U.S. patent application number 12/697372 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for lightweight intimate apparel hanger.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPOTLESS PLASTICS PTY. LTD. Invention is credited to Stanley F. Gouldson.
Application Number | 20100193551 12/697372 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42084340 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100193551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gouldson; Stanley F. |
August 5, 2010 |
LIGHTWEIGHT INTIMATE APPAREL HANGER
Abstract
In a lightweight and environmentally friendly intimate apparel
hanger, through openings are formed in a web of the hanger body.
The openings are formed symmetrically or asymmetrically relative to
a center point of the body in the web. The provision of the
openings reduces the total weight of the hanger and the raw
material used to mold the hanger. The manufacturing and
transportation costs of the hanger are also reduced, which provide
a market advantage to the manufacturer, transporter and retailer of
the hangers.
Inventors: |
Gouldson; Stanley F.;
(Northport, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCULLY SCOTT MURPHY & PRESSER, PC
400 GARDEN CITY PLAZA, SUITE 300
GARDEN CITY
NY
11530
US
|
Assignee: |
SPOTLESS PLASTICS PTY. LTD
Moorabbin
AU
|
Family ID: |
42084340 |
Appl. No.: |
12/697372 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61149914 |
Feb 4, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
223/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/48 20130101;
A47G 25/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/91 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/22 20060101
A41D027/22 |
Claims
1. A lightweight intimate apparel hanger, comprising: a hook member
; a body connected to said hook at a lower neck region of the
hanger, the body comprising a first arm extending from a center
point of the body to a first end of the body and a second arm
extending from the center point to a second end of the body; and a
first composite garment retaining clip connected to the first end
of the body and a second composite garment retaining clip connected
to the second end of the body; wherein the body further comprises
an upper flange, a lower flange and a web connecting the upper
flange and the lower flange, and the web comprises at least one
through opening formed therein.
2. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the web comprises at least two through openings
substantially symmetrical to each other relative to the center
point.
3. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the web comprises at least two through openings
asymmetrical to each other relative to the center point.
4. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the web comprises at least one first through opening formed
in the first arm and at least one second through opening formed in
the second arm.
5. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 4,
wherein the at least one first through opening in the first arm and
the at least one second through opening in the second arm are
substantially symmetrical to one another relative to the center
point.
6. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the web comprises a first group of five through openings
formed in the first arm and a second group of five through openings
formed in the second arm, each one opening of the first group
substantially symmetrical to a respective one opening in the second
group.
7. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 6,
wherein the web comprises a first group of four struts for
separating the first group of five through openings and a second
group of four struts for separating the second group of five
through openings.
8. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the area of the at least one through opening accounts for
10-95% of the total area of the web.
9. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 7,
wherein the area of the at least one through opening accounts for
80% of the total area of the web.
10. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the upper flange, the lower flange and the web form a
substantially C-shaped cross section of the body.
11. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the upper flange, the lower flange and the web form a
substantially I-shaped cross section of the body.
12. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
further comprising a lower neck indicator attached to the lower
neck region of the hanger for displaying indicia.
13. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the hook member comprises a fixture formed substantially at
the top of the hook member, and the hanger further comprises a top
indicator attached to the fixture of the hook member for displaying
indicia.
14. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the first composite clip comprises a first vertical garment
retaining clip, a first lower garment retaining clip disposed under
the body, and a first upper garment retaining clip disposed above
the body.
15. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger according to claim 1,
wherein the second composite clip comprises a second vertical
garment retaining clip, a second lower garment retaining clip
disposed under the body, and a second upper garment retaining clip
disposed above the body.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), this application claims
priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/149,914
filed Feb. 4, 2009, entitled "LIGHTWEIGHT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
INTIMATE APPAREL HANGER", the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to molded plastic
garment hangers as are widely used for the purpose of shipping and
displaying garments. More specifically, the present invention
relates to a lightweight one-piece intimate apparel hanger with an
improved hanger body, which consumes less material and less energy
for processing the material as compared to the existing intimate
apparel hangers, and without compromising the structural integrity
and mechanical performance of the hanger. The intimate apparel
hanger according to the present invention is environmentally
advantageous.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In the area of retail garment sales, so-called
Garment-On-Hanger (GOH) programs have become preferred by
retailers. In a GOH program, garments are delivered to retail
merchants already suspended from hangers, where upon arrival at the
retail location the garments are immediately placed on display for
sale. Those hangers are normally plastic molded hangers as widely
used for the purpose of shipping and displaying garments.
[0006] In particular, retailers have specified particular hangers
or hanger characteristics among their several suppliers in order to
achieve a uniformity on their sales floors. To this end, standards
as to hanger size, shape, performance characteristics, etc., are
maintained, for example, by organizations such as the Voluntary
Inter-industry Commerce Standards Association (VICS). Intimate
apparel hangers are one of the standardized hangers under the VIC S
standards.
[0007] With the continuing consumption of the natural resources, it
is popular and necessary in the manufacturing industry to optimize
the product design to save materials and energy and concomitantly
reduce the manufacturing and transportation costs, without
compromising performance. The resultant product under such a
material and energy saving concept is recognized as an
environmentally friendly product, and is much more market
competitive than its prior art counterpart. In the intimate apparel
hanger molding industry, millions of plastic intimate apparel
hangers are manufactured each year. Thus, an environmentally
friendly intimate apparel hanger would provide a significant
commercial advantage to the manufacturer, transporter and retailer
in the industry.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a novel intimate apparel
hanger that uses less material for manufacturing and still
maintains its structural integrity and mechanical performance to
satisfy the industry standards, for example, the VICS
standards.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a novel intimate apparel
hanger that is lightweight and easy to handle while still
maintaining the performance of the hanger.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for a novel intimate apparel
hanger that effectively reduces manufacturing and transportation
costs and uses less material to enhance the environment.
[0011] Accordingly, there is a need for a novel intimate apparel
hanger made from less material while still maintaining performance
and compatibility with the existing racks and shelves.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Therefore, in order to overcome certain deficiencies of the
prior art, provided according to the present invention is a
lightweight intimate apparel hanger, which reduces the
manufacturing and transportation costs of the hanger and is
environmentally friendly. The hanger includes a hook member and a
body connected to the hook substantially at a lower neck region of
the hanger. The body includes a first arm extending from a center
point of the body to a first end of the body and a second arm
extending oppositely from the center point to a second end of the
body. The hanger further includes a first composite garment
retaining clip connected to the first end of the body and a second
composite garment retaining clip connected to the second end of the
body. The body further includes an upper flange and a lower flange
and a web connecting the upper flange and the lower flange. The web
includes at least one through opening formed therein.
[0013] In at least one embodiment, the web includes at least two
through openings formed therein, which are substantially
symmetrical to one another relative to the center point.
[0014] In another embodiment, the web includes at least one first
through opening formed in the first arm and at least one second
through opening formed in the second arm. Preferably, the at least
one first through opening and the at least one second through
opening are substantially symmetrical to one another relative to
the center point.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the web includes a first group of
five through openings formed in the first arm and a second group of
five through openings formed in the second arm, each one opening of
the first group substantially symmetrical to a respective one
opening in the second group.
[0016] Preferably, the total area of the first and second groups of
through openings accounts for 10% to 95% of the total area of the
web. More preferably, the total area of the first and second groups
of through openings accounts for 80% of the total area of the
web.
[0017] Preferably, the ratio of the total weight of the intimate
apparel hanger according to the embodiment of the present invention
to the prior art intimate apparel hanger of same dimensions is
within the range of 75-85%. In other words, compared to the prior
art intimate apparel hanger, the total weight reduction achieved by
the embodiment of the present invention is about 15-25%.
[0018] Preferably, the total weight reduction of the intimate
hanger according to the embodiment of the present invention is
about 2-3 grams by weight of a standard intimate apparel hanger in
the industry, such as a GS19 hanger, satisfying the VICS
standards.
[0019] In one embodiment, the upper flange, the lower flange and
the web form a C-section-shaped cross section of the body. In
another embodiment, the lower flange and the web form an I
beam-shaped cross section of the body.
[0020] In one embodiment, the hanger further includes a lower neck
indicator attached to the lower neck region of the hanger for
displaying indicia, such as size.
[0021] In another embodiment, the hook member includes a fixture
formed substantially at the top of the hook member, and the hanger
further includes a top indicator attached to the fixture of the
hook member for displaying indicia.
[0022] In one embodiment, the first composite clip includes a first
vertical garment retaining clip, a first lower garment retaining
clip disposed under the body, and a first upper garment retaining
clip disposed above the body.
[0023] In another embodiment, the second composite clip comprises a
second vertical garment retaining clip, a second lower garment
retaining clip disposed under the body, and a second upper garment
retaining clip disposed above the body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] These and other features, aspects and benefits of the
present invention will be made apparent with reference to the
following specification and accompanying drawings, where like
reference numerals refer to like features across the several views,
and wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a prior art intimate
apparel hanger;
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a lightweight intimate
apparel hanger according to one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the intimate apparel
hanger in FIG. 2 along lines 3-3.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of another embodiment of
the intimate apparel hanger in FIG. 2 along lines 3-3;
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial front view of yet another
embodiment of the intimate apparel hanger in FIG. 2; and
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial front view of still another
embodiment of the intimate apparel hanger in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an intimate garment
hanger 100 as is known in the art. The hanger has a hook member
200, a body 300 connected to the hook 200, and a pair of opposite
clips 400 and 500 attached to the ends of the body 300,
respectively. The body 300 generally includes a pair of opposite
flanges 320 and 340 connected by a planar web 360, thereby
providing a solid material configuration to meet the VICS
standards, for example, with respect to the dimensions and
mechanical performance of the hanger.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is an exemplary embodiment
of an intimate garment hanger according to the present invention,
identified by numeral 10. The intimate apparel hanger 10 generally
includes a hook member 12 and a body 14 connected to the hook
member at a lower neck region 16 of the hanger. The body 14 is
substantially an elongated body, which extends along the axis X
defined in the three-dimensional coordinate system shown in FIG. 2.
