Clamp for a hanger

Abstract

A clamping member for a suspension element applied to a rod (1, 1'), the clamping member having a pair of opposing blades (2, 3) interconnected by means of an elastic element (4), the elastic element (4) having opposing sides (5, 6) and curved claw portions (5', 6') that can be inserted into grooves (8) present in each blade (2, 3). The elastic element (4) pushes the lower ends of the blades (2, 3) into contact with each other. The following features are provided: - The elastic element (4) is substantially "U"-shaped, and each blade (2, 3) is composed of a first inner element (2', 3') and a second outer element (2”, 3”), the second outer element (2”, 3”) being superimposed on the first element to form the blade (2, 3); - The elements (2', 3') and the corresponding elements (2”, 3”) are identical to each other; - Each element (2”, 3”) has the same shape and size as the elements (2', 3'), and each element (2”, 3”) is perfectly superimposed on each element (2', 3'); - Before the bent claw portion (5', 6') is inserted into the groove (8), the opposite side portion (5, 6) of the elastic element (4) has at least one segment that overlaps with a portion (30) of the element (2', 3').

Description

[0001] According to the preamble of claim 1, the present invention relates to a clamping member for a suspension member. The invention also relates to a suspension member using said clamping member.

[0002] As is well known, hangers for garments such as skirts and trousers are typically shaped to have a rod along the entire longitudinal length of these hangers. A clamp can be attached to the aforementioned hanger, the clamp having a pair of opposing blades that are connected to each other by means of an elastic element with opposing sides, the elastic element sometimes being U-shaped.

[0003] Specifically, the elastic element can be positioned across the rod of the suspension member. Furthermore, each side of the elastic element can be inserted into a specific hole in each blade, its function being to push the lower ends of the aforementioned blades into contact with each other.

[0004] As is well known, in most cases, clamps, especially those for skirts and trousers, are made of plastic through an automated molding process. On the one hand, this allows for the rapid and economical production of such clamps, and enables mass production in a very short time.

[0005] On the other hand, there is a growing demand in the market for biodegradable and compostable products and / or products that are easy to recycle under any circumstances, not only at the industrial level but also at the household level.

[0006] Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of advanced processes and machinery allows suspension components to be manufactured from cellulose pulp or general paper materials, which are easily recyclable and, under the stringent regulations governing this type of product, can be declared biodegradable and compostable. Needless to say, these suspension components and their parts, especially any clamping elements present, must possess sufficient rigidity and stability under all circumstances to effectively fulfill their purpose.

[0007] However, the existing structure of blades made of plastic materials on the market is not suitable for using biodegradable and compostable materials such as cellulose pulp; in fact, if made of this type of material, they would be too fragile and elastic.

[0008] As the most important document in the prior art, refer to Japanese Publication No. JP2000051051 A, especially in its Figure 2 and Figure 3(The following reference numerals are relevant to this document), illustrate a clamp for a hanging element, suitable for hanging garments such as skirts and trousers, the hanging element having a rod existing along the entire longitudinal length of the hanging element, to which a pair of clamps can be fixed, each of the clamps having: a pair of opposing blades (6), the pair of opposing blades (6) being interconnected by means of an elastic element (7). Figure 2 The elastic element (7) has opposing sides (13); curved claw portions (13) are provided with outwardly facing recesses at both ends of the elastic element, the elastic element can straddle the rod of the clamping member; each side of the elastic element can be inserted into a groove present on each blade. Figure 2 , 3 The elastic element serves to push the lower ends (8) of each blade into contact with each other. Each blade consists of a first internal element (sponge-type elastic pad 10) and a second external element (the rest of the arm 6). The second external element can be superimposed on the first element and together with the first internal element, they form a single body. Figure 2 , 3 ).

[0009] Another important document consists of publication number US2004 / 099700 A1, which is particularly significant in its... Figure 1 and Figure 5 The document describes a clamping member for a hanging garment (the following reference numerals are related to this document), suitable for hanging garments such as skirts and trousers, the hanging member having a rod existing along the entire longitudinal length of the hanging member, to which a pair of clamping members can be fixed, each of the clamping members having a pair of opposing blades ( Figure 5 The paired opposing blades are connected to each other by means of an elastic element (6) with opposing sides that are substantially "U"-shaped at both ends of the elastic element, which can straddle the rod of the clamping member; each side of the elastic element can be inserted into a groove present on each blade, the elastic element serving to push the lower ends of the blades into contact with each other, wherein each blade consists of a first inner element (14) and a second outer element, the second outer element being superimposed on the first element and together with the first inner element forming a single body ( ). Figure 4 , 5 ).

[0010] It also mentions documents US 7150381 B2 and US 5241728 A.

[0011] However, with these types of constructions, it is impossible to generate a clamping element for the suspension component built from pressed cardboard sheets, which are essentially flat in shape. As can be seen from the above document, the elements forming the clamping element are provided with reinforcing ribs, windows for the passage of the elastic element and its seat, and ergonomic areas on which force can be applied by fingers to open the blade.

[0012] The main objective of this invention is to realize an innovative clamp for hanging garments, suitable for hanging garments such as skirts and trousers, which, due to its structure, is particularly suitable for being made from biodegradable and compostable recyclable materials, such as cellulose or general paper materials.

[0013] According to the present invention, to achieve this objective, each blade is specifically configured to consist of a first inner element and a second outer element, both of which have flat surfaces; the second outer element is configured to be superimposed on the first element and together with the first inner element constitute a single body. Furthermore, the first inner element and the corresponding second outer element are identical. Additionally, each second outer element is configured to have the same peripheral development relative to each first inner element, so that each of the aforementioned outer elements can be perfectly superimposed on its corresponding first inner element at its respective periphery.

[0014] Specifically, the elastic element can be positioned across a rod present in the suspension member, attached to and inserted into the blade in a specific manner. For this purpose, the blade has specific grooves, slots, and windows to allow for the arrangement of the elastic element and to ensure that it can effectively perform its function.

[0015] The present invention also proposes to implement a suspension member using one or two clamping members implemented according to the above features.

[0016] This and other features of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to two specific embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example only, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings:

[0017] - Figures 1 to 10 The invention relates to a clamping member for a hanging element, suitable for use in hanging elements for skirts and trousers, wherein the hanging element has a longitudinal bar with a cylindrical shape;

[0018] -In particular, Figure 1 , 2 Figures 3 and 4 show the front view, side view, and perspective view of the second external element of each blade of the clamping member, respectively;

[0019] - Figure 4 , 5Figures 6 and 7 show the front view, side view, and perspective view of the first internal element of each blade of the clamping member, respectively.

[0020] - Figure 7 An overall exploded view of the clamping component is shown;

[0021] - Figure 8 An exploded side view of the clamping member is shown;

[0022] - Figure 9 and 10 The overall perspective view and vertical sectional view of the clamping component are shown respectively;

[0023] - Figures 11 to 20 The diagram shows a clamping member for a suspension device according to the present invention, applicable to suspension devices for skirts and trousers, in which the longitudinal bar has a configuration different from a cylindrical configuration, the diagram being relative to the longitudinal bar being of a cylindrical type. Figures 1 to 10 The same elements are shown in exactly the same positions;

[0024] - Figures 21 to 25 The steps of inserting the elastic element present in each clip are shown in turn, spanning the bar through which the clip is inserted.

[0025] Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figures 4 to 6 Elements 2” and 2’ are shown respectively. Once glued, fixed or in any case forming a single body, they constitute one of the blades 2, together with the opposite identical blade 3, forming the clamping member according to the invention.

[0026] Specifically, the first internal element 2' has a U-shaped upper slot 7, below which is a groove 8 on the outward-facing surface of the first internal element 2'. This groove can be formed by a through hole or a closed groove, and its shape must be able to accommodate the end portion of the elastic element, which will be described later.

[0027] On the other hand, especially as Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the second external element 2” can be superimposed on the first element and has an elongated window 9. The second external element 2” has the function of reinforcing the first internal element 2’. Advantageously, the second external elements 2” and 3” have the same shape and size as the first internal elements 2’ and 3’. In this case, the second external elements 2” and 3” can be perfectly superimposed on the first internal elements 2’ and 3’.

[0028] Especially in Figures 7 to 10 As can be seen, the clamp is suitable for use with a suspension member having a longitudinal rod 1 with a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0029] Therefore, especially in Figure 7 , 8 As can be seen in Figures 9 and 1, there are recesses 20' and 30' on the inward-facing surfaces of the first internal elements 2' and 3', and certain portions of the outer surface of the rod 1 are adapted to be inserted therein.

[0030] As described above, it is necessary to ensure that each pair of components, namely the internal component 2' and the external component 2" of the blades 2 and 3 that together constitute the clamping member, are interconnected to form a single structure. Advantageously, the individual components of the internal component 2', the external component 2" and the internal component 3' and the external component 3" are first generated separately, and then they are glued together, although it is not excluded that these components are fixed to each other by means of a crimping device, or a fixed or movable connector.

[0031] To enable the two blades 2 and 3 to connect to each other and to connect to the rod 1, and to allow the clamping member to function elastically, a generally U-shaped elastic element 4 is provided, which can straddle the rod 1 of the clamping member. At the ends of the two opposite sides 5 and 6 of the elastic element 4, curved hook portions 5' and 6' with outward-facing recesses are provided. Specifically, each side 5 and 6 of the elastic element 4 is inserted into a groove 8 present on the outer surface of the two first inner elements 2' and 3'. Specifically, the elastic element 4 is provided to pass through the recess 7 of the first inner elements 2' and 3' and through the window 9 of the second outer elements 2' and 3'.

[0032] In practice, once the elastic element 4 is correctly positioned, it can be obtained Figure 9 and 10 The clamping structure shown has the upper parts of the two blades 2 and 3 separated by the presence of the rod 1, while the lower parts of the two blades 2 and 3 are in contact with each other. This connection is due to the presence of the elastic element 4, which... Figure 9 and 10 Push the two blades 2 and 3 against each other in the position shown. In this position, any clothing or similar items can be held in place due to the mutual adhesion of the lower parts of the two blades 2 and 3. This adhesive force can be overcome by manually applying force to the two blades 2 and 3 at the upper part of the clamp (at the part above the rod 1), thereby releasing the clothing inside the lower parts of the blades 2 and 3.

[0033] Especially in Figure 6 , 7As can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the lower part of the inner surface of the first inner elements 2' and 3' of the blades 2 and 3 has chamfers 12' and 13', on which inserts of sufficiently soft material can be fixed. This reduces the possibility of wrinkles and similar formations on clothing placed between the two blades 2 and 3, and ensures a greater coefficient of friction between the aforementioned elements, which is beneficial to the preservation of the clothing itself, especially when they are in a hanging position.

[0034] on the contrary, Figures 11 to 20 Various elements constituting the clamping member involved in the present invention are shown, as well as the aforementioned clamping member in a composite state shown in another embodiment. In particular, the clamping member can be applied to clothing hanging members, wherein the rod has a different shape, although it is structurally similar to the cylindrical rod described above and functionally identical; in fact, in this case, it is identified by reference numeral 1'. In practice, the various figures show the same entities as those shown in the previous figures and described above.

[0035] Figures 17 to 19 As shown, in this case, the rod 1' has a configuration with side flaps 1"; in this case, a recess 30" consisting of simple grooves is provided specifically on the surface of the first internal elements 2', 3' facing inward and thus practically toward the rod 1', in which the flaps 1" of the rod 1' are accommodated and pivoted.

[0036] The various components of the element, namely the internal element 2' and the external element 2'", and the internal element 3' and the external element 3'", as well as their positioning relative to the elastic element 4, and the overall operation of the clamping member are the same as those illustrated and described above.

[0037] From an operational perspective, the clamping components mentioned in this invention, regardless of the type of rod they are applied to, are inherently suitable for being made of recyclable materials, primarily pulp or general paper materials. This is mainly because the various elements of clamping components 2 and 3, namely internal element 2' and external element 2'", as well as internal element 3' and external element 3'", can be easily made from these materials respectively. Starting from a naturally flat sheet of paper material, internal element 2' and external element 2'", as well as internal element 3' and external element 3'", can be obtained respectively through shearing, die-cutting, or laser cutting operations and / or other systems. The first internal elements 2' and 3' both have an upper notch 7, whose special design allows the elastic element 4 to... Figures 21 to 25 Insert it into its socket as shown.

[0038] Still refer to Figures 21 to 25 The elastic element 4 will not interfere with the parts of the first internal elements 2' and 3' when inserted, until the internal contact rod 1 of the bent claw parts 5' and 6' is contacted.

[0039] By forcibly introducing the elastic element, the sides 5 and 6 of the elastic element 4 open, allowing it to travel until the bent claw portions 5' and 6' are stably positioned in the grooves 8 of the first internal elements 2' and 3'.

[0040] The second external elements 2” and 3” serve as reinforcement for the first internal elements 2’ and 3’, and also cover the protrusions of the spring. The overall dimensions of the spring are retained within the outer surfaces of the second external elements 2” and 3”.

[0041] In practice, if the blades are essentially made from pressed cardboard sheets, it is clearly impossible to create reinforcing ribs, typically injection-molded from plastic, on the corresponding blades, just as it is practically impossible to create an ergonomic surface above a fulcrum that can be pressed with a finger to open the clamp. Therefore, the second external elements 2”, 3” function to harden and reinforce the blade body, which, with the aid of the first internal elements 2’, 3’, constitute the blade body. The second external elements 2”, 3” also function to cover the elastic element 4, more precisely, to cover the sides 5, 6 and the claw portions 5’, 6’.

[0042] Similarly, the presence of the second external elements 2” and 3” ensures that the elastic element 4 remains positioned inside the window 9, retaining a recess and not protruding from the blade body, so as not to damage the clothes hanging on the hanging piece.

[0043] In practice, if the clamp breaks, or if it needs to be discarded under any circumstances, simply tear it off to separate it from the elastic element 4, which is usually made of metal, so that it can be thrown into the waste bin for sorted paper.

[0044] Among other things, rods 1 and 1' can also be easily made from cellulose or paper-based materials, and are therefore easy to recycle.

[0045] However, the clamping element mentioned in this invention can also be made of different materials, such as plastic, wood, metal, etc.

[0046] It should be noted that the present invention may have aspects other than those described above, without departing from the scope of this patent and without affecting the basic features of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamping member for a hanging garment, the clamping member being applied to a rod (1, 1') along the entire longitudinal length of the hanging garment for clothing, the clamping member having a pair of opposing blades (2, 3) interconnected by means of an elastic element (4), the elastic element (4) having opposing sides (5, 6) and curved claw portions (5', 6') having outwardly facing recesses at both ends of the elastic element (4), the elastic element (4) straddling the rod (1, 1') of the hanging garment; each of the curved claw portions (5', 6') of the elastic element (4) being insertable into a groove (8) present in each of the blades (2, 3), the elastic element (4) serving to push the lower ends of the blades (2, 3) into contact with each other, The clamping member is characterized in that... The elastic element (4) is substantially "U"-shaped, and each blade (2, 3) is composed of a first inner element (2', 3') with a planar shape and a second outer element (2'', 3'') with the same planar shape. The second outer element (2'', 3'') can be superimposed on the first inner element to form the blade (2, 3). The first inner elements (2', 3') are also arranged to be identical to each other, and the corresponding second outer elements (2'', 3'') are also identical to each other. Each second outer element (2'', 3'') is also arranged to have a relative... The second outer element (2', 3') is developed with substantially the same periphery as the first inner element (2', 3'), and since their peripheries substantially overlap, each second outer element (2'', 3'') can therefore be perfectly superimposed relative to each first inner element (2', 3'). Finally, the elastic element (4) is positioned over the rod (1, 1'), and before the curved claw portion (5', 6') is inserted into the groove (8), the opposite sides (5, 6) of the elastic element (4) have at least one segment that overlaps with a portion (30) of the first inner element (2', 3').

2. The clamping member for a suspension component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inner element (2', 3') has a U-shaped upper notch (7), while the second outer element (2'', 3'') has an elongated window (9), a portion of the elastic element (4) being able to be inserted into the window (9).

3. The clamping member for a suspension component according to claim 2, characterized in that, Below the notch (7) of the first internal element (2', 3'), there is a groove (8) on its outward-facing outer surface.

4. The clamping member for a suspension component according to claim 3, characterized in that, A portion (30) of the first internal element (2', 3') is placed between the notch (7) and the groove (8), and at least a portion of the opposite side (5, 6) of the elastic element (4) is superimposed on the portion (30) of the first internal element (2', 3').

5. The clamping member for a suspension component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element (4) has a curved claw portion (5', 6') at the end of its side portion (5, 6), which can be inserted into the groove (8) present on the outer surface of the first inner element (2', 3'), through the notch (7) of the first inner element (2', 3') and through the window (9) of the second outer element (2'', 3'').

6. The clamping member for a suspension component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The two first internal elements (2', 3') have at least one recess (20', 30') or (20'', 30'') at their inner surfaces facing the rod (1), the shape of which corresponds to the opposite portion of the rod, the portion of the rod being accommodated in the at least one recess (20', 30') or (20'', 30'') to allow the rod to be stably positioned relative to the clamping member, and thus act as a fulcrum for the pair of clamping members (2, 3) relative to the rod (1).

7. The clamping member for a suspension component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower part of the inner surface of the first internal element (2', 3') of the blade (2, 3) has a chamfer (12', 13'), and an insert (22', 23') made of soft material or with anti-slip features can be fixed to the chamfer (12', 13').

8. The clamping member for a suspension component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first internal element (2', 3') and the second external element (2'', 3'') can be fixed by adhesive or other fixing means.

9. A suspension component, characterized in that... Use at least one of the clamping elements according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A suspension component, characterized in that... Use two clamps as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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