U.S. patent application number 09/255135 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-02 for apparatus for removing indicators from hangers.
Invention is credited to BUSH, WILLIAM W., GOULDSON, STANLEY F., HARMER, ROLAND, MARSHALL, DAVID J..
Application Number | 20020050044 09/255135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25644858 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020050044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARSHALL, DAVID J. ; et
al. |
May 2, 2002 |
APPARATUS FOR REMOVING INDICATORS FROM HANGERS
Abstract
A molded plastic garment hanger having an improved indicator
attachment device is disclosed, wherein the hanger has a hook with
an upstanding web to be received within a downwardly opening cavity
of a molded plastic indicator having side walls formed with
openings. The web is formed with attachment means in the form of a
resilient detent formed with a laterally projecting portion
positioned to engage the opening to prevent removal of the
indicator from the hook unless the resilient detent is physically
displaced from the opening to facilitate release of indicator from
the hook. A method and apparatus for removing the indicator from
the hook is also provided by inserting a pin defined on a first
plate into the indicator to displace the indicator attachment
mechanism and thereby release the indicator from the indicator
attachment mechanism without damaging either the indicator or the
indicator attachment mechanism. The present invention contemplates
automated as well as manual removal of the indicator from the hook
of a hanger and provides a method and device therefor.
Inventors: |
MARSHALL, DAVID J.;
(VICTORIA, AU) ; GOULDSON, STANLEY F.; (NORTHPORT,
NY) ; HARMER, ROLAND; (CENTEREACH, NY) ; BUSH,
WILLIAM W.; (BUENA PARK, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEOPOLD PRESSER
SCULLY SCOTT MURPHY & PRESSER
400 GARDEN CITY PLAZA
GARDEN CITY
NY
11530
|
Family ID: |
25644858 |
Appl. No.: |
09/255135 |
Filed: |
February 19, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09255135 |
Feb 19, 1999 |
|
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08875508 |
Jul 30, 1997 |
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6289569 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
29/426.4 ;
29/700 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49815 20150115;
Y10T 29/53683 20150115; Y10T 29/53539 20150115; Y10T 29/53
20150115; Y10T 29/49821 20150115; Y10T 29/53657 20150115; A47G
25/1421 20130101; G09F 3/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/426.4 ;
29/700 |
International
Class: |
B23P 019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 2, 1995 |
AU |
PN 0888 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A molded plastic hanger having an indicator at attachment
device, said hanger having a hook formed with an upstanding web to
be received within a downwardly opening cavity of a molded plastic
indicator, and attachment means formed on said upstanding web to
engage and releasably secure said indicator to said web, wherein
said attachment means comprises a resilient detent means formed in
said upstanding web, said resilient detent means having a laterally
projecting portion.
2. The hanger of claim 1, wherein said resilient detent means
comprises an integrally molded leg extending downwardly from an
opening formed in said upstanding web and terminating in said
laterally projecting portion.
3. The hanger of claim 2, wherein said laterally projecting portion
is formed to extend outwardly of said upstanding web beyond the
plane defined by a side of said web.
4. The hanger of claim 2, wherein said opening has a top edge, a
bottom edge and side edges and said leg extends downwardly from
said top edge.
5. The hanger of claim 2, wherein said opening defined by said
upstanding web is substantially semi-circular.
6. The hanger of claim 2, wherein said opening defined by said
upstanding web is substantially square.
7. The hanger of claim 2, wherein said upstanding web is
substantially rectangular in configuration.
8. The hanger of claim 2, wherein said upstanding web is shaped and
dimensioned to correspond to the top contour of the hook.
9. The hanger of claim 1, wherein said attachment means permits
disengagement of said attachment means from said indicator to
facilitate removal of the indicator from said hook without damage
to said indicator or to said hook.
10. In combination, an indicator and a hanger with an improved
indicator attachment device, said hanger comprising a hook formed
with an upstanding web and an indicator attachment means formed on
said upstanding web to engage and releasably secure said indicator
to said web; and said indicator comprising side walls formed with
at least one opening adapted to receive said attachment means for
retaining said indicator on said upstanding web of said hook,
wherein said attachment means comprises a resilient detent means
formed in said upstanding web and having a laterally extending
portion positioned to engage said side wall opening to prevent
removal of said indicator from said hook, said resilient detent
means enabling said laterally extending portion to be disengaged
from said opening to facilitate removal of said indicator from said
hook without damage to said indicator or to said hook.
11. The combination of claim 10, wherein said indicator has aligned
apertures in opposite side walls positioned to receive said
laterally extending portion in either of said openings, said
apertures facilitating stacking with other indicators prior to
engagement with said upstanding web.
12. The combination of claim 10, wherein said resilient detent
means comprises an integrally molded leg extending downwardly from
an opening formed in said upstanding web and terminating in said
laterally projecting portion.
13. The combination of claim 12, wherein said laterally projecting
portion is formed to extend outwardly of said upstanding web beyond
the plane defined by a side of the web.
14. An apparatus for automatically removing an indicator from a
hanger having an indicator attachment mechanism; said apparatus
comprising: a first means for receiving said indicator affixed to
said hanger, said first means including a first plate defining a
recess, such that said indicator affixed to said hanger is received
by said recess, said first means further including a pin positioned
to displace said indicator attachment mechanism; a second means for
securing said hanger for removal of said indicator; actuating means
for driving said first and second means upwardly and downwardly,
such that said first plate is driven downwardly to receive said
indicator and then driven upwardly while the hanger is secured by
said second means; and means for ejecting said indicator from said
recess in said first plate.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second means includes
an edge for holding a top region of said hanger to prevent said
hanger from moving when said indicator is removed by the upward
movement of said first means.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said first plate further
defines an aperture and said means for ejecting said indicator
generates an air blast that passes through said aperture to eject
said indicator from said recess.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said recess of said first
plate substantially defines the size and shape of said
indicator.
