GB2432518A

GB2432518A - Tie hanger

Info

Publication number: GB2432518A
Application number: GB0524195A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Wright; Mark Segasby
Original assignee: Next Retail Ltd
Current assignee: Next Retail Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-28
Filing date: 2005-11-28
Publication date: 2007-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-28
Also published as: CN1973733A; GB0524195D0; GB2432518B

Abstract

In order to provide a tie hanger 1 which can be used to suspend and display a tie so that the tie is securely held but protected from damage or creasing, the hanger comprises a first hanger part 3 and a second hanger part 4 which is slidably received in the first hanger part. The tie can be folded over the tie supporting structure of the second hanger part. The first and second hanger parts each comprise a tie gripping surface so that, when the second hanger part is slid into the first hanger part, the tie is gripped between the tie holding surfaces. Tie gripping ridges 19 are preferably provided to improve the grip of the hanger.

Description

TIE HANGER

The present invention relates to a tie hanger.

It is desired to provide a hanger, whereby a tie can be suspended from a rail, for example in a clothes shop or in a wardrobe.

US2005/0092786 discloses a tie hanger which comprises a hook and at least two parts which are hinged together and which can be folded into a closed position, in which they are latched to one another with the tie held between them.

The components of the tie hanger may be injection moulded as a single flat element and then folded together. This however, may give the design a tendency to unfold itself spontaneously. At the top, the tie is relatively tightly folded between the flat portions of the hanger, which can lead it to becoming creased.

The present inventors have sought to provide a tie hanger which is simple to produce and use and which has a low tendency to release the tie unintentionally from the closed position. It is also intended to provide a tie hanger which can support a tie without creasing it unnecessarily.

The present inventors have realised that a tie can be supported on a slidable part which can be slid into a holder so that the tie is gripped between the surfaces of the slider and the holder, in which position, accidental release of the tie is very unlikely.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a tie hanger, comprising a hook, a first hanger part, a second hanger part slidably received in the first hanger part, the first and second hanger parts each having a tie holding surface which, when the second hanger part is received in the first hanger part, are arranged to hold a tie between them.

Preferred and optional features of the present invention will be further described below.

The first hanger part and the second hanger part are preferably two separate pieces though they may be different portions of an integral single structure.

The second hanger part is slidably received in the first hanger part, preferably along a linear path or a smoothly curving arcuate path.

The first hanger part suitably has a slot (called a sliding slot) into which the second hanger part may slide. The first hanger part preferably also comprises a slot (called a tie slot) through which a suspended tie can project, so that it can be seen, for example by a purchaser. The sliding slot and the tie slot may be the same slot, or they may be separate slots which communicate with one another so that the second hanger part, having a tie suspended thereon can be slid into the sliding slot until it comes to rest, with the tie projecting through the tie slot.

The first hanger part preferably comprises at least two slot walls spaced apart from one another along respective edges and also spaced apart from one another along respective sides located at the ends of the edges, so that the second hanger part can be slid between the sides with a tie suspended therefrom so that the tie projects between the edges.

The first hanger part and the second hanger part may have respective sliding surfaces which slide along one another.

The hook may be a separate component which is engageable with one of the first hanger part or second hanger part or it may be integrally formed with one of the first hanger part and second hanger part.

The first hanger part is suitably in the form of a cylinder or prism with a tie slot extending for at least part of the length (preferably the whole length) in the axial direction.

The tie slot may comprise smoothly curving edges, to avoid damaging or creasing the tie.

The first hanger part may have a shape, in cross section normal to its axis, which is of any suitable shape, for example part circular, part polygonal, horseshoe shaped or it may have the form of a squat keyhole shape.

An end of the first hanger part opposite to the sliding slot may be closed. For example, a wall portion may extend across the first hanger part.

The first hanger part may comprise walls which are resilient, so that they can grip the second hanger part or the tie.

Gripping surfaces may be defined on the inside of the first hanger part for cooperating with corresponding gripping surfaces of the second hanger part for holding the tie therebetweeen.

The first hanger part is suitably formed of synthetic polymeric material, for example thermoplastic material, and may be moulded. For example it may be injection moulded.

