GB2342856A - Adjustable indicator device - Google Patents

Abstract

An indicator device for attachment to a garment hanger, which device comprises a plurality of rotatable information-bearing elements which are adapted to fit inside a housing so that the information on the elements is selectively displayed upon rotation thereof. The elements may adjusted either by means of a manual winder or a conventional screwdriver. Preferably, the elements are removable so that they can be replaced with other elements having different information thereon.

Description

TITLE Comprehensive sizing device for adjustable and fixed width hangers.

DESCRIPTION Recycling and re-using of garment hangers is becoming more widespread in order to realise cost savings and adhere to EU recycling legislation. Recycling and cost reduction is high on the agenda for multiple retailers who buy several million hangers each year.

In order to make adjustable hangers totally re-usable/recyclable it is necessary to incorporate a device for sizing thus avoiding the requirement to remove sizing labels during the recycling process and to avoid the need to reprint and attach new labels.

There is specific prior art covering automatic sizing devices for hangers. What the prior art fails to provide is a sizing mechanism for hangers that can be adjusted independently of the movement of the arms which can be removed at the point of sale and used on another hanger, if the customer wishes to take the hanger with the garment. The automated sizing devices in existing patents are operated by the movement of the arms and the correct size is displayed according to the width of the arms (a wider span of the arms for the larger sizes).

This sizing method will not be suitable for all garments. For example a garment may be a size 14 however the style could mean that the shoulder width is actually small and really requires the setting that would normally be used for a size 8 to ensure the hanger fits properly across the shoulders.

The other problem with existing sizing devices is that they are all built into the hanger or they are small blocks that clip onto the hook and offer only limited information. Different blocks are required for different sizes so the stock of different blocks is extensive and costly. Although adjustable garment hangers will enable rationalization of the current range of hangers in terms of the number of different widths available, there will still be a requirement for a number of different styles to accommodate outerwear, knitwear, shirts, skirts, trousers etc. To build a sizing device into the various styles of hanger will be more costly for the retailer in the long run than if there was one portable comprehensive generic sizing device that could be attached to the exterior of hangers. This allows for a modular approach that would be more cost effective.

The invention provides for a comprehensive sizing unit that is independent of the movement of the arms that is portable and generic so that it can be used with a range of different style hangers and simply attached as required. It would be attached to the front of the hanger or on the hook so that the overall width of the hanger was not increased which may affect distribution costs. If the sizing cartridge is attached to the hook this means it can be swiveled to improve display when garments are displayed side on. A major benefit is that the sizing cartridge can be remove at the point of sale and returned to clothing manufacturers for re-use if the customer wanted to take the hanger with the garment. It is also possible to change the innards of the cartridge (i. e. the cylinders) and make them bespoke to the retailer. i. e. some retailers display Euro and Canadian sizing and have the requirement to communicated other tactical information. I. e. SALE, REDUCED ITEM. Specific cylinders within the cartridge can be pulled out and locked in the ejected position to communicate such offers. There could be different sizing cartridges for different lines-in this case the cartridge cover could be colour coded to avoid confusion when recycling.

Figures 1 and 2 show how the device would be attached to the front or to the hook of an adjustable hanger or a normal fixed with hanger/skirt hanger. The sizing cartridge would be very thin so that the overall width of the hanger was hardly increased if it was attached to the front, see Fig 6. This is important as distribution costs of garments are very high and the width of the hanger will have a direct impact on these costs. The device would either snap fit, clip or slide onto the main hanger body or clip on the hook, see Fig 1 & 2. It could be swiveled on the hook and locked in a sideways position to improve display. Fig 2. This would involved introducing a notch of the plastic sleeve around the base of the hook for the cartridge to lock into. See Fig 2.1 Figure 3 shows the same device separated from the hanger and with a cylinder ejected and locked for the purpose of promotion.

Fig 4 shows how the cylinders, that fit within the cartridge, can be interchanged to suit the specific requirements of the retailer.

Figures 4.1,4.2, and 4.3 show how the sizing device can be adjusted so that it can be in storE tamper proof requiring a typical screwdriver head to adjust or could have a prominent winder to adjust, without a special tool.

Fig 4.4 shows how the cylinders can be colour coded where there would be different colours for different sections on each cylinder, so that customers can identify their size easily in the store environment.

Fig 5 shows a top down view of the cartridge.

Fig 6 shows a side view of the cartridge attached to the fron of the hanger and the hook.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1. An independent device which attaches to any kind of hanger that displays a combination information such as size, sales messages and branding information.