Patent Abstract:
A hanger including a connector member, a strap member, a hanger arm, and an adjustable support arm is provided. The connecting member has a surface configured to substantially conform to at least a portion of an upright support member. The strap member is connected to the connector member for holding the connector member against the support member. The hanger arm has a first end pivotally connected to the connector member and a free second end adapted to suspend an item therefrom. The adjustable support arm has a first end pivotally connected to the hanger arm and a second end matingly engageable against selective portions of the connector member to support the hanger arm in a selected angular relationship with respect to the upright support member.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention generally relates to multi-purpose hangers and apparatus for hanging objects, and the like, and the methods of using same. 
     2. Background Information 
     Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98 
     Devices for hanging objects have been developed and used for years. Most objects, such as clothing hangers, utilize a hook apparatus, as well as an outer framework. The hook apparatus connects to a reciprocal apparatus which permits the hanger to hang, while the outer framework holds the object, such as clothing. In the case of an apparatus of hanging plants or lanterns, a hook-type apparatus is usually supplied at one end, again, with a reciprocal apparatus which permits the hanger to hang, while extending therefrom is a framework which permits objects, such as a container containing a plant, or a lantern, to be disposed in the framework. 
     In some instances, it can be difficult, or inconvenient, to find a reciprocating apparatus in which to “hook” the hanger. In doors, the reciprocating apparatus must be installed in ceilings or walls. Outside, it can be difficult to find an acceptable “natural” reciprocating apparatus, such as a tree limb, at either the right height or the right location. 
     Therefore, there is a need felt within the art for a multi-purpose hanger which would permit a number of different objects to be hung from such a hanger, and in which it is easier to find and/or utilize an artificial or natural reciprocating apparatus in which to connect the multi-purpose hanger. 
     Further, there is a need felt in the art to provide an easy to use, adjustable hanger for indoor or outdoor use. Moreover, there is a need felt in the art to provide an easy to use, adjustable hanger for hanging objects outdoors, such as, but not by way of limitation, a plant in a container, birdseed, backpacks, lanterns, food, trash, party decorations, and the like. Such a device would be economical to manufacture and supply, easy for a user to use, relatively light weight, and would provide ease of control in raising and lowering the item being hung by a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A multi-purpose hanger for connecting to a surface is disclosed. The multi-purpose hanger is formed from at least a connector member, at least one strap member, a hanger member, and an adjustable arm member. The connector member is connected to a surface via the strap member. The hanger member connects to and extends away from the connector member and the hanger member is adjustably positioned and held in the position via a connection between the hanger member, the adjustable arm member and the connector member. 
     In other configurations of the multi-purpose hanger, a strap member may not be needed. The hanger member and/or the adjustable arm member may be formed from telescoping parts. The configuration of the connector member may be flat, concave, convex, a ninety degree angle, or any combination thereof. The multi-purpose hanger may have a top portion, which may be square, round, or any operative configuration. The connector member has a plurality of elements, namely, notches, pegs, grooves and/or apertures, which hold the adjustable arm member in place once the unconnected end of the adjustable arm member is disposed adjacent at least one of the elements. This connection results in the placement of the hanger member as well. In an alternative, the hanger member may have a plurality of elements, namely, notches, pegs, grooves and/or apertures. 
     A method of connecting a multi-purpose hanger to a surface is also disclosed. In this method, a multi-purpose hanger is provided which has a connector member having at least one attachment element, and a hanger member pivotally connected to the connector member, the hanger member having an adjustable arm member. The connector member is disposed adjacent a surface such that the attachment element is disposed and positioned adjacent the surface. The attachment element is activated such that the connector member is held firmly against the surface. The hanger member is raised into a selected position, and the adjustable arm member is positioned to hold the hanger member in the selected position. The adjustable arm member is then connected to the connector member to hold the hanger member in the selected position. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for hanging a number of different items, the apparatus which may be quickly and easily connected and disconnected to a number if different surfaces, i.e., round surfaces, flat surfaces, concave surfaces, convex surfaces, irregular surfaces, and/or any combination thereof. It is a goal of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose hanger which may be attached easily and quickly to living surfaces, such as, but not by way of limitation, a tree, or may be connected to artificial (non-living) surfaces, such as, but not by way of limitation, a post, a wall, and the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose hanger that is relatively light weight and portable. It is a goal of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose hanger that can be easily moved, and contained in a backpack or daypack. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose hanger that is formed such that it is easy for a smaller operator to position the apparatus on a surface, as well as easy for the operator to elevate the “arm” which holds an item, such as, for example, but not by way of limitation, a lantern, such that the item can easily be moved both above and below the operator&#39;s head. It is a goal of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose hanger which is easily and quickly connected to a surface and disconnected from a surface, all without causing any significant damage to the surface. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multi-purpose hanger connected to a tree trunk constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the multi-purpose hanger of FIG. 1, but showing the positional change of the adjustable arm member via phantom lines and the resulting positional change of the hanger member via phantom lines; shown in FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the multi-purpose hanger of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view of the multi-purpose hanger of FIG. 1, but showing the ninety degree angel of the connector member in relation to the round tree trunk; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial top plan view of the multi-purpose hanger of FIG. 1, but showing the curved angle of the connector member; 
     FIG. 6 is a partial top plan view of the multi-purpose hanger of FIG. 1, but showing the flat angel of the connector member adjacent a flat surface; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the multi-purpose hanger of FIG. 1, but showing an alternative embodiment for the adjustable arm member, and showing the absence of the hinge assembly; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the adjustable arm member of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the multi-purpose hanger of FIG. 1, but showing another alternative embodiment for the adjustable arm member as well as the connector member and the hanger member, resulting in a different connection among these elements; 
     FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of the multi-purpose hanger of FIGS. 1-2, but showing a telescoping hanger member and a telescoping adjustable arm member; 
     FIG. 11 is still yet another embodiment of the multi-purpose hanger of FIGS. 1-2, but showing the multi-purpose hanger connected to a square post, and a top portion having a square configuration connected to the square post; and 
     FIG. 12 is an embodiment similar to the one shown in FIG. 11, but showing the multi-purpose hanger connected to a round post, and a top portion having a round configuration connected to the round post. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 1-4 
     Apparatus, and methods for hanging items, as noted above, have been known in the art. Most of these apparatus and methods, however, are only adapted to a specific surface, and require specific reciprocating apparatus to be connected to a surface first, and are not easy, quick, light weight and readily mobile. The present multi-purpose hanger overcomes the limitations of previous apparatus. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the multi-purpose hanger  10  comprises a connector member  12 . The connector member  12  has a dual flange member  14  which connects to a hanger member  16  via an upper aperture (not shown) in the hanger member  16  through which the dual flange member  14  is hingably, rotatably connected via a first nut and bolt assembly  20 , or any other hinge and/or rotatable means known in the art. The hanger member  16  has an adjustable arm member  22  which is connected to the hanger member  16  via a hinge assembly  24 . The hinge assembly  24  rotatably connects to the adjustable arm member  22  via a first lower aperture (not shown) and second nut and bolt assembly  28  and a second lower aperture (not shown) and a third nut and bolt assembly  30 . It will be understood that, alteratively to the aperture and nut and bolt assembly, a pin assembly, a slot with pin assembly, or any other apparatus which would operate and function as shown and described herein which is known in the art would suffice in this, and all similar embodiments shown and/or described herein. 
     The connector member  12  has a first side  34 , a second side  36 , an outer periphery  38 , a first end  40  and a second end  42 . The second side  36  is formed such that it may be disposed adjacent a selected surface  43 ; the second side optionally may comprise some type of padding known in the art as well. The first side  34  is formed to have a plurality of notches  44  (only one of the plurality of notches being designated by the numeral  44 ). It will be appreciated that notches, holes, pegs, grooves, and/or any combination thereof, or any other embodiment known in the art, may be utilized, so long as the multi-purpose hanger  10  operates in the manner shown and described herein. In the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the first side  34  has a plurality of notches  44 . 
     The connector member  12  also has a first connecting strap  46 , a second connecting strap  48  and a connecting link  49 . The connecting link  49  permits the first connecting strap  46  to be connected to the second connecting strap  48 . At least one of the first or second connecting straps  46  and  48  will have a connector element  50  connected thereto, which permits the connector member  12  to be securely and tightly strapped to the selected surface  43 , such as, for example, but not by way of limitation, a tree or a pole. The first and second connecting straps  46  and  48  wrap about the selected surface  43  and connect together via the connecting link  49 . The connecting like  49  comprises a link with an opening. It will be understood that any apparatus which operates as shown and/or described herein may be utilized as a connecting link  49 . The connector element  50  tightens the connected first and second connecting straps  46  and  48  together, and permits tensioning of the first and second connecting straps  46  and  48  such that the connector member  12  is held firmly against the selected surface  43 . Such a connector element  50  may comprise, for example, but not by way of limitation, an adjustable buckle, adjustable rings, or any other apparatus known in the art. 
     In one alternative (not shown), the first and second connecting straps  46  and  48  are formed such that each connector strap has a connecting element  50  connected thereto to permit the first and second connecting straps  46  and  48  to be connected together. Such an example would be a hook and loop type of fastener, where, for example, but not by way of limitation, the first connecting strap  46  had the hook material, while the second connecting strap  48  had the loop material. In a further alternative (not shown), the connecting link  49  may also comprise various different fasteners, including, but not limited to, those described herein, as well as those known in the art. In still a further embodiment (not shown), the connector member  12  may comprise at least a portion of a connector element  50 , such as, but not by way of limitation, loop material, and the selected surface  43  may also comprise at least another portion of the connector element  50 , such as, but not by way of limitation, hook material, so that when the connector member  12  is disposed adjacent and in a connecting engagement with the selected surface  43  and the connector elements  50  thereon, the connector member  12  is held in a connecting engagement with the selected surface  43 . In this alternative embodiment, any apparatus described and/or shown herein, or any apparatus known in the art, may be utilized to create and form the connection between the connector member  12  and the selected surface  43 , so long as the multi-purpose hanger operates and functions as illustrated and/or described herein. 
     The hanger member  16  is usually cylindrically-shaped, but it will be appreciated that any shape may be utilized, so long as the hanger member  16  operates as described and/or shown herein. The hanger member  16  has a first end  52 , a second end  54 , and, in the present embodiment, but not by way of limitation, a cylindrical outer periphery  56  and a length  58 . The hanger member  16  may also have at least one hanger notch  60 , although it will be appreciated that any peg, hook, notch, aperture, or any combination thereof, or any other apparatus which would permit the hanger member  16  to function as illustrated and/or described herein, may be used. When the hanger member  16  has, for example, but not by way of limitation, a hanger notch  60 , the hanger notch  60  will often be positioned near the second end  54  of the hanger member  16 . It will be appreciated that more than one hanger notch  60 , that is, a plurality of hanger notches (not shown) may be utilized. It will further be understood that one or more hanger notches  60  may be located in various positions along the length  58  of the hanger member  16  (not shown). Further, any type of hanger notch  60 , described herein, may be utilized, either singularly, or in combination, and in any position. When a hook is utilized, it will be appreciated that the hook may be rotatable. 
     The adjustable arm member  22  is also usually cylindrically-shaped, but it will be appreciated that any shape may be utilized, so long as the hanger member  16  and the multi-purpose hanger  10  function as described and/or shown herein. The adjustable arm member  22  has a first end  62 , a second end  64 , an outer periphery  66  and a length  68 . An arm aperture (not shown) is formed in the first end  62 , permitting the third nut and bolt assembly  30  to connect the adjustable arm member  22  to the hinge assembly  24 . 
     The first end  62  of the adjustable arm member  22  is connected to the hinge assembly  24  via the third nut and bolt assembly  30 , the hinge assembly  24  is connected to the hanger member  16  via the second nut and bolt assembly  28 . The second end  64  of the adjustable arm member  22  is formed to connected to at least one of the plurality of notches  44  in the connector member  12 , although it will be appreciated that the adjustable arm member  22  may be formed to connect to, or through, one or more notches  44 , or the alternatives, such as, but not by way of limitation, apertures, pegs, and/or grooves. It will be understood that the hingeable engagement of the adjustable arm member  22  to the hanger member  16 , as shown in FIGS. 1-2, permits the higher and lower, vertical adjustment of the hanger member  16 . 
     In a method of use, the multi-purpose hanger  10  is connected to a selected surface  43 , such as, but not by way of limitation, a tree trunk. The second side  36  of the connector member  12  is disposed adjacent the tree trunk, and the first connecting strap  46  is extended about the tree trunk and connected to the connecting link  49  of the second connecting strap  48 . The connector element  50  is activated via an operator pulling the first connecting strap  46 , thereby tightening the engagement of the first connecting strap  46 , the second connecting strap  48  and the connector member  12  about the (tree trunk) selected surface  43 , resulting in a tight, non-slippable engagement between the connector member  12  and the selected surface  43 . 
     An item, such as, but not by way of limitation, a lantern (not shown), may be connected to the hanger member  16  by sliding the ring usually connected to the top of a lantern (not shown) over the second end  54  of the hanger member  16  and into the hanger notch  60 . The hanger member  16  is then lifted into a position by lifting the adjustable arm member  22  and disposing the second end  64  of the adjustable arm member (through which at least a portion of the second end  64  is formed at least a hollow portion) against one of the plurality of notches  44 , thereby engaging and holding the hanger member  16  in a fixed position selected by the operator. It will be appreciated, as shown in FIG. 2, that engaging the second end  64  of the adjustable arm member  22  in one of the higher notches of the plurality of notches  44  results in the higher position of the second end  54  of the hanger member  16 , while engagement of the second end  64  of the adjustable arm member  22  in one of the lower notches of the plurality of notches  44  results in the lower position of the second end  54  of the hanger member  16 . It will also be understood that the multi-purpose hanger  10  is easily and quickly connected to the selected surface  43  and also easily and quickly disconnected from the selected surface  43 , without causing any significant damage to the surface. 
     The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 5-6 
     The connector member  12  shown in FIGS. 1-4 has formed therein a ninety degree (90%) angle, which extends the length of the connector member  12 , namely, from the first end  40  to the second end  42 . However, it will be appreciated that the connector member  12  may, partially or totally, have a different configuration. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5-6, as shown herein and designated by the general reference numeral  10   a  is a multi-purpose hanger and another connector member  12   a  constructed in accordance with the previously disclosed multi-purpose hanger  10 . In an alternative, however, the connector member  12   a  has a round configuration extending through a part or all of the connector member (as shown in FIG.  5 ), or the connector member  12   a  may have, partially or totally, a flat configuration (a partial flat configuration is shown in FIG.  6 ). It will be appreciated that the connector member  12  may also have other convex, concave, or any other configuration shown and/or described herein, or known in the art, so long as the connector member  12   a  operates as shown and/or described herein. 
     In these embodiments, the multi-purpose hanger  10   a  will operate in the methods described and shown previously herein. For application to a selected surface  43   a  which is flat, it will be appreciated that other elements may be utilized to connect the connector member  12   a  to the flat surface. Such elements include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, nails, hook and loop-type material, and any other elements known in the art which would permit the multi-purpose hanger  10   a  to operate and function in the manner shown and/or described herein. 
     The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 7-8 
     Referring to FIGS. 7-8, as shown herein and designated by the general reference numeral  10   b  is a multi-purpose hanger and another adjustable arm member  22   b  constructed in accordance with the previously disclosed multi-purpose hanger  10 . In an alternative embodiment, however, the hinge assembly  24  (FIGS. 1-2) is eliminated, and, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the first end  62  of the adjustable arm member  22   b  is modified as illustrated (FIGS. 7-8) to permit rotation, or pivoting, of the adjustable arm member  22   b  in its connection with the hanger member  16   b.    
     In a method of use of this alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the multi-purpose hanger  10   b  will operate in the methods described and/or shown previously herein. 
     The Embodiments and Method of FIG. 9 
     Referring to FIG. 9, as shown herein and designated by the general reference numeral  10   c  is a multi-purpose hanger and another alternate embodiment constructed in accordance with the previously disclosed multi-purpose hanger  10 . In this alternative embodiment, however, the hinge assembly (not shown), or the alternative adjustable arm member  24   c  described immediately above, could be altered to permit the hinge assembly (not shown) and/or the adjustable arm member  24   c  to be hingeably connected in the manner described and/or shown herein to the connector member  12   c  rather than the hanger member  16   c . In the present embodiment, the hanger member  16   c  has a plurality of notches  44   c . It will be understood that any alternative to a plurality of notches shown and/or described herein or known in the art may be utilized. This alternative embodiment permits the hanger member  16   c  to be positioned via the adjustable arm member  22   c  in a manner similar to the one shown and described previously herein. 
     In a method of use of this alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the multi-purpose hanger  10   c  will operate in the methods described and shown previously herein, with the exception that the second end  64   c  of the adjustable arm member  22   c  is hingeably connected to the connector member  12   c , and the first end  62   c  of the adjustable arm member  22   c  is positioned adjacent at least one of the plurality of notches  44   c  on the hanger member  16   c  to position the hanger member  16   c  in the desired position. 
     The Embodiments and Methods of FIG. 10 
     Referring to FIG. 10, as shown herein and designated by the general reference numeral  10   d  is a multi-purpose hanger and another alternate embodiment constructed in accordance with the previously disclosed multi-purpose hanger  10 . In this alternative embodiment, however, the hanger member  16   d  is formed as a telescoping hanger member  16   d , as shown in FIG.  10 . That is, the hanger member  16   d  may have a plurality of hanger member parts  72  (only one of the plurality of hanger member parts designated by numeral  72 ) which form the hanger member  16   d , which may be connected together via an operator to form the hanger member  16   d  (not shown), or, alternatively, each of the plurality of hanger member parts  72  may fit one inside the other and extend and lock into place to form the “telescoping”, i.e., elongated hanger member  16   d , as shown in FIG.  10 . Such telescoping parts of each type are known in the art, and various ways of locking such telescoping parts together are known in the art. Such an arrangement permits a collapsibility of the hanger member  16   d , permitting ease of use and/or transport. 
     Similarly, it will be appreciated that the adjustable arm member  22   d , as shown in FIG. 10, may also, optionally, be formed of any telescoping elements shown and/or described herein, or known in the art. The adjustable arm member  22   d  illustrated in FIG. 10 has a plurality of adjustable arm member parts  74  which are interlocked together via any method described and/or shown herein, or known in the art. 
     In a method of use of either of these alternative embodiments, it will be appreciated that the multi-purpose hanger  10   d  will operate in the methods described and/or shown previously herein. 
     The Embodiments and Methods of FIGS. 11-12 
     Referring to FIGS. 11-12, as shown herein and designated by the general reference numeral  10   e  is a multi-purpose hanger and another alternate embodiment constructed in accordance with the previously disclosed multi-purpose hanger  10 . In this alternative embodiment, however, the connector member  12   e  has a top portion  76  connected thereto. The top portion  76  fits over the top of, for example, but not by way of limitation, a fence post, a mail box post, or the like, when the multi-purpose hanger  10   e  is connected thereto. Such a top portion  76  could comprise a square box-type shape having an opening (FIG.  11 ), a cylindrical shape having one closed end (FIG.  12 ), or any other shape or configuration, or combination of shapes and/or configurations, known in the art. 
     In a method of use of either of these alternative embodiments, it will be appreciated that the multi-purpose hanger  10   e  will operate in the methods described and shown previously herein. It will be understood that the top portion  76  may be applied to the top of a post either before the connector member  12   e  is firmly connected to the selected surface  43   e , or, alternatively, the top portion  76  may be applied to the top of a post after the connector member  12  is firmly connected to the selected surface  43   e . The top portion  76  may rest above the elements of the multi-purpose hanger  10   e , as shown in FIGS. 11-12. It will be appreciated, however, that the top portion  76  may extend over the upper portion of the multi-purpose hanger  10   e , namely, a portion of the first end  40   e  of the connector member  12   e  and over at least a portion of the first and second connecting straps  46   e  and  48   e , respectively, including at least a portion of the connecting link  49   e  and the connector element  50   e  (not shown). 
     Changes may be made in the embodiments of the invention described herein, or in parts or elements of the embodiments described herein, or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein, without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5