HK1148923A - Micro-beam intimate apparel hanger - Google Patents

Description

Micro-beam close-fitting clothes hanger

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to plastic molded garment hangers of the type widely used for the sale and display of garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lightweight intimate apparel hanger having an improved hanger body structure, particularly a hanger beam, which is less material consuming to manufacture and less energy consuming to process than prior intimate apparel hangers, and which improves the structural stability of the hanger against undesirable deformation and distortion of the hanger body.

Background

In the field of retail clothing, the so-called go-and-hang (GOH) program has become appreciated by retailers. In the GOH program, garments delivered to a retailer are already hung on hangers and upon arrival at the retail location, the garments are immediately available for display sale. These hangers are typically plastic molded hangers widely used for the sale and display of garments.

In particular, retailers have specified specific hangers or hanger characteristics in the supplier in order to unify their sales styles. To this end, Standards for hanger size, shape, performance characteristics, and the like are maintained by organizations such as the volume Inter-industry Commerce Standards Association (VICS). An intimate apparel hanger is one of the VICS standards standardized hangers that is suitable for hanging and displaying intimate apparel such as undergarments, shirts, bras, swimwear, and the like.

With the continued consumption of natural resources, there is a growing popularity in the manufacturing industry and a desire to optimize product designs to conserve materials and energy while reducing manufacturing and transportation costs without compromising performance. The product produced under the concept of saving materials and energy is considered as an environment-friendly product and has more market competitiveness than the prior similar products. In the intimate apparel hanger molding industry, millions of plastic intimate apparel hangers are manufactured each year. Thus, an environmentally friendly intimate garment hanger would provide significant commercial advantages to manufacturers, carriers, and distributors in the industry.

Accordingly, there is a need for a novel intimate apparel hanger that uses less material to manufacture and yet maintains its structural integrity and mechanical properties to meet industry standards, such as VICS standards.

Accordingly, there is a need for a novel intimate apparel hanger that is lightweight and easy to handle while still maintaining hanger performance.

Accordingly, there is a need for a novel intimate apparel hanger that effectively reduces manufacturing and shipping costs and is manufactured using less material to improve the environment.

In addition, the intimate apparel hangers known in the art typically have undesirable deformation of the hanger body, particularly the hanger bar, when subjected to a certain load applied by the intimate apparel. For example, prior hangers tend to bend in the plane of the hanger body under the force applied to opposite ends of the hanger beam, presenting an upward curve near the middle of the hanger beam.

In addition, the hanger bar tends to bend and extend out of the plane of the hanger body, causing the ends of the hanger bar to move toward the middle of the hanger. Thus, the hanger body has a C-shape of torsion when viewed from above the hanger body. In the GOH system, i.e. where a large number of garments are transported and displayed together with their hangers, such twisting severely takes up the space budget for transporting and displaying the garments. Concomitantly, garment displays are unsatisfactory because the garments are not perfectly aligned and in-plane due to distortion of the hanger.

Typically, the hanger bar tends to twist about a horizontal or longitudinal axis of the hanger body, for example, when a garment hanging on the hanger is wrapped around an adjacent garment.

This deformation of the intimate garment hanger severely shortens the life of the hanger and sometimes even breaks the hanger, which in turn can lead to problems with garment transport and display. The above-mentioned drawbacks are even more pronounced with respect to the typical smaller sized intimate apparel hangers.

Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a novel intimate apparel hanger having improved structural stability against twisting of the hanger body, particularly against deformation of the hanger beam.

Disclosure of Invention

Thus, to overcome certain deficiencies in the prior art, according to one aspect of the present invention, a lightweight intimate apparel hanger is provided comprising a hook member and a hanger body connected to the hook at a lower neck region of the hanger. The hanger body includes a first arm extending from the hanger to the hanger body first end and a second arm extending from the hanger to the hanger body second end. The garment hanger further includes a first composite garment retention clip integrally molded to the first end of the hanger body and a second composite garment retention clip integrally molded to the second end of the hanger body. The first and second arms include an upper flange, a lower flange, and a central web connecting the upper and lower flanges, respectively. Specifically, the first arm has a height H, defined as the distance from the upper flange to the lower flange; and a width W defined as a width of the upper and lower flanges, a ratio (W/H) of the width W to the height H being greater than 1.

Compared to existing hangers known in the industry, such as existing intimate apparel hangers conforming to the VICS standard, the intimate apparel hanger according to the present invention designs a hanger beam structure that strategically adjusts the height to width ratio of the hanger beam to provide a relatively wider and shorter hanger beam.

Therefore, the structural stability of the hanger beam is significantly improved, thereby effectively avoiding the disadvantageous deformation of the hanger beam. Therefore, the distortion of the clothes rack beam away from the plane of the clothes rack body can be effectively avoided. Therefore, the space for transporting and displaying the clothing can be effectively utilized, and satisfactory clothing display can be realized. In addition, the service life of the clothes rack is obviously prolonged, and the accidental breakage and breakage of the clothes rack are effectively reduced.

The intimate apparel hanger according to the present invention also saves energy in resin materials and processing materials while improving the structural stability of the hanger beam. For example, intimate apparel hangers in accordance with the present invention may save about 15 grams of resin material per hanger, and thus energy in processing materials, as compared to existing hangers in the industry, such as existing intimate apparel hangers in accordance with the VICS standard. Considering that plastic molded hangers are produced on a large scale of millions on a per year basis, the manufacturing costs of hangers and the transportation costs of raw materials are significantly reduced. In addition, since less material is processed, carbon dioxide emission to the environment is also greatly reduced, which may improve the environment.

Preferably, the upper flange, the lower flange and the central web form a substantially I-beam cross-section of the garment hanger body.

