Electrically-Conductive Plastic Hangers

Abstract

Electrically-conductive plastic hangers for supporting a workpiece during an electrostatic coating, plating, treating or other processing operation are described herein. In embodiments, the hangers have a one-piece hanger body made of an electrically-conductive plastic material, a connector portion configured to hang the hanger from a rack or other support and a further connector portion configured to hang a workpiece directly from the hanger. The further connector portion is provided in the form of a closure to seal off a part opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger. The hanger is supported on an exemplary hook-type support. An exemplary workpiece is supported by the hanger.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hanger of FIG. 1 but without the exemplary hook and workpiece.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic section view taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a unit of plural hangers of the type in FIGS. 1-3.

FIGS. 5A-5E are enlarged schematic section views taken along a section line, such as section 3-3 of FIG. 1, provided to show representative alternative hanger sectional profiles.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an additional exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger in the form of a rack having plural connector portions for supporting a workpiece or workpieces.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an additional exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger. An exemplary workpiece is supported by the hanger having second connector portion that is a plug. The exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger includes a first connector portion that is a breakaway hook.

FIG. 11A is an enlarge schematic section view taken along the section line 11A in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is yet another perspective view of the exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger shown in FIG. 11, but without the exemplary workpiece.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger of FIG. 11, but without the exemplary workpiece.

FIG. 14 is yet another exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger. The plastic hanger includes a second connector portion that is a female plug.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view taken along the section line 14A of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is yet another exemplary electrically-conductive plastic hanger. The plastic hanger includes a first connector portion that is a breakaway eyelet.

Claims

1. An electrically-conductive hanger for supporting a workpiece having at least one surface defining a workpiece opening and for masking the workpiece opening comprising a one-piece hanger body, the body being of an electrically conductive plastic material and having a first portion for securing the body with respect to a support and a second portion configured to at least partially mask the workpiece having at least one surface defining the workpiece opening.

2. The hanger of claim 1 wherein the second portion is configured in the shape of a plug.

3. The hanger of claim 2 wherein the plug has a shank and a flange.

4. The hanger of claim 3 wherein the shank further includes threads configured for threaded engagement with corresponding threads along a surface defining the workpiece opening.

5. The hanger of claim 1 wherein the second portion is configured in the shape of a cap.

6. The hanger of claim 1 wherein the cap has an internal surface configured to fit over a neck portion of the workpiece, the neck portion including the workpiece opening.

7. The hanger of claim 6 wherein the internal surface further includes threads configured for threaded engagement with corresponding threads along the workpiece having at least one surface defining a workpiece opening.

8. The hanger of claim 1 wherein the first portion comprises a hook.

9. The hanger of claim 1 wherein the first portion comprises a member including an opening and formed therein.

10. The hanger of claim 1 wherein the first portion further comprises a breakaway portion and the first portion and second portions are separable at the breakaway portion.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the breakaway portion is a notch, a narrowed area, or a scored portion.

12. The hanger of claim 1 wherein the electrically-conductive plastic material comprises: at least one plastic material; andat least one conductive material distributed homogeneously therein.

13. The hanger of claim 12 wherein the plastic material is selected from one or more of the group consisting of polyether ether ketones, polyphenylene sulfides, polyethylenes, liquid crystal polymers, and nylon 6-6.

14. The hanger of claim 12 wherein the conductive material is selected from one or more of the group consisting of metallic powders, carbon black, carbon fibers, carbon mats, metallized glass fibers, metallized glass spheres, copper, aluminum and gold.

15. A method for supporting a workpiece from an electrically-conductive plastic hanger and for masking a workpiece having at least one surface defining a workpiece opening wherein an electrical state is imparted to the workpiece through the hanger, comprising: providing a one-piece hanger body, the body being of an electrically conductive plastic material, wherein the body further comprises: a first portion for securing the body with respect to a support; anda second portion configured to at least partially mask the workpiece having at least one surface defining a workpiece opening;masking the workpiece having at least one surface defining the workpiece opening with the second portion;securing the first portion with respect to a support to hang the workpiece; andimparting an electrical state to the workpiece through the hanger.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the second portion includes threads configured for threaded engagement with corresponding threads along a surface defining the workpiece opening and the method further includes engaging the second portion threads and opening threads to secure the second portion in place masking the workpiece opening.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the first portion comprises one or more of a hook and a member including an opening formed therein.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the first portion further comprises a breakaway portion and the first portion and second portions are separable at the breakaway portion.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising applying a coating to the unmasked portions of the workpiece.