Hanger

A hanger for items of clothing comprises a rigid support member (12) and a hanging portion (14). The 5 hanging portion comprises a plurality of clamping elements (16) which are resiliently movable to receive, hold and release clothing items therebetween and are arranged in a line in side-by-side relationship extending from the rigid support member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/AU2018/050869 filed Aug. 16, 2018, entitled “A HANGER”, which claims the benefit of and priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2017903281, filed on Aug. 16, 2017, the entirety of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hanger for items of clothing.

In particular, the present invention relates to a hanger for small clothing items including, by way of example, socks, panties, wash cloths, sports uniforms, dish towels, baby clothes, bikinis, knickers, handkerchiefs.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a hanging portion of a hanger for items of clothing and to the as-manufactured hanging portion.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a hanger for items of clothing and to the as-manufactured hanger.

BACKGROUND

The standard practice for hanging items of washed clothing on a clothes line to dry comprises using pegs to hold the items on the clothes line.

This can be a time-consuming exercise for small items of clothing, such as socks, panties, wash cloths, sports uniforms, dish towels, baby clothes, bikinis, knickers, and handkerchiefs. This is particularly the case if there is a large number of small items to be hung on a clothes line.

There is a need for an alternative system and method that makes it easier to hang up small items of clothing.

The above description is not an admission of the common general knowledge in Australia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In broad terms, the invention provides a hanger for items of clothing comprising:

a rigid support member and

a hanging portion mounted to the rigid support member and comprising clamping elements which are resiliently movable to receive, hold and release clothing items therebetween.

The invention provides a hanger for items of clothing comprising:

a rigid support member and

a hanging portion comprising a plurality of clamping elements which are resiliently movable to receive, hold and release clothing items therebetween and are arranged in a line in side-by-side relationship extending from the rigid support member.

The rigid support member and the hanging portion may be integrally formed.

For example, the rigid support member and the hanging portion may be integrally formed in a series of moulding operations, with the hanging portion molded first and the rigid support member over-moulded onto the hanging portion.

The rigid support member and the hanging portion may be formed separately and assembled together.

For example, the hanging portion may be mounted to the rigid support member.

In some embodiments, the rigid support member comprises a channel that receives and supports at least a portion of the hanging portion.

In some embodiments, the hanging portion may comprise a backing strip for the clamping elements.

The backing strip may be adapted to slide in and be supported by the channel of the rigid support member.

In some embodiments, the clamping elements are resilient clamping elements that are biased towards a closed, clamping position in an as-manufactured form of the hanger.

The clamping elements may be resilient clamping elements that are biased to a closed, clamping position in which adjacent clamping elements are in contact with each other in an as-manufactured form of the hanger.

The clamping elements may comprise a continuous length of a material, typically a resilient material, formed with side-by-side folds (which could also be described as “loops”) in a concertina arrangement, with the adjacent folds defining the clamping elements arranged in a line of clamping elements.

Adjacent folds may define a narrow opening, which may be biased to a closed position, for receiving a clothing item, with the clothing item in use being inserted into the opening against the resilience of the adjacent folds and retained between the adjacent folds by the resilience of the adjacent folds, with the resilience of the adjacent folds applying an inward clamping force to the clothing item.

The folds may be defined by inner and outer curved webs and clamping sides interconnecting the webs, with the inner curved webs being connected to the backing strip and the outer curved webs defining outwardly curved surfaces that space apart the openings along the length of the line of clamping elements.

In some embodiments, the clamping elements comprise teeth for gripping items therebetween.

In some embodiments, the hanger further comprises at least one attachment member to secure the hanger to a support structure.

The support structure may be any suitable structure.

By way of example, the support structure may be a conventional structure for supporting items of clothing such as a washing line, bar, and airer rail. The support structure may also be a shower screen or wall.

In some embodiments, the attachment member may be part of or attachable to the hanging portion.

In some embodiments, the attachment member may be a double-sided adhesive tape that can be attached to a rear surface of the rigid support member and to the support structure.

By way of example, the adhesive tape may be a tape that is known as a “Nano Grip” tape or a “micro suction” tape. One supplier of such tapes is Xinstape, and the product is xinst29000B, which has a permanent adhesive VHB on one side with a protective peelable film applied, a 0.8-1 mm thick middle layer of an acrylic foam, and a nano grip adhesive on the other side with a peelable film. The invention is not limited to the use of adhesive tapes of this type and from this specific supplier.

In some embodiments, the attachment member may be part of the rigid support member.

For example, the rigid support member may comprise at least one attachment member in the form of a hook-shaped formation for attaching the hanger to the support structure.

In some embodiments, attachment member may be a separate component to the rigid support member and the hanging portion and be attachable to one or other of these components, with the hanger being an assembly of the components.

For example, the attachment member may be a suction cup or a magnetic element that is attachable to the rigid support member and to the support structure.

By way of example, the suction cup may be an injection moulded one-piece unit that has a suction cup element to attach the unit to the support structure and is also formed to slide onto an end of the rigid support member. It can be appreciated that, with this arrangement, a pair of suction cups, one at opposite ends of the rigid support member could mount the rigid support member and thereby the hanger to the support structure.

By way of further example, the attachment member may be an elongated strip of resilient material comprising a first end and a second end, with the first end comprising a first aperture and the second end comprising a second aperture, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are connectable by a fastening means thereby securing the hanger to the support structure.

The fastening means may include a protrusion formed in the hanging portion of the hanger adapted to receive the first aperture and the second aperture of the attachment member with the attachment member forming a loop around the support structure thereby securing the hanger to the support structure.

In some embodiments, the second end of the attachment member comprises multiple apertures spaced at different distances from the first aperture so that the attachment member forms folds of different sizes that can fit different sized support structures.

The attachment member may be integrally formed with or separate and attachable to the rigid support member and/or with the hanging portion.

In some embodiments, the rigid support member is made of metal or hard plastic.

The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a hanging portion of a hanger for items of clothing, with the hanging portion comprising a backing strip and a continuous length of a material, typically a resilient material, formed with side-by-side folds in a concertina arrangement which define the clamping elements, with the method comprising injection moulding the hanging portion as a one-piece unit in a curved form along the length of the hanging portion from a suitable plastics material.

Forming the hanging portion in a curved form makes it possible to injection mould the hanging portion as a one-piece unit. The injection moulding process necessarily requires that adjacent clamping elements be formed with a gap between the elements. Typically, the gap is at least 0.8 mm. A gap of at least 0.8 mm is not desirable from the perspective of the clamping function of clamping elements. Specifically, it is preferable that the adjacent folds that form the clamping elements be biased inwardly towards each other, and preferably are in contact in an as-manufactured form of the hanger, to apply an inward clamping force to grip items of clothing in use of the hanger. Optimally, the arrangement is such that the inward clamping force brings the folds into contact with each other. Forming the folds with a gap of at least 0.8 mm limits the clamping force that can be applied. However, when assembling a hanger with the curved hanging portion, sliding the backing strip of the hanging portion into the channel of the rigid support member of the hanger causes the hanging portion into a straight rather than a curved form or otherwise assembling the rigid support member and the hanging portion together so that the hanging portion is in a straight rather than a curved form. This biasing of the curved form to a straight form necessarily biases adjacent clamping elements, i.e. folds, towards each other and closes the gap at least partially and typically completely and increases the inward clamping force of the clamping elements.

The curvature of the as-manufactured hanging portion may be selected as required so that the clamping elements have a required clamping force.

The method may include manufacturing the hanging portion in a series of moulding steps, with the hanging portion being moulded in a first step and the rigid support member being over-moulded onto the hanging portion in a second step.

The invention also provides a hanging portion of a hanger for items of clothing, with the hanging portion comprising a backing strip and a continuous length of a material, typically a resilient material, formed with side-by-side folds in a concertina arrangement which define the clamping elements, with the as-manufactured form of the hanging portion being a one-piece unit that is curved along the length of the hanging portion with clamping elements being in side-by-side relationship along the length.

The invention provides a hanger for items of clothing comprising:

a rigid support member and

a hanging portion mounted to the rigid support member and comprising clamping elements which are resiliently movable to hold and release clothing items therebetween.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The first embodiment of the hanger10shown inFIG.1comprises a rigid support member12and a hanging portion14mounted to the rigid support member12.

The hanging portion14comprises a plurality of clamping elements16which are resiliently movable to allow clothing items, such as socks, to be inserted between adjacent clamping elements16against the resilience of the clamping elements16and held by the clamping elements as a consequence of the resilience of the clamping elements16.

In the described embodiment ofFIG.1, the rigid support member12comprises a hook-shaped formation18for attaching the hanger10to a support structure22such as a washing line, bar, airer rail etc. In this way the hanger10can be easily clipped or otherwise attached to the support structure22, thereby making the hanger10a helpful product that can be used with existing structures found in every household.

In the first embodiment described inFIG.1, the rigid support member12and the hanging portion14are integrally formed, for example injection moulded from a suitable plastics material.

This is also the case with the third embodiment shown inFIGS.7and8. With reference toFIG.7, in the third embodiment the rigid support member12, which is essentially an elongate plate, is over-moulded onto the hanging portion14.

With reference toFIGS.7and8, the hanging portion14comprises a backing strip24for the clamping elements16. The backing strip24and the clamping elements16are injection moulded as one curved unit—as shown inFIG.8and described further below. The backing strip24and the clamping elements16are suitably injection moulded from polypropylene. The backing strip24provides a load bearing support for the clamping elements16when clothing items are inserted between and held by adjacent clamping elements16.

However, in a second although not the only other embodiment, shown for example inFIG.2, the rigid support member12and the hanging portion14are individual items that are assembled together.

Specifically, as is shown inFIGS.2to5, the rigid support member12comprises a U-shaped channel20that receives and supports at least a portion of the hanging portion14.

In particular, in the described second embodiment ofFIGS.2to5, the hanging portion14comprises a backing strip24for the clamping elements16. The backing strip24can be either integrally formed with the clamping elements16or be attached thereto. The backing strip24provides a load bearing support for the clamping elements16when clothing items are inserted between and held by adjacent clamping elements16.

The backing strip24and the clamping element16are suitably made of polypropylene or any other suitable material. The rigid support member12is suitably made of metal, such as aluminium, or a hard plastics material. Any other suitable materials can be used.

As shown inFIG.2the backing strip24of the hanging portion14is adapted to slide in and be supported by the channel20of the rigid support member12. The support member12provides the required rigidity to the backing strip24, and in turn to the clamping elements16, so that unwanted bending is avoided.

FIG.3shows that the hanging portion14of the second embodiment is curved in the as-manufactured form of the hanging portion14.FIG.8shows that the hanging portion14of the third embodiment is curved in the as-manufactured form of the hanging portion14.

Specifically, in both embodiments, the hanging portion14is injection moulded as a curved member from a suitable plastics material such as polypropylene.

The hanging portion14is deliberately moulded as a curved member in the second and third embodiments. Forming the hanging portion14in a curved form makes it possible to injection mould the hanging portion14as a one-piece unit. The injection moulding process necessarily requires that adjacent clamping elements16be formed with a gap between the elements. Typically, the gap is at least 0.8 mm, again due to constraints in injection moulding equipment. A gap of at least 0.8 mm is not desirable from the perspective of the clamping function of adjacent clamping elements16. Specifically, it is preferable that the adjacent folds that form the clamping elements16be biased inwardly towards each other, and preferably are in contact in the as-manufactured form of the hanger, to apply an inward clamping force to grip items of clothing in use of the hanger. Optimally, the arrangement is such that the inward clamping force brings the folds into contact with each other. Forming the folds with a gap of at least 0.8 mm limits the clamping force that can be applied. However, when assembling a hanger with the curved hanging portion sliding the backing strip24into the channel20of the rigid support member12causes the curved hanging portion14into a straight rather than a curved form. This biasing of the curved form to a straight form necessarily biases adjacent clamping elements16towards each other and closes the gap at least partially and typically completely and increases the inward clamping force of the clamping elements16.

The curvature of the as-manufactured hanging portion14of the second and third embodiments may be selected as required so that the clamping elements16have a required clamping force.

It can be appreciated that the curvature has a positive effect on manufacturing the hanging portion14and on the clamping action of adjacent clamping elements16.

The support member12of the second and third embodiments provides a flat surface for the hanging portion14that compensates for possible uneven support structures22.

In each of the first, second, and third embodiments above described, the clamping elements16are folds (which can also be described as “loops”) of resilient material, with adjacent folds providing a clamping action.

In each of the first, second, and third embodiments, as shown in the Figures, the clamping elements16are a continuous length of material formed with side-by-side folds in a concertina arrangement.

The folds define the clamping elements16. The folds are defined by inner and outer curved webs26and clamping sides27interconnecting the webs26. The arrangement is such that adjacent folds define a narrow opening, which may be biased to a closed position, for receiving a clothing item, with the clothing item in use being inserted into the opening against the resilience of the adjacent folds and retained between the adjacent folds by the resilience of the adjacent folds applying an inward clamping force to the clothing item.

As is the case with the second and third embodiments, in the described first embodiment ofFIG.1, the hanging portion14, and therefore the clamping elements16, is injection moulded as a one-piece unit from a suitable resilient plastics material.

In other embodiments of the invention that are not shown in the Figures, the clamping elements16are separately formed and then assembled.

The inner curved webs26of each clamping element16are connected to the hook-shaped formation18in the case of the first embodiment and to the backing strip24in the case of the second and third embodiments, and the clamping sides27extend from the backing strip24, with adjacent clamping sides27defining clamping surfaces so that clothing items can be received and held therebetween. The arrangement is such that the outer curved webs26essentially define the narrow openings and, by virtue of being outwardly curved as viewed in use, facilitate guiding clothing items into the openings.

As noted above, in some other embodiments, the clamping sides27of the folds are in contact and have to be moved apart against the resilience of the folds to allow clothing items to be inserted and hung from the hanger10.

In the second and third embodiments, particularly as shown inFIGS.2to4B,7, and8, the clamping elements16also comprise additional closed folds28located toward the backing strip24that provide extra tension to the clamping sides27and thereby increase the inward bias of the clamping sides27of the folds. In addition, the closed folds28increase the surface area of contact of the clamping sides27with clothing items, thereby improving the gripping action of the clamping elements16.

The inner web26of each fold is integrally moulded with the support member12.

The number of folds can vary as desired.

As more clearly shown inFIGS.4A and4Bthe clamping elements16of the second embodiment comprise teeth29extending from one or both opposite faces of adjacent clamping sides27for gripping clothing items therebetween. The teeth29are, in the described embodiment, small protrusions of resilient material that deform under a pulling or pushing force, thereby assuring grip of items between adjacent clamping sides27without damaging or tearing the hold item. The teeth29are inwardly bent by the insertion of a clothing item. The resiliency of the teeth firmly grips the inserted item to frictionally hold the same between adjacent clamping sides27. When the clothing item is pulled out the teeth29bend outwardly and, when the item is removed, they return to their original form.

FIG.3shows the hanging portion14and the support member12of the second embodiment. In addition, the Figure shows an attachment member30to secure the hanger10to a support structure22.

As more clearly shown inFIGS.5A to5D, in the second embodiment, the attachment member30is an elongated strip of resilient material comprising a first end31and a second end32, with the first end31comprising a first aperture33and the second end32comprising a second aperture, wherein the first aperture33and the second aperture34are connectable by a fastening means38thereby securing the hanger10to a support structure22.

The apertures31,32can have different dimensions to fit different sized fastening means38.

The second embodiment comprises two attachment members30in the form of separate element that can be attached at two end of the hanger10to provide further stability. However, a single attachment member or a plurality of attachment members may be used.

In the second embodiment particularly as shown inFIGS.5A to5D, the second end32of the attachment member30further comprises a section36for accommodating imprinted logos or identification numbers.

The second end32of the attachment member30comprises three apertures34,34′,34″ spaced at different distances from the first aperture33so that the attachment member30forms folds of different sizes that can fit different sized support structures22. The second end32of the attachment member30can include any number of desired apertures.

Referring toFIG.6A to6E, in the second embodiment, the fastening means38is a protrusion formed in the hanging portion14of the hanger10adapted to receive the first aperture33and the second aperture34of the attachment member30with the attachment member30forming a loop around the support structure22thereby securing the hanger10to the support structure22.

The protrusions extend from opposite ends of the hanger and, in the embodiment described inFIGS.6A,6D and6E, are integrally formed with the hanging portion14. However, in other embodiments the protrusions38can be differently spaced. Also, the protrusion can extend from the support member12.

The above described hanger10is portable and easy to mount on different support structures. The structure of the hanger10is such that there is a minimal risk of damage to items of clothing retained by the hanger10.

Modifications within the scope of the invention may be readily made by those skilled in the art. It is to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described by way of example hereinabove.