GB2609933A

GB2609933A - An interlockable hanger and a method of manufacture

Info

Publication number: GB2609933A
Application number: GB2111770.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Wilkins André; East Stephen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-08-17
Filing date: 2021-08-17
Publication date: 2023-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2041-08-17
Also published as: GB2609933B; GB202111770D0

Abstract

A recyclable paper-based A-frame hanger 100 comprises: a hook 105 and frame 110, the frame comprising two laterally-spaced aperture portions 122, 121, wherein a hook of a second hanger may extend through both aperture portions to interlock the second hanger to the frame. A set of the hangers are provided. The aperture portions may be two distinct apertures in the frame or portions of one aperture separated by a retention tab. The hanger may have multiple layers, formed by folding a single-layer precursor. The aperture portions may be in a subset of the layers or through-thickness. Methods of manufacturing the hanger, including a computer program, are provided, comprising forming a precursor by blanking and cutting, then folding the precursor into the hanger. A precursor for the hanger is also provided.

Description

An interlockable hanger and a method of manufacture

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to interlockable hangers for consumer products and methods of manufacture.

Background

io Hangers are typically used to allow consumer products (e.g. items of clothing) to be conveniently stored and/or displayed, such as in a shop, warehouse or a consumer's wardrobe.

The listing or discussion of a prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

Summary

In a first aspect, there is provided a set comprising first and second interlockable A-frame hangers, each interlockable hanger comprising: a hook portion configured to allow the hanger to be hung; and an A-frame portion configured to carry an article to be hung from the hanger, the A-frame portion comprising a first face, an opposing second face and two laterally-spaced aperture portions formed within the A-frame portion, wherein the first interlockable hanger is configured such that the hook portion of the second interlockable hanger can extend through and between both aperture portions of the first interlockable hanger in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (H) through the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second interlockable hanger to the first interlockable hanger, and wherein the first and second interlockable hangers are made from a recyclable paper-based material.

In a second aspect, there is provided a first interlockable A-frame hanger, the interlockable hanger comprising: a hook portion configured to allow the hanger to be hung; and an A-frame portion configured to carry an article to be hung from the hanger, the A-frame portion comprising a first face, an opposing second face and two laterally-spaced aperture portions formed within the A-frame portion, and wherein the first interlockable hanger is configured such that the hook io portion of a second interlockable hanger can extend through and between both aperture portions of the first interlockable hanger in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (ii) through the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second interlockable hanger to the first interlockable hanger, and wherein the first interlockable hanger is made from a recyclable paper-based material.

The first interlockable hanger may be comprised of multiple layers attached zo together.

The first interlockable hanger may be comprised of two layers attached together, and be formed by folding a single-layered hanger precursor along a fold line.

The opposing second face of the A-frame portion may be an interior face of the multiple layers attached together, and the two aperture portions may be formed in only a subset of the multiple layers of the interlockable hanger.

For a two-layered interlockable hanger, the opposing second face of the A-frame portion may be an interior face of the two layers attached together, and the two aperture portions may be formed in only one of the two layers.

The opposing second face of the A-frame portion may be a rear face of the A-frame portion, and the two aperture portions may be through-thickness aperture portions.

The A-frame portion may be substantially closed apart from the two aperture portions.

The two aperture portions may comprise two distinct apertures in the A-frame portion. That is, the A-frame portion may comprise a first aperture extending io between the first face and the opposing second face, a second aperture extending between the first face and the opposing second face, and a blocking portion positioned between the first and second apertures. When an entity (e.g. a finger, a hook portion of a hanger) is extending through the first aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face, the blocking portion stops the entity from slipping laterally into the second aperture portion.

The two aperture portions may be formed from one aperture in the A-frame portion.

The A-frame portion may comprise a flexible retention tab which, when in a retention position, extends across an entire width of the aperture and separates the one aperture into two aperture portions. The flexible retention tab is attached to the rest of the A-frame portion at one edge of the aperture and is unattached at the far end of the aperture, allowing it to be moved into a flexed position.

The A-frame portion may comprise a partially protruding retention tab which separates the one aperture into two aperture portions. The partially protruding retention tab does not extend across the entire width of the aperture. The partially protruding retention tab is attached to the rest of the A-frame portion at one edge of the aperture and is unattached at the far end of the aperture.

The A-frame portion may comprise two foldable retention tabs, each foldable retention tab configured to fold towards, away from or laterally to the hook portion into a retention position to create an aperture in the A-frame portion.

The two aperture portions may be formed by folding a respective foldable retention tab into a retention position to create an aperture.

Each of the features described above (or later in the description) in relation to the first interlockable hanger is also applicable to the second interlockable hanger.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a single-layered interlockable A-frame hanger having the features of the aforementioned first interlockable hanger. The method comprises: blanking a hanger blank from a single-layered sheet of recyclable paper-based material, the hanger blank comprising a hook portion and a A-frame portion; and cutting two laterally-spaced aperture portions in the A-frame portion of the hanger blank to form the single-layered interlockable A-frame hanger.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger. The method comprises: forming a hanger precursor from a single-layered sheet of recyclable zo paper-based material by: blanking a hanger precursor blank from the sheet, the hanger precursor blank comprising two opposing hook precursor portions and two opposing A-frame precursor portions, each pair of opposing portions bisected by one or more fold lines; and cutting a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions in one A-frame precursor portion of the hanger precursor blank; and folding the hanger precursor along the one or more fold lines to form the two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger, wherein the hanger comprises a hook portion configured to allow the hanger to be hung and an A-frame portion configured to carry an article to be hung from the hanger, the A-frame portion comprising a first face, an opposing second face and two laterally-spaced aperture portions formed within the A-frame portion, wherein the hook, frame and aperture portions of the interlockable 35 hanger are formed from the two opposing hook precursor portions, two

S

opposing A-frame precursor portions and pair of aperture precursor portions of the hanger precursor respectively, and wherein the interlockable hanger is configured such that the hook portion of a second interlockable hanger can extend through and between both aperture portions in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (ii) through the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second interlockable hanger to the formed interlockable hanger.

The two aperture portions of the interlockable hanger may be formed in only one of the two layers of the interlockable hanger, and the opposing second face of the A-frame portion of the interlockable hanger may be an interior face of the two layers folded together.

Forming a hanger precursor may comprise cutting two opposing pairs of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions in the two opposing A-frame precursor portions of the hanger precursor blank, each pair of opposing portions bisected by the one or more fold lines. The opposing second face of the A-frame portion of the interlockable hanger may be a rear face of the A-frame portion, and the two aperture portions of the interlockable hanger may be formed from the two opposing pairs of aperture precursor portions of the hanger precursor.

The blanking and cutting may be performed in a single step.

The method may further comprise creating the one or more fold lines by scoring or perforating. The one or more fold lines may be created before, during or after the hanger precursor blank is blanked and before, during or after the two aperture precursor portions are cut.

The two A-frame precursor portions may be connected to each other along the one or more fold lines. Each hook precursor portion may be separated from the one or more fold lines by the respective A-frame precursor portion.

The method may further comprise blanking and cutting the sheet so that the sheet comprises two or more hanger precursors for a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger, each hanger precursor comprising two opposing hook precursor portions and two opposing A-frame precursor portions with one A-frame precursor portion having formed therein a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions, each pair of opposing portions bisected by one or more fold lines, and each hanger precursor configured to be foldable to form a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger. This may enable multiple hanger precursors to be made at once, increasing manufacturing efficiency.

The method may further comprise attaching the internal opposing sides of the hanger precursor to one another.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a single-layered hanger precursor for a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger, the hanger precursor comprising: two opposing hook precursor portions; and two opposing A-frame precursor portions, one A-frame precursor portion having formed therein a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions, wherein each pair of opposing portions is bisected by one or more fold lines, and wherein the hanger precursor is configured to be foldable along the one or more fold lines to form a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger as previously mentioned, with the hook, frame and aperture portions of the interlockable hanger being formed from the two opposing hook precursor portions, two opposing A-frame precursor portions and the pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions of the hanger precursor respectively.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer-readable instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the 30 computer to configure one or more apparatus to perform any method discussed above.

In a seventh aspect, there is provided an interlockable A-frame hanger manufactured by any method disclosed herein.

Corresponding computer programs for implementing one or more steps of the methods disclosed herein are also within the present disclosure and are encompassed by one or more of the described example embodiments. One or more of the computer programs may comprise computer-readable instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to configure any apparatus to perform any method disclosed herein. One or more of the computer programs may be software implementations, and the computer may be considered as any appropriate hardware, including one or more of a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable o Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) and Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), as non-limiting examples.

It will be appreciated that any "computer" described herein can comprise a collection of one or more individual processors/processing elements that may or may not be located on the same circuit board, or the same region/position of a circuit board or even the same device. In some example embodiments one or more of any mentioned processors may be distributed over a plurality of devices. The same or different processor/processing elements may perform one or more functions described herein.

One or more of the computer programs may be provided on a computer readable medium, which may be a physical computer readable medium such as a disc or a memory device or other non-transient tangible medium, or may be embodied as a transient signal. Such a transient signal may be a network download, including an internet download.

The present disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, example embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation.

Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief Description of the Figures

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows one example of an interlockable A-frame hanger with distinct aperture portions, as described herein; Figure 2a shows one example of first and second interlockable A-frame hangers, as described herein; Figure 2b shows a photograph of three interlockable A-frame hangers io according to an example described herein; Figure 3 shows six photographs illustrating the process of interlocking three interlockable hangers, according to an example described herein; Figure 4 shows one example of an interlockable A-frame hanger with a flexible retention tab, as described herein; is Figure 5 shows one example of an interlockable A-frame hanger with a partially-protruding retention tab, as described herein; Figure 6a shows one example of an interlockable A-frame hanger with two foldable retention tabs, as described herein; Figure 6b shows one example of an interlockable A-frame hanger with two zo foldable retention tabs, as described herein; Figure 6c shows one example of an interlockable A-frame hanger with two foldable retention tabs, as described herein; Figure 7a shows one example of an interlockable A -frame hanger as described herein; Figure 7b shows one example of an interlockable A -frame hanger as described herein; Figure 7c shows one example of an interlockable A -frame hanger as described herein; Figure 7d shows one example of an interlockable A -frame hanger as described 30 herein; Figure 7e shows one example of an interlockable A -frame hanger as described herein; Figure 8a shows one example of an interlockable A-frame hanger with a closed loop hook portion, as described herein; Figure 8b shows one example of an interlockable A-frame hanger with an angular hook portion, as described herein; Figure 9a shows a side cross-sectional view through an A-frame portion and one aperture portion therein for a single-layered hanger, according to an example described herein; Figure 9b shows a side cross-sectional view through an A-frame portion and one aperture portion therein for a two-layered hanger having through-thickness apertures portions, according to an example described herein; Figure 9c shows a side cross-sectional view through an A-frame portion and io one aperture portion therein for a two-layered hanger having partial-thickness apertures portions, according to an example described herein; Figure 10 shows the main steps of a method as described herein; Figure 11 shows the main steps of a method as described herein; Figure 12a shows one example of a hanger precursor, as described herein; is Figure 12b shows one example of a hanger precursor, as described herein; Figure 12c shows one example of a hanger precursor, as described herein; Figure 13 shows one example of a hanger precursor, as described herein; Figure 14 shows a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program configured to perform, control or enable a method as described herein.

Detailed Description

Hangers are typically used to allow consumer products to be conveniently stored and/or displayed, such as in a shop, warehouse or a consumer's wardrobe. The particular shape and design of a hanger may depend on the type of consumer product that it is intended to support (e.g. tops, cardigans, trousers, jackets, bras or other garments Figure 1 shows an interlockable A-frame hanger 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a front view (main), side view (left) and bottom view (bottom). The interlockable hanger 100 comprises a hook portion 105 and an A-frame portion 110. The hook portion 105 is configured to allow the hanger to be hung, e.g. from a rail. The A-frame portion 110 is configured to carry (i.e. directly support) an article to be hung from the hanger, e.g. a bra or camisole. The A-frame portion 110 comprises a first face 111 and an opposing second face 112. Two laterally-spaced aperture portions 121, 122 are formed within the A-frame portion 110, passing between the first face 111 and the opposing second face 112.

Laterally-spaced should be understood to mean that when the hanger is hung by the hook portion (e.g. from a rail), the two aperture portions are positioned horizontally relative to each other. The two aperture portions may be at approximately the same vertical height from the ground (such as in Figures 1, 2a, 4-6c and 7b-8b). In other embodiments, the two aperture portions may be io at different vertical heights (such as in Figure 7a).

The interlockable hanger is configured such that a second interlockable hanger can be attached or secured to the interlockable hanger. That is, the interlockable hanger is configured such that the hook portion of a second interlockable hanger can extend through and between both aperture portions of the first interlockable hanger in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (ii) through the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second interlockable hanger to the first interlockable hanger. Once the second interlockable hanger is secured to/interlocked with the first interlockable hanger, when the first hanger is hung by its hook portion (e.g. from a rail), the second hanger will hang by its hook portion from the first hanger.

Figure 2a shows first and second interlockable A-frame hangers 201, 202 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second interlockable hanger 202 is interlocked with the first interlockable hanger 201. The hook portion of the second interlockable hanger 202 extend through and between both aperture portions of the first interlockable hanger 201 in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (H) through the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second interlockable hanger 202 to the first interlockable hanger 201. When the first hanger 201 is hung by its hook portion, the second hanger 202 will hang by its hook portion from the first hanger 201.

Figure 2b shows a photograph of three interlockable A-frame hangers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The three hangers are of the same type shown in Figure 2a. The three hangers are interlocked such that the third hanger hangs by its hook portion from the second hanger and the second hanger hangs by its hook portion from the first hanger.

Figure 3 shows six photographs which illustrate the process of interlocking three interlockable hangers, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aperture portions of each of the three hangers are formed from a single aperture and a full-width flexible retention tab, similarly to the embodiment shown in Figure 4 and discussed below.

The use of two (or more) interlocked hangers may allow multiple items to be stored more space-efficiently than on non-interlocked hangers. Multiple items may be stored on multiple hangers positioned primarily vertically relative to each other. This may make better use of available vertical space than, for example, using multiple single hangers on a common rail, each positioned horizontally relative to each other. For example, to make better use of the vertical extent of a 2-metre high space in a wardrobe, multiple shirts may be stored on multiple interlocked hangers positioned vertically relative to each other. In a retail store, multiple bras may be stored on multiple interlocked hangers to make better use of a 1-metre high space below a rail.

The interlockable hanger is made from a recyclable paper-based material, to allow the hanger to be recycled at the end of its lifespan. The recyclable material may be one or more of paperboard and cardboard.

The thickness of the interlockable hanger may depend on the method of manufacture used and/or on the paper-based recyclable material. In some embodiments, the thickness of the hanger may be between 2 mm and 8 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the hanger may be between 3 mm and 6 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the hanger is 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm.

Aperture portions The two aperture portions may be implemented in a variety of ways, including (but not necessarily limited to) two distinct apertures in the A-frame portion, one aperture separable into two distinct aperture portions by a full-width flexible retention tab, one aperture separated into two aperture portions by a partially protruding retention tab, and two foldable retention tabs. Different implementations may require, or allow for, different ways of interlocking and un-interlocking two interlockable hangers. In at least some embodiments, the io two distinct apertures, the one aperture or the two retention tabs may be formed by cutting edges into a hanger blank.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment where the two aperture portions 121, 122 comprise two distinct apertures in the A-frame portion 110. A hanger 100 comprising two distinct apertures may be easier to manufacture and/or be more durable than some other implementations. In at least some embodiments, the two distinct apertures may be formed by cutting the apertures into a hanger blank. Two distinct apertures means that there is a first aperture/hole 121 extending between the first face 111 and the opposing second face 112, a second aperture/hole 122 extending between the first face 111 and the opposing second face 112, and a blocking portion 130 of the A-frame portion 110 positioned between the first and second apertures. When an entity (e.g. a finger, a hook portion of a hanger) is extended through the first aperture portion 121 from the first face 111 to the opposing second face 112, the blocking portion 130 stops the entity from slipping laterally into the second aperture portion 122. To interlock a second hanger with the first hanger 100, a free end of the hook portion of the second hanger is (i) extended/inserted through the first aperture 121 of the first hanger from the first face 111 to the opposing second face 112 and then (ii) extended/inserted through the second aperture 122 of the first hanger 100 from the opposing second face 112 to the first face 111.

In other embodiments (such those shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6c), the two aperture portions are formed from one aperture in the A-frame portion 35 extending between the first face and the opposing second face.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which, to form the two aperture portions 421, 422 from the one aperture, the A-frame portion 410 comprises a flexible retention tab 440. The flexible retention tab 440 is attached to the rest of the A-frame portion 410 at one edge 442 of the aperture, extends (when in a retention position) across the entire width of the aperture, and is unattached at the far end 444 of the aperture. In at least some embodiments, the one aperture and flexible retention tab 440 may be formed by cutting the aperture and unattached edge 444 into a hanger blank.

The flexible retention tab 440 can be moved between a retention position and a flexed position by moving the unattached end away from or towards the plane of the hanger 400. When in the retention position, the flexible retention tab 440 extends across an entire width of the aperture, separating the one aperture into two aperture portions 421, 422. Similarly to the previously-mentioned blocking portion 130, the flexible retention tab 440 in the retention position stops an entity (e.g. a finger, a hook portion of a hanger) currently extending through the first aperture portion 421 from the first face to the opposing second face from slipping laterally into the second aperture portion 422. The flexible retention tab 440 can be moved out of the retention position and into a flexed position by moving the unattached end away from the plane of the hanger 400. When in the flexed position, the two aperture portions 421, 422 are no longer separated, and an entity (e.g. a hook portion of a hanger) currently extending through the first aperture portion 421 from the first face to the opposing second face can be freely moved into the second aperture portion 422.

The use of a flexible retention tab 440 may allow for easier and/or quicker interlocking of two interlockable hangers, as shown by the six photographs in Figure 3. The retention tab 440 of a first hanger 400 may be moved to the flexed position, such as manually or by the force of a second hanger being pressed against the retention tab (Figure 3, image 1 to 2). When the retention tab is in the flexed position, a hook portion of a second hanger can be moved through the one aperture of the first hanger, to extend from the first face to the opposing second face of the A-frame portion of the first hanger (Figure 3, image 2). The retention tab can then be moved back into the retention position (e.g. manually or by the removal of pressure from the hook portion of the second hanger), forming the two separated aperture portions of the first hanger (Figure 3, image 3).

Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the A-frame portion 510 comprises one aperture and a partially protruding retention tab 550 which separates the one aperture into two aperture portions 521, 522. Similarly to the flexible retention tab 440 of Figure 4, the partially protruding retention tab 550 is attached to the rest of the A-frame portion 510 at one edge 552 of the aperture io and is unattached at the far end 554 of the aperture. The partially protruding retention tab 550 does not extend across the entire width of the aperture. In at least some embodiments, the one aperture and partially protruding retention tab 550 may be formed by cutting the aperture into a hanger blank.

is As the partially protruding retention tab 550 does not extend across the entire width of the aperture, it does not stop/block an entity (e.g. a finger, a hook portion of a hanger) currently extending through the first aperture portion 521 from the first face to the opposing second face from being moved laterally into the second aperture portion 522. However, the partially protruding tab 550 of a first hanger 500 does support/retain the hook portion of a second hanger 500 when the hangers are interlocked and orientated to as to be suitable for use (e.g. when the first hanger is hanging from a rail and the second hanger is hanging from the first hanger). The partially protruding tab 550 therefore prevents the second hanger from falling away from the first hanger, securing the second hanger to the first hanger when they are orientated suitably for use. It will be appreciated that in order to secure the second interlockable hanger to the first interlockable hanger, the partially protruding retention tab 550 must be attached to the rest of the A-frame portion at an appropriate part of the one aperture (e.g. near the bottom) and protrude in an appropriate direction (e.g. substantially upwards). The use of a partially protruding retention tab 550 may allow for easier and/or quicker interlocking of two interlockable hangers.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show embodiments in which the A-frame portion 35 comprises two foldable retention tabs 660 which can be used to form the two aperture portions. When in a normal/unfolded position, each foldable retention tab 660 lies in the same plane as the rest of the A-frame portion 610. One edge 662 of each foldable retention tab 660 (shown as dotted lines in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c) is attached to the rest of the A-frame portion 610. This edge acts as a fold line. One or more other edges 664 (shown in solid line) are unattached to the rest of the A-frame portion 610. Each foldable retention tab 660 is configured to fold along the fold line 662 towards, away from (see Figure 6b, folding direction indicated by curved arrows) or laterally (see Figures 6a and 6c) to the hook portion into a retention position, creating an aperture in the A-io frame portion 610. The two aperture portions are formed by folding a respective foldable retention tab 660 into a retention position to create an aperture. In at least some embodiments, the foldable retention tabs 660 may be formed by cutting the unattached edges 664 into a hanger blank.

is The foldable retention tabs 660 are not limited to being configured to fold in only one of the directions towards, away from or laterally to the hook portion. Each foldable retention tab 660 (and its attached edge 662) may be oriented so that the retention tab 660 folds (i) a combination of towards and laterally to the hook portion or (ii) a combination of away from and laterally to the hook portion. Additionally, whilst in Figures 6a-6c, the unattached edges 664 are shown as straight, in other embodiments one or more of these edges may be curved.

The foldable retention tabs 660 are also not limited to creating distinct apertures when folded into retention positions (that is, apertures with a blocking portion of the A-frame 610 in between which prevents an entity currently extending through one aperture from slipping into the second aperture). In Figures 6a and 6b, the two aperture portions formed are distinct apertures, similarly to Figure 1. However, the hanger shown in Figure 6c leads to a single aperture separable into two aperture portions by a flexible retention tab 640 (similarly to the flexible retention tab 440 from Figure 4). The hanger includes a joining cut 644 between the two foldable retention tabs 660, and when the retention tabs 660 are folded into retention positions, the two aperture portions are joined by joining cut 644, similarly to the hanger shown in Figure 4. The part 640 of the A-frame 610 between the two foldable retention tabs 660 -attached to the rest of the A-frame 610 portion only at edge 642 -is flexible, and can be moved from a flat retention position into a flexed position, joining the two aperture portions together into a single aperture.

The two aperture portions are not limited to the shapes, sizes or positions shown in Figures 1-6c. Several variations are shown in Figures 7a-7e and described below. Combinations of these variations (e.g. two vertically offset, unequally sized, ovular shaped aperture portions) are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Other variations may be envisaged and are within the

io scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 7a shows an embodiment in which the two aperture portions 721, 722 are vertically offset such that when the hanger 700 is hung by the hook portion (e.g. from a rail), the two aperture portions 721, 722 are at different vertical heights from the ground. This may account for a free end 709 of the hook portion of a second interlockable hanger being at a different vertical height to the end 707 joining the hook portion to the A-frame portion 710 of the second interlockable hanger.

zo Figure 7b shows an embodiment in which the two aperture portions 721, 722 are higher or lower down in the A-frame portion 710 than shown in Figures 1-6c. For example, the two aperture portions 721, 722 may be entirely located within one or more of the bottom 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50% of the A-frame portion 710 or within one or more of the top 10%, 15%, 200/o, 25°/o, 30%, 350/0, 40%, 45°/o or 50% of the A-frame portion 710.

This may allow first and second hangers to be interlocked whilst increasing or decreasing the vertical offsets between the A-frame portions 710 of the respective hangers.

In some embodiments, the two aperture portions 721, 722 may be not be substantially rectangular in shape. For example, the two aperture portions may be circular, ovular (for example, the aperture portions shown in Figure 7c), or include a combination of straight and curved edges (for example, the aperture portions shown in Figure 7d). Different aperture shapes may create a more secure interlocking between first and second hangers.

Figure 7e shows an embodiment in which the two aperture portions 721, 722 are of different sizes. For example, the first aperture portion 721 may be larger than the second aperture portion 722 to account for a non-constant width of the hook portion, such as a free end 709 of the hook portion being narrower than the end 707 joining the hook portion to the A-frame portion 710. The first aperture portion 721 may be larger than the second aperture portion 722 so that it is easier/quicker to extend/move the majority of the hook portion through the first aperture portion 721, whilst the smaller second aperture 722 io holds the hook portion of the second hanger more firmly in place. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the aperture portions 721, 722 may be chosen based on the dimensions of the hook portions, e.g. the second aperture portion 722 may be only slightly wider than a free end 709 of the hook portion in order to hold the hook portion of the second hanger in place.

Hook portion The hook portion is not limited to the shape, size or position shown in Figures 1-7e. Several variations are shown in Figures 8a and 8b and/or described below. Corn binations of these variations are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Other variations may be envisaged and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in some embodiments the hook portion may not have a free/open end 709. Figure 8a shows an embodiment in which the hook portion comprises a closed loop 870. It will be appreciated that a closed loop hook portion 870 is compatible with only certain types of aperture portion, such as the 'flexible retention tab' embodiment of Figure 4 and the 'partially protruding retention tab' embodiment of Figure 5, and the 'foldable retention tab' embodiment of Figure 6c. A closed loop hook portion 870 may be easier to manufacture and/or more resilient than a hook portion with a free end 709.

Figure 8b shows an embodiment in which the hook portion 872 includes at least some angular portions. The photographs in Figures 3 also show an embodiment in which the hook portion includes at least some angular portions. In some embodiments, the width of the hook portion (shown as distance 'W' in Figure 8b) may vary along the length of the hook portion. For example, the width of the free end 709 of a hook portion may be different to the width of the end 707 joining the hook portion to an A-frame portion 710.

In some embodiments, the hook portion may be flexible/non-rigid, allowing it to be deformed without breaking. This flexibility may allow the hook portion of a first hanger to be temporarily bent to facilitate hooking onto an attachment point (e.g. a rail). This may also allow the hook portion of a second hanger to io be more easily manoeuvred and extended through the two aperture portions of a first hanger. In some embodiments, the flexible hook portion may not be capable of holding a deformed shape and so the hook portion will return to its original shape with no manual intervention required. However in other embodiments, the flexible hook portion may be able to hold a deformed shape and the hook portion may require manual intervention to return it to its original shape.

A-frame portion The term A-frame' in A-frame portion' and A-frame hanger' should be understood to encompass both an A-frame where the two sides of the A-frame meet at the point of the 'A' (such as in Figures 2a-2b) and a truncated A-frame (such as in Figures 1 and 3) where the point of the 'A' is 'cut off' or truncated.

The A-frame portion is not limited to the shape, size or position shown in Figures 1-8b. For example, the A-frame portion may also comprise an additional region above the point of the 'N/the truncation. The additional region may be an ovular, rectangular or other-shaped portion interposed vertically between the truncated 'A' and the hook portion 105 in Figure 1. This portion may be to allow labelling information to be attached or printed.

In some embodiments, the A-frame portion 110 is substantially closed apart from the two aperture portions. The area of the two aperture portions 121, 122 may be the only area of the A-frame portion's first face 111 and/or opposing second face 112 having apertures/holes therein. The area of the two aperture portions 121, 122 may be the majority of the area of the first face 111 and/or opposing second face 112 having apertures/holes.

In other embodiments, the A-frame portion 110 is not substantially closed. The A-frame portion 110 may include one or more other apertures/holes in addition to the two aperture portions 121, 122 for securing a second interlockable hanger to the first interlockable hanger. The one or more other apertures/holes may be a majority of the area of the first face 111 and/or opposing second face 112 having apertures/holes. The one or more other apertures/holes may, for io example, decrease the weight of the hanger or decrease the amount of material required to make the hanger.

Single-layered and multi-layered hangers is In some embodiments, the interlockable hanger 100 may be formed from a single layer of the recyclable paper-based material. In other embodiments, the hanger 100 may be formed from multiple (e.g. two) layers of the recyclable paper-based material attached together. One advantage of multi-layered hangers is that the hanger may be stronger (e.g. capable of supporting more weight, more resilient to damage) than a single-layered hanger.

It will be appreciated that the 'single layer' of the recyclable paper-based material may in fact be a multi-layered laminated sheet. Multiple layers might be used for structural, protective or design reasons, for example. The term 'single layer' is used only to contrast with the multiple layers of the recyclable paper-based material in a 'multi-layered interlockable hanger'.

In some embodiments, the two aperture portions extend through all the layers of the interlockable hanger. In other embodiments, the two aperture portions may extend through fewer than all of the layers of a multi-layered hanger.

In embodiments where the interlockable hanger is single-layered, the two aperture portions in the A-frame portion are through-thickness aperture portions. That is, the aperture portions extend from the front face of the single layer to the rear face of the single layer. The previously-mentioned 'first face' 111 and 'opposing second face' 112 of the A-frame portion 110 are the front face and rear face respectively. This is illustrated by Figure 9a which shows a side cross-sectional view through an A-frame portion 910a and one aperture portion therein 921a for a single-layered hanger. The aperture portion 921a extends from the first/front face 911a of the A-frame portion to the second/rear face 912a.

In some embodiments where the interlockable hanger is multi-layered, the two aperture portions in the A-frame portion may be through-thickness aperture portions. That is, the aperture portions extend from the front face of the multi- layered A-frame portion to the rear face of the of the two layered A-frame portion. The previously-mentioned 'first face' and 'opposing second face' of the A-frame portion are the front face and rear face of the multi-layered A-frame portion respectively. This is illustrated by Figure 9b which shows a side cross-sectional view through the A-frame portion 910b and one aperture portion 921b therein for a two-layered hanger having through-thickness apertures portions. The aperture portion 921b extends from the first/front face 911b of the A-frame portion to the second/rear face 912b.

One advantage of through-thickness apertures 921b in a multi-layered hanger is that they maximise the thickness of the region between the two aperture portions upon which the hook portion of an interlocked second hanger would hang (e.g. blocking portion 130, flexible retention tab 440, partially protruding retention tab 550).

In other embodiments where the interlockable hanger is multi-layered, the two aperture portions may not be through-thickness aperture portions. Instead, the two aperture portions may be formed in a subset of the multiple layers of the interlockable hanger, i.e. be partial-thickness aperture portions. These aperture portions extend from the front face of the multi-layered A-frame portion to an interior face of the multiple layers attached together. The previously-mentioned 'first face' and 'opposing second face' of the A-frame portion are the front face and an interior face of the multi-layered A-frame portion respectively. This is illustrated by Figure 9c which shows a side cross-sectional view through the A-frame portion 910c and one aperture portion 921c therein for a two-layered hanger having partial-thickness apertures portions. The aperture portion 921c extends from the first/front face 911c of the A-frame portion to the interior face 912c, but not to the rear face 913c.

The two layers on either side of the interior face 912c are not attached to each other in the area of the two partial-thickness aperture portions 921c (although all the multiple layers of the hanger are attached together, e.g. at one or more edges of the hanger, or substantially all over). This allows the hook portion of a second hanger to be extended through the first aperture portion 921c as far io as the interior face 912c of the first hanger, between the first and second aperture portions and back through the second aperture portion to the front face 911c of the first hanger.

One advantage of partial-thickness aperture portions 921c is that, when first and second hangers are interlocked, no part of the hook portion of the second hanger extends beyond the rear face 913c of the first hanger. Another advantage is that fewer aperture portions need to be formed (two apertures portions in each of the subset of layers, rather than two aperture potions in all of the multiple layers).

Method of manufacturing a single-layered interlockable A-frame hanger Several methods of manufacturing interlockable A-frame hangers are disclosed herein.

Firstly, Figure 10 shows the main steps of a method 1000 of manufacturing a single-layered interlockable A-frame hanger as discussed above, according to one embodiment. In step 1010, a hanger blank is blanked from a single-layered sheet of recyclable paper-based material, the hanger blank comprising a hook portion and a A-frame portion. In step 1020, two laterally-spaced aperture portions are cut in the A-frame portion of the hanger blank to form the single-layered interlockable A-frame hanger (e.g. hanger 100).

Blanking a hanger blank from a single-layered sheet encompasses cutting fully 35 through the sheet such that the hanger blank is entirely detached from the remainder of the sheet. It also encompasses cutting through part of the thickness of the sheet (e.g. to 80% of the thickness of the sheet), creating a hanger blank which can be subsequently pressed out of the sheet. It also encompasses cutting part of the outline of the hanger blank (e.g. cutting 95% of the outline, leaving 5% uncut), creating a hanger blank which can subsequently be pressed or shaken out of the sheet.

The same applies to cutting the two aperture portions in the A-frame portion of the hanger blank. Cutting encompasses cutting fully through the thickness io of the hanger blank, cutting through part of the thickness of the hanger blank, and cutting part of the outline of the aperture portions (e.g. cutting 95% of the outline of a rectangle, leaving 5% uncut).

In some scenarios, it may be beneficial for the hanger blanks to not be fully detached from the sheet and/or for the aperture portions to not be fully cut into the hanger blanks. For example, if the interlockable hangers are not required for use soon after they are formed, it may be more convenient to store the hangers within the sheet and/or without the aperture portions fully cut. If the hangers are to be transported, e.g. from a manufacturer to a retailer, the hangers may be better protected during transit if they are kept within the sheet from which they have been cut.

Method of manufacturing a multi-layered interlockable A-frame hanger Secondly, one method of manufacturing a multi-layered interlockable A-frame hanger comprises attaching additional layers (which may or may not contain aperture portions) to an interlockable hanger. For example, a two-layered interlockable hanger may be made by attaching a second layer to a single-layered interlockable hanger.

Method of manufacturing a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger Thirdly, another method of manufacturing a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger is described below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 11. This method involves creating a single-layered hanger precursor (such as the example shown in Figure 12a) and folding the single-layered hanger precursor along a fold line to form the two-layered hanger.

Figure 12a shows a single-layered hanger precursor 1280a for a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The hanger precursor 1280a comprises two opposing hook precursor portions 1285 and two opposing A-frame precursor portions 1290. One of the A-frame precursor portions 1290 has a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 formed therein. Each pair of opposing portions (that is, the pair of opposing hook precursor portions and the pair of opposing A-frame precursor portions) is bisected by one or more fold lines 1295. The hanger precursor 1280a is configured to be foldable along the one or more fold lines 1295 to form a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger as discussed above, for example hanger 100 shown in Figure 1. The hook portion 105, A-frame portion 110 and aperture portions 121, 122 of such an interlockable hanger may be formed from the two opposing hook precursor portions 1285, two opposing A-frame precursor portions 1290 and the pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 of the hanger precursor 1280a respectively.

Figure 11 shows the main steps in method 1100 of manufacturing a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger, according to one embodiment. In step 1130, a hanger precursor (e.g. hanger precursor 1280a) is formed from a single-layered sheet of recyclable paper-based material by performing the sub-steps 1132 and 1134. In sub-step 1132, a hanger precursor blank is blanked from the sheet, the hanger precursor blank comprising two opposing hook precursor portions and two opposing A-frame precursor portions, each pair of opposing portions bisected by one or more fold lines. In sub-step 1134, a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions are cut in one A-frame precursor portion of the hanger precursor blank, forming the hanger precursor.

In step 1140, the hanger precursor is folded along the one or more fold lines to form the two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger. The formed hanger comprises a hook portion configured to allow the hanger to be hung and an A35 frame portion configured to carry an article to be hung from the hanger, the A-frame portion comprising a first face, an opposing second face and two laterally-spaced aperture portions formed within the A-frame portion. The hook, frame and aperture portions of the interlockable hanger are formed from the two opposing hook precursor portions, two opposing A-frame precursor portions and pair of aperture precursor portions of the hanger precursor respectively. The interlockable hanger is configured such that the hook portion of a second interlockable hanger can extend through and between both aperture portions in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (ii) through io the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second interlockable hanger to the formed interlockable hanger.

There is also disclosed a method of manufacturing a single-layered hanger precursor for a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger (such as hanger precursor 1280a from Figure 12), the method comprising performing steps 1130, 1132 and 1134 from Figure 11.

In some embodiments of method 1100, blanking the hanger precursor blank zo from the sheet (step 1132) and cutting the pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions in one A-frame precursor portion of the hanger precursor blank (step 1134) are performing in a single step. That is, the edges of the hanger precursor and the edges of the aperture precursor portions therein are cut in a single step.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises creating the one or more fold lines along which the hanger precursor is folded to form the interlockable hanger in step 1140. The one or more fold lines may be created by scoring, perforating or using other methods. In some embodiments, the fold lines may be created before the blanking step 1132, i.e. in the unblanked sheet of recyclable paper-based material, with knowledge of where on the sheet the hanger precursor blank would be blanked from. In other embodiments, the fold lines may be created during blanking step 1132, in a single step. In other embodiments, the fold lines may be created between step 1132 and aperture-cutting step 1134, i.e. in the blanked hanger precursor without aperture precursor portions therein. In other embodiments, the fold lines may be created during aperture-cutting step 1134, in a single step. In other embodiments, the fold lines may be created after step 1134 and before folding step 1140, i.e. in the hanger precursor with apertures precursor portions therein.

Although Figure 12a shows a single fold line 1295 between the two opposing sides of the hanger precursors, more than one fold line may be present and may, in some embodiments, by advantageous. For example, two parallel fold io lines which are close together (e.g. 2 millimetres apart) may better facilitate the folding of a single-layered hanger precursor to form a two-layered hanger.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the one or more fold lines which bisect each pair of opposing portions in the hanger precursor blank (formed in step 1132) may not be physically marked as fold lines at the time that step 1132 is performed (or even prior to folding step 1140 being performed). Instead, the 'one or more fold lines' may be unmarked lines on the hanger precursor blank which are intended for to be folded along.

zo In some embodiments, the method further comprises attaching the internal opposing sides of the hanger precursor to one another. Attaching the internal opposing sides of the hanger precursor to one another may comprise applying an adhesive to one or more of the sheet, the hanger precursor blank and the hanger precursor. Attaching the internal opposing sides may comprise fastening the two sides together with a clip or other fastening device, which may or may not be temporary/removable to allow the hanger to be unfolded.

In some embodiments, the two-layered interlockable hanger may be used without attaching together the two internal opposing sides of the hanger precursor. For example, interlocking a first hanger with a second hanger may hold the two sides of the first hanger close together when in use and/or the paper-based material may be sufficiently stiff to hold the two sides close together without assistance. In some situations, it may be desirable to be able to unfold the hangers, e.g. for easier interlocking and un-interlocking of multiple hangers or for storage or transport of the hangers.

In some embodiments, multiple hanger precursors may be blanked and cut from the sheet in a single step 1132. That is, the method may comprise blanking and cutting the sheet of paper-based material so that the sheet comprises two or more hanger precursors for a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger. Each cut hanger precursor comprises two opposing hook precursor portions and two opposing A-frame precursor portions with one A-frame precursor portion having formed therein a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions, and each pair of opposing portions is bisected by io one or more fold lines. Each hanger precursor is configured to be foldable to form a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger. Blanking and cutting multiple hanger precursors may enable multiple hanger precursors to be made at once, increasing manufacturing efficiency.

Blanking a hanger precursor blank from a single-layered sheet (step 1132) is not limited to cutting fully through the thickness of sheet. Step 1132 also encompasses cutting through part of the thickness of the sheet, and cutting part of the outline of the hanger precursor blank. Similarly, cutting the two aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 in the A-frame portion 1290 of the hanger precursor blank (step 1134) encompasses cutting fully through the thickness of the hanger precursor blank, cutting through part of the thickness of the hanger precursor blank (leaving the aperture precursor portions to be pressed out), and cutting part of the outline of the aperture portions 1291, 1292 (again leaving the aperture precursor portions to be pressed out). In some scenarios, it may be beneficial for the hanger precursor blank to not be fully cut out of the sheet and/or for the aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 to not be fully cut into the hanger precursor blanks, e.g. to better protect the aperture precursor portions of the hangers during storage or transit.

In some embodiments of method 1100, the method may comprise cutting aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 into only one of the two A-frame precursor portions of the hanger precursor blank. No apertures precursor portions are cut into the other A-frame precursor portion. Figure 12a shows an example of a hanger precursor 1280a used in such an embodiment, with two as aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 in the uppermost A-frame precursor portion 1290 and no aperture precursor portions in the lowermost A-frame precursor portion 1290. The resultant two-layered hanger comprises two partial-thickness aperture portions 1291, 1292 formed in only one of the two layers of the hanger. As mentioned above, one advantage of partial-thickness aperture portions is that, when first and second hangers are interlocked, no part of the hook portion of the second hanger extends beyond the rear face of the first hanger In other embodiments of method 1100, forming a hanger precursor comprises io cutting one or more aperture precursor portions into the second A-frame precursor portion of the hanger precursor blank, in addition to the pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions cut in the first A-frame precursor portion in sub-step 1134. The one or more aperture precursor portions in the second A-frame precursor portion substantially cover or correspond to at least one of the two laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions cut in the first A-frame precursor portion. Consequentially, when the hanger precursor is folded into an interlockable hanger, the at least one of the two laterally-spaced aperture portions is a through-thickness aperture portion. Figures 12b and 12c show examples of hanger precursors used in two such embodiments, but other embodiments could be envisaged and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In both Figures 12b and 12c, the two aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 from sub-step 1134 are cut in the uppermost ('first') A-frame precursor portion 1290. In Figure 12b, one aperture precursor portion 1293b is cut in the lowermost ('second') A-frame precursor portion 1290. When the hanger precursor 1280b is folded along the fold line 1295, the one aperture precursor portion 1293b in the lowermost A-frame precursor portion 1290 aligns with and covers both aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 in the uppermost A-frame precursor portion 1290, as well as some other parts of the uppermost A-frame precursor portion 1290. Consequentially, when the hanger precursor 1280b is folded into an interlockable hanger, both aperture portions are through-thickness aperture portions.

In Figure 12c, two aperture precursor portions 1293c, 1294c are cut in the lowermost A-frame precursor portion 1290. These two aperture precursor portions 1293c, 1294c correspond to, and mirror, the two aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 cut in the uppermost A-frame portion 1290. When the hanger precursor 1280c is folded along the fold line 1295, the two aperture precursor portions 1293c, 1294c align with and cover both aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 in the uppermost A-frame precursor portion 1290. Consequentially, when the hanger precursor 1280c is folded into an interlockable hanger, both aperture portions are through-thickness aperture io portions.

The two aperture portions 1293c, 1294c in Figure 12c can be considered as a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions in the second A-frame precursor portion 1290 of the hanger precursor 1280c that is opposing to the pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 in the first A-frame precursor portion 1290 of the hanger precursor 1280c, with the two pairs being bisected by the (one or more) fold lines 1295 in the hanger precursor 1280c. When the hanger precursor 1280c is folded into an interlockable hanger, the two aperture portions of the hanger are formed from the two opposing pairs of aperture precursor portions of the hanger precursor 1280c.

In some embodiments, cutting one large aperture 1293b in the second A-frame precursor portion 1290 (as in Figure 12b) may advantageously allow a single blanking die to be used in combination with a variety of different types of aperture precursor portions 1291, 1292 cut into the first A-frame precursor portion 1290. In some embodiments, cutting two apertures 1293c, 1294c in the second A-frame precursor portion 1290 (as in Figure 12c) may advantageously increase the thickness of the region between the two aperture portions of a folded first hanger upon which the hook portion of an interlocked second hanger would hang (e.g. blocking portion 130, flexible retention tab 440, partially protruding retention tab 550).

In the above embodiments, the thickness of a single-layered or multi-layered hanger may depend on the method of manufacture used, the paper-based recyclable material and/or the number of layers. It will be appreciated that there are limits on the thickness of a sheet that a blanking/die-cutting machine is able to cut, and that the material properties (including thickness) of the sheet used to form the hanger and/or hanger precursor are such that the sheet can be blanked/cut. The limits on the thickness of a sheet that a blanking/die-cutting machine is able to cut may be different for different sheet materials.

The method 1100 of Figure 11 allows for the formation of a two-layered interlockable hanger of up to twice the thickness of the thickest die-cuttable sheet of a given material. For example, if a die-cutting machine can cut sheets io up to 3 mm thick, a hanger of 6 mm thickness can be formed. The increased thickness gives the two-layered hanger improved strength compared to a similar hanger made from a single layer of the sheet, e.g. the two-layered hanger may be capable of supporting more weight and/or be more resilient to damage, overcoming some of the limitations posed by die-cutting machines.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the sheet is between 1 mm and 4 mm and the thickness of the two-layered hanger is between 2 mm and 8 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the sheet is between 1.5 mm and 3 mm and the thickness of the two-layered hanger is between 3 mm and 6 mm. In zo some embodiments, the thickness of the sheet is 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm or 3 mm, and the thickness of the two-layered hanger is 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm.

The relative positions of the two A-frame precursor portions, the two hook precursor portions and the one or more fold lines are not limited to those shown in Figures 12a-12c. Other relative positionings are discussed below. When creating one or more hanger precursors (e.g. by blanking/cutting from a sheet of material), it may be more spatially efficient to use one of these other types of relative positioning, or a combination of types of relative positioning.

For example, Figure 13 shows a single-layered hanger precursor 1380 for a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is similar to Figures 12a-12c in that the two A-frame precursor portions 1390 of the hanger precursor are adjacent to the one or more fold lines 1395 but the hook precursor portions 1385 are not. That is, the two A-frame precursor portions 1390 are connected to each other along the one or more fold lines 1395, and each hook precursor portion 1385 is separated from the one or more fold lines 1395 by the respective A-frame precursor portion 1390. Figure 13 differs from Figures 12a-12c in that the one or more fold lines 1395 are vertical, not horizontal (relative to the ground when the hanger formed from hanger precursor 1380 is hung from e.g. a rail).

In other embodiments (not shown in the Figures), both the two A-frame precursor portions and the two hook precursor portions may be adjacent to the io fold line(s). That is, the two A-frame precursor portions of the single-layered hanger precursor may be connected to each other along the one or more fold lines and the two hook precursor portions may also be connected to each other along the one or more fold lines.

is In other embodiments (not shown in the Figures), the two hook precursor portions may be adjacent to the fold line(s) but the two A-frame precursor portions are not. That is, the two hook precursor portions may be connected to each other along the one or more fold lines and each A-frame precursor portion may be separated from the one or more fold lines by the respective hook precursor portion.

In each single-layered hanger precursor shown in Figures 12a-12c and 13, the hanger precursor (other than the aperture precursor portions in Figures 12a and 12b) is symmetrical about the central one or more fold lines. Thus, when a two-layered interlockable hanger is formed therefrom by folding along one or more fold lines, the entirety of the hanger (other than the aperture portions) is two-layered. In other embodiments, the single-layered hanger precursor is designed such that less than the entirety of a hanger formed therefrom is two-layered. That is, the hanger precursor may comprise parts which do not overlap with an opposing part of the hanger precursor to form a double layer when the hanger precursor is folded. In some embodiments, the two opposing A-frame portions may not be symmetrical about the one or more fold lines. The hanger precursor may be designed to be non-symmetrical for one or more of the following reasons: * to reduce the amount of material required to make a hanger, * to allow more convenient or space-efficient die cutting, * because the increased strength of a double layer is not required for parts of the hanger, * to allow parts of the hanger to protrude lower than a fold line, and * to allow parts of the hanger to protrude past a fold line.

Figure 14 shows a computer-readable medium 1400 comprising a computer program comprising computer-readable instructions which, when executed on io a computer, cause the computer to configure one or more apparatus to perform a method as described herein. The computer program would be used to control one or more machines, e.g. in a processing line. Advantageously, in some embodiments the manufacturing process may be entirely automated and controlled by a computer program. In other embodiments, some or all elements of the manufacturing process may require manual intervention. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein are also applicable for manually controlled machines.

Other example embodiments depicted in the figures have been provided with reference numerals that correspond to similar features of earlier described example embodiments. For example, feature number 110 can also correspond to numbers 410, 510 etc. These numbered features may appear in the figures but may not have been directly referred to within the description of these particular example embodiments. These have still been provided in the figures to aid understanding of the further example embodiments, particularly in relation to the features of similar earlier described example embodiments.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole, in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects/example embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features as applied to different example embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly io intended that all combinations of those elements which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or example embodiment may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or example embodiment as a general matter of design choice. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

Claims

Claims 1. A set comprising first and second interlockable A-frame hangers, each interlockable hanger comprising: a hook portion configured to allow the hanger to be hung; and an A-frame portion configured to carry an article to be hung from the hanger, the A-frame portion comprising a first face, an opposing second face and two laterally-spaced aperture portions formed within the A-frame portion, wherein the first interlockable hanger is configured such that the hook io portion of the second interlockable hanger can extend through and between both aperture portions of the first interlockable hanger in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (H) through the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second is interlockable hanger to the first interlockable hanger, and wherein the first and second interlockable hangers are made from a recyclable paper-based material.
2. A first interlockable A-frame hanger, the interlockable hanger zo comprising: a hook portion configured to allow the hanger to be hung; and an A-frame portion configured to carry an article to be hung from the hanger, the A-frame portion comprising a first face, an opposing second face and two laterally-spaced aperture portions formed within the A-frame portion, wherein the first interlockable hanger is configured such that the hook portion of a second interlockable hanger can extend through and between both aperture portions of the first interlockable hanger in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (ii) through the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second interlockable hanger to the first interlockable hanger, and wherein the first interlockable hanger is made from a recyclable paper-based material.
3. The first interlockable hanger of Claim 2, wherein the interlockable hanger is comprised of multiple layers attached together.
4. The first interlockable hanger of Claim 3, wherein the interlockable hanger is comprised of two layers attached together and is formed by folding a single-layered hanger precursor along a fold line.
5. The first interlockable hanger of Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the opposing second face of the A-frame portion is an interior face of the multiple io layers attached together, and the two aperture portions are formed in only a subset of the multiple layers of the interlockable hanger.
6. The first interlockable hanger of any of Claims 2-4, wherein the opposing second face of the A-frame portion is a rear face of the A-frame portion, and the two aperture portions are through-thickness aperture portions.
7. The first interlockable hanger of any of Claims 2-6, wherein the A-frame portion is substantially closed apart from the two aperture portions.
8. The first interlockable hanger of any of Claims 2-7, wherein the two aperture portions comprise two distinct apertures in the A-frame portion.
9. The first interlockable hanger of any of Claims 2-7, wherein the two aperture portions are formed from one aperture in the A-frame portion, the A-frame portion comprising a partially protruding retention tab which separates the aperture into two aperture portions.
10. The first interlockable hanger of any of Claims 2-7, wherein the two aperture portions are formed from one aperture in the A-frame portion, the A-frame portion comprising a flexible retention tab which, when in a retention position, extends across an entire width of the aperture and which separates the aperture into two aperture portions.
11. The first interlockable hanger of any of Claims 2-7, wherein the A-frame portion comprises two foldable retention tabs, each foldable retention tab configured to fold towards, away from or laterally to the hook portion into a retention position to create an aperture in the A-frame portion, wherein the two aperture portions are formed by folding a respective foldable retention tab into a retention position to create an aperture.
12. The first interlockable hanger of any of Claims 2-11, wherein the hook portion is flexible.
13. A method of manufacturing a single-layered interlockable A-frame io hanger having the features recited in Claim 2, the method comprising: blanking a hanger blank from a single-layered sheet of recyclable paper-based material, the hanger blank comprising a hook portion and a A-frame portion; and cutting two laterally-spaced aperture portions in the A-frame portion of the hanger blank to form the single-layered interlockable A-frame hanger.
14. A method of manufacturing a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger, the method comprising: forming a hanger precursor from a single-layered sheet of recyclable zo paper-based material by: blanking a hanger precursor blank from the sheet, the hanger precursor blank comprising two opposing hook precursor portions and two opposing A-frame precursor portions, each pair of opposing portions bisected by one or more fold lines; and cutting a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions in one A-frame precursor portion of the hanger precursor blank; and folding the hanger precursor along the one or more fold lines to form the two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger, wherein the hanger comprises a hook portion configured to allow the hanger to be hung and an A-frame portion configured to carry an article to be hung from the hanger, the A-frame portion comprising a first face, an opposing second face and two laterally-spaced aperture portions formed within the A-frame portion, wherein the hook, frame and aperture portions of the interlockable 35 hanger are formed from the two opposing hook precursor portions, two opposing A-frame precursor portions and pair of aperture precursor portions of the hanger precursor respectively, and wherein the interlockable hanger is configured such that the hook portion of a second interlockable hanger can extend through and between both aperture portions in a locking engagement by extending (i) through one aperture portion from the first face to the opposing second face and (ii) through the other aperture portion from the opposing second face to the first face, thereby securing the second interlockable hanger to the formed interlockable hanger.
15. The method of Claim 14, wherein the two aperture portions of the interlockable hanger are formed in only one of the two layers of the interlockable hanger, and wherein the opposing second face of the A-frame portion of the interlockable hanger is an interior face of the two layers folded together.
16. The method of Claim 14, wherein forming a hanger precursor comprises: cutting two opposing pairs of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions in the two opposing A-frame precursor portions of the hanger zo precursor blank, each pair of opposing portions bisected by the one or more fold lines, wherein the opposing second face of the A-frame portion of the interlockable hanger is a rear face of the A-frame portion, and the two aperture portions of the interlockable hanger are formed from the two opposing pairs of aperture precursor portions of the hanger precursor.
17. The method of any of Claims 14-16, wherein the blanking and cutting are performed in a single step.
18. The method of any of Claims 14-17, further comprising: creating the one or more fold lines by scoring or perforating.
19. The method of any of Claims 14-18, wherein the two A-frame precursor portions are connected to each other along the one or more fold lines and each hook precursor portion is separated from the one or more fold lines by the respective A-frame precursor portion.
20. The method of any of Claims 14-19, further comprising: blanking and cutting the sheet so that the sheet comprises two or more hanger precursors for a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger, each hanger precursor comprising two opposing hook precursor portions and two opposing A-frame precursor portions with one A-frame precursor portion having formed therein a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions, each pair of io opposing portions bisected by one or more fold lines, and each hanger precursor configured to be foldable to form a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger.
21. The method of any of Claims 14-20, further comprising: attaching the internal opposing sides of the hanger precursor to one another.
22. A single-layered hanger precursor for a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger, the hanger precursor comprising: two opposing hook precursor portions; and two opposing A-frame precursor portions, one A-frame precursor portion having formed therein a pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions, wherein each pair of opposing portions is bisected by one or more fold lines, and wherein the hanger precursor is configured to be foldable along the one or more fold lines to form a two-layered interlockable A-frame hanger as claimed in Claim 4, the hook, frame and aperture portions of the interlockable hanger being formed from the two opposing hook precursor portions, two opposing A-frame precursor portions and the pair of laterally-spaced aperture precursor portions of the hanger precursor respectively.
23. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to configure one or more apparatus to perform a method from any of Claims 13-21.