U.S. patent application number 09/852189 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-06 for garment hanger having a removable size indicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPOTLESS PLASTICS PTY. LTD.. Invention is credited to Gouldson, Stanley F., Olk, Olaf.
Application Number | 20010019070 09/852189 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23902935 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010019070 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gouldson, Stanley F. ; et
al. |
September 6, 2001 |
Garment hanger having a removable size indicator
Abstract
A garment hanger having a releasable size indicator. The garment
hanger including a hook for supporting the hanger on a display; a
body connected to the hook, the body having at least one web for
removably securing a size indicator to the body, the web having a
fixed latch and a pivoting latch; and a size indicator having
fingers for engaging the fixed and pivoting latches such that the
size indicator is secured on the web during normal use, but wherein
the size indicator may be released from the web when the pivoting
latch is pivoted out of engagement with the fingers of the size
indicator.
Inventors: |
Gouldson, Stanley F.;
(Northport, NY) ; Olk, Olaf; (Hauppauge,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser
400 Garden City Plaza
Garden City
NY
11530
US
|
Assignee: |
SPOTLESS PLASTICS PTY. LTD.
VICTORIA
AU
|
Family ID: |
23902935 |
Appl. No.: |
09/852189 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09852189 |
May 9, 2001 |
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09479170 |
Jan 7, 2000 |
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6264075 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
223/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/1421 20130101;
A47G 25/1435 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/85 |
International
Class: |
A41D 027/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A garment hanger having a releasable size indicator, the garment
hanger comprising: a hanging means for supporting the hanger on a
display; a body connected to the hanging means, the body having at
least one web for removably securing a size indicator to the body,
the web having a fixed latch and a pivoting latch; and a size
indicator having finger means for engaging the fixed and pivoting
latches such that the size indicator is secured on the web during
normal use, but wherein the size indicator may be released from the
web when the pivoting latch is pivoted out of engagement with the
finger means of the size indicator.
2. The garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the hanging
means is a hook and the web is located at a junction between the
hook and the body.
3. The garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the hanging
means is a hook and the web is located at a top portion of the
hook.
4. The garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting
latch is located at a central portion of the web and the fixed
latch is located on at least one end of the pivoting latch.
5. The garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the fixed latch
further comprises two abutments located on each end of the pivoting
latch.
6. The garment hanger according to claim 4, wherein the pivoting
latch projects from a first side of the web and the fixed latch
projects from an opposite side of the web.
7. The garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting
latch is defined by a slot cut through the web, the slot having a
shape defined by at least two sides, the pivoting latch being
further defined by a living hinge closing the shape of the
slot.
8. The garment hanger according to claim 7, wherein the slot is
substantially two sided and the living hinge closes the shape of
the slot thereby forming a triangular shaped pivoting latch.
9. The garment hanger according to claim 7, further comprising an
engagement means for facilitating movement of the pivoting
latch.
10. The garment hanger according to claim 9, wherein the engagement
means comprises a cantilevered end of the pivoting latch which when
a releasing force is applied thereto provides a mechanical
advantage for pivoting the pivoting latch out of engagement with
the finger means of the size indicator.
11. The garment hanger according to claim 10, wherein the size
indicator has a face and two sides depending therefrom, each of the
sides terminating in a foremost edge, the foremost edges being
configured such that the cantilevered end of the pivoting latch is
exposed when the size indicator is secured on the web.
12. The garment hanger according to claim 11, wherein the web
further comprises a guard extending across the web and below the
size indicator, the guard having a down-turned portion which
follows the contours of the cantilevered end to thereby prevent
inadvertent access to the engagement means.
13. The garment hanger according to claim 10, wherein the
cantilevered end and engagement means are configured to engage a
tool used for application of the releasing force.
14. The garment hanger according to claim 13, wherein the
engagement means is a dimple formed on a side of the cantilevered
end.
