Patent Publication Number: US-4582284-A

Title: Hanger bracket for securing to chain link fences

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to hanging devices, and more particularly to a hanging bracket for securing to a chain link fence, for hanging a garment or other article. 
     At tennis courts, baseball diamonds and other locations where chain link fences are common, it is often desired to hang articles of clothing such as jackets, warmup sweaters, etc. on the fence rather than laying them on the ground. Garments are often pushed through the diamond openings of the fence, but this can cause snagging damage if the fence wire is rough, as from burrs of galvanizing material. 
     Presently available devices for hanging garments, tennis rackets and other articles from a chain link fence are not always completely satisfactory for a number of reasons. First, some of the presently available devices are not adaptable for mounting in or hanging from the diamond opening of a chain link fence but must be mounted to the vertical and horizontal post and strengthening members. Second, certain conventional devices are difficult and time-consuming to attach to and remove from a chain link fence and require various movable fittings for mounting thereto. Many of the prior art devices would not be economical for the purposes of the present invention. 
     The following patents have some pertinence to the present invention, although none shows a device similar to that of the invention: U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,669,782 (Risser) and 4,049,126 (Halverson); British Patents Nos. 710,030 and 800,654; and German Offenlegungsschrift No. 2,640,423. These prior patents show devices for attaching objects to fences, wire grids, pegboards and other screen-like structures, but none is configured similarly or functions similarly to the device of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     For the foregoing reasons, a principal object of the present invention is an improved mounting device which is portable, pocket-sized and easily mounted in and removed from the diamond opening of a chain link fence, for hanging objects on the chain link fence. 
     Another object of the invention is a mounting device which is capable of supporting a substantial amount of weight. 
     Another object of the invention is a mounting device which can be quickly attached to and removed from a chain link fence without the use of movable mounting fittings or tools of any kind. 
     Another object of the present invention is a mounting device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Still another object of the present invention is a mounting device which can be used repeatedly at other chain link fence locations. 
     These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, considered along with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an elevation view showing a section of chain link fence with the hanger bracket of the present invention secured in a diamond opening of the fence. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the hanger bracket. 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the hanger bracket. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is illustrated a chain link fence 1 which has a hanging bracket or mounting device 2 of the present invention mounted thereon. 
     In practice, the mounting device 2 is formed from molded plastic material, such as phenolic resin or the like, and as such, it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Considering its construction, the mounting device 2 of the present invention incorporates a base 3, a hook 5, and a proximal portion 4 which extends rearwardly from the hook 5 to the base 3 for supporting the hook 5 thereon. 
     The base 3 is substantially flat and preferably has four extended arms 6, 7, 8 and 9 of varying lengths and widths as shown. The arms 6, 7, 8 and 9 are in a cruciform arrangement with the arms 7 and 9 extending in opposite directions perpendicular to the arms 6 and 8. The lengths of the arms 7, 8 and 9 are less than the length of the arm 6. The necessary length of each of the arms depends on the size of the diamond-shaped hole in the chain link fence in which the device is fitted. To assure retention therein, the arms are of a length sufficient to span the diamond-shaped hole and be captured by the opposing link members thereof. Optionally, the arm 6 may be made somewhat longer than necessary to effect capture by a fence link member. This may be done for providing a surface for a logo, the owner&#39;s name, etc. The width of the arms 6 and 8 may be such as to nearly fill the space between opposite link members whereas the width of the arms 7 and 9 is considerably less, so as to permit sliding the device in the hole to insert and remove it. 
     In use, the arms 6 and 8 of the base 3 extend behind an upper 11 and lower 13 outwardly protruding link of one of the diamond-shaped holes of the chain link fence 1. The remaining two arms 7 and 9 of the base 3 extend in front of the remaining upper 14 and lower 12 inwardly recessed links, which are opposite to one another, within the same diamond-shaped hole. 
     The hook member 5 which is connected to the proximal portion 4 and then to the base 3 forms a receiving slot 10 for receiving an object to be hung thereon, or for attachment of a dog leash or other article. 
     To attach the mounting device 2 of the present invention to the chain link fence 1, one holds the device with the base 3 generally in a vertical plane, parallel to the surface of the fence, with the longest arm 6 positioned to the upper left (or the upper right, depending on the fence). The upper left arm 6 is then tilted toward the fence at approximately a 40° angle and inserted through the diamond-shaped hole of the chain link fence 1 and behind the upper left link 11. The mounting device 2 is then brought to a position parallel to the fence 1, while maintaining the upper left arm 6 behind the said link 11. The two arms 7 and 9 then rest in front of the two links 14 and 12, respectively, adjacent to the link 11. The mounting device 2 is then moved obliquely downward and to the right, thus positioning the lower right arm 8 behind the lower right protruding link 13. 
     Once the present invention is attached to the chain link fence 1, a substantial amount of weight or obliquely angled pulling force may be exerted on it. When an object is hung from the receiving slot 10, the mounting device is firmly affixed in place within the diamond-shaped hole of the chain link fence 1, due to positioning of the back side of the lower left arm 9, the back side of the upper right arm 7, the front side of the upper left arm 6, the front side of the lower right arm 8, and their respective receiving links 12, 14, 11, 13 surrounding the diamond-shaped hole. 
     It will be evident from the above description that the present invention provides a hanger bracket specifically for use on chain link fences. It not only provides a means of hanging garments and attaching other objects from a fence but is also reusable, and pocket-sized. Sports enthusiasts that participate in tennis, badminton, etc., have often pushed their garments through diamond-shaped holes in the chain link fences, which often results in torn and snagged material. The present invention provides a means of hanging garments without damaging them. It can also be carried within the pocket of a tennis racket cover. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims are also desired to be protected. For example, the device is described having a hook of a particular shape as an integral part of the base. It is also described as being used in individual units. In each of the above cases, changes may be made. The hook described may be removably mounted to the base so that hooks of different shapes may be employed. Also a plurality of devices may be ganged together for hanging large or very heavy objects. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by reference to the claims and their equivalents.