US20060249549A1

US20060249549A1 - Apparel hook with extension

Info

Publication number: US20060249549A1
Application number: US11/112,670
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Giampavolo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-21
Filing date: 2005-04-21
Publication date: 2006-11-09

Abstract

An apparel hook includes a hook member and an extension member, each of which extends from opposing sides of the apparel hook, for example. The hook member engages a garment rod while the extension member is intended to engage an extension pole, for example. The apparel hook further includes a strap, for example, that supports garment hanger hook(s) and/or the hook member of other apparel hook(s). Overall, the apparel hook hangs from a rod at the hook member while garment hangers, for example, suspend from the strap a distance below the rod. For high rods, an extension pole is inserted against the extension member, thereby providing a simplified way to raise and lower the apparel hook to and from the rods. An opening of the hook member may also be sized to the approximate diameter of a garment rod, thereby creating resistance when the apparel hook is placed on or removed from the rod.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus that permits additional hangers to be suspended from a hanger rod and, in particular, to a mechanism that assists in the hanging of the apparatus from high hanger rods
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices for holding garment hangers are known for solving a variety of problems associated with storing, transporting and displaying garments. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,455 to Artemi discloses a garment hanging device (e.g., see FIG. 1 of that patent) that permits additional hangers to be suspended from a hanger rod. That device comprises a main body with a hook portion. Within the main body towards the bottom of the device a hole is formed. A strap is threaded through this hole and formed into a loop. In operation, the hook portion of the device is inserted over a garment hanger rod/rail with the loop/strap suspended downward. The hooks of conventional garment hangers are then inserted through the strap/loop so that the garment hangers and any garments on these hangers hang from the device at a position/distance below the hanger rod.
One advantage of a garment hanging device like that of Artemi is that it allows a larger number of garments to hang from a hanger rod than would otherwise be possible. For example, garment hangers can now hang from a hanger rod in an interleaved fashion, with some garment hangers hanging directly from the hanger rod and other garment hangers hanging at a distance below the rod through the device.
As an example, the garment industry and retail stores often use such a garment hanging device to provide additional space by storing garments in an interleaved fashion, as just described. Here, additional space is also obtained by using the garment hanging device on multiple levels of hanger rods. Typically, in order to insert the garment hanging device onto higher rods, a user will use an extension pole with a protrusion or catch at one end (hereinafter collectively referred to as a catch). Specifically, the user will insert the catch of the extension pole under the hook portion of the garment hanging device or will insert the catch through the hole formed in the main body (i.e., the hole through which the strap is threaded). The user will then use the pole to lift the garment hanging device and any garments suspended from the device to an upper hanger rod and then onto the rod. To later retrieve the garment hanging device from the rod, the user will again insert the catch of the extension pole under the hook portion of the device or into the hole formed in the main body and lift the device up and off the hanger rod.
Another example way in which the garment industry and retail stores use such a garment hanging device is through the “drop method.” Here, for example, a first garment hanging device is suspended from a hanger rod and the hooks of conventional garment hangers are inserted through the strap/loop so that garments on these hangers suspend from the garment hanging device, as described above. The hook portion of a second garment hanging device is then also inserted into the strap/loop of the first garment hanging device. Additional garment hangers with garments are then suspended from the strap/loop of this second garment hanging device. Similarly, the hook portion of a third garment hanging device is then inserted into the strap/loop of the second device, etc. As can be seen, this arrangement forms a cascading chain of garment hanging devices (hereinafter referred to as a “garment-chain”), with each device potentially holding garment hangers with garments. Again, in order to add and remove garment hanging devices to and from such a garment-chain, a user will typically use the catch of an extension pole in combination with the hook portion or hole of the garment hanging devices, similar to above.
Nonetheless, using the catch of an extension pole to grab a garment hanging device like that of Artemi in order to place the device onto an upper rod or within a garment-chain or to retrieve the device from a rod or garment-chain is a daunting and problematic task. Specifically, once an extension pole has been used to place a garment hanging device onto a rod or within a garment-chain, it is often difficult to thereafter remove the catch of the extension pole from the garment hanging device. Specifically, the catch can become wedged/caught within the hole of the device or wedged between the underside of the hook portion of the device and the rod, for example. Similarly, when retrieving a garment hanging device from a rod or garment-chain, it is often difficult to target the hole formed in the main body or to target the underside of the hook portion of the device with the catch of the extension pole and to then insert the catch.
Notably, it is often easier for a user to snag the garment hanging device with the extension pole catch at the hole formed within the main body of the device, as compared to the underside of the hook portion, because the hanger rod does not get in the way. However, in addition to the problems just described, it is often difficult to get leverage on the device when using this hole because the hole is formed towards the bottom of the device (as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1 of the Artemi patent).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a garment hanging device that provides a simplified way to raise and lower the device to and from high rods and/or garment-chains, thereby overcoming the above and other disadvantages of the prior art. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparel hook comprises an interconnected hook member, extension member, and strap, for example. The hook member extends from one side of the apparel hook and forms a first inner hook surface intended for engaging a garment hanging rod so as to suspend the apparel hook there-from. The extension member extends from an opposite and second side of the apparel hook, for example, and forms a second inner surface intended for engaging a catch of an extension pole, for example. Significantly and in accordance with the present invention, the extension member provides a simplified mechanism for raising and lowering the apparel hook to and from high garment rods, as described below. The strap forms at least one loop, for example, and is connected to the apparel hook such that the strap/loop suspends below the apparel hook. In operation, the hooks of conventional garment hangers are inserted into the strap-loop so that the hangers suspend from the apparel hook at the loop. Alternatively, rather than a strap and loop, an opening may be formed within the apparel hook, which opening directly receives the hooks of conventional garment hangers.
According to one example use of the apparel hook of the present invention, a user inserts the hook member of the apparel hook over a garment hanging rod such that the first inner hook surface of the hook member engages the rod. In this way, the apparel hook suspends from the garment hanging rod. The user then inserts the hooks of one or more garment hangers through the strap-loop, for example. In this way, the garment hangers are suspended from the loop/apparel hook at a position/distance below the garment hanging rod, thereby, for example, allowing a larger number of garment hangers to hang from the rod than would otherwise be possible. Similarly, the user can insert the hook member of a second apparel hook through the strap-loop of a first apparel hook, etc., thereby creating a garment-chain of cascaded apparel hooks, with one or more of the apparel hooks potentially supporting garment hangers.
More significantly, however, through the extension member of the present invention, the apparel hook can be raised to and lowered from high garment hanging rods in a simplified fashion. Specifically, according to another example use of the apparel hook of the present invention, one or more hooks of garment hangers are placed into the strap-loop of the apparel hook, for example, to suspend the garment hangers there-from. A catch of an extension pole, for example, is then engaged against the second inner surface of the extension member. In this configuration, the extension pole is then used to raise the apparel hook up and onto a high rod such that the apparel hook engages the rod along the first inner hook surface of the hook member. With the apparel hook now suspended from the rod, the catch of the extension pole can be easily disengaged from and moved away from the apparel hook without becoming wedged or caught in the apparel hook. Similarly, to later remove the apparel hook from the garment hanging rod, the second inner surface of the extension member is targeted with the catch of the extension pole and the catch then easily inserted/engaged against this surface. Once grabbed in this fashion with the extension pole, the apparel hook is moved up and off the rod and guided downward away from the rod. Notably, by grabbing the apparel hook with the extension pole at the extension member, improved leverage is also obtained for maneuvering the apparel hook to and from a rod (as compared to previous methods of grabbing the apparel hook at the hole formed in the main body).
According to a further example use of the apparel hook of the present invention, the extension member is used in combination with an extension pole to raise and lower the apparel hook to and from a garment-chain. Again, the extension member of the present invention provides a simplified way to insert an apparel hook onto a chain without the catch of the extension pole getting wedged or caught. Similarly, the extension member is easily targeted when removing an apparel hook from the chain.
According to another example embodiment of the present invention, the hook member has a hook opening shaped and sized to provide resistance when the apparel hook is placed on and removed from a garment hanging rod. In particular, opposing surfaces of the hook opening are sized such that an increased resistance or interference is felt upon the insertion of, and more importantly, the removal of the apparel hook from the garment hanging rod, thereby preventing accidental removal of the apparel hook through jostling, for example. In accordance with a further aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the opposing surfaces of the hook opening may have a convex surface profile. Accordingly, when the apparel hook is orthogonal to the garment hanging rod, resistance or interference is felt upon insertion or removal of the apparel hook to and from the garment rod, as described. However, when the apparel hook is tilted with respect the garment hanging rod, the size of the hook opening relative to the garment hanging rod now has a larger dimension. This increased sized opening allows for the easier insertion and removal of the apparel hook to and from the rod.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example apparel hook with an extension member according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the apparel hook further comprising a looped assembly for directly supporting garment hangers;
FIG. 2A illustrates another example apparel hook with an extension member according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate a front view and a left side view, respectively, of another example apparel hook with a modified extension member according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2D illustrates another example apparel hook with a modified extension member according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a front view and a right side view, respectively, of a further example apparel hook with an extension member according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the apparel hook further comprising multiple openings for a supporting a looped assembly;
FIG. 4 illustrates another example apparel hook with an extension member according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the loop assembly here extending directly from the body of the apparel hook;
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a front view and a partial left side view, respectively, of a further example apparel hook with an extension member according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the apparel hook further comprising an opening for directly supporting garment hangers;
FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate still further example apparel hooks with extension members according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the apparel hooks here having a main body portion removed;
FIG. 7 illustrates an example use of an apparel hook according to the present invention, the example use including an extension pole to raise and lower the apparel hook to and from a high garment hanger rod;
FIG. 8 illustrates another example use of an apparel hook according to the present invention, the example use including an extension pole to raise and lower the apparel hook to and from a garment-chain;
FIG. 9 illustrates another example apparel hook according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the apparel hook here having the extension member removed; and
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a front view and a right side view, respectively, of another example apparel hook with an extension member according to example embodiment of the present invention, the hook opening here being configured to the dimensions of a garment hanger rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an example apparel hook 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Apparel hook 100 comprises main body 102, hook member 104, body opening 108, and strap 110. According to the present invention, apparel hook 100 further comprises extension member 106. As further described below, extension member 106 allows the catch of an extension pole, for example, to engage apparel hook 100 so that apparel hook 100 can be lifted to and retrieved from high garment hanger rods/rails and/or garment-chains in a simplified fashion. In general, apparel hook 100 can be formed, for example, of plastic, metal, wood, or any other suitable material known in the art.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, hook member 104 is connected to main body 102 at end 104 c of the hook member and extends from a first side of the main body 102. As also illustrated in this Figure, hook member 104 forms inner hook surface 104 a and further forms, at end 104 b, hook opening 118 with main body 102. Similarly, extension member 106 is connected to main body 102 at end 106 c of the extension member and extends from a second and opposing side 102 a of main body 102. As illustrated, extension member 106 includes inner surface 106 a and forms, at end 106 b , spaced opening 112 with main body 102. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates body portion 102, hook member 104, and extension member 106 as each having a flat planar shape. Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that this shape is not specific to the invention.
In operation, hook member 104 is inserted over a garment hanger rod such that inner hook surface 104 a engages the rod so that apparel hook 100 hangs from the rod in a conventional manner. Alternatively, multiple apparel hooks 100 can be cascaded using the “drop method,” thereby forming a “garment-chain” of apparel hooks 100. Here, hook member 104 of a first apparel hook 100 is suspended from a hanger rod. The hook member of a second apparel hook 100 is then suspended from strap 110 of the first apparel hook, etc. In both cases and as further described below, the catch of an extension pole, for example, can be inserted against inner surface 106 a of extension member 106 and in this way, used to raise and insert an apparel hook 100 onto high garment rods and/or within garment-chains and to also remove apparel hook 100 from these rods and/or garment-chains.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, extension member 106 extends at a downward angle from the long dimension of main body 102, thereby forming a notch or “V” shape along inner surface 106 a. Notably, this notch assists apparel hook 100 from slipping off the catch of an extension pole when raising and lowering the apparel hook to and from a hanger rod or garment-chain. Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to this notch or “V” shape and extension member 106 can extend from main body 102 in different fashions while continuing to form an inner surface 106 a that will allow an extension pole to engage apparel hook 100 for the lowering and raising of the device. For example, extension member 106 can extend from main body 102 as illustrated by apparel hook 135 in FIG. 2A. Similarly, one skilled in the art will recognize that extension member 106 need not form spaced opening 112 with main body 102 but rather, can be attached at end 106 b to main body 102 along side 102 a, thereby forming a closed loop/ring, for example. Similarly, such a ring can be situated relative to main body 102 as illustrated by example apparel hook 137 in FIGS. 2B and 2C, FIG. 2C being a left side view of apparel hook 137 as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Furthermore, while extension member 106 is illustrated in FIG. 1 (and similarly, FIGS. 2A-2C) as being situated towards a top end of main body 102, this location is also not specific to the invention and extension member 106 can alternatively be situated anywhere along side 102 a, for example. Similarly, extension member 106 is not restricted to side 102 a and may be connected anywhere along the outer perimeter of the apparel hook, including the top perimeter of main body 102 and/or the outer perimeter of hook member 104. Here, extension member 106 can extend back, towards side 102 a of the apparel hook, or extend forward, towards end 104 b of the hook member, as illustrated by example apparel hook 138 in FIG. 2D.
As described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, for example, extension member 106 is situated such that it extends within or parallel to the plane formed by hook member 104 and main body 102. In this fashion and as illustrated in the Figures, inner surface 106 a of extension member 106 is accessible to the catch of an extension pole, for example, when inserting and removing hook member 104 of apparel hook 100 to and from a hanger rod or garment-chain. Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that extension member 106 of the present invention need not extend within or parallel to the same common plane formed by hook member 104 and main body 102 and can, for example, extend at an angle from this common plane. For example, extension member 106 can be situated at a 90° angle to the common plane formed by hook member 104 and main body 102. In this way, inner surface 106 a of extension member 106 is still accessible to an extension pole when raising and lowering apparel hook 100 (or apparel hook 135, 137, or 138, for example) to and from a hanger rod or garment-chain. Notably, when extending at an angle from the apparel hook as just described, extension member 106 may be connected along the perimeter of the apparel hook (as illustrated in the Figures) or alternatively, be connected along the front or rear face of the apparel hook, either along main body 102 and/or hook member 104.
Turning now to body opening 108 and strap 110, the strap is threaded through the body opening and attached upon itself using any method known in the art. For example, as illustrated by apparel hook 100 of FIG. 1, strap 110 is riveted or stitched upon itself at portion 116. In this way, strap 110 is suspended from the apparel hook and forms loop 114. As further described below, the hooks of conventional garment hangers are placed in loop 114 so that garments on these hangers are suspended from the apparel hook. Similarly, when forming a garment-chain, hook member 104 of a first apparel hook, such as apparel hook 100, is placed in loop 114 of a second apparel hook 100, thereby forming a cascaded chain. Notably, strap 110 is not limited to a single loop and can include a plurality of loops formed, for example, from a plurality of stitched or riveted portions similar to stitched or riveted portion 116. In this way, the apparel hook can support an additional number of conventional garment hangers and/or other apparel hooks when using the drop-method, for example. Furthermore, strap 110 can include a slide device, a buckle, an adjustable clasp mechanism, or the like, that allows the size of loop 114 to be adjusted in length.
In general, one skilled in the art will recognize that strap 110 is not specific to the invention and can be replaced with other mechanisms known in the art that allow for the receiving of conventional garment hanger hooks and/or hook members 104 so that the conventional hangers and/or apparel hooks can be suspended from the apparel hook. For example, a looped rope, a linked-chain, or a wire can be used rather than a strap. In general, note that strap 110 (whether a strap, rope, chain, or wire) can be made of any suitable material known in the art such as plastic, fabric, metal, wood, rubber, wire, etc.
One skilled in the art will also recognize that while body opening 108 is illustrated as having a rectangular shape, the body opening is not restricted to this shape and can also have, for example, a circular or triangular shape. Similarly, an apparel hook according to the present invention may include an additional opening 108 a (e.g., as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1) in main body 102. Such an opening allows for the simplified insertion of strap 110 into body opening 108. Specifically, rather than threading strap 110 through body opening 108 and then connecting strap 110 upon itself with rivets or stitches, for example, strap 110 can first be riveted/stitched and looped through opening 108 a to body opening 108.
One skilled in the art will further recognize that the present invention is not limited to a single body opening 108 and strap 110 to form one or more loops 114. For example, as illustrated by apparel hook 139 in FIGS. 3A and 3B (FIG. 3B being a right side view of apparel hook 139), main body 102 may include two body openings 109 a and 109 b. Here, strap 118 has one or more loops 120 a and 120 b. Strap 118 is threaded through body openings 109 a and 109 b in a serpentine fashion. This serpentine threading can provide a certain amount of resistance to the movement of strap 118 through openings 109 a and 109 b when strap 118 is carrying the weight of garments on garment hangers hooked into loops 120 a and 120 b, for example. In this configuration, strap 118 can be adjusted by relieving the weight applied to one or more of loops 120 a and 120 b and sliding strap 118 through openings 109 a and 109 b as desired.
One skilled in the art will also recognize that while body opening 108 (or similarly, openings 109 a and 109 b) is illustrated in the Figures as lying within the plane of the apparel hook, this orientation is not specific to the invention and body opening 108 may be situated perpendicular to the plane of the apparel hook, for example. Here, the orientation of strap 110 and loop 114 would be turned 90°, for example, as compared to the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1, for example.
Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that body opening 108 in general is not specific to the invention and an apparel hook according to the present invention need not include opening 108 (or opening 108 a). Specifically, according to another aspect of the invention, rather than attaching strap 110 to main body 102 through the use of body opening 108, strap 110 can be attached to main body 102 using, for example, a co-molding process, as is known in the art. Alternatively, an apparel hook, such as apparel hook 100, can be fabricated as two mirror-image halves and the two halves then fused together as one, for example. In the process of fusing the two halves together, strap 110 can be inserted between the halves and thereby held in place in a clamp-like fashion. Using one of these fabrication methods, for example, strap 110 essentially extends out of main body 102, such as from the bottom, as illustrated by apparel hook 140 of FIG. 4, for example. As another alternative, an anchor can be formed/fused onto main body 102 and strap 110 connected to this anchor. As a further alternative, a snap, clasp or any other detachable mechanism known in the art can be used to attach strap 110 to body 102. Here, one half of the detachable mechanism is formed/fused onto main body 102 and a complementary half is formed onto strap 110. The two complimentary halves are then interconnected. In general, any method known in the art for attaching strap 110 to the main body can be used.
One skilled in the art will also recognize that strap 110 is not specific to the invention and an apparel hook according to the present invention does not need to include strap 110. More specifically, referring to FIG. 5A there is illustrated an example apparel hook 150 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. Apparel hook 150 is substantially similar to apparel hook 100, for example, in that it comprises hook member 104 and extension member 106. However, here, main body 152 of apparel hook 150 is extended downward and includes opening 154 that functions as a hanger-support, as more clearly illustrated in FIG. 5B, which is a left side view of a portion of the apparel hook as illustrated in FIG. 5A. According to this embodiment of the invention, opening 154 is adapted to have a size to receive the hooks of conventional garment hangers and/or hook members 104 of other apparel hooks, such as apparel hook 150, for example. In operation, the hooks 130 of conventional hangers 132, for example, are placed in opening 154 so that garments on these hangers are suspended from apparel hook 150 and thereby suspended at a position/distance below a hanger rod from which apparel hook 150 is hanging. Similarly, when forming a garment-chain, hook member 104 of an apparel hook is placed in opening 154 of apparel hook 150, thereby forming a cascaded chain. Again, note that the shape of opening 154 is not specific to the invention. Furthermore, note that apparel hook 150 may include multiple openings 154 so that apparel hook 150 can support an additional number of conventional garment hangers and/or other apparel hooks, for example.
One skilled in the art will also recognize that main body 102 and 152 as illustrated in the above example apparel hooks of the present invention are not specific to the invention and an apparel hook according to the present invention does not need to include a main body. More specifically, referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C there are illustrated example apparel hooks 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c according to another example embodiment of the present invention. Apparel hooks 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c are similar to the above described apparel hooks, such as apparel hooks 100, 140, and 150, in that each comprises hook member 104 and extension member 106. However, here, the main body (i.e., 102 or 152) is removed and replaced with support member 162 a, 162 b, or 162 c, which provides direct lateral support for one or more garment hooks and/or other apparel hooks.
Specifically, referring to FIG. 6A and example apparel hook 160 a, there is illustrated support member 162 a to which is directly attached hook member 104 and extension member 106. Similar to apparel hook 100, for example, support member 162 a provides an opening 168 through which a strap 110 is attached to apparel hook 160 a. As described above, garment hangers, for example, are suspended from the strap and thereby from support member 162 a. Similarly, referring to FIG. 6B and example apparel hook 160 b, support member 162 b is such that it engages strap 110 through a co-molding process, a clamping process, an anchor, or a detachable mechanism, for example, similar to apparel hook 140, for example. Again, garment hangers are suspended from the strap and thereby from support member 162 b. Similarly, referring to FIG. 6C and example apparel hook 160 c , support member 162 c provides opening 164 (shown in phantom), which functions as a hanger-support, similar to apparel hook 150, for example. Here, the support member directly receives the hooks of garment hangers 132, for example, thereby providing direct support thereof. Again, one skilled in the are will recognize that extension member 106 of example apparel hooks 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c may be a closed ring, may extend at an angle from the plane formed by support member 162 a,b,c and hook member 102, or may extend from hook member 104, for example, similar to apparel hook 138 of FIG. 2D.
Referring now to FIG. 7 (note that FIG. 7 is not drawn to scale), there is illustrated an example use of apparel hook 100 according to the present invention (note that apparel hooks 135, 137, 138, 139, 140, 150, and 160 a-c are similarly used). As seen, one or more hooks 130 of conventional garment hangers 132 with garments are placed in loop 114 to suspend the garments from apparel hook 100. Catch 134 of extension pole 136, for example, is then engaged against inner surface 106 a of extension member 106. In this configuration, extension pole 136 is then used to lift apparel hook 100 onto a rod/rail 138 such that the rod passes through opening 118 and engages apparel hook 100 along inner hook surface 104 a . As illustrated in FIG. 7, once apparel hook 100 is suspended from rod 138, extension member 106 extends away from the rod with opening 112 directed substantially downward towards the user. In addition, as can be understood, the weight of apparel hook 100 and the corresponding garments are now transferred from catch 134 of extension pole 136 to rod 138. Accordingly, the hook of the extension pole can now be disengaged from inner surface 106 a, moved easily downward through opening 112, and moved away from apparel hook 100.
Similarly, to later remove apparel hook 100 from rod 138, catch 134 of extension pole 136 is moved upward through opening 112 and engaged against inner surface 106 a of extension member 106. By then pushing up against inner surface 106 a of extension member 106 with the catch of extension pole 136, the weight of apparel hook 100 and the corresponding garments are transferred to the extension pole so that apparel hook 100 is disengaged from rod 138. Apparel hook 100 is then moved so that rod 138 passes through opening 118 and is guided downward away from the rod.
Referring now to FIG. 8 (note that FIG. 8 is not drawn to scale), there is illustrated another example use of apparel hook 100 according to the present invention. Specifically, here, three apparel hooks, 100 a, 100 b, and 100 c are illustrated interconnected according the drop method, the apparel hooks thereby forming a cascaded garment-chain. In order to form the chain, for example, extension pole 136 is used to suspend apparel hook 100 a from rod/rail 138 as described above. Thereafter, catch 134 of extension pole 136 is engaged against extension member 106 of apparel hook 100 b and the pole then used to raise apparel hook 100 b up to apparel hook 100 a such that hook member 104 of apparel hook 100 b is inserted into loop 114 of apparel hook 100 a and suspended therefrom. Similarly, the extension pole is then be used to raise apparel hook 100 c up to apparel hook 100 b such that hook member 104 of apparel hook 100 c is inserted into loop 114 of apparel hook 100 b and suspended therefrom. Alternatively, the extension pole can be used to raise multiple apparel hooks at one time. Note that in FIG. 8, one or more conventional garment hangers 132 are shown as suspended from apparel hook 100 c. Note that one or more garment hangers 132 can also be suspended from apparel hooks 100 a and/or 100 b.
Referring again to FIG. 8, in order to remove apparel hooks 100 b and 100 c for example, from the garment-chain, catch 134 of extension pole 136 is moved upward through opening 112 of apparel hook 100 b and engaged against inner surface 106 a of extension member 106. By then pushing up against extension member 106 with the catch of extension pole 136, the weight of apparel hooks 100 b and 100 c and the corresponding garments are transferred to the extension pole so that apparel hook 100 b is disengaged from strap 110 of apparel hook 100 a Apparel hook 100 b is then moved away from apparel hook 100 a and apparel hooks 100 b and 100 c guided downward to the user. In a similar fashion, apparel hooks 100 b and 100 c can be added back to the garment-chain.
As can be seen, extension member 106 of the present invention simplifies the raising and lowering of apparel hooks to and from high rods and/or garment-chains through the use of an extension pole, for example. Specifically, when first placing an apparel hook of the present invention on a rod or within a garment-chain, extension member 106 allows the catch of the extension pole to thereafter be easily disengaged from and moved away from the apparel hook without getting wedged or caught. Similarly, when retrieving an apparel hook from a rod or from a garment-chain, inner surface 106 a of extension member 106 can be easily targeted with the catch of the pole and the catch inserted/engaged against surface 106 a. Furthermore, by grabbing the apparel hook of the present invention with an extension pole at inner surface 106 a , improved leverage is obtained when maneuvering the apparel hook to and from a rod or garment-chain (as compared to previous methods of grabbing the apparel hook at the hole formed in the main body).
As one skilled in the art will recognize, the above described example apparel hooks, such as apparel hook 100, are not limited for use only with high garment hanger rods and/or garment-chains, as just described. In other words, a user can also grasp the apparel hooks and directly insert them onto and remove them from garment hanger rods or garment-chains within direct reach.
Accordingly, as one skilled in the art will further recognize, an apparel hook of the present invention and as described above can also be adapted such that extension member 106 is removed. For example, referring to FIG. 9, there is illustrated example apparel hook 170 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. Apparel hook 170 is substantially similar to apparel hook 140, for example, except that extension member 106 is removed. Here, strap 110 (i.e., strap, chain, rope, wire, etc.) is connected to main body 102 through a co-molding process, a clamping process, an anchor, or a detachable mechanism, for example, as similarly described for apparel hook 140. According to another example embodiment of the present invention, an apparel hook may substantially resemble apparel hook 150, again, with extension member 106 removed. Here, the hooks of garment hangers, for example, would directly suspend from an opening formed within main body 102. According to a further example embodiment of the present invention, an apparel hook may substantially resemble apparel hooks 160 a, 160 b, or 160 c, where again, extension member 106 is removed.
Referring now to FIG. 10A, there is illustrated apparel hook 200 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. Apparel hook 200 is substantially similar to apparel hook 100, for example, and includes extension member 106. Accordingly, apparel hook 200 can be used together with an extension pole as described above in order to maneuver apparel hook 200 with respect to high rods and/or garment-chains. Note also that apparel hook 200 does not need to include a body opening 108 and/or strap 110 and in general, may resemble apparel hooks 135, 137, 138, 139, 140, 150, and 160 as described above.
However, unlike the above described apparel hooks of the present invention, opening 218 (i.e. the opening formed between main body 202 and end 204 b of hook member 204) of apparel hook 200 is now configured to have a specific size and shape to prevent apparel hook 200 from being accidentally thrown from a rod from which it is hanging. Specifically, the hook portion of prior garment hangers, such as Artemi, have the drawback that if the garment hangers are jostled, the hangers may be thrown from the hanger rod from which they are hanging. For example, garment hangers are often used with moveable racks on rollers. If the moveable rack is jostled in transit, the garment hangers can be accidentally thrown off the rack, resulting in the garments being damaged or soiled. Similarly, garment hangers can be thrown from a rod in a truck when transporting garments. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/082,479, filed Feb. 22, 2002 (Publication No: US-2003-0019892-A1, published Jan. 30, 2003), entitled “APPARATUS FOR HOLDING GARMENT HANGERS,” by Paul Giampavolo the same inventor of the present application, and the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference discloses an apparel hook apparatus with a hook opening (analogous to hook opening 218) that is configured to prevent the apparel hook apparatus from being accidentally thrown from a rod. According to this embodiment of the present invention, opening 218 is similarly configured.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, apparel hook 200 of the present invention comprises a first resistance portion 240 a along the inner surface of hook member 204 at end 204 b. Apparel hook 200 further comprises a second resistance portion 240 b along an inner surface of main body 202. As shown, resistance portion 240 a is substantially opposed to resistance portion 240 b and together, define the size of opening 218.
Similar to apparel hook 100, for example, apparel hook 200 hangs upon a rod, such as rod 242 shown in phantom in FIG. 10A, by passing the rod through opening 218 such that inner hook surface 204 a eventually engages the rod. According to this embodiment of the present invention, resistance portion 240 a and resistance portion 240 b are configured such that the size of opening 218 is approximately the diameter of rod 242. Specifically, the dimension of hook opening 218 defined by resistance portions 240 a and 240 b is carefully established so that resistance portions 240 a and 240 b are forced into contact with surfaces of rod 242 when apparel hook 200 receives rod 242 and when apparel hook 200 is removed from rod 242. In this way, resistance portions 240 a and 240 b provide a resistance to the insertion of apparel hook 200 onto the rod and more importantly, provide a resistance to the removal of apparel hook 200 from rod 242. For example, a typical garment hanger rod may have a diameter from approximately 32-35 mm (e.g., approximately 33 mm). Accordingly, the dimension of hook opening 218 would be configured to be equal to or smaller than this diameter, for example, thereby providing resistance to the insertion and removal of the apparel hook from the rod.
Notably, resistance portion 240 b is slightly curved to permit resistance to build, reach a maximum, and then recede as rod 242 proceeds through opening 218. In this way, rod 242 must be forcibly inserted through opening 218 when either hanging apparel hook 200 on the rod or more importantly, when removing apparel hook 200 from the rod. Advantageously, this added resistance of opening 218 prevents apparel hook 200 from being accidentally thrown from rod 242.
Turning now to FIG. 10B, according to a further aspect of the present invention, both resistance portions 240 a and 240 b may have a convex surface profile. Because of this convex profile, it can be understood that if apparel hook 200 is tilted slightly with respect to rod 242, the size of the hook opening relative to rod 242 now has a larger dimension, as illustrated by arrow 244 for example. This increased sized opening allows for the easier insertion and removal of apparel hook 200 to and from rod 242, such as when apparel hook 200 is being inserted on and removed from rod 242 by hand.
Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that apparel hook 200 of the present invention can also be adapted such that extension member 106 is removed. Here, for example, the apparel hook may resemble apparel hook 140, 150, or 160 a-c, with extension member 106 removed, and with the hook opening as described above for apparel hook 200.
Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment hanger holding device, comprising:

a body portion;

a hook member extending from said body portion and having a first surface adapted to be carried directly on a rail;

an extension member extending either from said body portion, from said hook member, or from said body portion and said hook member, said extension member forming a second surface adapted to be carried on an extension device; and

at least one body opening formed in said body portion, said at least one body opening and a surface thereof being separate from said extension member and said second surface.

2. The garment hanger holding device of claim 1, further comprising either at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire connected to said body portion through said at least one body opening and adapted for receiving a hook portion of at least one garment hanger and for providing lateral support to the at least one garment hanger.

3. The garment hanger holding device of claim 1, wherein said at least one body opening is adapted for receiving a hook portion of at least one garment hanger and for providing lateral support to the at least one garment hanger.

4. The garment hanger holding device of claim 1, wherein said body portion, said hook member, and said extension member are within a common plane such that said first and second surfaces are substantially along opposing sides of said garment hanger holding device.

5. The garment hanger holding device of claim 1, wherein said extension member is angled downward with respect to a long dimension of said body portion.

6. The garment hanger holding device of claim 1, wherein said extension member has a first end, said device further comprising a spaced opening between said first end of said extension member and either said body portion or said extension member.

7. The garment hanger holding device of claim 1, wherein said extension member has first and second ends, wherein said first end is connected to either said body portion, said hook member, or to said body portion and said hook member, and wherein said second end is connected to either said body portion, said hook member, or to said body portion and said hook member.

8. The garment hanger holding device of claim 1, wherein said hook member has a first end, said device further comprising:

a hook opening between said body portion and said first end of said hook member;

wherein said hook opening is configured to have a dimension sufficiently near a diameter of a garment hanger rod to thereby impede passage of said rod through said hook opening.

9. The garment hanger holding device of claim 8, wherein opposing surfaces of said hook opening, along said body portion and said first end of said hook member, are convex in profile.

10. The garment hanger holding device of claim 1, wherein said hook member has a first end, said device further comprising:

a body portion surface along said body portion and opposing said first end of said hook member, said body portion surface and said first end defining a hook opening;

a first convexly curved surface on said first end of said hook member;

a second convexly curved surface on said body portion surface;

wherein said first and second convexly curved surfaces are configured to define a first dimension that is sufficiently near a diameter of a garment hanging rod such that when a long axis of said body portion is generally orthogonal to said rod, passage of said rod through said hook opening is impeded.

11. The garment hanger holding device of claim 10, wherein said first and second convexly curved surfaces are configured to define a second dimension that is wider than said first dimension such that when said long axis of said body portion is at an angle to said rod, passage of said rod through said hook opening is less impeded.

12. A garment hanger holding device, comprising:

a body portion;

either at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire adapted for receiving a hook portion of at least one garment hanger and for providing lateral support to the at least one garment hanger, said at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire being connected to said body portion through either a co-molding process, a clamping process, an anchor, or a detachable mechanism.

13. The garment hanger holding device of claim 12, wherein said body portion, said hook member, and said extension member are within a common plane such that said first and second surfaces are substantially along opposing sides of said garment hanger holding device.

14. The garment hanger holding device of claim 12, wherein said extension member has a first end, said device further comprising a spaced opening between said first end of said extension member and either said body portion or said extension member.

15. The garment hanger holding device of claim 12, wherein said extension member has first and second ends, wherein said first end is connected to either said body portion, said hook member, or to said body portion and said hook member, and wherein said second end is connected to either said body portion, said hook member, or to said body portion and said hook member.

16. The garment hanger holding device of claim 12, wherein said hook member has a first end, said device further comprising:

17. A garment hanger holding device, comprising:

a body portion;

a hook member extending from said body portion and comprising a first surface, wherein said first surface is adapted to be carried directly on a rail;

an extension member comprising first and second ends such that said extension member is connected either to said body portion, to said hook member, or to said body portion and said hook member at only said first end;

a second surface formed by said extension member and adapted to be carried on an extension device; and

a spaced opening between said second end of said extension member and either said body portion or said extension member.

18. The garment hanger holding device of claim 17, further comprising either at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire connected to said body portion and adapted for receiving a hook portion of at least one garment hanger and for providing lateral support to the at least one garment hanger.

19. The garment hanger holding device of claim 17, further comprising at least one body opening formed in said body portion, said at least one body opening and a surface thereof being separate from said extension member and said second surface.

20. The garment hanger holding device of claim 19, wherein said at least one body opening is adapted for receiving a hook portion of at least one garment hanger and for providing lateral support to the at least one garment hanger.

21. The garment hanger holding device of claim 19, further comprising either at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire connected to said body portion through said at least one opening and adapted for receiving a hook portion of at least one garment hanger and for providing lateral support to the at least one garment hanger.

22. The garment hanger holding device of claim 17, wherein said spaced opening is angled substantially downward with respect to a long axis of said body portion.

23. The garment hanger holding device of claim 17, wherein said body portion, said hook member, and said extension member are within a common plane such that said first and second surfaces are substantially along opposing sides of said garment hanger holding device.

24. The garment hanger holding device of claim 17, wherein said hook member has a first end, said device further comprising:

25. A garment hanger holding device, comprising:

a support member for providing lateral support to at least one garment hanger;

a hook member extending from said support member and having a first surface adapted to be carried directly on a rail; and

an extension member separate from said support member and extending either from said hook member, from said support member, or from said hook member and said support member, said extension member forming a second surface adapted to be carried on an extension device.

26. The garment hanger holding device of claim 25, wherein said support member comprises at least one body opening adapted for receiving a hook portion of said at least one garment hanger.

27. The garment hanger holding device of claim 25, wherein said support member comprises at least one body opening, said garment hanger holding device further comprising either at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire connected to said device through said at least one body opening, said at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire being adapted for receiving a hook portion of said at least one garment hanger.

28. The garment hanger holding device of claim 25, further comprising either at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire adapted for receiving a hook portion of said at least one garment hanger, said at least one strap, at least one rope, at least one chain, or at least one wire being connected to said support member through either a co-molding process, a clamping process, an anchor, or a detachable mechanism.

29. A method for hanging a garment hanger from a rod, comprising the steps of:

suspending the garment hanger from a garment hanger holding device;

inserting an extension pole against a first surface of said garment hanger holding device, said first surface being formed from an extension member extending from said garment hanger holding device, wherein said extension member has first and second ends with only said first end being connected to said device and with said second end forming a spaced opening with said device;

using the extension pole to raise said garment hanger holding device to the rod;

engaging a second surface of said garment hanger holding device against the rod such that said garment hanger holding device hangs from the rod, said second surface being formed from a hook member extending from said device.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said hook member and said extension member lie within a common plane such that said first and second surfaces are substantially along opposing sides of said garment hanger holding device.

31. The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of engaging said first surface with the extension pole to remove said garment hanger holding device from the rod.