GB2532416A - Method of clothes hanging and supporting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for hanging clothes comprises a first portion 101 and a second portion 102 connected using a hinge 110. The device is moveable from a storage configuration in which the two components are substantially parallel, to an in use configuration in which the second component is supported by a vertical surface and the free end of the first component is braced away from the second component by at least one support rail 105. The support rail is receivable in a channel 104 in the second component and is secured in place when in the deployed configuration. The device may further comprise a basket shelf or a substantially triangular lockable storage container that fit inside the triangular shape created by the device in its deployed configuration.

Description

Method of clothes hanging and supporting apparatus. 5 FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to the hanging of clothes, in particular the custom of exposed hanging of clothes. Typically clothes are hidden away and hung in permanent freestanding or built-in cupboards on individual clothes hangers which are hooked over internal rails. But increasingly traders are offering clothes hanging systems which give opportunities for hanging clothes from places hitherto not considered around the home in an exposed, temporary manner to take advantage of spaces and in locations where space is a premium.

Exposed hanging of clothes can utilise versatile means through various devices which are temporarily hooked over doors and suspended from devices which are attached to walls, or on furniture items. Such devices and items vary in design, are generally of a fixed construction and are therefore often unable to be folded away and stored compactly when not in use when removed from the top edges of doors, or unhooked from a wall mounting, or a vertical suspension means, or furniture items for example.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There exist many examples of freestanding means which facilitate the exposed hanging of clothes evidenced by devices which hook over the top edges of doors in such a manner that does not inhibit the opening and closure of such affected doors. Some temporarily suspended devices are ugly and obtrusive to many people. Others protrude in an alarming manner which could be dangerous and get in the way of normal life around the home and need to be stored somewhere safe when not in use.

One example, imported by INSTAHANGER UK Limited, (which the present invention seeks to improve upon), folds out from a supporting structure such as the top edge of a door or a vertical structure into a V shape for use and when not in use folds back close to a door or a wall surface to which it has been hooked over or attached. Others teach the use of various wall-mounted storage constructions, shelves, uprights, brackets and horizontal assembly rails.

Another example GB06724415 filed 18-04-85 teaches the use of an elongated telescopic arm which is extendable and hinged outwards to facilitate exposed hanging of clothes and when not in use recesses into a channel-shaped receptacle permanently affixed to a wall.

Another example W02012155255 teaches the use of a support device adapted to clamp against opposing sides of a door frame, pivotally connected about a common joint to support and align a plurality of hanging articles thereon in a spaced fashion, which can facilitate air drying. Another example teaches the adaptation using mechanical means of temporarily attaching to items of furniture in addition to the top edges of doors.

SHORTCOMINGS AND DRAWBACKS IN THE PRIOR ART

One shortcoming and drawback in the prior art is the structural inadequacy of being able to suspend an entire wardrobe without the danger of instability, or product collapse under the weight.

A second shortcoming and drawback in the prior art is the lack of versatility of being able to extend supporting structures ad infinitum to suit the amount of clothing to be attached.

A third shortcoming and drawback in the prior art is the lack of opportunity to integrate a basket to store items.

A fourth shortcoming and drawback in the prior art is the lack of

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of the present invention to overcome and improve upon the shortcomings and drawbacks in the prior art by providing exposed clothes hanging means which can hang any amount of clothing in safety.

It is a second object of the present invention to overcome and improve upon the shortcomings and drawbacks in the prior art by providing exposed clothes hanging means which is able to be folded away and become compact when not in use such that the depth of distance it occupies from the surface to which it is attached extends no more than 40mm.

It is a third object of the present invention to overcome and improve upon the shortcomings and drawbacks in the prior art by providing supporting apparatus for exposed clothes hanging means which caters for secure storage of a variety of other items of personal belongings.

It is a fourth object of the present invention to overcome and improve upon the shortcomings and drawbacks in the prior art by providing supporting apparatus in the form of a basket which may be interchangeable with any secure storage means.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clothes hanger and supporting apparatus comprising two portions connected at their top edges to form a hinge, enabling fold-out for operational use from a compact flat depth, extending from a supporting surface producing a hollow outline V shape in side elevation, secured at the base of the formed right angle by a metal support rail configured into a rectangle running along one side of the base portion from the front corner of the right angle triangle, connecting with the upright portion, extending at right angles and returning to the front corner of the V shape to complete engagement with the clothes hanging means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a clothes hanger and supporting apparatus in the form of a dedicated locker comprising one portion forming a triangle fitting inside the open V shape of the open clothes hanging apparatus and another portion conjoined and substantially square with lockable access extending from the other side of the V shape to facilitate secure storage of personal items.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a basket shelf system to store items of belongings in the form of connected rails open at the top which feature several apertures which facilitate connection to the open V shape of a clothes hanger and supporting means by guiding through auxiliary slide-in support rails and clip-on rails.

In order that the nature of the present invention may be clearly understood an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a three dimensional exterior view of assembled clothes hanging supporting means in the open position according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 2a is a three dimensional exterior view of assembled clothes hanging supporting means in the folded, closed position according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 2b is a three dimensional interior view of assembled clothes hanging supporting means in the folded, closed position according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 3a is an external side elevation of assembled clothes hanging supporting means according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 3b is an external front elevation of assembled clothes hanging supporting means according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 3c is an internal rear elevation of assembled clothes hanging supporting means according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 3d is a top plan view of assembled clothes hanging supporting means according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 3e is an underside plan view of assembled clothes hanging supporting means according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 4a is a front elevation of a first hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 4b is a rear elevation of a first hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 4c is an external perspective view of a first hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 4d is an internal perspective view of a first hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 4e is a side elevation of a first hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 4f is a top plan view of a first hinging component according to aspects of the present invention Figure 4g is an underside plan view of a first hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 5a is a front elevation of a second hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 5b is a rear elevation of a second hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 5c is an external perspective view of a second hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 5d is an internal perspective view of a second hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 5e is a side elevation of a second hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 5f is a top plan view of a second hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 5g is an underside plan view of a second hinging component according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 6a is a front elevation of a clothes hanger support rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 6b is a side elevation of a clothes hanger support rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 6c is a top plan view of a clothes hanger support rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 6d is a perspective view of a clothes hanger support rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 6e depicts the orthographic views of an alternative embodiment of a rectangular clothes hanging support rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 6f depicts the orthographic views of a further alternative embodiment of a rectangular clothes hanging support rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 7a is a front elevation of a hollow cylindrical locking ferrule collar according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 7b is a side elevation of a hollow cylindrical locking support collar according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 7c is a top plan view of a hollow cylindrical locking support collar according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 7d is a perspective view of a hollow cylindrical locking support collar according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 7e is an underside view of a hollow cylindrical locking support collar according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembly of clothes hanger clip-on rail and two hollow cylindrical locking support collars according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 9a is a front elevation of clip-on rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 9b is a side elevation of clip-on rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 9c is an underside plan view of clip-on rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 9e is an altemative embodiment of clip-on rail featuring straight grooves cut at right angles to its length according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 9d is a perspective view of clip-on rail according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 10a is a front elevation of over-door support bracket according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 10b is a rear elevation of over-door support bracket according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 10c is a top perspective view of over-door support bracket according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 10d is an internal view of over-door support bracket according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 10e is a side elevation of over-door support bracket according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 1 la is a three quarter perspective view of a dedicated locker in an open position according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 11 b is an alternative three quarter perspective view of a dedicated locker in an open position according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 12a is a front elevation of a complete assembly of clothes hanging support apparatus, comprising over-door support bracket and dedicated locker with door in an open position according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 12b is a top plan of a complete assembly of clothes hanging support apparatus, comprising over-door support bracket and dedicated locker with door in an open position according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 13a is a left hand side elevation of a complete assembly of clothes hanging support apparatus, comprising over-door support bracket and dedicated locker according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 13b is a right hand side elevation of a complete assembly of clothes hanging support apparatus, comprising over-door support bracket and dedicated locker according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 14 is an exploded view of a dedicated locker and cam securing locking means fitted into the V shape aperture created by the operational position of the assembled clothes hanging support apparatus according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a dedicated locker assembled in operational position within the V aperture of the assembled clothes hanging support apparatus showing an internal view of an alternative cam securing locking means according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a pair of assembled clothes hanging support apparatus linked to form further clothes hanging space through the application of a rail extension according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 17a is a front elevation of a promotional/advertising bezel according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 17b is a side elevation of a promotional/advertising bezel according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 17c is a top plan view of a promotional/advertising bezel according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 17d is a rear elevation of a promotional/advertising bezel according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 17e is a perspective view of a promotional/advertising bezel according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 18 is a side elevation of assembled clothes hanging supporting means comprising the addition of a belongings containment basket according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a top plan view of assembled clothes hanging supporting means comprising the addition of a belongings containment basket according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 20 is an isometric projection of assembled clothes hanging supporting means comprising the addition of a belongings containment basket according to aspects of the present invention.

