Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SPORTS EQUIPMENT HANGER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for drying and storing sports
equipment,
and more particularly to a portable and reconfigurable device for hanging and
drying
sports equipment thereon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for drying and storing equipment
used for
sports, such as hockey, North American football, lacrosse, etc. There are many
sports
which require a significant amount of equipment to protect a player when
playing such
sports, and such equipment varies in size, shape and weight and is typically
difficult to
store and dry in an organized manner such that a user may quickly and
efficiently
access and use the equipment.
Typical of the prior art are stands or other floor mounted racks or structures
placed upon
the ground which have various appendages or supports adapted to receive
different
pieces of equipment. These devices take up space on the floor, such as in a
closet,
and require the user to strategically place upon the stand the equipment in a
specific
order so as to prevent the stand or rack from tipping. Such racks or stands
are
exemplified in US Patents 5,377,849; 6,073,783; 6,591,994; 5,862,924; and
Canadian
Patent 2,204,977. Such prior art devices are easily toppled over, due to the
fact that
these devices typically rely on a truss base, which if loaded improperly, have
the
potential for toppling over. Even if such devices are loaded properly they
still have the
potential of toppling over if bumped into by another object i.e. dog, child,
adult etc.
because the center of gravity of the loaded assembly is or could be too high
with
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respect to its over turning moment not forgetting that the impact force will
be coming
from the top half of the assembly.
Other prior art devices include wall mounted racks (such as US 6,138,841 to
Klein et
al). However the rack as contemplated by Klein et al is to be secured to a
door or other
vertical surface, is not able to retain sports equipment in an efficient
configuration to
assist in the drying and storage of such equipment and is not intended to be
portable.
Other prior art references include US 2,544,886 to Kuhn and US 2,298,491 to
Lamar.
These references both disclose a unitary hanger which includes a hook or
similar end
piece upon which a piece of equipment is to be hung. Both prior art references
suffer
from the same drawback in that the hanger is a unitary piece and does not
accommodate multiple pieces of sports equipment. For example, Kuhn generally
discloses a unitary hanger on which pieces of equipment are to be hung from
the free
ends, and as illustrated, once the sports equipment is in place, appears to
limit the
amount of air movement between pieces thus significantly increasing the amount
of
time required to dry the equipment. In a similar fashion, the device as
disclosed by
Lamar suffers from the same drawbacks.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a sports equipment hanger which is
portable,
collapsible and reconfigurable and capable of storing and drying sports
equipment. The
present invention, as described below and in the accompanying claims,
overcomes the
problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an apparatus which facilitates the
storing and drying
of protective sports equipment. The present invention is adapted to
accommodate and
support any protective sporting equipment and apparel such as, for example,
North
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American football, ice hockey, roller hockey, lacrosse and ringette as well as
hobbies
such as, for example, hunting having equipment which needs to be supported
and/or
stored for drying.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a portable
sports
equipment hanger which is easily reconfigurable.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
sports equipment hanger comprising a primary frame member having an elongate
body
with opposed ends; a plurality of secondary frame members, each of the
secondary
frame members having an elongate body and opposed ends, wherein each of the
secondary frame members is adapted for releasable placement on the primary
frame
member in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the primary frame
member; a
plurality of sports equipment attachment means positioned on at least one of
the
secondary frame members for releasable engagement with an article of the
sports
equipment, and releasable attachment means mounted on one of the opposed ends
of
the primary frame member for hanging the hanger in a generally vertical
orientation
when in use.