Preferably, the first composite clip comprises a first vertical garment retaining clip, a first lower garment retaining clip disposed below the hanger body, and a first upper garment retaining clip disposed above the hanger body. Preferably, the second composite clip comprises a second vertical garment retaining clip, a second lower garment retaining clip disposed below the hanger body, and a second upper garment retaining clip disposed above the hanger body.

Preferably, the first and second arms are substantially horizontal, thereby providing a substantially horizontal elongate hanger body.

Preferably, the first and second arms are curved, extending away from the hook and upwardly from the lower neck region of the hanger, to provide a contoured and streamlined hanger body.

Preferably, the width W is in the range of 3-8mm and the height H is in the range of 3-8 mm. Accordingly, a so-called micro-beam intimate garment hanger is provided which is compact in construction and which consumes less material during manufacture and processing while still maintaining excellent structural integrity and mechanical properties in compliance with industry standards such as the VICS standard.

Preferably, the hook includes a planar web and an inner flange defined on one side of the planar web. The inner flange extends substantially from an end of the hook toward the lower neck region of the hanger. Preferably, the inner flange engages the upper flange on one side of the lower neck region to provide a bend continuous with the upper flange. The inner flange reinforces the lower neck region of the hanger and provides the hanger with a greater bearing surface against a bar or support from which hangers and garments are hung.

More preferably, the hanger hook further comprises a reinforcing rib provided on the other side of the lower neck region of the hanger with respect to the inner flange. The stiffening rib engages the upper flange and provides a continuous bend with the upper flange on the other side of the lower neck region. The stiffening ribs further stiffen the hook in the lower neck region of the hanger.

More preferably, the hanger hook further comprises a cut-out portion formed in the planar web adjacent the lower neck region of the hanger and between the inner flange and the stiffening rib. The cut-away portion of the planar web reduces the weight of the hanger, reducing the resin material consumed by the hanger.

Preferably, the hanger further comprises at least one elongate opening formed in a central web of the hanger body. More preferably, the hanger comprises a plurality of elongate openings formed in the central web of the hanger body and spaced from one another by a plurality of struts extending between the upper and lower flanges. Most preferably, the plurality of elongated openings occupy 10-90% of the total area of the central web of the hanger body. As a result, the resin material used to mold the hanger is significantly reduced, providing a hanger body with a minimal and compact construction, while still maintaining structural integrity and mechanical performance in compliance with industry standards such as VICS standards.

Preferably, the hanger body further comprises a vertically enlarged portion formed below the hanger hook adjacent the lower neck region. The vertically enlarged portion has a greater height than the remainder of the hanger body, thereby structurally reinforcing the intersection of the hanger and providing an anti-torque mechanism for the hanger.

The hanger may further comprise a top sizer attachment means disposed on a top portion of the hook. The top sizer connection device includes: a horizontal flange formed on the top of the hanger on which a top sizer can be positioned to display information relating to the garment; and a vertical flange extending substantially upward from a middle of the horizontal flange, the vertical flange adapted to be received in a cavity of the top sizer. The top portion sizer attachment device further includes an opening formed on the vertical flange and a depending tab extending within the opening. The depending tab includes a lateral abutment formed at a lower end of the tab that projects downwardly and outwardly from the opening for engaging a lower surface of a through opening formed in the top sizer. Alternatively, the top sizer attachment means may include at least one snap-fit engagement means extending from the vertical flange. The snap-fit engagement means comprises an inclined surface and an abutment surface. The abutment surface engages a lower surface of a blind slot formed in the top sizer. Any other combination of top sizer attachment means and top sizer is suitable without departing from the present invention. The intimate apparel hanger according to the present invention is compatible with any type of top sizer.

The garment hanger may further comprise a lower neck sizer attachment means disposed on a lower neck region of the garment hanger. The lower neck sizer connecting device is adapted to connect at least one of a side lower neck sizer mounted to a side of the hanger adjacent the lower neck region and a lower neck sizer mounted to substantially enclose the hanger adjacent the lower neck region.

Drawings

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the following description and drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like features in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a front plan view of a personal care garment hanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a front plan view of a intimate apparel hanger with a sizer attachment;

FIG. 3A shows a front plan view of another intimate apparel hanger with another sizer attachment device;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 3A taken along line 4A-4A of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 shows a front plan view of the combination of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 3 with a top sizer mounted on the hanger;

FIG. 5A shows a front plan view of another combination of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 3A and another top sizer mounted on the hanger;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the top sizer of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the top sizer of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the top sizer taken along line 7A-7A in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8 shows a front cross-sectional view of a intimate apparel hanger, according to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hanger body of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a front cross-sectional view of a intimate apparel hanger, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a front plan view of a intimate apparel hanger, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hanger body of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 11 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a partial front plan view of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 11, a side lower neck sizer mounted to a hook side proximate a lower neck region of the hanger;

FIG. 14 shows a partial front plan view of the intimate apparel hanger of FIG. 11, a lower neck sizer mounted to the hanger proximate a lower neck region of the hanger so as to substantially enclose the hanger hook; and

FIG. 15 shows a front plan view of a intimate apparel hanger, according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring now to FIG. 1, a plastic molded intimate apparel hanger 100 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The hanger 100 generally comprises a hook 110 and a hanger body 120 connected to the hook 110. Preferably, the hook 110 is integrally molded to the hanger body 120 at the lower neck region G of the hanger 100 by a single plastic molding step.

In fig. 1, a three-dimensional coordinate system is defined as illustrated. The hanger 110 extends upward from the hanger body 120 in a hanger height direction substantially along a vertical Z-axis of the coordinate system from the hanger body 120. The hanger body 120 extends substantially along the horizontal X axis of the coordinate system along the length of the hanger. In addition, the hanger body 120 further extends substantially along the lateral Y-axis of the coordinate system in the hanger width direction.

The hanger 110 includes a planar web 112 that begins at a distal end 113 of the hanger 110 and terminates at a lower neck end 115 of the hanger 110, where the hanger 110 engages the hanger body 120. A cut-away portion 117 is formed in the lower neck end 115 of the hook to reduce the weight of the hanger 100 while still maintaining the structural integrity of the hanger 100.

The hanger 110 further includes an inner flange 114 disposed on the underside of the hanger 110, the inner flange 114 extending from the distal end 113 to a lower neck end 115 to naturally engage the hanger body 120 for strengthening the hanger 110. The width of inner flange 114 is greater than the width of hanger 110. In use, the inner flange 114 engages a bar, rod or other means of suspending the hanger and garment. Thus, the inner flange 114 provides a greater bearing surface when the hanger 100 engages a device for hanging the hanger and garment. Hook 110 also includes a stiffening rib 116 disposed on the other side of planar web 112 opposite inner flange 114. The reinforcement ribs 116 are curved to naturally engage the hanger body 120 to reinforce the hook 110 and resist twisting or bending of the hook 110 when the garment hanger is in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the stiffening ribs 116 are disposed proximate the lower neck region G of the hanger 100. However, the reinforcing rib 116 may also extend along the entire hanger 110, i.e., from the hanger end 113 to the intersection between the hanger 110 and the hanger body 120.

The hanger body 120 includes a pair of oppositely directed arms 121 and 123. The first arm 121 extends away from the hanger 110 to a first end 122. A second arm 123 extends oppositely away from clevis 110 to a second end 124. The first arm 121 and the second arm 123 are preferably symmetrical in structure and geometry to each other.

The first end 122 and the second end 124 are each equipped with suitable garment gripping or clamping structures for hanging and holding the intimate apparel in conjunction with the hanger body 120.

Specifically, the hanger 100 includes first composite garment retention clips 130 disposed at the first ends 122 of the hanger bodies 120, respectively; and a second composite garment retention clip 140 disposed at the second end 124.

The first and second composite garment retention clips 130 and 140 can have any configuration suitable for retaining a garment, particularly a bodysuit, and preferably the first and second composite garment retention clips 130 and 140 are symmetrical to each other in structure and geometry.

As shown in fig. 1, the first composite garment retaining clip 130 includes a first vertical garment retaining clip 132 molded to the first end 122 of the hanger body 120. The first composite garment retaining clip 130 further includes a first lower garment retaining clip 134 molded to the first end 122 of the hanger body 120, the first lower garment retaining clip 134 extending inwardly from the end 122 toward the hanger 110 below the hanger body 120. The first composite garment retainer clip 130 further includes a first upper garment retainer clip 136 molded to the hanger body 120 at the first end 122, the first upper garment retainer clip 136 extending inwardly from the end 122 toward the hanger 110 above the hanger body 120.

Preferably, the second composite garment retention clip 140 includes a second vertical garment retention clip 142 molded to the hanger body 120 at the second end 124. The second compound clip 140 further includes a second lower garment retention clip 144 molded to the second end 124 of the hanger body 120, the second lower garment retention clip 144 extending inwardly from the second end 124 toward the hanger 110 under the hanger body 120. The second composite garment retainer clip 140 further includes a second upper garment retainer clip 146 molded to the second end 124 of the hanger body 120, the second upper garment retainer clip 146 extending inwardly from the second end 124 toward the hanger 110 above the hanger body 120.

Although composite garment retention clips are described with respect to the illustrated embodiments 130 and 140, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the composite garment retention clips may have any suitable variation so long as the clips function to releasably and/or selectively retain garments such as intimate apparel, e.g., undergarments, shirts, bras, swimwear, and the like.

Referring to fig. 2, a sectional view of the first arm 121 of the hanger body 120 is taken along a section line 2-2 of fig. 1. As shown, the first arm 121 includes an upper flange 152, an opposing lower flange 154, and a central web 156 connecting the upper flange 152 and the lower flange 154, thereby providing a substantially I-beam configuration. Preferably, the upper flange 152 and the lower flange 154 are substantially horizontal and parallel to each other.

Preferably, to provide structural reinforcement to the hanger 100 on one side of the hanger 100, the upper flange 152 and the inner flange 144 are molded to be continuous with one another, thereby providing a natural bend at the lower neck region G of the hanger 100 where the hook 110 intersects the hanger body 120. More preferably, in order to provide structural reinforcement to the hanger 100 on the other side of the hanger 100, the upper flange 152 and the stiffening rib 116 are molded to be continuous with one another, thereby providing a natural bend on the other side of the lower neck region G of the hanger 100.

As shown in fig. 2, the first height H1 defined for the first arm 121 is the distance from the highest point of the upper flange 152 to the lowest point of the lower flange 154 along the Z-axis direction shown in fig. 1. The first width W1 defined for the first arm 121 is substantially the width of the upper and lower flanges 152, 154 along the Y-axis direction in fig. 1. Preferably, the ratio of the first width W1 to the first height H1 (W1/H1) is greater than 1. More preferably, the first width W1 is in the range of 3-8mm and the first height H1 is in the range of 3-8 mm. Accordingly, the intimate garment hanger 100 consistent with the present embodiment provides a so-called micro-beam intimate garment hanger having a minimum of the most compact configuration, consuming less material during manufacture and processing, relative to existing larger and heavier intimate garment hangers, while still maintaining good structural integrity and good mechanical properties.

Preferably, the first arm 121 is curved to extend away from the hook 110 and upwardly from the lower neck region G of the hanger 100, and the second arm 123 is also curved to extend away from the hook 110 and upwardly from the lower neck region G of the hanger 100, such that the first and second arms 121 and 123 cooperate to provide a contoured, streamlined hanger beam configuration extending from the first end 122 of the hanger 100 to the second end 124 of the hanger 100.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a front view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a personal care garment hanger 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

The garment hanger 200 includes a hook 210 integrally molded with a hanger body 220. The hanger body 220 includes first and second arms 221 and 223 extending toward first and second ends 222 and 224, respectively, of the hanger body 220. A first composite garment retention clip 230 comprising a first vertical garment retention clip 232, a first lower garment retention clip 234 and a first upper garment retention clip 236 is integrally molded with the first end 222. A second composite garment retaining clip 240 comprising a second vertical garment retaining clip 242, a second lower garment retaining clip 244 and a second upper garment retaining clip 246 is integrally molded with the second end 224.

Hook 210 includes a planar web 212 extending from a hook end 213 to a hook lower neck end 215. A cut-out portion 217 is formed in the lower neck end 215 to reduce the weight of the hanger 200. The hanger body 220 includes an upper flange 252 and an opposing lower flange 254 connected to each other by a central web 256. The hook 210 includes an inner flange 214, the inner flange 214 extending substantially from the distal end 213 to the lower neck end 251 and being continuous with the upper flange 252 to provide a reinforcing structure for the hanger 200. The hook 210 further includes a stiffening rib 216, the stiffening rib 216 extending at a lower neck end 215 of the hook and being substantially continuous with the upper flange 252 of the hanger body, thereby further stiffening the hanger 200.

Preferably, the first arm 221 and the second arm 223 are formed to provide a contoured, streamlined hanger beam configuration extending from a first end 222 of the hanger 200 to a second end 224 of the hanger 200.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the intimate apparel hanger 200 is adapted to receive a size indicator, preferably a top sizer (sizer), for displaying information relating to the apparel, particularly the size of the apparel.

As shown, the hanger 200 further comprises an attachment means 300 formed at the top of the hook 110 for attaching the top sizer to the hanger 200. Fig. 5-7 illustrate a top sizer 400, the top sizer 400 having a configuration that mates with the attachment device 300. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any other suitable coupling means in combination with a size indicator may be adapted for use with the hanger 200 without departing from the invention.

Preferably, the attachment means 300 for mounting a top sizer, such as top sizer 400, to the hanger 200 includes a horizontal flange 310 formed on the top of the hook 210, the top sizer 400 being positioned on the horizontal flange 310 to display information about the garment. The connecting device 300 further includes a vertical flange 320, the vertical flange 320 extending substantially upward from the middle of the horizontal flange 310. Vertical flange 320 is adapted to be received in a cavity of top classifier 400. A vertical flange 320 extends from the horizontal flange 310 above the top profile of the hanger 210. Vertical flange 320 is formed with a curved profile to facilitate attachment of top sizer 400. Preferably, but not limited to, the vertical flange 320 has a crescent-shaped profile.

The attachment device 300 further includes an opening 330 and a depending tab 340 extending within the opening 330. As best shown in fig. 4, the tab 340 has a side abutment 350 formed at a lower end of the tab 340, the side abutment 350 projecting downwardly and outwardly from the opening 330 for engaging a complementary structure, such as a cavity or opening, of the top sizer 400 to secure the top sizer 400 to the hanger 200. The abutment 350 includes a lower surface 352 and an upper surface 354.

FIG. 5 shows a front plan view of the intimate apparel hanger 200 with the top sizer 400 securely attached to the hook 210 of the hanger 200.

Fig. 6 shows a front perspective view of the top sizer 400, and fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the top sizer 400 cut along line 7-7 in fig. 6. As shown, the top sizer 400 includes a pair of opposing front and rear walls 410, 420; and a pair of opposing side walls 440 and 450, both connected to each other by a top wall 430. The front wall 410 and the rear wall 420 are substantially perpendicular and parallel to each other. Sidewalls 440 and 450 are substantially vertical and parallel to each other. The top wall 430 is preferably horizontal. Each of the above walls may be used to provide a display surface on which sizes of garments suspended by the hanger are printed or otherwise visible. Preferably, the front wall 410 and the rear wall 420 are used to provide a larger display surface.

The front wall 410, rear wall 420, side walls 440 and 450, and top wall 430 generally define a blind receiving cavity 460 with an inlet 470, the inlet 470 being located at the lower end of the classifier allowing access to the vertical flange 320 of the classifier connection device 300, as shown in fig. 2. Preferably, the inlet 470 of the receiving chamber 460 is formed to diverge downwardly to present a triangular cross-sectional profile to facilitate introduction of the vertical flange 320 into the receiving chamber 460.

The top sizer 400 further includes a pair of slots 480 and 490 formed on the front wall 410 and the rear wall 420, respectively. Slots 480 and 490 are structurally symmetrical to each other and functionally interchangeable. The slot 480 includes a lower surface 482 and an upper surface 484. The slot 490 includes a lower surface 492 and an upper surface 494. Both slots 480 and 490 are sized and positioned to complement the abutment 350 of the sizer attachment device 300. In use, the top sizer 400 is operated to allow the curved vertical flange 320 to enter. As the top sizer 400 is moved downward, the abutment 350 of the attachment device 300 engages the inner surface 412 of the front wall 410.

Because the plastic material used to mold the top sizer 400 provides resiliency to the abutment 350 and the depending tab 340, the abutment 350 and the tab 340 deflect to be received in the pocket 460. As the abutment 350 approaches the slot 480 or 490, the resiliency of the abutment 350 and the tab 340 forces the abutment 350 to extend into the slot 480 or 490. Thus, the upper surface 354 of the abutment 350 engages the upper surface 484 of the slot 480 or the upper surface 492 of the slot 490, and the lower surface 352 of the abutment 350 engages the lower surface 482 of the slot 480 or the lower surface 492 of the slot 490. Thus, top sizer 400 is secured to hanger hook 210.

