U.S. patent application number 14/272474 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-20 for method, device, and system for hanging an item.
The applicant listed for this patent is Megan Futrell. Invention is credited to Megan Futrell.
Application Number | 20140339389 14/272474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51895029 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140339389 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Futrell; Megan |
November 20, 2014 |
Method, device, and system for hanging an item
Abstract
A device for hanging items on a conventional stemware rack or
other shelf unit that has a structure defining a track, slot, or
hole through which the hanger can be inserted. The device includes
a planar base member adapted to selectively and slideably insert on
the track, a downward extending support member extending from the
planar base member, and an downward extending hook member extending
from the support member to form an L- or U-shape. The device adapts
to selectively slide on an existing stemware rack or set down
through an opening in a support structure, thus converting the rack
for dual use for both stemware and for hanging items.
Inventors: |
Futrell; Megan; (Tigard,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Futrell; Megan |
Tigard |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51895029 |
Appl. No.: |
14/272474 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61824311 |
May 16, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/303 ;
248/340; 29/401.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/0208 20130101;
A47F 5/0006 20130101; Y10T 29/49716 20150115; A47B 81/04 20130101;
A47B 97/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/303 ;
248/340; 29/401.1 |
International
Class: |
A47G 23/02 20060101
A47G023/02; A47F 5/00 20060101 A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A hanger device for hanging handled items on a conventional
stemware rack having at least two parallel members defining a
track, the hanger device comprising: a wireform body formed from at
least one continuous strand of wire, the wireform body comprising a
first end arranged in a plurality of concentric ovoids, the
plurality of concentric ovoids arranged in one, common, horizontal
plane, the wireform body further comprising a second end comprising
an L-shaped hook member arranged vertically and orthogonally from
the horizontal plane, the L-shaped hook member terminating in an
upturned end.
2. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: The at least one
continuous strand of wire comprises an overall outside diameter of
0.162 and a type 304.times.1/4-inch hard stainless steel.
3. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: the wireform body
comprises a linear length of 15.5 inches.
4. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: the wireform body
comprises a mild steel having a powdercoated surface.
5. The hanger device of claim 1 further comprising: a first cap
coupled to the first end of the wireform body and a second cap
coupled to the to the upturned end.
6. The hanger device of claim 5 wherein: the first cap and the
second cap each respectively comprise a vinyl material comprising
0.125-inches wide by 0.5-inches tall.
7. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: the plurality of
concentric ovoids consists of a first outer ovoid and a second
inner ovoid.
8. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein: the upturned end arranges
from 30-degrees from horizontal to 70 degrees from horizontal.
9. A device for hanging handled items on a conventional stemware
rack having at least two parallel members defining a track, the
device comprising: a hanger comprising a planar base member adapted
to selectively and slideably insert on the track; a downward
extending support member extending from the planar base member; and
an upward extending hook member extending from the support member
to form a U-shape, the hook member terminating in terminus.
10. The device of claim 9 further comprising: a locking mechanism
comprising a second planar disc member having a linking arm coupled
to the first planar base member.
11. A method for adapting a rack having two parallel tracks to hang
items having a handle, the method comprising: providing a hanger
device comprising a wireform body formed from at least one
continuous strand of wire, the wireform body comprising a first end
arranged in a plurality of concentric ovoids, the plurality of
concentric ovoids arranged in one, common, horizontal plane, the
wireform body further comprising a second end comprising an
L-shaped hook member arranged vertically and orthogonally from the
horizontal plane, the L-shaped hook member terminating in an
upturned end; and suspending the plurality of concentric ovoids
from the parallel tracks so that the L-shaped hook member extends
downward from the tracks and downward from the plurality of
concentric ovoids.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application claims benefit under 35 USC Section
119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/824,311
filed on 2013-05-16 by the common inventor named above. The present
application is based on and claims priority from this application,
the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to systems, methods, devices,
and their improvement used to hang items having a handle. The
present invention relates to re-purposing an existing rack or shelf
that includes at least two parallel members with a gap between
them, such as a stemware rack or wire-form utility shelf. More
specifically, the present invention relates to devices used to
re-purpose existing ceiling-mounted or under counter-mounted glass
racks, bar racks, stemware racks and the like for hanging items
that have a handle, such as coffee mugs.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Hanging items from the ceiling is a well-studied art.
Improvements on a simple hook are plentiful, and with many
specialized uses studied, there is a myriad of improvements that
attempt to provide a unique solution for the problem under
study.
[0004] Certain prior-art devices are designed to be fixably mounted
to a ceiling, or other similar surface, so items may be suspended
from a downward extending member that terminates in an upward
bending U- or J-hook. One example of this approach is described by
Hoop in U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,355, which issued on 1980-09-09. Hoop
teaches a plate member having oppositely disposed flange-engaging
elements thereon for selective engagement with the opposite edges
of a ceiling channel member, and a hook member extending outwardly
from the plate member.
[0005] However, it is not always advantageous to have a rigidly or
fixably mounted hook. There are circumstances when adjustability of
the hook on the ceiling is desired. Accordingly, there are many
known prior-art systems that provide a suspended track mechanism
and a hook device then mates to the track in a manner that enables
the hook to slide in the track. One representative reference of
such is the hanger disclosed by Toder in U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,415
issued on 2002-06-25. One limitation of Toder, and reflected in
many prior art devices, is the requirement that the specific hanger
be adapted to work on a unique slider fixture, which is adapted to
accommodate the hanger.
[0006] In other situations it is preferred to have a hanger that is
more universal in its use, so it can be adapted to common household
surfaces, without requiring special fixtures to accommodate a
hanger. One representative example of this approach includes the
adjustable hook described by Lembke in U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,849
issued on 2012-06-05. Lembke teaches an adjustable hook with a
rotating hook secured to a locking plate within a housing. The
rotating hook is adapted to move within the housing allowing the
orientation of the hook to be modified into a desired position,
then locked in place.
[0007] Additionally, there is already a well-understood rack
commonly used in many households, restaurants, bars, taverns, and
other locations for suspending from a ceiling or other similar
planar surface glass stemware, such as wine glasses, in an inverted
position. Two parallel track members are mounted on a ceiling in
such a way that the base of a stemmed glass can slide onto the
track and the wineglass can thereby be suspended in an inverted
position. While these racks work extremely well for stemmed
glasses, the do not address a need to hang glasses that have
handles--such as coffee mugs or beer steins, for example.
[0008] However, the aforementioned known art is ill suited to adapt
to use the existing bar rack and convert it to use as a mug rack
and at the same time have dual use whereby a mug and a stemmed
glass can be suspended from the same rack at the same time.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a hook-type device that can
arrange in existing wine-glass racks to enable handled items, such
as coffee mugs and beer steins, to be hung from the ceiling, or
under cupboard, or other similar surfaces.
[0009] One limitation of known hooks is that they cannot freely
rotate 360-degrees around a vertical axis. This hinders their use
as it is often desired to rotate items suspended by hooks to
optimize storage, improve aesthetics, or otherwise improve use and
function. Another limitation of existing hooks is the inability to
readily adapt to hang handled items from existing devices that have
at least two parallel tracks or member, such as a stemware rack or
a wire-form utility shelf, for example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention arises from a need to both store and
display coffee mugs as well as being able to rotate and adjust the
storage of other hanging items. Existing locations for safely
storing coffee mugs--i.e. in the cupboard--not only took up space
but also prevented the display of the coffee mugs. Also, many homes
have stemware racks that are under utilized. However, there is no
device that handily enables one to convert a stemware rack to a
coffee cup rack.
[0011] Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the present invention
consists of a planar disc or ring with a hook that protrudes
perpendicularly from the center. The planar disk is sized to easily
slide into the existing stemware rack, but also is of a large
enough diameter to prevent the hook from falling out of the
parallel members. This present invention is an adaptor apparatus
that suspends an item with a handle from a stemware hanging rack or
similar system. The ring or disc slides into the channel of the
rack or sets down through a slot in the structure (the gap between
two parallel members, for example) and the item with a loop or
handle is hung from the hook.
[0012] In other preferred embodiments the present invention
consists of a planar support structure that extends in two or more
(horizontal) directions and is arranged generally perpendicular to
a hanging (hook) member that extends vertically from the planar
support. The planar support can configure in a myriad of shapes and
sizes and need not be round (as shown in the figures), but could be
almost any shape including, but not limited to, rectangular,
square, ovoid, hexagonal, octagonal, elliptical, star-shaped,
etc.
[0013] The present invention adds a function to a stemware rack, as
well as from the underside of a shelf, basket, bin, or crate and
allows coffee mugs or other handled items to be displayed in an
attractive manner that takes up less space than current mug storage
devices.
[0014] One problem with existing cup hooks is that they require
screwing a mechanical fastener into the wood of the cabinet. This
damages the cabinets when screwed into the wood. Further, once in
place, they are not easily adjustable or movable to a new location.
Further, they also can be too small for coffee mug handles and
really can't be used to suspend other handled objects (such as
pots, pans, beer steins, and the like). Fixed mug holders that
stand on the counter take up valuable counter space. Mug holders
that slide onto cabinet shelves take up space on top of the shelf
as well as the bottom and the hooks are not adjustable so you might
not be able to use all the hooks provided depending on the size of
your mugs. Other mug storage racks that mount to the bottom of a
cabinet are also fixed in place so again, you might not be able to
use all the hooks.
[0015] In one contemplated preferred embodiment the present
invention is made from rigid, sturdy material so it will not flex
under the weight of the item it is suspending. It can be made of
metals including but not limited to steel, aluminum, brass, copper,
nickel, silver, alloys etc. It can also be made from plastics,
wood, recyclable or renewable resources and with or without
decorative or useful coatings.
[0016] The present invention, further, is configured to allow the
hook to rotate 360-degree around a vertical axis.
DRAWING
[0017] FIG. 1 is an offset frontal view of a first preferred
embodiment according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an offset frontal view of a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an offset frontal view of a known bar rack of the
prior art suspending a stemware glass of the known art.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an offset side view of the device of FIG. 1 in
relation to a known bar rack.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an alternate view of FIG. 4 showing the present
invention used to suspend a handled mug.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an offset frontal view of the embodiment of FIG. 2
having an alternate configuration.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an offset frontal view of a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is an offset frontal view of a fourth preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is an alternate view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, an
offset frontal view, showing end caps.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Possible embodiments will now be described with reference to
the drawings and those skilled in the art will understand that
alternative configurations and combinations of components may be
substituted without subtracting from the invention. Also, in some
figures certain components are omitted to more clearly illustrate
the invention.
[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention contemplate a
device for hanging handled items on a conventional stemware rack. A
conventional stemware rack includes at least one track, preferably
several parallel tracks, and each track has at least two parallel
members defining the track, which allows the base portion of
conventional stemware to slide into the track so the stemware can
be inserted in an inverted position. The preferred embodiments also
are well-suited to work in the gap between two parallel members,
such as two rungs of a wire-mesh utility shelf, or other similar
structure common to baskets, shelving units, slats, crates, a grid
made of wire, and the like--whether it be made from wood, metal,
plastic, or other materials, for example.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a conventional stemware rack
30 with one track consisting of two parallel members, a first
member 32 and a second member 34. Such racks are typically mounted
under the upper cabinet in household kitchens or above a surface in
a restaurant or bar, for example.
[0029] The preferred embodiments of the present invention,
accordingly, contemplate a device adapted to slide in the track of
the conventional stemware rack 30. The device includes a hanger
consisting of a generally planar base member adapted to selectively
and slideably insert on the track. A downward extending support
member extends from the planar base member, and an upward extending
hook member extends from the support member to form a U-shape. The
hook member terminates in terminus.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The hanger 10 includes a generally planar and
disc-shaped base member 12 having a thickness 14 and a top and
bottom side. Extending from the bottom side of the base member, a
support member 16 extends downward from a near-center point of the
base member's bottom side. The support member then extends upward
in a hook member 18 that, cooperating with the support member,
forms a generally U-shaped arm or hook. This then terminates at a
terminus 20, which is adapted to prevent damage to the item to be
hung on the hook and otherwise prevent a user from injury.
[0031] In this first preferred embodiment, the hanger 10 may be
molded, or shaped from plastic or metal, or alloys. Each component
may be made individually and then assembled or may be made in one
integral piece.
[0032] FIGS. 2 and 5 show a second preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The hanger 11 includes a generally planar and
disc-shaped base member 12 formed by bending a wire into the
desired configuration. Optionally, a stabilizing strut member 13
may be placed in this disk for added structural rigidity and
stability (See, e.g. FIG. 6). Here, there is an open top and
bottom. Extending from base member, a support member 16 extends
downward from an edge of the base member. The support member then
extends upward in a hook member 18 that, cooperating with the
support member, forms a generally U-shaped arm or hook. This then
terminates at a terminus 20. The wire form hanger 11 may then be
painted or coated with many different treatments to make it more
aesthetically appealing and to protect the wire-form body from
environmental damage.
[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the first preferred embodiment, the
hanger 10, in relationship to a conventional stemware rack 30.
Although these figure show hanger 10, it will be understood that
the alternative embodiment, hanger 11, would work substantially the
same. The hanger 10 slides by its base member 12 on the parallel
track members 32 and 34. A U-shaped hook 18 supports a mug 40 by
the handle 42. Although a mug, such as a coffee mug, is shown, any
handled item or other item having a hole (whether it has a handle
or not) through which the hook could engage could be suspended.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a third contemplated preferred embodiment
of a hanger device 70 according to the present invention. The
hanger device 70 includes a locking mechanism or feature whereby
the hanger may be secured in position on the rack 30 by twisting
the hanger. The hanger 70 includes an upper disk member 72 and a
lower disk member 74 with a cooperating linking member 78. The
parallel tracks of the bar rack insert between the top disk 72 and
bottom disk 74, then the entire hanger is twisted to lock the
hanger in a fixed position on the track. This hanger 70 further
includes stabilizing strut members 76 for added structural
rigidity. The hanger includes a downward extending support member
80 projecting from the lower disk 74. The support member then
extends upward in a hook member 82 that, cooperating with the
support member, forms a generally U-shaped arm or hook. This then
terminates at a terminus 84. Other locking mechanisms are also
contemplated, for example, the two disks may be separated by a
spring. The lower disk may include a plunger mechanism that allows
the user to pull the disk downward, away from the upper disk. The
spring would pull the lower disk upward against the upper disk.
[0035] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 9 includes end caps omitted from FIG.
8. More specifically, FIGS. 8 and 9 show hanger device 100 for
hanging items on a conventional stemware rack or through an opening
in a shelf, basket, bin, crate, slats or grid. A typical stemware
rack or other shelving unit includes at least two parallel members
defining a track. The hanger device adapts to suspend from these
support structures allowing hanging of items below that can rotate
freely as desired in about 360-degrees around a vertical axis.
Accordingly, the hanger device 100 includes a wireform body 102
formed from at least one continuous strand of wire. The wireform
body having a first end 104 arranged in a plurality of concentric
ovoids and the plurality of concentric ovoids (or circles, or other
shapes) arranged in one, common, horizontal plane. The wireform
body 102 further has a second end 106 comprising an L-shaped hook
member 108 arranged vertically and orthogonally from the horizontal
plane. The L-shaped hook member 108 terminating in an upturned end
110. The upturned end arranges from 30-degrees from horizontal to
70 degrees from horizontal.
[0036] One particularly well-suited material for the wireform body
102 formed from one continuous strand of wire is a piece of
wire-stock having an overall outside diameter of 0.162 inches and
is a type 304.times.1/4-inch hard stainless steel with a linear
length of 15.5 inches before bending or wireforming.
[0037] The hanger device 100, in an alternative embodiment, can be
made from a mild-steel having a powdercoated surface.
[0038] The hanger device 100 further includes capped ends
consisting of a first cap coupled 112 to the first end 104 of the
wireform body and a second cap 114 coupled to the to the upturned
end 110. Each cap, respectively, is made from a vinyl material
comprising 0.125-inches wide by 0.5-inches tall.
[0039] More particularly, the wireform body 102 consists of two
concentric ovoids, a first outer ovoid 116 and a second inner ovoid
118.
[0040] A contemplated method of using the device of the fourth
preferred embodiment includes hanging items from a wine glass rack
or other shelf unit that includes wire-form shelves or some other
similar structure that includes at least two parallel track-like
members. This method contemplates adapting such a rack having two
parallel tracks to hang items having a handle or other suitable
structure such as a hole, which can be adapted for this intended
use. The method comprises providing a hanger device comprising a
wireform body formed from at least one continuous strand of wire,
the wireform body comprising a first end arranged in a plurality of
concentric ovoids, the plurality of concentric ovoids arranged in
one, common, horizontal plane, the wireform body further comprising
a second end comprising an L-shaped hook member arranged vertically
and orthogonally from the horizontal plane, the L-shaped hook
member terminating in an upturned end; and suspending the plurality
of concentric ovoids from the parallel tracks so that the L-shaped
hook member extends downward from the tracks and downward from the
plurality of concentric ovoids.
[0041] One contemplated embodiment of the present invention
includes a system for hanging handled items comprising: a stemware
rack comprising at least one track, the at least one track
comprising a first and second parallel member; and a hanger
comprising a planar base member adapted to selectively and
slideably insert on the track, a downward extending support member
extending from the planar base member, and an upward extending hook
member extending from the support member to form a U-shape, the
hook member terminating in terminus.
[0042] This system further comprises a locking mechanism comprising
a second planar disc member having a linking arm coupled to the
first planar base member, whereby twisting the hanger causes locks
the hanger relative to the track on the stemware rack.
[0043] One contemplated method of the present invention includes a
method for hanging handled items comprising: providing a stemware
rack comprising at least one track, the at least one track
comprising a first and second parallel member; and providing a
hanger comprising a planar base member adapted to selectively and
slideably insert on the track, a downward extending support member
extending from the planar base member, and an upward extending hook
member extending from the support member to form a U-shape, the
hook member terminating in terminus.
[0044] This method further comprises providing a locking mechanism
comprising a second planar disc member having a linking arm coupled
to the first planar base member.
[0045] The aforementioned preferred embodiments may include
features from any of the embodiments in combination with any other
of the embodiments. Other locking mechanisms are also contemplated,
including any such locking mechanism as generally understood in
this art.
[0046] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
discussed in the context of use with a stemware rack, as used, for
example, in a kitchen or bar. However, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the present invention is not limited in its
use, but rather can be used to convert any existing parallel track
rack item to hold handled items including tools, pots, pans, garden
implements, or other similar items. For example, a string could be
looped around a tool that did not have a handle--i.e. an automotive
crescent wrench--and the looped string could then be supported by
the hanger of the present invention. Accordingly, the present
invention could be used in many other environments and this
disclosure should not be limiting, but rather illustrative.
[0047] Although the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention. And, although claims are not required, I claim at
least:
* * * * *