15. The garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the web
further comprising an outermost edge having an outermost portion of
a predetermined cross-section, the size indicator having a mating
cross-section substantially configured to receive the outermost
portion therein for preventing a lateral movement of the size
indicator when the size indicator is secured on the web.
16. The garment hanger according to claim 15, wherein the
predetermined cross-section is rectangular.
17. The garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the size
indicator has a face and two sides depending therefrom defining a
channel, each of the sides terminating in a foremost edge.
18. The garment hanger according to claim 17, wherein the finger
means comprises an inwardly facing ridge disposed at each of the
foremost edges and projecting inwards towards the channel.
19. The garment hanger according to claim 1, wherein the web
further comprises locating means for locating the size indicator in
a predetermined position on the web.
20. The garment hanger according to claim 19, wherein the locating
means comprises first and second guides disposed adjacent each side
edge of the size indicator and spaced apart to align the size
indicator therebetween to center the size indicator during
application thereof on the web.
21. The garment hanger according to claim 20, wherein the first and
second guides do not extend the full length of the side edge of the
size indicator.
22. A garment hanger comprising: a hanging means for supporting the
hanger on a display; a body connected to the hanging means, the
body having at least one web for removably securing a size
indicator to the body, the web having a fixed latch and a pivoting
latch which together engage a size indicator.
23. A size indicator to be removably secured to a web of a garment
hanger, the size indicator comprising a face and two sides
depending therefrom defining a channel, each of the sides
terminating in a foremost edge, the face having a trough
substantially configured to receive an outermost portion of the web
for preventing a lateral movement of the size indicator when the
size indicator is secured on the web, each of the sides having an
inwardly facing ridge disposed at each of the foremost edges and
projecting inwards towards the channel for engaging a fixed ridge
and a pivoting ridge on the web.
24. A garment hanger having a releasable size indicator, the
garment hanger comprising: a hanging means for supporting the
hanger on a display; a body connected to the hanging means, the
body having at least one web for removably securing a size
indicator to the body, the web having a fixed latch and two
pivoting latches; and a size indicator having finger means for
engaging the fixed and pivoting latches such that the size
indicator is secured on the web during normal use, but wherein the
size indicator may be released from the web when the pivoting latch
is pivoted out of engagement with the finger means of the size
indicator.
25. The garment hanger according to claim 24, wherein the hanging
means is a hook and the web is located at a top portion of the
hook.
26. The garment hanger according to claim 24, wherein the fixed
latch is located at a central portion of the web and each of the
pivoting latches is located on each end of the fixed latch.
27. The garment hanger according to claim 26, wherein each of the
pivoting latches project from a first side of the web and the fixed
latch projects from an opposite side of the web.
28. The garment hanger according to claim 24, wherein each of the
pivoting latches is defined by a slot cut through the web, the slot
having a shape defined by at least two sides, each of the pivoting
latches being further defined by a living hinge closing the shape
of the slot.
29. The garment hanger according to claim 28, wherein each slot is
substantially two sided and each respective living hinge closes the
shape of the slot thereby forming two triangular shaped pivoting
latches.
30. The garment hanger according to claim 28, further comprising an
engagement means for facilitating movement of each of the pivoting
latches.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally a garment hanger of
the type having a removable size indicator and, more particularly,
to a garment hanger having a size indicator which may be removed by
way of a tool which engages a pivoting latch.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,914 illustrates a hanger with a modified
hook which accepts a size indicator which clips onto one of the
flanges which define the hook structure.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,115,940 illustrates a hanger having a size
indicator or sizing tab which attaches to a tab mounting member
mounted between the hanger hook and the hanger body. Hangers having
size indicators mounted in this position are generally referred to
in the trade as side sizers.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,902 illustrates a hanger having a
display portion formed at the top of the hook which may accept two
different types of size indicators. One type fastens to the display
portion like a tie-tac, and the other slips over the top of the
display portion. Hangers having size indicators mounted in this
position are generally referred to in the trade as top sizers.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,943 is typical of a number of patents
which disclose one or more means to prevent inadvertent removal of
the side sizer by blocking access to the edges of the side sizer,
thereby preventing young children from obtaining "finger purchase"
on the edge of the side sizer to pry it off.
