US3888355A - Slacks hanger - Google Patents

Abstract

An elongated bar includes a head portion at one end thereof for removable engagement with a support member having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving the head portion. The head portion includes a latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head. An opening through the bottom wall of the socket forms a keeper for the latch preventing removal of the bar from the support. The opening serves as an access for manipulating the latch permitting disengagement from the keeper to withdraw the bar endwise from the support.

Description

United States Patent Garrison 1 1 SLACKS HANGER [75] Inventor: Judd F. Garrison, Grand Rapids.

Mich.

[731 Assignee: John Thomas Batts, Inc., Zeelzmd,

Mich.

[22] Filed: Nov. 12, 1971 211 Appl. No: 198.238

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 91.036, Nov. 19.

1970, abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl 211/123; 248/225 [51] Int. Cl. A171 5/00 [58] Field of Search 211/123, 105.1. 100. 57; 279/79; 248/225; 108/29; 287/53 WA, 119; 24/230 SC [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 558,349 4/1896 Brunka 24/230 SC UX 805.570 11/1905 Maldaner 248/264 1,159,311 11/1915 Wolcott 24/230 SC X 1 1 June 10, 1975 1.264.072 4/1918 Holden 24/230 SC UX 1.567.575 12/1925 Cunningham 287/1 19 R X 3.192.499 6/1965 West 24/230 SC UX 3.409.858 11/1968 287/119 R X 3.550.784 12/1970 Batts 211/116 Primary Examiner-Roy D. Frazier Assistant Examiner-Thomas J. Holko Attorney, Agent. or Firm-Price, Heneveld, Huizenga & Cooper [57] ABSTRACT An elongated bar includes a head portion at one end thereof for removable engagement with a support member having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving the head portion. The head portion includes a latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head. An opening through the bottom wall of the socket forms a keeper for the latch preventing removal of the bar from the support. The opening serves as an access for manipulating the latch permitting disengagement from the keeper to withdraw the bar endwise from the support.

16 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures SHEET PATENTEDJUH 1 0 I975 INVENTOR. JU DD F. GARFUSON SLACKS HANGER This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, entitled IMPROVED SLACKS HANGER, Ser. No. 91,036, filed Nov. 19, 1970, and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates to an improved garment hanger particularly suited to commercial use. The purposes of the improvement provided by this invention coincide with that described fully in the copending, coassigned patent application entitled Hanger of Slacks or the like, Ser. No. 681,207, filed Nov. 7, I967, now Pat. No. 3,550,784, which application is incorporated by reference herein.

In addition, the improvement provided by this invention permits direct endwise withdrawal of the garment and garment bar from the support structure eliminating any necessity of lifting the garment and bar up or angularly rotating it with respect to its normal storage position. This greatly facilitates the insertion and/or removal of the garment and bar from its support structure and reduces the possibility of the garment becoming wrinkled or dispositioned with respect to the bar. The improvement so provided, does not alter the other objects and advantages described in the above copending application incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The improved hanger provided by this invention is comprised of an elongated bar having an enlarged head portion at one end thereof, the head portion including a resilient latch. A support member is provided for re ceipt of the bar and includes a receiving socket permitting endwise insertion and removal of the bar for cantilever support by the support member. The socket includes a keeper for engagement with the latch so that when the bar is inserted into the socket, the latch snaps into the keeper to prevent endwise removal thereof un less the latch is biased out of engagement with the keeper. An access opening in the socket is provided to permit easy actuation of the latch.

In another aspect of the invention, the depending latch is restrained against downward movement by a restraining flange extending from the body of the head to the latch. This essentially prevents the latch from being broken off in the event one merely pulls the bar out without depressing the latch first.

To further eliminate this breaking problem, the latch preferably extends straight forwardly from the back of the head, rather than at a downward slope. Also, the body of the head preferably includes a web portion connecting the body to the base of the latch, near its pivot point.

