the fixed pinch branch 4 to ensure a reliable hold of the garment,

User: the minimum force that the user must exert on the support zone 9 to move the movable arm away from the fixed arm. The movable arm 1a is shaped to allow a reduction of the stroke traveled by the movable pinch leg 3 relative to the travel traveled by the contact zone 14 or the gear portion 33. For this purpose, the ratio D1 / d1 is chosen so that the movable nipping leg 3 moves away significantly from the fixed nipping leg 4, while the contact zone 14 or the gear part 33 makes a relatively limited displacement. This ratio is chosen so that the opening 23, 23 'formed between the movable nipping legs 3 and fixed 4 allows the passage of a garment. It can be provided that the opening has a dimension of about 30 millimeters, this dimension corresponding to the distance between the movable nipping leg 3 and fixed 4 in the separated position.

In the illustrated example, the distance d1 is approximately equal to 7 millimeters. The choice of the distance D1 results from a compromise between several parameters. In particular, the distance D1 corresponds to the length of the radial portion 5a, 6a of the connecting branches 5, 6. Or the radial portion 6a defines the gripping zone of the hanger 1. The radial portion 6a can thus have dimensions able to accommodate the user's hand. In addition, for a given angular spacing of the movable arm 1a with respect to the fixed arm 1b, the distance D1 defines the distance between the fixed and movable pinch branches 4. The greater the distance D1, the easier it is to introduce a garment between the arms 1a, 1b. The distance D1 thus defines the size of the openings 23, 23 'by which the user introduces and removes a garment from the hanger 1. Moreover, the distance D1 conditions the force exerted by the movable arm 1a on the fixed arm 1b for a given torque generated by the spring 7, 34.

The distance D1 can be chosen between 75 and 150 millimeters. In addition, the distance d1 is chosen so as to limit the size of the pivot connection. The ratio of D1 / d1 can be between 5 and 30.

The actuating member 10 is shaped to allow a reduction of the force exerted between the finger 13 and the contact zone 14 or between the gear parts 32, 33. For this purpose, the ratio D2 / d2 allows the user to generate a significant effort on the finger 13 or the gear part 32 exerting a relatively small force on the support zone 9. In particular, this ratio is determined so that the force exerted on the support zone 9 is significantly less than the maximum effort that can generally produce a user by flexing his thumb. The ratio D2 / d2 is further chosen so that the force available on the finger 13 or on the gear part 32 is sufficient to oppose the spring 7, 34.

The ratio D2 / d2 can be between 5 and 15. In the illustrated example, the distance d2 is approximately equal to 10 millimeters. The distance D2 results from a compromise between the size of the control means 8, the reduction of the effort which makes it easier for the user to open the hanger 1 and the adequate travel of the support zone 9 for facilitate the actuation of the control means 8. In addition, the distance d2 can be chosen to limit the size of the pivot connection.

In the illustrated example, D2 is chosen equal to about 100 millimeters. The displacement of the actuating member 10, which can be actuated by the thumb of the user is for example of the order of 20 millimeters. In this case, the ratio of D2 / d2 is equal to 10, which makes it possible to obtain a force generated on the finger 13 or on the gear part 32 which is ten times greater than the force generated by the thumb on the support zone 9.

When the user wishes to hang a garment, he grasps the hanger with one hand by placing it on the radial portion 6a of the fixed link branch 6. The thumb of the hand is then close to the support zone 9 of the actuating member 10. The user then actuates the actuating member 10 by pressing the thumb of this hand on the support zone 9. A displacement of the support zone 9 causes a vertical displacement the finger 13 or the gear part 32, which causes the contact zone 14 or the gear part 33 to rotate about the axis of rotation X. The movable pinching branch 3 is thus separated from the branch fixed pinch 4. The user can, with his other hand insert his garment through one of the openings 23, 23 'formed between the fixed and movable pinch branches. The garment can be inserted between the two gripping arms 3, 4 in a movement substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the gripping arms. Since the length of the radial portions 5a, 6a defines the size of the openings 23, 23 'allowing the passage of the garment held by this hand, and beyond the opening 23, 23', the hand of the user does not meet no obstacle until one opposite end of the hanger, the amplitude of this movement may be substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the hanger 1. The hand can indeed cross the hanger 1 from one side to the other without interfering with any of its parts. Once the garment is properly placed between the pinch legs 3, 4, the user releases the pressure exerted on the bearing zone 9. The spring 7, 34 returns to the initial position the shaft 12 and therefore the movable arm 1a in his pinching position. The garment is then pinched between the two pinching branches 3, 4. The reverse operations are to achieve to release a garment pinch of the hanger. The invention thus makes it possible to set up a garment on the hanger

1 and remove it by performing particularly simple operations: grasping the hanger 1 with one hand, actuating the control means 8 with a finger of this hand without requiring movement of the latter, translational movement of the other hand to position the garment through the opening 23, 23 'defined between the two nipping legs 3, 4, and then releasing the control means 8.

For example, the hanger 1 according to one embodiment is made of plastic. The number of elements constituting the hanger is limited. In the illustrated example, it comprises four different rooms. This arrangement of the hanger 1 allows a particularly easy and fast assembly, which reduces assembly costs.

According to the invention, the various elements of the hanger 1 are mutually interlocked so that the cohesion of the hanger 1 does not require screws or other attached fasteners. The different elements of the hanger 1 can be shaped so that once assembled, they are unmountable.

The hanger may include an indicator of the number of times the garment has been worn. This indicator will be useful to the user, to give him an indication of the state of cleanliness and the need for washing the garment.

As represented in FIG. 28, a wheel 16 provided with numerals, for example from 0 to 9, is inserted at least partially into a slot provided on a part of the hanger, such as the fixed link branch 6 or close to the means 2. A window 17 makes it possible to display the figure carried by the wheel 16. According to another possibility represented in FIG. 29, digits, for example from 0 to 9, are inscribed on a part of the hanger forming a strip 19. By way of example, the strip 19 is arranged on the same part of the hanger 1 than those provided in the previous embodiment. A slider 18 comprising for example a window 17, or a pointer is movable along the slider 19 to indicate the relevant figure.

The invention makes it possible to considerably improve the ease of use of the clip hangers. Moreover, the hanger according to the invention offers great ease of assembly and has a limited cost of production. In addition it is very robust and offers great security of use.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of various embodiments. In particular, the invention is not limited to the frame-shaped hanger previously described. Indeed, it can be envisaged a hanger having two arms each having a free end, the free ends of the two arms being disposed close to each other in the pinch position.

The invention is also not limited to two arms articulated to each other. Indeed, it may be provided to fix the two arms to one another so that they are movable in translation relative to each other. It can also be provided that the axis of rotation of the two arms is not necessarily parallel to the longitudinal axis of the clamping arms 3, 4. Indeed, the longitudinal branches of the connecting branches can meet along an axis forming a angle with the longitudinal axis of the gripping arms, so that one of the two openings 23, 23 'is wider than the other.

It can also be provided that the pivot axis of the movable arm is off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis of the end of the fixed link branch, so that the pivot connection between the two arms is not necessarily formed. in the end of the fixed arm. Moreover, in the foregoing description, the terms "fixed" and

"mobile" were used only to facilitate the understanding of the description. It goes without saying that since the hanger is an object intended to be held in the hand by the user, these two terms should be understood only in a relative sense, one with respect to the other. Thus, the so-called "mobile" arm may be intended to be held in the hand, the actuating means then being arranged on this arm, while the so-called "fixed" arm deviates from the said arm "mobile" under the effect of the actuating means.

REFERENCES

1. Hanger 16. Wheel

1a. Moving arm 17. Window 1b. Fixed arm 18. Slider

2. Fastening means 19. Ruler

3. Mobile pinching branch 20. Housing 3a. Free end of the branch 21. End of the mobile pinch branch mobile link

4. Fixed pinch branch 22. Branch end of 4a. Free end of fixed fixed pinch branch 23. Opening

5. Mobile link branch 23 '. Opening

5a. Radial part of the branch of 24. Mobile link receiving part 25. End of the arm side spring 5b. Longitudinal part of the movable mobile connecting branch 26. End of the arm-side spring

6. Fixed fixed link branch

6a. Radial part of the branch of 27. Fixed link receiving slot 28. Locking housing 6b. Longitudinal part of the 29. Positioning stop fixed link branch 30. Locking stop

7. Elastic means 31. Obviously

8. Means of control 32. Tooth gear part

9. Conical bearing area

10. Actuating member 33. Tooth gear part

11. Axis of rotation of the conical actuating member 34. Leaf spring

12. Shaft 35. Leaf spring end

13. Finger of the member 36. Spring end with actuating blade X. Axis of rotation of the movable arm

14. Contact zone Y. Longitudinal axis of the branches

15. Pinch protrusion

Claims

Clothes hanger (1) comprising: two arms (1a, 1b) each comprising a pinch leg (3, 4), the two arms being movable relative to one another between a spaced position where the two pinch branches are spaced from each other and a pinch position where they are against each other, elastic means (7, 34) for biasing the arms in the pinch position, to generate a force pinching between the pinch branches, capable of maintaining a gripping of a garment, and control means (8) for bringing the arms into the spaced position, against the elastic means, under the effect of a pressure exerted on the control means, characterized in that the control means (8) are movably mounted on a first arm (1a, 1b), in order to be actuated by pressure exerted by the hand of the user now the first arm, the elastic means (7, 34) bringing the arms towards the pinch position in the absence of pressure exerted on the control means.

2. Hanger according to claim 1, wherein the gripping arms (3, 4) each have an elongated shape comprising a free end (3a, 4a) located in the nip position near the non-free end of the other pinch branch.

3. Hanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arms each comprise a connecting leg (5, 6) integral with a non-free end of the clamping leg (3, 4), the connecting branches being secured between they pivotably about an axis of rotation (X).

4. Hanger according to claim 3, wherein the axis of rotation (X) of the arms (1a, 1b) is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (Y) of the gripping arms (3, 4).

Hanger according to claim 3 or 4, in which the ends (21, 22) of the connecting limbs (5, 6) attached to each other are shaped to mutually cooperate to form a pivot connection centered on the axis of rotation (X).

6. Hanger according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the connecting leg (6) of one of the arms (1a, 1b) is shaped to act as a gripping area and holding the hanger by the hand of a user.

7. Hanger according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the connecting leg (5) of one of the two arms (1a, 1b) is provided at its end (21) intended to be connected to the branch of connection (6) of the other arm, a portion (12) for insertion into the connecting arm of the other arm and cooperating with the actuating member (10).

8. Hanger according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuating member (10) has relative to the first arm (1b) at least one degree of freedom in rotation.

9. Hanger according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuating member (10) has relative to the first arm (1b) at least one degree of freedom in translation in a direction a substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (X).

10. Hanger according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the resilient means comprises a spring (7, 34) having a first end (26 or 35) in contact with the first arm (1b) and a second end (25). or 36) in contact with the second arm (1a) to exert on the arms a force tending to bring back and maintain the two arms in the pinch position.

11. Hanger according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the actuating member (10) comprises an extension (13, 32) for cooperating with a contact zone (14, 33) integral with the second arm ( 1a) so that the actuation of the actuating member (10) rotates one of the two arms (1a, 1b) relative to the other about the axis of rotation (X).

Hanger according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the actuating member (10) comprises a conical toothed gear part (32) for cooperating with a bevel gear part (33). of complementary shape disposed on the second arm (1a) so that the actuation of the actuating member (10) drives the second arm in rotation about the axis of rotation (X).

13. Hanger according to one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the actuating member (10) is shaped to allow a reduction of effort between the extension (13, 32) and the bearing zone (9). in such a way that the force exerted on the support zone (9), necessary to spread the arms (1a, 1b), is significantly less than the maximum effort that a user can generally ensure by bending his thumb .

14. Hanger according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second arm (1a) is shaped to increase the relative stroke traveled by the pinch branch (3) of the second arm relative to the course of travel by the zone of contact (14, 33).

15. Hanger according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising an indicator of the number of times the garment has been worn.