BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention generally relates to hangers. More specifically, the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention relates to themed hangers.
2. Background
Throughout history, hangers have been used mainly for its utilitarian purpose of hanging clothes. The aesthetics of the hanger has not changed much and they continue to look dull and ordinary. There have been minor changes to the appearance of the hanger. For example, some hangers have alluring velvet wrapped around the body of the hanger. Other modifications have been changing the hanger's material to wood, plastic, and other types of metals, adding cardboard tubes to the body of the hanger to prevent wrinkles in clothes, and thinning and curving the body of the hanger.
Currently, there exists decorative hangers that have prints such as flowers and butterflies; however the design elements are located on the body of the hanger and not on the hook portion. The design elements are usually affixed to the hanger rather than sculpting the hanger to form the design element. The hook portion of the hanger has been overlooked as a portion to be designed because it has been engrained in our minds to simply connect the hanger body to the closet bar.
Children and adults use hangers multiple times on a daily basis and overlook the concept of using hangers as an interactive tool. For example, hangers can be used to teach children the alphabet, shapes, colors, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, or seasons. The hangers can be decorated with different themes, such as animal, characters from popular shows, geography, or world culture.
Accordingly, there is a need to create themed hangers having an outlined image on the hook portion that can educate and interact with the user.
SUMMARY
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an apparatus configured to interact with a user by displaying an outline on a hook portion. The apparatus comprises a length, a height, a width, and the hook portion is located at a top of the apparatus. There is a hook opening located on an edge of the hook portion. There is a body extending from below the hook portion configured to hang an article. The outline comprises an image along an edge of the hook portion which extends substantially throughout the height and length of the hook portion. The length of the hook portion is less than the length of the body and the width is substantially uniform throughout the apparatus.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is a themed hanger for interacting with a user by displaying a silhouette of an image. The hanger comprises a body configured to hang an article. There is a hook portion extending to a height from an upperside of the body and the hook portion having a hook opening side. There is a perimeter of the hook portion which forms the silhouette of the image extending substantially throughout the height of the hook portion inclusive of the perimeter of the hook portion which begins from the upperside of the body.
In further embodiments of the present invention, there is a themed hanger for interacting with a user by displaying a silhouette of an image. The hanger comprises a body configured to hang an article and a hook portion extending to a height from an upperside of the body. The hook portion having a hook opening side. There is a perimeter of the hook portion which forms the silhouette of the image extending substantially throughout the height of the hook portion inclusive of the perimeter of the hook portion which begins from the upperside of the body.
These features, advantages and other embodiments of the present invention are further made apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hanger with an outlined image of a bunny hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a hanger with an outlined image of a bunny hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a hanger with an outlined image of a bunny hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a hanger with an outlined image of a bunny hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of a hanger with an outlined image of a bunny hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates a left side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a bunny hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a right side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a bunny hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a hanger with an outlined image of a crab hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a hanger with an outlined image of a crab hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of a hanger with an outlined image of a crab hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a hanger with an outlined image of a crab hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of a hanger with an outlined image of a crab hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates a left side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a crab hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 illustrates a right side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a crab hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a hanger with an outlined image of a dinosaur hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of a hanger with an outlined image of a dinosaur hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates a rear view of a hanger with an outlined image of a dinosaur hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a hanger with an outlined image of a dinosaur hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 illustrates a bottom view of a hanger with an outlined image of a dinosaur hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 illustrates a left side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a dinosaur hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 illustrates a right side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a dinosaur hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a hanger with an outlined image of an elephant hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 illustrates a front view of a hanger with an outlined image of an elephant hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 illustrates a rear view of a hanger with an outlined image of an elephant hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 illustrates a top view of a hanger with an outlined image of an elephant hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 illustrates a bottom view of a hanger with an outlined image of an elephant hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 illustrates a left side view of a hanger with an outlined image of an elephant hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 illustrates a right side view of a hanger with an outlined image of an elephant hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a hanger with an outlined image of a giraffe hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 illustrates a front view of a hanger with an outlined image of a giraffe hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 illustrates a rear view of a hanger with an outlined image of a giraffe hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 illustrates a top view of a hanger with an outlined image of a giraffe hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 illustrates a bottom view of a hanger with an outlined image of a giraffe hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 illustrates a left side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a giraffe hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 illustrates a right side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a giraffe hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of a hanger with an outlined image of a lion hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37 illustrates a front view of a hanger with an outlined image of a lion hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 illustrates a rear view of a hanger with an outlined image of a lion hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 39 illustrates a top view of a hanger with an outlined image of a lion hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 40 illustrates a bottom view of a hanger with an outlined image of a lion hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 41 illustrates a left side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a lion hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 42 illustrates a right side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a lion hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a hanger with an outlined image of a unicorn hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 44 illustrates a front view of a hanger with an outlined image of a unicorn hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 45 illustrates a rear view of a hanger with an outlined image of a unicorn hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 46 illustrates a top view of a hanger with an outlined image of a unicorn hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 47 illustrates a bottom view of a hanger with an outlined image of a unicorn hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 48 illustrates a left side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a unicorn hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 49 illustrates a right side view of a hanger with an outlined image of a unicorn hook portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
The description above and below and the drawings of the present document focus on one or more currently preferred embodiments of the present invention and also describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternative embodiments of the present invention. The description and drawings are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the present invention. Section titles are terse and are for convenience only.
Various embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Rather, the dimensions of the various features may be expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. Unless the meaning is clearly to the contrary, all ranges set forth herein are deemed to be inclusive of the endpoints.
This description provides for a themed hanger 12 used for hanging clothes and interacting with its user. Since kids can use a themed hanger 12, precautions have been taken in the design process to ensure the risk of harm is minimal. A themed hanger 12 can be made in different sizes and are also easily portable for anyone to use in any room and space. A themed hanger 12 can be small to hang pet related clothes, newborn, children, kids' clothes; as well as teenagers and adult clothes. The range of the length, width, and height of the themed hanger 12 allows the silhouette of the theme character to be featured while maintaining a sleek appearance. Hangers are objects that we interact with multiple times on a daily basis; therefore, it can be used as a teaching tool and something to liven up our closet. Providing themed hangers 12 for children can start conversations between the child and parent/guardian. Themed hangers 12 can brighten up the user's closet by displaying characters from a television show or movie, such as superheroes, on the hook portion. The movie can be an ordinary movie or a blockbuster movie. The themed hangers 12 can encourage the child to do more laundry/clean up their room. The themed hangers 12 can also teach or encourage the user by integrating color, alphabets, shapes, patterns, animals, names, or initial of the user, etc. to the hook portion 2 of the hanger 12.
FIGS. 1-49 illustrate different embodiments of the themed hanger 12. The themed hanger 12 comprises a body 8 and a hook portion 2 extending from the upperside 18 of the body 8. The hook portion 2 comprises a hook opening 4 in which the edge of the hook opening 4 is configured to hang upon an object such as a rod, hook, knob, etc. The perimeter of the hook portion 2 forms a silhouette of a themed character. The height “H” of the themed hanger 12 comprises the height of the hook portion 2 and the body 8. The height of the hook portion 2 is dimensioned so as to not interfere with a possible shelf or object located above the clothing rod but tall enough so as to clearly display the themed character and to create the size hook opening 4 needed to hang the themed hanger 12 upon the rod or other object such as a hook, knob, etc.
As shown in FIGS. 1-49, the height of the hook portion 2 can be about 4 inches or less in height from an upperside 18 of the body to the top edge 20 of the hook portion 2. In embodiments, the upperside of the body 18 comprises an arched or curved edge corresponding to match shoulders of clothing. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-49, the hook portion 2 is transformed into an outlined image of a theme character. In other words, the perimeter of the hook portion 2 forms a silhouette of the theme character (including themed image/object/scene) such that the edges of the perimeter match the outline of theme character. Substantially the entire perimeter of the hook portion 2, including from the point meeting the upperside 18 of the body throughout the height of the hook portion 2 forms the silhouette of the image. There can be a portion above the hook opening 4 of the hook portion 2 that is an outline of an animal's head, such as the examples shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 15, FIG. 29, FIG. 36, and FIG. 43, which are the head of a bunny, dinosaur, giraffe, lion, and unicorn, respectively. Sculpted/three-dimensional forms/shapes can be incorporated into the hook portion 2 to create an overall theme.
The right side and left side of the hook portion 2 can also extend from the center to form an outline image of the themed character's body. For example, in FIG. 1, the left side extends out to create the outline image of a bunny's ears and tail. In FIG. 8, the right side of the hook portion 2 extends out to create the outlined image of a crab's secondary claw and two eyes. In FIG. 15, the right side of the hook portion 2 extends out to create the outlined image of the dinosaur's secondary limb whereas plates of the dinosaur are created on the outlined image of the left side. In FIG. 22, the right side of the hook portion 2 extends out to create an outlined image of the portion of the elephant's ear whereas the left side protrudes out to create the outlined image of the jaw. In FIG. 29, the right side of the hook portion 2 extends to create the outlined image of the face and torso of the giraffe whereas the back protrudes to create the outlined image of the back of the giraffe. In FIG. 36, the right side of the hook portion 2 is an outlined image of the nose of the lion and the left side of the hook portion 2 is an outlined image of the mane of the lion. In FIG. 43, the left side of the hook portion 2 extends out to create the outlined image of the unicorn's tail whereas the right side of the hook portion 2 extends out to create the outlined image of the legs of the unicorn. As shown, many different themed characters can be created by shaping the sides of the hook portion 2 to outline an image of a themed character. Preferably, the hook portion 2 is integrated into the natural function or natural position of character's body part such that both the hook opening 4 side (object contacting side) of the hook portion 2 and outer side of the hook portion 2 become defining edges of the character. The outlined image of the hook portion 2 can be the image of a shape, such as a polygons, points, lines, planes, conic sections, ellipses, circles, and parabolas. The outlined image of the hook portion 2 can be the image of a letter or letters of the alphabet. The outlined image of the hook portion 2 can be the image of the user's name or initials for personalization. However, in other embodiments, the image of the user's name or initials for personalization can be located on the front surface 14 or back surface 16, preferably below the outlined image of the hook portion 2.
Elements of the themed character can also be created on the front surface 14 and back surface 16 of the hook portion 2. Whiskers and eyes of the bunny can be created on the front surface 14 and back surface 16 of the hook portion 2 as illustrated in FIG. 2-FIG. 3. Similarly, the eyes of the dinosaur can be positioned on the front surface 14 and back surface 16 of the hook portion 2 as illustrated in FIG. 16-FIG. 17. The eyes and mouth of the elephant can be created on the front surface 14 and back surface 16 of the hook portion 2 as illustrated in FIG. 23-FIG. 24. As illustrated in FIG. 30-FIG. 31, the eyes of the giraffe can be created on the front surface 14 and back surface 16 of the hook portion 2; however, the spots of the giraffe can be displayed only on the front surface 14. As such, design elements or features of the themed character can be displayed on the front surface 14 and back surface 16 of the hook portion 2 or only on one side of the hook portion 2. As illustrated in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, the front surface 14 and back surface 16 of the hook portion 2 can display the element of the ears, nose, and head of the lion. As shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45, the front surface 14 and back surface 16 of the hook portion has elements of the nose, eyes, mane and hooves of the unicorn.
As shown in the top view of the various embodiments of the themed hanger 12, the length of the hook portion 2 varies depending on the themed character being portrayed. Similarly, the length of the body 8 between the hook portion 2 and notch 10 varies depending on the themed character; however, the total length of the body 8 remains substantially the same between the different themed characters. The body 8 of the themed hanger 12 has an upperside 18 and a lowerside 20. The length, height, width of the notch 10 and the location of the notch 10 located along the length of the body 8 is substantially the same between the different themed hangers 12.
As disclosed in the left side view and right side view of the embodiments of the present invention, each segment designating the hook portion 2, hook opening 4, body 8, notch 10 comprises a different distance depending on what outlined image needs to be displayed on the hook portion 2.
As disclosed in FIGS. 1-49, the length (“L”) of the body 8 can be in the range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 17 inches. However, the length of the body 8 for newborn clothes, such as size three months (3M), six months (6M), nine months (9M), twelve months (12M) and eighteen months (18M) can be about 10 inches. The body 8 for toddler clothes, such as size two toddlers (2T), three toddlers (3T), four toddlers (4T), and five toddlers (5T) can be about 12.5 inches in length. The body 8 for girl clothes, such as size extra small, small, and medium can be approximately 12.5 inches in length. The body 8 for boy clothes, such as size medium, large, and extra-large can be approximately 15 inches in length. The body 8 for women's clothes, such as size extra small and small can be about 15 inches in length, and the body 8 for medium size clothes can be about 15-17 inches in length. The body 8 for women's clothes, such as size large and extra-large can be about 17 inches in length. The body 8 for men's clothes, such as size extra small, small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large can be about 17 inches in length. The length of the body 8 is long so as to hang various widths of different size clothing but short so as not to interfere with the user and closet door.
In embodiments of the themed hanger 12, the body 8 can comprise a horizontal bar for hanging pants and the like, similar to one found in a typical hanger. For example, the horizontal bar can form the bottom of the body 8 such as in a typical hanger. In other embodiments, the horizontal bar can attach to the lowerside 20 of the body 8 and have a “U” shape configuration. In addition, there can be at least one clip that is used to attach objects to the horizontal bar or body 8. In some embodiments, at least one clip can be located on the upperside 18 of the body 8. The clip can be made of different materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. The clip can be removable or non-removable from the bar or body 8. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-49, the body 8 is a solid surface. In other embodiments, a substantial portion of the solid surface of the body 8 is removed leaving an opening and a frame of the body 8 as seen in typical hangers.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-49, the width (“W”) of the body 8 ranges approximately from 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch. However, different ranges of width can be contemplated depending on the type of clothes. The width of the body 8 allows the themed hanger 12 to be hung closely together in the closet without using too much space while maintaining the integrity of the clothing. There is also a notch 10 located on the left and right side of the upper portion of the body 8.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-49, the body 8 comprises a front surface 14 and a back surface 16 and in some themed hanger 12, there are themed elements that are displayed on the front surface 14 and back surface 16. For example, sculpted/three-dimensional forms/shapes can be incorporated into the front surface 14 of the body 8 and the back surface 16 of the body 8 to create an overall theme. In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, legs of the crab are displayed on the front surface 14 and back surface 16. In FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, appendages of the dinosaur are displayed on the front surface 14 and back surface 16. In FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 the ear of the elephant is displayed on the front surface 14 and back surface 16. In FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 the hooves of the unicorn are displayed on the front surface 14 and back surface 16.
The material of the themed hanger 12 is durable, sturdy and long-lasting. The material can be plastic, recycled plastic, acrylic, wood, and metal. However, other materials can be contemplated. Depending on the material used for the themed hanger 12, the method of making the themed hanger 12 changes. For example, when plastic is used, injection molding can be the method for making the themed hangers 12. For example, when the themed hanger 12 is made of acrylic, laser cutting can be used to create the themed design on the hanger 12. Acrylic themed hangers can have different colors and is less work post production. When wood is used for the themed hanger 12, a computer numerical control (CNC) machine cuts the theme on the hanger 12. Sanding and a clear finish may be required post production. When metal is used, metal bending can be used to create the theme on the hanger 12. Metal bending is done with a machine and then a power coat with color is applied. When the themed hanger 12 is manufactured out of metal, the body 8 includes a horizontal bar, connecting the ends of the body 8.
There can be a variety of colors for the themed hangers 12. The height of the hook opening 4 is tall enough to easily clear the closet rod. The width of the themed hanger 12 is narrow enough to easily hang themed hangers 12 side by side to save space but wide enough to not damage the clothes. The height of the hook portion 2 is designed for any overhead shelves and closets. The hook portion 2 comprises a hook opening 4 for hanging the hanger 12 while also showcasing a theme. The body of the themed hangers can comprise cutout features of the theme.
The themed hanger 12 can comprise motion technology, which allows a sensor embedded in the themed hanger 12 to detect motion of the hanger, sound or light in the environment. For example, the sensor can detect personal movement of the themed hanger 12, i.e., when the hanger 12 is picked up/moved around. The sensor can be located on the front surface 14, back surface 16, left side, or right side of the hanger 12; however, the sensor's location is in an area that does not cause the hanger 12 to be unbalanced. The themed hanger 12 can also comprise light bulbs or speakers that light or sound respectively. For example, the themed hanger 12 can emit sound when the sensor detects movement of the hanger in which it is embedded. Example of sounds can be animal noise or a superhero/character catchphrase. The light bulbs and speakers can be located on the front surface 14, back surface 16, left side, or right side of the themed hanger 12 so long as it does not cause the hanger 12 to be unbalanced.
One of the applications that can be added to the themed hanger 12 is the ability of the user to program a software application so when the user needs to find, for example, khaki pants, the user simply enters the words “khaki pants” into their electronic device and all the themed hangers 12 designated for hanging khaki pants will light up. Alternatively, the user can say, “khaki pants” and the themed hangers 12 designated as hanging khaki pants will light up. The communication between the electronic device and the hanger 12 can be based on wireless technology such as Bluetooth.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those of skills in the art that based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention.
Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments of the present invention are given with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be able to practice such other embodiments of the present invention without undue experimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose of the present patent document, is not limited merely to the specific example embodiments of the present invention or alternatives of the foregoing description.
Patent Application
20210052099
