Abstract:
The present invention relates to ergonomically designed clothing hangers adapted for ease of hand-carrying and hanging on a closet rod. These ergonomic hanger designs feature a rod hook or suspension portion that includes at least two, and preferably three, linearly arrayed curved regions each adapted to ergonomically engage an adult human finger. In this way, for example, the index, middle, and ring fingers of one hand of a person carrying the hanger can easily and comfortably grasp the hanger by the suspension portion. When simultaneously carrying one or several such clothing hangers loaded with clothes, the resultant load is better distributed across the person&#39;s hand, allowing for easier, more comfortable, and less fatiguing transportation of the clothing item(s) hanging on the hangers. In preferred embodiments, at least one of the curved regions (often the central or second region among three) is also adapted to conform to the outer dimension and shape of a closet rod.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application (and any resulting patent) is a continuation of and claims priority from pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/763,703 of the same title, filed 2 Feb. 2013 (attorney docket no. UWK-7000-UT); which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/597,699 of the same title, filed 10 Feb. 2012 (attorney docket no. UWK-7000-PV), the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to improved, ergonomically designed clothing hangers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Clothing hangers are well known and widely used, and numerous designs have appeared over time. Despite their ubiquity, clothing hangers are difficult to comfortably grasp, particularly when used to hang heavy garments or when carrying several clothing-laden hangers together. This is because when clothes are hung on a conventional clothing hanger (a wire-based example of which is shown in  FIG. 1( a ) ), only the hook or suspension portion ( 10 ) is available to be grasped. While the hook or suspension portion ( 10 ) is effective for suspending the hanger ( 1 ) from, for example, a closet rod, it is not well designed for grasping by two or more fingers. The present invention solves this long-standing design flaw by providing clothing hangers in which the hook or suspension portion ( 10 ) incorporates features adapted for being grasped by two or more human fingers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The ergonomic clothing hangers of the invention comprise a hook or suspension portion that, when viewed from the side, comprises at least two, preferably linearly arrayed and preferably arcuate, finger-engaging regions at least one, and preferably all, of which, are adapted to ergonomically engage an adult human finger. The hangers of the invention each further include a connector portion that connects the hook or suspension portion to the clothing support portion of the clothing hanger. 
         [0005]    In preferred embodiments, the hangers of the invention are substantially planar and have suspension portions that comprise first, second, and third, or first, second, third, and fourth, linearly arrayed finger-engaging regions each adapted to ergonomically engage an adult human finger (preferably by having an arcuate or curved profile). In many preferred embodiments, one of the finger-engaging regions is also adapted for secure hanging association with a closet rod of substantially circular or ovoid cross-section, although finger-engaging regions, or suspension regions interspersed between finger-engaging regions, adapted for suspension from a closet rod of any particular geometric cross-section (e.g., ovoid, circular, or polygonal) are also within the scope of the invention. 
         [0006]    These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed in greater detail in the sections that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows two side-view illustrations, (a) and (b), of conventional clothing hangers. The illustration in  FIG. 1( a )  depicts a wire clothing hanger, while that in  FIG. 1( b )  depicts a clothing hanger formed from plastic. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows two side-view illustrations, (a) and (b), of clothing hangers according to the invention. The illustration in  FIG. 2( a )  depicts a hanger having a suspension portion ( 10 ) with two curved finger-engaging regions ( 11 ,  12 ). The illustration in  FIG. 2( b )  depicts a hanger having a suspension portion ( 10 ) with three curved finger-engaging regions ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ). 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows four side-view illustrations, (a)-(d), of representative hook or suspension portions ( 10 ) of clothing hangers according to the invention (connector and clothing support portions ( 50 ,  100 ) are not shown). 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows two representative embodiments, depicted in panels (a) and (b). Each panel contains a side view and a cross-section of a hook or suspension portion ( 10 ) of a hanger of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows three representative embodiments, depicted in panels (a), (b), and (c). Each panel contains a side view and a top view (from above) of a hook or suspension portion ( 10 ) of a hanger of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    In the drawings, features common among clothing hangers may be commonly designated. A clothing hanger ( 1 ) includes a hook or suspension portion ( 10 ) connected to the clothing support portion ( 100 ) via a connector portion ( 50 ). The clothing support portion ( 100 ) can have any desired shape and configuration, whether now known or later developed. Indeed, a multitude of such shapes and configurations are known due to the tremendous variety of clothing types stored by hanging, including coats, pants, and jackets. For example, the clothing support portion can have a pair of downwardly inclined members, the distal ends of which may or may not be connected via a support member. As will be appreciated, support members, when present, can be used to hang coats, pants, and/or shirts, for example. In other embodiments, the clothing support portion of a hanger may be flat or straight, and may be comprises of one or more pieces. For example, in some embodiments wherein the clothing support portion is flat, it is comprised of two opposing pieces connected via a spring mechanism than allows a garment to be clasped there between. 
         [0013]    As will be appreciated, any now known or later developed clothing support portions and/or connector portions can be adapted for combination with an ergonomic hook suspension portion ( 10 ). Generally, the hook or suspension portion ( 10 ) and connector region ( 50 ) are designed to connect to the clothing support portion ( 100 ) so that the hanger will, when loaded with one or more articles of clothing, hang in a balanced way when suspended from a closet rod, coat hook, cable, or the like. 
         [0014]    Moreover, the hangers of the invention can be manufactured from any suitable material, or combination of materials. Suitable materials include metal wire and plastics or other polymeric materials that can be readily formed into desired shapes and configurations. Plastics are particularly preferred, as various widely available manufacturing processes, including injection molding and extrusion. 
         [0015]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 2( a )  shows a clothing hanger ( 1 ) according to the invention that comprises a suspension portion ( 10 ) connected via a connector portion ( 50 ) to a clothing support portion ( 100 ). The suspension portion ( 1 ) is preferably substantially planar and, as shown in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2( a ) , includes at least two finger-engaging regions ( 11 ,  12 ) in a linear array (i.e., adjacently positioned). 
         [0016]      FIG. 2( b )  shows an alternative hanger embodiment wherein the hook ( 10 ) includes three arcuate or curved regions ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ) in a linear array. In these and other embodiments of the invention, each of the finger-engaging regions (e.g.,  11 ,  12 , and/or  13 ) are arcuate or curved or otherwise ergonomically shaped to fit an adult human finger (typically an index, middle, or ring finger), although the invention also envisions embodiments where at least one, but fewer than all, of the finger-engaging regions has ergonomically adapted dimensions and curvature to be comfortably held by an adult human finger. 
         [0017]      FIG. 3( a )  shows an embodiment wherein the hook ( 10 ) includes three linearly arrayed finger-engaging regions ( 11 ,  20 ,  13 ), wherein the central finger-engaging region ( 20 ) is of a size and shape that substantially complements the outer diameter of a closet rod ( 30 ) having a circular cross section. For example, standard wooden or metal closet rods in the United States have a diameter of about 1.25 inches, although closet rods of numerous cross-sectional shapes and sizes exist. As will be appreciated, the region of the suspension portion of a clothing hanger according to the invention intended to engage a closet rod can be manufactured to fit any desired closet rod shape and/or size. Indeed, the invention envisions kits that comprise a hanger of the invention and one or more adapter pieces that can be associated with the suspension portion of the hanger in order to accommodate closet or hanger rods of different shapes and/or sizes. 
         [0018]      FIG. 3( b )  shows an embodiment wherein the hook ( 10 ) includes two arcuate finger-engaging regions ( 11 ,  12 ) interspersed with an engaging element ( 21 ) designed to engage a closet rod ( 31 ) having a rectangular cross-section. In this embodiment, the engaging element ( 21 ) is not optimized for engaging a human finger. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3( c )  shows an embodiment wherein the hook ( 10 ) includes three linearly arrayed finger-engaging regions ( 15 ,  11 ,  16 ), wherein the central finger-engaging region ( 11 ) is arcuate and is bounded on either side by finger-engaging regions ( 15 ,  16 ) that have substantially planar surfaces in the areas intended to contact fingers. The central region ( 11 ) is of a size and shape that substantially complements the outer diameter of a closet rod (not shown) having a circular cross section. 
         [0020]      FIG. 3( d )  shows an embodiment wherein the hook ( 10 ) includes four linearly arrayed, arcuate finger-engaging regions ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ). 
         [0021]    Those in the art will appreciate that the clothing hangers of the invention provide improved ergonomics as compared to conventional clothing hangers. Preferably, some or all of the finger-engaging regions of the hook or suspension portion ( 10 ) are configured to conform to the shape of an adult human finger that will engage that region when the hanger is being held or grasped by a person. In some embodiments, a finger-engaging region will have a curved or arcuate shape when viewed from the side. In some embodiments, including some having three linearly arrayed finger-engaging regions, at least one of the finger-engaging regions may be large enough to comfortably accommodate two (less preferably, three) fingers when grasped by a person carrying the hanger. The surface of the finger-engaging region intended for contact with a human finger (i.e., a “finger contact region”) preferably has an ergonomic shape or surface profile.  FIGS. 4( a )  and (b) show two such shapes.  FIG. 4( a )  shows a cross-section taken at the plane defined by A-A′ of the suspension portion ( 10 ) of a hanger of the invention having three finger-engaging regions ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ), the center of which ( 12 ) is also intended to engage a closet rod (not shown) of circular or ovoid cross-section. In the depicted embodiment, the finger contact area ( 30 ) of the first finger-engaging region ( 11 ), which typically spans from a hanger hook&#39;s front face ( 41 ) to its rear face ( 42 ), has a slightly convex surface, whereas in the representative embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4( b ) , the corresponding finger contact area ( 30 ) has a substantially planar surface. As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, each finger contact region of a particular hanger can have the same or substantially similar surface profile (e.g., a slightly convex or substantially planar surface), or the different finger contact regions can have different surface profiles. For example, in one embodiment wherein the suspension portion ( 10 ) has three adjacent finger-engaging regions, the finger contact region of each may be slightly convex. In a similar such embodiment, the three finger contact regions have substantially planar surfaces. In yet another similar such embodiment, the central finger contact region has a substantially planar surface (to promote stable closet rod engagement in addition to user comfort) while the finger contact regions on either side of the central finger contact region have slightly convex surface profiles. 
         [0022]    For user comfort, the regions where the front or rear hook (or suspension portion) face meets the finger contact area of a finger-engaging region preferably provide for a smooth transition from one surface to the other, for example, through the use of a rounded, beveled, or otherwise tapered corner. 
         [0023]    In some preferred embodiments, the front and/or rear face(s) ( 41 ,  42 ) of the suspension portion ( 10 ) can also have a surface that includes one or more features adapted for comfortable, ergonomic engagement with those parts of a person&#39;s fingers that contact the those surfaces while the person is holding or grasping the hanger.  FIG. 5  illustrates top views of three such representative ergonomic suspension portions ( 10 ) having three linearly arrayed finger-engaging regions ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5( a ) , the front face ( 41 ) of the suspension portion ( 10 ) includes three convex indentations formed therein ( 43 ,  44 ,  45 ) to comfortably accommodate the distal portions of a user&#39;s fingers (not shown) or that part of the palm of a user&#39;s hand (not shown) adjacent to her/his that will engage the face during grasping. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5( b ) , both the front and rear faces ( 41 ,  42 ) of the suspension portion ( 10 ) have surfaces that include ergonomic features ( 43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  43 ′,  44 ′  45 ′) adapted to provide comfortable, ergonomic engagement with a person&#39;s fingers when grasping the hanger. Having the same ergonomic features on both the front and rear faces of the hook allow the hanger to be comfortably grasped by either a left or right hand regardless of whether the hanger is facing forward or backward. In contrast, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5( c )  has a suspension portion ( 10 ) wherein one face (e.g., the front face ( 41 )) includes convex indentations formed therein ( 43 ,  44 ,  45 ) accommodate the distal portions of a user&#39;s fingers (not shown), while the other face (e.g., the rear face ( 42 )) includes a single, large, slightly convex indentation ( 46 ) intended for engagement by the palm of the hand grasping the suspension portion ( 10 ) hanger. 
         [0024]    The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Also, the invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element(s) not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of”, and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. Furthermore, while the articles and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.