DEVICE FOR HANGING ITEMS AND METHOD

Abstract

An apparatus for hanging items is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof to a surface, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface, in a direction substantially normal to the surface. The apparatus may also include a second element having a longitudinal axis. The second element may be coupled with the first element and may be configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis away from and toward the attachment end. The second element may be configured to hang the items thereon.

Description

BACKGROUND

This application relates generally to devices and methods of providing articles for hanging items. More specifically, this application relates to an apparatus and a method for hanging items which may include a elongate member for hanging items thereon disposed substantially normal to a surface and translatable away from, and toward, the surface.

SUMMARY

Currently devices, and arrangements, for hanging items, such as hanging clothing on clothes hangers, include a support rod disposed substantially parallel with a an access face, such as a closet doorway. Hangers are typically supported perpendicular with, and by, the support rod. Arranging hangers on a support rod this way becomes less efficient in cases where the clothes closet is deeper than about the width of the items hung on the hangers as the extra space behind, and/or in front of, the items is typically not used. In addition, in cases where the depth of the closet, or storage space it too shallow there is typically not enough room to contain the rod with hangers, and garments hanging from it.

A typical clothes closet may be constructed to be about two feet deep, and a typical clothes hanger is about 17 inches wide. Using these typical dimensions then the support rod may be installed in the closed roughly one foot from the back wall of the closet, and one foot from the doorway. This leave a few inches on either side of each clothes hanger for the material comprising the sleeves of garments, and the liked, that are hung on cloth hangers. Any storage space less than, or more than, two feet deep is likely to include the inefficiencies discussed.

Therefore, there is a significant need for an apparatus, or method, that utilizes as much space as possible in storage spaces of all sizes. These and other needs may be addressed by one or more embodiments according to the current disclosure.

This application discloses an apparatus, and a method for hanging items that is economical to produce, of simple construction, and capable of mass production, but also capable of providing a more efficient means to support and/or hang, and/or store items than is available with current systems.

In particular, this application discloses an apparatus that may include a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof to a surface, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface, in a direction substantially normal to the surface. The apparatus may also include a second element having a longitudinal axis. The second element may be coupled with the first element and may be configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis away from and toward the attachment end. The second element may be configured to hang the items thereon.

This application also discloses an apparatus for supporting hanging items that may include a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof, and a second element in translational engagement with the first element and configured to translate away from the attachment end and toward the attachment end. In addition, the apparatus may include an elongate third element coupled for movement with the second element and configured for supporting the hanging items thereon.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be necessarily be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

Finally, this application discloses a method of providing an article for hanging items thereon. The method may include providing a first element with an attachment configuration at a first end thereof for directly, or indirectly, attaching the first end to a fixed surface, and for orienting the first element substantial normal to the fixed surface when attached thereto. The method may also include providing a second element the second element being elongated, and configuring the second element for hanging items thereon. The method may also include coupling a third element with the second element. In addition, the method may also include configuring the first and third elements for relative translational engagement thereby enabling the second element to be moved away from and toward the fixed surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating an example apparatus for hanging items thereon in accordance with the current disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example attachment arrangement for attaching a first element to a surface via a bracket.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example apparatus in accordance with the current disclosure illustrating a second element telescopically engaged with a first element;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a roller bearing configuration according to the current disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating another example apparatus in accordance with the current disclosure showing two second elements for supporting items;

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example embodiment configured to include a container for containing items fixed above an example element for hanging items thereon;

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an example embodiment configured to include a container for containing items coupled between two similarly configured example elements for hanging items thereon;

FIG. 8 is a perspective right side view illustrating an example apparatus for hanging items in a retracted state;

FIG. 9 is a perspective left side view illustrating an example apparatus for hanging items in an extended state; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective top view illustrating an example apparatus for hanging items in an extended state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present apparatus for supporting hanging items and methods are described with reference to several illustrative embodiments described herein, it should be clear that the present invention should not be limited to such embodiments. Therefore, the description of the embodiments provided herein is illustrative of the present invention and should not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. In addition, while the following description references drawings showing particular interconnections, item quantities, and arrangements, it will be appreciated that the invention may be configured to have other interconnections, item quantities, and arrangements.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a first example embodiment of a apparatus for hanging items 5 thereon 10 is disclosed. The apparatus 10 may include a first element 15 configured to be fixed at an attachment end 20 thereof to a surface 25, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface 25, in a direction substantially normal to the surface 25. A second element 30 may have a longitudinal axis 35 and may be coupled with the first element 15. The second element 30 may be configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 35 away from and toward the attachment end as illustrated with arrow 40. The second element may be configured to hang the items 5 thereon. The second element 30 may be an elongated cylindrical element configured for supporting clothes hangers for example.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include one or more locking mechanisms that may be configured to lock the second element in a retracted position closest to the surface 25, and/or in an extended position furthest from the surface 25.

The second 30 element may be coupled first element 15 in various translational engagements including, but not limited to sliding engagement, rolling engagement, roller bearing engagement, and the like.

The surface 25 may be, for example the back wall of a closet, or the like. The attachment end 20 may be attached to the surface 25 using various fastening arrangements. For example, the attachment end 20 may be screwed, nailed, bolted, glued, or the like to the surface.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example attachment arrangement for attaching a first element 15 to a surface 25 via a bracket 45. In this example one more hooks 50 are fitted into the bracket 45 attached to the surface 25 via on or more screws 55.

The apparatus 10 may also include a third element 60 in translational engagement with the first element 15. The third element 60 may be configured for supporting the second element 30 below and parallel with the third element 60. One or more support members 65 may be fixed at a first location 70 to the third element 60 and fixed a second location 75 to the second element 30 to support the second element 30 below the third element 60.

In some embodiments the apparatus 10 may include a fourth element 80 between the first element 15 and the third element 60, the fourth element 80 may be translationally engaged with the both the first element 15 and the third element 60. In this way a translational distance of the third element 60, and therefore the second element 30 may substantially equal to a sum of a first partial translational distance of the fourth element 80 relative to the first element 15 and a second partial translational distance of the third element 60 relative to the fourth element 80.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example apparatus in accordance with the current disclosure illustrating wherein the second element 30 may be telescopically engaged with the first element 15. In another example embodiment the second element 30 may be disposed in sliding engagement with the first element 15. A stop arrangement 82, 84 may be included to prevent the second element 30 from separating from the first element 15. A protrusion 83 may be included at an end of the second element 30 to keep the items 5 from falling off.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a roller bearing configuration according to the current disclosure. In this example the second element 30 may be engaged with the first element 15 via one or more sets of roller bearings 85. The engagement may be direct or indirect. In an example direct engagement case the third element 30 may be a substantially rail shaped element having a bearing or bearing race configuration that is configured to interact in rolling engagement with a corresponding bearing race or bearing configuration on the first element 15. In addition, or instead, the fourth element 80 may also be substantially rail shaped and may have first bearing or bearing race configuration 90 on an inboard side thereof that is configured to interact in rolling engagement with a corresponding bearing race or bearing configuration on the first element 15. The fourth element 80 may also have a second bearing or bearing race configuration 95, on an outboard side thereof that is configured to interact in rolling engagement with a corresponding bearing race or bearing configuration on the third element 60.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating another example apparatus in accordance with the current disclosure showing two second elements 30 for supporting items 5. In this example case the apparatus 10 may also include a fifth element 100. The fifth element may be located below and parallel with the second element 30, the fifth element 100 being elongated and configured to hang more of the items 5 thereon.

A second support configuration 105 may be used to couple the fifth element 100 to the second 30 and/or third element 60. In one example the support member 65 (FIG. 1) supporting the second element 30 below the third element 60 may be configured to also support the fifth element 100 below the second and third elements 30, 60.

In some cases the second element 60 may have a first end relatively closer to the fixed surface 25, and a second end relatively further from the fixed surface. A handle 110 may be provided at a second end of the second element 60, or in the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 the second element 30 may have a handle 110 thereon. The handle 110 may be configured to be held by a user to translate the second element 30 (both cases) away and toward the first element 15.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example embodiment configured to include a container for containing items fixed above an example element for hanging items thereon. The container 120 may be configured to be translated with the second element toward and away from the surface 25. A handle 110 may be fixed to the container 120. In this way a user may be able to extend and retract the second element 30 to access clothing, and the like, hung thereon, by pulling on or pushing on the handle 110, and at the same time access the container 120.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an example embodiment configured to include a container for containing items coupled between two similarly configured example elements for hanging items thereon.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate an apparatus 10 for supporting hanging items 5. The apparatus 10 may include a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof; a second element in translational engagement with the first element and configured to translate away from the attachment end and toward the attachment end; and an elongate third element coupled for movement with the second element and configured for supporting the hanging items thereon. The first element attachment end 20 includes may include two hook shaped elements 50, and further comprising a bracket member 45 having at least two slots 57 therein, and wherein the two hook shaped elements may pass into the corresponding slots 57 to hook the first element to the bracket, and the bracket member is configured to be fixed to a surface.

Various example embodiments provide various methods of providing an article for hanging items thereon. The method may include providing a first element with an attachment configuration at a first end thereof for directly, or indirectly, attaching the first end to a fixed surface, and for orienting the first element substantial normal to the fixed surface when attached thereto;

providing a second element the second element being elongated, and configuring the second element for hanging items thereon;

coupling a third element with the second element; and

configuring the first and third elements for relative translational engagement thereby enabling the second element to be moved away from and toward the fixed surface.

Other example methods may include:

providing a fourth element between the third element and the first element; and configuring the fourth element for relative translational engagement with both the third element and the first element.

The coupling the third element with the second element may include fixing the second element to the third element with a support member. The coupling the second element to the first element for translational engagement may include providing a fourth element between the first element and the third element.

The method may also include providing a fourth element to couple the first element to the third element, configuring the fourth element to translate relative to the first element a first translational distance, and configuring the second element to translate relative to the fourth element a second translational distance wherein the second element is configured to translate relative to the first element a total translational distance substantially determined by a sum of the first translational distance and the second translational distance. Including the fourth element may increase a difference between the retracted distance and the extended distance from the surface. In some embodiments more than one element may be included between the first and the third elements which may further increase the difference between retracted distance and the extended distance.

The second element may have a first end relatively closer to the fixed surface, and a second end relatively further from the fixed surface. The method may also include providing a handle at the second end and configuring the handle to be held by a user to translate the second element away and toward the first element.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. An apparatus for hanging items thereon, the apparatus comprising: a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof to a surface, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface, in a direction substantially normal to the surface; anda second element having a longitudinal axis, the second element coupled with the first element and configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis away from and toward the attachment end, the second element configured to hang the items thereon.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third element in translational engagement with the first element, the third element supporting the second element below and parallel with the third element.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a one or more support members fixed at a first location to the third element and fixed a second location to the second element to support the second element below the third element.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a fourth element between the first element and the third element, the fourth element translationally engaged with the both the first element and the third element.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a fifth element, the element located below and parallel with the second element, the fifth element being elongated and configured to hang more of the items thereon.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second element is telescopically engaged with the first element.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second element is engaged with the first element via one or more sets of roller bearings.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second element is disposed in sliding engagement with the first element.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third element is a substantially rail shaped element having a bearing or bearing race configuration that is configured to interact in rolling engagement with a corresponding bearing race or bearing configuration on the first element.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a container for containing objects fixed to the second element and configured to be translated with the second element toward and away from the surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an additional first elements and an additional second element each configured similar to the first and second elements;the additional first element configured to be attached to the surface parallel to and at a spaced apart distance from the first and second elements; anda container have a first edge and a second edge parallel with the first edge, the container being attached at the first edge to the second element and attached at the second edge to the additional second element.

12. An apparatus for supporting hanging items comprising: a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof;a second element in translational engagement with the first element and configured to translate away from the attachment end and toward the attachment end; andan elongate third element coupled for movement with the second element and configured for supporting the hanging items thereon.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first element attachment end includes two hook shaped elements, and further comprising a bracket member having at least two slots therein, and wherein the two hook shaped elements can pass into the corresponding slots to hook the first element to the bracket, and the bracket member is configured to be fixed to a surface.

14. A method of providing an article for hanging items thereon, the method comprising: providing a first element with an attachment configuration at a first end thereof for directly, or indirectly, attaching the first end to a fixed surface, and for orienting the first element substantial normal to the fixed surface when attached thereto;providing a second element the second element being elongated, and configuring the second element for hanging items thereon;coupling a third element with the second element; andconfiguring the first and third elements for relative translational engagement thereby enabling the second element to be moved away from and toward the fixed surface.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising; providing a fourth element between the third element and the first element; andconfiguring the fourth element for relative translational engagement with both the third element and the first element.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the coupling the second element to the first element for translational engagement includes providing a fourth element between the first element and the third element.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing a fourth element to couple the first element to the third element;configuring the fourth element to translate relative to the first element a first translational distance; andconfiguring the second element to translate relative to the fourth element a second translational distance wherein the second element is configured to translate relative to the first element a total translational distance substantially determined by a sum of the first translational distance and the second translational distance.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the second element has a first end relatively closer to the fixed surface, and a second end relatively further from the fixed surface, and further comprising providing a handle at the second end and configuring the handle to be held by a user to translate the second element away and toward the first element.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising attaching a container for containing objects to the second element to be translated with the second element.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing similarly configured first, second, and third elements;attaching the similarly configured first element to the fixed surface parallel to and at a spaced apart distance from the first second and third elements;providing a container have a first edge and a second edge parallel with the first edge;attaching the first edge of the container to the second element; andattaching the second edge of the container to the similarly configured second element.