HANGER

FTFXD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hanger. The hanger of the present invention provides improved access to the body of the hanger. The invention further relates to a hanger designed to be stable and have strength. The hanger of the present invention is suitable for use as a children's hanger or access for a person with disabilities such as a person in a wheel chair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hanger comprising a neck portion, the neck portion further comprising a straight neck portion in combination with a fan shaped portion at the base of the straight neck portion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the neck portion extends to a sufficient length to permit persons with a height disadvantage to reach a body portion of said hanger . without using other assistive devices.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the fan shaped portion further comprises strengthening support ribs.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the strengthening support ribs are spaced apart and/or interspersed by filler material which may be entirely solid or may be filligreed.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the strengthening support ribs extend through solid material of the fan portion.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the strengthening support ribs arc present on only one side of the filler material.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the body portion further comprises support elements located at a base of the fan shaped portion.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the body portion further comprises support elements spaced intervallically along a lower bar (bottom rung) of the body portion. The lower bar, or bottom rung, is spaced apart from the base of the fan portion to form the body portion.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the body portion further comprises at least one hook and typically a pair of hooks located on opposite sides of the body portion.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the person with a height disadvantage seated is in a wheelchair.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the person with a height disadvantage is a child.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hanger further comprising a safety snap point at which the hangar will break along its body portion when sufficient force is exerted thereon,

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the snap point is integrated into a lower bar (bottom rung) element of the body portion. The snap point may be located between intervallically spaced support elements as a weakness or weak point inside the lower rung. This safety feature would snap open the body portion if, for example, a child inserted their head, or tried to insert their head into the body portion.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided, a hanger comprising a neck portion and a body portion, the neck portion further comprising a hook portion, a straight portion and a fan shaped portion wherein the ran shaped portion extends downward fay from the base of the straight portion, and further wherein the neck portion extends to a sufficient length to permit persons with a height disadvantage to reach a body portion of the hanger without using other assistive devices to access the hanger.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the hanger further comprises a fan shaped portion further comprising at least one support rib.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the fan portion comprises a filler material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, at least one support rib extends through the filler material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention at least one support rib is present on at least one side of the filler material.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the filler material is at least partially solid in the nature of a filigree or is entirely solid.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the filler material is plastic, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, rubber, bamboo or other woods, various combinations and amalgamations, alloys, blends, composites, and intermixtures.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the body portion further comprises at least one support element, and typically a pair of support elements, located at a base of the fan shaped portion and near the apex of triangularly shaped body portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the body portion further comprises support elements spaced intervallicaUy along a bottom rung of the body portion, wherein the bottom rung is spaced apart from the base of the fen portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the body portion further comprises hooks.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided, a hanger further comprising a safety snap point at which the hangar will break along its body portion when sufficient force is exerted thereon.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the snap point is integrated into a lower rung element of the body portion.

A hanger having an extended neck supported by a fan shaped portion having spaced apart support ribs and other support and strength elements. The hanger neck length is extended to provide access by children and other persons having a height disadvantage, such as wheelchair users and/or to facilitate closet organization. Optional support elements can also be spaced along an arm of the hanger body. An optional safety snap-point is provided.

Other and further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of a hanger of the present invention;

Fig.2 illustrates a front perspective view of the first embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 1 ;

Fig. 3 illustrates a left side view of the first embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 1;

Fig.4 illustrates a rear elevational view of the first embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure I ;

Fig. 5 illustrates a left side view of the first embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 1 ;

Fig. 6 illustrates a front elevational view of the first embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 1;

Fig- 7 illustrates a top plan view of the first embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of the first embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of a hanger of the present invention;

Fig. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the second embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 9;

Fig. 11 illustrates a left side view of the second embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 9;

Fig. 12 illustrates a rear elevational view of the second embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 9;

Fig. 13 illustrates a left side view of the second embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 9;

Fig. 14 illustrates a front elevational view of the second embodiment of a banger of the present invention shown in Figure 9;

Fig. 15 illustrates a top plan view of the second embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 9;

Fig. 16 illustrates a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 9;

Fig. 17 illustrates a rear perspective view of a third embodiment of a hanger of the present invention;

Fig. 18 illustrates a front perspective view of the third embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 17;

Fig. 19 illustrates a left side view of the third embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 17;

Fig. 20 illustrates a rear elevational view of the third embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 17;

Fig.21 illustrates a left side view of the third embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 17;

Fig. 22 illustrates a front elevational view of the third embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 17;

Fig.23 illustrates a top plan view of the third embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 17;

Fig. 24 illustrates a bottom plan view of the third embodiment of a hanger of the present invention shown in Figure 17; and

Fig.25 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a hanger of the present invention.

In the Figures, the reference numerals are numbered for consistency between the various embodiments illustrated such that the reference numerals relating to like parts arc increased by 100 for each set of Figures pertaining to each of the second, third and fourth embodiments illustrated. For example, hanger 10 represents an exemplification or first embodiment of a hanger in accordance with the present invention, hanger 110 represents the second embodiment, hanger 210 represents third embodiment and hanger 310 represents the 4 ^th embodiment.

It is appreciated that a person skilled in the art would understand and know that these embodiments are only examples of the invention as described and claimed in the application and other embodiments would also fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Taken together with the following description the Figures and the description provide an exemplification of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Like reference numerals relate to like parts.

The hanger of the present invention provides, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a lightweight but strong and stable hanger which is accessible to children, persons of shorter height, and persons with disabilities including those in wheelchairs, amongst others. Generally, persons who would be unable to reach or who could not easily reach a normal clothes hanger hanging in a standard position in a closet

The hanger of the present invention provides accessibility and at the same time does not substantially torque or twist when in use thereby providing strength and stability. The combination of accessibility, because of a longer neck, combined with the additional stabilizing features to reduce and/or prevent torque, or twisting, when in use. This combination provides enhanced accessibility and easier use of the hanger of the present invention when compared to standard coat and clothing hangers by persons unable to reach a regular closet hanger when hanging in a standard position in a closet This facilitates both putting articles of clothing onto the hanger as well as removing articles of clothing from the hanger. Another use for the hanger of the present invention is for closet organization when combined in a closet organization comprising regular hangers together with hangers of the present invention to create two levels for clothing. This is particularly useful for articles of clothing which arc short in length, such as blouses, shirts, and children's clothing, for example, as well as accessories.

The hanger of the present invention, for which several embodiments are illustrated, permits easy reach to the body of the hanger and provides a specific configuration that permits easier access to the hanger while at the same time providing stability. Enhanced stability is often needed often by users with limited dexterity or use of their hands or arms. Similarly, stability is important when the hanger has a longer overall vertical height to help minimize torque along the neck of the hanger.

The hanger of the present invention comprises a body portion which may be of vaiying sizes to accommodate different sized articles of clothing. For example, the hanger may have a small body to accommodate children's clothes. The hanger may have a larger body to accommodate clothing of a large person or special needs person or a person with a disability who may not have the ability to freely use their arms to reach the hanger and/or wrap the clothing around the hanger. In both instances the support, stability, and strength features provided by the hanger of the present invention increase ease of use, accessibility and reduce frustration for the user.

Turning Io the Figures, one preferred embodiment of the hanger 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 8. In Figure 1, the banger 10 is generally elongated in vertical length from hook 24 all the way to the bottom rung 29 of body portion 18. Hanger 10 is illustrated as comprising a neck portion 22 and a hook 24. The neck portion 22 is substantially straight along length 20. Below the neck portion 22 is a substantially fan shaped portion generally marked as 12. Fan shaped portion 12 has reinforced rib 14 extending along the length of the fan shaped portion 12 from the narrow apex 13 to the bottom of the fan 31.

Although only 1 rib is illustrated in the central region of fan portion there could be a plurality of ribs extending along the length of fan shaped portion 12. Or, there could be just the supporting ribs along the sides 14a and 14c without a rib in the middle at all. This embodiment is illustrated in Figure 25 with 314a and 314c corresponding to 14a and 14c in Figure 1. Between the ribs is further material 16. In one embodiment the material 16 is made from plastic. Various grades of plastic could be used but preferred grades are heavy duty plastics. Other materials, both plastic and non-plastic, would be known to a person skilled in the art as workable including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, rubber, bamboo oτ other woods, and various combinations and amalgamations, alloys, blends, composites, and intermixtures.

Continuing with Figure 1 , together the neck 22 and the fan portion 12 comprise the overall neck 22 of hanger 10. The neck ends in a hooked portion 24. The hooked portion can hook over a wardrobe or closet clothing rod as is the case with any standard hanger; however,

the hangar of the present invention extends further to permit access by persons unable to reach a standard hangar or to create two levels of clothing storage within one common space avoiding the need for a second rod.

Aside from the neck portion 22 of the hangar 10, the hanger 10 further comprises a body portion 18. The body portion 18 of the present invention comprises further support elements 30 and 32. The body portion 18 comprises yet further optional support elements 28.

While not all support elements may be present at one time, as seen by comparing embodiment 1 (Figures 1 to 8), with embodiment 2 (Figures 9 to 19), with embodiment 3 (Figures 17 to 24) and embodiment 4 (Figure 25), the most preferred embodiment for stability of the present invention comprises all support elements albeit in different "amounts". For example, rib 14 can be increased or decreased in number. Similarly, support elements 28 can be increased or decreased in number along bottom rung 29. Elements 30 and 32 support that part of body portion 18 which is approximately directly below the neck of hanger 10. On the other hand support elements 28 provide intervallic support along the bottom of body portion 18. In the figures there are four support elements 28 illustrated along a bottom arm 29 of body portion 18; however more or less of these elements may be needed or may be used depending on the material fϊom which hanger 10 is manufactured.

The body portion 18 of hanger 10 comprises optional support elements 28 spaced intervallically along the arm 29 of the body portion 18, wherein the arm is spaced apart from the base 31 of the fan portion 12.

The variety of support elements provided by the hanger of the present invention provide an improved strength combined with a reduced torque advantageously stabilizing a hanger 10 with a longer neck length (20 + 12), the neck length comprising a fan shaped portion 12 and a straight portion 20, for persons having height disadvantages regardless of the cause of the height disadvantage.

Additional features 26 and 26' provide a hooked region for hanging skirts, pants or other articles that may otherwise not fit over the body of the hanger 10 or may slip when hung over the body portion of hanger 10. While the hooks on the hanger, as illustrated in the Figures, are illustrated in a particular embodiment as attached to the body portion 18, many other shapes and orientations could be used and would be known to a person skilled in the art.

One surface/side of fan portion 12 is illustrated in Figure 2 as reference numeral 9. As illustrated the ribs 14 span the opposite side 11 of the fan shaped portion 12 appearing therefore on one side but not the other, in this embodiment. Ribs could appear on both sides to provide support.

As illustrated in Figures 9-16, another embodiment of the hangar of the present invention is provided. Corresponding numbers for like parts (compared to Figures 1-8) are increased by a factor of "100" to define a "100" series of reference numerals.

The embodiment in Figures 9-16 differs at the hook elements 127 and 127', when compared to 26 and 26' respectively in Figures 1-8. In Figures 9-16 the hook elements 127 and 127' are an integral part of body 11 S instead of a separate piece such as the paired pieces 26 and 26' in Figures 1-8. An "opening" is defined by the hook design to allow a skirt or strap on an article of clothing to be inserted.

Figures 17-24 exemplify another embodiment of the hangar of the present invention. Corresponding numbers for like parts are increased by another factor of "100" (as compared to Figures 9-16) to form a "200" series of reference numerals.

Figures 17-24 differ from Figures 9-16 in that the scalloped support elements along portion 229 are absent The support elements 28 (Figures 1-8) and 128 (Figures 9-16) are optional with respect to the hangar; however, in this configuration a stronger plastic or other material may be used for the bottom element 229.

Figure 25 exemplifies another embodiment of the hangar of the present invention. Corresponding numbers for like parts are increased by another factor of "100" (as compared to Figures 17-24) to form a "300" series of reference numerals.

Comparing the four embodiments there are common features throughout which contribute to the functionality of the present invention for tho special purposes and uses described herein including a hook (24, 124, 224, 324), a straight portion (20, 120, 220, 320), a fan portion (12, 112, 212, and "350, 352, and 354"), a body portion (18, 118, 218 and 318), body support elements (30, 32; 130, 132; 230, 232; and 330, 332) and fan portion support ribs (14a, c; 114a, c; 214a, c; 314a, c).

Optionally, there may be additional rib support elements along the length of the fan portion (for example: 14b, 114b, and 214b) and there may be multiple rib support elements along the length of the fan portion (not illustrated in the Figures).

Optionally, there may be at least one additional support element suspended from the bottom rung (29) of the hanger of the present invention. In embodiment 1 (Figures 1-8) a plurality of 4 identical scallop shaped support elements (28) are illustrated. These support elements need not be the same shape or size.

Optionally, the hooks (26, 26'; 127, 127'; 227, 227'; 356 to 359) to hold a skirt, pants, thin straps, accessories, or other item appreciated by persons, can be either attached to or integrally formed as part of the body portion (18, 118, 218, 318 respectively).

The body portion (18, 118, 218, 318) is in a substantially triangular shape. In embodiment four (Figure 25) the apex 360 of the triangularly shaped body portion is also present- Also in Figure 25 there are no additional support ribs extending through the length of the material 350 present between sides 352 and 354, and also ribs 314a and 314c. Collectively these substantially define the fan shaped portion of Figure 25, the fourth embodiment

The precise length of the extended neck is not as important as the support provided to the neck by the fan shaped portion together with any support ribs present. Functionally, the length of the neck has to be a length to fit the closet of the user appropriately and/or provide the needed access and reach of the height challenged person. Additional support elements will be used and needed for longer neck lengths.

Optionally, the hangar may include a "snap point" along bottom element 29, 129, or 229, which permits the hangar to snap or break easily at that juncture as a safety feature in the event a child tries to put his or her head into the opening defined by body element 18, 118, or 128. Similarly a child would not be able to distort the hangar by pulling excessively on bottom element 29, 129, or 229 as it would snap (i.e. break) at the "snap point". This is a safety feature.

The surfaces 9, 109, and 209 cover and define triangular portion 12, 112, and 212 respectively. On the opposite side surfaces 11, 111, and 211 are the opposite side of the surfaces 9, 109, and 209 respectively. Surfaces 11, 111, and 211 define the area between ribs 14, 114, and 214 respectively and are typically made of the same material as the rest of the hanger.

Example

Figure 26 sets out a specific example of the dimensions of a hanger of the present invention. One skilled in the art would appreciate that hangers of the present invention need not be exactly these measurements. These measurements are provided by way of example only and are not to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims and as supported by the description provided.

It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that different elements of the hangar could be made from different materials. To minimize costs, however, typically the entire hangar is best made from the same plastic material. The hanger of the present invention can be molded readily using known injection molding technologies thereby facilitating manufacture of large quantities.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations, modifications and equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.