In accordance with a further preferred aspect of the present invention there
is provided
a hanger for sports equipment comprising a frame, the frame having a vertical
support
member and a plurality of transversely extending mounting members spaced apart
from
each other along the vertical support member, the plurality of mounting
members being
secured to the vertical support member; the hanger having mounting means
adapted to
mount the hanger to a substrate, and at least one of the transversely
extending
mounting members having releasable fastening members associated therewith
adapted
to releasably mount an article engaged therewith.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects and features of the present invention noted above are explained in
greater
detail below with reference to the drawings Figures in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the sports equipment hanger in accordance
with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sports equipment hanger in a stowed
condition;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sports equipment hanger as shown in
Figure 1 with
enlarged, exploded views as shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D;
Figure 3A is an enlarged, exploded view of the top portion and hook of the
primary
frame member as shown in Figure 3;
Figure 3B is an enlarged, exploded view of one end of a secondary frame member
as
shown in Figure 3;
Figure 3C is an enlarged, exploded view of one end of the lowermost secondary
frame
member as shown in Figure 3; and
Figure 3D is an enlarged, exploded view of the center portion of the lowermost
secondary frame member to be secured to the primary frame member as shown in
Figure 3.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As illustrated in the accompanying drawing Figures, and in which like
reference
numerals denote like elements, there is provided a sports equipment hanger in
5 accordance with the present invention generally designated by reference
numeral 10.
The sports equipment hanger or gear hanger 10 includes a primary member 20
which,
as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, is in an operational condition in a
generally vertical
orientation. Primary vertical member 20 is an elongate tubular member having
upper
and lower opposed ends, 22 and 24, respectively.
A plurality of secondary equipment support members 30, 40, 50 and 60 are
illustrated in
a generally horizontal orientation with respect to the primary vertical member
20. As will
be understood by those of skill in the art to which the present invention
pertains, the
apparatus is shown in an "in-use" orientation and the terms "vertical" and
"horizontal" as
used herein are used in accordance with the orientation as illustrated in the
drawing
Figures.
Means 90 for hanging the sports equipment hanger or gear hanger 10 is
positioned at
the upper end 22, discussed in greater detail below. Means 90 orients the gear
hanger
10 into an upright position when in use.
As illustrated, attached in a perpendicular orientation to primary vertical
member 20 are
secondary horizontal members 30, 40, 50 and 60. In a preferred embodiment,
both
primary and secondary members are manufactured from aluminum square tube or
tubular members. Desirably, the aluminum square tubing has a surface treatment
which prevents oxidation of the metal i.e. anodized or other suitable surface
treatments.
The aluminum tubing as contemplated for use by the present invention is
desirably
lightweight and rigid. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other
rigid materials,
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including metals, plastics, pvc, carbon fibre, fibre glass and combinations of
these
materials, may be used to provide a frame or frame members adapted to support
the
weight of various sports equipment thereon. It will also be understood that,
in a
preferred embodiment, the primary and secondary members have a uniform cross
section and the shape of the cross section may be square, tubular,
rectangular, circular,
polygonal or triangular.
The primary vertical member 20 is adapted to support thereon the plurality of
secondary
horizontal members. As illustrated, and for exemplary purposes only, the gear
hanger
or sports equipment hanger 10 includes four horizontal members (30, 40, 50 and
60)
equally spaced about a surface 26A of primary member 20. As illustrated,
surface 26A
is the primary surface to which horizontal members are releasably attached.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the primary vertical member 20 includes upper and
lower ends
22 and 24, respectively. Each end (22, 24) is adapted to receive an end plug
or other
similar cap member, discussed in greater detail below. In a preferred
embodiment, the
primary vertical member 20 is adapted to receive two end plugs 110, 120
inserted in the
opposed respective ends of the primary vertical member 20. The top end plug
120
preferably includes a threaded aperture 122 in the center of the end plug and
the
bottom end plug 110 will be blank.
As illustrated, the primary vertical member 20 includes four threaded insert
nuts 81
mechanically swaged in their respective apertures 82, which may be equally
spaced
along a surface of the primary vertical member 20. Depending upon the desired
configuration, the quantity of secondary horizontal members may be more or
less and
are within the intended scope of the present invention. Alternatively the
spacing of the
threaded insert nuts 81 may be offset or unequal, depending upon the desired
end use
of the device.
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In accordance with the preferred embodiment, three threaded insert nuts 81 are
oriented in a spiral about the four sides or surfaces of the primary vertical
member 20.
Preferably, the insert nuts 81 are positioned in the center region of the
primary vertical
member 20. The insert nuts 81, which are preferably mechanically swaged in
their
respective apertures 82, protrude inside the tubular members and are flush
against the
outside surface. As will be understood, other fastening means may be used.