18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein second means includes a
second plate defining a window through which said indicator passes
after said indicator is separated from said hanger.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said window in said second
plate substantially defines the size and shape of the
indicator.
20. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a means for
feeding a plurality of hangers one-by-one to said first means by
gravity.
21. A device for manually removing an indicator from a hanger with
an indicator attachment mechanism, said device including a plate
with at least one recess for receiving at least a portion of said
indicator, said plate further including a pin positioned within
said recess such that when said indicator affixed to said hanger
rests in said recess said pin releases said indicator attachment
mechanism.
22. The device according to claim 21, wherein said indicator
attachment mechanism comprises a resilient detent leg and said pin
depresses said leg to release said indicator from said hanger.
23. A method for removing an indicator from a hanger with an
indicator attachment mechanism, said method comprising: inserting a
pin defined on a first plate into said indicator to displace the
indicator attachment mechanism and thereby release said indicator
from said indicator attachment mechanism; and removing said
indicator from said hanger.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said method is manual.
25. A method for automatically removing an indicator from a garment
hanger having an indicator attachment mechanism, said method
comprising: holding a plurality of hangers with indicators;
selectively engaging one of said indicators affixed to one of said
hangers from said plurality of hangers; displacing said indicator
attachment mechanism; and removing said indicator from said
hanger.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising selectively engaging
and receiving said indicator affixed to a hanger in a recess of a
first plate; inserting a pin included in said first plate into said
indicator to displace said indicator attachment mechanism, and
removing said indicator from said hanger by carrying said indicator
upwardly in said first plate.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising moving said first
plate upwardly and aligning said recess with indicator therein with
a window in a second plate and ejecting said indicator from said
recess through said window into a discharge tube.
28. The method according to claim 26, wherein before said indicator
is selectively engaged, the method comprises moving a second plate
upwardly to permit said indicator affixed to said garment hanger to
advance along a feeding rail and rest in said recess in said first
plate and then moving said second plate downwardly to prevent a
second indicator affixed to a second hanger in said plurality of
hangers with indicators from advancing and, after said indicator is
disengaged from said hanger, moving said second plate upwardly to
permit said second indicator affixed to said second hanger to
advance.
29. The method according to claim 25, wherein said displacing
comprises depressing a resilient detent leg included in said
indicator attachment mechanism with a pin on said first plate to
release said indicator from said hanger.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to improvements in indicator
attachment mechanisms for molded plastic hangers, such as garment
hangers and to a method and apparatus for removing indicators from
garment hangers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For purposes of displaying garments suspended on hangers in
an orderly and attractive manner to the retail customer, it is
often desired to affix an indicating means on the hanger in a
position visible to the retail customer while the hanger is
suspended on a rack. The indicating means identifies some attribute
of the garment suspended from the hanger, such as size, quality,
color, manufacturing data, or pattern.
[0003] The provision of a readily visible size indicator on a
garment hanger is now accepted by retailers as a desirable addition
to a garment hanger. To accommodate the various types of hangers
available in the industry numerous indicating means have been
developed in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Similarly,
hangers have been developed to accommodate a variety of different
indicating means.
[0004] In Australian Patent No. 638436 and corresponding U.S. Pat.
No. 5,388,354, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, a
low-profile molded plastic indicator for a garment hanger which
requires limited modification to the hook of the hanger to enable
the indicator to be securely attached to the top of the hook where
it is most visible is described. The improvements described in the
above patents overcame the major disadvantages of one type of
indicator (trapezium-shaped) described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,902
which required a specially molded hook profile to support the
indicator.
[0005] The indicator according to Australian Patent No. 638436 and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,354 is also designed to enable sorting into a
predetermined orientation to enable automated handling and fitting
of the indicators to hangers as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,272,806 and 5,285,566 which are assigned to the assignee of the
present invention. For these reasons, the indicator has enjoyed
considerable commercial success.
[0006] The indicator is retained on the hook by means of at least
one abutment projecting from the hook which engages an aperture in
the side wall of the indicator. While it is possible to disengage
the indicator from the abutment(s) by bowing the side walls in the
regions of the apertures, this is a difficult operation and often
results in some damage to the indicator or to the hanger.
[0007] Furthermore, it is increasingly common for customers to
require that the indicator be removable from the hanger for re-use
with other sized garments or re-location and the attachment
mechanism described above does not readily facilitate this
operation. It is, of course, equally necessary for the indicator to
remain securely attached to the hanger during the usual handling
operations to which the hanger is subjected in day to day use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved indicator attachment mechanism which securely
fastens an indicator to a hanger but which permits removal of the
indicator in a simple operation that reduces the likelihood of
damage to the indicator or to the hanger.
[0009] The invention therefore provides a molded plastic hanger
having an indicator attachment device, wherein the hanger has a
hook formed with an upstanding web to be received within a
downwardly opening cavity of a molded plastic indicator, and
attachment means formed on the web to engage and releasably secure
the indicator to the web.
[0010] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the indicator
has side walls formed with at least one aperture adapted to receive
the attachment means. The attachment means preferably comprises a
resilient detent means which is formed in said upstanding web and
has a laterally projecting portion positioned to engage the side
wall aperture of the indicator to prevent removal of the indicator
from the hook. The resilient detent means also enables the
laterally projecting portion to be disengaged from the opening to
facilitate removal of the indicator from the hook without damage to
the indicator or to the hook.
[0011] In use, as will be described more fully below, the laterally
projecting portion is disengaged from the side wall by inserting a
probe or pin through the side wall aperture to displace the
laterally projecting portion from the aperture to thereby release
the indicator from the hook.
[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the detent means
comprises a downwardly depending leg integrally molded within a
molded opening in the upstanding web and resiliently connected to
the web to enable deflection of the laterally projecting portion
into the plane of the web to facilitate removal of the indicator
from the web.
[0013] The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus
for removing indicators from garment hangers.
[0014] The method and apparatus of the present invention provide an
extremely versatile arrangement which can accommodate virtually all
types of indicators mounted on the hook of a hanger. The method and
system can also accommodate a wide variety of hanger types.
[0015] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a
system which includes: a first means for receiving an indicator
affixed to a hanger; a second means for securing said hanger for
removal of the indicator; actuating means for driving the first and
second means upwardly and downwardly; and means for ejecting the
indicator. After the indicator is ejected the first plate is driven
downwardly to its lower position and the apparatus automatically
repeats the operation.
[0016] In one embodiment the first means includes a first plate
defining a recess, such that the indicator affixed to the hanger is
received by the recess. The first means preferably further includes
a pin positioned to displace the indicator attachment
mechanism.
[0017] In operation, the actuating means drives the first plate
downwardly to receive the indicator in the recess and then upwardly
to remove the indicator from the hanger while the hanger is secured
by the second means.
[0018] The hangers with indicators affixed thereto can be lined up
on a feeding rail which is slanted such that the force of gravity
drives the indicator affixed to the hanger into the recess. In a
preferred embodiment the second means includes an edge for holding
the top region of the hanger to prevent the hanger from moving when
the indicator is removed by the upward movement of the first plate.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the second means includes a
plate which is driven downwardly to separate the hanger undergoing
the decapping process from the rest of the hangers on the feeding
rail.
[0019] The first plate of the present embodiment includes a milled
out portion defining a recess substantially corresponding to the
shape and dimensions of the indicator such that when the first
plate is in its lower position gravity forces the foremost
indicator into the recess. The first plate also includes a pin
extending from the recess in a position corresponding to the
indicator attachment mechanism on the hanger. When the indicator
engages the recess of the first plate the pin thereby displaces the
indicator attachment mechanism to release the indicator from the
hanger. It will be noted that the pin can be positioned in any of
several positions provided the configuration of the recess conforms
substantially to the exterior dimensions of the indicator. Thus,
the system of the present invention is easily adapted to
accommodate a variety of indicator configurations.
[0020] To remove the indicator from the hanger the first plate is
driven upwardly by, for instance, pneumatic cylinder means, when
the indicator is resting in the recess of the first plate.
[0021] The system further contemplates ejection of the indicator
from the recess of the first plate. In one embodiment an aperture
is defined in the first plate and the ejection means generates an
air blast that passes through the aperture to eject the indicator
from the recess. In a preferred embodiment the second means further
includes a second plate having a window through which the indicator
passes upon ejection. The window can be dimensioned to accommodate
a variety of indicator configurations. A discharge tube can be
attached to said second plate such that upon ejection the indicator
is removed from the decapping apparatus and collected in a separate
device.
[0022] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
device for manually removing an indicator from a hanger with an
indicator attachment mechanism. In a preferred embodiment the
device includes a plate with at least one recess for receiving at
least a portion of the indicator. The device further includes a pin
positioned within the recess such that when the indicator rests in
the recess the pin releases the indicator attachment mechanism. In
a particularly preferred embodiment the indicator attachment
mechanism comprises a resilient detent leg as discussed above which
the pin depresses to release the indicator from the hanger.
[0023] The device for manually removing the indicators from hangers
can include through-holes for mounting to a support such that the
operator need not handle the device while manually decapping the
hangers. The device can further include more than a single recess
and pin such that the device can be used in more than one
orientation.
[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
method for removing an indicator from a hanger by inserting a pin
defined on a first plate into the indicator to displace the
indicator attachment mechanism and thereby release the indicator
from the indicator attachment mechanism. The method can be
performed either manually or automatically.
[0025] The automated method for removing the indicator from the
garment hanger comprises: holding a plurality of hangers with
indicators affixed thereto; selectively engaging one of the
indicators; displacing the indicator attachment mechanism and
removing the indicator from the hanger.
[0026] In one embodiment the method comprises selectively engaging
and receiving the indicator affixed to a hanger in a recess of a
first plate; inserting a pin included in the first plate into the
indicator to displace the indicator attachment mechanism, and
removing said indicator from the hanger by carrying the indicator
upwardly in the first plate. In a second embodiment the method
further contemplates moving the first plate upwardly and aligning
said recess with indicator therein with a window in a second plate
and ejecting the indicator from the recess through the window into
a discharge tube.
[0027] Before the indicator is selectively engaged the second plate
can be driven upwardly to permit the indicator affixed to the
garment hanger to advance along a feeding rail and rest in the
recess in the first plate and then downwardly to prevent a second
indicator affixed to a second hanger in the plurality of hangers
with indicators from advancing. After the indicator is disengaged
from the hanger the second plate is moved upwardly to permit the
second indicator affixed to the second hanger to advance.
[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present method
the step of displacing the indicator attachment mechanism
contemplates depressing a resilient detent leg included in the
indicator attachment mechanism with a pin on the first plate to
release the indicator from the hanger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The foregoing and other objects of the invention may now be
more readily ascertained from the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings; in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of the hook of a
hanger incorporating the improved indicator attachment mechanism of
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged sectional view taken along
line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of a second
embodiment of the hanger hook depicted in FIG. 1 with an indicator
of the type described in Australian Patent No. 638436 and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,388,354 held in place by the indicator attachment mechanism
of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4-4 in
FIG. 3;
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation view of a third
embodiment of the hanger hook incorporating the indicator
attachment mechanism of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation view of a fourth
embodiment of the hanger hook incorporating the indicator
attachment mechanism of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary front elevation view similar to FIG.
1 illustrating a fifth embodiment of the indicator attachment
mechanism;
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 7;
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of FIG. 3;
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
the decapping apparatus according to the present invention with a
feeding rail with a plurality of hangers thereon;
[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 12-12
of the decapping apparatus of FIG. 11 in a first feed position;
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates the sectional view of FIG. 12 with the
two plates in a second and lower feed position;
[0043] FIG. 14 illustrates a sectional view of the two plates in
the lower position with a second embodiment of the front plate;
[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates a sectional view taken along line 15-15
of the decapping apparatus of FIG. 11;
[0045] FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional view similar to FIGS. 13 and
14 with a third embodiment of the front plate, wherein the
indicator is to be removed from a second embodiment of the
hanger;
[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates a partial sectional view taken
perpendicular to the view of FIG. 16;
[0047] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the back plate of
the decapping apparatus of FIG. 11;
[0048] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the front plate of
the decapping apparatus of FIG. 11;
[0049] FIG. 20 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of one
embodiment of the pin positioned on the back wall of the recess of
the back plate;
[0050] FIG. 21 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a second
embodiment of the pin positioned on the back wall of the recess of
the back plate;
[0051] FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a manual
decapping device according to the present invention; and
[0052] FIG. 23 illustrates a sectional view of the manual decapping
device taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] Referring now in detail to the drawings, and to the
embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-10, there is illustrated generally
a hook 2 adapted to engage a rod or other supporting means, with an
upwardly projecting web 4 extending upwardly above the top contour
2a of hook 2 that engages the rod or other supporting device. An
opening 6 is defined in said upwardly projecting web 4 such that
upwardly projecting web 4 completely surrounds opening 6. Leg 8
descends from an upper portion 10 of the upwardly projecting web
into the opening 6.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a
first embodiment of the hook 2 of a molded plastic garment hanger
in simplified form which in practice typically includes the usual
strengthening ribs 12a, 12b shown in FIG. 3 around the perimeter of
the hook. The hook 2 is formed with a flange 14 defining a top
region 16, which in a preferred embodiment is flattened and
slightly larger in peripheral dimensions than the lowermost portion
of an indicator 18 (shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 10) having side walls
20, 22 formed with at least one retention aperture 24, 26, as
described in Australian Patent No. 638436 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,388,354, the contents of which are incorporated into this
specification by cross-reference. The apertures 24, 26 define
through-openings which facilitate stacking of the indicator 18 with
other indicators prior to fitting to a hanger.
[0055] The upstanding web 4 extends centrally from the top region
16 of the hook 2, and in this embodiment the web 4 is shaped
similarly to the shape of the cavity of the indicator 18 so as to
comfortably fit within that cavity. Alternatively, the web 4 can be
configured in the manner shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 herein or
Australian Patent No. 638436. In a preferred embodiment the
upstanding web is narrow.
[0056] The web 4 is formed with integrally molded indicator
attachment means 28. In the present embodiment the indicator
attachment means includes central opening 6 from the upper portion
of which a resilient detent leg 8 extends downwardly terminating in
a laterally projecting portion 30 configured to engage one of the
apertures 24 or 26 in the side wall of the indicator 18, as shown
in FIG. 4 of the drawings.
[0057] Since the detent leg 8 is narrow and is resiliently
connected to web 4, it is easily deflected laterally by means of a
probe or pin inserted into the aperture 24 or 26 which engages
laterally projecting portion 30 to displace laterally projecting
portion 30 toward the plane of the web to clear the aperture 24 or
26 and allow the indicator to be removed from the web 4. This
operation can be achieved simply and quickly with little or no
damage to the indicator 18 or the attachment means 28.
Nevertheless, while the laterally projecting portion 30 remains in
the position shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the indicator 18 will
remain securely fastened to the web 4 and will withstand all usual
handling operations to which the hanger is usually subjected in
day-to-day use.
[0058] To improve the flexibility of the detent leg 8, it can be
reduced in thickness as shown at 200 in FIG. 4 of the drawings.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, third,
fourth and fifth embodiments of the invention are shown in which
the same reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts. In
the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 7, the resilient detent leg extends
angularly from its point of attachment to the web 4, as shown most
clearly in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, and has a shorter
laterally projecting portion 30 formed at its free end. The
upstanding web 4 of the hook 2 is further formed with a pair of
ribs 34 on either side of the central semi-circular opening 6 to
prevent the indicator (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 7) from being
inadvertently laterally displaced to clear the laterally projecting
portion 30 which engages the aperture of an indicator similar to
that shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. If desired, ribs 34 can be
provided in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings.
[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates the hook 2 of the present invention in
which flange 14 is integrally formed as part of strengthening rib
12, and extends around the perimeter of the hook 2.
[0061] In the present invention the upstanding web 4 formed on the
hook 2 of the hanger can be shaped and dimensioned similar to the
shape of the cavity of the indicator 18 so as to comfortably fit
within that cavity. By the same token, as depicted in FIG. 5,
upstanding web 4 can also be formed in the "normal" shape of the
shape of the hook 2 so the hanger can be used with or without the
indicator. The web can also be configured in the manner shown in
Australian Patent No. 638436 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,354 or in any
other manner to accommodate the cavity dimensions of any other type
of indicator, including indicators that have angled or sloping end
walls to conform to the angularity of the hook design.
[0062] The indicator attachment mechanism described in the above
embodiments provides a particularly simple and convenient means of
retaining the indicator 18 on the web 4 of the hook 2 while
enabling the indicator 18 to be conveniently removed in a simple
operation which does not significantly damage either the indicator
18 or the hook 2 of the hanger. In this way, the disadvantages
associated with the attachment mechanism described in our
Australian Patent No. 638436 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,354 are
overcome in a simple but innovative manner.
[0063] In the preferred embodiment, the improved hanger hook of the
present invention is formed of styrene which provides a clear
virtually transparent hanger for maximum display of garments
suspended therefrom. Alternately, the hanger could be formed from K
resin, H.I. styrene, polypropylene or other suitable
thermoplastic.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 11-21 of the drawings, a perspective
view of an automated system for removing indicators from hangers is
provided.
[0065] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
decapping apparatus according to the present invention. A garment
hanger 1 to be decapped is provided with an upstanding web 4, which
extends from a top region 16 of the hook of the hanger 1. The web
is formed with integrally molded indicator attachment means. The
attachment means includes a central opening defined in the upper
portion of the web 4 with a detent leg, which extends downwardly
terminating in a laterally projecting portion 30 configured to
engage one of the apertures 24, 26 in the side walls of the
indicator 18. In a preferred embodiment the laterally projecting
portion 30 is narrow and resiliently connected to the web 4. In the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 11 the top region 16 is flat and has a
width larger than the indicator 18. As shown more clearly in FIG.
12, side wall of the indicator 18 is not aligned with the side
walls of the hook of the flange. A top view of the indicator and
hook of this embodiment is provided in FIG. 10 which more clearly
shows top region 16 of hook 2 extending beyond side walls 22 and 24
of the indicator 18. In a second preferred embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 16, the top region of the hook and the indicator have about
the same width.
[0066] The method and apparatus for removing the indicator 18 from
the hangers 2 will be hereinafter described with respect to FIGS.
11-21. Throughout this description, the term decapping will be used
to describe the removal of the indicator 18 from hanger 1.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the laterally extending portion
30 is easily deflected laterally by means of a pin 120 inserted in
the aperture 24 of the indicator 18 which engages the laterally
extending portion 30 to displace it towards the plane of the web 4
to clear the aperture 24 and allow the indicator 18 to be removed
from the hanger 1. With the decapping apparatus of the present
invention, indicators 18 can be automatically removed from their
respective hangers 1.
[0068] In this embodiment the hanger 1 is fed to the decapping
apparatus by means of a feeding rail 105. The feeding rail 105 is
inclined so that the hangers 1 move downwardly toward the decapping
apparatus by gravity. The hangers 1 can be put onto the feeding
rail 105 manually or automatically. Other means to feed hangers 1
to the decapping apparatus could comprise a screw conveyor, a belt
conveyor, or any other appropriate means to carry the hangers
toward the decapping apparatus.
[0069] The decapping apparatus includes a front plate 106, a back
plate 107 and an actuating means 108. The actuating means 108
comprises an escapement valve, which is pneumatically driven and
includes two rods. Each of the rods is connected to the plate 106
or 107 via respective connecting means 109 and 110. Front plate 106
and back plate 107 are arranged vertically and are facing each
other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the two plates 106 and
107 are almost quadratic, but any other appropriate shape, for
example rectangular, can be used. The actuating means 108 moves the
front plate 106 and the back plate 107 parallel to each other in a
vertical plane. This movement is periodically repeated, so that one
hanger after another can be decapped.
[0070] As can be seen in FIG. 11, the feeding rail 105 extends
under the two plates 106 and 107. The distance between the plates
106 and 107 when said plates are in their lower positions and the
feeding rail 105 is preferably such that pin 120 in its lower
position will be aligned with aperture 24 of indicator 18. The
height of the assembly is adjusted to provide automatic operation
for different styles of hanger hooks. As illustrated in FIG. 11,
the back plate 107 is in its lower position, and the front plate
106 is in its upper position. When the hanger 1 moves down the
feeding rail 105 toward the decapping apparatus, the movement of
the hanger 1 is stopped by the back plate 107. As shown in FIG. 12,
in operation, a plurality of hangers 1 are waiting in front of the
decapping apparatus on the feeding rail 105 in line, to be decapped
one after the other.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 11, at the start of the decapping cycle,
the back plate 107 is lowered to its lowermost position. Plate 107
has a recess 119 positioned on an outer portion of the surface
facing the front plate 106. Recess 119 is dimensioned to correspond
to the dimensions of the indicator 18, so that when a hanger 1 is
pressed against the back plate 107, the indicator 18 is received in
the recess 119. A pin 120 is provided on the back wall of the
recess 119 in a position corresponding to the aperture 24 of the
indicator 18. The dimensions, such as the size and the shape of the
pin 120 are selected according to the dimensions, particularly the
shape and the depth, of the aperture 18, so that the pin 120 enters
the aperture 18 and is able to displace the laterally projecting
portion 30 of the web 4 of the hanger 1 to clear the aperture 18,
and allow the indicator 18 to be removed from the hanger 1 as
described above. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the
pin 20 has a rectangular cross-section, but any other appropriate
shape can be used, as will be described herein.
[0072] At the start of the decapping cycle, the front plate 106 is
raised but only needs to be raised upwardly until it no longer
covers the recess 119. In other words, the amplitude of the
movement of the plates 106 and 107 has to be at least the height of
the recess 119, so that the indicator 18 can be received in the
recess 119.
