Door hinge attachable telescopic hanger with dual hinge connectors

Abstract

A door hinge-attachable telescopic hanger with: a) two different hinge connectors for attachment to a door hinge; b) an elongated main support member connected to the hinge connectors, extending outwardly therefrom at a non-parallel angle to said vertical shaft; c) at least one moveable supplemental support member telescopically connected to said elongated main support member for movement extending away from said door hinge attachment member; d) an optional handle-sheath covering at least half said door hinge attachment member and a portion of said elongated main support member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The present invention is a clothes hanger that has components that make it attachable to a conventional door hinge and door hinge pin, and it is telescopic (adjustable in length). Such hangers may be used for hanging clothes, in lieu of a closet or in addition thereto, or that have been washed and are in need of being hung to dry, or for other hanging purposes. The present invention hangers are hangable on any door hinge and pin that has a removable pin. Typical door hinges have three components—the door mounted flange, with female pin receivers, the doorframe mounted flange with interleafing female pin receivers, and the (male) hinge pin. The present invention hangers have two connectors, one being a washer-like orificed, continuous loop that mounts atop the hinge for receiving the hinge pin, and a second hinge connector that is a crescent shaed brace that nests along side the hinge. To use the present invention device, a door hinge is removed, the first connector is mounted on the flange, and the second connector, being a vertical connector, is nested aside the hinge, and then pin is returned through the first connector and into the hinge. The present invention hangers are portable in that they may be removed from a door hinge or other receiver to another location and/or a different type of door hinge or receiver. Optionally, a half door hinge and pin or similar accessory may be mounted anywhere and the present invention hanger can be mounted thereto.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention:

U.S. U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,727 B1 describes a system, apparatus and method for the handling, transport and or storage of items of wearing apparel which are hung on hangers. In the system, there is plurality or transport units which travel over a rail system from a first location (e.g. an inbound location) to a second location (e.g. an outbound location). Each transport unit has a carrier section which, in the first operating position of the transfer unit, is generally horizontally aligned, and is suspended from a rail by means of first and second roller support sections at opposite ends of the carrier section. The transport unit has a second operating position where the carrier section is rotated relative to one of the roller support sections to a more vertical orientation where the garment units are closer together in a horizontal direction and more vertically digned with one another, this being a position in which the garment units can be stored and/or shipped in a more closely packed configuration.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,942,111 B2 describes a trolley that is utilized to transport garments or other articles over a rail system between desired locations. The trolley includes a support member and a plurality of trolley heads each disposed at a corresponding support member end. The trolley heads each include a housing with rollers disposed therein and an arm that connects that trolley head to a corresponding end of the support member. The rollers engage a slick rail system to enable the trolley, with the support member in a generally horizontal orientation, to transverse the rail system and transport garments suspended from the support member. One of the trolley ends includes a pivoting mechanism that enables the support member to pivot or swivel with respect to the trolley arm at the end to place the support member in a generally vertical position.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,317 describes a pivoting door hinge held catchall rack including a rod which extends vertically along a plurality of door hinges and which is held by the pins of the door hinges threaded through flanges on either end of the rod and/or through screw-eye type devices which are easily threaded into a slot in back of the rod and therefore can be readily aligned with the tops of the hinges. From the rod are extended, appended, fixed or attached a plurality of catchall, shapes and forms.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,345 describes a garment holder assembly supports garments while being disposed in either of two different attitudes. The assembly includes an elongated rigid support structure with a plurality of spaced, interior dividers. A hook extends from one or more dividers to support the garment holder assembly in a horizontal attitude. A link secured to one end of the support structure can be connected to a hook for supporting the assembly in a vertical attitude.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,462 describes a hinge pin clothes hanger to furnish a quality product made to last, that replaces the hinge pin of any door hinge with a hinge pin clothes hanger that, when properly installed, does not effect the operation of the door or the hinge into which it is being used. The hinge pin clothes hanger is a non-destructive support on which to hang clothes, towels or anything similar, on any door hinge, in any room in which it would be useful. It is easily installed or removed without any damage to the door or hinge. You simply remove the existing hinge pin and install the hinge pin clothes hanger in its place, or simply remove the hinge pin clothes hanger to restore the hinge to its original condition with the original hinge pin. It's that simple. Furthermore, when in use the hinge pin clothes hanger will provide a substantial means of support which will give the consumer years of reliable service and will blend into the decor of the room into which it is being used.

United U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,987 discloses a garment support to be detachably mounted upon a door hinge of the type having intermeshing sleeves held together by a hinge pin. The invention comprises a hinge mounting member and a main body member. The hinge mounting member is substantially flat and elongated in shape containing an angled slot at one end capable of receiving the shaft of a hinge pin, and a centered oblong aperture. The main body member is substantially rectangular in shape containing an L-shaped end and a plurality of supports, whereby garments and other articles may be suspended.

United U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,212 describes a modular article support unit consisting of an elongated tubular member adapted to be removably attached to the hinge pins of two hinges of a door by means of adjustable brackets, said elongated tubular member having a plurality of holes along the length thereof for removably attaching several types of support devices, such as coat hooks, towel racks, bulletin boards and mirrors.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,208,986 describes the combination of a hinge, an elongated pin carried thereby, and a hook mounted on said pin and provided with a bracing member engaging the hinge.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a door hinge-attachable telescopic hanger having dual hinge connectors, which includes a) a first hinge connector, being a door hinge attachment member that includes a flat, orificed, attachment element that is a continuous loop element (e.g., washer-like) or an arcuate element of at least 200 degrees, and preferably at least 280 degrees, for attachment to a door hinge and hinge pin by sitting atop the hinge and inserting a pin through it; b) an elongated main support member having a proximal end and a distal end, being connected to said first hinge connector at said distal end and extending outwardly therefrom, said elongated main support member extending away from said first hinge connector; c) a second hinge connector at said distal end of said elongated main support member located below said first hinge connector, said second hinge member being a vertically elongated brace having a top-view footprint of a crescent; d) at least one moveable supplemental support member telescopically connected to said proximal end of said elongated main support member for movement extending away from said first and second hinge connectors. In some preferred embodiments, the first hinge connector is a washer-like element on the hanger to be positioned under a door hinge pin top flange. In some embodiments, the elongated main support member is hollow and said at least one moveable supplemental support member is positioned therein for telescopic movement in and out of said elongated main support member.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger, the at least one elongated said main support member and the at least one moveable supplemental support member include a stop flange that prevents separation during telescoping.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger, the hanger further includes at least one clothes hook.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger, the hanger further includes a handle-sheath that covers at least a portion of said elongated main support member. In some of these embodiments, the handle-sheath is a two piece handle-sheath and each piece is connected to one another. The two pieces may be permanently connected to one another.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger, the elongated main support member is positioned at a right angle to said second hinge connector, such that when mounted to a door hinge and pin, said elongated main support member is horizontal and said hinge connector is vertical.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger, there are two or more moveable supplemental support members telescopically connected to one another.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger, the second hinge connector has a top view footprint with said crescent is an arc of a single radius. In some of these embodiments, the top view arc is less than 180° and in some, that arc is less than 130°.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing features of the present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger for attachment to a conventional door hinge and hinge pin;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a present invention telescopic hanger for attachment to a door hinge and hinge pin, illustrating the present invention hanger and a conventional door hinge and pin, not assembled;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial top view of the present invention telescopic hanger of FIG. 2 showing details of the first hinge connector, which is the top connector;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cut top view of the present invention telescopic hanger of FIG. 2 showing details of the second hinge connector, which is the side (vertical) connector;

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the embodiment of the present invention telescopic hanger for attachment to a door hinge and hinge pin shown in the FIGS. 2 through 4, illustrating the present invention hanger positioned on a conventional door hinge, without the pin inserted;

FIG. 6 is a full side view of the present invention telescopic hanger with the conventional pin and hinges as shown in FIG. 2, but now with the present invention telescopic hanger attached to the hinge with the hinge pin inserted and ready for use;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate alternative embodiment present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It should be noted that the present invention devices are for hanging and for transporting any item on a conventional coat hanger, such as clothes. The present invention devices may be used for hanging wet clothes for drying, clothes that need ironing, clothes that are put out for wearing, and for cloth items, e.g. clothes, towels and washcloths that merely need temporary or closet-alternative storing with mobility options. The present invention devices not only attach to the pins and receivers of door hinges, but they are also removable from the conventional hinge pin, and may be hooked on or attached to any other supports or suspensions. Thus, they may be moved from location to location with the clothes on conventional, individual coat hangers. The hinge pin is of a door can be removed and the present invention device relocated as desired. This permits easy installation and portability. For example, the device is easily moved from a laundry room to a TV room where ironing may be done, and then to a closet. Alternatively, separate devices could be permanently located and the individual items or coat hangers can be relocated as desired.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate identical corresponding parts throughout the Figures.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing features of the present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger for attachment to a conventional door hinge and hinge pin, which operate together as a system. In FIG. 1, block 2 references the present invention telescopic hanger for attachment to a conventional door hinge and hinge pin. Block 4 illustrates the details of the first hinge connector and block 6 illustrate the second hinge connector. The first hinge connector is a flat, oraficed attachment element, which may be a closed loop element or an open loop. The open loop must be more than a half circle to latch onto the hinge pin securely. Thus, the open loop would have an imaginary arc of at least 200 degrees and preferably 280 degrees. The second hinge connector is a vertically elongated brace with a top view foot print having a crescent shaped brace. There is an elongated main support member that has a proximal end and a distal end. Both hinge connectors are located on its distal end.

In FIG. 1, conventional hinge pin 12 and conventional door hinge 14 are shown separated from one another. The first hinge connector is placed horizontally atop the door hinge 14, the second hinge connector is nested vertically against the side of door hinge 14, and then hinge pin 12 is inserted into the first hinge loop and into door hinge 14 to secure the present invention telescopic hanger. Thus the first hinge connector is locked in place to keep the telescopic hanger on the hinge, and the second hanger braces against the door hinge to support weight, such as clothes or other hung items. Block 10 of FIG. 1 indicates that there is at least one additional support member. This supplemental support member is telescopically connected to the main support member at its proximal end. Additional telescopically connected supplemental support members could be added to further extend the length of the present invention hanger.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a present invention telescopic hanger for attachment to a conventional door hinge and door hinge pin, illustrating one embodiment of the present invention telescopic hanger 1 and a conventional door hinge 21 and pin 25, not assembled. In this FIG. 2, present invention hanger 1 and conventional hinge 21 and pin 25 are shown separated. Also, pin 25 has a truncated lower section and a flange top 27, it being understood that its length is sufficient to enter the hinge female receivers of hinge 21. (There is a partial view of what would be a hinge set with a door jamb-mounted hinge and a door-mounted hinge. Thus, there would be receiver sections interleafed with one another, such as receiver 23. The hinge receiver components are the sectional vertical tube portions of hinges that intermesh and receive the connecting hinge pin. In the present invention, the conventional hinge pin 25 is used to support both the door and the present invention telescopic hanger.) In this FIG. 2 side view that includes the present invention hanger 1, this can be made of plastic, metal, composite, wood, graphite fiber or combinations. It can be made or any material(s) that do not impede its functionality. As shown, hanger 1 includes an elongated main support member 9 that is connected to first hinge connector 5, which extends beyond the distal end of hanger 1 with its (open or closed) loop for attachment to the hinge 21 via pin 25. Typically, the elongated main support member 9 is a formed metal or plastic piece that may be unistructurally formed with first hinge connector 5, or with first hinge connector 5 may be formed separately and then welded, heat welded, or otherwise attached to one another. A handle-sheath 3 is included, but optional. Second hinge connector 15 is a vertically elongated crescent shaped brace, also at the distal end of main support member 9 that nests against the side of a hinge when deployed. There is an optional coat hook 7. Elongated main support member 9 is hollow and contains at least one additional (supplemental) moveable support member 11, telescopically connected to elongated main support member 9. In this embodiment, support member 11 is also hollow and contains a second extendable support member 13 with a stop flange 15 at the end to prevent coat hangers on it from sliding off. These elongated components may have any cross-sectional end view shape, including circular, square, oblong, oval or other polygonal shape, as well as irregular and asymmetric shapes, without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

In each of the FIGS. 3 through 5, identical parts shown in FIG. 2 are identically numbered without necessarily being described again.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial top view of the present invention telescopic hanger 1 of FIG. 2 showing details of the first hinge connector, which is the top connector 5. It has a hinge pin-receiving orifice 31 and is attached as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cut top view of the present invention telescopic hanger of FIG. 2 cut below the first hinge connector of FIG. 3 to reveal the crescent shape 33 and details of the second hinge connector 15, which is the side (vertical) connector that nests against the side of the conventional hinge when deployed.

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the embodiment of the present invention telescopic hanger 1 for attachment to a door hinge and hinge pin shown in the FIGS. 2 through 4, here illustrating the present invention hanger 1 positioned on a conventional door hinge 21, without the pin inserted. As shown, it would be held in this position until the pin (not shown here) in FIG. 6, is inserted.

FIG. 6 is a full side view of the present invention telescopic hanger 1 with the conventional pin and hinges as shown in FIG. 2, but now with the present invention telescopic hanger 1 attached to the hinge 21 with the hinge pin 25 (with top flange 27 inserted and ready for use.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate alternative embodiment present invention door hinge attachable telescopic hanger components.

In FIG. 7, an alternative first hinge connector 51 is shown. At its operative ned, it has a semicircular shape 53 but an internal shape 55 of a hexagonal open-ended wrench. This shape is not optimal but is presented to show that the inside opening that is attached to the conventional hinge and hinge pin need not be circular or semicircular on its inside to function. Further, this is not a closed loop, but is an open loop. Also, it has an imaginary arc of about 300 degrees. All of these open loop connectors must be greater than a half circle to avoid slipping of the hinge after deployment.

In FIG. 8, there is a partial side view of a different present invention hanger 86 with the types of first and second hinge connectors shown above on its cut off distal end. includes an elongated main support member 63. Elongated main support member 63 is hollow and contains at least one additional (supplemental) moveable support member 67, telescopically connected to elongated main support member 89. In this embodiment, supplemental support member 67 is also hollow and contains a stop flange 69 at the end to prevent coat hangers on it from sliding off. Also in this embodiment, the elongated main support member 63 and the supplemental support member 67 have a plurality of spaced notches, such as notches 65 and 71 to catch and hold individual coat hangers that may be suspended therefrom.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A door hinge-attachable telescopic hanger having dual hinge connectors, which comprises: a) a first hinge connector, being a door hinge attachment member that includes a flat, orificed, attachment element that is selected from the group consisting of a continuous loop element or an arcuate element of at least 200 degrees, for attachment to a door hinge and hinge pin;b) an elongated main support member having a proximal end and a distal end, being connected to said first hinge connector at said distal end and extending outwardly therefrom, said elongated main support member extending away from said first hinge connector;c) a second hinge connector at said distal end of said elongated main support member located below said first hinge connector at said distal end, said second hinge member being a vertically elongated brace having a top-view footprint of a crescent;d) at least one moveable supplemental support member telescopically connected to said proximal end of said elongated main support member for movement extending away from said first and second hinge connectors.

2. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 1 wherein said first hinge connector is a washer-like element to be positioned under a door hinge pin top flange.

3. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 1 wherein said elongated main support member is hollow and said at least one moveable supplemental support member is positioned therein for telescopic movement in and out of said elongated main support member.

4. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 3 wherein at least one of elongated said main support member and said at least one moveable supplemental support member includes a stop flange that prevents separation during telescoping.

5. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 1 wherein said hanger further includes at least one clothes hook.

6. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 5 which further includes a handle-sheath that covers at least a portion of said elongated main support member.

7. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 6 wherein said handle-sheath is a two piece handle-sheath and each piece is connected to one another.

8. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 7 wherein said handle-sheath is a two piece plastic handle-sheath that is permanently connected to one another.

9. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 1 wherein said elongated main support member is positioned at a right angle to said second hinge connector, such that when mounted to a door hinge and pin, said elongated main support member is horizontal and said hinge connector is vertical.

10. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 1 wherein there are two moveable supplemental support members telescopically connected to one another.

11. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 1 wherein said second hinge connector has a top view footprint with said crescent being an arc of a single radius.

12. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 11 wherein said arc is less than 180°.

13. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 12 wherein said arc is less than 130°.

14. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 11 wherein said elongated main support member is hollow and said at least one moveable supplemental support member is positioned therein for telescopic movement in and out of said elongated main support member.

15. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 14 wherein at least one of elongated said main support member and said at least one moveable supplemental support member includes a stop flange that prevents separation during telescoping.

16. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 11 wherein said hanger further includes at least one clothes hook.

17. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 16 which further includes a handle-sheath that covers at least a portion of said elongated main support member.

18. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 16 wherein said handle-sheath is a two piece handle-sheath and each piece is connected to one another.

19. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 18 wherein said handle-sheath is a two piece plastic handle-sheath that is permanently connected to one another.

20. The door hinge attachable telescopic hanger of claim 11 wherein said elongated main member is positioned at a right angle to said second hinge connector, such that when mounted to a door hinge and pin said elongated main support member is horizontal and said hinge connector is vertical.