U.S. patent application number 13/031765 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-23 for hanger apparatus and system thereof.
Invention is credited to BRAD R. RUBINO.
Application Number | 20120043356 13/031765 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45593271 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120043356 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RUBINO; BRAD R. |
February 23, 2012 |
HANGER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM THEREOF
Abstract
A novel hanger apparatus and associated system for connecting
multiple hangers together as a space saving technique is disclosed
herein. Many additional features are provided to improve a garment
hanger design such as a rib configured to a frame for added
strength. Also, a lower cross bar is constructed with a slight bow
so that additional weight can be placed on the hanger without the
adverse affects of deflection. Also according to a preferred
embodiment, a half elliptical shape is providing to the lower cross
bar to prevent creasing to pants folded over the cross bar. A
hanger system disclosed herein includes apertures configured
correctly within the hanger frame so that multiple hangers can be
coupled together. Additionally, apertures are configured so that
when second and third hangers are coupled side by side to a first
hanger, the respective apertures of the second and third hangers
will line up so that a fourth and further subsequent hangers can be
coupled thereto.
Inventors: |
RUBINO; BRAD R.; (Ramona,
CA) |
Family ID: |
45593271 |
Appl. No.: |
13/031765 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61306662 |
Feb 22, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
223/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/183 20130101;
A47G 25/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/85 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/14 20060101
A47G025/14 |
Claims
1. A hanger apparatus for hanging garments comprising: a neck
portion at an upper end thereof; a hook portion piviotably coupled
to the neck portion, the hook portion further for engaging a closet
rod; a shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; a lower
cross bar coupled to the shoulder portion, the lower cross bar
further comprising a slight upward bow, the slight upward bow
preventing adverse affects of deflection of the lower cross bar due
a combined effect of gravity and a load applied to the lower cross
bar.
2. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, the lower
cross bar further comprising a half elliptical shape in a cross
sectional aspect, the half elliptical shape including a major axis
and a semi-minor axis.
3. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, the
shoulder portion comprising a longitudinal rib along a length and
along an underside thereof, the longitudinal rib providing
structural support to the hanger apparatus.
4. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, wherein
the shoulder portion has a flat top surface and wherein the lower
cross bar has a curved surface in the top aspect.
5. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1 the neck
portion comprising: a bell-shape, the bell shape having a gradual
and increasing slope that decreases in angle at the transition to
the shoulder portion; and an orifice at a top end thereof for
mating to the hook portion.
6. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1 wherein an
interior of the neck portion comprises three apertures wherein two
of the three apertures are circles and further wherein the other
aperture is a plane figure comprising a plurality of curved
lines.
7. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, the
shoulder portion comprising a step change in width providing
strength and durability thereto.
8. A system for hanging garments comprising: a first hanger
apparatus comprising: a neck portion having an aperture at an
interior thereof; a hook portion pivotably coupled the neck
portion; a shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; and a
cross bar extending horizontally from the neck portion; and a
second hanger apparatus having a hook portion pivotably coupled to
the neck portion, wherein the second hanger hook portion is rotated
90 degrees with respect to the second hanger neck portion, wherein
further the second hanger hook portion is further coupled to the
first hanger aperture for saving space while hanging multiple
garments.
9. The system for hanging garments of claim 8, wherein the first
hanger aperture is a first aperture, the first hanger apparatus
further comprising a second aperture adjacent to the first
aperture, the second aperture configured to receive a hook from a
third hanger apparatus, wherein the second and third hangers
further comprise respective apertures, wherein the second and third
hanger respective apertures are aligned and concentric for
receiving a fourth hanger apparatus.
10. The system for hanging garments of claim 8, wherein the first
hanger apparatus cross bar further comprises a slight upward bow,
the slight upward bow preventing adverse affects of deflection of
the cross bar due a combined effect of gravity and a load applied
to the lower cross bar.
