U.S. patent application number 12/887494 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for garment hanger having a removable hook.
Invention is credited to Russell O. Blanchard.
Application Number | 20110073624 12/887494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43779171 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110073624 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blanchard; Russell O. |
March 31, 2011 |
GARMENT HANGER HAVING A REMOVABLE HOOK
Abstract
A garment hanger with a removable hanger hook includes a hanger
body, a hanger hook and a removable coupling assembly. The
removable coupling assembly includes a first portion which is
attached to the hanger body and a second portion that is attached
to the hanger hook. The first portion and the second portion can be
coupled to each other so as to effectively join the hanger body to
the hanger hook.
Inventors: |
Blanchard; Russell O.;
(Zeeland, MI) |
Family ID: |
43779171 |
Appl. No.: |
12/887494 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61277165 |
Sep 21, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
223/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/485 20130101;
A47G 25/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/85 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/22 20060101
A41D027/22 |
Claims
1. A garment hanger comprising: a hanger body having a central
region, a first side region extending from the central region in a
first direction and a second side region extending from the central
region in a second direction; a hanger hook having a proximal end
and a distal end, the proximal end, in an assembled configuration
being proximate the central region of the hanger body, the distal
end configured to engage a hook or other outside structure; and a
removable coupling assembly structurally configured to removably
couple the hanger body and the hanger hook, the removable coupling
assembly further comprising: a first portion coupled to one of the
hanger body and the proximal end of the hanger hook, the first
portion including a wall structure defining a slot having an upper
end and a lower end; a second portion coupled to the other of the
hanger body and the proximal end of the hanger hook, the second
portion including a body, a first opposing leg having a first hook
outwardly disposed thereon and a second opposing leg having a
second hook outwardly disposed thereon, wherein the pair of
opposing legs are insertable into the slot so that the first hook
and second hook engage the lower end of the slot, to, in turn,
couple the first portion to the second portion.
2. The garment hanger of claim 1 wherein the hanger body comprises
one of the group consisting of: an uppers hanger, a lowers hanger,
an intimate apparel hanger and a children's hanger.
3. The garment hanger of claim 1 wherein the hanger hook is
rotatable relative to the second portion.
4. The garment hanger of claim 3 wherein the hanger hook comprises
a shaped metal rod.
5. The garment hanger of claim 1 wherein the hanger hook and the
second portion of the removable coupling assembly comprise a
monolithic molded member.
6. The garment hanger of claim 1 wherein the wall structure of the
removable coupling includes a cross-sectional configuration which
comprises one of the group consisting of: square, rectangular,
circular, elliptical, and non-uniform.
7. The garment hanger of claim 1 wherein the wall structure of the
removable coupling comprises a substantially rectangular
configuration having opposing side walls and opposing end
walls.
8. The garment hanger of claim 7 wherein the cross-sectional
configuration of the wall structure at the upper end is larger than
the cross-sectional configuration of the wall structure at the
lower end.
9. The garment hanger of claim 8 wherein the end walls incline
inwardly toward each other between the upper end and the lower
end.
10. The garment hanger of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the
body of the second portion extends into the slot of the first
portion.
11. The garment hanger of claim 10 wherein the first and second
arms each extend from opposing ends of the body of the second
portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Pat. App.
Ser. No. 61/277,165 filed Sep. 21, 2009, entitled "HANGER WITH
DETACHABLE HOOK AND SHOEBOX," the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The invention relates in general to garment hangers, and
more particularly, to a garment hanger having an removable coupling
assembly which allows for the releasable joining of the hanger body
with the hanger hook. In turn, upon use, the hanger can be
disassembled so that a portion is reused and a portion is
recycled.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] The use of garment hangers is known in the art. Typically
garment hangers are utilized for garments of all types, including,
upper torso garments, lower torso garments, and full body garments.
Among other types of hangers, these can include uppers hangers,
lowers hangers, children's hangers, intimate apparel hangers, among
others. In addition, such items as shoes and the like can also be
provided on hangers.
[0006] In many instances, garments are shipped in large containers
(i.e., 20 foot, 40 foot and the like containers) from distant
locations. In most instances, the garments are placed on hangers
prior to shipment. Often the garment is separated from the item
after purchase. As the garment purchase is often made thousands of
miles from the garment's production, garment hangers have become
difficult to handle logistically.
[0007] Garment hangers are often formed from materials which can be
recycled. As such, once used, a garment hanger can be cut up and
recycled into other products, or, into garment hangers again. Often
the hook portion of the garment hanger, or the body portion of the
garment hanger needs to be recycled, and quite often it is not
necessary to recycle both of the hanger portions. In situations
wherein a portion of the hanger is formed from a material other
than plastic, the portion of the garment hanger can be reused
indefinitely.