The hook member 12 substantially extends upwardly from the body 14,
along the X-axis defined in the coordinate system.
[0033] The elongated body 14 further defines a center point C, from
which the body 14 extends away from the hook 12 to provide a pair
of arms for suspending intimate apparel. Preferably, the elongated
body 14 is substantially symmetrical relative to the center point
C.
[0034] In FIG. 2, the body 14 includes a first arm 18 extending
from the center point C away from the hook member 12 to a first end
22 of the body 14. The body further includes an opposite second arm
20 extending from the center point C away from the hook 12 to a
second end 24 of the body 14. Preferably, the first arm 18 and the
second arm 20 are structurally symmetrical to each other relative
to the center point C.
[0035] The intimate apparel hanger 10 includes at least one garment
retaining clip for holding intimate apparel during the shipping and
displaying of the intimate apparel. In the shown embodiment, the
hanger 10 includes a first composite garment retaining clip 26
connected to the first end 22 at the distal end of the first arm 18
of the body 14 and a second composite garment retaining clip 28
connected to the second end 24 at the distal end of the second arm
20 of the body 14.
[0036] The composite clips 26 and 28 can assume any configuration
suitable for holding intimate apparel. In the shown embodiment, the
first composite clip 26 includes a first vertical garment retaining
clip 30, attached to the first end 22 of the body 14 and disposed
distally of the first arm 18. The first composite clip 26 includes
a first lower garment retaining clip 32 attached to the first end
22 of the body 14, extending inwardly under the body 14 from the
first end 22 toward the center point C. The first composite clip 26
further includes a first upper garment retaining clip 34 attached
to the first end 22 of the body 14, extending inwardly above the
body 14 from the first end 22 toward the center point C.
[0037] In FIG. 2, the second composite clip 28 includes a second
vertical garment retaining clip 36, attached to the second end 24
of the body 14 and disposed distally of the second arm 20. The
second composite clip 28 further includes a second lower garment
retaining clip 38 attached to the second end 24 of the body 14,
extending inwardly under the body 14 from the second end 24 toward
the center point C. The second composite clip 28 further includes a
second upper garment retaining clip 40 attached to the second end
24 of the body 14, extending inwardly above the body 14 from the
second end 24 toward the center point C.
[0038] The structural details of the composite clips 26 and 28 can
be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,430 issued to the
same inventor of the present invention. The entire disclosure of
the patent is incorporated herein by reference.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a cross section of the
intimate apparel hanger, according to one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, along sectional line 3-3 in FIG. 2. As
shown, the body 14 includes an upper flange 42, an opposite lower
flange 44, and a web 46 connecting the upper flange 42 and the
lower flange 44 to provide a substantially C-shaped hanger body
configuration (C-section) with a hollow channel 48. Preferably, the
upper flange 42 and the lower flange 44 are substantially
horizontal and parallel to one another. Preferably, the web 46 is
in the form of a vertical wall extending between the upper flange
42 and the lower flange 44.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the hanger body 14 includes at
least one through opening 50 formed in the web 46. Provision of the
opening 50 greatly reduces the resin material used in manufacturing
the hanger 10 and consequently the weight of the hanger. However,
the configuration of the various openings still maintains the
mechanical performance and structural integrity of the hanger 10
under the industry standards, such as the VICS standards.
[0041] The through opening 50 can assume any suitable shape and
profile depending on the structural requirements of the hanger, the
preference of the molding process and the appearance of the hanger.
Although the through opening 50, exemplified, is an elongated hole
substantially in the shape of a bubble as shown in FIG. 2, it
should be understood that the number and shape of the through
openings are not limited to the shown embodiment. The opening can
be any shape. For example, the opening 50 can be square, triangle,
or diamond.
[0042] In case the hanger body 14 includes a plurality of openings
50, the openings 50 are strategically arranged in the web 46, in
order to satisfy the VICS standards as well as maintain the
mechanical performance of the hanger 10. For example, at least two
through openings 50 can be formed in the web 46 substantially
symmetrical to one another relative to the center point C.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, a first group of five through openings
50a-50e are formed in the web 46 in the first arm 18 and a second
group of five through openings 50a'-50e' are formed in the web 46
in the second arm 20. The first group of five through openings
50a-50e are separated from one another by a first group of four
struts 52a-52d. The second group of five through openings 50a'-50e'
are separated from one another by four struts 52a-52d by a second
group of four struts 52a'-52d'. The first group of five through
openings 50a-50e are collectively separated from the second group
of five through openings 50a'-50e' by a central strut 54.
[0044] Preferably, each one of the first group of five through
openings 50a-50e is symmetrical to a respective one in the second
group of five through openings 50a'-50e' relative to the center
point C, i.e., the first opening 50a in the first group is
symmetrical to the first opening 50a' in the second group, and so
on. However, it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill
in the art that the openings formed in the first arm and the second
arm, respectively, can be asymmetrical, as long as the
configuration of various through openings still maintains the
mechanical performance of the hanger.
[0045] Preferably, the total area of the openings 50a-50e and
50a'-50e' accounts for 10-95% of the total area of the web 46, and
the mechanical strength and structural integrity of the intimate
apparel hanger 10 is still maintained. More preferably, the total
area of the openings 50a-50e and 50a'-50e' accounts for 80% of the
total area of the web 46. Preferably, the ratio of the total weight
of the intimate apparel hanger 10 to the prior art intimate apparel
hanger 100 of same dimensions is within the range of 75-85%. In
other words, compared to the prior art intimate apparel hanger 100,
the total weight reduction achieved by the lightweight hanger 10 of
the present invention is about 15-25%.
[0046] Furthermore, the total weight reduction of the intimate
hanger 10 according to the present invention is about 2-3 grams by
weight of a standard intimate apparel hanger in the industry, such
as a GS19 hanger, under the VICS standards.
[0047] Therefore, from the viewpoint of the mass production of
millions of hangers molded each year, a significant amount of resin
material and energy for processing the hanger material can be saved
each year, which effectively enhances the environment.
Consequently, manufacturing and transportation costs of the
millions of hangers are greatly reduced, which offers
manufacturers, transporters and retailers of the hangers a
commercial advantage not offered by the traditional intimate
apparel hanger.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the hanger body 14'
according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the body
14' includes an upper flange 42' and a lower flange 44'. The upper
flange 42' and a lower flange 44' are connected to one another by a
web 46' disposed substantially at the middle of the flanges 42' and
44', thereby providing a substantially I beam-shaped cross
section.
[0049] A pair of channels 48' are formed at either side of the web.
The body 14' further includes at least one through opening 50'
formed in the web 46'. The through openings 50' communicates with
both channels 48' and thus forms the opening in the web. Similar to
the through opening 50' in the previous embodiment, provision of
the through opening 50' greatly reduces the raw material used in
manufacturing the hanger 10, and concomitantly, the weight of the
hanger. However, the configuration of the various openings
maintains the mechanical performance and structural integrity of
the hanger 10.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, a lower neck indicator 60 (a
side-sizer) is shown attached to the lower neck region 16 of the
hanger 10. The lower neck indicator 60 serves to display indicia
related to the attributes of the intimate apparel, such as size,
color and so on. The detailed configuration of the lower neck
indicator 60 and the structure of the hanger at the lower neck
region can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,745 to the
same inventor of the present invention. The entire disclosure of
the patent is incorporated herein by reference.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 6, the intimate apparel hanger 10 can
further include a fixture 70 disposed at the top of the hook member
12 for attaching a top indicator 80. The top indicator 80 serves to
display indicia related to the attributes of the intimate apparel,
such as size, color and so on. The detailed configuration of the
fixture 70 and the top indicator 80 can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
5,884,422 to Marshall, et al., for example, which is co-owned by
the assignee of the present invention. The entire disclosure of the
patent is incorporated herein by reference.
[0052] The plastic hanger of the present invention can be formed of
styrene which provides a clear, virtually transparent hanger for
maximum display of intimate apparel garments, such as bras and
panties, to be suspended therefrom. In the alternative, the hanger
can be molded from polypropylene, preferably H.I. styrene
polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, ABS or other suitable
thermoplastics and mixtures thereof. For additional reinforcement,
K resin can be added to the plastic material.
[0053] From the foregoing illustrations it is readily apparent that
the present invention is directed to a lightweight molded plastic
garment hanger for high volume injection molding. The hangers of
the present invention consume less material while still maintaining
the mechanical performance under industry standards, for example,
the VICS standards. Moreover, the production of such hangers is
environmentally advantageous.
[0054] The present invention has been described with respect to
certain exemplary embodiments. Certain alterations and/or
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in
light of the instant disclosure, without departing from the spirit
or the scope of the invention. These embodiments are offered as
merely illustrative, and not limiting, on the scope of the
invention, which is defined solely with reference to the following
appended claims.
* * * * *