A garment hanger

Abstract

A garment hanger (10) with springless clips (14) is disclosed. The hanger (10) has a body (12) with a hook (16) and a pair of arms (20). On each arm (20) is a clip (14) slidably connected thereto, the

Description

[0001] A Garment Hanger

[0002] The present invention relates to a garment hanger and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to an all plastic garment hanger with clips for hanging garments such and trousers and skirts .

[0003] Modern hangers that use spring loaded clips to hold garments on a rack are well known . These hangers combine a plastic clip with metal springs that are used to control the opening and closing of the plastic clip . Manufacture o f these hangers is costly and requires a lot of elements . Typically, each hanger is made up of eight components including : a metal hook; a plastic body; two metal springs ; and four plastic cl ip halves . This requires a long manufacturing process relative to a wire or all plastic hangers used for other garments making clip hangers relatively expensive . Once all these components are assembled, they can also be very di f ficult to dissemble . This becomes particularly problematic when the hangers are sent to be recycled . Each hanger requires both the plastic and the metal components to be separated and recycled individually . This is a more costly way to recycle can lead to hangers being sent to landfill rather than paying for the extra recycling procedures .

[0004] Before a hanger is recycled, that is the component materials are extracted and reformed into new products , the hangers are reused multiple time . However, another is sue with combined metal and plastic hangers is that as the metal ages through multiple reuses , it has the potential to tarnish and rust . Once rust is visible on a hanger it is unsuitable for reuse .

[0005] Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome or alleviate the above-described disadvantages of the prior art . According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment hanger comprising : a body having a suspension portion for suspending the hanger from a rail and having a plurality of arms ; and a plurality of clips slidably connected to said arms , said clips having a first rachet for controlling the closure of said clips .

[0006] Having slidable clips enables a garment of any width to be attached to the clips , relative to the si ze of the hanger . With the clips opened, each side of the garment is inserted into each cl ip and then closed . Once the garment is firmly attached the clips are moveable along the arms and the garment can be pulled taught . This allows the garment to be presented to customers in a more aesthetic way, as opposed to being hung loosely along the arms .

[0007] Furthermore , the body and clips of this sliding clip hanger can be formed by moulding each o f those components in two part tools . The three components can then be assembled and as a result the sliding clip hanger of the present invention is less expensive to produce than equivalent products of the prior art .

[0008] As the ratchet does not include any springs or U-clips for the closing mechanism the manufacture uses the same material for the arms , body of the clips and the ratchet . With the exclusion of metal from springs and U-clips you eradicate any problems associated rust and therefore reduce waste . As a result , the above invention provides a sliding clip hanger which i s can be made from a single material in a simple mould . It is inexpensive to manufacture in a simple inj ection moulding tool , can be reused many time and easily recycled without the need for disassembly .

[0009] In a preferred embodiment , the clips are formed from a first clip hal f having a first rachet portion and a second clip hal f having a second ratchet portion, wherein said first ratchet portion has at least one tooth and said second ratchet portion has a plurality of teeth and the engagement of said first and second ratchet portions provides said control of the closure of said clips .

[0010] In another preferred embodiment , the clip halves further comprise a hinge therebetween, said hinge located above said arms of said body and said first ratchet is located below said arms .

[0011] By providing clip halves that are hinged together with the hinge above the arm and the ratchet below, the advantage is provided that the clips are unlikely to become detached from the arms even when the clips are open . Furthermore , clips formed as set out above can be formed with the maj ority of the length of the clip below the arms , this being in common with metal spring clips and also being the aesthetically most pleasing arrangement with little or no clip mechanism extending above the arm and therefore being very visible to customers viewing a garment hung thereon .

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment , the arms comprise a plurality of protrusions located therealong which engage said clips when in a closed condition .

[0013] Having a number of protrusions creates small incremental stages along the length of each arm. When in an open condition the clips can smoothly move along each arm without any friction . When in a closed condition the protrusions disable this movement and keeps the clips in place or at least resist any movement meaning that clips can be pulled into position deliberately but will not move under the weight of a garment .

[0014] In an additional preferred embodiment , a plurality of first protrusions are located at the front of said arms and said first protrusions may be located within a first recess located on said arms . In a preferred embodiment , a cross-section of each the arm comprises at least two sides wherein a first side located adj acent said hinge is substantially longer in length relative to a second side adj acent said ratchet .

[0015] In another preferred embodiment , at least a portion of a front surface of the arms is angled toward a rear of the hanger .

[0016] This makes the arms of the hanger almost triangular in shape . This adds strength and durabi lity to the arms but also provides a small amount of flexibility and resilience so as not to break when a heavy garment such as a coat is placed across the arms .

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment , the first clip half further comprises a first outer surface having a first peak and said second clip hal f further comprises a second outer surface having a second peak wherein when in said closed condition said first and second clip halves are curved towards each other and wherein the distance between said first peak and said second peak is substantially larger than any other width between said first surface and said second surface .

[0018] When the hangers are aligned on a rail with one in front of the other the second outer surface will be in front of the first outer surface . The peaks associated with each surface prevent the second outer surface from being pushed up again the first outer surface and engaging the ratchet mechanism . The first peak will make contact with the second peak restricting the mechanism from being triggered and thereby preventing the garment from being accidentally released when hangers are being pressed against each other for example , during transportation .

[0019] In an additional preferred embodiment , the arms further comprise a ridge located along the back of said arms and said clips further comprising a second recess and a second protrusion for engaging said ridge to prevent rotation of said clip when in a closed condition . Enabl ing the back o f the clips to have further engagement with the back of the arms disables any rotational movement around the arms when closed .

[0020] In a preferred embodiment , a plurality of first protrusions are located at the back of the arms .

[0021] In another preferred embodiment the first protrusions are located along said ridge .

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment , the first protrusions are located within a first recess located on said arms .

[0023] In an additional preferred embodiment , the body further comprises a label area for af fixing a label thereunto .

[0024] In preferred embodiment the suspension portion further comprises a plastic hook .

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment , said arms further comprise a longitudinal aperture and said clips engage with said longitudinal aperture and said clips further comprise a protrusion for engaging said aperture .

[0026] In an additional preferred embodiment , the protrusion is formed from two portions with one of each portion engaging with opposing sides of said longitudinal aperture .

[0027] In another preferred embodiment each clip further comprises a clip opening limiter having a first retainer portion on one of said first and second clip halves and a pair of second retainer portions on the other of said first and second clip halves , wherein said first retainer portion has a pair of cam surfaces and each said second retainer portion has a cooperating cam surface , and closure of said clip halves causes said cooperating cam surfaces to pass over each other .

[0028] The arms preferably further comprise end stoppers having a shape which prevent the clips from sl iding of f the ends of the arms when the clips are open to the maximum extent allowed by said clip opening limiter .

[0029] By providing a clip opening limiter with a central first retainer portion and a pair of second retainer portions each having cooperating cam surfaces , the advantage is provided that the cam surfaces slide easily over each other but prevent the retainer portions from passing back over each other . This generally limits the movement of the clip halves meaning that they do not fully open even when the ratchet part has been completely released and they do not slip of f .

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

[0031] Figure 1 is a front view of a hanger of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 i s a front perspective view of the hanger of figure 1 in a closed condition;

[0033] Figure 3 is another front perspective view of the hanger of figure 1 in an open condition;

[0034] Figure 4 is a rear view of the hanger of figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the hanger of figure 1 ;

[0036] Figures 6a and 6b are side views of the hanger of figure 1 in a closed and partially open condition;

[0037] Figures 7 a to 7b are close up views of the clips of the hanger of figure 1 ;

[0038] Figures 8a and 8b are views of a slight variant of the hanger of figure 1 in a fully opened condition and fully closed condition;

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the hanger of figure 9 ;

[0040] Figures 10a and 10b are close up view of the clips of the hanger of figure 9 ; Figures I la and 11b is another close up view of the clips of the hanger of figure 9 ;

[0041] Figure 12 is a front view of an alternative hanger of the present invention; and

[0042] Figures 13a and 13b are close up view of the clips of the hanger of figure 12 .

[0043] Initially referring to figures 1 to 5 , there is shown a hanger 10 for suspending clothes , including but not limited to , trousers , shorts , skirts and other garments that have a waistline at the top of the garment , on a rail (not shown) . The hanger 10 includes a body 12 and a pair o f cl ips 14 . The body 12 is formed as a single component and can be divided into a suspension portion, in the form of a hook 16 , a central label area 18 and a pair of arms 20 .

[0044] Typically, the label area is printed, or has a sticker stuck thereto , bearing information such as a brand of the retailer or garment manufacturer or other useful information which might attract a potential retail customer for the garment on the hanger .

[0045] The hook 16 is provided to allow the garment hanger, and the garment (not shown ) hung thereon, to be suspended from the rail ( also not shown) . It extends centrally from the label area 18 to keep the hanger balanced whil st hanging on the rail . In the example shown, the hook 16 is formed from metal wire in a manner familiar to persons skilled in the art . However, the hook 16 is preferably formed integrally with the body of the hanger from the same plastic material .

[0046] Also extending from the label area 18 are the arms 20 . Located at opposing sides of the label area 18 , the arms 20 are substantially straight and parallel with the ground when the hanger is suspended . Each arm 20 includes a first and second surface 22 and 24 . The first surface 22 , located along the top of the arm 20, is a substantially flat surface running parallel to the ground when suspended. The second surface 24, located at the front of the arm 20 and extends from the first surface following a curve towards the back of the body 12. In between the junction of first and second surfaces, 22 and 24 is a first recess 26. The first recess 26 starts adjacent the label area 18 and continues along the entire length of each arm 20, with both first recesses terminating at an end portion 28 at the distal ends of the arms. A cross-section of the arms 20 also includes a first and second side, 29 and 31. The first side 29 located adjacent along the first surface 22 being longer than the second side located at the base of the second surface 24.

[0047] Within the first recesses 26 are a series of first protrusions 30. The first protrusions 30 are formed of small, raised bumps that run along the first recces 26, creating small incremental stages along the length of each arm 20. Along the back of the arms 20 and the back of the label area 18 is a longitudinal recess 32 which follows the surface shapes and curves of the front of the body 12. Running parallel and adjacent the first surface 22 and extending from the second surface 30 is a ridge 34. Referring additionally now to figures 6 and 7, slidably connected to each arm 20 are the clips 14, with each clip including a ratchet 36. The ratchet 36 is a closing mechanism for each clip 14 to close over the edges of a garment and hold it. The clips 14 are formed from a first and a second clip half 38 and 40, which are joined together at a hinge 42, formed of two short lengths 42a and 42b. When in use, the first clip half 38 is located adjacent the top and front of the body 12 whilst the second clip half 40 is located adjacent the back of the body. The first clip half 38 has a curved shape following the curvature between the first and second surface 22 and 24 of the arm 20. This ensures a close fit of the clip 14 onto the arm 20 when in a closed condition. The first clip half 38 includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface, 44 and 46. The first outer surface 44 is located at the front of the body 12, whilst the first inner surface 46 is located on the opposing surface of the first clip half 38 immediately adjacent the second surface 24 of the body. The first outer surface 44 includes a first peak 47, this being the most forwardly projecting part of the first clip half 38. Extending through the first outer and inner surfaces is a first aperture 48. This first aperture 48 extends along the first clip half 38 adjacent the back of the first surface 22 (located at along the top of the arm 20) to beyond the second surface 24 (located at the front of the arm) . Situated on either side of the first aperture 48 adjacent the back of the first surface 22 are the hinge portions 42a and 42b which connect the first and second clip halves 38 and 40. In between these two portions 42a and 42b and running along the back of the first aperture 48 of the first clip half 38 is a back support 50. When the clips 14 are in a closed position the back support 50 of the first clip half 38, is located along the same plane as the second clip half 40. The back support 50 provides a point of contact for a user's finger or thumb when they want to open the ratchet 36 of the clip 14. Below each of the hinge portions 42a and 42b, adjacent the first aperture 48, are a pair of first projections 52. These first projections 52 have the same curved shape as the first recess 26 and a width similar to the distance between each of the first protrusions 30 of the arms 20. When the clips 14 are closed the first projections 52 are positioned in between two adjacent first protrusions 30, disabling or at least limiting movement of the clips along the arms.

[0048] Extending from the first inner surface 46 of the first clip half 38 at the bottom of the first aperture 48 is a first ratchet portion 54. This first ratchet portion 54 includes a first tooth 56 which has a bevelled surface capable of engaging with a comparable tooth shaped portion. The second clip hal f 40 includes a second outer surface 58 and a second inner surface 60 . The second outer surface 58 is located at the back of the body 12 adj acent the back of the arm, facing away from the hanger 10 and includes a second peak 61 , this being the most rearwardly proj ecting part of the second clip hal f 40 . The second inner surface 60 is located on the opposing surface of the second clip hal f 40 immediately adj acent the body 12 . Located in between the two hinge portions 42a and 42b is a second aperture 66 which is wide enough for the back support 50 to extend thereinto when the clip 14 is closed . Situated either side of the second aperture 66 are a pair of second protrusions 62 followed by a pair o f second recesses 64 ( only one of side and therefore one protrusion and one recess are visible in figures 7c and 7d) . When the clip 14 is closed over the arm 20 the second protrusion 62 rests on top of the first surface 22 , whilst the second recess 64 engages the ridge 34 . This combination provides further contact of the second cl ip hal f 40 on to the arm 20 and limits or prevents any side- to-side rocking motion of the clips when viewed from in front .

[0049] Extending from the second inner surface 60 of the second clip hal f 40 is a second ratchet portion 68 . The second ratchet portion 68 includes a plurality ( in this example three ) of second teeth 70 which capable of engaging and being retained by the first tooth 56 of the first ratchet portion 54 when closed . When the clip 14 is closed, the second ratchet portion 68 extends through the first aperture 48 displaying a release handle 72 . The release handle 72 extends at an angle away from the second teeth 70 such that the surface of the release handle is planar with the first outer surface 44 of the f irst clip hal f 38 when closed . The release handle 72 also provides a further point of contact for a user' s finger or thumb, allowing the user to pinch the ratchet 36 to open the clip . Additionally located on the inner surfaces of both clip halves running along the bottom edges is a gripping portion 74a and 74b . These provide a friction surface for the garment when the clips 14 are closed . These can be in the form of the ridges or other non-planar surfaces formed in the inner surfaces 46 and 60 of the clip halves 38 and 40 or could be pads ( shown in figures 10 and 11 ) , such as rubber or silicone pads , having a higher fictional surface resistance to sliding movement .

[0050] Figure 6a shows the clip 14 in a closed condition, figure 6b shows the clip in a partial open condition and figures 8a and 8b highlight the clips in a fully open condition . When in the closed condition the second ratchet portion 68 of the second cl ip hal f 40 engages the first ratchet portion 54 of the first clip hal f 38 . Depending on how thick the garment to be hung from the hanger 10 is this will determine which of the second teeth 70 engage with the first tooth 56 . A thin garment wil l require that the second tooth 70 which is closest to the second inner surface 60 engages the first tooth 56 whereas a thicker garment will require that the second teeth furthest from the second inner surface engages the first tooth to hold the garment in place .

[0051] Operation of the hanger 10 will now be described, starting with manufacture . The hanger 10 including the body 12 and clips 14 are formed from a single material , in this case a recyclable plastic such as polypropylene . In the embodiment shown in the figures , the hook is formed from metal wire and inserted into the body 12 using techniques famil iar to those skilled in this art . However, it is preferable if the body and hook are formed as a single component from the same thermoplastic plastic using inj ection moulding . The body, hook and clips can be formed using a simple two part tool without requiring any undercutting .

[0052] When in a ful ly opened condition, as seen in figures 8a and 8b, the first clip hal f 38 and second clip hal f 40 are not in engagement with each other . The clips 14 at this stage are fully detached from the arms 20 . As the clips 14 are placed over the first surface 22 of the arms 20 , the second recess 64 of the second clip hal f engages with the ridge 34 on the back of the arm . As the clips further close around the arms 20 , the second protrusion also makes contact with the first surface 22 . As the first clip hal f 38 is moved towards the second clip hal f 40 along the hinge portions 42a and 42b, the clips 14 transition from an open condition to a partially closed condition . In thi s partially closed condition, the release handle 72 of the second ratchet portion 68 extends through the first aperture 48 of the first clip hal f 40 . The clip 14 is held partially closed by the back support 50 of the first clip hal f 38 butting up against the second recess 64 As can be seen in figure 6b, the second inner surface 60 of the second clip half 40 is in contact with the back of the arm whilst the first inner surface 46 of the first clip hal f is not , at this stage , in contact with the front of the arm . This gap allows the clip 14 to move along the arms 20 , whilst still staying attached . The hanger is now ready to receive the garment to be hung thereon .

[0053] Once the garment to be hung on the hanger 10 has been chosen, the clips are moved along the arms 20 until the desired width is achieved . The clips 14 are held in place on the arms 20 by the engagement of the second protrusions 62 located in between a pair of first protrusions 30 . This engagement further disables rotational movement of the clips 14 around the arms 20 . Both ends of the garment are then inserted into the bottom end of the clips 14 and the clips are closed . This is accomplished by the user pressing firmly on the first and second outer surfaces 44 and 58 of the first and second clip halves 38 and 40 . As the garment makes contact with the gripping portions 74 a and 74b the clips can be tightened until enough grip is being sustained that the garment can hang freely . As the clips are pushed together over the garment the second teeth 70 of the second ratchet portion 68 gradually move , one after the other, into the first tooth 56 of the first ratchet portion 54 , until the required grip is achieved . At this stage the clips 14 are regard as being the fully closed with the second teeth 70 secured and held in place by the first tooth 56 of the ratchet 36 . I f the waistband of the garment is not suf ficiently straight ( that is parallel to the arms 20 ) the clips can be pulled in oppos ite directions . This causes the first proj ections 52 to move over the first protrusion 30 , with these features si zed so as to allow this movement to be initiated by the user but prevent such movement by the weight of the garment .

[0054] When the garment is removed from the hanger 10 the clips are opened . This is done by the user placing their thumb on the release handle 72 and their finger on the back support 50 and applying pressure to both . This pinching action on the two surfaces pushes the release handle 72 backwards releasing the grip of the first tooth 56 on the second teeth 70 and opens the ratchet 36 . The garment can then be extracted from the clips 14 and taken of f the hanger 10 .

[0055] When in a closed condition the width w is the widest point between the first peak 47 of the first clip hal f 38 and the second peak 61 of the second clip hal f 40 . This prevents the release handle 72 being accidentally pushed in by an additional hanger situated in front the hanger 10 in particular when hangers and garments are densely packed onto rails including during transportation .

[0056] Referring now to figures 9 to figures 11 , these figures show a variant of the embodiments disclosed above . In particular, this embodiment includes features which retain the in engagement with the arms unless it is deliberately intended that they should be removed .

[0057] Figures 10a and 10b show the clips 14 in a fully open condition which is also the condition in which the clips are formed in the inj ection moulding tool , with figure 10a viewed from the from the front and figure 10b from the rear . Figures I la and 11b show the clips 14 in a closed condition, with figure I la viewed from the front and figure 11b from the rear . Located in between hinges 42a and 42b and extending from the back support 50 ( on the first inner surface 46 of the first clip hal f 38 ) is a first retainer 78 . The retainer 78 is wedge shaped and includes a first and second chamfered side , 80a and 80b , and 82 . The first chamfered sides 80a and 80b are opposing sides and the second side 82 therebetween . Additionally located on the first retainer 74 is a third surface 84 extending from the f irst and second chamfered sides 80a, 80b and 82 .

[0058] Located on the second clip hal f 40 extending perpendicularly from the distal ends of the second protrusions 62 is a second retainer 86 . The second retainer 86 includes a chamfered surface 88 that provides a cammed surface for the first chamfered sides , 80a and 80b to move along, and a fourth surface 90 . The second retainers 86 , along with the second protrusions are in contact with the first surface 22 at the top of the arm 20 , when the clips 14 are in an open and closed condition .

[0059] As the clip transitions from being in an open condition to a closed condition the f irst chamfered s ides 80a and 80b of the first retainer 78 make contact with the chamfered surface 88 of the second retainer 86 . As the pushing force on the clip 14 increases the chamfered surface 88 acts as a cammed surface for the first chamfered edges 80a and 80b whilst moving the two halves of the second retainer 86 in an outwards direction . Thi s enables the first retainer 78 to smoothly move through and eventually push past the second retainer 86 into the second aperture 66 and into the closed condition ( figures I la and 11b ) . When in the closed condition the third surface 84 of the first retainer 78 is positioned facing the back of the arm 20 . In this position the clip 14 is prevented from fully opening and disengaging from the arm 20 by a portion of the third surface 84 abutting against the fourth surface 90 of the second retainer 86 , and the back of the arm 20 .

[0060] The user can initiate the opening of the ratchet 36 by applying pressure to both the release handle 72 , using their thumb, and first retainer 78 , using their finger . The force acting between the two surfaces causes the release handle to move backward and the first retainer to move forward past the second retainer 86 . This action further releases the grip of the first tooth on the second teeth, allowing the ratchet 36 to open .

[0061] Located at the distal ends of the arms 20 adj acent the end portion 28 is a stopper 76 . The stopper 76 has a width and height marginally larger than the end portion 28 and provides an abutting surface for the clips 14 to make contact when moved to the ends of the arms . This surface of the stopper 76 prevents the clips 14 from sliding of f the end of the arms 20 when moved along their length .

[0062] Referring now to figures 12 and 13 , in which components equivalent to those in figures 1 to 8 have been identified with like reference numerals increased by 100 , the hanger 110 includes a body 112 and a pair of clips 114 . The body further includes a hook 116 , a central label area 118 and a pair of arms 120 extending from the label area .

[0063] Each arm includes a third aperture 192 that extends longitudinal ly from the label area 118 to the end portion 128 . Extending through both of these third apertures 192 is a pair of clip holders 194 . The clip holders 194 are substantially wedged shaped and include a shaft 182 extending from the base of the wedge shape connecting the clip holders 194 to the second outer surface 158 of the second clip hal f 140 . The clip holders 194 enable the clips 140 to be positioned in front of the arms 120 adjacent the second surface 124. In this instance, the back of the arms 120 adjacent the top of the first recess 126 and the first surface 122, provides the point of contact for the user's finger or thumb. When opening the clip 114 the user can place one digit at the back of the arm 120 and their second digit on the release handle 172 (of the second clip half 140) to pinch the clip open.

[0064] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the protection which is defined by the appended claims. For example, the first protrusions 30 located on the front of the arms could also be located along the ridge at the back of the arms or located within a first recess along the ridge.

Claims

Claims1 . A garment hanger comprising : a body having a suspension portion for suspending said hanger from a rail and having a plurality of arms ; and a plurality of clips slidably connected to said arms , said clips having a first rachet for controlling the closure of said clips .2 . A garment hanger according to claim 1 wherein said clips are formed from a first clip hal f having a first rachet portion and a second clip hal f having a second ratchet portion, wherein said first ratchet portion has at least one tooth and said second ratchet portion has a plurality of teeth and the engagement o f said first and second ratchet portions provides said control of the closure of said clips .3 . A garment hanger according to any preceding claim, wherein said clip halves further comprise a hinge therebetween, said hinge located above said arms of said body and said first ratchet is located below said arms .4 . A garment hanger according to any preceding claim, wherein said arms comprise a plurality of protrusions located therealong which engage said clips when in a closed condition .5 . A garment hanger according to claim 4 wherein a plurality of first protrusions are located at the front of said arms .6 . A garment hanger according to claim 5 wherein said first protrusions are located within a first recess located on said arms .7 . A garment hanger according to claims 3 to 4 , wherein a cross-section of each said arm comprises at least two sides wherein a first side located adj acent said hinge is substantially longer in length relative to a second side adj acent said ratchet .8 . A garment according to any preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the front surface of said arms is angled toward a rear of the hanger .9 . A garment hanger according to claim 10 wherein said first clip hal f further comprises a first surface having a first peak and said second clip hal f further comprises a second surface having a second peak wherein when in said closed condition said first and second clip halves are curved towards each other and wherein the distance between said first peak and said second peak is substantially larger than any other width between said first surface and said second surface .10 . A garment hanger according to any preceding claim, wherein said arms further comprise a ridge located along the back of said arms and said clips further comprising a second recess and a second protrusion for engaging said ridge to prevent rotation of said clip when in a closed condition .11 . A garment hanger according to claim 4 wherein a plurality of first protrusions are located at the back of said arms .12 . A garment hanger according to claim 11 wherein said first protrusions are located along said ridge .13 . A garment hanger according to claim 11 wherein said first protrusions are located within a first recess located on said arms .14 . A garment hanger according to any preceding claims wherein said body further comprises a label area for af fixing a label thereunto .15 . A garment hanger according to any preceding claims wherein said suspension portion further comprises a plastic hook .16 . A garment hanger comprising according to claim 1 wherein said arms further comprise a longitudinal aperture and said clips engage with said longitudinal aperture .17 . A garment hanger according to claim 1 and claim 16 wherein said clips further comprise a protrusion for engaging said aperture .18 . A garment hanger according to claim 1 and claims 16 to 17 wherein said protrusion is formed from two portions with one of each portion engaging with opposing sides of said longitudinal aperture .19 . A garment hanger according to any preceding claim, wherein each clip further comprises a clip opening limiter having a first retainer portion on one of said first and second clip halves and a pair of second retainer portions on the other of said f irst and second cl ip halves , wherein said first retainer portion has a pair of cam surfaces and each said second retainer portion has a cooperating cam surface , and closure of said clip halves causes said cooperating cam surfaces to pass over each other .20 . A garment hanger according to claim 19 , wherein said arms further comprise end stoppers having a shape which prevent the clips from s liding of f the ends of the arms when the cl ips are open to the maximum extent allowed by said clip opening limiter .

Images