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Patent 2475028 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

Any discrepancies in the text and image of the Claims and Abstract are due to differing posting times. Text of the Claims and Abstract are posted:

  • At the time the application is open to public inspection;
  • At the time of issue of the patent (grant).
(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2475028
(54) English Title: PINCH-GRIP HANGER
(54) French Title: CINTRE A PINCE
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A41D 27/22 (2006.01)
  • A47G 25/14 (2006.01)
  • A47G 25/48 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • BOKMILLER, DAVID (United States of America)
  • ZUCKERMAN, ANDREW M. (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • A & E PRODUCTS GROUP, LP (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • A & E PRODUCTS GROUP, LP (United States of America)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2003-02-03
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2003-08-14
Examination requested: 2008-01-30
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2003/003089
(87) International Publication Number: WO2003/065834
(85) National Entry: 2004-08-03

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
10/066,890 United States of America 2002-02-04
10/128,854 United States of America 2002-04-23

Abstracts

English Abstract




A hanger (10) has a pinch-grip (20) including a pair of vertically-extending
components (22,24), a biasing spring (42), and a connector (50) separate and
distinct from the biasing spring (42). The connector (50) pivotably secures
together the upper ends of the components (22,24), between a substantially
unfolded orientation, wherein the components (22,24) lie in a common plane,
and a substantially folded orientation, wherein the components (22,24) are
generally parallel. The connector (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,
without substantially inhibiting movement of the upper (26) or lower (30) ends
between the closed and open positions.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un cintre comprenant une pince présentant une paire de composants s'étendant verticalement, un ressort de sollicitation et un connecteur séparé et distinct dudit ressort. Le connecteur fixe ensemble par pivot les extrémités supérieures des composants aux fins de déplacement, avant l'application du ressort de sollicitation sur les composants, entre une orientation sensiblement non pliée, dans laquelle les composants se trouvent dans le même plan, et une orientation sensiblement pliée, dans laquelle les composants sont généralement parallèles. Le connecteur est intégralement moulé avec les composants, conçu et présentant des dimensions de manière être placé entre les extrémités supérieures de ceux-ci quand ils se trouvent dans l'orientation pliée, sans sensiblement empêcher le déplacement des extrémités supérieures ou inférieures entre les positions fermée et ouverte.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



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WE CLAIM:

1. A hanger comprising:
(A) an attachment portion for securing said hanger to a
support; and
(B) at least one pinch-grip for receiving an article for hanging,
said pinch-grip including:
(i) a pair of vertically-extending components, each
said component defining an upper end and a lower end;
(ii) biasing means for biasing said lower ends together
to a closed position and for permitting separation of said lower ends to an
open position by movement of at least one of said upper ends towards the
other; and
(iii) a connector, separate and distinct from said biasing
means, for pivotably securing together said upper ends of said components for
movement, prior to application of said biasing means to said components,
between a substantially unfolded orientation and a substantially folded
orientation;
said connector being flexible, integrally molded
with said components, and configured and dimensioned to lie between said
upper ends of said components when said components are in said folded
orientation.

2. The hanger of Claim I wherein said connector does not
substantially inhibit movement of said lower ends between said closed and
open positions.

3. The hanger of Claim I wherein said connector does not project
vertically or horizontally substantially beyond said components when said
components are in said folded orientation.



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4. The hanger of Claim 3 wherein said connector is substantially
hidden from view when said components are in said folded orientation.

5. The hanger of Claim I wherein said connector is molded in a
configuration such that, when said components are in said folded orientation,
said connector is generally concave.

6. The hanger of Claim I wherein said connector connects only the
tops of said upper ends of said components.

7. The hanger of Claim I wherein said connector is disposed
entirely above said biasing means.

8. The hanger of Claim I which comprises a pair of flexible
connectors, each of said flexible connectors being adjacent a respective
lateral
side of said components.

9. A hanger comprising:
(A) an attachment portion for securing said hanger to a
support; and
(B) at least one pinch-grip for receiving an article for hanging,
said pinch-grip including:
(i) a pair of vertically-extending components, each
said component defining an upper end and a lower end;
(ii) biasing means for biasing said lower ends together
to a closed position and for permitting separation of said lower ends to an
open position by movement of at least one of said upper ends towards the
other; and
(iii) flexible connector means, separate and distinct
from said biasing means, for pivotably securing together said upper ends of
said components for movement, prior to application of said biasing means to
said components, between a substantially unfolded orientation, wherein said



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components lie in a common plane, and a substantially folded orientation,
wherein said components are generally parallel;
said connector means being integrally molded with
said components and configured and dimensioned to lie between said upper
ends of said components when said components are in said folded orientation,
without substantially inhibiting movement of said lower ends between said
closed and open positions;
said connector means being molded in a
configuration such that, when said components are in said folded orientation,
said connector means is generally concave, is disposed entirely above said
biasing means, and connects only the tops of said upper ends of said
components; and
said connector means not projecting vertically or
horizontally substantially beyond said components when said components are
in said folded orientation, whereby said connector means is substantially
hidden from view when said components are in said folded orientation.

10. The hanger of Claim 9 wherein said connector means comprises
a pair of flexible connectors, each of said flexible connectors being adjacent
a
respective lateral side of said components.

11. The hanger of Claim 1 wherein said closed position is
characterized by said upper ends being spaced apart by a first distance, and
said open position is characterized by said upper ends being spaced apart by a
second distance, said first distance being substantially greater than said
second
distance.

12. The hanger of Claim 9 wherein said closed position is
characterized by said upper ends being spaced apart by a first distance, and
said open position is characterized by said upper ends being spaced apart by a



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second distance, said first distance being substantially greater than said
second
distance.

13. The hanger of Claim 1 wherein the vertical position of said
biasing means in said hanger is fixed and not manually variable to effect
movement of one of said upper ends relative to the other.

14. The hanger of Claim 9 wherein the vertical position of said
biasing means in said hanger is fixed and not manually variable to effect
movement of one of said upper ends relative to the other.

15. A hanger comprising:
(A) an attachment portion for securing said hanger to a
support; and
(B) at least one pinch-grip for receiving an article for hanging,
said pinch-grip including:
(i) a pair of vertically extending components, each
said component defining an upper end and a lower end;
(ii) biasing means for biasing said lower ends together
to a closed position and for permitting separation of said lower ends to an
open position by movement of at least one of said upper ends towards the
other; and
(iii) a connector for pivotably securing together said
upper ends of said components for movement between a substantially
unfolded orientation and a substantially folded orientation;
said connector being flexible, integrally molded
with said components, and configured and dimensioned to extend between
said upper ends of said components when said components are in said folded
orientation.



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16. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector does not
substantially inhibit movement of said lower ends between said closed and
open positions.

17. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector does not project
vertically or horizontally substantially beyond said components when said
components are in said folded orientation.

18. The hanger of Claim 17 wherein said connector lies substantially
between said component upper ends and is substantially hidden from view
when said components are in said folded orientation.

19. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector is molded in a
configuration such that, when said components are in said folded orientation,
said connector is generally concave.

20. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector connects only
the tops of said upper ends of said components.

21. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector is disposed
entirely above said biasing means.

22. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector comprises a pair
of connector elements, each of said connector elements being adjacent a
respective lateral side of said components.

23. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said pair of components defines
a generally parallel pair of component-containing planes, and said connector
extends generally perpendicular to said component-containing planes.

24. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein opposed ends of said connector
connect corresponding opposed points on the facing surfaces of said
component upper ends.

25. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said pair of components defines
two generally parallel component-containing planes, and said connector



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extends between said component upper ends at a substantially non-
perpendicular angle to said component-containing planes.

26. The hanger of Claim 25 wherein said connector comprises a pair
of connector elements, each of said connector elements extending between
said component upper ends.

27. The hanger of Claim 26 wherein said connector elements are
laterally offset and parallel.

28. The hanger of Claim 26 wherein said connector elements are
non-parallel.

29. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector has a pair of
opposed ends, each of said opposed ends being connected to a respective
component by a respective line of weakness, thereby to facilitate intentional
removal of said connector from said components.

30. The hanger of Claim 29 wherein said lines of weakness are
disposed above said component upper ends when said components are in said
folded orientation.

31. The hanger of Claims 29 wherein said lines of weakness are
disposed below the tops of said component upper ends when said components
are in said folded orientation.

32. The hanger of Claim 30 wherein said lines of weakness facilitate
removal of said connector from said components when said components are in
said folded orientation.

33. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector is separate and
distinct from said biasing means and pivotably secures together said upper
ends of said components for movement, prior to application of said biasing
means to said components, between a substantially unfolded orientation and a
substantially folded orientation.



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34. The hanger of Claim 33 wherein said connector possesses
memory and is of sufficient width and thickness to provide appreciable
resiliency.

35. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein said connector and said biasing
means are the same, said connector being formed of a resilient material
possessing memory and biasing said component upper ends apart.

36. The hanger of Claim 35 characterized by the absence of any
biasing means except for said connector.

37. The hanger of Claim 35 additionally including means, separate
and distinct from said connector, for pivotably securing together said
components intermediate said component upper and lower ends.

38. The hanger of Claim 37 wherein said components cooperatively
define a ball-and-socket joint intermediate said component upper and lower
ends.

39. A hanger comprising:
(A) an attachment portion for securing said hanger to a
support; and
(B) at least one pinch-grip for receiving an article for hanging,
said pinch-grip including:
(i) a pair of vertically extending components, each
said component defining an upper end and a lower end, said pair of
components defining a generally parallel pair of component-containing planes;
(ii) biasing means for biasing said lower ends together
to a closed position and for permitting separation of said lower ends to an
open position by movement of at least one of said upper ends relative to the
other; and
(iii) a connector having a pair of opposed ends for
pivotably securing together said upper ends of said components for movement



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between a substantially unfolded orientation and a substantially folded
orientation;
said connector being flexible, integrally molded
with said components, and configured and dimensioned to extend between
said upper ends of said components when said components are in said folded
orientation;
said connector being characterized by at least one
of the following:
(a) said connector extending between the
components upper ends at a substantially non-perpendicular angle to said
component-containing planes;
(b) each of said opposed connector ends being
connected to a respective component by a respective line of weakness, thereby
to facilitate intentional removal of said connector from said components; and
(c) said connector and said biasing means being
the same, and said connector being formed of a resilient material possessing
memory and biasing said component upper ends apart.

40. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein the vertical position of the
biasing means in the hanger is fixed and not manually variable to effect the
movement of one of the upper ends relative to the other.

41. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein the closed position is
characterized by the upper ends being spaced apart by a first distance, and
the
open position is characterized by the upper ends being spaced apart by a
second distance, said first distance being substantially greater than the
second
distance.

42. The hanger of Claim 15 wherein the connector lies between the
upper ends of the components when the components are in the folded
orientation.


Description

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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_'7_
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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_g_
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.



CA 02475028 2004-08-03
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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



CA 02475028 2004-08-03
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-12-
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.



CA 02475028 2004-08-03
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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



CA 02475028 2004-08-03
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-14-
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



CA 02475028 2004-08-03
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-15-
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.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2003-02-03
(87) PCT Publication Date 2003-08-14
(85) National Entry 2004-08-03
Examination Requested 2008-01-30
Dead Application 2010-02-03

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2009-02-03 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $400.00 2004-08-03
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2004-11-30
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2004-11-30
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2005-02-03 $100.00 2005-02-01
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2006-02-03 $100.00 2006-01-18
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2007-02-05 $100.00 2006-12-28
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2008-02-04 $200.00 2007-11-13
Request for Examination $800.00 2008-01-30
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
A & E PRODUCTS GROUP, LP
Past Owners on Record
BOKMILLER, DAVID
ZUCKERMAN, ANDREW M.
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2004-08-03 1 62
Claims 2004-08-03 8 300
Drawings 2004-08-03 8 125
Description 2004-08-03 15 696
Representative Drawing 2004-10-05 1 10
Cover Page 2004-10-05 1 43
PCT 2004-08-03 2 103
Assignment 2004-08-03 2 84
Prosecution-Amendment 2005-04-25 1 26
Correspondence 2004-10-01 1 25
Assignment 2004-11-30 7 258
Fees 2005-02-01 1 37
Prosecution-Amendment 2008-01-30 1 43