It may alternatively be formed of metal, paper, card or a composite material.

Where the first hanger part comprises a cylindrical or prismatic shape, the ends may be parallel to one another and normal to the axis of the prism or cylinder or they may be inclined with respect to one another and/or to the axis of the prism or cylinder.

The first hanger part may comprise additional slots, for example for giving the required degree of resilience, to allow the condition of the tie to be inspected, or to relieve pressure on parts of the tie where there is a danger of creasing.

Additional slots may be provided for providing flexibility.

The second hanger part suitably comprises sliding surfaces for slidably engaging the first hanger part. The second hanger part comprises a tie holding surface. Suitably, the sliding surfaces are separate from the tie holding surface of the second hanger part.

The second hanger part suitably comprises a linearly extending part having structures at either end, at least one of which comprises a sliding surface. Preferably, when in position in the first hanger part, the tie holding surface of the second hanger part is spaced from a corresponding tie holding surface of the first hanger part by a distance which is approximately equal to the normal thickness of a folded tie or slightly smaller than the thickness of a folded tie.

At least one tie holding surface may comprise at least one tie holding structure for increasing the grip between the tie holding surface and the tie, for example by increasing the friction therebetween. The tie holding structure may comprise upstanding parts, or it may comprise a suitably textured surface. The tie holding part may comprise a resiliently deformable tongue. In use, the tie is urged by the resiliently deformable tongue into contact with a tie holding surface of the first or second hanger part so that it is securely held.

Suitably, the tie holding surface of the second hanger part comprises a smoothly curving surface, to reduce the risk of creasing the tie. Preferably, it has a radius of curvature in the range 2-10mm, preferably 3-6mm.

The second part preferably comprises a linearly extending structure. Preferably, the thickness of the linearly extending structure normal to its longitudinal axis is lower in the middle region than at the end regions.

In this way, the user may fold a tie double before placing it on the hanger.

Conventional ties decrease in thickness from one end to the other, so a folded tie, when folded again so that it can be suspended on the second hanger part. When viewed in cross section, the tie only presents a double thickness of tie in the middle, where the narrower end of the tie overlaps the thicker end of the tie, the edges comprising only one layer of tie.

The second hanger part may be manufactured from any suitable material, for example synthetic polymeric material such as thermoplastic, composite material, metal, card or paper. Suitably, it is injection moulded in thermoplastic material.

Snap fit formations may be formed on the first and second hanger parts, so that they can be held in a closed position.

The tie hanger may comprise at least one display surface, for carrying information about a tie suspended by the tie hanger. For example, display areas may be provided for engaging a self-adhesive label. The first or second hanger part may comprise means for holding an information sheet in such a manner that the information sheet is securely held when the first hanger part and the second part are engaged, the information sheet being held in a position in which it is visible. For example, it may extend from the tie slot or it may be visible through an opening formed in the first hanger part.

In use, a user will first of all separate the first hanger part and the second hanger part. A tie may then be suspended by folding it and passing it over the tie holding surface of the second hanger part, so that there is a double thickness of tie on the second hanger part.

The second hanger part is then slid into position in the first hanger part whereupon the tie can be gripped by tie contacting surfaces so that it is firmly fixed, but engaged with the hanger in a way in which it is difficult to dislodge.

The present invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a sketch isometric view of a tie hanger according to the invention, with the components separated.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the second hanger part.

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the tie hanger according to the invention, when assembled.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the tie hanger, when assembled.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the tie hanger, when assembled.

Figure 6 shows a rear view of a tie hanger, when assembled.

Figure 7 shows an end view of the tie hanger, when assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a tie hanger according to the invention. It comprises a hook 2 which is integrally formed with a first hanger part 3. There is a second hanger part 4 which is slidably receivable in the first hanger part 3.

It can be seen that the first hanger part 3 has a short, generally cylindrical shape with an open tie slot 5 which extends for the whole length of the first hanger part parallel to the axis of the first hanger part. It also has a sliding slot open at the end 6 through which the second hanger part 4 can be inserted.

It can be seen that the walls of the first hanger part 3 adjacent the slot define parallel lips 7 so that the general cross section of the first hanger part is horseshoe shaped.

The thickness and the composition of the front wall 10 are selected so that the front wall has suitable flexibility as explained further below.

There is a label receiving area 12 on the hook. A further label can be formed or attached to a tab 13 which extends from one of the lips 7.

There is an opening 14 which extends for a large part of the length of the rear wall 9 (as can be seen in figure 6).

The second hanger part 4 comprises a bar 15 which extends between a pair of end parts 16 and 21.

The bar 15 comprises a hollow moulded part, which is open from below (not shown).

As can be more clearly seen in figure 5, the end parts 16 and 21 are formed at an angle to the axis of the first hanger part, to provide an aesthetically pleasing design. Edges of the wall parts 16 are however designed so that they are parallel to the axis of the first hanger part 3 and to the axis of insertion of the second hanger part 4. In use, the inner walls of the first hanger part define sliding surfaces and the edges of the end part 16 define sliding surfaces which are configured so that they slide smoothly along the inner walls of the first hanger part 3. The second hanger part 4 can be slid smoothly into the first hanger part.

One edge of the wall part is formed with a small protruding rib 25 which is designed to snap fit into a correspondingly sized recess formed on the inside of the wall 9 of the first hanger part when the second hanger part is in position.

It should be noted that the right hand end 21 is of slightly larger dimension that the left hand end 15. As can be seen from figure 5, it is configured so that its outer dimensions correspond to the outer dimensions of the first hanger part so that it lies smoothly in place adjacent to the first hanger part in the closed position, as can be seen from figure 5.

The bar comprises a structure whose top surface is rounded, so that it provides a smoothly curving surface for receiving a tie, to prevent the tie, becoming creased when in place. It comprises end portions 17 of relatively large diameter and a central portion 18 of reduced diameter, for receiving a folded tie. Tie gripping structures 19 in the form of upstanding ridges of relatively small size are provided, to increase the grip between the material of the bar and the tie. A resilient tongue 20 is integrally formed with the bar, being attached to the bar at a self-hinge.

The inner walls of the first type hanger part define tie holdingsurfaces. The outer surfaces of the bar 15, particularly the formations 19 and the resilient tongue 20 define tie holding surfaces which hold a tie mounted on the second tie hanger part against the inner surfaces of the first hanger part so that the tie is fixed.

Small tabs 22 extend inwardly from the right hand end 21 providing fixing surfaces which, in a position shown in figures 3,4 and 5, form an interference fit with corresponding inner edges of the first hanger part so that the second hanger part does not slide out of it.

Formations 24 are provided which, in use, can grip an information card which extends around the top of the tie so that it is visible through the hole 14.

The information card is not shown in figure 6, which shows the rear view of the assembled hanger.

It can also be seen in figure 6 that the part of hook 2 for contacting a rail has thickened part 23.

The invention has been described above by way of example only and modifications can be made within the invention. The invention also extends to any generalisation of the features described herein or any combination of any such features or any combination of any such generalisation.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A tie hanger, comprising a hook, a first hanger part, and a

second hanger part slidably received the first hanger part, the first and second hanger parts each having a tie gripping surface which, when the second hanger part is received in the first hanger part, are arranged to hold a tie between them.

2. A tie hanger according to claim 1, wherein the second hanger part is slidably received in the first hanger part along a linear path or a smoothly curving arcuate path.

3. A tie hanger according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a slot into which the second hanger part may slide and a slot through which a suspended tie can project.

4. A tie hanger according to claim 4, wherein the slot into which the second hanger part may slide and the slot from which the tie can project communicate with one another.

5. A tie hanger according to any preceding claim, wherein the second hanger part comprises a linearly extending part having structures at either end, at least one of which comprises a sliding surface for sliding with respect to the first hanger part.

6. A tie hanger according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one tie contacting surface comprises a tie holding structure.

7. A tie hanger according to claim 7, wherein the tie holding structure comprises a resiliently deformable tongue.

8. A tie hanger, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.