Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PINCH-GRIP HANGER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pinch-grip hanger, and more
particularly to a pinch-grip hanger adapted for use in transporting and
displaying articles such as garments.
Pinch-grip hangers are well known. Pinch-grip hangers are frequently
used in retail stores to display garments suspended from the pinch-grips, such
as a pair of pants, a skirt, or the like. A hanger body includes an attachment
portion for securing the hanger body to a support (for example, a hook for
securing the hanger body to a transversely-extending elevated rod). A pinch-
grip is attached to the hanger body. Optionally, the hanger body also includes
a transverse portion defining a pair of free ends (for example, a pair of
outwardly extending wings for supporting the shoulders of a jacket), and
optionally one pinch-grip is disposed adjacent to each of the transverse
portion
free ends.
Each pinch-grip includes a pair of vertically-extending components,
securing means (which may be part of the biasing means) for pivotably
securing the components together, and means for biasing the bottom ends of
the components together. Typically each component has an upper end, a
lower end and a central or connecting component portion between the ends.
The bottom ends are configured and dimensioned to cooperatively receive and
maintain an article therebetween under the influence of the biasing means.
To insert or remove an article from the hanger, the upper ends of the
components are pressed together so that the components pivot relatively and
the lower ends thereof separate. In this "open" or releasing orientation, the
article may be removed from or secured to the hanger. Finally, when the
upper ends of the components are released, the biasing means causes the
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components to pivot relatively and return more-or-less to their original
orientation with the upper ends spaced apart and the lower ends biased
together. In this "closed" or gripping orientation, an article may be
suspended
by and between the component bottom ends. If no article is between them,
the component bottom ends may actually touch and abut, thereby to form an
"abutting" orientation.
However, such constructions have not proven to be entirely satisfactory
from the point of view of the manufacturer, who must independently mold at
least two separate and distinct plastic components and then transport them
through the manufacturing process until they are secured together by the
biasing or securing means. To overcome this manufacturing difficulty, various
means have been suggested for providing connector means, separate and
distinct from the securing means and biasing means, for pivotably connecting
together the components.prior to application of the biasing means thereto.
Thus plastic connector means are integrally molded with the plastic
components and pivotably secure the components together for movement
between a substantially unfolded orientation, wherein the components lie in a
common plane, and a substantially folded orientation, wherein the
components are generally parallel). While this arrangement alleviates some of
the aforementioned manufacturing difficulty, the resultant product has not
proven to be entirely satisfactory in use.
Depending upon the particular design and placement of the connector
means, the connector means may substantially inhibit movement of the upper
or lower ends between the closed and open orientations, thereby defeating the
very purpose of the pinch-grip. The connector means may project vertically or
horizontally substantially beyond the components when the components are in
the folded orientation. A projecting connector means is aesthetically
disadvantageous because it is not substantially hidden from view (when the
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components are in the folded orientation) and, hence, is visible to the
potential
customer, and functionally disadvantageous because garments hung on the
hanger (or, even garments hung on adjacent hangers) may become "caught"
on such projections and possibly tear during the separation process.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pinch-
grip hanger including a connector means that does not substantially inhibit
movement of the upper or lower ends of the components between the closed
and open orientations.
Another object is to provide such a hanger wherein, in one preferred
embodiment, the connector means does not project vertically or horizontally
substantially beyond the components when the components are in the folded
onentation.
A further object is to provide such a hanger wherein, in one preferred
embodiment, the connector means is substantially hidden from view when the
components are in the folded orientation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a hanger
which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, use and maintain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The above and related objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed
description of the presently preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiments of
the
present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a pinch-grip hanger according to the
present invention with a top-sizer and side-sizer exploded therefrom;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary bottom plan view thereof;
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FIG. 4 is a fragmentary front elevational plan view thereof;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational plan view thereof;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional plan view thereof taken along the
lines 6-6 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top plan view of the components in an
extended, unfolded orientation prior to application of the biasing means;
FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the components of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of six different configurations of the
connector means of the pinch-grip;
FIG. l0A is a fragmentary top plan view of a hanger with a pinch-grip
having a pair of connector elements extending parallel to one another between
the component upper ends at a substantially non-perpendicular angle to the
component-containing planes;
FIG. 10B is a fragmentary top plan view of a hanger with a pinch-grip
having a pair of connector elements in a non-parallel relationship extending
between the component upper ends at a substantially non-perpendicular angle
to the component-containing planes;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top plan view of a hanger with a pinch-grip
having a pair of connector elements with the opposed ends thereof connected
to a respective component by a respective line of weakness, thereby to
facilitate intentional removal of the connector elements;
FIG. 12A is a fragmentary sectional view of a pinch grip wherein the
connector and the biasing means are the same, characterized by the absence of
any biasing means except for the connector; and
FIG. 12B is a fragmentary top plan view thereof in the folded
orientation.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has now been found that the above and related objects of the present
invention are obtained in a hanger comprising an attachment portion for
securing the hanger to a support, and at least one pinch-grip for receiving an
article for hanging. The pinch-grip includes (i) a pair of vertically-
extending
components, each of the components defining an upper end and a lower end,
(ii) biasing means for biasing the lower ends together to a closed position
and
for permitting separation of the lower ends to an open position by movement
of at least one of the upper ends relative to the other, and (iii) connector
means for pivotably securing together the upper ends of the components for
movement, prior to application of the biasing means to the components,
between a substantially unfolded orientation, wherein the components lie in a
common plane, and a substantially folded orientation, wherein the
components are generally parallel. The connector means is flexible, integrally
molded with the components and configured and dimensioned to lie between
the upper ends of the components when the components are in the folded
orientation.
In one embodiment, the connector means does not substantially inhibit
movement of the upper or lower ends between the closed and open positions.
The connector means is molded in a configuration such that, when the
components are in the folded orientation, the connector means is generally
concave, is disposed entirely above the biasing means, and connects only the
tops of the upper ends of the components. The connector means does not
project vertically or horizontally substantially beyond the components when
the components are in the folded orientation, whereby the connector means is
substantially hidden from view when the components are in the folded
orientation.
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Preferably the connector means comprises a pair of flexible connectors
connecting the components, each of the flexible connectors being adjacent a
respective lateral side of the components.
The pair of components typically defines a generally parallel pair of
component-containing planes, and the connector may extend generally
perpendicular to the component-containing planes so that opposed ends of the
connector connect corresponding opposed points on the facing surfaces of the
component upper ends. Alternatively, in a first preferred embodiment, the
connector extends between the component upper ends at a substantially non-
perpendicular angle to the component-containing planes. Where the
connector comprises a pair of connector elements, each of the connector
elements extends between the component upper ends, the connector elements
being laterally offset and either parallel to one another or non-parallel.
In a second preferred embodiment, the connector has a pair of opposed
ends, each of the opposed ends being connected to a respective component by
a respective line of weakness, thereby to facilitate intentional removal of
the
connector from the components. The lines of weakness are preferably
disposed above the component upper ends when the components are in the
folded orientation so that the lines of weakness facilitate removal of the
connector from the components when the components are in the folded
orientation. Alternately, the lines of weakness are disposed below the tops of
the component upper ends when the components are in the folded orientation.
The connector typically is separate and distinct from the biasing means
and pivotably secures together the upper ends of the components for
movement, prior to application of the biasing means to the components,
between a substantially unfolded orientation and a substantially folded
orientation. The connector may be of sufficient width and thickness to provide
resiliency, thereby to supplement the biasing means. Alternately, in a third
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preferred embodiment, the connector and the biasing means are the same, the
connector being formed of a resilient material possessing memory and biasing
the component upper ends apart, the hanger being characterized by the
absence of any biasing means except for the connector. In this embodiment,
means, separate and distinct from the connector, are provided for pivotably
securing together the components intermediate the component upper and
lower ends, the components cooperatively defining a ball-and-socket joint
intermediate the component upper and lower ends.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Refernng now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, therein
illustrated is a secure pinch-grip hanger according to the present invention,
generally designated by the reference numeral 10. In its conventional aspects,
the hanger 10 comprises a hanger body 12 including an attachment portion 14
for securing the body 12 to a support (not shown) and optionally, as
illustrated, a transverse portion 16 defining a pair of free outer ends 18.
Although the attachment portion 14 is illustrated as a hook, clearly other
means for attaching the hanger body 12 to a support (such as a transversely-
extending elevated rod -- not shown) may be utilized. The hanger body 12
(including both the attachment portion 14 and the optional transverse portion
16) is conveniently formed of injection molded plastic.
The hanger 10 additionally includes at least one pinch-grip, generally
designated 20. Each pinch-grip 20 includes a pair of substantially rigid,
vertically-extending components 22, 24. Each of the vertically-extending
components 22, 24 defines an upper end 26, a lower end 30, and a body
portion 32 between the ends 26, 30. Preferably, one pinch-grip 20 is disposed
adjacent each free end 18 of the transverse portion 16 (as illustrated),
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although alternatively the hanger 10 may include a single pinch-grip 20
disposed centrally (i.e., intermediate the free ends 18).
Referring now to FIGS. 2-6 in particular, pivot means 40 is preferably
provided for pivotably juxtaposing the components 22, 24 together such that,
when the upper ends 26 of the components 22, 24 are brought together as
close as possible, the lower ends 30 are separated from each other as far as
possible (the "fully extended open position"). In use, when the upper ends 26
are moved toward the fully extended open position, the lower ends 30 thereof
separate to enable insertion or removal of an article or garment therebetween
("the releasing orientation"). Preferably pivot means 40 pivotably juxtaposes
a
body portion 32 of one component 22, 24 to a body portion 32 of the other
component 24, 22 when the components are in the folded orientation. The
pivot means 40 optionally also secures together the two components 22, 24
(typically at the body portions 32) once the components 22, 24 are in the
folded orientation. Preferably one component 24 is pivotable, and the other
component 22 is stationary relative to the hanger body 12.
Biasing means 42 are provided for biasing the bottom ends 30 of the
two components 22, 24 together to define the "closed" or gripping orientation
wherein the upper ends 26 of the two components 22, 24 are spaced apart. In
this orientation, the bottom ends 30 are configured and dimensioned to
cooperatively receive and maintain an article, such as a garment G (shown in
phantom line in FIG. 6) therebetween, thereby to suspend the garment on a
rod or like support. In the absence of any garment between the bottom ends
of the two components 22, 24, biasing means 42 biases such bottom ends
25 30 together to define the "abutting" orientation wherein the bottom ends 30
touch. The biasing means 42 is commonly formed of resilient metal and is
applied to the components 22, 24 after they are in the folded orientation.
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The biasing means 42 is preferably separate and distinct from the pivot
means 40, as illustrated; however the two means 40, 42 may be combined into
a single element.
Turning now to the novel aspects of the present invention, flexible
connector means 50 is separate and distinct from both the biasing means 42
and pivot means 40 and pivotably secures together the upper ends 26 of the
components 22, 24, both prior to application of the biasing means 42 to the
components 22, 24 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and thereafter (see FIGS. 1-6). The
connector means 50 is a living hinge that enables manual movement of the
components 22, 24 between the substantially unfolded orientation, illustrated
in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein the components lie in a common plane (e.g., in the
mold), and the substantially folded orientation, illustrated in FIGS. 1-6,
wherein the components 22, 24 are generally parallel (e.g., in the pinch-
grip).
The connector means 50 is integrally molded with the components 22, 24 and
configured and dimensioned to lie between the upper ends 26 thereof when
the components 22, 24 are in the folded orientation. The connector means 50
connects only the tops of the upper ends 26 of the two components 22, 24
when the components 22, 24 are in the folded orientation, or only the adjacent
tips of the components when they are in the unfolded orientation (e.g., in the
mold) .
Refernng now to FIG. 9 in particular, the connector means 50 is molded
in a configuration such that, when the components 22, 24 are in the folded
orientation, the connector means 50 is generally concave. In the mold itself,
the two components 22, 24 are generally disposed in a common plane with the
connector means 50 convexly projecting upwardly from that common plane.
Although it is also possible for the connector means 50 to concavely project
downwardly into the mold (below the common plane), this is not the preferred
molding technique. The concavity may extend all the way out to the ends of
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the connector means 50, as illustrated in views b, d, a and f of FIG. 9, or
may
stop short of the ends thereof, as illustrated in views a and c of FIG. 9. The
concavity of the concave portion of the connector means 50 may be smooth, as
illustrated in views a, c, and f , V-shaped, as illustrated in view d, or
formed of
a plurality of serially connected linear segments, as illustrated in views b
and
e. Where the concave portion of the connector means 50 does not include the
very ends thereof, such ends may extend appreciably but insignificantly above
the height of the upper ends 26 of the components 22, 24, when the
components are in the folded orientation, but typically not sufficiently so as
to
be visually noticed or to serve as a catching point for any clothing on the
hanger.
Referring now to FIGS. 4-6 in particular, except perhaps for the very
ends of the connector means 50 (where the connector means 50 connects with
the upper ends 26 of the components 22, 24), the connector means 50 does
not project vertically or horizontally substantially beyond the components 22,
24, when the components are in the folded orientation. Thus, in such a folded
orientation, the connector means 50 are substantially hidden from view of the
user and are not available for clothing to "catch" on.
Preferably the thickness of the connector means 50 is less than the
thickness of the upper ends 26 of the components 22, 24 so that it can easily
fold downwardly towards the biasing means 42 when the upper ends 26 of the
components 22, 24 are pressed together (i.e., when the pinch-grip is placed in
the open orientation). The length of the connector means 50 is preferably
selected so that the bottommost portion thereof does not contact the biasing
means 42, even when the pinch-grip is in the open orientation.
Referring again to FIG. 1 in particular, preferably the hanger according
to the present invention is configured and dimensioned to releasably receive a
top-sizer 60, as disclosed, for example, in Zuckerman, et al., U.S. Patent No.
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5,503,310 (hereby incorporated by reference), or a side-sizer 70, as
disclosed,
for example, in Zuckerman, et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,145,713 (hereby
incorporated by reference), for indicating size or other information of
interest
regarding the garment on the hanger. To enhance the security of the grip of
the pinch-grip, protective projections 80 may be provided to inhibit
accidental
movement of the pinch-grip towards the open orientation while permitting
intentional movement of the pinch-grip thereto, as disclosed in Zuckerman, et
al., U.S. Patent No. 6,021,933 (hereby incorporated by reference).
Refernng now to FIGS. 4-8 in particular, the connector means 50 may
comprise a pair of flexible connector elements 52. Each of the flexible
connector elements 52 may be disposed adjacent a respective lateral side of
the components 22, 24 to assist in stabilizing the relative spatial positions
of
the components 22, 24 in the unfolded orientation (as shown in FIG. 7) and in
facilitating a balanced movement of the components 22, 24 from the unfolded
orientation to the folded orientation (as shown in FIG. 8). As illustrated,
the
pair of components 22, 24 defines a generally parallel pair of component-
containing planes, and the connector 50 extends perpendicular to such
component-containing planes. Where the connector 50 defines a pair of
connector elements 52, the opposed ends of the connector elements 52
connect corresponding opposed points on the facing surfaces of the component
upper ends 26.
Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B in particular, alternatively, in a
first preferred embodiment of a pinch-grip, generally designated 20A or 20B,
the connector 50A, 50B extends between the component upper ends 26 at a
substantially non-perpendicular angle to the component-containing planes. As
illustrated in FIG. 10A, the connector elements 52A of pinch-grip 20A are
laterally offset and parallel to one another. One advantage of this
arrangement is that the connector elements 52A may be longer than when
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they extend generally perpendicular to the component-containing planes,
without increasing the separation between the upper ends 26 of the
components 22, 24 either in the unfolded orientation or the folded
orientation.
The angled connector elements 52A additionally assist in maintaining the
S component upper ends 26 in appropriate juxtaposition and alignment. While
the component elements 52A are illustrated in pinch-grip 20A as being angled
from the right to the left, clearly the principles of the present invention
would
also apply if they were angled from the left to the right.
Alternatively, in the pinch-grip 20B, as illustrated in FIG. lOB, the
connector 50B is comprised of a non-parallel pair of connector elements 52B.
As illustrated, the component elements 52B diverge outwardly from a
relatively close or touching disposition on the upper end 26 of component 24
to a relatively spaced apart disposition on the upper end 26 of component 22.
As the connector elements 52B in combination with the one of the upper ends
26 define a generally triangular structure, one advantage of pinch-grip 20B is
that the horizontal alignment of the upper ends 26 is even more strictly
maintained due to the well-known rigidity of a triangular structure. Another
advantage is that the separation between the upper ends 26 of the components
is minimized when the pinch grip 20B is in its open position. Clearly the
principles of the present invention would also apply if the connector elements
52B diverge outwardly from the upper end 26 of component 22 to the upper
end 26 of component 24.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the primary
function of the connector 50 is to maintain the two components 22, 24 as a
unit through the production line, up to the point where the components 22, 24
are in the folded orientation and the biasing means 42 applied thereto. At
this
point, the connector 50 may be deemed superfluous.
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Refernng now to FIG. 11, therein illustrated is a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention using a pinch-grip generally designated
20C. In the pinch grip 20C, the connector 50C has a pair of opposed ends,
each of the opposed ends being connected to a respective component 22, 24 by
a respective line of weakness 100, thereby to facilitate intentional removal
of
the connector 50C from the components 22, 24 once the connector 50 is no
longer necessary. As illustrated, the connector 50C is formed of a pair of
connector elements 52C, each connector element 52C having a pair of opposed
ends. Each connector element 52C has its opposed ends connected to a
respective component 22, 24 by a respective line of weakness 100, thereby to
facilitate intentional removal of the connector element 52C from the
components 22, 24. A line of weakness, as used herein, refers to a plane
where the connector 50C or connector element 52C is narrower, thinner,
perforated or the like in order to define a preferred line of severance.
Preferably the lines of weakness 100 are disposed above the component
upper ends 26 when the components 22, 24 are in the folded orientation so
that the lines of weakness 100 facilitate removal of the connector elements
52C from the components 22, 24. Alternatively, however, the lines of
weakness 100 may be disposed below the tops of the component upper ends
26 when the components 22, 24 are in the folded orientation, although this
may present difficulties in the severance and removal of the component
elements 52C and may leave unsightly upstanding stubs on the component
upper ends 26, such stubs presenting snag possibilities. In the folded
orientation the connector 52C may generally resemble a "U" or inverted "U."
In the previously described embodiments the connector 50 is separate
and distinct from the biasing means 42 and pivotally secures the upper ends
26 of the components 22, 24 for movement, prior to application of the biasing
means 42 to the components 22, 24, between the substantially unfolded
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orientation and the substantially folded orientation. On the other hand, in a
third preferred embodiment of the present invention using a pinch-grip
generally designated 20D, the utility of the connector 50D does not terminate
with the manufacture and assembly of the pinch-grip 20D. Referring now to
FIGS. 12A and 12B in particular, therein illustrated is a pinch-grip 20D
wherein the connector 50D is of sufficient width and thickness to provide
resiliency. In this embodiment the connector 50D and the biasing means are
the same, because the connector 50D also acts as the biasing means, and the
hanger is characterized by the absence of any biasing means except for the
connector. The connector 50D is formed of resilient material possessing
memory and biases the component upper ends 26 apart, thereby achieving the
same effect as the biasing means of the other embodiments. As illustrated in
FIG. 12B, the connector 50D is comprised of a single connector element 50D
rather than a pair of connector elements; however, the principles of the
present invention apply equally where there are a plurality of connector
elements which in combination provide the function of the single connector
element 50D.
As the third preferred embodiment 20D does not use a separate biasing
means to maintain the components 22, 24 in the folded orientation, means,
generally designated 102, are provided for pivotally securing together the
components 22, 24 intermediate the component upper and lower ends 26, 30.
More particularly, the means 102, which is separate and distinct from the
connector 50D, is defined by the components 22, 24 themselves. Thus,
preferably the components 22, 24 cooperatively define a ball-and-socket joint
102 intermediate the component upper and lower ends 26, 30. More,
particularly, the joint 102 maintains the components 22, 24 in a pivotable
relationship, while they are in the folded orientation, so that the connector
50D can exert outward pressure on the upper end of the movable component
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24, thereby causing the bottom end 30 of the connector 24 to approach the
bottom end of stationary component 22, thereby to maintain a garment G
therebetween.
In a variant of the third preferred embodiment pinch-grip 20D, also
seen in FIG. 12B, a connector 50D affording a high level of resiliency and
memory may be used to supplement the conventional biasing means 42 of
FIGS. 1-6 without replacing the same. This enables the use of a weaker, but
less expensive, biasing means 42 than would be the case if the force exerted
by
the biasing means 42 were not to be supplemented by the connector 50D.
Thus, in the first preferred embodiment the connector elements 52A,
52B assist in stabilization of the opposing alignment of the component upper
ends 26, in the second preferred embodiment the connectors elements 52C are
removable after manufacture and assembly, and in the third preferred
embodiment the connector 50D supplements or replaces the biasing means 42
after manufacture and assembly.
To summarize, the present invention provides a pinch-grip hanger
including a connector means that does not substantially inhibit movement of
the upper or lower ends of the components between the closed and open
orientations. Further, the connecting means does not project vertically or
horizontally beyond the components when the components are in the folded
orientation, so that the connecting means is substantially hidden from view
when the components are in the folded orientation. The hanger is simple and
inexpensive to manufacture, use and maintain.
Now that the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements
thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,
the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and
limited only by the appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification.