GB2556361A

GB2556361A - Garment hanger display marker

Info

Publication number: GB2556361A
Application number: GB1712240.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Warren Michael
Original assignee: BRAIFORM HK Ltd
Current assignee: BRAIFORM HK Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-01
Filing date: 2017-07-31
Publication date: 2018-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-31
Also published as: GB201712240D0; GB2556361B; GB201613238D0

Abstract

A garment hanger (10, fig 1, not shown) comprises a hook 40, a garment-receiving portion 20, and a display marker 50 which is removably attachable to the marker. The garment-receiving portion includes (see fig 1a-e) a marker receiving location 24 with a ledge 32 and further comprises a front face 21a and a rear face 21b connected by a top surface 23 and defining a substantially hollow interior 29. The marker comprises (see all of figures 2a-g) a front wall 56a and rear wall 56b connected by a top wall 52 and an end wall 58 together defining a substantially hollow interior 57. A latch 62 is located on a leg 64 depending from the top wall at an end 60 opposite to the end wall and is resiliently deflectable towards the interior. The latch cooperates with the ledge to releasably retain the marker in position on the hanger. Also provided is a two pronged tool (100, fig 8a, not shown) for releasing the marker from the hanger.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Garment hanger display marker

Abstract Title: Garment hanger with removably attachable display marker (57) A garment hanger (10, fig 1, not shown) comprises a hook 40, a garment-receiving portion 20, and a display marker 50 which is removably attachable to the marker. The garment-receiving portion includes (see fig 1a-e) a marker receiving location 24 with a ledge 32 and further comprises a front face 21a and a rear face 21b connected by a top surface 23 and defining a substantially hollow interior 29. The marker comprises (see all of figures 2a-g) a front wall 56a and rear wall 56b connected by a top wall 52 and an end wall 58 together defining a substantially hollow interior 57. A latch 62 is located on a leg 64 depending from the top wall at an end 60 opposite to the end wall and is resiliently deflectable towards the interior. The latch cooperates with the ledge to releasably retain the marker in position on the hanger. Also provided is a two pronged tool (100, fig 8a, not shown) for releasing the marker from the hanger.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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GARMENT HANGER DISPLAY MARKER [0001] This invention relates to a garment hanger having a display marker removably connectable therewith.

BACKGROUND [0002] Garment hangers with removable display markers are known and enable re-use of either or both of the garment hanger and the display marker. Display markers can be used to indicate, for example, the size of a garment that is hung on the hanger. In some prior examples, such as is disclosed in DE 203 13 340 U, the display marker is removably clipped to a receiving location on shoulder portion of the garment hanger, such that the display marker remains within an outer profile of the garment hanger. However, known display markers can easily be removed from their receiving location either inadvertently for example through being knocked, or purposely - for example just by gripping and pulling on the marker. Thus markers can become disassociated from hangers, resulting in inadequately labelled products and possible mess. It is an object of the invention to provide a tamper-proof display marker that is held securely in position yet which can still be easily removed from an associated garment hanger for re-use through the use of an associated tool.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment hanger as defined in claim 1. Accordingly, there is disclosed a garment hanger comprising: a hook portion and a garment-receiving portion; and a display marker, removably attachable to the garment-receiving portion. The garment-receiving portion includes a display marker receiving location. The display marker and the display marker receiving location together include cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker at the display marker receiving location. The cooperative features comprise a latch for cooperation with an associated ledge for retaining the display marker at the display marker receiving location. The garment-receiving portion comprises a front face and a rear face connected by a top surface and defining a substantially hollow interior. The display marker comprises a front wall and a rear wall connected by a top wall and an end wall and together defining a substantially hollow interior, said latch being located on a leg depending from the top wall at an end opposite to the end wall and resiliently deflectable towards the interior. Thus, the display marker is securely held in position by the latch in cooperation with the associated ledge, but can be removed by a deliberate displacement of the latch towards the interior of the marker, which action releases the marker for removal.

[0003] The dependent claims define optional features of the garment hanger.

[0004] The cooperative features may comprise one or more guide ribs for cooperation with one or more associated guide walls for locating the display marker in a predefined position at the display marker receiving location. Thus, the marker may be held securely and without vertical or side-to-side movement by virtue of close tolerances between the one or more guide ribs and the walls of the display marker.

[0005] The display marker receiving location may be on a shoulder of the garmentreceiving portion. The shoulder region of a hanger body is a useful location for a marker because it can potentially be seen from each of front, top back and side profiles of the hanger, so information displayed on the marker, such as the size or brand can readily be viewed by customers, even when hangers are tightly packed on display rails.

[0006] The display marker may include an outer surface that is contiguous with an outer surface of the garment-receiving portion when the display marker is attached at the display marker receiving location. This provides a flush and seamless look to the combination of the display marker and the hanger body, so that the marker can appear to be an integral part of the hanger body.

[0007] The receiving location may comprise a recess formed in the top surface of the garment-receiving portion and may include a base portion and an end wall portion, wherein said ledge is located at said end wall portion together with an associated hole to receive the latch.

[0008] Optionally, the garment-receiving portion may further comprise one or more guide members for guiding insertion of a tool from below for unlatching the latch from the ledge. The base portion may include a hole through which a tool may be inserted from below to urge the display marker to detach from the display marker receiving location. In this manner, the tool can be inserted from below, i.e. through the hollow body of the hanger, with ease, guided to the correct place for the tool to engage with the display marker to displace the latch and to urge the marker upwardly away from the hanger body.

[0009] The display marker may include an outer surface that includes a planar panel. A planar panel may be useful for ease of direct printing of display information, or for ease of application of a sticker containing such information.

[0010] At least the garment-receiving portion of the hanger may be formed of moulded plastic. The display marker may be formed of moulded plastic. Preferably, each of the components can be moulded with simple mouldings, with a single line of draw.

[0011] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a display marker for use with the garment hanger according to the first aspect. Accordingly, there is provided a display marker for removable attachment to a complimentary garment hanger, the display marker comprising: a front wall and a rear wall connected by a top wall and an end wall and together defining a substantially hollow interior; and a latch located on a leg depending from the top wall at an end opposite to the end wall and resiliently deflectable towards the interior.

[0012] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a tool for unlatching a display marker from a garment hanger. Accordingly, there is provided a tool for use with the garment hanger according to the first aspect, when incorporating the features of the receiving location comprising a recess formed in the top surface of the garment-receiving portion and including a base portion and an end wall portion, wherein said ledge is located at said end wall portion together with an associated hole to receive the latch, the garment-receiving portion further comprising one or more guide members for guiding insertion of a tool from below for unlatching the latch from the ledge, the base portion including a hole through which a tool may be inserted from below to urge the display marker to detach from the display marker receiving location to detach the display marker from the display marker receiving location. The tool comprises a first prong for guided insertion in cooperation with the guiding members to unlatch the latch from the ledge and a second prong for passage through the hole in the base portion to urge the unlatched display marker away from the display marker receiving location

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1a to 1d are respective side elevation, bottom plan, top plan and end elevation views of a garment hanger according to one aspect of the invention;

Figure 1e is a detail front perspective view of the garment hanger showing a display marker attached to a garment-receiving portion;

Figures 2a to 2e are respective side elevation, bottom plan, top plan, and first and second end elevation views of a display marker according to one embodiment;

Figures 2f 1 to 2f4 are respective top first and second end perspective and bottom first and second end perspective views of the display marker;

Figure 2g is a cross-section on A-A of Fig. 2c;

Figures 3a to 3d are respective side elevation, bottom plan, top plan and end elevation views of a garment hanger according to one aspect of the invention, shown without a display marker attached, thereby illustrating a display marker receiving location;

Figure 3e is a detail front perspective view of the garment hanger of Figures 3a to d, showing the display marker receiving location;

Figure 3f is a cross-section on B-B of Fig. 3c;

Figure 3g is an enlarged detail view of the display marker receiving location of

Fig. 3f;

Figure 3h is a cross-section on C-C of Fig. 3a;

Figures 4a and 4b show a first stage of assembling a display marker to a garment hanger - aligning the display marker to the hanger body;

Figures 5a and 5b show a second stage of the assembly - the display marker beginning to engage the display marker receiving location;

Figures 6a and 6b show a third stage of the assembly - further engagement of the display marker with display marker receiving location;

Figure 7a and 7b show a final fully assembled stage, in which the display marker is locked to the display marker receiving location;

Figures 8a to 8e show respective stages of removal of a display marker from a garment hanger body through use of an associated tool according to one embodiment;

Figure 8f shows an alternative manner of removing the display marker from the garment hanger body, through use of a hook of another garment hanger; and

Figures 9a to 9f show various different embodiments of the display marker and associated hanger body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0014] In the drawings, there is shown a garment hanger 10 comprising a hook portion 40, a hanger body or garment-receiving portion 20, and a display marker 50. The display marker 50 is removably attachable to the garment-receiving portion 20. The garmentreceiving portion 20 includes a display marker receiving location 24. The display marker 50 and the display marker receiving location 24 together include cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker 50 at the display marker receiving location 24. The cooperative features comprise a latch 62 for cooperation with an associated ledge 32 for retaining the display marker 50 at the display marker receiving location 24. The garment-receiving portion 20 comprises a front face 21a and a rear face 21b connected by a top surface 23 and defining a substantially hollow interior 29.

[0015] The display marker 50 comprises a front wall 56a and a rear wall 56b connected by a top wall 52 and an end wall 58 and together defining a substantially hollow interior 57, said latch 62 being located on a leg 64 depending from the top wall 52 at an end 60 opposite to the end wall 58 and resiliently deflectable towards the interior 57. The latch 62 includes a slanted free end 66. A bottom edge 54 of the marker is defined by lowermost edges of the respective front, back and end walls 56a, 56b and 58. At an approximate mid-point of the display marker 50, between the end wall 58 and the opposite end 60, a marker guide rib 70 extends across the width of the interior 57, from the inside of the front wall 56a to the inside of the rear wall 56b and over the whole height of the interior. A marker removal rib 74 projects centrally from the marker guide rib 70 in the direction of the latch 62, the marker guide rib 70 and marker removal rib 74 thus defining a substantially Tshaped feature centrally of the interior 57.

[0016] The display marker receiving location 24 may be on a shoulder 22 of the garmentreceiving portion 20. The display marker 50 may include an outer surface that is contiguous with an outer surface of the garment-receiving portion 20 when the display marker is attached at the display marker receiving location. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the front wall 56a, rear wall 56b and top wall 52 of the display marker are, when attached to the garment-receiving portion 20, contiguous with respective front 21a, rear 21b and top 23 surfaces of the garment-receiving portion 20 - i.e. the display marker is flush to the hanger body, but it will be appreciated that just one or two of those associated surfaces may be contiguous instead, and indeed in certain embodiments none of the respective surfaces need be contiguous with one another - for example in the case of the display marker 50 having a profile that is proud of or recessed relative to one or all of the surfaces of the garment-receiving portion 20.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiments, the receiving location 24 comprises a recess formed in the top surface 23 of the garment-receiving portion 20 and includes a base portion 27 and an end wall portion 25, wherein said ledge 32 is located at said end wall portion 25 together with an associated hole 33 to receive the latch. A width support rib 28 protrudes upwardly from the base portion 27, near to the end wall portion 25. The width support rib 28 has a width closely matching the width across the display marker, from the inside surface of the front wall 56a to the inside surface of the rear wall 56b. An assembly guide rib 30 also projects upwardly from the base portion 27, at an end opposite to the end wall portion 25. The assembly guide rib 30 comprises a tooth-like body 31 extending across the surface 27 with a width substantially matching that of the width support rib 28. The tooth-like body 31 has a tapering tip 31a at a free end, thereby providing a guide surface 31b slanting away from the end wall portion 25. The assembly guide rib 30 is strengthened by the provision of a gusset 31c, which is substantially triangular in profile and which extends centrally from the base portion 27 to the tooth-like body 31, on the side thereof opposite to the end wall portion 25.

[0018] The garment-receiving portion 24 includes guide members 34 that depend in parallel downwardly from the top of the garment-receiving portion 20 towards the interior 29 and define a guide channel for guiding insertion of a tool 100 from below for unlatching the latch 62 from the ledge 32. The base portion 27 includes a hole 36 through which a tool may be inserted from below to urge the display marker 50 to detach from the display marker receiving location 24. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments the hole 36 may be omitted, detachment of the display marker being achieved by alternative means, one example of which is described by reference to Figure 8f.

[0019] The display marker 50 may include an outer surface that includes a planar panel. At least the garment-receiving portion 20 of the hanger may be formed of moulded plastic. The display marker 50 may also be formed of moulded plastic. The hook portion 40 may be metal.

[0020] With reference in particular to Figures 4a to 7b, the assembly of a display marker 50 on to a hanger body 20 comprises an initial step of aligning the display marker to the hanger body 20 - in particular to the marker receiving location 24, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b. The marker 50 is then pushed downwardly towards the base portion 27 of the receiving location 24. As seen in Figures 5a and 5b, the marker guide rib 70 engages with the assembly guide rib 30, and in particular with the surface 31b of the slanted tip portion 31 a of the tooth-like body 31. Further pushing of the marker 50 towards the hanger body 20 causes the marker guide rib 70 and the marker end 60 to slide down the assembly guide rib 31 and the receiving location end wall portion 25 respectively, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b. During this relative downward movement of the marker 50 towards the hanger body 20, the latch 62 flexes towards the interior 57 of the marker, by virtue of deflection of the leg 64, which is due to the interaction of the slanted free end 66 of the latch against the top of the end wall portion 25. Also during this movement, the side walls 56a and 56b pass over the width support rib 28 and the marker guide rib 70, helping to guide the marker into a correct installation position. With continued pushing, the latch 62 passes the ledge 32 and flexes into the hole 33 in the end wall portion 25, thus reaching a final installed position, as shown in Figures 7a and 7b, in which the marker 50 is locked in position by the engagement of the latch 62 with the ledge 32. In this position, inadvertent or mischievous removal of the marker 50 is prevented by the interengagement of the latch 62 with the ledge 32.

[0021] By virtue of the width support rib 28 and the assembly guide rib 30 interacting with the interior of the walls 56a and 56b of the marker, there is little or no front to back movement of the marker 50 once located in position. The interaction also helps to guide the marker into the correct assembly location. Also, the interaction of the latch 62 and the ledge 32 on the one hand and the base portion 27 and the bottom edge 54 of the display marker 50 on the other hand determine that there is little or no vertical or side-to-side movement of the marker 50 relative to the hanger body once assembled together. With reference to Figures 2g and 3g in particular, close tolerances between the dimensions W-Y & X-Z determine that there is substantially no vertical or side-to-side movement of the marker 50.

[0022] A special display marker removal tool 100 can be supplied for ease of removal of the marker from the latched assembled position. Figures 8a to 8e illustrate an exemplary such tool 100 and method of removal of the marker 50 from the hanger body 20. The tool 100 comprises a substantially U-shaped member, having first and second legs 102, 104 extending from a base 106. The first leg 102 is for interacting with the latch 62 to disengage it from the ledge 32, whereas the second leg 104 is for interaction with the marker removal rib 74 to urge the marker 50 away from the display marker receiving location 24. In a first step (Fig. 8a), the tool 100 is aligned with the hanger 10 so that the first leg 102 is aligned with a guide channel defined by the guide members 34 and so that the second leg 104 is aligned with the hole 36. As the tool 100 is pushed upwardly towards the receiving location 24 from below, through the hollow interior 29 of the hanger body 20 (Fig. 8b), the first leg 102 enters the guide channel and then engages with the slanted free end 66 of the latch 62. Continued pushing urges the first leg 102 further into the channel and urges the latch 62 to deflect towards the interior 57 of the marker by a camming interaction of the first leg 102 with the slanted free end 66 of the latch 62 (Fig 8c). Meanwhile, the second leg 104 is brought into engagement with the bottom of the marker removal rib 74 through the hole 36. Wth the first leg 102 deflecting the latch 62 far enough to disengage from the ledge 32, the marker 50 is free to be detached from the marker receiving location 24, so continued pushing of the removal tool 100 and the consequent interaction of the second leg 104 on the marker removal rib 74 causes the display marker 50 to be detached (Figures 8d and e).

[0023] Although the use of such a specialised removal tool 100 is beneficial for ease of removal, it is envisaged that other tools and methods could be used. One such alternative example is shown in Fig. 8f, in which the free end 42 of the hook portion 40 of a (further) hanger 10 is used for insertion into the guide channel to engage the latch 62. With a suitable movement of the end 42, the latch 62 may be disengaged from the ledge 32 and the marker 50 can be urged away from the marker receiving location 24 for removal from the hanger. This alternative means of removal may be useful because a spare hanger will always be available to store staff.

[0024] Different options for the outer profile of the display marker 50 are illustrated in Figures 9a to 9f. Fig. 9a represents a ‘standard’ marker 50a, which has a chamfered edge at the end wall 58a. A corresponding chamfer is also provided on the hanger body 20.

This is only for aesthetic reasons. In Fig. 9b, a ‘slim’ marker 50b has a lower profile than the ‘standard’, which would leave more room on the front face of the hanger body for display of the retailer’s brand, for example. As ‘steep’ version 50c is shown in Fig. 9c., having a larger chamfered surface 58c than the ‘standard’. The face of the steeper chamfer could be printed with the garment size or other relevant indicia, and would be visible from the side if the store rail is closely packed. A version 50d having a flat end wall 58d is shown in Fig. 9d. The flat end 58d can likewise be printed with relevant indicia and would be easily visible within closely-packed rails. In Fig. 9e, a ‘smooth’ version 50e includes a more rounded, smooth, curved end 58e, for use with a more traditional style of hanger with correspondingly curved sides. Lastly, Fig. 9f shows a marker 50f with a flat top wall 52f for use with a hanger having a correspondingly flat top portion, again for aesthetic reasons.

[0025] The display marker may be colour-coded - for example different colours representing different sizes, for ease of identification from a distance or where hangers are tightly packed on rails such that the printed display information might not be fully visible for example through being obscured by items of clothing.

[0026] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0027] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0028] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A garment hanger comprising:

a hook portion and a garment-receiving portion; and a display marker, removably attachable to the garment-receiving portion, wherein the garment-receiving portion includes a display marker receiving location;

wherein the display marker and the display marker receiving location together include cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker at the display marker receiving location;

wherein the cooperative features comprise a latch for cooperation with an associated ledge for retaining the display marker at the display marker receiving location;

wherein the garment-receiving portion comprises a front face and a rear face connected by a top surface and defining a substantially hollow interior; and wherein the display marker comprises a front wall and a rear wall connected by a top wall and an end wall and together defining a substantially hollow interior, said latch being located on a leg depending from the top wall at an end opposite to the end wall and resiliently deflectable towards the interior.

2. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the cooperative features comprise one or more guide ribs for cooperation with one or more associated guide walls for locating the display marker in a predefined position at the display marker receiving location.

3. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the display marker receiving location is on a shoulder of the garment-receiving portion.

4. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the display marker includes an outer surface that is contiguous with an outer surface of the garment-receiving portion when the display marker is attached at the display marker receiving location.

5. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the receiving location comprises a recess formed in the top surface of the garment-receiving portion and includes a base portion and an end wall portion, wherein said ledge is located at said end wall portion together with an associated hole to receive the latch.

6. The garment hanger of claim 5, wherein the garment-receiving portion further comprises one or more guide members for guiding insertion of a tool from below for unlatching the latch from the ledge.

7. The garment hanger of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the base portion includes a hole through which a tool may be inserted from below to urge the display marker to detach from the display marker receiving location.

8. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the display marker includes 5 an outer surface that includes a planar panel.

9. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein at least the garment-receiving portion of the hanger is formed of moulded plastic.

10. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the display marker is formed of moulded plastic.

10

11. A display marker for removable attachment to a complimentary garment hanger, the display marker comprising:

a front wall and a rear wall connected by a top wall and an end wall and together defining a substantially hollow interior; and a latch located on a leg depending from the top wall at an end opposite to the end 15 wall and resiliently deflectable towards the interior.

12. A tool for use with the garment hanger of claim 7 to detach the display marker from the display marker receiving location, wherein the tool comprises a first prong for guided insertion in cooperation with the guiding members to unlatch the latch from the ledge and a second prong for passage through the hole in the base portion to urge the unlatched

20 display marker away from the display marker receiving location.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1712240.9 Examiner: Mr Henry Nevell