[0008] Thus, it would be advantageous if the reusable portion could
be removed or separated from the recyclable portion or the
discardable portion and shipped back to the garment manufacturer.
The recyclable portion or the discardable portion could be
discarded or recycled without having to be shipped long
distances.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide for a
garment hanger which has a removable hook assembly.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
garment hanger which can be separated into components for
recycling.
[0011] These objects as well as other objects of the present
invention will become apparent in light of the present
specification, claims, and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] The disclosure is directed to a garment hanger. The garment
hanger includes a hanger body, a hanger hook and a removable
coupling assembly. The hanger body has a central region. A first
side region extends from the central region in a first direction. A
second side region extends from the central region in a second
direction. The hanger hook has a proximal end and a distal end. The
proximal end, in an assembled configuration, is proximate the
central region of the hanger body. The distal end is configured to
engage a hook or other outside structure.
[0013] The removable coupling assembly is structurally configured
to removably couple the hanger body and the hanger hook. The
removable coupling assembly further includes a first portion and a
second portion. The first portion is coupled to one of the hanger
body and the proximal end of the hanger hook. Additionally, the
first portion includes a wall structure defining a slot. The slot
has an upper end and a lower end. The second portion is coupled to
the other of the hanger body and the proximal end of the hanger
hook. Additionally, the second portion includes a body, a first
opposing leg having a first hook outwardly disposed thereon and a
second opposing leg having a second hook outwardly disposed
thereon. The pair of opposing legs are insertable into the slot so
that the first hook and second hook engage the lower end of the
slot, to, in turn, couple the first portion to the second
portion.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the hanger body comprises one of
the group consisting of: an uppers hanger, a lowers hanger, an
intimate apparel hanger and a children's hanger.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the hanger hook is
rotatable relative to the second portion.
[0016] Preferably, the hanger hook comprises a shaped metal
rod.
[0017] In another embodiment, the hanger hook and the second
portion of the removable coupling assembly comprise a monolithic
molded member.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the wall structure of the
removable coupling includes a cross-sectional configuration which
comprises one of the group consisting of: square, rectangular,
circular, elliptical, and non-uniform.
[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment, the wall structure of
the removable coupling comprises a substantially rectangular
configuration having opposing side walls and opposing end
walls.
[0020] Preferably, the cross-sectional configuration of the wall
structure at the upper end is larger than the cross-sectional
configuration of the wall structure at the lower end.
[0021] In another embodiment, the end walls incline inwardly toward
each other between the upper end and the lower end.
[0022] Preferably, at least a portion of the body of the second
portion extends into the slot of the first portion.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the first and second arms
each extend from opposing ends of the body of the second
portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the
drawings wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 of the drawings comprises a partial front elevational
view of the garment hanger of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 2 of the drawings comprises a partial perspective view
of the first portion of the removable coupling assembly of the
garment hanger of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 3 of the drawings comprises a partial front elevational
view of the garment hanger of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 4 of the drawings comprises a partial front elevational
view of the hanger hook and second portion of the removable
coupling assembly of the garment hanger of the present invention;
and
[0029] FIG. 5 of the drawings comprises a partial perspective view
of the first portion of the removable coupling assembly of the
garment hanger of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0030] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described
herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that
the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification
and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment
illustrated.
[0031] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or
components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the
drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be
understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations
of the invention, and some of the components may have been
distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
[0032] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1,
the garment hanger with removable hook is shown generally at 10.
Garment hanger 10 of the present disclosure includes hanger body
12, hanger hook 14 and removable coupling assembly 16. While the
hanger 10 is shown to be what is often termed as an uppers hanger,
it will be understood that the principles of the present disclosure
is equally suitable for use in association with a lowers hanger, an
intimate apparel hanger, a children's hanger, amongst other
hangers. Thus, the disclosure of the hanger to be an uppers hanger
is for illustrative purposes only, and not to be deemed
limiting.
[0033] The hanger body is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising central
region 20, first side region 22 and second side region 24.
Specifically, the first side region 22 extends in a first direction
away from the central region and the second side region 24 extends
in a second direction away from the central region. The side
regions extend generally outwardly (and in certain instances
downwardly) away from the central region 20 in opposing direction.
In other embodiments, specific features, such as recesses,
channels, slots and the like may be disposed on the opposing side
regions. Additionally, other features, such as gripper arms can be
positioned on opposing side regions. In certain embodiments, the
central region, and the side regions are integrally formed in a
single molding process. Additional features, such as gripper arms,
cushions and the like can be affixed or otherwise attached to the
central region and/or the side regions.
[0034] Typically, hanger body 12 is formed from a polymer resin
material such as, for example, styrene-butadiene. One such material
is commonly referred to as K RESIN and is manufactured by Phillips
petroleum. Another material manufactured by BASF is sold under the
name SYROLUX. Of course, the material is not limited to the
foregoing.
[0035] The hanger hook is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising a generally
hook shaped member which extends outwardly away from the hanger
body at a proximal end 30 and terminates at distal end 32. The
distal end is configured to releasably retain an outside structure,
such as, for example, a hook, a bar or another outside structure.
Typically, the distal end comprises an upside down u-shaped
configuration, although other configurations are contemplated. The
hanger hook may comprise a substantially uniform metallic member,
such as a substantially uniform metal rod of a predetermined
diameter. Of course, other metal hooks are also contemplated, such
as non-uniform rod members, as well as members that may be extruded
or cast in a number of different configurations.
[0036] In other embodiments, the hanger hook may comprise a molded
polymer member, which also may be extruded, cast or otherwise
formed. Other materials are likewise contemplated for use, such as
composites, wood, other natural materials, among others. A sizer
can be coupled into the hook (or into the second portion of the
removable coupling assembly). Inasmuch as the hanger hook is
separate from the hanger body, the hanger hook can incorporate an
integrated sizer if desired.
[0037] Removable coupling assembly 16 is shown in FIG. 2 as
comprising a first portion 40 which is coupled to the hanger body
12 and a second portion 42 which is coupled to the hanger hook 14.
The first portion 40 comprises a slot-like configuration formed
from a wall structure. In the embodiment shown, the wall structure
includes opposing side walls 50, 52 and opposing end walls 54, 56.
The opposing side walls and the opposing end walls cooperate to
substantially define a slot. In the present embodiment, the
opposing side walls extend longitudinally along the central region
20, and, the opposing end walls 54, 56 extend transversely between
the opposing side walls. The first portion is positioned preferably
at an upper end of the central region of the hanger body, with the
opening of the slot preferably extending primarily vertically.
[0038] The end walls and the side walls have an upper end at the
entrance to the slot, and a lower end opposing the upper end. In
the embodiment shown, the upper ends and the lower ends
substantially correspond to each other, and the depth of the walls
is substantially uniform. The lower end includes a structure which
is configured to engage the respective hook, which, in certain
embodiments, may comprise a nub, an edge or another structure.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the opposing side walls
50, 52 and the opposing end walls 54, 56 are oriented so that the
side walls are substantially parallel to each other and
substantially parallel to each other so that the side walls and the
end walls are substantially perpendicular to each other with the
opposing side walls being substantially longer relative to the
opposing end walls.
[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the opposing side walls
are substantially parallel to each other, but the opposing end
walls are sloped inwardly between the upper end and the lower end,
so as to define a reduced cross-sectional area of the slot 58 as
the slot extends from the upper end to the lower end thereof.
[0041] The second portion 42 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising body
60, first arm 62, first hook 64, second arm 66 and second hook 68.
The second portion, as noted above, is coupled to the hanger hook
at the proximal end thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
body extends into the slot 58 defined by the opposing side walls
and end walls of the removable coupling assembly 16. The body is
configure to fill a portion of the space of the slot so as to
provide stability of the hanger hook relative to the hanger
body.
[0042] The second portion may be formed separate from the hook, or
may be integrally formed with the hook. For example, the hook may
comprise a metal member, whereas the second portion may comprise a
plastic member. In turn, the two members are joined in any number
of different ways (adhesive, melting, press-fit) so as to couple
the two members together. It will be understood that in certain
embodiments, the hook will be fixed to the second portion (wherein
it may be of a monolithic molded configuration, or formed from
multiple separate components). In other embodiments, the hook will
be permitted to move relative to the second portion. For example,
the hook may be able to rotate relative to the second portion of
the removable coupling assembly.
[0043] The first and second arms 62 and 66, respectively, extend so
as to substantially abut opposing the end walls. The first hook 64
and the second hook 68 extend from the first and second arms 62,
66, respectively, and are configured to interface with the lower
ends of the end walls, so as to engage the same. The first hook and
the second hook include an inclined upper surface, and the arms 62,
66 have a certain level of flexibility. As such, when inserted into
the slot, the inclined surfaces of the first and second hooks are
directed against the respective end walls. In turn, the arms 62, 66
are directed inwardly until the hooks extend beyond the lower end
of the end walls. The arms 62, 66 then return toward the original
configuration locking the first and second hooks against the lower
end of the end walls. Inasmuch as the lower surface of the first
hook and the second hook have a configuration (such as a
substantially planar configuration), so as to preclude detachment
of the hook and the respective lower end of the respective end
walls. The lower end may comprise any one of the structures
identified above, among others, configured to engage the hook.
[0044] In one embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 1, the body and the
arms are separate structures. While the arms likewise provide some
stability, the arms in the embodiment are separated from the body.
In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 2, the body
and the arms can be substantially continuous.
[0045] It will be understood that variations to the foregoing are
contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, in the embodiments shown, the first portion is on the
hanger body and the second portion is on the hanger hook. It is
likewise contemplated that the first portion may be positioned on
the hanger hook and the second portion may be positioned on the
hanger body.
[0046] Furthermore, the first portion is shown as having a
substantially rectangular cross-sectional configurations. It will
be understood that other cross-sectional configurations are
likewise contemplated, such as oval, round, multi-sided and
non-uniform configurations. The depth of the slot can be varied so
as to accommodate the different shapes. Indeed, the depth of the
slot provides interaction between the first portion of the hanger
body and the body of the second portion of the hanger body which,
in turn, limits undesirable movement between the two portions.
[0047] To assemble the hanger of the present invention, the user
first is provided with the hanger body. As set forth above, the
hanger body may comprise any number of different hanger
configurations, including but not limited to uppers hangers, lowers
hangers, children's hangers, intimate apparel hangers, and the
like. Some of such hangers are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,464,841;
7,506,785; 7,556,180; D569,631; D569,633 and D578,781, the entirety
of each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
[0048] The hanger body is equipped with first portion 40 of the
removable coupling assembly 16. In certain embodiments, the second
portion can be a separate component that is coupled, adhered, or
otherwise attached to the underlying hanger body, preferably about
the central region 20 thereof. In other embodiments, the first
portion is integrally molded with the underlying hanger body, again
preferably about the central region thereof.
[0049] Next, a hanger hook is provided. The hanger hook may
comprise any number of different hanger hooks, including metal
hooks as well as plastic hooks. The first portion 40 of the
removable coupling assembly 16 is coupled to the proximal end 30 of
the hanger hook 14. In certain embodiments, the first portion of
the removable coupling assembly may comprise a separate component
which is coupled, adhered or otherwise attached to the underlying
hanger body. In other embodiments, the first portion of the
removable coupling assembly is integrally formed with the hanger
hook 14.
[0050] Once the hanger body and the hanger hook are provided with
the respective portions of the first portion 40 and the second
portion 42, the first portion 40 and the second portion 42 can be
coupled together to complete the formation of the hanger 10.
Specifically, the second portion is inserted into the slot 58 of
the first portion.
[0051] As the second portion is inserted into slot 58 of the first
portion, the end walls 54, 56 press against the first and second
hook 64, 68, respectively, which bias the first and second arms 62,
66 inwardly toward each other. Further movement of the second
portion in the within the slot of the first portion directs the
body into the slot and the first and second hook members along the
respective end walls. Depending on the embodiment, at some point
during the engagement of the first and second portions, the body 60
of the second portion becomes positioned within the slot 58 of the
first portion. Typically, the fit between the slot and the body is
relatively tight so that there is little room for the body to move
laterally within the slot. Thus, the body facilitates the strong
feel of engagement between the hanger body 12 and the hanger hook
14.
[0052] Further insertion of the second portion eventually directs
the first and second hooks 64, 68 beyond the lower end of the
respective opposing end walls 54, 56. In turn, the first and second
arms 62, 66 which were biased inward by the contact between the
first and second hooks 64, 68 with the opposing end walls 54, 56,
return to their original configuration thereby forcing the first
and second hooks outwardly so as to engage the lower end of the
respective opposing end walls. Once the hooks engage the lower end
of the respective end walls, the hanger hook is coupled to the
hanger body. Due to the configuration of the hooks, it is rather
difficult to separate the first portion from the second portion. In
certain embodiments, it may be necessary to employ a special tool
or a hand tool to de-couple the same.
[0053] After use, the hook can be separated from the hanger body
with a special tool or with a hand tool. One of the components can
be recycled while the other of the components can be reused.
[0054] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates
the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except
insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in
the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make
modifications without departing from the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *