Patent Publication Number: US-2012043356-A1

Title: Hanger apparatus and system thereof

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     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 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     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. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 &amp; 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. 
     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 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 
       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: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention particularly useful to hanging pants; 
         FIG. 1B  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower bar the first preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A  taken along sectional line  1 B- 1 B; 
         FIG. 1C  is a front plan view of the invention embodiment; 
         FIG. 1D  is an addition perspective view of the first preferred embodiment taken from an underneath vantage point; 
         FIG. 1E  is a profile view of the invention embodiment; and 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a hanger system of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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. 
     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&#39;s own weight. 
     Further with regard to  FIG. 1B , a cross-sectional view of the lower cross bar  140  is shown taken along sectional line  1 B- 1 B 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 ⅜ of an inch and a width (major axis  991 ) of ¾ 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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 . 
     The present invention additionally contemplates a children&#39;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&#39;s clothes. As such, the gradual decline in the upper frame is shorter comparatively, and therefore the design in better suited for children&#39;s garments. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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.