Hanger clip

Abstract

The hanger clip to be applied to the bars (1, 1') comprises blades (2, 3) interconnected by a resilient element (4) having sides (5, 6) and curved claws (5', 6') insertable into recesses (8) present in each of the blades (2, 3). The resilient element (4) presses the lower ends of the blades (2, 3) into mutual contact. The elastic element (4) is substantially "U" shaped, and each of the blades (2, 3) is composed of a first inner element (2', 3') and a second outer element (2", 3") superimposable thereon to form the blade (2, 3); each element (2', 3') and the corresponding element (2", 3") are identical to each other; each of the elements (2", 3") is of the same shape and size as the elements (2', 3') and fully superimposable on each of the elements (2', 3'); the elastic element (4) has sides (5, 6) with a section that overlaps with a portion (30) of the elements (2', 3') prior to insertion of the curved prongs (5', 6') into the recesses (8).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clip for a hanger according to the general part of claim 1. The present invention also relates to a hanger using said clip. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known that hangers for garments such as skirts and trousers are generally shaped to have a bar along the entire length of the hanger. A clip can be secured to the hanger having a pair of opposing blades, the blades being interconnected by an elastic element having opposing sides, which may be U-shaped.

[0003] In particular, it is provided that this elastic element can be positioned over the bar of the hanger, and furthermore, each of the lateral sides of the elastic element can be inserted into a special hole present in each of the blades, acting to press the lower ends of the aforementioned into mutual contact.

[0004] It is also known that clips, especially for skirts and trousers, are often made of plastic by an automatic molding process, which on the one hand makes it possible to quickly and economically obtain such hangers, which can be produced in large quantities in a very short time.

[0005] On the other hand, there is an ever-increasing market demand for products that are biodegradable and compostable and / or, in any case, easily recyclable at industrial level as well as at home.

[0006] Furthermore, many processes and machining processes are becoming increasingly common that allow hangers to be made, especially starting from cellulose pulp or common paper materials, which can be declared easily recyclable and biodegradable and compostable, in accordance with the strict regulations governing these types of products. Needless to say, these hangers, including their components, especially any clips that may be present therein, must in any case be sufficiently rigid and robust to be able to be used effectively.

[0007] However, the current construction of blades currently available on the market and made from plastic materials is not suitable for use with biodegradable and compostable materials such as cellulose pulp; in fact, when made from these types of materials, these blades are too brittle and elastic.

[0008] As the most important document in this technical field, Japanese Patent Publication No. JP2000-051051A describes, particularly in its Figures 2 and 3 (the following references refer to this document), a hanger clip applicable to a hanger for clothes such as skirts and trousers, the hanger having a bar extending along the entire length of the hanger to which a pair of clips can be fixed, each of the clips having a pair of opposing blades (6) connected to each other by an elastic element (7) having opposing sides (13) (Figure 2); The curved claws (13) have outward-facing recesses at both ends of the elastic element that can be positioned over the bar of the clip, and each of the sides of the elastic element can be inserted into a recess present in each blade (Figures 2 and 3), and the elastic elements act to press the lower ends (8) of the blades into mutual contact, where each blade consists of a first internal element (a sponge-type 10 elastic cushion) and a second external element (the remaining part of the arm 6) that is superimposed on the first internal element and forms a single body with the first internal element (Figures 2 and 3).

[0009] Another important document is constituted by US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 099700A1, which describes, in particular in its Figures 1 and 5 (the following references refer to this document), a clip for a hanger applicable to hangers for garments such as skirts and trousers, the hanger having a bar along the entire length of the hanger to which a pair of clips can be fastened, each of the clips having a pair of opposing blades connected to each other by an elastic element (6) with opposing sides (Figure 5), the ends of the elastic element being shaped substantially like a "U" and being able to be positioned above the bar of the clip, each of the sides of the elastic element being insertable into a recess present in each blade, the elastic elements acting to press the lower ends of the blades into mutual contact, wherein each blade is constituted by a first inner element (14) and a second outer element superimposed on the first inner element and forming a single body with the first inner element (Figures 4, 5).

[0010] See also documents US7150381B2 and US5241728A. Summary of the Invention

[0011] However, these types of constructions do not allow clips for hangers to be made from pressed cardboard sheets, which by their nature have a flat shape. As can be seen from the above-mentioned documents, the elements forming said clips are provided with reinforcing ribs, windows for the passage of elastic elements and their seats, and also with ergonomic areas where fingers can exert a force to open the blades.

[0012] The main objective of the present invention is to realize an innovative clip for hangers, applicable to hangers for garments such as skirts and trousers, which clip, thanks to its construction, is particularly suitable to be made from biodegradable, compostable and recyclable materials such as cellulose or common paper materials.

[0013] This is achieved according to the invention in particular by providing that each blade is composed of a first inner element and a second outer element, both of which have flat surfaces, the second outer element being superimposable on the first inner element and constituting a single body with said first inner element. Furthermore, it is provided that the first inner element and the corresponding second outer element are identical to each other. Furthermore, it is provided that each of the second outer elements has the same peripheral extension relative to each of the first inner elements, and therefore each of said outer elements is substantially completely superimposable on the corresponding first inner element at its respective peripheral edge.

[0014] In particular, an elastic element that can be placed over the bar present in the hanger is provided to fit and be inserted into special means having the blade, the blade having for this purpose special recesses, notches and windows to allow the placement of the elastic element and to ensure that the elastic element can perform its function effectively.

[0015] The invention also proposes to realize a hanger using one or two clips realized according to the above characteristics.

[0016] This and other features of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to two particular embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example only, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 10 is a front view of the second outer element of each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention that is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a side view of the second outer element of each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention that is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar. FIG. [Figure 3]1 is a perspective view of a second outer element of each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention that is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view of an internal element present on each blade of a clip for a hanger applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view of an internal element present on each blade of a clip for a hanger applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an internal element present on each blade of a clip for a hanger applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is an overall exploded view of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar. [Figure 8] 1 is an exploded side view of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar. [Figure 9] 1 is an overall perspective view of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar. [Figure 10] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a cylindrical longitudinal bar. [Figure 11] 10 is a front view of the second outer element of each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention that can be applied to hangers for skirts and trousers having a longitudinal bar with a structure other than a cylindrical shape. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a side view of the second outer element of each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention that can be applied to hangers for skirts and trousers having a longitudinal bar with a structure other than a cylindrical shape. FIG. [Figure 13]10 is a perspective view of a second outer element of each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention that is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a longitudinal bar with a structure different from a cylindrical shape; FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a front view of the internal elements present on each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention that can be applied to hangers for skirts and trousers having a longitudinal bar with a structure other than a cylindrical shape. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a side view of an internal element present on each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a longitudinal bar with a structure other than a cylindrical shape. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view of an internal element present on each blade of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention that can be applied to hangers for skirts and trousers having a longitudinal bar with a structure different from that of a cylindrical shape. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is an overall exploded view of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having longitudinal bars with a structure other than a cylindrical shape. [Figure 18] 1 is an exploded side view of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having longitudinal bars with a structure other than a cylindrical shape. FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is an overall perspective view of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a longitudinal bar with a structure other than a cylindrical shape. FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a clip for a hanger according to the present invention, which is applicable to hangers for skirts and trousers having a longitudinal bar with a structure other than a cylindrical shape. [Figure 21] 21 to 25 show successively the various steps of inserting an elastic element across the bar on which the clip is inserted. [Figure 22] 21 to 25 show successively the various steps of inserting an elastic element across the bar on which the clip is inserted. [Figure 23]21 to 25 show successively the various steps of inserting an elastic element across the bar on which the clip is inserted. [Figure 24] 21 to 25 show successively the various steps of inserting an elastic element across the bar on which the clip is inserted. [Figure 25] 21 to 25 show successively the various steps of inserting an elastic element across the bar on which the clip is inserted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 1 to 3 and 4 to 6 respectively show elements 2" and 2' which, once glued, fixed or in any case constituting a single body, constitute one blade 2 which, together with an opposing identical blade 3, constitutes the clip according to the invention.

[0019] In particular, the first inner element 2' has an upper notch 7 shaped like a "U", below which there is a recess 8 on its outwardly facing surface. This recess may consist of a through hole or a blind recess and must be shaped to accommodate the end of the elastic element described below.

[0020] On the other hand, the second outer element 2" is superimposable on the first element and has an elongated window 9, as can be seen in particular in Figures 7 and 8. This second outer element 2" has the function of reinforcing the first inner element 2'. Advantageously, the second outer elements 2", 3" have the same shape and dimensions as the first inner elements 2', 3'. In this case, said second outer elements 2', 3' are completely superimposable on said first inner elements 2', 3'.

[0021] As can be seen in particular in Figures 7 to 10, the clip is suitable for use with hangers having a longitudinal bar 1 of substantially cylindrical shape.

[0022] For this purpose, as can be seen in particular in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the inwardly facing surfaces of the first internal elements 2', 3' have recesses 20', 30' adapted to receive portions of the external surface of the bar 1.

[0023] As already mentioned, it is ensured that the pairs of elements, inner and outer, respectively 2' and 2" and 3' and 3", which together constitute the blades 2, 3 of the clip, are interconnected to form a single structure.

[0024] Advantageously, this is achieved by first making the individual elements, 2', 2" and 3', 3", respectively, inner and outer, and then gluing them together, although it cannot be excluded that these elements are fixed to one another by crimping means or by fixed or movable connections, etc.

[0025] To enable the interconnection of the two blades 2, 3, as well as to connect them both to the bar 1 and to enable the clip to perform its function elastically, a substantially "U"-shaped elastic element 4 is provided, which can be positioned over the bar 1 of the clip. The ends of the opposite side surfaces 5, 6 of the elastic element 4 are provided with curved claws 5', 6' with outwardly facing recesses. In particular, each of the side surfaces 5, 6 of the elastic element 4 is inserted into a recess 8 present on the outer surface of both first internal elements 2', 3'. In particular, the elastic element 4 passes through a notch 7 in the first internal elements 2', 3' and through a window 9 in the second external elements 2", 3".

[0026] In fact, when the elastic element 4 is correctly positioned, the clip structure shown in Figures 9 and 10 is obtained, in which the upper parts of the two blades 2, 3 are spread apart due to the presence of the bar 1, while the lower parts of said blades are placed in contact with each other. This connection is precisely due to the presence of the elastic element 4, which presses the two blades 2, 3 together in the position shown in said Figures 9 and 10. In this position, any garment or the like can be held in place by the mutual adhesion of the lower parts of the two blades 2, 3. This adhesion can be easily separated by manually acting on the upper parts of both clips of the two blades 2, 3 (the parts located higher than the bar 1), thus releasing the garment present inside the lower parts of the blades 2, 3.

[0027] As can be seen in particular in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the lower part of the internal surface of the first internal element 2', 3' of the blades 2, 3 advantageously presents a chamfer 12', 13' to which an insert of a sufficiently soft material can be fixed, which can reduce the possibility of wrinkles or the like forming in the garment placed between the two blades 2, 3, and can also ensure a greater coefficient of friction between said elements in order to make it easier to hold the garment itself in place, especially when it is in the hanging position.

[0028] 11 to 20 show the aforementioned clip in another embodiment, in its complexity and in the various elements that make up the clip referred to in the present invention. In particular, this clip can be applied to clothes hangers whose bars have different shapes, which are structurally similar and functionally identical to the cylindrical one shown above, in fact, in this case identified with the reference number 1'. In fact, each figure shows the same entity as shown in the previous figures and described above.

[0029] Figures 17 to 19 show that in this case the bar 1' has a structure with lateral fins 1", in particular in this case it being given that in the surface of the first internal element 2', 3' facing inwards and therefore actually towards the bar 1' there is a recess 30" constituted by a simple groove in which the fin 1" belonging to the bar 1' is accommodated and pivoted.

[0030] The various components of the inner element 2', 3' and the outer element 2'', 3'', respectively, and their positioning relative to the elastic element 4, as well as the overall operation of the clip, are identical to those shown and described above.

[0031] From an operational point of view, the clip referred to in this invention, regardless of the type of bar to which it is applied, is inherently suitable to be made from recyclable materials, mainly pulp-based materials, or general paper-type materials. This is mainly due to the ease with which the various internal elements 2', 3' and external elements 2", 3" of the clips 2, 3 can be made separately from these materials. Starting from an essentially flat sheet of paper material, the internal elements 2', 3' and external elements 2", 3", respectively, can be obtained by shearing, punching or laser cutting operations and / or by other systems. The specific design of the first internal elements 2' and 3', both of which have an upper notch 7, allows the elastic element 4 to be inserted into its seat, as shown in Figures 21 to 25.

[0032] 21 to 25, the elastic element 4 is inserted without interfering with the portions of the first inner elements 2' and 3' until the inner portions of the curved claws 5' and 6' contact the bar 1.

[0033] By pressing in the elastic element, the sides 5 and 6 of the elastic element 4 open and the curved claws 5' and 6' can advance until they are securely located in the recesses 8 of the first inner elements 2' and 3'.

[0034] The second outer elements 2" and 3" act as reinforcement means for the first inner elements 2' and 3' and also cover the protrusions of the springs, the overall dimensions of which remain inside the outer surface of the second outer elements 2" and 3".

[0035] In fact, if a blade is made essentially from a compressed cardboard sheet, it is obviously impossible to create the reinforcing ribs that are usually present in a corresponding blade made by injection of plastic material, just as it is practically impossible to create an ergonomic surface on the fulcrum where the finger can simply press to open the clip. The second outer elements 2", 3" therefore have the function of stiffening and reinforcing the body of the blade, which is constituted with the help of the first inner elements 2', 3'. The second outer elements 2", 3" also serve as elements that cover the elastic element 4, more precisely the side surfaces 5, 6 and the claws 5', 6'.

[0036] Again, the presence of the second outer element 2", 3" keeps the elastic element 4 positioned inside the window 9, recessed and not protruding from the body of the blade, so as not to damage the garments hung on the hanger.

[0037] In fact, if the clip unfortunately breaks or it is desired to discard it, it is sufficient to tear it so as to separate it from the elastic element 4, which is generally made of a metal material, so that it can be discarded in a collection container for sorted paper.

[0038] In particular, the bars 1, 1' can easily be manufactured from cellulosic or paper-based materials, making them easily recyclable.

[0039] However, the clips referred to in the present invention can of course be made of different materials, such as plastic materials, wood, metal materials, etc.

[0040] It should be noted that the present invention may be embodied other than as illustrated and described above without departing from the scope of the patent and without detracting from its essential characteristics, provided that such aspects are defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A hanger clip for garments such as skirts and trousers, adapted to be applied to a bar (1, 1') present along the entire length of the hanger, said clip having a pair of opposing blades (2, 3) connected to each other by an elastic element (4) with opposing sides (5, 6), said elastic element (4) being capable of being positioned over the bar (1, 1') of the hanger, and each end of said elastic element (4) being provided with a curved claw (5', 6') having an outwardly facing recess; each of said curved claws (5', 6') of said elastic element (4) being insertable into a recess (8) present in each of said blades (2, 3), said elastic element (4) acting to bring the lower ends of said blades (2, 3) into contact with each other; The clip is The elastic element (4) is substantially "U" shaped, and each of the blades (2, 3) is composed of a first inner element (2', 3') having a planar shape and a second outer element (2", 3") having a planar shape and capable of being superimposed on the first inner element to form the blade (2, 3), the first inner elements (2', 3') being identical to each other and the corresponding second outer elements (2", 3") being identical to each other, and each of the second outer elements (2", 3") being implemented relative to each of the first inner elements (2', 3'). have a qualitatively identical peripheral development, so that each of the second outer elements (2", 3") can be completely superimposed on each of the first inner elements (2', 3') due to the substantial coincidence of their peripheral edges, and the elastic element (4) arranged above and spanning the bars (1, 1') has at least one section on its opposite side (5, 6) that overlaps a portion (30) of the first inner element (2', 3') before the curved claws (5', 6') are inserted into the recesses (8). Hanger clip.

2. 2. The hanger clip according to claim 1, characterized in that the first inner element (2', 3') has a "U" shaped upper notch (7) and the second outer element (2", 3") has an elongated window (9) into which a portion of the elastic element (4) can be inserted.

3. 3. A hanger clip according to claim 2, characterized in that the first inner element (2', 3') has the recess (8) on its outwardly facing surface below the notch (7).

4. 4. The hanger clip according to claim 3, wherein a portion (30) of the first inner element (2', 3') on which at least a portion of the opposing side surfaces (5, 6) of the elastic element (4) overlap is disposed between the notch (7) and the recess (8).

5. 5. The hanger clip according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic element (4) has curved claws (5', 6') at the ends of its sides (5, 6), which can be inserted into the recesses (8) present in the outer surface of the first inner element (2', 3'), pass through the notches (7) of the first inner element (2', 3'), and pass through the windows (9) of the second outer element (2", 3").

6. 6. A hanger clip according to claim 1, wherein both first internal elements (2', 3') have, on their surfaces facing the bar (1), recesses (20', 30') or (20", 30") of a shape corresponding to at least the shape of the opposing portion of the bar, in which the portion of the bar can be accommodated to enable stable positioning relative to the clip and thus act as a fulcrum for the pair of clips (2, 3) relative to the bar (1).

7. 7. A hanger clip according to claim 1, wherein the lower part of the inner surface of the first inner element (2', 3') of the blade (2, 3) has a chamfer (12', 13') to which an insert (22', 23') made of a soft material or having anti-slip properties can be fixed.

8. 8. The clip for a hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first inner element (2', 3') and the second outer element (2", 3") can be fastened by a gluing operation or by fastening by other means.

9. A hanger, characterized in that it uses at least one clip according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A hanger, characterized in that it uses two clips according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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