The improved hanger arrangement permits the display of a plurality of garments and hangers to be mounted on the same support member in a vertical and staggered fashion. The endwise removal and insertion feature eliminates rotation of the hanger bar out of its horizontal position to greatly reduce wrinkling and/or disorientation of the garment with respect to the hanger bar. Thus, a garment can be quickly and easily inserted and removed from the support member to set up the display or permit closer scrutiny by the customer. It will be appreciated further that the garments may be shipped with the hanger bar in position so that the store personnel in removing and setting up displays need only remove the garment from its shipping container and insert it onto the support member for display. Thus, costly and time consuming handling is eliminated. For purposes of lightweight and low cost, both the bar and support member are preferably made of plastic.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view ofthe hanger bar and support member proposed by this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the support member and bar taken along plane lI-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary expanded view showing the latch and keeper arrangement in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a plurality of hanger bars and support members mounted in vertical fashion;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment bar with the center portion broken away; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane VIVI of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings in detail, an elongated hanger bar 10 is shown having a generally T-shaped cross section with a top flange l2 and depending flange or leg 14 (FIGS. 1 and 3). A head portion 16 is formed at one end of the bar and includes a finger-like latch 18 resiliently depending from the end 17 of the head portion (FIG. 3). The end 17 and latch 18 preferably comprise an integral continuation of flange 12 wrapped around the end of leg 14, and are uniform in width to the overall width of the bar, the width being defined by flange 12. The end portion ofleg I4 is partially cutaway at 19 to provide a recessed opening for the operation of latch flange 18. That is. latch 18 can be partially flexed above and below the longitudinal edge 21 of leg 14 as shown in FIG. I. A shoulder 23 is provided at the lower head end of leg 14 for supporting engagement with the support member to be described hereinafter.

Preferably, bar 10 is symmetric about its longitudinal, vertical axis and is molded as a unitary piece from any suitable plastic which will give it sufficient rigidity to withstand the bending loads imposed upon it, either by compression or cantilevering from one end, both while supporting the weight of a garment draped over it. Suitable plastics for this purpose include Nylon and Mylar because of their strength and low frictional characteristics, which permit them to slide over the surface of similar or dissimilar materials with a minimum of frictional resistance. They also have satisfactory dimensional stability as cast or molded materials.

A bracket 20 is provided for supporting bar 10 and includes a circular opening 28 formed by a collar 26 at one end (FIGS. I and 3). The diameter of opening 28 is such as to permit the collar to slidably but closely fit about a display pole 30 as shown in FIG. 4. In this fashion, a plurality of hanger bars are mountable on a single pole and staggered circumferentially with respect to the pole permitting a large number of garments to be displayed effectively in a relatively small floor area.

Projecting radially from collar 26 is a socket 22 (FIGS. 1 and 3). The outer end 40 of the socket includes a U-shaped opening 42, the cross-sectional area of the opening corresponding dimensionally to the overall width and height of the bar cross section to permit endwise insertion of the bar through the opening. The length of socket 22 corresponds to the overall length of head portion 16 so that the head portion of the bar is snugly fitted within the entire socket. The bottom wall 45 of the socket includes an opening 46 recessed radially inward from end 40 defining an access to head portion 16 when it is inserted in the socket. The portion 36 of bottom 45 between the opening 46 and end 40 of the socket defines a keeper which cooperates with latch 18 to prevent removal of the bar once it is inserted except when the latch is flexed to clear the keeper. The free end 50 of finger latch 18 has a recessed or cutaway groove 58 defining a keeper abutting face 60 and stop face 62. The length and width of opening 46 dimensionally corresponds to the general overall length and width of latch 18 defined by face 60 but not including stop face 62 so that when the head portion is inserted in the socket, the latch is flexed inwardly to clear keeper 36 and upon clearance thereof, the resiliency of the latch biases it into opening 46 and face 60 of latch 18 comes into abutment with the interior end 52 of the keeper to prevent removal of the bar unless the latch is flexed inwardly. At the same time, stop face 62 will abut against the interior surface 54 of keeper 36 as shown in FIG. 1 to prevent finger latch 18 from being accidentally sprung through opening 46. The interior surface 54 of keeper 36 also provides the primary support for the bar by abutment with shoulder 23 of the bar.

The top of the socket 22 is comprised of a U-shaped opening 37 beginning with end 40 and terminating at a shoulder portion 44 extending outwardly from collar 26 (FIGS. 1 and 3). Shoulder 44 stabilizes the engagement of shoulder 23 which abuts against keeper surface 54. That is, the inwardmost portion of flange l2 abuts against the interior surface of shoulder 44 to prevent rotation of the bar in a vertical plane about shoulder 23. The remainder of socket 22 includes a pair of closed sides 32 and 34 to prevent lateral movement of the bar when inserted in the socket. It will be recognized that while the top of the socket adjacent the opening 42 is shown as open (see opening 37), it could as well be closed in this invention since insertion and removal of the bar is lengthwise of the socket 22.

OPERATION To utilize the improved hanger bar provided of this invention, the user simply inserts the head portion 16 of bar 10 into the U-shaped opening 42. The movement of the bar during this operation is horizontal. Latch 18 will automatically cam inwardly to clear keeper 36 and when the bar is inserted sufficiently inward for latch 18 to clear keeper 36, the resiliently biased latch will spring or flex downwardly into opening 46 to lock the bar in the socket 22. Endwise removal is now prevented by the engagement of face 60 of the latch and end 52 of the keeper. Downward pivoting of the bar is prevented by shoulder 44 and keeper 36 while lateral movement of the bar is prevented by the sides 32 and 34.

To remove the bar, the user simply flexes latch 18 inwardly; access being conveniently permitted through opening 46 until face 60 clears end 52 of the keeper. Endwise removal is then permitted.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT FIGS. 5 and 6 show an alternative embodiment of the invention. This embodiment includes restraining means and other variations which are designed to minimize breakage of latch 18 in the event it is pulled directly out of socket 22 rather than being removed in the proper manner indicated above.

As indicated above, the present slack bar 10 is designed to be removed horizontally from socket 22 of bracket 20 by depressing, or flexing inwardly, latch 18. However, some people may prefer the direct approach in removing bar 10. Thus, they may simply pull bar 10 directly outwardly, or they may pull outwardly and slightly upwardly. This will place a great deal of stress on latch 18, and may result in some breakage.

To minimize this possibility, the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a restraining flange extending from the body of head 16 downwardly to latch 18'. Additionally, body 90 includes a web portion 92 which extends downwardly to the base of latch 18, near its pivot point, to further strengthen the latch. Finally, latch 18 extends forwardly from back or end 17 in a direction parallel to the direction which bar 10 must be pulled for removal, rather than being sloped forwardly and downwardly at an angle to that direction.

Turning specifically to these and additional differences, the structure shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is basically the same as that disclosed in FIGS. 1 through 4. It includes a bar 10 with a head 16 for insertion into a socket 22 of bracket 20. Head 16 includes a latch 18 with a groove 58 at its free end 50 which defines a keeper abutting face 60 and a stop face 62.

One distinction, however, is that a vertical reinforcing rib 91 is provided at the junction of bar 10 to head 16. Rib 9] is integrally connected to shoulder 23 and extends vertically upwardly to a junction with top flange 12. Since bar 10 is cantilevered about shoulder 23, vertical rib 91 plays an important reinforcing role.

Bar 10 has also been further strengthened by the provision of a bottom reinforcing rib 11 which extends from head 16 forwardly along the length of bar 10 to ajunction with a front or end rib 13. End rib 13 extends upwardly from bottom rib 11 to a junction with top flange l2.

Rib 91 serves to define a specific web-like body 90 for head 16. Previously, this body was merely an extension of leg 14. Body 90 of head 16 still includes an opening 19 to permit upward flexing of latch 18. However, opening 19 does not extend from the front of head 16 all the way to back or end 17 thereof, as it does in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Rather, it terminates at a web portion 92 which depends downwardly from body 90 and serves to connect body 90 to the base of latch 18. That is, web 92 connects body 90 to that portion of latch 18 which is adjacent its pivoting end. This provides additional strength to latch 18 and minimizes the chances of latch 18 being snapped or broken off head 16 upon improper removal.

Restraining flange 80 connects body 90 to latch 18 at a point spaced from the pivoting end, preferably ap proximately midway along its length. More specifically, flange 80 is integrally connected to and extends from vertical rib 91.

It is preferable that restraining flange 80 extend from body 90 to latch 18 along an inclined plane. In the preferred embodiment, the plane is inclined at approximately 30 to the plane of the latch. Restraining flange 80 is also preferably flexible (laterally of its elongated axis), and the fact that it is so flexible and inclined at an angle to the plane of latch 18 allows it to be compressed upwardly slightly when latch 18 is deflected upwardly. Thus, while restraining flange 80 restrains latch 18 from being pulled downwardly, it can be compressed upwardly slightly such that it does not interfere with the function of latch 18 when one is attempting to remove bar from socket 22.

It should be noted that restraining flange 80 could slope forwardly from the rear end 17 of head 16 to its junction with latch 18. However, it is preferable that it slope forwardly from the front of head 16 since then it is in more of a direct line with the forces which are ex erted on latch 18 when one improperly removes bar 10 from socket 22.

Restraining flange 80 is preferably integrally molded with bar 10 and head 16. Thus, it should be comprised of the same material as the remainder of bar 10 and head 16.

To further minimize latch breakage, the end 17 of head 16 of the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 extends downwardly farther than does the end 17 on the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4. Latch 18 then extends straight forwardly, generally parallel to the direction in which bar 10 must be pulled for removal from socket 22. If latch 18 is inclined forwardly and downwardly at an angle to the removal direction, it will more readily snap off at its pivot point than if it extends straight forwardly from its pivot point.

In operation, the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 functions basically in the same manner as described in the Operation section above. it is significant to point out, however, that when latch 18 is depressed, restraining flange 80 also flexes upwardly slightly so as to minimize its interference with the upward flexing of latch 18. If the bar 10 is pulled out of socket 22 without the depression of latch 18, restraining flange 80 prevents latch 18 from being broken off. Connecting web 92 also tends to prevent such breakage.

The alternative embodiment bar is also superior in operation with respect to the strength of the bar at its cantilever point. Thus, vertical rib 91 extends upwardly from shoulder 23 about which bar 10 cantilevers when loaded. This gives added rigidity to bar 10 at this point.

CONCLUSION The invention does more than provide a hanger useful for both shipping and display. It provides a far more versatile and effective display hanger for slacks, pants, and similar garments that has previously been available. lt permits a large number of garments to be displayed effectively in a relatively small floor area. Each garment is readily accessible and each is easily removed from the display rack either with or without the removal of bar 10. Since one end of the bar is open, the garments can be removed endwise of the bars, an easier and simpler operation than that of lifting them vertically off the bar and replacing them by folding over the bar. On the other hand, the endwise removal and insertion of the bar provided by this invention encourages removal of the garment with the bar and thereby reduces unnecessary handling of the gamient. Further, the close proximity of other garments on the racks does not interfere with the removal and the replacement of the garments from their respective sockets.

It will be appreciated that this invention provides a garment hanger solving difficult problems in both shipment and display of certain types of garments. Even though it provides an automatic latching facility, it is simpler in construction. Since it has the latch and permits horizontal insertion and removal it is more effective than any previously known hanger of this type. It is inexpensive since the bar and its latch can be molded as a single piece and the molding can be done in a simple, two-piece mold without cams.

Although but one embodiment has been shown and described in detail, it will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in this art that the details of construction of this particular embodiment may be modified in a great many ways without departing from the unique concepts presented. It is therefore intended that the in vention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims rather than by particular details of construction shown, except as specificallystated in the claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an enclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and support member, said bar having an elongated body portion and a head portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a resiliently flexible latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket; said support including a socket for receiving said head and defining said socket opening; said socket including walls which generally limit the direction which said head can be extracted from said socket; said latch comprising a finger-like member depending from said head and extending generally towards the plane of said socket opening; said keeper lying in front of the free end of said latch; and a restraining means connecting said latch at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head.

2. The hanger of claim 1 in which said restraining means comprises a flange extending from said head to said latch, said flange being made of flexible material whereby said latch and said flange can be flexed upwardly.

3. The hanger of claim 2 in which said flange is elongated and is generally inflexible in the direction of its length axis, but is flexible laterally thereof; said flange extending from said head to said latch on an inclined angle to the plane of said latch.

4. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and support members, said bar having an elongated body portion and a head portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a resiliently flexible latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket; said support including a socket for receiving said cad and defining said socket opening; said socket including walls which generally limit the direc tion which said head can be extracted from said socket; said latch comprising a finger-like member depending from said head and extending generally towards the plane of said socket opening; said keeper lying in front of the free end of said latch; and a restraining means connecting said latch at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head; said restraining means comprising a flange extending from said head to said latch, said flange being made of a flexible material whereby said latch and flange can be flcxcd upwardly, said flange being elongated and generally inflexible in the direction of its length axis, but flexible laterally thereof; said flange extending from said head to said latch on an inclined angle to the lane of said latch, said latch depending forwardly from generally the rear of said head and said restraining flange depends rearwardly to said latch from generally the front of said head.

5. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body portion and a head portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a resiliently flexible latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket; said head including a head body and a lateral flange circumscribing the top and back edges thereof; said flange wrapping around and extending forwardly along the bottom of said head body, but being spaced therefrom, to thereby define said latch; a connector web extending from said head body to the base of said latch.

6. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket; said support having an opening in one of its walls to provide access to said latch for manipulating it and releasing said bar from said support, wherein said bar is T-shaped in cross section; the horizontal portion of said bar cross section being at the top thereof and being wrapped around the end of said head and extending along the bottom thereof; the portion thereof at the bottom of said head being integral with said head to provide a finger-like latch resiliently movable into and out of engagement with said keeper.

7. The hanger described in claim 6 wherein the end of said latch includes a cutaway portion defining a keeper abutting face for engaging said keeper to prevent removal of said bar when said latch is moved into said wall opening and a stop face engageable with said keeper to prevent said latch being manipulated completely through said wall opening.

8. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body portion and a head portion at one end thereof, said sup port having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket, said support having an opening in one of its walls to provide access to said latch for manipulating it and releasing said bar from said support, said socket having one wall portion engaging the top of said head adjacent its end and another wall portion engaging said head intermediate said latch and body portion of said bar for supporting said bar when cantilevered from said support, said head including an enlarged shoulder intermediate said latch andsaid body of said bar, said enlarged shoulder resting on said other wall portion; an enlarged vertical rib extending upwardly from said shoulder; an enlarged top flange engaging said one wall portion and extending forwardly to said vertical rib; said top flange and said vertical rib being joined by a web-like body.

9. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body and a head at one end thereof for insertion into said support member, the improvement in said hanger comprising: said head including 21 depending latch, said latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head; said support including a keeper for said latch; restraining means connecting said latch, at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head.

10. The hanger of claim 9 in which said restraining means comprises a flange extending from said head to said latch, said flange being made of flexible material whereby said latch and said flange can be flexed upwardly.

11. The hanger of claim 10 in which said flange is elongated and is generally inflexible in the direction of its length axis, but is flexible laterally thereof; said flange extending from said head to said latch on an inclined angle to the plane of said latch.

12. The hanger described in claim 9 wherein said support has an opening in one of its walls to provide access to said latch for manipulating it and releasing said bar from said support.

13. The hanger described in claim 12 wherein said socket has one wall portion engaging the top of said head adjacent its end and another wall portion engaging said head intermediate said latch and body portion of said bar for supporting said bar when cantilevered from said support.

14. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body and a head at one end thereof for insertion into said support member, the improvement in said hanger comprising: said head including a depending latch, said latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head; said support including a keeper for said latch; and restraining means connecting said latch, at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head, said restraining means comprising a flange extending from said head to said latch, said flange made of flexible material whereby said latch and said flange can be flexed upwardly, said flange being elongated and generally inflexible in the direction of its length axis, but is flexible laterally thereof; said flange extending from said head to said latch on an inclined angle to the plane of said latch, said latch depending forwardly from generally the rear of said head and said restraining flange depending rearwardly to said latch from generally the front of said head.

15. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body and a head at one end thereof for insertion into said support member, the improvement in said hanger comprising: said head including a depending latch, said latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head; said support including a keeper for said latch; said head including a head body and a lateral flange circumscribing the top and back edges thereof; said flange wrapping around and extending forwardly along the bottom of said head body, but being spaced therefrom, to thereby define said latch; a connector web extending from said head body to the base of said latch; and restraining means connecting said latch, at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head.

16. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body and a head at one end thereof for insertion into said support member, the improvement in said hanger comprising: said head including a depending latch, said latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head; said support including a keeper for said latch; restraining means connecting said latch, at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head; said support having a wall and an opening in said wall to provide access to said latch for manipulating it and releasing said bar from said support, said support including a socket having a wall portion engaging the top of said head adjacent its end and another wall portion engaging said head intermediate said latch and body portion of said bar for supporting said bar when cantilevered from said support; said head including an enlarged shoulder intermediate said latch and said body of said bar, said enlarged shoulder resting on said other wall portion; an enlarged vertical rib extending upwardly from said shoulder; an enlarged top flange engaging said one wall portion and extending forwardly to said vertical rib; said top flange and said vertical rib being joined by a web-like body.

Claims (16)

1. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and support member, said bar having an elongated body portion and a head portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a resiliently flexible latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket; said support including a socket for receiving said head and defining said socket opening; said socket including walls which generally limit the directiOn which said head can be extracted from said socket; said latch comprising a finger-like member depending from said head and extending generally towards the plane of said socket opening; said keeper lying in front of the free end of said latch; and a restraining means connecting said latch at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head.

2. The hanger of claim 1 in which said restraining means comprises a flange extending from said head to said latch, said flange being made of flexible material whereby said latch and said flange can be flexed upwardly.

3. The hanger of claim 2 in which said flange is elongated and is generally inflexible in the direction of its length axis, but is flexible laterally thereof; said flange extending from said head to said latch on an inclined angle to the plane of said latch.

4. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and support members, said bar having an elongated body portion and a head portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a resiliently flexible latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket; said support including a socket for receiving said head and defining said socket opening; said socket including walls which generally limit the direction which said head can be extracted from said socket; said latch comprising a finger-like member depending from said head and extending generally towards the plane of said socket opening; said keeper lying in front of the free end of said latch; and a restraining means connecting said latch at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head; said restraining means comprising a flange extending from said head to said latch, said flange being made of a flexible material whereby said latch and flange can be flexed upwardly, said flange being elongated and generally inflexible in the direction of its length axis, but flexible laterally thereof; said flange extending from said head to said latch on an inclined angle to the lane of said latch, said latch depending forwardly from generally the rear of said head and said restraining flange depends rearwardly to said latch from generally the front of said head.

5. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body portion and a head portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a resiliently flexible latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket; said head including a head body and a lateral flange circumscribing the top and back edges thereof; said flange wrapping around and extending forwardly along the bottom of said head body, but being spaced therefrom, to thereby define said latch; a connector web extending from said head body to the base of said latch.

6. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed fRom said socket; said support having an opening in one of its walls to provide access to said latch for manipulating it and releasing said bar from said support, wherein said bar is T-shaped in cross section; the horizontal portion of said bar cross section being at the top thereof and being wrapped around the end of said head and extending along the bottom thereof; the portion thereof at the bottom of said head being integral with said head to provide a finger-like latch resiliently movable into and out of engagement with said keeper.

7. The hanger described in claim 6 wherein the end of said latch includes a cutaway portion defining a keeper abutting face for engaging said keeper to prevent removal of said bar when said latch is moved into said wall opening and a stop face engageable with said keeper to prevent said latch being manipulated completely through said wall opening.

8. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body portion and a head portion at one end thereof, said support having a socket opening through one end thereof for receiving said head portion, the improvement in said hanger comprising: a latch on one of said head and said support and a keeper on the other thereof; said latch being biased to a first position engaging said keeper to lock said bar against disengagement from said support and being movable out of said first position whereby said bar can be removed from said socket, said support having an opening in one of its walls to provide access to said latch for manipulating it and releasing said bar from said support, said socket having one wall portion engaging the top of said head adjacent its end and another wall portion engaging said head intermediate said latch and body portion of said bar for supporting said bar when cantilevered from said support, said head including an enlarged shoulder intermediate said latch and said body of said bar, said enlarged shoulder resting on said other wall portion; an enlarged vertical rib extending upwardly from said shoulder; an enlarged top flange engaging said one wall portion and extending forwardly to said vertical rib; said top flange and said vertical rib being joined by a web-like body.

9. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body and a head at one end thereof for insertion into said support member, the improvement in said hanger comprising: said head including a depending latch, said latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head; said support including a keeper for said latch; restraining means connecting said latch, at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head.

10. The hanger of claim 9 in which said restraining means comprises a flange extending from said head to said latch, said flange being made of flexible material whereby said latch and said flange can be flexed upwardly.

11. The hanger of claim 10 in which said flange is elongated and is generally inflexible in the direction of its length axis, but is flexible laterally thereof; said flange extending from said head to said latch on an inclined angle to the plane of said latch.

12. The hanger described in claim 9 wherein said support has an opening in one of its walls to provide access to said latch for manipulating it and releasing said bar from said support.

13. The hanger described in claim 12 wherein said socket has one wall portion engaging the top of said head adjacent its end and another wall portion engaging said head intermediate said latch and body portion of said bar for supporting said bar when cantilevered from said support.

14. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body and a head at one end thereof for insertion into said support member, the improvement in said hanger comprising: said head including a depending latch, said latch having a free end resiliently biased dowNwardly from the head; said support including a keeper for said latch; and restraining means connecting said latch, at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head, said restraining means comprising a flange extending from said head to said latch, said flange made of flexible material whereby said latch and said flange can be flexed upwardly, said flange being elongated and generally inflexible in the direction of its length axis, but is flexible laterally thereof; said flange extending from said head to said latch on an inclined angle to the plane of said latch, said latch depending forwardly from generally the rear of said head and said restraining flange depending rearwardly to said latch from generally the front of said head.

15. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body and a head at one end thereof for insertion into said support member, the improvement in said hanger comprising: said head including a depending latch, said latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head; said support including a keeper for said latch; said head including a head body and a lateral flange circumscribing the top and back edges thereof; said flange wrapping around and extending forwardly along the bottom of said head body, but being spaced therefrom, to thereby define said latch; a connector web extending from said head body to the base of said latch; and restraining means connecting said latch, at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head.

16. A hanger for slacks and the like having a bar and a support member, said bar having an elongated body and a head at one end thereof for insertion into said support member, the improvement in said hanger comprising: said head including a depending latch, said latch having a free end resiliently biased downwardly from the head; said support including a keeper for said latch; restraining means connecting said latch, at a point spaced from the junction of said latch with said head, to said head; said support having a wall and an opening in said wall to provide access to said latch for manipulating it and releasing said bar from said support, said support including a socket having a wall portion engaging the top of said head adjacent its end and another wall portion engaging said head intermediate said latch and body portion of said bar for supporting said bar when cantilevered from said support; said head including an enlarged shoulder intermediate said latch and said body of said bar, said enlarged shoulder resting on said other wall portion; an enlarged vertical rib extending upwardly from said shoulder; an enlarged top flange engaging said one wall portion and extending forwardly to said vertical rib; said top flange and said vertical rib being joined by a web-like body.

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