GB2434975A

GB2434975A - Sock hanger

Info

Publication number: GB2434975A
Application number: GB0602748A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Warren
Original assignee: Braitrim UK Ltd
Current assignee: Braitrim UK Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-10
Filing date: 2006-02-10
Publication date: 2007-08-15
Also published as: GB0602748D0

Abstract

A sock hanger 60 includes a bar member 61 and a plurality of substantially parallel arms 621, 622, 623 connected to the bar, each arm being within a respective plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bar member. A suspension hook 63 is connectable to the bar member 61 substantially centrally thereof, defining a major plane of the suspension hook substantially parallel to the respective planes containing the arms. In use, a centre of mass of a combination of the sock hanger and socks suspended from each of the arms is substantially within the major plane defined by the suspension hook 63 and in a plane orthogonal to the major plane which passes through a suspension point of the suspension hook and parallel to planes containing opposed substantially vertical edges of the suspended socks, so that the sock hanger and pairs of socks are suspendable vertically from the suspension point. The bar 61 can be inclined and the arms 621, 622, 623 can be partly inclined upwards to follow the fold line of the socks. The hook can be moulded separately from the other parts of the hanger.

Description

SOCK HANGER

This invention relates to a sock hanger.

Hangers for a single pair of socks, or for multiple pairs of socks, are known, principally for display of socks in a retail establishment.

Thus Figure 1 illustrates a known planar sock hanger 10 for three pairs of socks from which pairs of socks are suspendable by their fold lines when folded at their heels on respective arms 121, 122, 123, such that the pairs of socks overlap one behind the other, with a lowest pair of socks foremost. However, because the hanger is planar, the socks do not each hang aesthetically in respective vertical planes and the foremost pair largely conceals the remaining pairs. Once loaded, the uppermost arm tends to flex backwards and the lowest arm forwards and the socks to wrap over each other. However, because the suspension hook extends significantly above the upper arm 123, only a low vertical stocking density of the sock hanger can be achieved in storage and transport.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a known stepped sock hanger 20 in which three arms are stepped such that three pairs of socks 29 may be hung on respective arms in substantially parallel planes. However, because a suspension hook 23 for suspending the sock hanger is in a plane defined by the rearmost arm 223, the sock hanger does not hang vertically in use as viewed from a side of the loaded sock hanger. Moreover, because the suspension hook 23 is connected to the highest stepped arm, the suspension hook is made smaller than a conventional garment hanger suspension hook, to prevent the hook extending significantly above the upper arm 223 which would reduce vertical stocking density of the sock hanger in storage and transport. However, the relatively small suspension hook makes the sock hanger unsuitable for hanging on a rack bar dimensioned for conventional garment hangers, so that dedicated racking or other means of hanging display must be provided.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a further known, armless, sock hanger 40 comprising a substantially rectangular plate 42, including a through bore or aperture 421 proximate a lower edge thereof and a suspension hook 43 of similar dimensions to those of a conventional garment hanger rising from an upper edge of the plate 42. Multiple pairs of socks 49 in a cascaded arrangement are connectable to the sock hanger by a plastic kimble tie, not shown, which passes through the pairs of socks and through the through bore or aperture 421 in the substantially rectangular plate 42. The suspension hook 43 is preferably located as near midway as possible through the stack of pairs of socks 49 so that the socks hang as vertically as possible. The multiple pairs of socks are held together by a wraparound card label 47 which also serves to obscure the plastic kimble. A further plastic kimble 48 is simply for securing a label to the front sock. Although a standard sized suspension hook 43 may be used, the hook is partially obscured by the suspended pairs of socks 49 and a size label or indicia 433 on a flank of the suspension hook 43 is almost completely obscured by the suspended pairs of socks 49. Moreover, folded socks potentially are not as well maintained in their folds as they are by a sock hanger with arms over which the socks are folded.

There is therefore a requirement for a sock hanger to display multiple pairs of socks in a cascaded format so that each of the pairs is visible while the loaded sock hanger is as compact as possible both from front to back and from top to bottom to maximise transport and stocking density. The pairs of socks should be suspended in substantially parallel vertical planes when viewed from the front and back and from both sides. Preferably, the sock hanger should have arms over which socks may be folded. Preferably any indicia, such as size markers, should not be obscured by pairs of socks suspended from the sock hanger.

It is an object of the present invention at least to ameliorate the aforesaid

shortcomings in the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided a sock hanger comprising a bar member, a plurality of substantially parallel arms connected to the bar member, each arm being within a respective plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bar member, and a suspension hook connectable to the bar member substantially centrally thereof, and defining a major plane substantially parallel to the respective planes containing the arms, such that, in use, a centre of mass of a combination of the sock hanger and socks suspended from each of the arms is substantially within the major plane defined by the suspension hook and in a plane orthogonal to the major plane which passes through a suspension point of the suspension hook and is parallel to planes containing opposed substantially vertical edges of the suspended socks.

Preferably, in use, at least one of the plurality of arms is inclined upwards from the bar member substantially at an angle defined by a fold line of a pair of socks, folded at their heels, to be suspended from the arm.

Advantageously, at least one of the plurality of arms has a portion of the arm remote from the bar member inclined upwards, in use, in a direction away from the bar member more steeply than a portion of the arm proximate the bar member, substantially to form a shape defined by a fold line of a pair of socks to be suspended by the fold line from the arm.

Conveniently, the suspension hook is moulded separately from remaining portions of the sock hanger.

Conveniently, the bar member is provided with an aperture for receiving a portion of a shank of the suspension hook for connecting the suspension hook to the bar member.

Advantageously, the aperture is provided with at least one wall inward of the bar member and the portion of the shank is provided with resilient engagement means for resiliently engaging the at least one wall for securing the suspension hook to the bar member.

Preferably, the suspension hook is connectable to the bar member at an acute angle to a longitudinal axis thereof, such that, in use, with the suspension hook substantially vertical, the bar member is inclined upwards in a direction from a front to a rear of the sock hanger.

Advantageously, a shank of the suspension hook is substantially an inverted L-shape.

Conveniently, a shank of the suspension hook has a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section.

Conveniently, the bar member has a substantially inverted U-shaped transverse cross-section.

Conveniently, at least one of the plurality of arms has a inverted L-shaped transverse cross-section.

Advantageously, a first indicia portion joins a shank of the suspension hook to remaining portions of the suspension hook.

Conveniently, the sock hanger is provided with a second indicia portion on a flank of the suspension hook.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is front view of a first known, planar, sock hanger for suspending three pairs of socks; Figure 2 is a front view of a second known, stepped, sock hanger for suspending three pairs of socks; Figure 3 is a front view of the sock hanger of Figure 2, loaded with three pairs of socks; Figure 4 is a front view of a third known sock hanger for suspending multiple pairs of socks; Figure 5 is a front view of the sock hanger of Figure 4, loaded with three pairs of socks; Figure 6 is a front view of a first embodiment of a sock hanger according to the present invention for three pairs of formal socks; Figure 7 is a side view of the sock hanger of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view from the front and one side of the sock hanger of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a front view of a second embodiment of a sock hanger according to the present invention for six pairs of formal socks; Figure 10 is a front view of a third embodiment of a sock hanger according to the present invention for three pairs of sports socks; Figure 11 is a side view of the sock hanger of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view from the front and one side of the sock hanger of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a perspective view from the front and one side of the sock hanger of Figure 6, loaded with three pairs of socks; Figure 14 is a front view of the loaded sock hanger of Figure 13; and Figure 15 is an enlarged vertical cross-section along the line A-A of Figure 14.

In the Figures like reference numerals denote like parts.

Referring to Figures 6 to 8 and 13 to 15, a first embodiment of a sock hanger 60 according to the invention has an elongate bar member 61, of inverted substantially U-shaped cross-section, closed at front and rear ends thereof, which bar member, in use, is inclined upwards from a front to a back of the sock hanger at substantially 45 to the horizontal.

Referring particularly to Figures 6 to 8, attached to a first elongate side of the elongate bar member 61 are three spaced-apart, arms 621, 622, 623 in respective substantially parallel planes, substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bar member 61. Each arm has an inverted substantially L-shape cross-section, with a leg of the inverted substantially L-shape cross-section forming a front face of the respective arm and a base of the inverted substantially L-shape cross-section forming an upper face of the respective arm. However, the arms could be different sections, e.g. a C' section. A front arm 621 of the three arms is joined to the bar member 61 proximate a front end of the bar member 61, a median arm 622 is joined substantially central of the bar member 61, and a rear arm 623 is joined proximate a rear end of the bar member 61. Each arm comprises a first portion 6211, 6221, 6231, proximate the bar member, inclined upwards, in use, at a first angle to the horizontal and a second portion 6212, 6222, 6232, remote from the bar member 61, joined to an end of the first portion remote from the bar member, and inclined upwards, in use, at a second angle to the horizontal, greater than the first angle, such that, as best seen in Figures 13 and 14, a resultant shape of each of the arms corresponds substantially to a fold line of a sock folded through the heel with a foot of the sock overlaying a leg of the sock.

Substantially central of an upper face of the bar member 61 is an elongate, substantially rectangular aperture 611 for receiving a lower portion of a shank 631 of a suspension hook 63. As best shown in Figure 15, a lower edge of the aperture is provided with an lower inward projecting waIl 612, inclined downwards, in use, from the lower edge of the aperture, a lower face 6121 of an inner portion of which inward projecting wall 612 is substantially horizontal in use, so that the inner portion tapers inward of the aperture 611. An upper edge of the aperture is provided with an upper inward projecting wall 613 which is substantially vertical in use and shorter than the lower inward projecting wall 612.

The shank of the suspension hook has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, with a base of the U-shape forming a front face of the shank. As shown in Figure 15, a lower end of the shank is provided with a solid portion having a shoulder 632 extending from a rear face of the shank 631. An upper face of the shoulder comprises in cross-section an inner upwardly convex portion 6321 joined to a planar portion 6322, substantially horizontal in use. As shown in Figure 15, the upper face of the planar portion 6322 is located and dimensioned to mate with a lower face 6131 of the upper inward projecting wall 613 of the aperture 611 which is substantially horizontal in use. A front face of the shank below the position of the shoulder 632 is extended by a projecting wall having a lower portion 614 angled, in use, rearward of the shank at substantially 45 . An inner extremity of the lower portion is provided with a downward projecting barb 6141 dimensioned and positioned to engage an inner extremity of the lower inward projecting wall 612 of the aperture 611. A notch 6311 is provided in the front face of the shank 631 extending into the solid portion to help maintain a uniform wall thickness in the shank by preventing the plastic in this area from sinking, as would be expected the portion were completely solid.

As best seen in Figure 6, the shank 631 of the suspension hook 63 is substantially an inverted L-shape, with a vertical leg portion of the inverted L-shaped shank joined to a base portion 6311 of the inverted L-shaped shank by a quadrant-shaped transition. The base portion 6311 of the inverted L-shaped shank is substantially vertically above, in use, a portion of the median arm 622 most proximate the bar member. An upper end of the inverted L-shaped shank is joined to a lower portion of a minor edge of a substantially rectangular label or indicia portion 632, which extends further over the median arm 622 than the base portion 6311 of the shank 631. Rising from substantially a half of an upper major edge of the substantially rectangular label or indicia portion 632, remote from, and inclined away from, the bar member 61, is a portion of a suspension hook 63 which broadens into a second planar label-receiving or indicia portion 633 extending above, in use, free ends of the median arm 622 and having a oval-shaped label-receiving or indicia area 6331 on a front face thereof. The second label-receiving or indicia portion 633 has a lower edge inclined upwards in a direction away from the bar member 61, a semicircular outer edge, a substantially horizontal, in use, upper edge and an inner edge inclined upwards at a greater angle to the horizontal than the lower edge in the direction away from the bar member 61. A semicircular portion 634 of the suspension hook 63 rises from an inner portion of the upper edge of the second label-receiving or indicia portion 633, in a direction towards the bar member 61 such that, in use, a centre of the semicircular portion 634 is substantially above a centre of mass of the loaded hanger 60 with the sock hanger substantially vertical.

Referring especially to Figure 15, to assemble the suspension hook 63 with the remaining portions of the sock hanger 60, the lower end of the shank 631 is inserted into the aperture 611 so that the planar portion 6322 of upper face of the shoulder 632 engages the lower face 6131 of the upper inward projecting wall 613 of the aperture 611. The suspension hook 63 is pivoted about the engagement between the planar portion 6322 of upper face of the shoulder 632 and the lower face 6131 of the upper inward projecting wall 613 of the aperture 611 so that projecting waIl 614 on the front face of the lower end of the shank 631 is resiliently bent backwards as the barb 6141 slides along the upper face of the lower projecting wall 612 until the barb 6141 resiliently engages the inner extremity of the lower inward projecting wall 612 of the aperture 611, whereby the suspension hook 63 is locked in position with a majority of the suspension hook above, in use, the median arm 622, and with the suspension hook substantially in a plane defined by the median arm 622.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the suspension hook may alternatively be connected to the bar member by other forms of engagement means.

It will also be understood that alternatively, or in addition, the suspension hook may be connected to the bar member by, for example, adhesive.

Referring to Figure 9, a sock hanger 90 comprising a second embodiment of the invention, is substantially similar to the first embodiment 60 except that the sock hanger 90 is provided with six equally-spaced arms 921-926 for supporting up to six pairs of formal socks. Since the sock hanger has an even number of arms, in order for a hook 93 to be central of the sock hanger, the hook 93 is joined to a bar member 91 between junctions of the two innermost arms 923, 924 to the bar member 91 and defines a plane intermediate between planes defined by those two innermost arms.

Referring to Figures 10 to 12, a sock hanger 100 comprising a third embodiment of the invention, is similar to the first embodiment except that the three arms 1021, 1022, 1023 are more widely spaced than in the first embodiment, for suspending up to three pairs of sports socks, thicker than the formal socks suspendable from the first embodiment 60 and the second embodiment 90.

The invention provides at least the advantages of displaying multiple pairs of socks in a cascaded format so that each of the pairs is visible. By spacing the arms only sufficiently to accommodate a thickness of sock to be suspended, the sock hanger may be made compact front to back. Because the suspension hook is attached to a centre of the bar member, rather than to, or above, an upper arm as in the prior art, a standard size suspension hook can be accommodated while providing a compact loaded or unloaded hanger in a top to bottom direction to maximise transport and stocking density, but allowing suspension from a standard garment hanger rack, unlike some sock hangers of the prior art. Because, in use, the suspension hook defines a first plane containing a centre of mass of the loaded sock hanger, which plane is substantially parallel to respective substantially parallel planes containing the respective arms and pairs of socks suspended therefrom, and a centre of the semicircular rack-engaging portion of the suspension hook is in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane, containing the centre of mass, and parallel to opposed edges of the suspended pairs of socks, the pairs of socks are suspended in substantially parallel planes which are substantially vertical when viewed both from the front and back and from both sides of the sock hanger. It will be understood that this location of the centre of mass in the specified orthogonal planes can be achieved with suspension hooks of other forms than that described, with or without indicia. Thus the two indicia label areas as illustrated and described herein are provided only in a particular embodiment of the invention. There could be many different styles of suspension hooks and label areas attached to a standard shank. Moreover, the first and second label-receiving or indicia portions, which may be used, for example, as size and price markers, are not obscured by pairs of socks suspended from the sock hanger.

The two-piece nature of this product is a result of moulding constraints. Ideally, for a more robust design and from a commercial standpoint, the hanger would be one piece. However, the two-piece design provides an advantage that a same-sized suspension hook may be used for a plurality of embodiments of the invention and a plurality of sizes of a same embodiment, so that only a single-sized suspension hook moulding tool is required for a plurality of embodiments and sizes.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A sock hanger comprising a bar member, a plurality of substantially parallel arms connected to the bar member, each arm being within a respective plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bar member, and a suspension hook connectable to the bar member substantially centrally thereof, and defining a major plane substantially parallel to the respective planes containing the arms, such that, in use, a centre of mass of a combination of the sock hanger and socks suspended from each of the arms is substantially within the major plane defined by the suspension hook and in a plane orthogonal to the major plane which passes through a suspension point of the suspension hook and is parallel to planes containing opposed substantially vertical edges of the suspended socks.

2. A sock hanger as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in use, at least one of the plurality of arms is inclined upwards from the bar member substantially at an angle defined by a fold line of a pair of socks, folded at their heels, to be suspended from the arm.

3. A sock hanger as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of arms has a portion of the arm remote from the bar member inclined upwards, in use, in a direction away from the bar member more steeply than a portion of the arm proximate the bar member, substantially to form a shape defined by a fold line of a pair of socks to be suspended by the fold line from the arm.

4. A sock hanger as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension hook is moulded separately from remaining portions of the sock hanger.

5. A sock hanger as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bar member is provided with an aperture for receiving a portion of a shank of the suspension hook for connecting the suspension hook to the bar member.

6. A sock hanger as claimed in claim 5, wherein the aperture is provided with at least one wall inward of the bar member and the portion of the shank is provided with resilient engagement means for resiliently engaging the at least one wall for securing the suspension hook to the bar member.

7. A sock hanger as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension hook is connectable to the bar member at an acute angle to a longitudinal axis thereof, such that, in use, with the suspension hook substantially vertical, the bar member is inclined upwards in a direction from a front to a rear of the sock hanger.

8. A sock hanger as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a shank of the suspension hook is substantially an inverted L-shape.

9. A sock hanger as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a shank of the suspension hook has a substantially U-shaped transverse cross-section.

10. A sock hanger as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the bar member has a substantially inverted U-shaped transverse cross-section.

11. A sock hanger as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of arms has a inverted L-shaped transverse cross-section.

12. A sock hanger as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a first indicia portion joins a shank of the suspension hook to remaining portions of the suspension hook.

13. A sock hanger as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sock hanger is provided with a second indicia portion on a flank of the suspension hook.

14. A sock hanger substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, any of Figures 6 to 15 of the accompanying drawings.