Figure 21 is a series of front elevations depicting various layout configurations of exposed clothes hanging support apparatus assemblies showing support brackets and single and double rail extensions which can accommodate different sizes of wardrobes according to aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTON

In figure 1 first hinging component 101 is attached to second hinging component 102 by hinging means 110. Clothes hanging support rail 105 snap fits into mouldings in the interior of a lower portion of first hinging component 101 to facilitate hinging of the assembly and forms the base portion of a triangle when first and second hinging components 101 and 102 are opened up for operational use. As the structural connection means to form a supportive triangular assembly, rectangular clothes hanging support rail 105 provides opening and closing whereby a portion slides in channel guide slots 104. Curved portions 119 facilitate snug fit of additional clip-on rail134, (not shown), via hollow cylindrical locking support collar 120 (not shown). Access for the support rail 105 to second hinging component 102 is made via top slot 111 facilitated by a flexible portion of back plate 103, which bends to allow entrance and exit of the support rail at top slot 111. To facilitate folding of the clothes hanger when not in use, channel top stop 112 provides a buffer stop for the support rail when it is disengaged from channel base stop 113. Support rail 105 hinges in the direction of arrow A, slides along parallel channel guide slots 104 and folds up and nests into a recess in the first hinging component 101 upon closure, butting up against guide channel stop 112. Over-door support bracket 108 is preferably attached by connection means to the rear of a top portion of second hinging component 102. Auxiliary slide-in rail 106 friction-fits into moulded apertures in first component 101 at a distance to suit the user to provide hanging means preferably for clothes hangers. Promotional /advertising bezel 107 snap fits into location pins in the base of a front portion of the first hinging component 101.

In figure 2a assembled clothes hanging supporting means is shown folded in the closed position whereby first hinging component 101 recesses into second hinging component 102 to a depth of 40mm.

In figure 2b an interior view of assembled clothes hanging supporting means in the closed position shows second hinging component 102 recessed into first hinging component 101 with rectangular clothes hanging support rail 105 in a closed position via base-moulding hinging means 114 resting against guide channel top stop 112.

In figure 3a assembled clothes hanging supporting means depicts first hinging component 101 shown in external side elevation fitted with over-door support bracket 108.

In figure 3b assembled clothes hanging supporting means depicts first hinging component 101 shown in external front elevation fitted with promotional/ advertising bezel 107.

In figure 3c assembled clothes hanging supporting means depicts second hinging component 102 shown in internal rear elevation displaying upright location fixing holes and slots 115, top hinge connection means for first and second hinging components 110 and base-moulded hinging means 114 to secure clothes hanging support rail 105. Pair of moulded pins 123 which assist in securing promotional bezel 107 also provide locking means to facilitate rail 105 to hinge over mouldings 114.

In figure 4a front elevation of first hinging component 101 features hinging means 110, comprising male twin connection means 116 for attaching second hinging component 102, equi-spaced about a central support moulding and recessed facility 117 for fitting a promotional /advertising bezel positioned at the base.

In figure 4b interior rear elevation of first hinging component 101 features reverse view of twin connection means 116 which snap-fit to second hinging component 102 and base moulding hinging means 114 which snap-fit to clothes hanger slide in support rail 105.

In figure 4c an external perspective view depicts the shape of the first hinging component 101 and associated features hinge support point 110 and hinges 116.

In figure 4d an internal perspective view depicts the shape of the first hinging component 101 and associated hinge support point 110, hinges 116 and apertures 119 which attach auxiliary support rod 106.

In figure 4e a side elevation shows the profile of the first hinging component 101.

In figure 5a exterior front elevation of second hinging component 102 features slots 104 and 111 for guiding clothes hanger support rail 105 during opening and closing. Located in back plate 117 are fixing slots and holes 115 to enable upright surface mounting of the clothes hanger by means of preferably screw fixing. Flexible back plate portion 103 facilities the entry and exit of support rail 105 through guide slot 111.

In figure 5b interior front elevation of second hinging component 102 features female slots 118 to receive snap-fit connectors 116 enabling hinging together of 101 and 102. Location holes 143 allows clothes hanging support rail 105 in fig 1 to be in its 'home' position (when the assembly is open) to prevent the support rail from twisting when being used as a display system when clothes products are pulled off and the assembly does not have to be closed to save space.

Perspective view figure 5c depicts an external view of recessed hinge slots 118, support rail guide slots 104 and 111 and three upright surface mounting slots 115.

Figure 5d shows different internal, perspective view of 104, 111, 115 and 118.

In figure 5e a side elevation shows the profile of the second hinging component 102.

In figure 6a front elevation of rectangular clothes hanger support rail 105 shows a rectangular shape with two curved portions 119 equi-spaced on both sides of the two longer portions to facilitate engagement at right angles of an auxiliary clip-on rail. Longitudinal portions of the support rail are squeezed together to facilitate engagement of auxiliary support rod 106 at a right angle.

In figure 6b side elevation of clothes hanger support rail 105 shows the semi-circular profile of curved portions119.

Figure 6c depicts an end elevation of clothes hanger support rail showing the matching depth of two curved portions 119.

Figure 6d depicts an isometric projection of clothes hanger support rail showing the positioning of two curved portions 119.

Figure 6e depicts the orthographic views of an alternative embodiment of a rectangular clothes hanging support rail without the semi-circular profile of curved portions119 featured in figure 6b.

Figure 6f depicts the orthographic views of a further alternative embodiment of rectangular clothes hanging support rail replacing the semi-circular profile 119 featured in figure 6b.by a preferably rectangular section 145 and incorporating kink 146 to aid torsional rigidity.

Figure 7a depicts a side elevation of hollow cylindrical locking ferrule collar 120 showing blind engagement slot 121 with radiused end portion which nests over the radius of the rectangular clothes hanging support rail 105 when assembled.

Figure 7b depicts an end elevation of hollow cylindrical locking ferrule collar showing positioning of blind engagement slots 121 equi-spaced on opposite sides below the centre line.

Figure 7c depicts a top plan of hollow cylindrical locking ferrule collar showing a different view of blind engagement slots 121.

Figure 7d depicts an isometric projection of hollow cylindrical locking ferrule collar showing a different view of blind engagement slots 121.

Figure 8 depicts an isometric projection of two hollow cylindrical locking support collars 120 positioned either side of rectangular clothes hanging support rail 105, clip-on rail 134 ready to be moved over rectangular clothes hanger support rail 105 at right angles at any point along its length and connected by support rail being squeezed together to facilitate a snap-fit until the rail clips in place over the shaped slots 124. Locking support ferrule collars 120 are threaded over either end of rail 134 until blind engagement slots 121 friction-fit over rectangular support rail 105, securing it to clip-on rail 134.

Figure 9a depicts a front elevation of clip-on rail 134 showing mirror-image 'L' shaped cut-out slots 124 which locate in friction-snap-fit portions of rectangular clothes hanging support rail 105 featured in figure 8.

Figure 9b depicts an end elevation of clip-on rail 134 showing a chamfered end.

Figure 9c depicts an underside plan view of clip-on rail 134 showing mirror-image 'L' shaped cut-out slots 124.

Figure 9d depicts an isometric projection of clip-on rail 134 showing mirror-image 1' shaped cut-out slots 124 in a different view.

Figure 9e depicts an alternative embodiment of clip on rail showing straight cut slots 144.

Figure 10a depicts front elevation view 108 s showing two supporting lugs standing proud.

Figure 10b depicts interior view of over-door support bracket showing grouping of apertures 125 which offer adjustments to cater for varying door thicknesses. Two support lugs feature apertures 126 which line up with apertures in second hinging component 102 to secure complete assembly of clothes hanger and supporting apparatus.

Figure 10c depicts a top view isometric projection of over-door support bracket showing two halves 127 and 128 which slide over each other width-wise to cater for varying thicknesses of doors.

Figure 10d depicts top plan view of over-door support bracket showing adjustment apertures in two halves, front half 127 and rear half 128.

Figure 10e depicts side elevation of over-door support bracket showing cross-sectional profile.

Figure 11a depicts three quarter perspective view of a dedicated locker, showing triangular housing element 129 conjoined with box shaped structure 130 attached to secure fastening door 131 which is in an open position.

Figure 11 b depicts an alternative three quarter perspective view of a dedicated locker, showing triangular housing element 129 butted-up to and conjoined with box-shaped locker 130.

Figure 12a depicts front elevation of a complete assembly of clothes hanging support apparatus, comprising over-door support bracket 108 and dedicated locker, the triangular section 129 of which nests into the triangular space provided by the clothes hanger assembly when in the open, operational position and is butted up and conjoined to another portion 130 shown with door 131 ajar.

Figure 12b depicts top plan view of a complete assembly of clothes hanging support apparatus, comprising over-door support bracket 108 and dedicated locker 129, 130. Door 131 is shown ajar.

Figure 13a depicts a left hand side elevation of a complete assembly of clothes hanging support apparatus, showing over-door support bracket 108, dedicated locker 129 and 130, first hinging component 101, second hinging component 102, rectangular clothes hanging support rail 105 and lockable cam catch 136 to secure locker to support rail and having access only from inside the locker.

Figure 13b is a right hand side elevation of a complete assembly of clothes hanging support apparatus, showing opposite views of over-door support bracket 108 and dedicated locker 130, with door 131 ajar. The assembled locker may be fitted the opposite way around.

Figure 14 is an exploded view of a dedicated locker showing cam securing locking means 141 ready to be fitted into the V shape aperture created by the operational position of the assembled clothes hanging support apparatus. When the dedicated locker is offered up for attachment to the clothes hanging support apparatus two slots 140 in the base at each end of movable cam lock 141engage with rectangular clothes hanging support rail 105 and are held in place by cam catch 142 which is rotatably movable by hand to lock and release as required, through which means exclusive access may be made from within the dedicated locker through door 131.

Figure 15 depicts a perspective view of a dedicated locker assembled in operational position within the V space of the assembled clothes hanging support apparatus showing another view of internal cam catch securing locking means 142, accessible exclusively from within the locker from security purposes, by which means the locker may be attached and detached to and from the clothes hanging support apparatus as required through the open locker door 131.

In figure 16 a perspective view of a pair of assembled clothes hanging support apparatus is shown linked to form further clothes hanging space through the application of an auxiliary slide-in rail extension 138 according to aspects of the present invention.

In figure 17 various views of a promotional/advertising bezel are shown which are attachable on the inside surface to first component 101 by lugs 123. Pips 132 affixed to the same surface act as supporting stanchions for clothes hanging support rail 105 shown in figure 6a.

Figure 18 shows a side elevation of assembled clothes hanging supporting means comprising the addition of a clothes containment basket frame 139 affixed to auxiliary slide-in rail 106 and clip-on rail 134.

Figure 19 shows a top plan view of assembled clothes hanging supporting means comprising the addition of clothes containment basket frame 139 affixed to auxiliary slide-in rail 106 and clip-on rail 134.

Figure 20 shows an isometric projection of assembled clothes hanging supporting means comprising the addition of clothes containment basket frame 139 affixed to auxiliary slide-in rail 106 and clip-on rail 134 through means of a plurality of friction-fit orifices integrated with the clothes containment basket frame and connected by hollow cylindrical locking ferrule collars 120.

Figure 21 depicts front elevations of various layout configurations of clothes hanging support apparatus 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d and 21e showing single auxiliary slide-in rail 106, clip-on rail 134 and double rail extensions 135 and 138 which may be of any extendable length fitted into a multiplicity of assemblies offering versatility of accommodation of wardrobe items.