[0008] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,469,995, 5,778,575, 5,469,995, 5,096,101
5,950,883, 5,683,018, 5,642,840, 5,611,469 and 5,407,109 all
illustrate hangers having various means to make the side sizer
"substantially unremovable" or "irremovable" once the sizing tab
engages the tab holder on the hanger. The intent is to make the
hanger and sizing system "child proof", and thereby prevent a child
from inadvertently removing the tab, and swallowing or choking on
the side sizer.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,099 is one of several patents on a
hanger and side sizer system that provides a tool for removing the
side sizer if it is inadvertently applied, or if the hanger is
later used to hang a garment of a different size. Multiple cuts are
provided through the security rib and the attachment member to
enable a special tool to pry the indicator from the hanger.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,887 illustrates another design for a
hanger and side sizer that enables a special tool to slide through
cuts in the security rib and thereby remove the side sizer.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,363 illustrates a hanger hook adapted to
receive a top sizer, which hanger hook has a resilient detent
engagement means for securing the top sizer which enables the top
sizer to be automatically removed for re-use of the hanger.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment hanger with a novel size indicator and indicator attachment
mechanism.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
garment hanger with a removable size indicator.
[0014] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a garment hanger with a removable size indicator that may
be mounted on the top of the hook or at the side of the hook.
[0015] It is still yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a garment hanger with a removable size indicator that is
securely affixed to the hanger during use, and is thereby "child
proof", yet which may be quickly and easily removed with a tool
when it is desired to re-use the hanger with a garment of a
different size.
[0016] Accordingly, a garment hanger having a removable size
indicator is provided. The garment hanger comprises: a hanging
means for supporting the hanger on a display; a body connected to
the hanging means, the body having at least one web for removably
securing a size indicator to the body, the web having a fixed latch
a pivoting latch; and a size indicator having finger means for
engaging the fixed and pivoting latches such that the size
indicator is secured on the web, wherein the size indicator is
released from the web when the pivoting latch is pivoted out of
engagement with the finger means of the size indicator.
[0017] In a preferred implementation of the garment hanger of the
present invention, the hanging means is a hook and the web is
located at either or both, a junction between the hook and the body
or at a top portion of the hook.
[0018] In another preferred implementation of the garment hanger of
the present invention, the pivoting latch is located at a central
portion of the web and the fixed latch is located on at least one
end of the pivoting latch. Preferably, the fixed latch is located
on each end of the pivoting latch, with the pivoting latch
projecting from a first side of the web and the fixed latch
projecting from an opposite side of the web.
[0019] In yet another preferred implementation of the garment
hanger of the present invention, the pivoting latch is defined by a
slot cut through the web, the slot having a shape defined by at
least two sides, the pivoting latch being further defined by a
living hinge closing the shape of the slot. Preferably, the slot is
two sided and the living hinge closes the shape of the slot thereby
forming a triangular shaped pivoting latch. The pivoting latch
further having an engagement means for facilitating the pivoting of
the pivoting latch. Preferably, the engagement means comprises a
cantilevered end of the pivoting latch which when a releasing force
is applied thereto provides a mechanical advantage for pivoting the
pivoting latch out of engagement with a finger means of the size
indicator. The web further has a guard extending across the web and
below the size indicator, the guard having a down-turned portion
which follows the contours of the cantilevered end. The guard
protects the cantilevered end from inadvertent actuation. The
cantilevered end preferably has engagement means adapted to receive
a tool used for application of the releasing force. The engagement
means is preferably a dimple formed on a side of the cantilevered
end.
[0020] In a preferred implementation of the garment hanger of the
present invention, the size indicator preferably has a face and two
sides depending therefrom, each of the sides terminating in a
foremost edge, the foremost edges being configured such that the
cantilevered end of the pivoting latch is exposed when the size
indicator is secured on the web. The finger means of the size
indicator preferably comprises an inwardly facing ridge disposed at
each of the foremost edges and projecting inwards towards the
channel.
[0021] In yet another preferred implementation of the garment
hanger of the present invention, the web further comprises an
outermost edge having an outermost portion of a predetermined
cross-section, the size indicator having a mating cross-section
substantially configured to receive the outermost portion therein
for preventing a lateral movement of the size indicator when the
size indicator is secured on the web. The predetermined
cross-section is preferably rectangular.
[0022] In still yet another preferred implementation of the garment
hanger of the present invention, the web further comprises locating
guides for locating the size indicator in a predetermined position
on the web. The locating guides preferably comprise first and
second guides disposed on each of the side edges of the size
indicator and spaced apart to fit the size indicator therein to
center the size indicator between the guides when it is applied.
Preferably each of the first and second guides do not extend the
full length of the side of the size indicator.
[0023] Also provided is a garment hanger comprising: a hook for
supporting the hanger on a display; the hook having at least one
web for removably securing a size indicator to the body, the web
having at least one fixed latch and a pair of pivoting latches for
engaging the size indicator.
[0024] Still yet provided is a size indicator to be removably
secured to a web of a garment hanger. The size indicator comprises
a face and two sides depending therefrom defining a channel, each
of the sides terminating in a foremost edge, the face having a
trough substantially configured to receive an outermost portion of
the web for preventing a lateral movement of the size indicator
when the size indicator is secured on the web, each of the sides
having an inwardly facing ridge disposed at each of the foremost
edges and projecting inwards towards the channel for engaging a
fixed ridge and a pivoting ridge on the web. The cross section of
the size indicator enables the size indicator to be extruded and
then cut into sections. The indicators may be printed before or
after cutting. This process substantially lowers the cost of
producing size indicators as compared to the cost of producing
indicators which must be individually molded.
[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, a hanger hook is
provided which has provisions for receiving either a side sizer or
a top sizer as desired. This reduces the inventory of hangers
required for a garment manufacturer who ships to both types of
retail environments, i.e., retail stores which desire side sizers,
and those who desire top sizers. Alternately, if desired, both
could be affixed to the hook. In this embodiment, the top sizer is
longer than the side sizer to provide greater visibility and visual
harmony with other top sizer hangers, although the top web and the
side web could be formed to receive the same length of size
indicator, thereby allowing the manufacturer to use the same size
indicator as either a side sizer or a top sizer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
apparatus of the present invention will become better understood
with regard to the following description, appended claims, and
accompanying drawings where:
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a garment hanger of
the present invention having a first web at a junction between the
hook and body of the garment hanger.
[0028] FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate an end and top view,
respectively, of a first size indicator of the present invention
for engaging the first web of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3a illustrates an enlarged view of the first web of
FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3b illustrates the enlarged view of the web of FIG. 3a
with a size indicator secured thereon.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial sectional view of the first web
of FIG. 3 as taken along line 4-4 thereof.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial sectional view of the web of
FIG. 3. as taken along line 5-5 thereof, the movement of the
pivoting latch illustrated therein by a broken line.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial sectional view of the web of
FIG. 3 as taken along line 5-5 thereof and additionally having the
first size indicator secured thereon.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates the first web and first size indicator of
FIG. 6 wherein the pivoting latch is being pivoted to release the
first size indicator therefrom.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of a garment hanger
of the present invention having the first web at a junction between
the hook and body of the garment hanger and a second web at a top
portion of the hook.
[0036] FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) illustrate an end and side view,
respectively, of a second size indicator of the present invention
for engaging the second web of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged view of the second web of
FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates a third embodiment of a garment hanger
of the present invention having the second web at the top portion
of the hook.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] Although this invention is applicable to numerous and
various types of hangers, it has been found particularly useful in
the environment of garment hangers having a hook for suspending the
garment hanger from a display. Therefore, without limiting the
applicability of the invention to these types of hangers, the
invention will be described in such environment.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a first
embodiment of the garment hanger of the present invention,
generally referred to by reference numeral 100a. The garment hanger
100a has a hanging means, such as a hook 102, for supporting the
hanger 100a on a display (not shown). The hanger 100a further
having a body 104 connected to the hook 102. The body has at least
one web 106a for removably securing a size indicator 108a (FIGS. 2a
and 2b) to the body 104. In a first embodiment of the garment
hanger of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 1, the web
106a is located at a junction between the hook 102 and the body
104. As will be discussed below with regard to FIG. 8, in a second
embodiment of the garment hanger of the present invention,
generally referred to by reference numeral 100b, the web 106b can
be alternatively located at a top portion 102a of the hook 102.
Furthermore, as will be discussed below with regard to FIG. 11, a
third embodiment of the garment hanger of the present invention,
generally referred to by reference numeral 100c, the web 106b can
be alternatively located at both junction between the hook 102 and
the body 104 and at the top portion 102a of the hook 102.
[0041] Referring Now to FIG. 3, the web has a fixed latch 110 and a
pivoting latch 112. The pivoting latch 112 is preferably located at
a central portion of the web 106a and the fixed latch 110 is
located on at least one end of the pivoting latch 112. Preferably,
the fixed latch 110, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises two abutments
110a, 110b located on each end of the pivoting latch 112. As
illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, and most clearly in FIG. 6, it is also
preferable that the pivoting latch 112 projects from a first side
114 of the web 106a and the fixed latch 110 projects from an
opposite side 116 of the web 106a.
[0042] Referring back to FIG. 2, the pivoting latch 112 is
preferably defined by a slot 118 cut through the web 106a. The slot
preferably has a shape defined by at least two sides 118a, 118b.
The pivoting latch 112 is further defined by a living hinge, shown
by dotted line 120 closing the shape of the slot 118. As shown in
FIG. 3, the slot 118 is preferably substantially two sided 118a,
118b and the living hinge 120 closes the shape of the slot 118
thereby forming a triangular shaped pivoting latch 112. It should
be apparent to those skilled in the art that the pivoting latch and
the slot defining the shape thereof, can have any shape, such as
rectangular, without departing from the scope or spirit of the
present invention.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 6 in combination, the pivoting
latch 112 preferably has an engagement means for facilitating
movement of the pivoting latch about arrow A shown in FIG. 7. The
engagement means preferably comprises a cantilevered end 122 of the
pivoting latch 112 which when a releasing force (F) is applied
thereto provides a mechanical advantage for movement of the
pivoting latch 112 out of engagement with the size indicator 108a.
Simultaneously, the opposite side of the pivoting latch 112
displaces the size indicator such that it no longer engages the
fixed latch 110.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 6 in combination, the
size indicator 108a generally has a face 124 and two sides 126, 128
depending therefrom to form a generally C-shaped channel 109. Each
of the sides 126, 128 terminate in a foremost edge 130, 132. The
foremost edges 130, 132 are preferably configured such that the
cantilevered end 122 of the pivoting latch 112 is exposed when the
size indicator 108a is secured on the web 106a.
[0045] The size indicator 108a further having finger means 134 for
engaging the fixed and pivoting latches 110, 112, respectively,
such that the size indicator 108a is secured on the web during
normal use. However, the size indicator 108a is releasably secured
on the web 106a such that it may be released from the web 106a when
the pivoting latch 112 is pivoted out of engagement with the finger
means 134 of the size indicator 108a when the release force (F) is
applied. The finger means 134 preferably comprises an inwardly
facing ridge 134a, 134b disposed at each of the foremost edges 130,
132 and projecting inwards towards the channel 109 of the size
indicator 108a.
[0046] Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 6 in combination, the web
preferably also has a guard 136 extending across the web 106a and
below the size indicator 108a. In a preferred implementation, the
guard 136 has a down-turned portion 138 which follows the contours
of the cantilevered end 122 to thereby prevent inadvertent access
to the engagement means 122. The cantilevered end and engagement
means 122 are preferably configured to engage a tool (not shown)
used for application of the releasing force (F). The engagement
means is preferably a dimple 140 formed on a side of the
cantilevered end 122. The tool having a tip substantially
conforming to the shape of the dimple 140 and having a width such
that it is not prevented from engaging the dimple 140 by the guard
136.
[0047] The web preferably also has an outermost edge 142 having an
outermost portion 142a of a predetermined cross-section. The size
indicator 108a having a trough 144 (FIG. 2a) with a mating
cross-section substantially configured to receive the outermost
portion 142a therein for preventing a lateral movement of the size
indicator along direction B-B when the size indicator 108a is
secured on the web 106a. The preferable predetermined cross-section
of both the outermost portion 142a and the trough 144 is
substantially rectangular.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 3b, the web 106a further comprises
locating means for locating the size indicator 108a in a
predetermined position on the web 106a. The locating means
preferably comprises first and second guides 146a, 146b disposed
adjacent each side edge 148a, 148b of the size indicator 108a and
spaced apart to align the size indicator 108a therebetween and to
center the size indicator 108a during application thereof on the
web 106a. Preferably, the first and second guides 146a, 146b do not
extend the full length of the side edges 148a, 148b of the size
indicator but define elongate openings 150a, 150b in which portions
of the side edges 148a, 148b are exposed.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the operation of the garment
hanger 100a of the present invention will be explained. The size
indicator 108a is depressed on the web 106a in the direction of
arrow C. While being depressed in the direction of arrow C, the
pivoting latch 112 pivots in the direction of arrow A until the
inwardly facing ridges 134a, 134b pass over the fixed and pivoting
ridges 110, 112. After which, the inwardly facing fingers 134a,
134b snap into place in an area defined by the guide 136 and a
bottom edge of the fixed and pivoting ridges 110, 112, the area
being referenced by reference numeral 152. As such, the size
indicator 108a is releasably secured on the web 106a. Preliminary
testing of the releasable size indicators of the present invention
has indicated that a force of approximately 25-30 pounds is needed
to pull the size indicators from the latches of the web. Thus, the
size indicators of the present invention are considered to be
child-proof, since industry standards require a minimum force of 15
pounds to pull off a size indicator from a hanger for the size
indicator to be considered child-proof.
[0050] To release the size indicator 108a from the web 106a, a
releasing force (F) is applied to the cantilevered end 122 of the
pivoting latch 112, preferably by engaging the dimple 140 thereon
with a release tool (not shown). The release force (F) results in
the pivoting latch 112 to pivot about the living hinge 120 in the
direction of arrow A. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the pivoting latch
112 causes a side 126 of the size indicator 106a to extend past the
furthest extending portion of the fixed latch 110. At this point,
the size indicator 108a can be manually removed from the web 106a.
Preferably, the size indicator 108a is fabricated from a resilient
material and thereby the sides 126, 128 are biased towards each
other. Thus, when the side 126 of the size indicator 106a extends
past the furthest extending portion of the fixed latch 110 the size
indicator 108a pops off of the web automatically, without further
manual intervention.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9a, 9b, and 10, there is
illustrated a second embodiment of the garment hanger of the
present invention, generally referred to by reference numeral 100b
and in which like reference numeral denote like elements as
previously discussed. The garment hanger 100b differs from garment
hanger 100a illustrated in FIG. 1 in that a second web 106b is
disposed at a top portion 102a of the hook 102. Generally, the
second web 106b differs from the first web 106a by the inclusion of
first and second pivoting latches 212a, 212b.
[0052] Referring Now to FIG. 10, the web 106b has a fixed latch 210
and first and second pivoting latches 212a, 212b. The fixed latch
210 is preferably located at a central portion of the web 106b and
each of the pivoting latches 212a, 212b is located each end of the
fixed latch 210. As with hanger 100a it is preferable that the
pivoting latches 212a, 212b project from a first side of the web
106b and the fixed latch 210 project from an opposite side of the
web 106b.
[0053] Referring back to FIG. 10, each pivoting latch 212a, 212b is
preferably defined by a slot 218a, 218b cut through the web 106b.
Each slot preferably has a triangular shape as discussed above with
regard to hanger 100a. Each slot 218a, 218b is defined by a living
hinge, shown by dotted lines 220a, 220b closing the shape of each
slot 218a, 218b.
[0054] As discussed above with regard to hanger 100a, each pivoting
latch 212a, 212b preferably has an engagement means for
facilitating movement of the pivoting latch. The engagement means
preferably comprises a cantilevered end 222a, 222b of the pivoting
latch 212a, 212b which when the releasing force (F) is applied
thereto provides a mechanical advantage for movement of each
pivoting latch 212a, 212b out of engagement with the size indicator
108b.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, in combination, the size
indicator 108b generally has a face 224 and two sides 226, 228
depending therefrom to form a generally C-shaped channel 209. Each
of the sides 226, 228 terminate in a foremost edge 230, 232. The
foremost edges 230, 232 are preferably configured such that the
cantilevered end 222a, 222b of each of the pivoting latches 212a,
212b are exposed when the size indicator 108b is secured on the web
106b. Although a size indication can be disposed on either the top
or side surfaces of the size indicator, it is preferably the size
indicator 108a of the first embodiment has the size indication 107
disposed on the face 124 of the size indicator 106a, and the size
indicator 108b of the second embodiment has the size indication 207
on a side 228 of the size indicator 108b.
[0056] The size indicator 108b further having finger means 234 for
engaging the fixed and pivoting latches 210, 212a, and 212b,
respectively, such that the size indicator 108b is secured on the
web 106b during normal use. However, the size indicator 108b is
releasably secured on the web 106b such that it may be released
from the web 106b when both of the pivoting latches 212a, 212b are
pivoted out of engagement with the finger means 234 of the size
indicator 108b when the release force is applied. The finger means
234 preferably comprises an inwardly facing ridge 234a, 234b
disposed at each of the foremost edges 230, 232 and projecting
inwards towards the channel 209 of the size indicator 108b.
[0057] The web 106b preferably also has a guard 236 extending
across the web 106b and below the size indicator 108b to prevent
inadvertent access to the engagement means 222a, 222b. Each of the
cantilevered ends and engagement means 222a, 22b are preferably
configured to engage a tool (not shown) used for application of the
releasing force (F). The engagement means is preferably a dimple
240a, 240b formed on a side of each of the cantilevered ends 222a,
222b. The tool being configured as described above with regard to
hanger 100a.
[0058] The web 106b preferably also has an outermost edge 242
having an outermost portion as described with regard to hanger
100a. The size indicator 108b having a trough 244 (FIG. 9a) with a
mating cross-section substantially configured to receive the
outermost portion therein for preventing a lateral movement of the
size indicator when the size indicator 108b is secured on the web
106b. The preferable predetermined cross-section of both the
outermost portion and the trough 244 is substantially
rectangular.
[0059] The web 106b further comprises locating means for locating
the size indicator 108b in a predetermined position on the web
106b. The locating means preferably comprises first and second
guides 246a, 246b disposed adjacent each side edge 248a, 248b of
the size indicator 108b and spaced apart to align the size
indicator 108b therebetween and to center the size indicator 108b
during application thereof on the web 106b.
[0060] The operation of the hanger 100b of the second embodiment of
the present invention operates substantially equivalently to that
of the hanger 100a of the first embodiment. It should be apparent
to those skilled in the art that both pivoting latches 212a, 212b
need to be pivoted by application of the release force to release
the size indicator 108b from the web 106b.
[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates a hanger of a third embodiment of the
present invention generally referred to by reference numeral 100c.
The hanger 100c of the third embodiment of the present invention is
similar to that of the second embodiment (hanger 100b) with the
exception of the elimination of web 106a.
[0062] While there has been shown and described what is considered
to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course,
be understood that various modifications and changes in form or
detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of
the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not
limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be
constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *