GB2592748A - Garment hanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A garment hanger 750 for displaying multiple intimate garments, for example briefs, in a partially overlapping overlaid configuration, comprises hanging portion 752 and cross member 754. First and second edge members 756a, 756b depend from respective first and second opposed ends of the cross member and define respective lateral extents of the hanger. The hanger further comprises a central gripper member 790 which is suitable for gripping at least an overlapping portion of both side edges of the multiple overlaid garments when said garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger and around the associated first and second edge members to a rear side of the hanger. The central gripper member may comprise a releasably lockable hinged clip having a flap 795 hingedly coupled to a base 793. The flap and base may comprise cooperative locking features in the form of a resiliently deflectable tongue and a corresponding aperture. The base of the hinged clip may be connected to the cross member via a hinged connection with a leg member 791.

Description

GARMENT HANGER

[0001] This invention relates to a garment hanger; in particular, a hanger for displaying multiple intimate garments (e.g. briefs, panties). Associated methods are also disclosed.

[0002] Intimate garments are often displayed and sold in multiples on a single hanger.

Common pack sizes include 2, 3 and 5 garments. Existing tmultipack intimate hangers' each require the individual garments making up the mulfipack to be loaded onto the hanger one at a time.

[0003] Figure 1 illustrates a typical known intimate hanger 20, such as the applicant's own BR2800 model (EU registered design no. 001179600-0002), which comprises a hook portion 22 connected centrally to a cross member 24. Gripper regions 26 are located at opposite ends of the cross member 24. Each gripper region 26 comprises three gripper members 28 in a staggered arrangement: an upper gripper member 28a depending from the cross member 24; a middle gripper member 28b outward of the upper gripper member and depending from an outer edge thereof, and a lower gripper member 28c outward of the middle gripper member 28b and depending from an outer edge thereof. Each gripper member 28 comprises a vertical slot 30 open at a lower end thereof to receive and grip an intimate garment. The slots 30 include additional inwardly protruding knobbles 32 to assist in gripping the respective garments. Each gripper region 26 also includes a finger 34 extending downwardly from the cross member 24 inwardly of the gripper members 28 and substantially following the staggered arrangement to define a channel 36 between an outer edge of the finger 32 and the gripper members 28.

[0004] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, to load a garment 40 on to a hanger 20 of the type shown in Figure 1, at least a portion of one side 42 of a first garment is slid upwardly into the slot 30 of one of the outer gripper members 28 where it is held by friction. The garment 40 is then stretched across the face of the hanger (i.e. across the span of the cross member 24, on the front, presentation or display side of the hanger) and the opposite side 42 of the garment is slid into the slot 30 of the corresponding gripper member 28 on the opposite side of the hanger 20. The process is repeated to mount the two other garments 40 to their respective pairs of gripper members 28. An outer edge portion 44 of each garment is folded back inwardly of the associated gripper member 28 and is tucked under the finger 34. Some known hangers may thus include additional slots or inner fingers for excess fabric to be tucked into, with the objective of keeping the mounted garments neatly displayed. Other forms of gripper member 28, such as alternative slot forms, clips or notches are known.

[0005] Loading multiple garments 40 onto such hangers 20 can be time consuming and fiddly. Also, centralising the garments 40 on the hanger 20 and with each other, which is important for presentation purposes) can be difficult to achieve.

[0006] Moreover, due to the fact that it would take too long, it is impractical for the garments 40 to be removed from such hangers 20 at a point of sale. Therefore, the hanger 20 cannot easily be re-used or sent by the retailer for recycling. Accordingly, recycling of such hangers 20 would become the responsibility of the consumer and because kerbside recycling schemes do not typically process the material conventionally used (polystyrene -PS), these hangers commonly end up in general waste.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to address these problems associated with known multipack intimate hangers -in particular, to ensure that multiple garments can be loaded on to a single hanger quickly and conveniently, in a well-presented manner; and that removal of the garments from the hanger is also quick and convenient so that re-use and/or recycling can be more viable, with clear benefits for the environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a garment hanger for displaying multiple intimate garments in an at least partially overlapping overlaid configuration. The garment hanger comprises a hanging portion and a cross member connected to the hanging portion. First and second edge members depend from respective first and second opposed ends of the cross member and define respective lateral extents of the hanger. The hanger further comprises at least one gripper member located inwardly of the respective edge members. The at least one gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of one side edge of the multiple overlaid garments and at least an overlapping portion of an opposite side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, when the multiple garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger with respective side edges of the overlaid garments extending around the associated first and second edge members to a rear side of the hanger.

[0009] Advantages of such a garment hanger include that multiple garments can all be attached to the hanger in one go rather than individually, item by item. Also, because the garments are first laid in the overlapping arrangement, this can be done neatly and it is relatively easy to ensure that the garments are aligned with one another. It also facilitates centralising the garments on the hanger (more strictly, by centralising the hanger on the garments) for a neat display. Moreover, it is also both quick and easy to remove the garments from the hanger -again in a single go, which means that it becomes practical for it to be done at a point of sale, so increasing the opportunities for the hangers to be reused and/or recycled.

[0010] Additionally, because the lateral extents of the displayed garments are defined by the outer edge surfaces of the hanger, and the opposite sides of the bundle of garments are wrapped around the outside of those edge surfaces from the front to the back of the hanger, all that is visible from the front of the hanger is the neatly secured garments and the very top portion of the hanger -i.e. the hook portion and, possibly, the cross member-depending on the hanger design and on how the garments are arranged.

[0011] The at least one gripper member may comprise first and second gripper members, wherein the first gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of one side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, and the second gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of an opposite side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, when the multiple garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger with respective side edges of the overlaid garments extending around the associated first and second edge members to a rear side of the hanger.

[0012] Dedicated gripper members for the respective opposite side edges of the bundle of garments mean that one side edge can be secured before securing the other side edge, which may help in mounting the garments neatly on the hanger.

[0013] This may be inventive of its own right and accordingly the present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a garment hanger for displaying multiple intimate garments in an at least partially overlapping overlaid configuration, comprising: a hanging portion; a cross member connected to the hanging portion; first and second edge members depending from respective first and second opposed ends of the cross member and defining respective lateral extents of the hanger; and first and second gripper members located inwardly of the respective edge members; wherein the first gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of one side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, and the second gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of an opposite side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, when the multiple garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger with respective side edges of the overlaid garments extending around the associated first and second edge members to a rear side of the hanger.

[0014] The first and second gripper members may comprise hinged clips. The hinged clips may be releasably lockable in a closed configuration to securely grip the garments therewithin. The hinged clips may comprise a flap hingedly coupled to a base, the flap and base respectively including cooperative locking features, which may comprise a detent on the end of a resiliently deflectable tongue projecting from one of the flap and the base, and a corresponding aperture through the other of the flap and the base configured to allow the detent to deflect to pass through the aperture when hinging the flap closed but not to pass therethrough when the flap is urged to hinge open unless the detent is deflected by a user. Such lockable clips ensure that the garments will not become inadvertently disengaged from the hanger, yet can still easily be removed on purpose by a deliberate unlocking action.

[0015] The hanger may further comprise first and second arm members projecting inwardly from the respective first and second edge members, the first and second gripper members being connected to free ends of the respective first and second arms. The first and second arm members may be connected to the respective first and second edge members at bottom ends thereof. The length of the arm members may thus define the position of the gripper members inboard of the side edges of the hanger, which can be selected for a neat appearance of the garments when secured in the gripper members.

[0016] According to one embodiment, where the garment hanger comprises first and second gripper members, the first and second gripper members may comprise first and second edge gripper members depending from respective first and second opposed ends of the cross member and comprising the respective first and second edge members defining respective lateral extents of the hanger. The hanger of this embodiment further comprises a central gripper member located inwardly of the respective edge gripper members. The first edge gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of one side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, and the second edge gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of an opposite side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, when the multiple garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger with respective side edges of the overlaid garments extending around the lateral extents defined by the associated first and second edge gripper members to a rear side of the hanger, and wherein the central gripper member is configured to grip a crotch region of at least the outermost of the multiple overlaid garments.

[0017] This may be inventive of its own right and accordingly the present invention provides, according to a third aspect, a garment hanger for displaying multiple intimate garments in an at least partially overlapping overlaid configuration, comprising: a hanging portion; a cross member connected to the hanging portion; first and second edge gripper members depending from respective first and second opposed ends of the cross member and defining respective lateral extents of the hanger; and a central gripper member located inwardly of the respective edge gripper 5 members; wherein the first edge gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of one side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, and the second edge gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of an opposite side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, when the multiple garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger with respective side edges of the overlaid garments extending around the lateral extents defined by the associated first and second edge gripper members to a rear side of the hanger, and wherein the central gripper member is configured to grip a crotch region of at least the outermost of the multiple overlaid garments.