The primary vertical member 20 is adapted to provide a substantially straight,
rigid
structure to which are releasably fastened a plurality of secondary horizontal
members.
The primary vertical member 20 is adapted for use by a user to hold while
moving the
empty or fully populated hanger 10. In use, the primary vertical member 20
provides a
natural and variable extension of a user's arm to reach the supporting
appendage (for
example a rod or similar support to which the top element or hook (90) is to
be
attached) that may be much higher than eye level. For example, the user may
place the
empty or populated hanger 10 into a closet and hang the device 10 on a rod.
Alternatively, a user may place the device 10 on a hook or other support to
allow the
user to access the gear thereupon.
A first or uppermost secondary horizontal member 30 is provided and releasably
attached to the primary member 20 in a perpendicular mating orientation to
primary
member 20. Secondary member 30 is preferably made of the same tubular or
similar
material as the primary member 20 and includes opposed ends 32 and 34. Each
end is
adapted to receive an end plug or cap, or blank end plugs 110 inserted in the
ends 32
and 34 of the tubular member 30. In order to secure the end plugs 110 or caps
in the
ends 32 and 34, the end plugs 110 may be of a compression fit type and are
fastened
with a screw fastener 150 from the front side. The screw fastener 150 passes
through a
pilot hole 140 and then into the side of the end plug 110 that is already
inside the tube.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains that other
suitable fastening means may be used, and the number of pilot holes 140 may be
more
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or less, equally spaced or unequally spaced and are within the intended scope
of the
present invention. The secondary horizontal member 30 includes an aperture 83
centrally located and corresponding with the aperture of the primary member 20
(as
illustrated on secondary horizontal member 60 in Figure 3D). The aperture 83
is
adapted to accommodate a suitable fastener such as thumb screw 130. The
secondary
horizontal member 30 in a preferred embodiment includes a cutout portion 36
(as
illustrated in Figure 3D) to mate or accommodate with primary vertical member
20. The
cutout portion 36 is centered with the fastener hole 83. The primary vertical
member 20
is adapted to mate with the cutout portion 36 to ensure a tight fit, which
prevents the
secondary horizontal member 30 from rotating about the aperture 83 of the
fastener.
Similar end plugs 110, screw fasteners 150, pilot holes 140, apertures 83,
thumb
screws 130 and cutout portions 36 are provided in the secondary members 40, 50
and
60.
In use, a user places shoulder pads or other like equipment (not shown) onto
the
hanger 10 by passing the top hook 90 and primary vertical member 20 through
the neck
opening portion of the sports equipment to position the equipment such that it
is
supported by the secondary horizontal member 30. Typically, shoulder pads have
a
neck hole that does not open up therefore the pads will be securely placed and
will not
fall to the ground once the gear hanger 10 is in place. Once the hanger 10 is
in place,
the user may then continue to attach pieces of equipment or apparel to the
secondary
members via attachment means 70 and 100.
As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, secondary horizontal members 40 and 50 each
include
an elongate tubular body having opposed ends positioned perpendicular to
primary
vertical member 20. Secondary member 40 includes opposed ends 42 and 44, which
are adapted to receive blank end plugs 110 inserted in the ends 42 and 44 of
the
tubular member 40. The end plugs 110 have a compression fit and are positively
secured with a screw fastener 150 as in secondary member 30. Those skilled in
the art
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to which this invention pertains will understand that other suitable fasteners
may be
used. The secondary horizontal member 40 includes an aperture 83 centrally
located to
accommodate a fastener such as thumb screw 130. The secondary horizontal
member
40 has a cutout portion 36 (similar to that shown in Figure D) to accommodate
and mate
with the primary vertical member 20. As above, the cutout portion 36 is
centered with
the fastener aperture 83. The primary vertical member 20 is adapted to mate
with the
cutout portion 36 of secondary member 40 to ensure a tight fit, which prevents
the
secondary horizontal member 40 from rotating about the aperture 83 of the
fastener.
As illustrated, there is one additional fastener aperture (81, 82) on each of
the remaining
three sides of primary vertical member 20. These three additional apertures,
together
with one of the apertures on surface 26A of primary member 20, are adapted for
stowing the secondary horizontal members 30, 40, 50 and 60 parallel to the
primary
vertical member 20 when the gear hanger 10 is not in use (i.e., in a stowed
condition)
as illustrated in Figure 2.
As noted above, on the front face of the tubular secondary members 30, 40, 50
and 60
are four pilot holes 140 for screw fasteners 150. The pilot holes 140 are
adapted such
that they only go through the top surface of the tubular secondary members 30,
40, 50
and 60. These pilot holes 140 are spaced equally. Spring clips 70 or other
suitable
equipment detent or securement means can then be fastened to each secondary or
horizontal member via a screw fastener 150. The design is such that the spring
clip 70
will be able to rotate about the fastener axis, which allows for storage of
the secondary
horizontal members and to prevent unwanted stress on the spring clip 70 while
being
utilized. Depending upon the desired configuration, the number of pilot holes
140 may
be more or less, spaced equally or spaced unequally and are within the
intended scope
of the present invention.
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Secondary horizontal member 50 is similar to that of secondary member 40
having an
elongate tubular body with opposed ends 52 and 54, and like reference numerais
denote like features.
5 As illustrated, there is provided a lowermost or boftom secondary horizontal
member,
identified by reference numeral 60. Similar to the other secondary tubular
members
noted above, secondary member 60 includes an elongate tubular body having
opposed
ends 62 and 64. Secondary horizontal member 60 is adapted to receive blank end
plugs 110 inserted in the ends 62, 64 of the tubular member 60. The end plugs
have a
10 compression fit and are positively secured with a screw fastener 150 as in
secondary
members 30, 40 and 50. It will be understood that other suitable fasteners may
be
used. In a preferred embodiment, a generally "U" shaped hook 100 is fastened
to the
end plugs 110 with a screw fastener 150 or other suitable fastener on each end
thereof.
In use, the hooks 100 may rotate about the axis of the screw fastener 150 in
each of the
end plugs 110. The secondary horizontal member 60 includes an aperture 83
centrally
located to accommodate a fastener such as thumb screw 130. The secondary
horizontal member 60 further includes a cutout portion 36 which corresponds
with or
accommodates the primary vertical member 20 as illustrated in Figure 3D. As
with the
other secondary members, the cutout portion 36 is centered with the aperture
83 of the
fastener. The primary vertical member 20 is adapted to mate with the cutout
portion 36
to ensure a tight fit, which prevents the secondary horizontal member 60 from
rotating
about the aperture 83 of the fastener.
On the front face of the secondary horizontal member 60 are four pilot holes
140 for
fastening spring clips 70. The pilot holes 140 only go through the top surface
of the
secondary horizontal member 60. These pilot holes are spaced equally and are
for the
installation of spring clips 70 or other suitable fasteners. The spring clips
70 or other
suitable equipment detent or securement means can then be fastened to each
secondary horizontal member via a mating screw fastener 150 or other suitable
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fastener. Preferably, each attachment means (such as the spring clip 70
illustrated in
the drawing Figures) will be able to rotate about the screw axis. Depending
upon the
desired configuration, the number of pilot holes 140 may be more or less,
equally
spaced or unequally spaced and are within the intended scope of the present
invention.
As illustrated in the drawing Figures, and more particularly Figures 1, 3, 3B
and 3D,
there is provided attachment means to releasably secure the equipment or
apparel to
each secondary member (40, 50 and 60). In a preferred embodiment, means
generally
identified as reference numeral 70 is provided. Desirably, attachment means 70
is in
the form of a spring clip, and includes a wedge shape where the lever ends
react
against a cylindrical spring coil to spread the clamp ends that are on the
opposite side
of the cylindrical coil. As illustrated in Figure 3B, one of the lever members
72 will
accommodate a screw fastener 150 or other suitable fastener, which is the
fastening
end of the clip 70. The other lever member 74 is for the user to push or
squeeze to
open the opposite end of the clip i.e. the clamp end, such that a piece of
equipment may
be secured therein. It is contemplated that other suitable attachment means
may be
used including clips, spring activated clamps, hook and loop fasteners and
combinations of these types of attachment means.