11. A hanger apparatus for hanging garments comprising: a neck
portion at an upper end thereof; a hook portion coupled to the neck
portion, the hook portion further for engaging a closet rod; a
shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; a lower cross bar
coupled to the shoulder portion, the lower cross bar further
comprising a half elliptical shape in a cross sectional aspect, the
half elliptical shape including a major axis and a semi-minor
axis.
12. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, the lower
cross bar further comprising a slight upward bow with respect to a
longitudinal axis, the slight upward bow preventing adverse affects
of deflection of the lower cross bar due a combined effect of
gravity and a load applied to the lower cross bar.
13. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, the
shoulder portion comprising a longitudinal rib along a length and
along an underside thereof, the longitudinal rib providing
structural support to the hanger apparatus.
14. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, wherein
the shoulder portion has a flat top surface and wherein the lower
cross bar has a curved surface in the top aspect.
15. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1 the neck
portion comprising: a bell-shape, the bell shape having a gradual
and increasing slope that decreases in angle at the transition to
the shoulder portion; and an orifice at a top end thereof for
mating to the hook portion.
16. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1 wherein an
interior of the neck portion comprises three apertures wherein two
of the three apertures are circles and further wherein the other
aperture is a plane figure comprising a plurality of curved
lines.
17. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, the
shoulder portion comprising a step change in width providing
strength and durability thereto.
18. The hanger apparatus for hanging garments of claim 1, wherein
the hook portion is piviotably coupled to the neck portion.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This patent application contains subject matter claiming
benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/306,662 filed on Feb. 22, 2010 and entitled, HANGER
APPARATUS, accordingly, the entire contents of this provisional
patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention pertains generally to devices for
hanging garments. More particularly, the invention relates to a
hanging apparatus with improved features for space saving
pertaining to hanging multiple garments, in addition to other
important features.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Clothes hangers have been known for many years. An early
version was granted patent protection in 1897, entitled
"Coat-Hanger," U.S. Pat. No. 586,456 to Rideout. This particular
design touts its ability to fold into a small device able to be
stored in a pocket or purse.
[0006] A more recent example was proposed by Ward, entitled
"Folding Hanger for Garments And The Like," U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,257
having issued in 1997. This particular design is able to articulate
so that it can more easily fit through a neck hole of a
garment.
[0007] Still more recently, hanger accessories have come forward
that are designed to save space in a closet. One such example has
been proposed by Dente Jr., entitled "Wall & Rod Multiple
Garment Hanger," U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2007/0029355. Therein,
Dente Jr. touts a device able to save space in a closet by hanging
clothes at multiple levels using hangers with the device.
Similarly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention seeks to
provide a hanger design capable of hanging clothes at multiple
levels, however without an extra accessory to accompany the hanger.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hanger
design particularly suitable for hanging pants without creasing
them and further requiring subsequent ironing.
[0008] These, as well as other advantages of the present invention
will be more apparent from the following description and drawings.
It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and
described may be made within the scope of the claims, without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art.
More particularly, the present invention in a first aspect, the
present invention is a hanger apparatus for hanging garments
comprising: a neck portion at an upper end thereof; a hook portion
piviotably coupled to the neck portion, the hook portion further
for engaging a closet rod; a shoulder portion extending from the
neck portion; a lower cross bar coupled to the shoulder portion,
the lower cross bar further comprising a slight upward bow, the
slight upward bow preventing adverse affects of deflection of the
lower cross bar due a combined effect of gravity and a load applied
to the lower cross bar.
[0010] The hanger apparatus for hanging garments is additionally
characterized in that the lower cross bar further comprises a half
elliptical shape in a cross sectional aspect, the half elliptical
shape including a major axis and a semi-minor axis. Further, the
shoulder portion includes a longitudinal rib along a length and
along an underside thereof, the longitudinal rib providing
structural support to the hanger apparatus. The longitudinal rib is
also provided to the neck portion and apertures therein as
described further below.
[0011] The hanger apparatus for hanging garments in this aspect is
additionally characterized wherein the shoulder portion has a flat
top surface and wherein the lower cross bar has a curved surface in
the top aspect. Still further, the neck portion comprises a
bell-shape having a gradual and increasing slope that decreases in
angle at the transition to the shoulder portion; and an orifice at
a top end thereof for mating to the hook portion. Yet further, an
interior of the neck portion comprises three apertures wherein two
of the three apertures are circles and further wherein the other
aperture is a plane figure comprising a plurality of curved lines.
The shoulder portion additionally includes a step change in width
providing strength and durability thereto.
[0012] In a second aspect, the invention may be characterized as a
system for hanging garments comprising: a first hanger apparatus
comprising: a neck portion having an aperture at an interior
thereof; a hook portion pivotably coupled the neck portion; a
shoulder portion extending from the neck portion; and a cross bar
extending horizontally from the neck portion; and a second hanger
apparatus having a hook portion pivotably coupled to the neck
portion, wherein the second hanger hook portion is rotated 90
degrees with respect to the second hanger neck portion, wherein
further the second hanger hook portion is further coupled to the
first hanger aperture for saving space while hanging multiple
garments.
[0013] The system for hanging garments herein is additionally
characterized wherein the first hanger aperture is a first
aperture, the first hanger apparatus further comprising a second
aperture adjacent to the first aperture, the second aperture
configured to receive a hook from a third hanger apparatus, wherein
the second and third hangers further comprise respective apertures,
wherein the second and third hanger respective apertures are
aligned and concentric for receiving a fourth hanger apparatus.
Also in the system the first hanger apparatus cross bar further
comprises a slight upward bow, the slight upward bow preventing
adverse affects of deflection of the cross bar due a combined
effect of gravity and a load applied to the lower cross bar.
[0014] These, as well as other advantages of the present invention
will be more apparent from the following description and drawings.
It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and
described may be made within the scope of the claims, without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0015] While the apparatus and method has or will be described for
the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it
is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly
formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily
limited in any way by the construction of "means" or "steps"
limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning
and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the
judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims
are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full
statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better
visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like
elements are referenced by like numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective illustration of a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention particularly useful to hanging
pants;
[0018] FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower bar
the first preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A taken along
sectional line 1B-1B;
[0019] FIG. 1C is a front plan view of the invention
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 1D is an addition perspective view of the first
preferred embodiment taken from an underneath vantage point;
[0021] FIG. 1E is a profile view of the invention embodiment;
and
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of a hanger system of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] With reference to FIG. 1A, a preferred hanger apparatus 100
of the present invention is illustrated in perspective. The upper
frame 120, 130 of the device 100 has a neck portion 120 that shapes
to a low grade decline (i.e. shoulder portion 130). Toward an end
of the shoulder portion 130, a groove 132 is provided to secure
straps of a garment the might otherwise slide off the end of the
upper frame 120, 130. Following the groove 132, the upper frame
further 120, 130 comprises a shoulder portion 130 that has a step
change in width 131 at a point just beyond the groove and is wider
than the neck portion 120 from a top aspect. The relatively wider
shoulder portion 130, 131 will better protect against creasing of
garments shoulders that is typical of wire hangers.
[0024] Still with regard to FIG. 1A, the wider shoulder portion 131
forms a continuous curve to the lower cross bar 140 portion.
Importantly, the lower cross bar 140 includes a wide arcing curve
(FIG. 1B) as compared to a typical cylindrical design. This
particular design 140 is well suited for hanging pants or trousers
as the lower bar 140 comprises a wide curve to prevent creases that
typically are formed by a pant or trouser's own weight.
[0025] Further with regard to FIG. 1B, a cross-sectional view of
the lower cross bar 140 is shown taken along sectional line 1B-1B
of FIG. 1A also illustrating the wide curve. In a preferred
embodiment, the shape comprises a half ellipse with a major axis
991 and a semi-minor axis 992. Optionally, the profile could
comprise a half moon, or a partial wide arc to a rectangular base
141. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the profile
has a height (semi-minor axis 992) of 3/8 of an inch and a width
(major axis 991) of 3/4 of an inch. As an additional benefit, the
wider portions of the shoulder 131 and lower bar 140 provide
durability as well as strength. FIG. 1E further illustrates the
step change 131 in width.
[0026] Also with reference to FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, the neck portion
120 is generally bell-shaped having a gradual and increasing slope
that decreases in angle at the transition to the shoulder portion
130. A top of the neck portion 120 has an orifice that mates to a
hook portion 110 with a swivel fastener. The hook portion 110 is
preferably molded from strong and durable plastic (ABS type, for
example) as is the other portions of the hanger 100. The swivel
connection will allow multiple hangers 100, 200, 300, 400 to be
connected together 500 as further detailed herein.
[0027] An interior of the neck portion 120 comprises three
apertures 121, 122, 123 wherein two of the three apertures are
circles 121, 122. The other aperture 123 is a plane figure not
having straight lines; however the shape of this aperture 123 may
be characterized as pentagonal with four of five side comprising
curved lines and rounded edges. The remaining side has a straight
line 124 with rounded edges. The shape 123 may be additionally
characterized as a star comprising curved lines (with one straight
line 124) and rounded edges.
[0028] Also as shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D, an interior
of the upper frame 120, 121, 122, 130, 131 has a rib 133 providing
strength to the entire structure. Further, the design 100, 500 of
the present invention is able to hold up to 30 lbs. Specifically
with reference to FIG. 1C, a front plan view of the invention is
illustrated. As shown, the lower bar is deliberately constructed
with a slight bow with respect to a longitudinal axis 993. This
design allows more weight to be placed on the hanger 100 without
the adverse affects of deflection of the hanger cross bar 140 due
to gravity and its load. The bow will additionally extend the life
of the hanger 100.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 2, a hanger system 500 comprising
multiple hangers 100, 200, 300, 400 in a space saving configuration
is provided herein. The swivel mounted hook portions 110, 210, 310,
410 together with the apertures 121, 122, 221, 322 allow many
hangers 100, 200, 300, 400 of the present invention 500 to be
hooked together though the holes/apertures 121, 122, 221, 322. More
specifically, the hooks 210, 310, 410 are able to hook onto an
aperture 121, 122, 221, 322 when a hook is rotated 90 degrees. In
this way, the hangers 500 of the present invention provide a way to
save space in a closest since not all of the hook portions 110,
210, 310, 410 have to be connected to a closet rod. Other similar
solutions require another accessory to the hanger to achieve a
similar effect while the present invention 500 requires no extra
accessory to save space in a closet.
[0030] Stated differently according to FIG. 2, the system for
hanging garments 500 includes a first hanger aperture 121 of a
first hanger 100. The first hanger apparatus further has a second
aperture 122 adjacent to the first aperture 122, the second
aperture 122 configured to receive a hook 310 from a third hanger
apparatus 300, wherein the second 200 and third hangers 300 further
comprise respective apertures 221, 322, wherein the second 221 and
third 322 hanger respective apertures are aligned and concentric
for receiving a fourth hanger apparatus 400 having a hook portion
410.
[0031] The present invention additionally contemplates a children's
design wherein the shoulder portion 130 is less elongated. This
particular embodiment further has similar features however it is
sized to fit smaller children's clothes. As such, the gradual
decline in the upper frame is shorter comparatively, and therefore
the design in better suited for children's garments.
[0032] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the
purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the
invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0033] While the particular Hanger Apparatus And System Thereof as
herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining
the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it
is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are
intended to the details of construction or design herein shown
other than as described in the appended claims.
[0034] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
* * * * *