[0018] By having the lateral extents of the hanger defined by a portion of the respective edge gripper members, there is no need for separate edge members. The provision of the central gripper member for receiving the crotch region bolsters the security of the grip of the garments in the hanger and also allows for a bottom portion of the bundle of garments to be held in an upwardly folded condition, which reduces the height of the displayed package.

[0019] Where the first and second gripper members comprise hinged clips, the hinged clips may comprise spring clips that are lockable in the closed configuration by urging a spring member to a closed position. Such spring clips are well-known and intuitive to use, providing an easy way to move the clips from open to closed configurations (and vice versa).

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention according to the first aspect, the garment hanger may further comprise a central gripper member configured to grip a crotch region of at least the outermost of the multiple overlaid garments. As with the central gripper member of the third aspect of the invention, this bolsters the security of the grip of the garments in the hanger and also allows for a reduced height of the displayed package.

[0021] The central gripper member may depend centrally from the cross member. The central gripper member may comprise a tongue resiliently deflectable with respect to an associated base and defining a gripping slot therebetween to receive said crotch region. This is a simple means for securing the crotch region.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment, the at least one gripper member may comprise a single central gripper member, wherein the central gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of one side edge of the multiple overlaid garments and at least an overlapping portion of an opposite side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, when the multiple garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger with respective side edges of the overlaid garments extending around the associated first and second edge members to a rear side of the hanger.

[0023] This may be inventive of its own right and accordingly the present invention provides, according to a second aspect, a garment hanger for displaying multiple intimate garments in an at least partially overlapping overlaid configuration, comprising: a hanging portion; a cross member connected to the hanging portion; first and second edge members depending from respective first and second opposed ends of the cross member and defining respective lateral extents of the hanger; and a central gripper member located inwardly of the respective edge members; wherein the gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of one side edge of the multiple overlaid garments and at least an overlapping portion of an opposite side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, when the multiple garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger with respective side edges of the overlaid garments extending around the associated first and second edge members to a rear side of the hanger.

[0024] The central gripper member may comprise a hinged clip, which may be releasably lockable in a closed configuration to securely grip the garments therewithin. The hinged clip may comprise a flap hingedly coupled to a base, the flap and base respectively including cooperative locking features. The cooperative locking features may comprise a detent on the end of a resiliently deflectable tongue projecting from one of the flap and the base, and a corresponding aperture through the other of the flap and the base configured to allow the detent to deflect to pass through the aperture when hinging the flap closed but not to pass therethrough when the flap is urged to hinge open unless the detent is deflected by a user.

[0025] The base of the hinged clip may be connected to the cross member via a hinged connection with a leg member, the base being hingeable from in line with the leg to overlying the leg, the base and the leg respectively including cooperative locking features for releasably holding the base in the overlaid position. According to this embodiment, the cooperative locking features may comprise at least one peg and a corresponding hole, for frictional engagement with one another.

[0026] The first and second edge members may include features on their respective outer surfaces to enhance frictional engagement of garments when arranged on the hanger.

[0027] The hanger may be formed from moulded plastic, such as polystyrene. The constituent parts of the hanger may be integrally formed as a unitary moulding. The hanger may be designed specifically with a view to being mouldable as a single unitary item. In particular, the type and location of the gripper members can be selected for optimum ease of manufacture.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of arranging multiple intimate garments on a hanger, comprising: providing a hanger as described above; laying multiple intimate garments in an at least partially overlapping overlaid 15 arrangement; placing the hanger on a back side of the arranged garments; folding a first side edge of the garments around the first side member; folding a second side edge of the garments around the second side member; securing the garments in the folded configuration by gripping the side edges in the at least one gripper member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of an exemplary known multipack intimate hanger for displaying three intimate garments, each received in a respective pair of gripper members on opposite sides of the hanger; Figure 2 is a front view of a similar known hanger loaded with three pairs of panties; Figure 3 is a corresponding rear view, showing edges of the panties tucked under respective finger members; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a multipack intimate garment hanger according to a first aspect of the invention; Figures 5a to 5e show stages of mounting multiple intimate garments onto a hanger according to the first aspect of the invention; Figures 6a to 6c show a variant of the first aspect of the invention, including an optional additional central gripper member for reducing the displayed size of the garments on the hanger, and Figures 7a to 7c show respective front, rear and side perspective views of a multipack intimate garment hanger according to a second aspect of the invention, having a single central gripper member; Figures 8a to 8f show stages of mounting multiple intimate garments onto a hanger according to the second aspect of the invention; and Figures 9a to 9e show stages of mounting multiple intimate garments onto a multipack intimate garment according to a third aspect of the invention, in which edge gripper members both secure and define the lateral extent of the displayed garments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figures 4 to 5e illustrate an intimate garment hanger 50 according to one embodiment of the invention. The hanger 50 has a hanging portion 52 in the form of a hook for displaying the hanger on a suitable shop fitting, such as a rail. The hook 52 is connected to the centre of a cross member 54. It will be appreciated that the hanging portion 52 may take many alternative forms, such as differently shaped hooks, closed loops, or a shaped aperture through a tab, for example.

[0031] First and second edge members 56a, 56b depend from opposite ends of the cross member 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge members 56a, 56b depend downwardly, substantially vertically from the substantially horizontal cross member 54. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are possible, such as the edge members each extending upwardly from a lower-positioned cross member 54, or both upwardly and downwardly from a more intermediately-positioned cross member. The edge members 56a, 56b each have an outer edge surface 58a, 58b that define respective lateral extents of the hanger 50, which is to say the outer edge surfaces 58a, 58b are the outermost parts of the hanger 50 with no further parts of the hanger positioned more laterally. The edge surfaces 58 may include protrusions 60 to add texture for a more secure attachment of garments to the hanger.

[0032] A first arm 62a extends inwardly from a lower end of the first edge member 56a. A first gripper member 70a, in the form of a hinged clip, is connected at a free end of the first arm 62a. Correspondingly, a second arm 62b extends inwardly from a lower end of the second edge member 56b and a second gripper member 70b is connected at a free end thereof. The gripper members 70 each comprise a hinged clip in which a flap 72 is connected to a base 74 by a vertically oriented hinge 76 such that the flap 72 can be folded between a flat configuration in which the flap is positioned in the same plane as the base 74, inward thereof (as shown in Figure 4), to a folded configuration in which the flap 72 overlies the corresponding base 74 (as shown in Figures Sc and 5d), forming a slot 73a; 73b therebetween that is open towards the outside of the hanger 50 (i.e. facing towards the associated outer edge surface 58a, 58b).

[0033] The clip is releasably held in the folded configuration by a releasable interengagement of cooperative locking features in the form of a deflectable tab 80 on the base 74 that passes through a corresponding aperture 78 in the flap 72 (or vice versa).

Pushing the tab 80 towards the centre of the hanger 50 would allow the flap 72 to hinge back to the flat configuration by allowing the aperture 78 to pass over the end of the deflected tab 80.

[0034] The hinge 76 is typically a living hinge formed of a thinner portion of material than the flap and base portions 72, 74 and allows the clip to be folded between the flat and folded configurations multiple times.

[0035] The hanger 50 is typically manufactured by moulding a suitable plastics material, such as polystyrene, and accordingly the hook portion 52, cross member 54, edge members 56, arm members 62 and gripper members 70 may be integrally formed as a single unitary item.

[0036] A method of loading the hanger 50 with multiple intimate garments 40 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 5a to 5e. In this example, three pairs of panties 401, 402, 403 are displayed, but the hanger 50 could, with suitable adaptation, be used to display fewer than or more than three items, or different intimate garments, such as briefs, trunks, boxers and even sports bras, camisoles or vests.

[0037] First, the garments 401, 402, 403 to be displayed are laid flat, face up and overlaid as required (Figure 5a). Here, a first pair of panties 40i is first laid out, then a second pair of panties 402 is laid on top and then a third pair of panties 403 is laid on top again, such that just a portion of the waistband 411 of the first pair of panties 401 remains visible, a similar portion of the waistband 412 of the second pair of panties 402 remains visible, whilst the whole front of the third pair of panties 403 remains visible. The garments 401, 402, 403 are neatly arranged such that their respective side edges are aligned. The overlaid garments are then turned over and a hanger 50 is placed centrally, front side down, on to the back of the overlaid garments as appropriate for display -in this instance with the cross member 54 substantially in line with the top of the waistband 411 (Fig. 5b). It will be appreciated that the garments could instead be laid out face down in the first instance rather than face up and then turned over, but it may be easier to arrange the garments neatly if done face up.

[0038] Next, a first side of the overlaid garments is folded over, passing around the associated outer edge surface 58a, for a first side edge (comprising the side edges 441a, 442a, 443a of the individual garments 401, 402, 403) to be gripped by the associated clip 70a (Figure 5c). The second side of the overlaid garments (comprising the side edges 441b, 442b, 443b of the individual garments 401, 402, 403) is then likewise folded over, passing around the associated outer edge surface 58b, to be gripped by the associated clip 70b (Figure 5d). The clips 70a, 70b in Figures Sc and 5d are each shown in the folded configuration, but it will be understood that the garments are folded into place with the respective clips in the flat configuration and are then secured in that position by folding the clip to the folded configuration, locking in place by virtue of the interengagement of the cooperative locking features 78, 80.

[0039] The finished loaded hanger 50 is shown in Figure 5e, ready for display. The individual garments 401, 402, 403 are each at least partially visible and they are neatly and centrally positioned.

[0040] To remove the garments 401, 402, 403 from the hanger 50, typically at a point of sale, the gripper clips 70a, 70b are both released to their respective open configurations. The garments can be passed to the customer, whilst the hanger can be retained by the shop for reuse either in the shop or in a central re-use processing plant.

[0041] Another embodiment of the invention is shown with reference to Figures 6a to 6c.

A hanger 150 according to this embodiment corresponds to that described with reference to Figures 4 to 5e, but with the addition of a central clip 90 for reducing the displayed size of the garments on the hanger. The central clip 90 is connected to the cross member 54 centrally beneath the hook 52 and comprises a base 92 and a flexible tongue 94.

[0042] In use, once the overlaid garments 401, 402, 403 have been gripped in the gripper members 70a, 70b, a crotch portion 49 of the garments is folded upwards on the rear side of the hanger 150 to be received in the clip 90 between the base 92 and the flexible tongue 94 (Figure 6b). The finished loaded hanger 150 is shown in Figure 6c, ready for display. The individual garments 401, 402, 403 are each at least partially visible and they are neatly and centrally positioned, but with a reduced height with respect to Figure 5e, resulting in a substantially rectangular front display. This would allow a greater density of garments to be displayed [0043] To remove the garments 401, 402, 403 from the hanger 150, the gripper clips 70a, 70b are both released to their respective open configurations and the crotch portion is pulled out from the central clip 90.

[0044] The hanger 150 is typically manufactured by moulding a suitable plastics material, such as polystyrene, and accordingly the hook portion 52, cross member 54, edge members 56, arm members 62, gripper members 70 and central clip 90 may be integrally formed as a single unitary item.

[0045] A further embodiment is shown with reference to Figures 7a to 7c. A hanger 750 according to this second aspect of the invention has a hanging portion 752 in the form of a hook for displaying the hanger on a suitable shop fitting, such as a rail. The hook 752 is connected to the centre of a cross member 754. As with the first aspect, it will be appreciated that the hanging portion 752 may take many alternative forms.

[0046] First and second edge members 756a, 756b depend downwardly from opposite ends of the cross member 754. A brace member 755 extends parallel to the cross member 754 between lower ends of the first and second edge members 756a, 756b, the cross member 754, brace member 755 and edge members 756 thereby forming a substantially rectangular frame.

[0047] The edge members 756a, 756b each have an outer edge surface 758a, 758b that define respective lateral extents of the hanger 750. The edge surfaces 758 may include protrusions (not shown) to add texture for a more secure attachment of garments to the hanger.

[0048] A central gripper member 790, in the form of a hinged central clip, is connected to the cross member 754 centrally beneath the hook 752. The central clip 790 comprises a leg 791 that is connected at an upper end to the cross member 754 and hingedly connected at a lower end to a first end of a base 793 via a first horizontally oriented hinge 792. The base 793 is, in turn, hingedly connected at a second end thereof to a flap 795 via a second horizontally oriented hinge 794. The base 793 can be hinged upwardly to move the central clip 790 from a flat configuration in which the leg 791, the base 793 and the flap 795 are all positioned in the same plane, towards the cross member 754 to an open configuration (as shown in Figure 7c), where the base 793 overlies the leg 791 and the flap 795 is not hinged closed. The base 793 is releasably held in that position by frictional engagement of a pair of pegs 764 on the cross member 754 with corresponding holes 766 on the base 793.

[0049] From the open configuration, the can be hinged downwardly to overlie the base 793, thereby placing the central clip 790 in a folded configuration, forming a slot (not shown) between the flap 795 and the base 793 that is open towards the bottom of the hanger 750.

[0050] The flap 795 of the clip 790 is releasably held in the folded configuration by a releasable interengagement of cooperative locking features in the form of a deflectable tab 780 on the base 793 that passes through a corresponding aperture 778 in the flap 795 (or vice versa). Pushing the tab 780 towards the hook 752 would allow the flap 795 to hinge back to the open configuration by allowing the aperture 778 to pass over the end of the deflected tab 780.

[0051] The hinges 792, 794 are typically living hinges formed of a thinner portion of material than the leg, flap and base portions 791, 795, 793 and allow the central clip 790 to be folded between the flat, open and folded configurations multiple times.

[0052] The hanger 750 is typically manufactured by moulding a suitable plastics material, such as polystyrene, and accordingly the hook portion 752, cross member 754, brace member 755, edge members 756, and central gripper member 790 may be integrally formed as a single unitary item. The brace member 755 may, in certain embodiments, be omitted, but its inclusion helps to strengthen the hanger 750 and improve on rigidity, and also provides a defined fold point for the garments, thereby defining a lower edge of the resulting folded displayed garments.

[0053] A method of loading the hanger 750 with multiple intimate garments 40 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 5a and 8a to 8f. In this example, three pairs of panties 401, 402, 403 are displayed, but the hanger 750 could, with suitable adaptation, be used to display fewer than or more than three items, or different intimate garments, such as briefs, trunks, boxers and even sports bras, camisoles or vests.

[0054] First, the garments 401, 402, 403 to be displayed are laid flat, face up and overlaid as required (Figure 5a -supra). The overlaid garments are then turned over and a hanger 750 is placed centrally, front side down, on to the back of the overlaid garments as appropriate for display -in this instance with the cross member 754 substantially in line with the top of the waistband 411 (Fig. 8a). The central clip 790 is in the open configuration. As with the first aspect of the invention, it will be appreciated that the garments could instead be laid out face down in the first instance rather than face up and then turned over, but it may be easier to arrange the garments neatly if done face up.

[0055] Next, a first side of the overlaid garments is folded over, passing around the associated outer edge surface 758a, for a portion of the first side edge (comprising the side edges 44i., 442., 443a of the individual garments 401, 402, 403) to be received in the central clip 790 in the open configuration (Figure 8b). The second side of the overlaid garments (comprising the side edges 441b, 442b, 443b of the individual garments 401, 402, 403) is then likewise folded over, passing around the associated outer edge surface 758b, also for at least a portion to be received in the central clip 790 in the open configuration (Figure Sc). Next, a crotch portion 49 of the garments is folded upwards on the rear side of the hanger 750 to be received in the central clip 790 (Figure 8d). The central clip 790 is then secured in the folded position by folding the clip to the folded configuration, locking in place by virtue of the interengagement of the cooperative locking features 778, 780, thereby securing the garments in position (Figure 8e), the respective edges 44 and crotch 49 of the garments being gripped in a single action at a single location. With this embodiment, it will be seen that only the edges 441. and 441b of the uppermost garment 401 are actually gripped in the central clip 790, but the other garments 402 and 403 are securely held by virtue of the overlapping arrangement and the additional securement provided by the upward fold and subsequent grip of the crotch 49. It will be understood that other forms of central clip 790 may be used, provided the ability to releasably grip all of the garments for which the hanger is designed.

[0056] The finished loaded hanger 750 is shown in Figure 8f, ready for display. The individual garments 401, 402, 403 are each at least partially visible and they are neatly and centrally positioned, and with a reduced height with respect to Figure 5e, resulting in a substantially square front display for these exemplary garments.

[0057] To remove the garments 401, 402, 403 from the hanger 750, the central clip 790 is released to the open configuration.

[0058] A further embodiment is shown with reference to Figures 9a to Be. A hanger 950 according to this aspect of the invention has a hanging portion 952 in the form of a hook for displaying the hanger on a suitable shop fitting, such as a rail. The hook 952 is connected to the centre of a cross member 954. As with the first and second aspects, it will be appreciated that the hanging portion 952 may take many alternative forms.

[0059] First and second edge gripper members 956a, 956b depend from opposite ends of the cross member 954 and depend downwardly, substantially vertically from the substantially horizontal cross member 954. The edge gripper members 956a, 956b each have an outer edge surface 958a, 958b that define respective lateral extents of the hanger 950, which is to say the outer edge surfaces 958a, 958b are the outermost parts of the hanger 950 with no further parts of the hanger positioned more laterally. The edge surfaces 958 may include protrusions (not shown) to add texture for a more secure attachment of garments to the hanger.

[0060] Each edge gripper member 956 is in the form of a spring clip in which a flap 914 is connected to a base 912 by a horizontally oriented hinge 915 such that the flap 914 can be folded between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The spring clips 956a, 956b are releasably held in the closed configuration by a spring 916 arranged over the hinge 915 and slidable from an up position, which permits hinging movement of the flap 914 relative to the base 912, and a down position, which locks the clip in the closed configuration in a known manner. As such, the portions of the gripper members 956a, 956b that grip the garments in use (e.g. a slot defined between the flap 914 and the base 912) are located inwardly of the respective outer edge surfaces 958a, 958h.

[0061] The hinge 915 may be a living hinge formed of a thinner portion of material than the flap and base portions 914, 912 and allows the clip to be moved between the open and folded configurations multiple times.

[0062] A central gripper member 990, in the form of a hinged central clip, is connected to the cross member 954 centrally beneath the hook 952. The central clip 990 may correspond to the central clip 790 described by reference to the second aspect of the invention.

[0063] The hanger 950 is typically manufactured by moulding a suitable plastics material, such as polystyrene, and accordingly the hook portion 952, cross member 954, edge gripper member bases 912 and flaps 914 and central gripper member 990 may be integrally formed as a single unitary item.

[0064] A method of loading the hanger 950 with multiple intimate garments 40 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 5a and 9a to 9e. In this example, three pairs of panties 401, 402, 403 are displayed, but the hanger 950 could, with suitable adaptation, be used to display fewer than or more than three items, or different intimate garments, such as briefs, trunks, boxers and even sports bras, camisoles or vests.

[0065] First, the garments 401, 402, 403 to be displayed are laid flat, face up and overlaid as required (Figure 5a -supra). The overlaid garments are then turned over and a hanger 950 is placed centrally, front side down, on to the back of the overlaid garments as appropriate for display -in this instance with the cross member 954 substantially in line with the top of the waistband 411 (Fig. 9a). The edge gripper members 956a, 956b and the central clip 990 are all in their open configurations. As with the first aspect of the invention, it will be appreciated that the garments could instead be laid out face down in the first instance rather than face up and then turned over, but it may be easier to arrange the garments neatly if done face up.

[0066] Next, one side of the overlaid garments is folded over (here it is the second side that is first shown folded over in Figure 9b), passing around the associated outer edge surface 958b, for at least a portion of the second side edge (comprising the side edges 441b, 442b, 443b of the individual garments 401, 402, 403) to be received in the associated edge gripper member 956b initially in the open configuration. The spring 916b of the second edge gripper member 956b is then pushed in to secure the clip in the closed configuration, thereby securely holding the second edge of the garments in position.

[0067] The other side of the overlaid garments (here comprising the side edges 441a, 442a, 443a of the individual garments 401, 402, 403) is then likewise folded over, passing around the associated outer edge surface 958a, for at least a portion to be received in the associated edge gripper member 956a initially in the open configuration The spring 916a of the second edge gripper member 956a is then pushed in to secure the clip in the closed configuration, thereby securely holding the first edge of the garments in position. The central clip 990 is still in the open configuration. Figure 9c corresponds.

[0068] Next, a crotch portion 49 of the garments is folded upwards on the rear side of the hanger 950 to be received in the central clip 990 (Figure 9d). The central clip 990 is then secured in the folded position by folding the central clip to the folded configuration and locking in place by virtue of the interengagement of the cooperative locking features, thereby securing the garments in position (refer also to Figure 8e and the corresponding description), the respective edges 44 and crotch 49 of the garments being gripped. It will be understood that other forms of central clip 990 may be used, provided the ability to releasably grip all of the garments for which the hanger is designed.

[0069] The finished loaded hanger 950 is shown in Figure 9e, ready for display. The individual garments 401, 402, 403 are each at least partially visible and they are neatly and centrally positioned, and with a reduced height with respect to Figure 5e, resulting in a substantially rectangular front display for these exemplary garments.

[0070] To remove the garments 401, 402, 403 from the hanger 950, the central clip 990 and the edge gripper clips 956a, 956b are each released to their respective open configurations.

[0071] The first, second and third aspects of the invention thus all share the characteristic that the garments are displayed with lateral extents defined by the outer edge surfaces of the hanger, the opposite sides of the bundle of garments having been wrapped around the outside of those edge surfaces from the front to the back of the hanger, and secured in that position by gripper members that are located inwardly of the edge surfaces and would therefore not be seen from the front in the displayed arrangement.

[0072] Whereas certain forms of central clip, gripper members and edge gripper members have been described, it should be understood that alternative forms could also be used, provided the ability to receive and securely yet releasably grip the thickness of material necessary.

[0073] Generally speaking, the edge members define the size of displayed package (i.e. the lateral spacing between the outer edges of the edge members defines the width of the displayed package). The height of the displayed package may be defined by the length of the edge members, by the presence of a brace member (or lower cross member) or by the size and position of any central clip member.

[0074] Where the invention may be used to display intimate garments in the form of tops, such as vests and sports bras, it may be necessary to arrange these items so that their bottom hem edge is upperwards, for neatness.

[0075] Whereas it is envisaged that the principle advantages of the invention may be realised when applied to the display of multiple garments on a single hanger, the hangers could have application for the display of single items also.

[0076] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. References to top, bottom, upper and lower, and any definitions which refer to those terms should be understood in the context of a hanger hanging on display.

[0077] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0078] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS1. A garment hanger for displaying multiple intimate garments in an at least partially overlapping overlaid configuration, comprising: a hanging portion; a cross member connected to the hanging portion; first and second edge members depending from respective first and second opposed ends of the cross member and each having a vertical outer edge surface defining respective lateral extents of the hanger; and a single, central gripper member located inwardly of the respective edge member; wherein the central gripper member is configured to grip at least an overlapping portion of one side edge of the multiple overlaid garments and at least an overlapping portion of an opposite side edge of the multiple overlaid garments, when the multiple garments are arranged to extend across a front side of the hanger with respective side edges of the overlaid garments extending around the associated first and second edge members to a rear side of the hanger.
2. 2. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the central gripper member comprises a hinged clip.
3. 3. The garment hanger of claim 2, wherein the hinged clip is releasably lockable in a closed configuration to securely grip the garment therewithin.
4. 4. The garment hanger of claim 3, wherein the hinged clip comprises a flap hingedly coupled to a base, the flap and base respectively including cooperative locking features.
5. 5. The garment hanger of claim 4, wherein cooperative locking features comprise a detent on the end of a resiliently deflectable tongue projecting from one of the flap and the base, and a corresponding aperture through the other of the flap and the base configured to allow the detent to deflect to pass through the aperture when hinging the flap closed but not to pass therethrough when the flap is urged to hinge open unless the detent is deflected by a user.
6. 6. The garment hanger of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the base of the hinged clip is connected to the cross member via a hinged connection with a leg member, the base being hingeable from in line with the leg to overlying the leg, the base and the leg respectively including cooperative locking features for re leasa bly holding the base in the overlaid position.
7. 7. The garment hanger of claim 6, wherein the cooperative locking features comprise at least one peg and a corresponding hole, for frictional engagement with one another.
8. 8. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second edge members include features on their respective outer surfaces to enhance frictional engagement of garments when arranged on the hanger.
9. 9. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the hanger is formed from moulded plastic.
10. 10. The garment hanger of claim 9, wherein the constituent parts of the hanger are integrally formed as a unitary moulding.
11. 11. A method of arranging multiple intimate garments on a hanger, comprising: providing a hanger in accordance with claim 1 and any claim dependent thereon; laying multiple intimate garments in an at least partially overlapping overlaid arrangement: placing the hanger on a back side of the arranged garments; folding a first side edge of the garments around the first edge member; folding a second side edge of the garments around the second edge member; securing the garments in the folded configuration by gripping the respective side edges in the single, central gripper member.