The present invention relates to a stillage for garments on hangers, the stillage being moveable between an erect state and a collapsed state.

For the bulk transport of garments on hangers in a shipping container, a frame is constructed from which the garment hangers are hung prior to the frame being loaded into the shipping container. The frame is typically constructed from metal sections and is broken up after the garments have reached their point of delivery. It will be appreciated that this arrangement is both expensive and wasteful as the frame is not reused.

The fitting out of an ocean going shipping container with hanging rails has also been proposed, but such specially adapted containers are not always readily available and/or are specific to certain sizes or types of garment; furthermore such containers tend to be expensive to hire. It is also known to hang garments on ropes strung within containers, but this may lead to bunching and tends to be slow for loading and unloading.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention there is provided a collapsible garment stillage, the stillage including a base, two side frames which are pivotably mounted to the base, and a removable hanging rail which extends between the side frames.

The side frames are preferably configured such that the hanging rail can be located at more than one height relative to the base.

In a fully erect state of the stillage, the hanging rail extends between the side frames and provides a hanging location for garment hangers. In the fully erect state the side frames extend in a direction with is substantially perpendicular to the base. The stillage is movable to a fully collapsed state where the hanging rail is disengaged from the side frames, and the side frames are folded onto the base. In the fully collapsed state both side frames overlie the base from opposing sides, and one side frame overlies the other. The height of each side frame is less than the width of the base so that in the fully collapsed state the side frames do not extend beyond the perimeter of the base. The stillage is preferably provided with a stay arrangement for each side frame which, in use, serves to maintain the side frames in their substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base. The stay arrangement may include a stay member which is movable between a stored position and a deployed position. The stay arrangement may further include a latch arrangement which, in use, co-operates with the stay member to retain it in the deployed position. The stay member may comprise a bar that is pivotably connected to one of the base and side frame. In such an embodiment the latch arrangement may be provided on the other of the base and side frame. The bar is pivotable between the stored position, where it lies against either the base or the side frame, and the deployed position where it extends between the base and side frame. Each side frame may be provided with two such stay arrangements on opposing sides.

The stillage is preferably provided with a locating pin arrangement for each side frame which, in use, serves to maintain the side frames in their substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base when the stillage is in the fully erect state. The locating pin arrangement may include a slidable pin of the side frame and a recess of the base. In such an embodiment, the slidable pin may align with the recess when the side frame is in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the base, and further may be moved such that it is received in the recess. In a preferred embodiment the slidable pin is located within a member forming part of the side frame. In such an embodiment the slidable pin may be provided with an extension which projects through the aforementioned member forming part of the side frame. The extension may extend through a slot of the side frame member, which slot and extension limit the slidable movement of the pin relative to the side frame member. Each side frame may be provided with two such locating pin arrangements, or with some other suitable locking arrangement of conventional form which is adapted to maintain the parts in the correct relative position; the parts could for example be secured by thumbscrews or the like. The stillage is preferably provided with both locating pin arrangements and stay arrangements. However in an alternative embodiments the stillage may be provided with only one of these arrangements.

The hanging rail may comprise a rail member having at opposing ends a formation which enables the hanging rail to be releasably attached to the side frames. Each formation may be provided with a latch or like securing arrangement which, in use, allows the formation to be relesably attached to a side frame. The formation may be comprise a hook. The rail member may further be provided with a plurality of through apertures. These apertures, in use, may receive the hook of a garment hanger therethrough. The apertures may be equidistantly spaced along the length of the rail member. The apertures may be provided in an extension of the rail member. In such an embodiment the apertures may be provided in a flange or web extending from the underside of the rail member.

The stillage may be provided with a plurality of hanging rails. In such an embodiment the hanging rails can be attached to the side frames at desired spacings and/or heights in order to accommodate garment and hanger combinations of a desired length or drop.

The stillage may further be provided with additional securing arrangements which enable the stillage in the fully erect state to be fixed relative to an external feature. More specifically, the stillage may be provided with securing arrangements which enable the stillage to be fixed relative to the interior of a shipping container.

The underside of the base may be provided with a plurality of feet. The upper side of the base may be provided with a corresponding arrangement of foot receiving locations which are accessible when the stillage is in the collapsed state. Each foot receiving location may comprises a recess of the base. A plurality of collapsed stillages may be placed in a stacked arrangement where the feet of an upper stillage are received in the recesses of a lower stillage. The base may further be configured to receive and retain one or more hanging rails.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a collapsible garment stillage, the stillage including a base having a top frame and two side frames movably mounted thereto, wherein the top frame is provided with at least one support for a garment hanger, wherein the side and top frames are collapsible into the base.

In the erect state the stillage has the generally cuboid shape. In the collapsed position the side and top frames overlie one another upon the base.

In a preferred embodiment one or more of the side frames may be pivotably mounted to the base. In such an embodiment the pivotably mounted frames are foldable onto the base. In an alternative embodiment at least one of the side frames may be demountable from the base. In such an embodiment the demountable frames are removable from the base before being placeable upon the base. In yet a further embodiment the side frames may be configured such that some are pivotably mounted and the remainder are demountable. The top frame is preferably pivotably mounted to one of the side frames. Alternatively, the top frame may be demountable from the side frames.

The top frame is preferably provided with a latch which releasably connects the top frame to a side frame.

The stillage may be provided with an interior frame provided with at least one support for a garment hanger. The interior frame may be positioned within the stillage above the base and below the top frame. The interior frame is receivable in the base when the stillage is collapsed. The interior frame may be slidably mounted to at least one of the side frames. The interior frame may be releasably securable to one or both side frame sections at a position above the base. The interior frame may be releasably securable to one or both side frame sections at a range of positions above the base. The stillage may be provided with a plurality of interior frames which are receivable in the base when the stillage is collapsed.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the base of the stillage;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the stillage;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the stillage from the front and to one side;

Figure 4 shows a further perspective view of the stillage from the front and to one side;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the stillage from the front and to one side with one of the interior frames placed in the base of the stillage;

Figure 6 shows a further perspective view of the stillage configured as in figure 5 from the front and to one side;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the stillage from the front and to one side with both interior frames placed in the base of the stillage;

Figure 8 shows a further perspective view of the stillage configured as in figure 7 from the front and to one side;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the stillage from the front and to one side with both interior frames and the top frame placed in the base;

Figure 10 shows perspective view of the stillage from the front and to one side with both interior frames, the top frame and one side frame placed in the base;

Figure 1 1 shows perspective view of the stillage from the front and to one side with both interior frames, the top frame and both side frame placed in the base;

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a stillage according to the present invention;

Figure 13 shows a front view of the stillage of figure 12;

Figure 14 shows an end view of the stillage of figure 12;

Figure 15 shows a top view of the stillage of figure 12;

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the stillage of figure 12 with additional hanging bars; Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a lower corner of the stillage of figure

12;

Figure 18 shows a further perspective view of a lower corner of the stillage of figure 12;

Figure 19 shows a side view of a perspective view of a lower corner of the stillage of figure 12;

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a lower region of a side frame of the stillage of figure 12;

Figure 21 shows a further perspective view of a lower region of the side frame; Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the upper region of a side frame;

Figure 23 shows a front view of the stillage in a partially folded condition; Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the stillage in a partially folded condition;

Figure 25 shows a front view of the stillage in a fully folded condition;

Figure 26 shows a perspective view of the stillage in a fully folded condition;

Figure 27 shows a further perspective view of the stillage in a fully folded condition;

Figure 28 shows a perspective view of the base of the stillage in the fully folded condition and showing the manner in which hanging bars are stowed;

Figure 29 shows a perspective view of a stack of fully folded stillages;

Figure 30 shows a front view of a stack of fully folded stillages;

Figure 31 shows a side view of a stack of fully folded stillages; and

Figure 32 shows a detail view of the stack of fully folded stillages. Referring firstly to figures 1 to 4, there is shown a foldable garment stillage generally designated 10. The stillage 10 comprises a base 12, two side frame sections 14, a top frame section 16 and two interior mid frame sections 18. The figures shows the stillage 10 in an erect configuration with the interior mid frame sections 18 installed and supported by the side frame sections 14. In this configuration the stillage 10 is provided with three sets of hanging rails, with one set being provided on the top frame section 16 and the others on the interior mid frame sections 18 respectively. This configuration is suitable for transporting three tiers of relatively short garments. Each side frame section 14 has a ladder-like construction and comprises two edge pieces of box section tubing 20 which are joined by three shorter transverse pieces 22 of box section tubing. The top of the frame section 14 is provided with an eyes or recesses into which a sprung latch or pin of the top frame section 16 is receivable, in use. The edge pieces 20 are further provided with a plurality of holes 24 which, in use, can receive sprung latches or pins of the interior mid frame sections 18 in order to retain the mid frame sections 18 at desired positions relative to the side frame sections 14. Each interior mid frame section 18 is rectangular and constructed from four pieces of box-section tubing 26,28. The interior mid frame sections 18 are further provided with four hanging rails 30 which extend between the shorter pieces of box section tubing 28. The mid frame sections 18 are provided at each corner with a hook 32. Each hook 32 is fitted around an edge piece of a side frame section 14 and thus permits the interior mid frame sections 18 to slide relative to the side frame sections 14. The interior mid frame sections 18 are further provided with sprung latches or pins 34 which, in use, are receivable in the holes 24 of the side frame sections 14 in order to fix the position of the mid frame sections 18 to the side frame sections 14 The top frame section 16 is rectangular and constructed from four pieces of box- section tubing 36,38. The top frame section 16 is further provided with four hanging rails 40 which extend between the shorter pieces of box section tubing 38 The top frame section 16 is further provided with sprung latches 42 which, in use, allow the top frame section 16 to be releasably connected to each side frame section 14.

The base 12 is rectangular and constructed from box section tubing. Each side frame section 14 is hinged to the base 12.

Figures 5 and 6 show a configuration of the stillage 10 wherein one of the mid frame sections 18 is received in the base 12, and the other of the mid frame sections 18 is connected to the side frame sections 14. In this configuration the stillage 10 is provided with two sets of hanging rails, with one set being provided on the top frame section 16 and the other on the interior mid frame sections 18. This configuration is suitable for transporting two tiers of garments.

Figures 7 and 8 show a configuration of the stillage 10 wherein both of the mid frame sections 18 are received in the base 12. In this configuration the stillage 10 is provided with one set of hanging rail provided on the top frame section 16. This configuration is suitable for transporting a single tier of relatively long garments.

Figure 9 shows a configuration of the stillage 10 wherein both of the mid frame sections 18 and the top frame section 16 are received in the base 12. Figure 10 shows a configuration of the stillage 10 wherein both of the mid frame sections 18 and the top frame section 16 are received in the base 12, and one of the side frame sections 14 is folded over the mid and top frame sections 16,18. Figure 1 1 shows a configuration of the stillage 10 where the other of the side frame sections 14 is folded. Figure 1 1 shows the stillage 10 in the fully collapsed state.

Referring now to figures 12 to 32 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a stillage according to the present invention and generally designated 100. Features common to the embodiment of figures 1 to 1 1 are identified with like reference numerals prefixed with " 1" .

The stillage 100 comprises a base frame 1 12, two side frame sections 114, and a plurality of hanging rails 144. In figures 12 to 15 the stillage 100 is shown in an erect configuration with three hanging rails 144 which extend between the top edge 146 of each side frame section 114. In this configuration the stillage 100 is suitable for transporting three rows of long garments.

Each side frame section 114 has a ladder-like construction and comprises two edge pieces of box section tubing 120 which are joined by five shorter transverse pieces 122, 123. The lowermost transverse piece 123 is an "L" shaped beam. The remaining four transverse pieces 122 are preferably constructed of box section tubing, but might also be of a singular formed section or of shaped flat material. The lowermost transverse piece 123 serves a hinge attachment location. The remaining four box section transverse pieces 122 serve, in use, to support hanging rails 144 at differing heights as may be required. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse pieces 122 which support the hanging rails 144 may be solid, for example constructed from flat bar.

The base 112 is substantially rectangular and constructed from box section tubing. The base 1 12 is further provided with four feet 150 which project from the underside of the base 112. The feet 150 are provided on side edge sections 152 of the base which lie below the side frame sections 1 14 when the stillage 1 10 is in the erect configuration. Each side edge section 152 is provided with two feet 1 0. The base 1 12 is further provided with a pair of hinge bars 154 which are positioned above each side edge section 152 respectively. The hinge bars 154 provide a location on the base 1 12 to which hinges 156 may be secured in order to hinge each side frame section 152 to the base 1 12. The base 1 12 may further be provided with a floor. The floor may, for example, comprise a sheet of plywood which is secured to the base 1 12.

The base 1 12 is further provided four stays generally designated 158. Each stay 158 extends between the base 1 12 and a side frame section 1 14 in order to rigidity the stillage 100 in the erect state. Each stay includes a stay bar 160 and a sprung bolt 162. Each stay bar 160 is pivotably connected at one end to the base 1 12. The opposite end of the stay bar 160 is provided with an aperture into which the sprung bolt 162 is received. The sprung bolts 162 are provided on the edge pieces 120 of each side frame section 1 14. Each sprung bolt 162 is supported by an appropriately configured bracket 164 which is attached to an edge piece 120 of a frame section 1 14. As noted above, each stay bar 160 is pivotably connected to the base 1 12. As such, each stay bar 160 can be disengaged from its sprung bolt 162 and rotated so as to lie against the base 1 12 as indicated by arrow 166.

The base 1 12 is further provided with four upstanding corner posts 168. Each corner post 168 is constructed from box section tubing. Each corner post 168 aligns with an edge piece 120 of a side frame 1 14 when the stillage 100 is in the erect configuration. Each side frame edge piece 120 is further provided with a sliding pin 170 which is received in a corresponding corner post 168 when the stillage 100 is in the erect configuration. Each pin 170 is provided with a handle 172 which extends through a slot 174 provided in the edge piece 120. It will be appreciated that the slot length governs the distance by which each sliding pin 170 is movable relative the edge piece 120. Figure 21 shows a sliding pin 170 extending from an edge piece 120 of a side frame 1 14. Lifting of the handle 172 as indicated by arrow 176 results of withdrawal of the pin 170 into the edge piece 120 as indicated by arrow 178.

Each side frame edge piece 120 is further provided with a securing screw generally designated 180. Each securing screw 180 includes a screw member 182 and a bracket 184. The bracket 184 is attached to the side frame edge piece 120 and is provided with a threaded aperture. In use, the screw member 182 can be rotated such that it projects outwardly of the stillage and beyond the plane of the side frame 1 14. In use, the securing screws 180 may be deployed to locate the stillage 100 within a shipping container. More specifically, the securing screws 180 may be manipulated such that they contact the inner walls of the shipping container and thus prevent the stillage 100 moving relative to the shipping container while in transit.

Figure 22 further shows a hanging rail 144. The rail 144 is provided at each end with a substantially "U" shaped bracket 186. The brackets 186, in use, are placed over the upper transverse pieces 122 of the side frames 1 14. Each bracket 186 is further provided with set screw 188 which allows the side rail 144 to be frictionally connected to the transverse pieces 122.

Extending between the brackets 186, the hanging rail 144 includes a tubular member 190. In the embodiment shown, the tubular member 190 is additionally provided on its underside a web 192. The web 192 is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 194. In use, garment hangers can either be hooked over the tubular member 190 or hooked through the apertures 194. It will be appreciated that the web 192 is optional, and that the hanging rail 144 may comprise only the tubular member 190, brackets 186 and set screws 188

In use, the stillage 100 is provided with a plurality hanging rails 144. These can be fitted to the side frame transverse pieces 122 in order to configure the stillage 100 with a desired hanging arrangement. As noted above, figure 12 shows the stillage 100 with three rails 144 suitable for hanging long garments. Figure 16 shows a stillage where two further hanging rails 144 are provided at a lower level. As such, the stillage 100 of figure 16 may be used to transport two tiers of shorter garments. It will be appreciated that other hanging rail configurations are possible. As will be described in greater detail below, any unused hanging rails 144 can be retained in the base 1 12.

The stillage 100 is movable from the erect configuration shown in figure 12 to a collapsed state. Figures 23 and 24 show the stillage in a partially collapsed state wherein one of the side frames 1 14 is folded about the hinges 156 so as to overlie the base 1 12. It will be noted that the height of side frame 1 14 is less than the width of the base 112, such that in the folded state the frame 114 lies within the boundary of the base 112. In order to move the stillage 100 to this partially collapsed state the hanging rails 144 are first disengaged from the side frames 1 14. The stays 158 are disengaged by firstly withdrawing the bolt 162 from the aperture in the stay bar 160, and then pivoting the stay bar 160 such that it lies against the base. The sliding pins 170 in the side frame 1 14 it is intended to fold are then disengaged from the base corner posts 168 by lifting the sliding pin handles 172.

Figures 25 and 26 show the stillage 100 in the fully collapsed state with the side frames 1 14 overlying one another, and further overlying the base 1 12.

Figures 27 and 28 illustrate the manner in which the hanging rails 144 can be stowed within the stillage 100 when it is in the fully collapsed state. The hanging rails 144 lie width wise across base 1 12 and below the folded side frames 1 14. The brackets 186 provided at the respective ends of each rail 144 are received within respective substantially rectangular apertures 198 present at each side of the base 1 12. The apertures are defined by the side edge sections 152 and hinge bars 154 of the base, and box section members 196 which extend between the side edge sections 152 and the hinge bars 154. In the embodiment shown the box section members 196 are aligned with the feet 150 of the base 1 12. Figures 29 to 31 show the manner in which the folded stillages 100 can be stacked upon one another for transport purposes, for example return to a point of origin so that they can be re-erected and thus reused. The stack of stillages 100 may be loaded within a shipping container for transport.

Figure 32 shows a detail of a first upper stillage 100a which is stacked above a second lower stillage 100b. The foot 150 of the upper stillage 100a is provided with a flanged base 200 having a substantially rectangular shape. The flanged base 200 is received in a complementarity shaped recess 202 provided on the upper side of the hinge bar 154 of the lower stillage 100b. The provision of the bases 200 and recesses 202 ensure that the stacked stillages 100 are correctly aligned vertically with respect to one another. The recesses 202 of a stillage 100 are aligned with the feet 150 and the box section members 196 of the stillage 100. As such, the weight of the stillage stack is transmitted though the feet 150 and box section members 160 of the stillages 100 forming the stack. It will be appreciated that the recesses 202 are accessible when the side frames 1 14 are folded against the base 112.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that each stillage consists essentially of a rectangular base 1 12 and two opposed side frames 1 14. The two remaining sides are open to permit loading and unloading, and are defined by the upright edges of the side frames 1 14.