US20130214015A1

US20130214015A1 - Apparatus and method for securing a drying wetsuit while preventing theft of the same

Info

Publication number: US20130214015A1
Application number: US13/770,079
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas Wood; Eric Ferraro; Michelle Wood
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2013-02-19
Publication date: 2013-08-22

Abstract

A security device for supporting and immobilizing a garment is disclosed, where the device includes a flexible member that is capable of looping through a sleeve, trunk, or leg of the garment, and of looping through a stable object such as a fence. The flexible member, which can be a cable, includes a coupling member, and/or locking mechanism is made of plastic and used for wetsuits, inter alia.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application claims the full Paris Convention priority from U.S. Ser. No. 61/601,030, filed Feb. 21, 2012, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by this reference, as if set forth herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to devices that support and secure a garment, where support of the garment enhances drying in ambient conditions, and where the devices secure the garment against theft. In particular, the instant disclosure provides for wetsuit support, management, and theft interdiction as heretofore unknown within the salient fields of art.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure concerns locking devices for use in securing wetsuits during drying. Wetsuits, which are commonly hung outdoors to dry, get stolen on a regular basis. Currently, the only way to avoid the theft of a wetsuit is to hang it indoors, but this is often impractical, and can be inconvenient, and can result in a mess and an unpleasant odor. The device of present disclosure stabilizes the position of the wetsuit, for example, to winds, and prevents abrasion or tearing of the wetsuit induced by winds.
While attempts have been made to provide hanger-mechanisms for wetsuits, and retail-type garment displays have existed, none have heretofore been offered for consideration in combination with safety locks. Accordingly, it is respectfully proposed, the instant disclosure constitutes progress in science and the useful arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly stated, the disclosure provides a security device for supporting and immobilizing a garment, where the device includes a flexible member that is capable of looping through a sleeve, trunk, or leg of the garment, and of looping through a stable object such as a fence. The flexible member, which can be a cable, includes a coupling member.
The disclosure provides a security device for supporting and immobilizing a garment, where the device includes a flexible member that loops through a sleeve, trunk, or leg of the garment, and also loops through a stable object such as a fence. The flexible member, which can be a cable, includes a coupling member.
What is provided is an apparatus for hanging a wetsuit, adapted to permit its drying, while hindering its removal from a securing object comprising: a hanger body; a flexible cable coupled to the hanger body for coupling with the wetsuit and for coupling with an immovable object; a lock for selectively locking the coupling of the cable to the wetsuit and securing object. Also provided is the above apparatus where the cable comprises two cable segments which the lock selectively locks together.
Moreover, what is provided is the above apparatus, where the cable is fixed at one end to the hanger body. In another aspect, what is provided is the above apparatus, where the cable is fixed at both ends to the hanger body and where the cable is arranged and configured to be disposed through or loop through or around the wetsuit and/or securing body.
What is also embraced is the above apparatus, where the hanger body has a center and arms extending from the center, where one of the arms has a distal end, where the cable is comprised of two segments, where a first one of the two segments has an end coupled to the distal end of the arm and a second one of the two segments has an end coupled to the center, each of the two segments having two ends, where the opposing ends of the two segments are selectively locked together by the lock.
What is also contemplated is the above apparatus, further comprising a ring and a stopper, the ring being coupled to the hanger body and the stopper being coupled to the cable, so that the cable may be engaged to the securing body and selectively secured to support the hanger body when loaded by the wetsuit. In a methods embodiment, what is provided is a method for selectively securing the above apparatus to the securing body. Moreover, what is provided is the above method, for selectively securing the above apparatus to the wetsuit.
According to embodiments, there is provided a device configured for hanging a wetsuit, facilitating drying of the wetsuit, and for securing the wetsuit to a stable object, comprising in combination:(a) a hanger body that comprises a central region, a first shoulder member, and a second shoulder member; (b) wherein the first shoulder member comprises a proximal portion and distal portion, and the second shoulder member comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion; (c) a first flexible member comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first flexible is in permanent association with the hanger body; and (d) a coupler that is capable of securing the second end of the first flexible member to the hanger body; wherein the first flexible member is configured for reversible coupling to the wetsuit and for reversible coupling to the stable object, wherein the reversible coupling of the first flexible member to both the wetsuit and the stable object, securely associates the wetsuit to the stable object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a planar cutaway view of a non-limiting embodiment of the device for securing a drying wetsuit to a fixed object according to the instant teachings;

FIG. 2 discloses a fastening device that is optionally a part of the device of the present disclosure, according to the instant disclosure;

FIG. 3 discloses embodiments showing the locking of the free ends of two cables and a locking device used in a non-limiting embodiment according to the instant disclosures;

FIG. 4 discloses the central cable and body of the illustrated embodiment shown separate from the wetsuit to illustrate securement to a fixed object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Materials

Images of wetsuits, which provide non-limiting examples of dimensions and examples of neck holes, cuff holes, apertures for a person's torso or trunk, are available (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,218 of O'Hara, U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,904 of Long, and U.S. Des. Pat. No. 409,819 of Gilchrist, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). The present disclosure provides tubes, rods, slats, girders, I-beams, and the like suitable for manufacturing a hanger or hanger assembly configured for supporting a wetsuit, and for preventing deformation of the wetsuit during drying or storage.
Suppliers of tubes of steel, carbon fiber, or other materials, and locks, include Ingersoll Rand, Canton, Mass.; Phillips Steel Co., Long Beach, Calif.; ACP Composites, Livermore, Calif. Locks are available (Master Lock Co., Oak Creek, Wis.; Ingersoll Rand, Canton, Mass.;).
Also provided are cables and coated cables, for example, cables coated with polypropylene, nylon, Teflon®, or with a polymer that resists sunlight such as polyvinyl chloride (e.g., Lexco Cable Mfg., Norridge, Ill.; Loos and Co., Pomfret, Conn.). The cable can be metal, synthetic plastic polymer, woven fabric, or a combination of these. As an alternative to a cable, the present disclosure provides a flexible ribbon, for example, a ribbon made of metal, synthetic polymer, or woven fabric. Coatings can be made of, for example, silicone, rubber, polycarbonate, fluoropolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), high density polyethylene.ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon or polyamide (PA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,655,021 issued to Brasington, et al, which is hereby incorporated by reference).
One or more coatings can prevent abrasion to a garment, such as a wetsuit, as might occur in wind-induced movement. One or more coatings can prevent oxidation to any metal components of the device of the prevent disclosure, as would be expected during exposure to salty aerosols occurring in seaside atmosphere. The disclosure provides pads, such as, polystyrene foam padding, fiberglass padding, vinyl foam, felt padding, polyurethane padding, silicone padding, polyethylene foam (e.g., 3 M Corp., St. Paul, Minn.; Owens Corning, Toledo, Ohio).

First Tube and Second Tube Configured for Supporting Shoulders of Garment

The following defines a tube assembly, according to this application. For convenience, “tube assembly” is used to refer to an assembly that comprises one or more tubes, rods, girders, slats, I-beams, and the like, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Provided is a garment hanger comprising a first substantially linear tube comprising a first end and a second end, a second substantially linear tube comprising a third end and a fourth end, wherein the first tube abuts the second tube to form a continuous tube, where the second end abuts the third end, and where the continuous tube is continuous from the first end all the way to the fourth end. An apex point can be defined by the point where the first tube abuts the second tube. The apex can have an angle that is less than 180 degrees, between 170-179 degrees, 160-170 degrees, 150-160 degrees, 140-150 degrees, 130-140 degrees, 120-130 degrees, 110-120 degrees, 110-120 degrees, 100-110 degrees, 90-100 degrees, or any combination thereof, such as 120-150 degrees, or where the angle is 180 degrees (linear arrangement with no angle). In embodiments, the first tube and second tube define a first plane. In other embodiments, the first tube and second tube do not occur in the same plane, and therefore do not define a first plane. The first and second tube can be hollow, and can define a hollow cavity that extends from first end, through apex, and on to fourth end. In exclusionary embodiments, what can be excluded is any device that defines one of the above angles.

Planar and Non-Planar Configurations

The two arms of a coat hanger, when hanging from a closet rack or pole, can be viewed from directly above. For example, the coat hanger of FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,496 of Bridgeman, which is incorporated herein, can be viewed, where the eye is positioned at (5). When viewed from above, the coat hanger (or hanger assembly), the two arms will reside in one plane, and the two arms will appear as a straight line or straight rod or tube. The present disclosure provides this planar configuration, inter alia.
What is also provided are configurations where the two arms are not co-planar, for example, where each arm is substantially straight when viewed from position (5), but where the two arms occur in an angle with respect to each other, e.g., at 5-10 degrees, 15-25 degrees, 10-20 degrees, 20-30 degrees, and the like. Where the two arms are at an angle, and where the garment is hung against a solid wall, the angle improves the circulation of air in the space between the solid wall and the garment, thereby improving drying of the garment.
A shoulder member for the purposes of this application, or “arm,” can comprise proximal portion and a distal portion. In embodiments, the distal portion can consist of 1% the distal-most region of the shoulder member, 2% of the distal-most region, 5% of the distal most region, 10% of the distal-most region, 15% of the distal-most region, 20% of the distal-most region, 25% of the distal-most region, 30% of the distal most region, and the like. The proximal portion can consist of 1% of the proximal-most region of the shoulder member 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and the like, of the proximal-most region of the shoulder region.

Cables and Locks

The following defines: (1) Linear assembly; and (2) Circuitous assembly. The cable and the tube assembly form a physically continuous moiety, where the first end of the cable is connected to the tube, and the second end is free, to provide a physically circuitous linear assembly. The cable has a second end that is a free end, and that is configured for locking to the tube assembly to form a continuous assembly. The skilled artisan will understand that the “first end” of the cable that is connected to the tube need not be at the very end of the cable, but it may occur near the very end, or it may even occur near the mid-point of the cable. The linear assembly can be reversibly converted to circuitous assembly, optionally, with looping or threading the cable through a slot or aperture, or around a pole, of a stable object, with subsequent formation of the circuitous assembly.
The substrate or matrix can be a picket fence, cyclone fence, flagpole, tree, and the like. The circuitous assembly can be stably maintained where a first coupling element occurs at the second end of the cable, and a second coupling element occurs on the tube assembly. The first coupling element can be a male portion of a lock, and the second coupling element can be a female portion of a lock. Or the first coupling element can be a female portion of a lock, and the second coupling element can be a male portion of a lock. Alternatively, the lock can consist of two unisex components, one connected to the cable and the other connected to the tube assembly. Where the cable is properly looped through a garment, such as a wet suit, generation of the circuitous assembly prevents theft of the garment.

Stable Object

In embodiments, the present disclosure is configured for secure attachment to a stable object. The stable object can include substrate or matrix, and can be, e.g., a picket fence or cyclone fence. The stable object can be flagpole, tree, or roof post of an automobile.

One Cable and Two Cable Embodiments

Present disclosure provides embodiments that have one cable or two cables. In a one embodiment, the first cable is of sufficient length to form a circuit through the garment and stable structure, e.g., a fence, and couple with the tube assembly. In another embodiment, the first cable may or may not be long enough to form the above circuit, and in this case, a second cable is stably attached to the tube assembly. The second cable can be rudimentary, and can consist essentially of a coupler such as a loop. Alternatively, the second cable can be of sufficient length so that it constitutes 10-20% of the length of the complete circuit, less than 10%, 10-20%, 20-30%, 30-40%, 40-50%, 50-60%, 60-70%, 70-80%, 80-90%, or greater than 90% of the complete circuit, when taking into account only the length of the sum of the first cable and the second cable.

Padlock Embodiment

The first coupling element can take the form of a loop, for example, a loop that is built into the end of the cable. And the second coupling element can also take the form of a loop, for example, a loop that is welded on to the tube assembly or a hole that is casted into the tube assembly. Where both coupling elements take the form of loops or holes, a conventional padlock can be used to effect coupling of the first coupling element and the second coupling element.
The defined hollow cavity can be configured for inserting a cable, for reversibly holding a cable, or for permanently non-reversibly holding a cable. The cable extend from only one end of the tube or from only one of the hollow cavity, or the cable can be threaded through the entire tube or hollow cavity, where the cable can extend moveably through the tube or, alternatively, where the cable can be fixed at a defined position in the tube. In some embodiments, the cable can be entirely removed from the tube or, in alternative embodiments, the cable can be trapped in the tube and cannot be removed. Trapping can be via welding, epoxy cement, by a constriction in the tube, and so on.
Hook Configured for Hanging Device from a Fence
In embodiments, the hollow tube is configures for inserting a cable, and for reversibly storing a cable. In embodiments, the first hollow tube that abuts the second hollow tube defines a plane. The abuttal point can take the form of an apex (or vertex), where the first tube abuts the second tube, and where a third tube branches from the apex, and where the third tube extends in the arrow-like direction that is indicated by the apex. The third tube can comprise a hook, where the hook defines a second plane is in the first plane that is defined by the first tube and second tube. Alternatively, the hook can define a second plane that is not in the same plane as the first plane. The hook can define a second plane that is offset by 10-20 degrees from the first plane, offset by 20-30 degrees, offset by 30-40 degrees, offset by 40-50 degrees, offset by 50-60 degrees, offset by 60-70 degrees, offset by 70-80 degrees, offset by 80-90 degrees, or offset by any combination of the above, such as offset by 30-60 degrees. In exclusionary embodiments, what can be excluded is a device where the hook defines a plane that is not offset by one of the above ranges of degrees. The offset is configured to facilitate hanging of a garment from a substantially planar surface, such as from a picket fence or chain-link fence, where the angled hook can be inserted through a slot or aperture in the fence, while allowing the garment to hang in a manner that is substantially in parallel to the planar surface.
In embodiments, the apex can be defined by a single angle where the first shoulder meets the second shoulder. Alternatively, where the exact point of contact between the first shoulder and second shoulder fails to define single angle, the first shoulder can meet the second shoulder in a blunt configuration. Where the first shoulder and second shoulder do not meet and join in a manner that defines a single angle, the apex can be defined, e.g., by portions of the first shoulder and second shoulder that are distal to the central blunt area. Alternatively, the first shoulder can meet the second shoulder in a central area that takes horizontally-oriented configuration, and in this case the apex can be defined by portions of the first shoulder and second shoulder that are distal to the central horizontal area.
The third tube can comprise a portion that takes the form of a hollow tube or non-hollow tube, and that therefore has a circular cross-section. The first tube, second tube, third tube, or any plurality of tubes, can comprise a portion that has a flat cross-section, a 3-pointed asterisk cross-section, a multi-pointed asterisk cross-section, a 3-pointed star cross-section, a multi-pointed star cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, any combination there, and so on. The term “tube” is a term of convenience, referring to a preferred embodiment, but for the present disclosure, “tube” can also be used to refer to a rod, strut, girder, I-beam, and such, with a cross-section that is round, flat, triangular, branched as an asterisk, star-shaped, and the like. The tube can comprise metal, plastic, carbon fiber, wood, or any combination thereof.

Exclusionary Embodiments

Optionally, the present disclosure can exclude any device that is configured for securing more than one wetsuit, or that is configured for securing more than one garment. The present disclosure can also exclude any device that contains a piercing member, such as a needle or pin. The disclosure can also exclude any device where, in use, a cable or cord pierces through a garment. What can also be excluded is any device, where a flexible member or cable does not make a continuous circuit, when in use to secure a garment to a stable object. What can be excluded is any device, where an object in addition to a flexible member, contacts or rests upon a stable object such as an aperture, fence, post, or rod. What can be excluded is any device, where an object in addition to a flexible member, is required to be stably attached to a stable object, such as an aperture, fence, post, or rod. Also, what can be excluded is any device that includes a hinge, brace, or rack. In other exclusionary embodiments, what can be excluded is any device, where a flexible member is not stably attached to the distal tip or distal end of a coat hanger or hanger body. Also, what can be excluded is any device where a flexible member is stably attached to a central point, to the apex or vertex, of a coat hanger or hanger body. In other exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure excludes a fixed object, excludes a display rack, excludes a clothing rack, excludes a frame, excludes a frame that is configured for hanging a garment, and so on. What can be excluded is any device, where a cable is not permanently attached directly to the tip of a shoulder portion of a coat hanger. What can be excluded is any device, where a cable is not permanently attached directly to the distal portion of a shoulder portion of a coat hanger or hanger assembly.
FIGS. 1-4 each shows the use of the illustrated embodiment for securing a drying wetsuit 12 to a fixed object 9. FIG. 4 in particular illustrates central cable 2 that is connected to hanger body 1 of the illustrated embodiment looped around or otherwise coupled to fixed object 9. Fixed object 9 is not part of the illustrated embodiment and can be anything that is secure and appropriately shaped or configured to allow central cable 2 to wrap around it or otherwise engage or be coupled to it.
Hanger or body 1 of the illustrated embodiment is a solid piece of material made out of plastic or metal or the like that forms an obtuse angle similar to the shape of the upper arm of a conventional garment hanger.
At vertex 8 of the angle of body 1 as best seen in FIG. 4, a central cable, chain, wire, line or the like 2 is attached or coupled in any fixed manner desired. A hook can also be added to the vertex of the obtuse angle in order to make hanging and securing the present invention easier and more accessible.
Central cable 2 is designed to engage or couple to or with any fixed object 9 and then be returned through a fastening device 6 to be selectively locked to a second cable, chain, wire, line, or the like 3. In the illustration of FIG. 1 object 9 is a fence, but any secure object which cannot be readily removed from the location of its installation, such as a rail, stanchion, post, tree, a loop secured by a doorjamb, a portion of a structure or like may be employed. Second cable 3 is attached to or near one distal end 10 of one arm of the body 1 of the illustrated embodiment, and is arranged and configured to extend down through the interior length of arm 11 of the wetsuit 12. Cable 2 and/or 3 could be extended through a leg of wetsuit 12 as well or through any combination of interior passages afforded by wetsuit 12 for engagement with cable 2 and/or 3.
FIG. 3 further illustrates central cable 2 and other cable 3 being selectively locked together by locking device 4. The loose ends of cables 2 and 3 have either (i) a secure loop 5 that allows them to be locked together using any keyed lock, combination lock, or other locking device 4, or (ii) a locking mechanism that is permanently attached to one or both such cables 2 or 3. In the illustrated embodiment cable 3 is provided with a fixed permanent loop 5 and cable 2 is affixed to a keyed or combination lock 4. Many other was of offering for consideration a selectively locked configuration between the free ends of cables 2 and 3 are employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates fastening device 13. This device 13 is in place to prevent the wetsuit 12 and the hanger body 1 of the invention from slipping down the central cable 2 when the invention is in use. The central cable 2 passes through a doughnut-shaped or ring-shaped piece 6 that is connected or fixed to body 1 underneath vertex 8 of the body 1 of the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment piece 6 is arranged and configured so that the plane of the ring 6 lies in the same plane as the arms of body 1, or so that body 1 and piece 6 could lie flatly. However, other relative configurations of piece 6 to body 1 could be equivalently employed such as an angled connection between them. A stopper 7, such a bar or plate, is coupled, connected or fastened to the central cable 2 near the doughnut shaped piece 6 to selectively allow cable 2 to support body 1 and the weight of wetsuit 12 on it.
Stopper 7 can be manipulated to allow cable 2 to be looped around object 9 and disposed back through piece 6 to allow the free end of cable 2 to be locked to the free end of cable 3 as described above. However, in its normal configuration or orientation stopper 7 is sized and shaped so that it cannot pass through the aperture of piece 6 unless it is purposely manipulate to be disposed therethrough. The interference between piece 6 and stopper 7 when stopper 7 assumes its normal orientation stops movement of the hanger body 1 down central cable 2 in response to the weight of the heavy, drying wet suit or any other downward pull. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 stopper 7 is a straight rod segment perpendicularly arranged on cable 2 and piece 6 is a closed ring. Unless the rod is turned by hand to twist the cable, it would be normally oriented athwart the ring and will not pass therethrough. The normally straight orientation of cable 2, as when hanger body 1 puts weight on it, will tend to maintain cable 2 in a taut or straight configuration.
However, when it is desired to remove cable 2 from object 9, the unlocking of its free end from cable 3 and the manipulation of stopper 7 to an orientation more nearly in line with remainder of cable 2 in the proximity of piece 6 will orient stopper 7 to allow it to easily pass through piece 6 and then for cable 2 to be unlooped or disengaged from object 9. The stopper can be an elastic bead that is stably attached to the cable (2), and that is configured to impair passage of the bead through the loop (6), but to allow passage of the bead through the loop (6) with exertion of force. The stopper can be a lever that is built into the cable (2), wherein the lever has a first position that allows passage of the lever though the loop, and a second position that prevents passage of the lever through the loop.
Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following invention and its various embodiments.
For example, the cable has been illustrated as being shown in two segments. However, it is explicitly contemplated that a single segment of cable may be employed. In such an embodiment, the single segment would be as shown and describe above with one end fixed or permanently connected to body 1, but its free end would then be arranged to be led through an arm or leg of wetsuit 12 and directly lock with hanger body 1, which would be fitted with a receiving lock portion to engage a mating lock portion on the free end of the cable or by one of a multiple of conventional possible locking combinations.
While the method and apparatus have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The present disclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.
It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. It should be understood that this disclosure is intended to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system and in both method and apparatus modes.
Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these.
Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same.
Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled.
It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action.
Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates.
Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference.
Finally, all references listed in the Information Disclosure Statement or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference; however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s), such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant.
In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant has presented claims with initial dependencies only.
Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to United States Patent Law 35 USC §132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept.
To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.
Further, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “compromise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps.
Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive forms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device configured for hanging a wetsuit, facilitating drying of the wetsuit, and securement to a stable object, comprising, in combination:

(a) a hanger body that comprises a central region, a first shoulder member, and a second shoulder member;

(b) wherein the first shoulder member comprises a proximal portion and distal portion, and the second shoulder member comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion;

(c) a first flexible member comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first flexible is in permanent association with the hanger body; and

(d) a coupler that is capable of securing the second end of the first flexible member to the hanger body;

wherein the first flexible member is configured for reversible coupling to the wetsuit and for reversible coupling to the stable object, and

wherein the reversible coupling of the first flexible member to both the wetsuit and the stable object, securely associates the wetsuit to the stable object.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the flexible member is coupled directly to the distal portion of the first shoulder member.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first flexible member comprises a cable.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the proximal portion of the first shoulder member and the second shoulder member, forms apex that resides in the central portion.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the hanger body further comprises a hook,

wherein the hook is configured for hanging the hanger body from the stable object and for supporting the wetsuit in an upright position.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the hanger body further comprises a hook, wherein the hook is configured for hanging the hanger body from the stable object and for supporting the wetsuit in an upright position,

wherein the hanger body defines a first plane,

wherein the hook defines a second plane, and

wherein the first plane is not co-planar with the second plane, and wherein the first plane is out of register from the first plane by between 10 degrees to 90 degrees.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the second end of the first flexible member comprises a coupler, and wherein the coupler comprises a stable loop.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the second end of the first flexible member comprises the coupler, and wherein the coupler comprises a lock.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the second end of the first flexible member comprises the coupler, and wherein the coupler comprises a stable loop.

10. The device of claim 1 substantially composed of plastic.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first flexible member is configured for hanging the hanger body from the stable object and for supporting the wetsuit in an upright position, and

wherein the hanger body comprises an aperture that is configured for receiving and passing the flexible member,

and wherein the flexible member comprises an impeding body that is configured for holding the first flexible member in a stable position in the aperture with respect to the hanger body,

wherein the stability of the stable position is assessed during passive gravity hanging, and

wherein the impeding body is also configured for releasing the first flexible member in a stable position, and for not holding the first flexible member in a stable position.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the impeding body is a stopper.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first shoulder member and second shoulder member comprise a pad, wherein the pad is configured for preventing abrasion or deformation of the wetsuit.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first flexible member is configured to make a circuit that passes out of the right arm cuff or left arm cuff of the wetsuit, and is configured to reversibly couple to the apex of the hanger body.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first flexible member is configured to make a circuit that passes out of the right arm cuff or left arm cuff of the wetsuit, and is configured to reversibly couple to a second flexible member, wherein the second flexible member is stably coupled to the central region of the hanger body.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the central region of the hanger body comprises at least one of: (a) an apex; and (b) a loop configured for receiving and passing a cable.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the hanger body is substantially composed of plastic.

18. A kit, including the device of claim 6, and a lock.