After the top sizer 400 is attached to the hanger hook 210, the top sizer 400 rests on the horizontal flange 310. Further, the engagement relationship between the lower surface 352 of abutment 350 and the lower surface 482 of slot 480 or the lower surface 492 of slot 490 prevents disengagement of the top sizer 400 from the hanger hook 210.

Figure 3A shows a sizer attachment 3000 of the garment hanger 200, the sizer attachment 3000 being a variation of the sizer attachment 300 shown in figure 3. Fig. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the sizer attachment 3000. Fig. 5A shows an assembly of a sizer attachment device 3000 and a top sizer 4000, the top sizer 4000 being a variation of the top sizer 400 shown in fig. 5. Fig. 6A and 7A show front and cross-sectional views, respectively, of top sizer 4000.

The attachment device 3000 includes a horizontal flange 3100 formed at the top of the hook 210, and a top sizer 4000 is positioned on the horizontal flange 3100 to display information related to the garment. The attachment apparatus 3000 further comprises a vertical flange 3200, the vertical flange 3200 extending substantially upwards from the middle of the horizontal flange 3100. Vertical flange 3200 is adapted to be received in receiving cavity 4600 of top sizer 4000. Vertical flange 3200 is formed with a curved profile to facilitate insertion of the vertical flange into receiving cavity 4600 of top sizer 4000. Preferably, but not limited to, the vertical flange 3200 has a crescent-shaped profile.

The connecting device 3000 further includes a pair of snap-fit engaging means 3300, the engaging means 3300 being formed at the front and rear sides of the vertical flange 3200, respectively. A snap-fit engagement device 3300 extends from the vertical flange 3200 to engage a pair of blind slots 4800 formed in the sizer 4000 in a snap-fit manner. The snap-fit engagement means comprises a downwardly sloping surface 3310 and an abutment surface 3320 which, when viewed from the side of the hanger 200, substantially assumes a triangular profile.

FIG. 5A shows the combination of an intimate apparel hanger 200 and a top sizer 4000 securely attached to the hook 210 of the hanger 200. As shown in fig. 5A, the top sizer 4000 does not have any openings on the surface of the sizer and the top sizer attachment means 3000 is not visible from the outside, thereby providing a continuous and large surface for displaying information related to the garment.

Referring now to fig. 6A and 7A, the top classifier 4000 includes a pair of opposing front and rear walls 4100, 4200; and a pair of opposing side walls 4400 and 4500, both connected to each other by a top wall 4300. The front wall 4100 and the rear wall 4200 are substantially perpendicular and parallel to each other. The sidewalls 4400 and 4500 are substantially perpendicular and parallel to each other. The top wall 4300 is preferably horizontal. Each of the above walls may be used to provide a display surface on which the size of a garment suspended by the hanger may be printed or otherwise visible. Preferably, one of the front wall 4100 and the rear wall 4200 is used to provide a larger display surface.

The front wall 4100, rear wall 4200, side walls 4400 and 4500, and top wall 4300 generally define a blind receiving cavity 4600, the cavity 4600 with an inlet 4700 located at the lower end of the classifier, allowing access to the vertical flange 3200 of the classifier attachment apparatus 3000. Preferably, the entrance 4700 of the receiving cavity 4600 is formed to be downwardly flared to have a flared cross-sectional profile to facilitate introduction of the vertical flange 3200 into the receiving cavity 4600.

The pair of blind slots 4800 are formed on the front wall 4100 and the rear wall 4200 of the top classifier 4000, respectively. Blind slots 4800 are formed extending from interior surface 4120 of front wall 4100 and interior surface 4220 of rear wall 4200, respectively. The blind slots 4800 each include a lower surface 4820. The blind slot 4800 is sized and positioned to complement the snap-fit engagement means 3300 of the sizer attachment device 300. In use, top sizer 4000 is operated to allow entry of curved vertical flange 3200 as top sizer 400 is moved downward, thereby snap-fitting engaging means 3300 in blind slot 4800.

Due to the resilient nature of the snap-fit engagement 3300 and the top sizer 4000, the snap-fit engagement 3300 is deflected by engaging the inclined surface 3310 with the inner surface of the front wall 4100 and the inner surface 4220 of the rear wall 4200, thereby being received within the pocket 4600. Once the inclined surface 3310 passes the lower surface 4820 of the blind slot 4800, the snap-fit engagement apparatus 3300 protrudes into the blind slot 4800, and thus the abutment surface 3320 of the snap-fit engagement apparatus 3300 engages the lower surface 4820 of the blind slot 4800. Thus, top sizer 4000 is secured to hanger hook 210. After the top sizer 4000 is attached to the hanger hook 210, the top sizer 4000 rests on the horizontal flange 3100. In addition, the engagement relationship between the lower surface 4820 of the blind slot 4800 and the abutment surface 3320 of the snap-fit engagement 3300 prevents the top sizer 4000 from disengaging from the hanger hook 210.

However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the complementary configuration of the hanger and top sizer may differ from the embodiment described above and shown in the figures. More importantly, it should be understood that any type of top sizer can be adapted for use with intimate apparel hangers in accordance with the present invention.

Further, the hanger may include mounting features disposed in a lower neck region of the hanger for releasably or non-releasably attaching a lower neck sizer, such as a side lower neck sizer mounted to a side of a hanger hook or a sizer mounted to substantially surround a hanger hook.

Referring back to fig. 3, similar to the cross-sectional view of the hanger beam illustrated in fig. 2, the width to height ratio of the hanger body 220 of the current embodiment is greater than 1. More preferably, the width of the hanger body 220 is in the range of 3-8mm, and the height of the hanger body 220 is in the range of 3-8 mm. Accordingly, the intimate apparel hanger 200 consistent with the present embodiment provides a so-called micro-beam intimate apparel hanger having a minimal and compact construction that consumes less material during manufacture and processing while maintaining excellent structural integrity and mechanical properties.

FIG. 8 shows a close-fitting garment hanger 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The hanger 500 includes a hook 510 and a hanger body 520 integrally molded with each other.

The hanger 510 includes a base upper planar web 511, the planar web 511 being defined by a first hanger flange 512 and a second hanger flange 513. The first and second hook flanges 512,513 engage each other at the distal end 514 of the hook 210. The hanger body 520 includes a first arm 521 extending from the hook 510 toward a first end 522 of the hanger body 520 and an opposite second arm 523 extending from the hook 510 toward a second end 524 of the hanger body 520. The first and second arms 521, 523 are preferably symmetrical to each other in structure and geometry.

Preferably, the first and second arms 521, 523 are curved so as to extend away from the hook 510 and upwardly from the lowest point of the hanger body 520 to provide a contoured hanger beam configuration.

The first end 522 is equipped with a first composite garment retention clip 530 and the second end 524 is equipped with a second composite garment retention clip 540. The first composite garment retention clip 530 includes a first vertical garment retention clip 532 molded to the first end 522 of the hanger body 520.

The first composite garment retainer clip 530 further includes a first lower garment retainer clip 534 molded to the first end 522 of the hanger body 520, the first lower garment retainer clip 534 extending inwardly from the end 522 toward the hook 510 below the hanger body 520. The first composite garment retention clip 530 further includes a first upper garment retention clip 536, the first upper garment retention clip 536 being molded to the first end 522 of the hanger body 520, extending inwardly from the end 522 toward the hook 510 above the hanger body 520.

The second composite garment retention clip 540 includes a second vertical garment retention clip 542 molded to the second end 524 of the hanger body 520. The second composite clip 540 further includes a second lower garment retention clip 544, the second lower garment retention clip 544 being molded to the second end 524 of the hanger body 520, extending from the end 524 toward the hook 510 below the hanger body 520. The second composite garment retention clip 540 further includes a second upper garment retention clip 546, the second upper garment retention clip 546 being molded to the second end 524 of the hanger body 520, extending inwardly from the second end 524 toward the hook 510 above the hanger body 520.

The planar web 511 of the hanger hook 510 includes an expanded central portion 515, the central portion 515 rising from the lower end of the hook 510 where the hook 510 engages the hanger body 520. The expanded central portion 515 is expanded at the region where the hook 510 and the hanger body 520 meet, thereby improving the structural integrity of the hanger hook 510 and the hanger body 520. In addition, the expanded central portion 515 increases the distance between the top of the hook 510 engaging the rod or bracket for hanging the garment and the top of the garment retention clips 530 and 540, thereby reducing interference between the garment and the rod or bracket for hanging the garment.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the first arm 521 along line 9-9 of fig. 8. The first arm 521, as shown, includes an upper flange 522 and an opposing lower flange 554 connected by a central web 556. Preferably, the upper and lower flanges 552, 554 are substantially horizontal and parallel to each other, while the central web 556 is substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower flanges, providing the hanger body 520 with a substantially I-beam configuration.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the first arm 521 further includes a plurality of elongated openings 558 formed in the central web 556. Similarly, the second arm 523 also includes a plurality of elongated openings 558 formed in the central web of the second arm. Preferably, the elongated opening 558 extends substantially between the upper and lower flanges 552, 554. Preferably, the elongated openings 558 are separated by a plurality of posts 559, the posts 559 extending vertically between the upper and lower flanges 552, 554 of the hanger body 520. Accordingly, the hanger body 520 has a rail-shaped configuration.

Alternatively, opening 558 may have any suitable configuration including, but not limited to, circular, triangular, square, polygonal, etc., depending on the application for which the hanger is used. Further, the distribution and arrangement of the plurality of openings 558 relative to the flanges 552 and 554 and relative to each other may vary depending on the application for which the hanger is used.

As shown in FIG. 8, the elongated openings 558 preferably occupy about 10-90% of the total area of the central web 556 of the hanger body 520 and still maintain the mechanical strength and structural integrity of the intimate apparel hanger 500. More preferably, the elongated openings 558 occupy about 70-85% of the total area of the central web 556 of the hanger body 520 and still maintain the mechanical strength and structural integrity of the intimate apparel hanger 500.

As shown in fig. 9, the hanger arm 521 has a second height H2, and a second height H2 is defined as the distance from the highest point of the upper flange 552 to the lowest point of the lower flange 554. Hanger arm 521 further has a second width W2, defined as the width of upper flange 552 and lower flange 554, second width W2. Preferably, the ratio of the second width W2 to the second height H2 (W2/H2) is greater than 1. More preferably, the second width W2 is in the range of 3-8mm and the second height H2 is in the range of 3-8 mm. Accordingly, the intimate apparel hanger 500 according to the present embodiment provides a so-called micro-spar intimate apparel hanger having a minimal and compact construction, which consumes less material during manufacture and processing, while still maintaining superior structural integrity and superior mechanical performance, relative to existing larger, heavier intimate apparel hangers.

FIG. 10 shows a close-fitting garment hanger 600 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The intimate apparel hanger 600 includes a hook 610 and a hanger body 620 integrally molded with one another. The hanger body 620 includes a pair of arms 621 and 623 that extend from the hook 610 to ends 622 and 624, respectively. The hanger 600 further includes a pair of composite garment retention clips 630 and 640 integrally molded to the ends 622 and 624, respectively. The hanger 610 includes an extended central portion 615 at the intersection of the hanger and the hanger body.

The first composite garment retention clip 630 further includes a first lower garment retention clip 634, the first lower garment retention clip 634 being molded to the first end 622 of the hanger body 620, extending inwardly from the end 622 toward the hook 610 below the hanger body 620. The first composite garment retention clip 630 further includes a first upper garment retention clip 636, the first upper garment retention clip 636 being molded to the first end 622 of the hanger body 620, extending inwardly from the end 622 toward the hook 610 above the hanger body 620.

The second composite garment retainer clip 640 includes a second vertical garment retainer clip 642 molded to the second end 624 of the hanger body 620. The second composite clip 620 further includes a second lower garment retention clip 644, the second lower garment retention clip 644 is molded to the second end 624 of the hanger body 620, extending inwardly from the second end 624 toward the hook 610 below the hanger body 620. The second composite garment retainer clip 640 further includes a second upper garment retainer clip 646, the second upper garment retainer clip 646 being molded to the second end 624 of the hanger body 620, extending inwardly from the second end 624 toward the hook 610 above the hanger body 620.

Top sizer attachment 700 has a configuration similar to top sizer attachment 300 shown in fig. 3 or top sizer attachment 3000 shown in fig. 3A.

FIG. 11 shows a close-fitting garment hanger 800 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hanger 800 includes a hook 810 and a hanger body 820 integrally molded with one another at a lower neck region G of hanger 800. The hanger body 820 includes a first arm 821 extending from the hook 810 toward a first end 822 of the hanger body 820; and a second arm 823 extending from the hook 810 toward a second distal end portion 824 of the hanger body 820.

The garment hanger 800 further includes a first composite garment retention clip 830 integrally molded to the first end 822; and a second composite garment retention clip 840 integrally molded to the second end portion 824. The first composite garment retention clip 830 includes a first vertical garment retention clip 832 molded to the first end 822 of the hanger body 820. The first composite garment retention clip 830 further includes a first lower garment retention clip 834, the first lower garment retention clip 834 being molded to the first end of the hanger body 820, extending inwardly from the end 822 toward the hook 810 below the hanger body 820. The first composite garment retention clip 830 further includes a first upper garment retention clip 836, the first upper garment retention clip 836 being molded to the first end 822 of the hanger body 820, extending inwardly from the end 822 toward the hook 810 above the hanger body 820.

The second composite garment retainer clip 840 includes a second vertical garment retainer clip 842 molded to the second end 824 of the hanger body 820. The second composite clip 840 further includes a second lower garment retaining clip 844, the second lower garment retaining clip 844 being molded to the second end 824 of the hanger body 820, extending inwardly from the second end 824 toward the hanger 810 below the hanger body 820. The second composite garment retention clip 840 further includes a second upper garment retention clip 846, the second upper garment retention clip 846 being molded to the second end 824 of the hanger body 820, extending inwardly from the second end 824 toward the hook 810 above the hanger body 820.

Both the first arm 821 and the second arm 823 are substantially horizontal to provide a substantially horizontal elongated hanger beam. Fig. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first arm 821 taken along line 12-12 in fig. 11.

As shown in fig. 12, the first hanger arm 821 includes a substantially horizontal upper flange 852 and an opposing lower flange 854 connected to each other by a central web 856. The flange provides a substantially I-beam configuration. The second arm 823 preferably has the same structure as the first arm 821.

Specifically, the first arm 821 has a third height H3, and a third height H3 is defined as the distance from the highest point of the upper flange 852 to the lowest point of the lower flange 854. Hanger arm 821 further has a third width W3, defined as the width of upper flange 852 and lower flange 854, of third width W3. Preferably, the ratio of the third width W3 to the third height H3 (W3/H3) is greater than 1. More preferably, the third width W3 is in the range of 3-8mm and the third height H3 is in the range of 3-8 mm. Accordingly, the intimate garment hanger 800 consistent with the present embodiment provides a so-called micro-beam intimate garment hanger having a minimal and compact construction that consumes less material during manufacture and processing while still maintaining satisfactory structural integrity and mechanical properties.

The hanger body 820 further includes a vertically enlarged portion 850 located below the hanger hook 810. The height of enlarged portion 850 is greater than third height H3. The vertically enlarged portion 850 serves to reinforce the area where the hook 810 and hanger body 820 meet, providing an anti-torque mechanism for the hanger 800. Preferably, a vertically enlarged portion 850 extends from hook 810 to ends 822 and 824, respectively. More preferably, the length of the enlarged portion 850 is about 1/4 to 1/2 of the entire length of the hanger body.

Referring to fig. 13, a side sizer 1000 is shown attached to a side of a hook 810 of a hanger 800, proximate a lower neck region G of the hanger 800. The side sizer 1000 is used to display indicia related to the intimate apparel attributes, such as size, color, and the like. Side sizer 1000 is releasably or non-releasably mounted to a complementary mounting structure disposed on one side of hook 810. For example, the side sizer 1000 can include inwardly extending fingers and flanges to engage the pivotable and fixed webs of the mounting structure to releasably connect the side sizer 1000 to the hanger 800 proximate the lower neck region.

Referring to fig. 14, a lower neck sizer 2000 is shown attached to substantially enclose a hook 810 of a garment hanger 800 in a lower neck region G adjacent the garment hanger 800. The lower neck sizer 2000 is used to display information related to the garment. The lower neck sizer 2000 includes an upper opening and a lower opening to provide a channel through which the lower neck sizer 2000 passes over the hanger hook 810 and rests on the upper flange 852 of the hanger body 820. An anti-disengagement means or tool may be formed on the hanger hook 810 or the hanger body 820 to prevent the lower neck sizer 2000 from being disengaged accidentally.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the structure and configuration of the side sizer and lower neck sizer can be varied without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a close-fitting garment hanger 900 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hanger 900 has a similar construction to hanger 800, but hanger 900 further includes a top sizer attachment 5000. For example, the top sizer attachment 5000 can have the same or similar configuration as the top sizer attachment 300 shown in fig. 3 or the top sizer attachment 3000 shown in fig. 3A or any other top sizer attachment known to those skilled in the art.

The plastic garment hanger of the present invention may be made of styrene which provides a clean, visually transparent garment hanger for optimal display of intimate apparel such as bras and underpants suspended from the garment hanger. Alternatively, the hanger may be made of impact resistant styrene polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ABS or other suitable thermoplastic material or mixtures thereof. For further reinforcement, K resin may be added to the plastic material.

From the foregoing, it will be readily appreciated that the present invention is directed to an improved intimate apparel hanger suitable for industrial mass production. The present invention provides for reliable mechanical performance and structural integrity for a garment hanger, meeting industry standards such as VICS standards.

The present invention has been described with respect to specific exemplary embodiments. Based on the present disclosure, certain substitutions and/or modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. These embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims (22)

1. A lightweight intimate apparel hanger comprising:

a hook member;

a hanger body connected to a hook at a lower neck region of the hanger, the hanger body including a first arm extending from the hook toward a first end of the hanger body and a second arm extending from the hook toward a second end of the hanger body, the first and second arms each including an upper flange, a lower flange, and a central web connecting the upper and lower flanges; and

a first composite garment retention clip integrally molded to the first end of the hanger body and a second composite garment retention clip integrally molded to the second end of the hanger body;

the first arm has a height H defined as the distance from the upper flange to the lower flange; and a width W defined as a width of the upper and lower flanges, a ratio (W/H) of the width W to the height H being greater than 1.

2. The light weight intimate apparel hanger of claim 1 wherein the upper flange, lower flange, and central web form a substantially I-beam cross section of the hanger body.

3. The light body intimate apparel hanger of claim 1,

the first composite garment retention clip includes a first vertical garment retention clip, a first lower garment retention clip disposed below the hanger body, and a first upper garment retention clip disposed above the hanger body.

4. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger of claim 3 wherein the second composite garment retainer clip comprises a second vertical garment retainer clip, a second lower garment retainer clip disposed below the hanger body, and a second upper garment retainer clip disposed above the hanger body.

5. The light weight intimate apparel hanger of claim 1 wherein the first arm and the second arm are substantially horizontal thereby providing a substantially horizontal elongated hanger body.

6. The light body intimate garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the first and second arms are curved, extending away from the hook and upwardly from the lower neck region of the hanger, thereby providing a contoured streamlined hanger body.

7. The light weight intimate apparel hanger of claim 1 wherein the width W is in the range of 3-8mm and the height H is in the range of 3-8 mm.

8. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger of claim 1 wherein the hook comprises a planar web and an inner flange extending substantially from a distal end of the hook toward the lower neck region of the hanger and continuous with the upper flange for reinforcing the hook and providing a greater bearing surface for the hook.

9. The light weight intimate apparel hanger of claim 8, further comprising a stiffening rib disposed opposite the inner flange, the stiffening rib extending across the lower neck region of the hanger and continuous with the upper flange for stiffening the hanger.

10. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger of claim 8 wherein the hook further comprises a cut-out formed in the planar web for reducing the weight of the hanger.

11. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger of claim 1 further comprising at least one elongated opening formed in the central web of the hanger body.

12. The light weight intimate apparel hanger of claim 11 comprising a plurality of elongated openings formed in the central web of the hanger body and spaced from each other by a plurality of struts, the struts being located between the upper flange and the lower flange.

13. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger of claim 12 wherein the plurality of elongated openings occupy 10-90% of a total area of the central web of the hanger body.

14. The light body intimate apparel hanger of claim 1 further comprising a top sizer attachment means disposed on a top portion of the hook for engaging a top sizer.

15. The light body intimate garment hanger of claim 14, wherein the top sizer attachment means comprises a horizontal flange formed on a top of the hook, the top sizer being positionable on the horizontal flange to display information about the garment.

16. The light weight intimate apparel hanger of claim 15 wherein the top sizer attachment means further comprises a vertical flange extending substantially upward from a middle portion of the horizontal flange, the vertical flange adapted to be received in a cavity of the top portion sizer.

17. The light body intimate garment hanger of claim 16, wherein the top sizer attachment means further comprises an opening formed on the vertical flange and a depending tab extending within the opening.

18. The light weight intimate garment hanger of claim 17, wherein the top sizer attachment means further comprises a lateral abutment formed on a lower end of the tab, the lateral abutment projecting downwardly and outwardly from the opening for engaging a lower surface of the through opening in the top sizer.

19. The light body intimate garment hanger of claim 16, wherein the top sizer attachment means further comprises at least one snap-fit engagement means extending from the vertical flange, the snap-fit engagement means comprising an angled surface and an abutment surface, and the abutment surface engaging a lower surface of a blind slot formed in the top sizer.

20. The light body intimate apparel hanger of claim 1 further comprising a lower neck sizer attachment device disposed on the lower neck region of the hanger, the lower neck sizer attachment device attaching at least one of a side lower neck sizer mounted to a side of the hook proximate the lower neck region and a lower neck sizer mounted to substantially surround the hook proximate the lower neck region.

21. The light weight intimate apparel hanger of claim 1, wherein the hanger body further comprises a vertical enlargement formed below the hanger hook for structurally reinforcing the hanger near the lower neck region and providing an anti-torque mechanism for the hanger.

22. The lightweight intimate apparel hanger of claim 1 wherein the hanger hook further comprises an expanded central portion that rises from the upper flange of the hanger body.