WO2009117088A2

WO2009117088A2 - Plastic clip hanger for clothing

Info

Publication number: WO2009117088A2
Application number: PCT/US2009/001676
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary Barker
Original assignee: Greenheart Global, Inc.
Priority date: 2008-03-17
Filing date: 2009-03-17
Publication date: 2009-09-24
Also published as: WO2009117088A3

Abstract

A pinch-type clip hanger has a body portion including two diverging arms and a body jaw element spaced along each arm, a pair of pinch-type clips formed of a body jaw element and a separate jaw element, and resilient biasing means for holding the jaw elements together. The jaw elements are arranged in facing relationship with a pair of spaced projections having curvilinear recesses extending from one facing surface and a corresponding pair of spaced projections having curvilinear outer surfaces extending from the other facing surface. When the jaw elements are held together by the biasing means, the curvilinear projections are received within the curvilinear recesses for allowing the jaw elements to pivot thereabout. Due to the curvature of the jaw elements, the lower end portions of the elements are biased into abutting relationship for releasably holding garments therebetween and the upper end portions are spaced apart.

Description

PLASTIC CLIP HANGER FOR CLOTHING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to clothing hangers and, more particularly to molded clothing hangers formed entirely of plastic and having plastic clips for holding garments such as trousers or skirts, where the body of the hanger and the clips are formed of a single recyclable plastic material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Clothing hangers are typically made of wood, metal and/or plastic. Hangers made of each of these materials have their individual characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. One advantage of plastic hangers is that they can be relatively inexpensively mass produced, as by molding, and are serviceably durable. Conventional, commercially available hangers having a body portion formed of plastic and a hook formed integrally with the body portion of the same plastic material are well known. Plastic hangers having pinch-type clips to hold trousers or skirts are also well known. Frequently, the pinch-type clips are formed of metal. However, pinch-type clips formed of plastic and mounted on a plastic hanger body are also known as is shown in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,075,935-Abdi and Re. 32,269-Bisk et al. However, the plastic pinch-type clips disclosed in these patents are formed of at least two different plastic materials, i.e., the jaws are formed of one plastic material while the biasing element is formed of a second and different plastic material, at least one of which materials is non-recyclable. This presents significant environmental problems when disposal of broken or otherwise unusable plastic hangers becomes necessary. Moreover, known all-plastic clip hangers suffer from one or more serious structural drawbacks such as being overly complex in construction, difficult to assemble and of limited durability. Docket No. 740111-21

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide a pinch-type clip hanger which is entirely formed from a single plastic material.

[0004] It is another object of this invention to provide a pinch-type clip, all plastic hanger in which each pinch-type clip consists of only three elements, including the hanger body portion, and is, therefore, easy to mold, simple to assemble and easy to use.

[0005] It is still another object of this invention to provide a pinch-type clip, all plastic hanger which is one hundred percent recyclable.

[0006] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a pinch-type clip, all plastic hanger which is versatile in use, low in cost and simple to dispose of.

[0007] The foregoing and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a pinch-type clip hanger for holding garments comprising: a body portion having a hook for suspending the hanger from a support, a pair of diverging arms which come together at the hook and a body jaw element spaced from the hook along each arm, the body portion being an integral unit formed of a plastic material which is recyclable; a pair of pinch-type clips, each clip comprising a pair of jaw elements, one of the jaw elements of each clip being a body jaw element of the body portion, the other of the jaw elements being a separate element, and resilient biasing means for holding the jaw elements together, the separate jaw element and the biasing means being formed of the same plastic material as the body portion, whereby the pinch-type clip hanger is one hundred percent recyclable; each of the jaw elements including an upper end portion, a lower end portion and an intermediate portion, the separate jaw element being generally arcuate with its intermediate portion bowed toward the body jaw element, the jaw elements being arranged to be disposed in facing relationship with the facing surfaces of the intermediate portions thereof including complementary fulcrum means adapted to be interengaged for relative pivotal movement, one of the jaw element facing surfaces having a pair of spaced projections extending toward the other of Docket No. 740111-21

the jaw elements, the projections including curvilinear recesses in the facing surfaces of the projections which open toward the other jaw element, the other of the jaw element facing surfaces having a corresponding pair of spaced apart projections having curvilinear outer surfaces extending toward the one of the jaw elements, the curvilinear projections being positioned such that when the jaw elements are held together by the biasing means, the curvilinear projections are received within the curvilinear recesses; and means on the jaw elements receiving the biasing means for holding the jaw elements together and allowing the jaw elements to pivot about the fulcrum means; whereby when the jaw elements are held together by the biasing means, due to the curvature of at least one of the jaw elements, the lower end portions of the elements are biased into abutting relationship for releasably holding garments therebetween and the upper end portions are spaced apart, the garments being releasable by squeezing the upper end portions of the jaw elements toward each other against the biasing force of the biasing means, causing the jaw elements to pivot about the fulcrum means and separating the lower end portions of the jaw elements.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pinch-type clip hanger wherein the biasing means has an arcuate mid-portion and a pair of free ends and wherein the means on the jaw elements comprises an aperture through each jaw element positioned above the fulcrum means, the biasing means extending through the apertures with the free ends engaging the non-facing surfaces of the jaw elements.

[0009] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pinch-type clip hanger wherein each of the non-facing surfaces of the jaw elements include a vertical, elongated, recessed slot extending from the upper end portion to the lower end portion, the aperture defining the upper portion of each slot and a recess defining the lower portion of each slot and wherein the free ends of the biasing means terminate in projections having generally parallel, facing flat surfaces, the parallel, facing flat surfaces engaging the recesses in the slots. [0010] In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pinch-type clip hanger entirely formed of polyethylene terephthalate, which is one hundred percent recyclable. Docket No. 740111-21

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGURE 1 is a bottom plan view of the improved plastic clip hanger of the present invention.

[0012] FIGURE 2 is a left side elevational view of the improved plastic clip hanger of the present invention.

[0013] FIGURE 3 is a right side elevational view of the improved plastic clip hanger of the present invention.

[0014] FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of the improved plastic clip hanger of the present invention.

[0015] FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the improved plastic clip hanger of the present invention.

[0016] FIGURE 6 is a rear elevational view of the improved plastic clip hanger of the present invention.

[0017] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the improved plastic clip hanger of the present invention.

[0018] FIGURE 8 is an exploded side perspective view of the left side pinch-type clip of the present invention.

[0019] FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the improved plastic clip hanger of the present invention with the left side pinch-type clip shown in exploded perspective.

[0020] FIGURE 10 is a front elevational view of the thumb clip portion of the pinch-type clip of the present invention.

[0021] FIGURE 11 is a side elevational view of the thumb clip portion of the pinch-type clip of the present invention.

[0022] FIGURE 12 is a rear elevational view of the thumb clip portion of the pinch-type clip of the present invention.

[0023] FIGURE 13 is a front elevational view of the biasing means of the pinch-type clip of the present invention. Docket No. 740111-21

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to FIGURES 1-7 there is shown a hanger 10 having two pinch-type clips 11 for holding garments such as trousers or skirts. Hanger 10 comprises a body portion 12 having integrally formed a hook 14 for suspending the hanger 10, e.g., from a closet rod, a pair of diverging arms 16, 18 which come together at the hook 14 and a body jaw element 20 spaced from the hook 14 along each arm 16, 18, e.g., at the remote end of each arm 16, 18. Desirably, arms 16, 18 diverge outwardly and slightly downwardly in a gently arcuate manner from hook 14 toward body jaw elements 20. Preferably, the upper margin 16a, 18a of each arm 16, 18 is formed as an enlarged thickness rib 22 to provide structural strength and durability to hanger 10. Body portion 12 is molded as an integral unit of strong, lightweight, durable plastic which is readily recyclable, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0025] Referring to FIGURES 8-13, there is shown the details of the pinch-type clips 1 1. As can be seen, each clip 1 1 comprises a pair of jaw elements 20, 30, one of which, body jaw element 20, is integral with body portion 12, the other of which , thumb jaw element 30, is provided as a separate element, and resilient biasing means 50 for connecting the jaw elements 20, 30 together. Jaw element 30 and resilient biasing means 50 are each formed of strong, lightweight, durable plastic which is readily recyclable and, desirably, from the very same plastic, e.g., PET, from which body portion 12 is molded. As a result, the pinch-type clip hanger of the present invention is one hundred percent recyclable. Another advantage of the hanger of the present invention is that each pinch-type clip consists of only three elements, a body portion, a thumb jaw element and a biasing means. As a result, the pinch-type clip hanger of the present invention, being desirably formed from a single type of plastic material, is simple to mold and easy to assemble and use.

[0026] As can be seen most clearly in FIGURES 8-13, each jaw element is generally ear shaped. Jaw element 20 is generally planar except for the lower end portion 38 thereof which curves slightly toward jaw element 30. Jaw element 30 is generally arcuate as viewed in side elevation in FIGURE 1 1. Each of the jaw elements 20, 30 include a vertical, elongated, recessed slot 32 formed on the face 20a, 30a of each jaw element 20, 30 remote from the other jaw Docket No. 7401 11-21

element 30, 20. The upper portion of each slot 32 defines an aperture 34 in each jaw element 20, 30 which extends through to the opposite face 20b, 30b. The lower portion of each slot 32 defines a generally elongate recess 35 in the surface 20a, 30a of each jaw element 20, 30. The jaw elements 20, 30 are arranged to be disposed in facing relationship, as can be seen in FIGURES 7-9, with an intermediate pivoting fulcrum means 36 therebetween and with biasing means 50 passing through aperture 34 in each of the jaw elements 20, 30 to hold the pinch-type clip 11 together. Due to the curvature in each of the jaw elements 20, 30, when the pinch-type clip 11 is held together by the biasing means 50, the lower end portions 38 of jaw elements 20, 30 are biased into abutting relationship for holding garments such as trousers or skirts. At the same time, due to the curvature in each of the jaw elements, the upper end portions 40 of jaw elements 20, 30 are spaced apart. The lower end portions 38 may be separated, i.e., the pinch- type clip 11 may be opened, by grasping the jaw elements 20, 30 at their upper end portions 40 between the thumb and forefinger and squeezing these upper end portions 40 toward each other against the biasing force of biasing means 50, causing the jaw elements 20, 30 to pivot about fulcrum means 36. Upon release of the upper end portions 40, the biasing means 50 returns the lower end portions 38 of the jaw elements 20, 30 back together to permit the holding of a garment therebetween.

[0027] Referring to FIGURES 8 and 9, the configuration and manner of operation of fulcrum means 36 can be better understood. At the intermediate portion of jaw elements 20, 30 along opposing faces 20b, 30b and positioned between apertures 34 and lower end portions 38 are a pair of spaced apart projections 42 on jaw element 20 extending toward jaw element 30 and a corresponding pair of spaced apart projections 44 on jaw element 30 extending toward jaw element 20. The projections 44 desirably have a curvilinear outer surface 44a facing jaw element 20. The projections 42 desirably have curvilinear recesses 46 formed in their facing surfaces 42b opening toward jaw element 30 and are positioned on face 20b relative to projections 44 on face 30b such that, when jaw elements 20, 30 are held together by biasing means 50, the curvilinear outer surfaces 44a of projections 44 are received within the curvilinear recesses 46 of projections 42. Thus, as upper end portions 40 of jaw elements 20, 30 are squeezed together, projections 44 pivot within recesses 46 of projections 42 to cause lower end portions 38 to separate. Likewise, Docket No. 7401 11-21

as upper end portions 40 of jaw elements 20, 30 are released, projections 44 again pivot within recesses 46 of projections 42 to allow lower end portions 38 to return back together under the influence of biasing means 50. The facing surfaces 38a of lower end portions 38 desirably include a plurality of spaced apart ridges 48 extending across the width thereof (see FIGURE 8) to aid in engaging the garment to securely hold it between end portions 38. The spaced apart ridges 48 are particularly effective when the ridges 48 on the lower end portions 38 of jaw elements 20, 30 are positioned such that the ridges 48 on one of the jaw elements 20, 30 fit within the spaces between the ridges 48 on the other of the jaw elements 30, 20 when the jaw elements 20, 30 are held together by biasing means 50.

[0028] The resilient biasing means 50, as can best be seen in FIGURES 8, 9 AND 13, is desirably of partially circular shape, generally comprising greater than about 270° and less than 360° of a complete circle, has an arcuate mid-portion 52, and free ends 54 terminating in projections 56 having generally parallel, facing flat surfaces 58. Each of the pinch-type clips 1 1 is assembled using resilient biasing means 50 by positioning jaw elements 20, 30 opposite each other with projections 44 received within recesses 46 of projections 42. The free ends 54 of the partially circular shaped biasing means 50 are each inserted from the side of faces 20b, 30b through one of apertures 34 until the free ends 54 engage faces 20a, 30a of jaw elements 20, 30. By pressing on the resilient biasing means 50 from its arcuate mid-portion 52 toward its free ends 54, the free ends 54 of biasing means 50 are caused to slide along faces 20a, 30a until the facing flat surfaces 58 enter recesses 35 of elongate slots 32. Pressure on biasing means 50 is maintained until the facing flat surfaces 58 strike the lower end of recesses 35 (see FIGURE 9), at which point biasing means 50 is fully seated on jaw elements 20, 30 and the pinch-type clips Hare fully assembled.

[0029] While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design other than as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Docket No. 740111-21CLAIMS

1. A pinch-type clip hanger for holding garments comprising: a body portion having a hook for suspending the hanger from a support, a pair of diverging arms which come together at the hook and a body jaw element spaced from the hook along each arm, said body portion being an integral unit formed of a plastic material which is recyclable; a pair of pinch-type clips, each clip comprising a pair of jaw elements, one of said jaw elements of each clip being a body jaw element of said body portion, the other of said jaw elements being a separate element, and resilient biasing means for holding said jaw elements together, said separate jaw element and said biasing means being formed of the same plastic material as said body portion, whereby said pinch-type clip hanger is one hundred percent recyclable; each of said jaw elements including an upper end portion, a lower end portion and an intermediate portion, said separate jaw element being generally arcuate with its intermediate portion bowed toward said body jaw element, said jaw elements being arranged to be disposed in facing relationship with the facing surfaces of said intermediate portions thereof including complementary fulcrum means adapted to be interengaged for relative pivotal movement, one of said jaw element facing surfaces having a pair of spaced projections extending toward the other of said jaw elements, said projections including curvilinear recesses in the facing surfaces of the projections which open toward the other jaw element, the other of said jaw element facing surfaces having a corresponding pair of spaced apart projections having curvilinear outer surfaces extending toward the one of said jaw elements, said curvilinear projections being positioned such that when the jaw elements are held together by said biasing means, the curvilinear projections are received within the curvilinear recesses; and means on said jaw elements receiving said biasing means for holding said jaw elements together and allowing said jaw elements to pivot about said fulcrum means; whereby when the jaw elements are held together by the biasing means, due to the curvature of at least one of said jaw elements, the lower end portions of said elements are biased Docket No. 74011 1-21

into abutting relationship for releasably holding garments therebetween and the upper end portions are spaced apart, said garments being releasable by squeezing the upper end portions of the jaw elements toward each other against the biasing force of the biasing means, causing the jaw elements to pivot about said fulcrum means and separating the lower end portions of the jaw elements.

2. A pinch-type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said biasing means has an arcuate mid-portion and a pair of free ends.

3. A pinch-type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said means on said jaw elements comprises an aperture through each jaw element positioned above said fulcrum means, said biasing means extending through said apertures with said free ends engaging the non-facing surfaces of said jaw elements.

4. A pinch- type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said non- facing surfaces of said jaw elements include a vertical, elongated, recessed slot extending from said upper end portion to said lower end portion, said aperture defining the upper portion of each slot and a recess defining the lower portion of each slot.

5. A pinch-type clip hanger , as claimed in claim 4, wherein the free ends of said biasing means terminate in projections having generally parallel, facing flat surfaces, said parallel, facing flat surfaces engaging the recesses in said slots.

6. A pinch-type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said biasing means has a partially circular shape comprising an arc greater than about 270°.

7. A pinch-type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said body jaw element is generally planar except that the lower end portion thereof curves toward said other jaw element. Docket No. 740111-21

8. A pinch-type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 1, wherein each jaw element is generally ear shaped.

9. A pinch-type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the facing surfaces of the lower end portions of said jaw elements include a plurality of spaced apart ridges extending generally perpendicular to said elongate, recessed slot in said jaw elements.

10. A pinch-type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the spaced apart ridges on the lower end portions of one of the jaw elements fit within the spaces between the ridges on the other jaw element when the lower end portions are biased into abutting relationship by said biasing means.

1 1. A pinch-type clip hanger, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plastic material forming said hanger is polyethylene terephthalate.