[0073] After the indicator 18 is received-in the recess 119 of the
back plate 107, the front plate 106 is moved downwardly to seat the
indicator 18 firmly or at least to hold the indicator firmly in the
recess 19 of the back plate 107. In this position the pin 120 of
the back plate 107 displaces the laterally extending portion 30 of
the hanger 1, to permit the release of the indicator 18 from the
hanger 1. The pin 120 is long enough to fully displace the
laterally extending position 30 from the recess 24 of indicator 18,
but is not long enough to engage the aperture 6 of hook 2. As is
shown in FIG. 12, the lower edge 146 of the front plate 106 can be
beveled, so that the downward movement of the front plate 106
separates hanger 1 from the rest of the hangers so that front plate
106 enters between the hangers. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12,
the lower edge is beveled towards the back plate 107.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 15 when the pin 120 has displaced the
laterally extending portion 30 from the indicator 18, the indicator
may be removed from hanger 1 when the back plate 107 is moved
upwardly to its upper position, while the front plate 106 stays in
its lower position. Since pin 120 of the back plate 107 extends
into the aperture 18 of the indicator 18, the back plate 107
carries the indicator 18 upwardly. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
11-15, front plate 106 engages hanger 1 and prevents the hanger 1
from also being carried upwardly. FIG. 13 illustrates this
situation, wherein both of the plates 106 and 107 are in their
lower positions and the beveled lower edge 146 of the front plate
106 holds the hanger 1 down by abutting against the edge of the top
region 116 of the hook of the hanger 1. Consequently, the pin 120
has two functions: displacing the laterally extending portion 30 of
the hanger 1 to release the indicator 18 from the hanger 1 and
carrying the indicator 18 upwardly to separate the indicator 18
from the hanger 1.
[0075] FIG. 14 shows the decapper mechanism with a second
embodiment of the front plate 106. The lower edge 148 has a
step-shape to hold the edge of the top region 16 down. As depicted
in this embodiment and FIG. 2 top region 16 is preferably flat. For
clarity of illustration, FIGS. 13 and 14 show only the plates 106
and 107 in their lower positions, a few hangers 1 and the feeding
rail 105. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the front plate 106 has an
aperture or a window 118 having generally the same shape as the
recess 119 of the back plate 107. When the back plate 107 is in its
upper position and the front plate 106 is in its lower position,
the recess 119 and the window 118 match, so that the indicator 18
can be removed from the recess 119 through the window 118. The
window 118 can have any appropriate shape, as long as the indicator
18 can pass through it.
[0076] In the described embodiment, the indicator 18 is removed
from the recess 119 by means of an air blast. As can be seen in
FIG. 11, the back wall of the recess 119 has an aperture 121, which
is connected to an air control means by means of a tube 127, shown
in FIG. 15. The air blast through the opening 121 is controlled, so
that, when the back plate 107 reaches its upper position, and the
front plate 106 is in its lower position, an air blast is generated
or enabled, which pushes the indicator 18 through the window 118 of
the front plate 106. The released indicator 18 passes through the
window 118 of the front plate 106 and is collected by a discharge
tube 124, which is positioned in front of the window 118 and leads
the released indicator to a container 125.
[0077] Upon removal of the indicator 18, hanger 1 continues, as
soon as the back plate 107 is moved upwardly, to slide down the
feeding rail 105. As illustrated in FIG. 15, hanger 1 with web 4 is
moving down the feeding rail 105 after being decapped. The decapped
hanger is either collected manually or automatically therefrom, for
example by means of a screw conveyor. Said screw conveyor can
collect decapped hangers from a plurality of feeding rails 105
coming from respective decapping apparatuses.
[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the decapping apparatus
is driven pneumatically, and further comprises position control
means 111, air control means 114, a first timer 116, a second timer
117, and an air valve 137. The air valve 37 generates and/or
controls the pressurized air, by which the decapping apparatus
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is
controlled and driven.
[0079] The air valve 137, the timers 116 and 117, the actuating
means 108, the air control means 40 and the position control means
111 respectively are connected by air tubes for pneumatic control.
Also, the entire apparatus is held and fixed to a holding means
(not shown).
[0080] As shown in FIG. 12, the position control means 111
comprises a first detector 112 for the position of the front plate
106 and a second detector 113 for the position of the back plate
107. The first detector 112 and the second detector 113 work on a
pneumatical basis and have a similar structure. First and second
detectors 112 and 113 each include generally a cylindrical tube
illustrated by 144 and 145, respectively, and pistons 122 and 123,
respectively, which are movable within each of said cylindrical
tubes 144 and 146. The outer ends of pistons 122 and 123 are
provided with contact plates, which are contacted by the upper
sides of the front plate 106 and the back plate 107,
respectively.
[0081] In the upper position, the front plate 106 and the back
plate 107 press inwardly pistons 122 and 123, respectively, and
cause a pneumatic signal in the position control means 111, thereby
permitting a steady control of the position and the movement of the
plates 106 and 107. FIG. 12 shows a cross section of the control
means 111 and the plates 106 and 107, whereby the position of the
plates 106 and 107 is the same as in FIG. 11. Also, the discharge
tube 124 and a collecting container 125 for the released indicators
18 are illustrated.
[0082] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the air control means 114
and the tube plates 106 and 107. The air control means 114
comprises a third detector 115 for detecting the position of the
back plate 107. Third detector 115 has a cylindrical tube 149 and a
piston 126, which, generally have the same shape and function as
the first and second position detectors 112 and 113 as described
above. In FIG. 15, the back plate 107 is in its upper position, and
the front plate 106 is in its lower position. The back plate having
released and carried a indicator 18 upwardly from hanger 1,
contacts a contact plate 26 of the position detector 115 and moves
the contact plate 126 together with its piston into the cylindrical
tube of the detector 115. This causes a pneumatic signal within the
air control means 114, which enables a pressurized air blast
through a tube 127, which is connected to the opening 121 of the
back plate 107 by appropriate connection 128. The air blast through
the opening 121 ejects the released indicator 18 through the window
118 of the front plate 106 into the discharge tube 124. The arrow
in FIG. 13 indicates the direction of the movement of the indicator
18.
[0083] In operation, the back plate 107 moves downwardly to its
lower position, which is followed by an upward movement of the
front plate 106 to its upper position. The whole movement cycle is
repeated periodically, so that a plurality of hangers 1 can be
decapped easily and reliably in an automated process. Since one of
the plates 106 and 107 is always in its respective lower position,
there will be always a number of hangers 1 on the feeding rail 105
waiting to be decapped one after another, as shown in FIGS. 12 to
15.
[0084] The actuating means 108 controls the movement of the two
plates 106 and 107, so that the front plate 106 cannot move
upwardly when the back plate 107 is not in its lower position, and
the back plate 107 cannot move upwardly when the front plate 106 is
not in its lower position. This ensures that the hangers to be
decapped do not slide along the feeding rail 105 under the plates
106 and 107 without being decapped.
[0085] The first timer 116 controls the regular cycle of the
movement of the two plates 106 and 107, whereas the second timer
117 enables a repeated downward movement of the front plate 106.
If, for example the hook of the hanger 1 is bent or damaged, or the
indicator 18 is bent or damaged, the front plate 106 is not
permitted to slide downwardly to press or hold the indicator 18
into the recess 119, since its lower edge contacts the upper edge
of the indicator 18 and is therefore restricted in its downward
movement. In this case, the timer 117 gives a signal to the
actuating means 108 to lift the front plate 106 up again and retry
to move it downwardly. This is repeated, until the indicator 18 is
properly received in the recess 119 of the back plate 107 and the
front plate 106 can move to its lower position without resistance.
This problem can already partially be avoided by an appropriate
angle or bend of the lower edge of the front plate 106, as
discussed above.
[0086] FIG. 16 shows a cross-section of the two plates 106 and 107
in their lower positions and several hangers 1 to be decapped on
feeding rail 105. These hangers 1 have a top region 16a on their
hooks, which does not extend beyond the width of the indicators 18.
In other words, the sidewalls of the indicators 18 are
substantially even with the sidewalls of the hooks and the hangers.
Therefore, the hangers 1 cannot be held down by the lower edge of
the front plate 106 abutting the edge of the top region 16a, as
described and shown with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14. Since the
hangers 1 cannot be held down by the front plate 106, when the back
plate 107 moves upwardly, this embodiment of the invention further
includes a holding means 152 which is activated to hold down the
hanger 1 being decapped, while the back plate 107 is moving up. The
holding means 152 is pivotable around an axis 155. In the present
embodiment the holding means includes two parallel L-shaped arms
153, which are connected by a cross bar 154, as depicted in FIGS.
16 and 17.
[0087] In the holding position, the two arms 153 of the holding
means 152 extend parallel to both sides of the feeding rail 105 and
the hook of the hanger 1, so that the arms 152 extend
perpendicularly to the hanger 1. The hanger 1 cannot move upwardly,
since its upper edge abuts the lower surface of the arms 152. After
the indicator 18 is removed from the hanger 1, the holding means is
pivoted back to a free position (dashed lines in FIG. 16), so that
the decapped hanger 1 can move down the rail 105. In a different
embodiment (not shown) the holding means could include a similarly
shaped holding means being swung horizontally to hold the hanger 1
down.
[0088] In FIGS. 11 to 16, the structure of the front plate 106 and
the back plate 107 is only schematically shown. FIGS. 18 and 19
show detailed perspective views of the back plate 107 and the front
plate 106, respectively.
[0089] FIG. 18 shows the back plate 107 in a perspective front
view. The recess 119 is formed in the lower portion of a wall
member 132 extending from the middle portion of the back plate 107.
The recess 119 can be dimensioned to accommodate the indicator 18
which, as depicted, has a basically rectangular shape. The recess
119 is provided with the pin 120 and the aperture 121. The
dimensions of the recess 119 are slightly larger than the
dimensions of the indicator 18 to be decapped, so that the
indicator 18 can be oriented properly upon entering into the recess
119. This is important to ensure that the aperture 24 of the
indicator 18 receives the pin 120.
[0090] The recess 119 can be replaced by any other appropriate
means, for example a frame or a single sidewall, as long as the pin
120 can enter into the opening 24 to release the indicator
attachment mechanism to remove the indicator 18, when the indicator
18 is pressed or held against the back plate. The shape of the pin
120 in FIG. 18 is basically rectangular, but can be any other
appropriate shape as necessary to match opening 24.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 18, plate 107 has two rail or slide members
130 and 131 bolted thereto, which are positioned to each side of
the wall member 132 defining a space between the wall member and
the rail members 130 and 131 respectively. The rail members 130 and
131 each have a generally rectangular shape with concave surfaces
and extend the complete height of the back plate 107. The lower
sides of the rail members 130 and 131 and the wall member 132 are
connected by a common base plate 129, which extends from and over
the entire length of the back plate 107. Rail or slide members 130
and 131 guide the movement of the plates 106 and 107 in connection
with bearing assemblies 133, 134, 135 and 136, which are shown in
FIG. 15.