Desirably, the spring clip 70 or other similar attachment means has an
appropriate
amount of clamping force to retain the piece of equipment, and preferably is
sufficiently
easy to open with one hand to allow a user easy access and to place an article
into the
open spring and secure it therein. In an alternative embodiment, the spring is
made of a
material having a surface treatment which prevent oxidation of the metal i.e.
chrome
plating or other known materials.
Pilot holes 140 on the primary and secondary members can be reused, relocated
or
varied in number to reconfigure the components as the user wishes.
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As noted above, there is provided at the upper portion 22 of the vertical
primary
member 20 a hook or other means generally identified by reference numeral 90.
Hook
90 is preferably made of steel or other suitable material. Desirably, hook 90
is in a "U"
shape with one side 92 longer than the other side 93. The longer side 92 is
partially
threaded 94 for threading into end plug 120 within top end 22.
In a preferred embodiment, hook 90 is permitted to rotate about the thread
axis through
360 degrees in order to accommodate the supporting appendage. Preferably,
there is
provided a surface treatment to prevent oxidation of the metal i.e. cadmium
plating or
other suitable materials as known in the art.
Alternatively, the hook 90 may be replaced with other suitable means (such as
a Velcro
strap, eyelet, loop, clip, etc.) to allow a person to easily hang and store
the device 10 on
a suitable rod or hook. The top threaded end plug 120 is inserted into the top
end of
primary vertical member 20. The primary vertical member end 22 is mechanically
deformed after the end plug 120 has been installed to secure the end plug. The
deformation in the aluminum tube can be of various shapes and sizes. The
deformation
changes the dimension of the tubing and the end plug 120 to provide a positive
attachment.
Mounted on the sides or ends 62 and 64 of the lowermost secondary member 60
are
hooks 100, best illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 3C. Hook 100 is in a generally
"U" shape
with a flat surface on one end and a clearance hole 141 for a screw fastener.
A screw
fastener 150 or other suitable fastener is used to secure the hook 100 to the
end plug
110. Desirably, the hook 100 is made of steel and has a surface treatment to
prevent
oxidation of the metal i.e. cadmium plating. Other materials may be used as
known in
the art. In a preferred embodiment, the hook 100 is adapted to rotate about
the thread
axis through 360 degrees in order to accommodate the placement of inverted ice
skates
or other sports footwear. Alternatively, hook 100 can also be used to place
other
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uniform apparel to dry, or alternatively exchanged with two bottom spring
clips 70 and to
place a stick i.e. lacrosse, ice or field hockey stick.
As noted above, there is provided in the respective tubular ends of the
vertical and
horizontal primary and secondary members a blank end plug or cap generally
identified
by reference numeral 110. In a preferred embodiment, the blank end plug or cap
110 is
of a plastic material and is inserted into the end of the tubular member to
close the
opening. In use, the plug or cap 110 provides protection from injury by
preventing
lacerations from any possible sharp edges on the ends produced from the
manufacturing process. Other materials may be used as known in the art.
Similar to the blank end plug 110, there is provided in the top end of the
primary
member 20 a threaded end plug 120. The threaded end plug 120 is preferably
plastic,
and is adapted to be inserted into an end of a tubular member in order to
close the
opening and provide a thread 122 for a threaded hook 90 to be installed.
In use, the end plug 120 provides protection from injury by preventing
lacerations from
any possible sharp edges on the ends produced from the manufacturing process.
End
plug 120 also permits hooks that have the freedom to rotate. Other materials
may be
used as known in the art.
As illustrated in the Figures, and more particularly in Figure 3D, there is
provided a
fastener 130 in the form of a thumb screw or similar fastening means which is
adapted
to secure the horizontal secondary members to the vertical primary member 20.
Thumb
screw 130 permits a simple method of fastening the tubular members together
without
the necessity of tools. Desirably, the fastener or thumb screw 130 includes a
machined
or user friendly gripping means. It will be understood that other types of
fasteners may
also be used.
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As illustrated in Figure 2, the present invention can be collapsed when not in
use. As
noted above, the primary vertical member 20 includes four threaded insert nuts
81
mounted in a generally spiral pattern or configuration about the sides of the
primary
member 20. This permits a user to remove the secondary members 30, 40, 50, and
60
and reposition these secondary members in a generally vertical orientation
about the
primary member 20 to reduce the amount of physical space the gear hanger 10
occupies when in an fully assembled, in use orientation. After a user
collapses the
device 10, the user can simply store the collapsed assembly in a cover, an
athletic bag
or other device containing the sporting equipment to await further use. As
will be
understood by those skilled in the relevant art, the number of threaded insert
nuts 81
may vary depending upon the desired use or end configuration.
In the preferred embodiment and as illustrated in the drawing Figures, the top
secondary horizontal member 30 does not have spring clips attached. The three
bottom
secondary horizontal members (40, 50 and 60) have spring clips 70 to hold
equipment
(not shown). The two center secondary members (40 and 50) have four spring
clips
(70) each and the bottom secondary member (60) has two spring clips 70. The
bottom
secondary horizontal member 60 also has two hooks 100 fastened into end plugs
110.
Straight hook 90 is fastened into the top end plug 120 of the primary vertical
member 20
to hold the entire assembly. Each secondary horizontal member can be removed
and
re-oriented vertically and fastened to the four sides of the primary vertical
member 20
for storage convenience.
In the preferred embodiment, the device 10 is a portable apparatus, enabling a
user to
quickly hang and attach the pieces of sports equipment and/or apparel to the
gear
hanger 10 in order that the pieces of equipment are visible to ensure that all
pieces of
the respective sports equipment and/or apparel are present and also to
separate each
piece from one another to accelerate the drying of the same. In use, a user
loads or
populates the gear hanger 10 and merely raises the populated hanger 10 on to a
rod or
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hook to allow the gear hanger 10 to hang and dry the pieces of equipment. As
noted
above, due to the fact that the gear hanger 10 is raised off the floor (for
example in a
closet or other space), the gear hanger 10 provides a more efficient use of
space and
permits air to freely pass in and about the equipment from all directions.
Desirably, the
5 aluminum tubular members (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60) can be reconfigured into a
compact
assembly, using the existing thumb screws 130 or other suitable fasteners to
keep the
tubular members nested together in parallel for transport and/or storage.
In an alternative embodiment, a cover (not shown) may be provided to enclose
at least
10 a portion of the device 10 when populated with sports equipment. Such a
cover could
permit safe transportation of the fully or partially populated hanger 10
during transport or
storage, such as when a user brings the gear hanger 10 to an arena or sport
facility.
Desirably, the cover may also be used to store the collapsed gear hanger 10
when not
in use.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the gear hanger or sports
equipment
dryer 10 will invariably be hanged from its top hook 90 high off the ground
and in doing
so, the hanger 10 and equipment will not take up valuable floor space. This is
quite an
advantage over conventional floor stands which take up valuable space and rely
on a
user to balance the equipment on the horizontal members.
A further advantage of this invention is that it can be used in the process of
washing the
equipment because of the ability of the spring clamps 70 to retain the
equipment while
being sprayed with a water hose or pressure washer.
As noted above and in the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiment
illustrates the gear hanger 10 including a plurality of attachment means or
spring clips
70 to hold various pieces of equipment in various arrangements. Such an
arrangement
overcomes various inherent disadvantages of the prior art devices, which
include
CA 02644226 2008-11-20
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clamps positioned on two opposing wires that will bend because of reduced
rigidity.
The present invention advantageously secures all pieces of equipment via the
spring
clips or attachment means, while skates (i.e., ice, roller) can be supported
through their
plastic blade holders through hooks.
In an alternative embodiment, the primary and secondary members may be of a
circular
or other suitable configuration instead of the square tubular configuration
shown in the
drawings. Other shapes (triangular, polygonal, etc.) are also contemplated.
Although the present invention has been described in relation to the preferred
embodiment hereinabove, it is understood that various modifications may be
possible
without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.
