GB2409807A

GB2409807A - Footwear hanger able to support footwear in two different orientations

Info

Publication number: GB2409807A
Application number: GB0400385A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michelle Williams
Original assignee: Mainetti UK Ltd
Current assignee: Mainetti UK Ltd
Priority date: 2004-01-09
Filing date: 2004-01-09
Publication date: 2005-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2024-01-09
Also published as: GB0400385D0; GB2409807B

Abstract

A footwear hanger 200 comprises a hanger suspension device 202 and at least one footwear support 208, having at least one first footwear engaging portion 210 adapted to receive an item of footwear in a first orientation (e.g. with its toe pointing upwards) (Fig. 21) and at least one second footwear engaging portion 212 adapted to receive an item of footwear in a second orientation (e.g. with its toe pointing downwards) (Fig. 25). The hanger may include a hinge (114, Fig. 17) which allows the footwear support to move from a first to a second position.

Description

-1- 2409307

FOOTWEAR HANGER

The present invention relates to a footwear hanger, and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a hanger for displaying shoes in a retail outlet.

The use of hangers for displaying footwear in retail outlets is known and they can be divided into two categories.

Firstly there are those in which shoes or the like are orientated such that the toes point upwards, a so called "toes- up" hanger, and there are those in which the shoes are orientated such that the toes point downwards, a so called "toes-down" hanger.

Examples of toes-up hangers are shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, and Figures 4, 5 and 6 show the hanger of Figure 2 in use.

The toes-up hanger 10 has a hook 12 and label area 14. A body portion 16 extends downwards from label area 14 and footwear supports 18 extend back upwards on either side of body portion 16. A small space is left between body portion 16 and the footwear supports 18. In the example shown in Figure 3, the body portion 16 extends behind the plane of footwear supports 18 and the hook 12 and label area 14. This so-called crankedbody portion provides more room for the shoes to be fitted onto footwear supports 18 and provides a better presentation without the body portion 16 being visible when viewed from the front.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, shoes 20 are located on to hanger by sliding them over footwear supports 18 which engage an internal portion of the shoe 20.

Alternatively, the shoes may be hung in a toes-down orientation. Hangers of the type which provide this shoe orientation are shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9 and are shown in use in Figures 10, 11 and 12. Referring to figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 which show the hanger of Figure 9 in use, the hanger 50 has a hook 52 and label area 54. In use the hook 52 and label area 54 are pivoted through 90 about first hinge 56 such that they are perpendicular to the front face 58 of body portion 60.

At the same time clips 62 are also pivoted through 90 about second hinges 64 so that the hanger is in its working position as shown in Figure 14. Once in this position, shoes 64 can be slipped onto clips 62 and the hanger suspended by hook 52. The hanger shown in Figures 9 and 13 to 16 is of the type described in our previous UK Patent GB2355181, the content of which is entirely included herewith by reference.

Hangers of these types suffer from the disadvantage that they are only able to hang shoes in a single orientation. A method of distribution of shoes after manufacture provides them to the retailer already hung on a hanger. In this situation it is the manufacturer who determines whether the shoes will be hung in a toes-up or toes-down orientation. If the retailer selling the shoes prefers the alternative orientation, for example if all the other shoes supplied by other manufacturers are hung on hangers of the other orientation, they must purchase different hangers and transfer all of the shoes to the new hangers. Furthermore, the hanger manufacturer must produce and stock two types of hanger requiring two sets of moulds and additional storage space.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome disadvantages of existing hangers.

According to the present invention, there is provided a footwear hanger comprising: at least one hanger suspension device for suspending the hanger from a support; and at least one footwear support adapted to be supported by at least one said suspension device wherein at least one said footwear support comprises at least one first footwear engaging portion adapted to receive an item of footwear in a first orientation relative to said suspension device and at least one second footwear engaging portion adapted to receive at least one item of footwear in a second orientation relative to said suspension device.

By providing a footwear hanger on which footwear may be hung in both a toes-up orientation and a toes-down orientation by using different portions of a footwear support, the advantage is provided that a single hanger can be used to provide a retailer with the option of hanging the footwear in either orientation without the need for changing from one type of hanger to another. This provides the retailer with a greater variety of display options without the additional cost of purchasing extra hangers. Furthermore, the hanger manufacturer is provided with the advantage that a single product will cover both orientation preferences, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. This is also likely to encourage footwear manufacturers to use such hangers since whichever orientation preference the retailer has, they are supplying a hanger that will be suitable.

At least one hanger suspension device may comprise at least one hook.

In a preferred embodiment at least one said footwear support is adapted to be located in a first position relative to the or each said suspension device when said footwear item is in said first orientation, and in a second position relative to the or each said suspension device when said footwear item is in said second orientation.

By providing the hanger with a footwear support that is adapted to be located in a first position for use with footwear in a first orientation and in a second position for use with footwear in a second orientation, the advantage is provided that the position of the footwear support may be adjusted so as to provide the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement of the footwear irrespective of the orientation chosen. It is most aesthetically pleasing for the uppermost portion of the footwear to end close to a label area which is generally provided just below the hook of the hanger. Thus by moving the position of the footwear support, the footwear itself can be located in an ideal position, relative to the hook, irrespective of the orientation. Thus the hanger of the present invention does not have a disadvantage that although in one orientation it is as good as one of the single orientation hangers, in another orientation the display is not as

aesthetically pleasing as that of the prior art.

The hanger may further comprise at least one body portion extending in use substantially downwards from at least one said suspension device.

The hanger may also further comprise at least one hinge adapted to allow at least one said footwear support to move from said first position to said second position.

In a preferred embodiment at least one said hinge is located in at least one said body portion.

By providing a hinge, and in particular a hinge in the body portion of the hanger, the advantage is provided that the repositioning of the footwear support, between one position and another, is easily achieved without the need for separating parts of the device and reattaching them. Furthermore, in a particular embodiment it is possible to change the hanger from a toes-up to a toes-down orientation by simply folding the hinge in the body without the need to remove the shoes from the footwear supports. This provides the most ready rearrangement of the orientation.

In a preferred embodiment at least one said footwear support is connected to said body portion via at least one further hinge adapted to pivot the or each footwear support relative to at least one said body portion.

The hanger may further comprise at least one sliding portion receiver adapted to slidably receive at least one sliding portion.

At least one said body portion may further comprise at least one sliding portion adapted to be slidably received in at least one said sliding portion receiver.

At least one said first footwear engaging portion may further comprise at least one clip adapted engage internal and external surfaces of a heel portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said first orientation.

In a preferred embodiment at least one external edge of at least one said clip is adapted to engage internal surfaces of a toes portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said second orientation.

In another preferred embodiment at least one said first footwear engaging portion comprises a heel engaging portion adapted to engage at least one internal surface adjacent a heel portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said first orientation.

In a further preferred embodiment at least one said second footwear engaging portion comprises a toes engaging portion adapted to engage at least one internal surface adjacent a toes portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said second orientation.

Preferably in said first orientation the toes-end of the footwear point in a substantially downward direction and in said second orientation the toes-end of the footwear points in a substantially upward direction.

The hanger may be at least partially formed from plastics material and said plastics material comprises polypropylene.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toes-up hanger of the

prior art;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of another toes-up hanger

of the prior art;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a further toes-up

hanger of the prior art;

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are front views of the hanger of Figure 2 in use; Figure 7 is a front view of a toes-down hanger of the

prior art;

Figure 8 is a front view of a toes-down hanger of the

prior art;

Figure 9 is a front view of a toes-down hanger of the

prior art;

Figure 10 is a partial side view of the hanger of Figure 7 in use; Figure 11 is a partial side view of the hanger of Figure 8 in use; Figure 12 is a partial side view of the hanger of Figure 9 in use; Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 are perspective views of the hanger of Figure 9 in use; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figures 20 and 21 are front views of the hanger of Figure 18 in use in a first position; Figures 22 and 23 are perspective views of the hanger of Figure 18 moving from a first position to a second position; Figures 24 and 25 are perspective views of the hanger of Figure 18 in use in a second position; Figures 26 and 27 are perspective views of a hinge used in the hangers of the present invention; Figure 28 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a first position; Figure 29 is a perspective view of the hanger of Figure 28 in a second position; Figure 30 is a perspective view of the two parts of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 31 - 33 are side and front views of the hanger of Figure 30 in use in a first position; Figure 34 is a perspective view of the hanger of Figure moving from a first position to a second position; Figure 35 is a perspective view of the hanger of Figure in a second position; Figures 36 and 37 are front views of the hanger of Figure in use in a second position; Figure 38 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention in a first position; Figure 39 is a front view of the hanger of Figure 38 in use in a first position; Figure 40 is a perspective view of the hanger of Figure 38 moving from a first position to a second position; and Figures 41 and 42 are front views of the hanger of Figure 38 in use in a second position.

Referring to Figure 17, a hanger 100 has a suspension device or hook 102 and a label area 104 upon which an adhesive label containing information about the footwear may be displayed. There is also a body portion 106 and footwear supports 108. Each footwear support 108 has a first footwear engaging portion 110 which is adapted to receive an item of footwear in a first orientation relative to the suspension device. In these examples, the first orientation the toes ends of the footwear point in an upward direction when the device is suspended from hook 102. The footwear support 108 also has a second footwear engaging portion in the form of a clip 112 which is adapted to receive the item of footwear in a second orientation, that is toes end downwards. Body 106 is provided with a first hinge 114 which divides the body into upper body portion 106a and lower body portion 106b. Second hinges 116 connect clips 112 to a U- shaped portion 118 which extends from one end of body 106.

Referring to Figure 18, in which parts common with those of Figure 17 are denoted with like reference numerals increased by 100, the hanger 200 of Figure 18 is substantially the same as that of Figure 17 except in two respects. Firstly, the body portion 206 is substantially C-shaped when viewed from the left hand side. This is known as a "cranked" body portion and provides a more aesthetically pleasing display because the shoes hung on the hanger are able to touch each other without obstruction from the body portion. This also decreases the likelihood of damage to the shoes from abrasion against the body portion. Secondly, the second footwear engaging portions of footwear supports 208, clips 212, are of the type described in our earlier UK Patent GB2355181, as shown in Figure 9.

Referring to Figures 18, 20 and 21, hanger 200 in use in a first position, that is adapted to receive footwear 220 in a first orientation, is positioned as shown in Figure 18.

Footwear supports 208 are positioned so that first footwear engaging portions 210 are able to receive footwear 220 in the first orientation. Shoes 220 are arranged in the toes-upward position and slid over footwear supports 108 such that first footwear engaging portions 110, and specifically surfaces 110a and 110b, only partially engage internal surfaces of the item of footwear 220. Once footwear 220 is located on hanger 200, as shown in Figure 21, it can be suspended by hook 202.

Referring to Figures 22 and 23 in which the hanger 200 is changing from the first position, shown in Figure 18, in which the shoes can be hung in a first orientation with toe ends pointing upwards to a second position, shown in Figure 23, in which the shoes can be hung in a second orientation with the toe ends pointing downwards. In moving from the first position to the second position the hinge 214 is bent through 90 such that the label area 204 is located adjacent the new shaped portion 218. Hinges 216 are also bent through 90 such that footwear supports 208 hang downwards from the U-shaped section 218.

Referring to Figures 24 and 25, in use hanger 200 has shoes 220 attached to it by footwear supports 208. The second footwear supporting portions 212 are clips which are formed from supporting surfaces 212a and 212b. Footwear item 220 is slid between surfaces 212a and 212b and retained thereby the resilient force of the clip including clip extension portion 222. Once both shoes 220 are located on hanger 200, as shown in Figure 25, the hanger 200 is ready to be suspended by hook 202.

Referring to Figures 26 and 27, hinge 114 divides body portion 106 into body portions 106a and 106b. Hinge 114 is made as part of the moulding process and is formed from a portion of body 1()6 which is sufficiently thin to allow it to be flexed. This type of hinge is used throughout the hangers described herein, including hinges 116.

Referring to Figure 19, in which parts in common with those of Figure l7 are denoted by like reference numerals increased by 200, the main difference between hanger 300 of Figure 19 and hanger 100 of Figure 17 is that the body portion 306 is much shorter than that shown in Figure 17 and hanger 300 is provided with two U-shaped portions 318.

Referring to Figures 28 and 29, in which parts common with those of Figure 18 are denoted with like reference numerals increased by 200, the hanger 400 shown in Figures 28 and 29 differs from that in Figure 18 in that it includes locking portions 424. When hinge 414 is bent through 90 the locking portions 424 allow U-shaped portion 418 to pass over them but are shaped and are sufficiently rigid to prevent U- shaped portion 418 easily returning to the position shown in Figure 28. As a result, the hanger 400 is locked in the second position, shown in Figure 29, until sufficient force is applied to the U-shaped portion to overcome locking portions 424. This force will be more than the weight of two items of footwear hung from the footwear support 408.

Referring to Figure 30, in which parts common with those of Figure 18 are denoted with like reference numerals increased by 300, a hanger 500 has a hook 502 and label area 504. A cranked body 506 is also provided with footwear supports 508 themselves having first footwear support portions 510 for supporting an item of footwear in a toes-up orientation and second footwear support portions 512 for supporting an item of footwear in a second toes-down orientation. The footwear support portions 208 extend from substantial U-shaped portion 518 which is in turn attached to one end of cranked body portion 506.

Hanger 500 is formed in two parts, the first part comprising a hook 502 and label area 504 together with a sliding portion receiver having an aperture 528 therein shaped in the form of an inverted "T", when viewed in the hanging position. The second portion comprises the cranked body portion 506, U-shaped portion 518 and footwear supports 508 extending therefrom. Body 506 has a sliding portion 530 which has a T-shaped cross section and is adapted to the slidably received in sliding portion receiver 526. Sliding portion 530 has a stop 532 at one end and U-shaped portion 518 acts as a stop at the other end.

Referring to Figure 31, in use the two parts of hanger 500 are engaged so that sliding portion 530 of body 506 is received in sliding portion receiver 526. In a first orientation, the sliding portion 530 is arranged such that stop 532 engages sliding portion receiver 526 in the arrangement shown in Figures 31 to 33. Footwear items 520 are slid onto footwear supports 508 as shown in Figure 31.

In Figure 32 the arrangement of footwear support 508 within the footwear item 520 can be seen. From Figure 32 it can be seen that portions 510a and 510b, which is also part of U-shaped portion 518, engage the footwear item 520 and therefore form first footwear engaging portions 510.

Figure 33 shows a pair of footwear items 520 of hanger 500. From this figure it can be seen that the footwear items slide over the footwear support portions 508 so that the inside corners 534 of the footwear item 520 engage the bottom part of U-shaped portion 518.

Figures 34 and 35 show the hanger 500 moving from the first orientation, toes-upwards, to the second orientation, toes-downwards. The sliding portion 530 slides within aperture 528 of sliding portion receiver 526. Further sliding is prevented by U- shaped portion 518 and when this position is reached, the hanger 500 is in the second orientation ready to receive footwear items in a toes-down orientation. Retaining lugs 536 assist in retaining the sliding portion receiver 526 in the required orientation by preventing the sliding of the sliding portion receiver 526 until a slightly larger force is applied.

It is possible to slide the hook 502, label area 504 and sliding portion receiver 526 along sliding portion 530 without removing the footwear items from footwear supports 508. When this is done the situation shown in Figure 36 is reached and the footwear items 520 can be simply slid away from hooks 502 so as to obtain the second, toes-down, orientation shown in Figure 37.

In the second orientation, it is second support portions 512a and 512b, which is in fact part of U-shaped portion 518 which support footwear item 520. In moving from the first orientation shown in Figure 33 to the second orientation shown in Figure 37, the hook and label area have been turned through 180 and the hook points in the opposite direction in Figure 37 to that which it points in Figure 33. It is therefore necessary to provide label area 504 with a label on both sides so that both orientations of the footwear items 520 can be used.

Referring to Figure 38, in which parts common with those of Figure 30 are denoted by like reference numerals increased by 100, in this embodiment the label area 604 is rigidly attached to one end of cranked body 606. The other end of body 606 is attached to U-shaped portion 618 and is offset slightly, as shown in Figure 39, such that one edge of body 606 lies along the line of symmetry of the label area 604 and U-shaped portion 618. The hanger 600 will still hang vertically straight when viewed from the front in spite of the slight offset of the body portion 606.

The body portion 606 is divided into two halves, 606a and 606b, by hinge 614, which as shown in Figure 40, and allows hook 602, label area 604 and upper body portion 606a to rotate through 180 and adopt the position shown in Figure 41. This again allows the orientation of the footwear 620 to be changed without removing the footwear from the hanger 600. A retaining means (not shown) prevents body portions 606a and 606b from separating from the second position until required. When the hook 602, label area 604 and upper body portion 606a are first rotated through 180 the footwear items 620 will be positioned as shown in Figure 41 and are slid down to the second orientation shown in Figure 42.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims A footwear hanger comprising: at least one hanger suspension device

for suspending the hanger from a support; and at least one footwear support adapted to be supported by at least one said suspension device wherein at least one said footwear support comprises at least one first footwear engaging portion adapted to receive an item of footwear in a first orientation relative to said suspension device and at least one second footwear engaging portion adapted to receive at least one item of footwear in a second orientation relative to said suspension device.
2. A hanger according to claim 1, wherein at least one said hanger suspension device comprises at least one hook.
3. A hanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one said footwear support is adapted to be located in a first position relative to the or each said suspension device when said footwear item is in said first orientation, and in a second position relative to the or each said suspension device when said footwear item is in said second orientation.
4. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one body portion extending in use substantially downwards from at least one said suspension device.
5. A hanger according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising at least one hinge adapted to allow at least one said footwear support to move from said first position to said second position.
6. A hanger according to claim 5, wherein at least one said hinge is located in at least one said body portion.
7. A hanger according to claim 6, wherein at least one said footwear support is connected to said body portion via at least one further hinge adapted to pivot the or each footwear support relative to at least one said body portion.
8. A hanger according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising at least one sliding portion receiver adapted to slidably receive at least one sliding portion.
9. A hanger according to claim 8, wherein at least one said body portion further comprises at least one sliding portion adapted to be slidably received in at least one said sliding portion receiver.
10. A hanger according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein at least one said first footwear engaging portion comprises at least one clip adapted engage internal and external surfaces of a heel portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said first orientation.
11. A hanger according to claim 10, wherein at least one external edge of at least one said clip is adapted to engage internal surfaces of a toes portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said second orientation.
12. A hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one said first footwear engaging portion comprises a heel engaging portion adapted to engage at least one internal surface adjacent a heel portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said first orientation. r.
13. A hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 12, wherein at least one said second footwear engaging portion comprises a toes engaging portion adapted to engage at least one internal surface adjacent a toes portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said second orientation.
14. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hanger is at least. partially formed from plastics material. .

.
15. A hanger according to claim 14, wherein said plastics ë- material comprises polypropylene. . ..

I.
16. A footwear hanger substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 17 to 42 of the accompanying : drawings. .e

14. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said first orientation the toes-end of the footwear point in a substantially downward direction and in said second orientation the toes- end of the footwear points in a substantially upward direction.

15. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hanger is at least partially formed from plastics material.

16. A hanger according to claim 15, wherein said plastics material comprises polypropylene.

17. A footwear hanger substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 17 to 42 of the accompanying drawings.

IS

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims A footwear hanger comprising: at least one hanger suspension device for suspending the hanger from a support; and at least one footwear support adapted to be supported by at least one said suspension device wherein at least one said footwear support comprises at least one first footwear engaging portion adapted to receive an item of footwear in a first orientation relative to said suspension device and at least one second footwear engaging portion adapted to receive at least .

. one item of footwear in a second orientation relative to said ë suspension device, wherein at least one said footwear support is adapted to be located in a first position relative to the or ë each said suspension device when said footwear item is in said first orientation, and in a second position relative to the or each said suspension device when said footwear item is in said A second orientation.

2. A hanger according to claim 1, wherein at least one said hanger suspension device comprises at least one hook.

3. A hanger according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one body portion extending in use substantially downwards from at least one said suspension device.

4. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one hinge adapted to allow at least one said footwear support to move from said first position to said second position.

5. A hanger according to claim 4, wherein at least one said hinge is located in at least one said body portion.

6. A hanger according to claim 5, wherein at least one said footwear support is connected to said body portion via at least one further hinge adapted to pivot the or each footwear support relative to at least one said body portion.

7. A hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one sliding portion receiver adapted to slidably receive at least one sliding portion.

8. A hanger according to claim 7, wherein at least one said body portion further comprises at least one sliding portion adapted to be slidably received in at least one said sliding . portion receiver. ë .. .

9. A hanger according to any one of the proceeding claims, : .'.. wherein at least one said first footwear engaging portion .

comprises at least one clip adapted engage internal and external surfaces of a heel portion of the item of footwear : when said item of footwear is in said first orientation. . e.

10. A hanger according to claim 10, wherein at least one external edge of at least one said clip is adapted to engage internal surfaces of a toes portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said second orientation.

11. A hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one said first footwear engaging portion comprises a heel engaging portion adapted to engage at least one internal surface adjacent a heel portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said first orientation.

12. A hanger according lo any one of claims 1 to 8 and 11, wherein at least one said second footwear engaging portion comprises a toes engaging portion adapted to engage at least one internal surface adjacent a toes portion of the item of footwear when said item of footwear is in said second orientation.

13. A hanger according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said first orientation the toes-end of the footwear point in a substantially downward direction and in said second orientation the toes- end of the footwear points in a substantially upward direction.