[0092] FIG. 19 shows a perspective back view of the front plate
106. The bearing assemblies 133, 134, 135 and 136 each have a
generally longitudinal shape and extend vertically from and over a
portion of the height of the front plate 106. One pair of bearing
members 133 and 134 is located to the left of the window 18, and
another pair of bearing assemblies 135 and 136 is located to the
right of the window 118. Each pair of bearing assemblies defines a
space therebetween wherein the rail or slide members 30 and 31 of
the back plate 107 can be inserted, when the decapping apparatus of
the present invention is assembled. In other words, the rail or
slide member 130 is received in the space between the bearing
assemblies 135 and 136, and the rail or slide member 131 is
received in the space between the bearing assemblies 133 and 134.
This enables an exact reciprocable movement of the plates 106 and
107. In a particularly preferred embodiment slide members 133, 134,
135 and 136 are a pair of roller-bearing assemblies having parallel
rollers which engage rail members 130 and 131 and support the
plates from either side.
[0093] FIG. 20 shows an enlarged perspective view of the pin 120 of
the recess 119. In the preferred embodiment pin 120 has a generally
rectangular shape and is sufficiently small to be able to enter
into the opening 24 of the indicator 18 to be decapped. Also, the
pin 120 has a height sufficient to displace the laterally extending
portion 30 of the web of .the hanger 1 thereby enabling the
indicator 18 to be released from the hanger 1.
[0094] FIG. 21 shows an enlarged perspective view of a second
preferred embodiment of the pin 120 of the recess 119. In this
embodiment, the pin 120 has a generally oval shape. Other shapes,
for example a cylindrical shape, can be substituted as
appropriate.
[0095] Referring now in detail to FIGS. 22 and 23, there is
illustrated a tool for manually removing indicators 18 from hangers
1. FIG. 22 shows a top view of one embodiment of the manual
decapper, and FIG. 23 shows a sectional view taken along line 23-23
in FIG. 22.
[0096] More particularly, the device for manually removing an
indicator from a garment hanger has a plate 138 which can have a
rectangular shape as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The plate 138 can be
made of metal or molded plastic and comprises at least one recess
139, which is provided with a pin 140. The recess 139 and the pin
140 correspond to the above-described recess 119 and pin 120 of the
back plate 107 of the automatic decapping apparatus. The recess 139
and the pin 140 perform exactly the same functions as described in
relation to recess 119 and pin 120. The only difference is that
with the manual decapper, the indicator, 18 has to be pressed
manually onto the recess 139, so that the pin 140 is inserted in
the opening 24 of the indicator 18 to displace the laterally
extending portion 30 of the hanger and to effect release of the
indicator 18 from the hanger 1. In this embodiment the indicator 18
or at least the body with hanger 1 has to be manually held or
pressed onto the recess 139, to manually separate the plate 139
with the indicator 18 from the hanger 1. In a preferred embodiment
the plate 138 can define through-holes 176 for mounting the device
to a support (not shown).
[0097] All the variations and features explained in view of the
recess 119 and the pin 120 of the back plate 107 of the decapping
apparatus are also true for the recess 139 and the pin 140 of the
plate 138 of the manual decapper. The pin 140 can also be
configured as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. In the preferred embodiment
shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the plate 138 has a rectangular shape for
ease of handling by the operator with the recess 139 being provided
at a long side of the plate 138. However, in the alternative, the
recess can be provided at a short side of the plate 138. Or the
decapper device 138 can have further recesses, so that depending on
the size and the shape of the indicator 18 to be removed multiple
applications with the manual decapper of the present invention can
be performed. For ease of operation the operator may chose to mount
the device 138 to a support (not shown) via through-holes 176 so
that it is not necessary for the operator to handle the manual
device 138 but only the hangers and the removed indicators.
[0098] In the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 22 and 23, a further
recess 141 is provided on one of the short sides of the rectangular
plate 138. The recess 141 is provided with a pin 142 positioned on
the edge of the short side 143 and has no side walls. This allows
the recess 141 and the pin 142 to be applied to indicator caps 18
of any configuration. In addition, the short side 143 can be curved
thereby adapting to the form of the hook of the hanger 1, from
which the indicator 18 is to be removed. It should be understood,
that for the recess 141 and the pin 142 the above-described
features and variations explained in view of the recesses 119 and
139, and the pins 120 and 140 are also true and applicable.
[0099] Also, it should be understood that although preferred
embodiments of the present invention have been described, various
modifications by one skilled in the art can be made without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
enclosed claims. Particularly, the decapping apparatus of the
described embodiment is pneumatically driven. However, the
decapping apparatus, namely the plates 106 and 107 could also be
driven by means of electrical, mechanical or any other appropriate
drive mechanism. Also, the position control means 111 and the air
pressure control means 114 can work using optical, electrical or
any other appropriate detection means which detects the position of
the plates 106 and 107, respectively. The released indicator 18 can
also be ejected from the recess 119 through the window 118 of the
front plate 106 by means other than a pressurized air blast, as
described above. For example, the decapped indicator 18 could be
ejected through the window 18 by means of an ejection pin or vacuum
ejector.
[0100] Furthermore, the present invention has been described and
illustrated in conjunction with a single type of indicator 18. The
present invention can also be used without any adaptation or easily
adapted to accommodate other types of indicators.
[0101] While there have been shown and described what are
considered to be the several preferred embodiments of the
invention, it will, of course, be understood that various
modifications and changes in form or detail can readily be made
without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore
intended that the invention not be limited to the exact form and
detail herein shown and described nor to anything less than the
whole of the invention herein disclosed as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *