Tubular element made of cellulose or paper material for manufacturing a hanger, its manufacturing method and hanger using the tubular element

Abstract

A tubular element of cellulose or paper material for manufacturing hangers, having a cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis of substantially circular shape, having a cylindrical shape from whose surface a flat element (1200) projects radially outwards, integral with the tubular element (1) and extending over the entire longitudinal length of said tubular element (1), said element being provided, on its surface opposite to at least one opening constituted by a hole (2000) into which the flat element (1200) can be inserted or a slit (2001) into which an accessory element can be inserted, at the end of the tubular element (1), with a rod (2002) insertable in a suitable hole (2000) present in the surface of the tubular element (1) opposite to the surface in which the flat element (1200) is present, said rod (2002) being adapted to prevent the outward withdrawal of a clamp hooked to said tubular element (1) and adapted to hold a garment or the like.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tubular element of cellulose or paper material for producing a hanger, as produced according to claim 1. The present invention also relates to a tubular element of cellulose or paper material for producing a hanger, as well as to a method for producing a hanger using the tubular element. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a strong ecological trend has become apparent in the field of clothes hangers, promoting the elimination of traditional plastic materials in favor of more recyclable and environmentally friendly materials.

[0003] Several hangers are known in the art, which are made from cellulose pulp or paper material and suitably shaped to give them the typical shape of a classic hanger with shoulders, and which are mainly made specifically for garments such as coats, jackets, jumpers or shirts.

[0004] An example of this type of hanger can be found in International Publication WO2021 / 228693 Al, owned by the applicant of the present patent, which discloses a hanger obtained from cellulose pulp, which has undergone several steps to shape it in a simple and effective way, obtaining the shoulders necessary to store said garments.

[0005] It is clear that this type of hanger does not require a tubular element to perform the required function, since the function of supporting the garment is performed by the shoulders of the hanger, although this element is required in hangers dedicated to garments such as trousers or skirts, which do not have shoulders and have two possible configurations.

[0006] The two parallel elements are connected to each other by two C-shaped sections to create a slot that allows the garment to be placed on the lower element, and the hook of the hanger is preferably located in the middle of the upper element. This configuration, which involves the use of tubular elements as referred to in this invention, is shown in Figures 16 to 19.

[0007] One element has a hanger hook at its midpoint and a clamp at its end, with a clip that holds the garment so that it can be hung.

[0008] This configuration, along with the use of tubular elements referred to in the present invention, is shown in FIG.

[0009] Currently, tubular elements made of cellulose or paper materials start from strips wound helically around themselves, with material glued between the turns to give the structure rigidity. However, the elements thus obtained still do not have a moment of inertia high enough to withstand the typical stresses of a hanger. When subjected to the forces generated by hanging clothes, tubular elements made in this way tend to bend excessively and lose their turns.

[0010] Prior document US 2025887 A describes (page 2, column 1, line 40) a tubular element of cellulose or paper material for producing a hanger (Fig. 1) having a cylindrical shape (Fig. 5) with a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (the following references relate to this prior document), which is produced from a flat element (Fig. 5, element 13) which is integral with the tubular element, extends over the entire longitudinal length of the tubular element (Figs. 1, 2) and projects radially outwards (Fig. 5).

[0011] Prior document US 2021 / 037999 A1 shows a method for producing hangers, generally (Figs. 7-8b element 7), for producing tubular elements of cellulose or paper material (Figs. 7-8b), which method comprises a series of stations consisting of rollers and / or guide devices (Figs. 7-8b elements 9, 10, 11) arranged along the length of said strip and acting on different parts of its opposite sides, each station suitably positioned and angled relative to the strip so as to progressively give it a cylindrical shape that is closed by flat elements constituted by the edges of the strip abutting each other (Figs. 5, 6 element 4, paragraph 38).

[0012] Furthermore, reference is made to prior document KR 200452351 Y1, which shows a hanger (Figs. 5, 6, see below) having a pair of elements (Fig. 5, elements 320, 200) parallel to and interconnected by a pair of elements (Figs. 5, 6, element 310) arranged at the ends of said elements, with a hook (Figs. 5, 6, element 100) arranged on the upper element, said hanger being adapted to support a garment arranged on its lower element.

[0013] Other prior art documents cited are US 2641393 A, US 2641391 A, GB 2162886 A, CN 212234053 U and JP S5583049 U7. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to produce tubular elements made of cellulose or paper material that can withstand the typical stresses present in hangers.

[0015] This object is achieved by a tubular element obtained starting from a continuous strip shaped to obtain from its surface a cylindrical shape from which flat elements project radially outwards.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a method for obtaining said tubular elements for hangers, providing for the use of a series of rollers and / or guide devices suitably arranged to obtain the desired shape starting from a continuous strip.

[0017] It should be noted that prior to the methods referred to in this invention, the continuous strip of cellulose or paper material may be moistened before being deformed by the roller stations and / or guide devices to facilitate subsequent forming. Similarly, prior to being deformed by the roller stations and / or guide devices, the continuous strip of cellulose or paper material may be heated to a temperature above room temperature, again to facilitate its subsequent forming. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The invention will be better defined through the description of possible embodiments thereof, given only as non-limiting examples, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a tubular element according to the invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the steps of the method according to the invention for obtaining a tubular element with a desired shape. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the steps of the method according to the invention for obtaining a tubular element with a desired shape. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the steps of the method according to the invention for obtaining a tubular element with a desired shape. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the steps of the method according to the invention for obtaining a tubular element with a desired shape. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a complete line adapted to carry out the method according to the invention. [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a hanger using a tubular element according to the invention, with two clamps arranged towards the ends of this tubular element, with specific means for holding the clamps. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a tubular element according to the invention, with a first particular hook in flat shape. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a vertical cross section of a tubular element according to the invention, with a first particular hook of flattened shape. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a tubular element according to the invention, in which the second particular hook is of flattened shape. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a vertical cross section of a tubular element according to the invention, in which the second particular hook is of flattened shape. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a vertical cross section of a tubular element according to the invention, in which the second particular hook is of flattened shape. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a vertical cross section of a tubular element according to the invention, in which the second particular hook is of flattened shape. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a hanger using a tubular element according to the invention, with a hook that can be screwed onto an element present on the tubular element. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a vertical section of a hanger using a tubular element according to the invention, with a hook that can be screwed onto an element present on the tubular element. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a hanger with parallel elements connected by two C-shaped elements, in which the garment is placed next to the lower element, and in which tubular elements according to the invention are used and which are equipped with different types of hooks. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows a hanger with parallel elements connected by two C-shaped elements, in which the garment is placed next to the lower element, and in which tubular elements according to the invention are used and which are equipped with different types of hooks. [Figure 18]Figure 18 shows a hanger with parallel elements connected by two C-shaped elements, in which the garment is placed next to the lower element, and in which tubular elements according to the invention are used and which are equipped with different types of hooks. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows a hanger with parallel elements connected by two C-shaped elements, in which the garment is placed next to the lower element and in which tubular elements according to the invention are used and which are equipped with different types of hooks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 1 shows a particular embodiment of the tubular element 1 referred to in the present invention, in particular a slit 2001 provided in the upper central part of said tubular element 1, as well as holes 2000 at the ends of said tubular element 1 into which rods 2002 can be inserted, the use of which will be explained later. Indeed, as can be seen better in FIG. 7, a clamp 3000 adapted to hold a garment can be applied to the tubular element 1 in a manner known per se. The presence of the rod 2002, only the upper side of which is visible protruding from the hanger, serves to precisely prevent the clamp 3000 from being removed from the tubular element 1, although it has already been inserted into the hole 2000. FIG. 1 also shows the rod 2002 which has not yet been inserted into the hole 2000. From FIGS. 2 to 6 it can be seen how the tubular element according to the invention is obtained from a continuous strip 100 of cellulose or paper material which is advanced by a series of roller stations. The roller stations act on different parts of opposite sides of the strip 100, gradually shaping it to give it a cylindrical shape with a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, constituted by edges 800, 900 of the strip 100 having a substantially circular shape, from whose surface flat elements 1200 project radially outwards, pressed together by one of the roller stations. To obtain a more secure closure, it is advantageous to provide for the use of an adhesive on the surfaces of the edges 800, 900 that come into contact. For this purpose, the rollers are positioned at an appropriate angle relative to the strip 100, so as to act on it gradually, allowing it to gradually adapt to the formation and thus avoid breaking it and exposing it to sudden tension forces.

[0021] However, it should be noted that the roller stations may be replaced by other guide devices adapted to perform the same function, such as elements advantageously made of sheet metal that progressively shape the strip 100.

[0022] In a particular example of the method according to the invention, the tubular element 1 is obtained by the following steps (FIGS. 2 to 5): The strip 100 is pulled by a structure having axes 2', 2'' arranged parallel to each other between the widthwise edges 100', 100'', with the edges 100', 100'' in the widthwise direction of the strip 100 being interposed therebetween, and rollers G, 1', 1'' arranged on both sides of the strip 100 being inclined at substantially 90° to each other about the axes 2', 2'', so that in cross section the edges 100', 100' have a right-angled arrangement and are connected by a curved portion 200. The strip 100 is pulled by a structure comprising a plurality of pairs of rollers 3', 3'', each of which is arranged on one of the opposing edges 300', 300'' of the strip 100, said rollers 3', 3'' being arranged on substantially parallel axes 4', 4'' and having substantially parallel edges 300', 300'' interconnected by curved portions 400 which determine the curvature of the strip, so that the strip 100 has a substantially U-shaped configuration. the strip 100 is pulled through a structure comprising a plurality of pairs of rollers 5', 5" arranged with axes 6', 6" inclined relative to one another, which are arranged at an angle relative to one another as the axes 6', 6" of the rollers 5', 5" and connected to one another by a loop structure 700, and which have a plurality of pairs of rollers 7', 7" with axes 8', 8" parallel to one another and arranged in close proximity to one another, in order to act on the edges 500, 600 of the strip 100 and to compress and adhere the edges 800, 900 of the strip 100 to one another, so that a flat element 1200 obtained by the adhesion of the two edges 800, 900 of the strip 100 to one another projects radially outward, and the strip 100 substantially assumes the shape of a tubular element with a substantially circular cross section.

[0023] At the end of the step that makes it possible to obtain mutual adhesion of the edges 800 and 900, it is possible to provide a step in which the edges are trimmed once joined, and finally a step in which a portion of the finished length of the continuous strip 100 that fits the tubular element 1 is cut off.

[0024] The tubular element 1 thus obtained, thanks to the presence of the flat element 1200, has a larger moment of inertia relative to the bending plane XX in Fig. 1 than a simple hollow cylinder and therefore ensures a better resistance to the typical stresses of a hanger, said bending plane XX being precisely the one in which the hanger is stressed when loaded by the weight of the garments it supports.

[0025] 8 and 9 show another embodiment of the use of the tubular element 1 according to the invention, in which a hook 5000 with a flat shape is used, which has an elongated shank 5001 and is adapted to be inserted, measured inside, a slit 2001 made in the upper side of the tubular element 1, opposite the location of the flat element 1200. In effect, the slit 2001 and the shank 5001 have substantially corresponding lengths. After inserting the shank 5001, measured into the slit 2001, the shank is fixed to the tubular element 1 by means of a special adhesive element 5003. Figures 10 to 13 show another embodiment of a hanger using the tubular element referred to in the invention, also with a hook 5000 with a flat shape. The latter, like the previous case, is made of pressed cardboard or other similar easily recyclable material, and must be handled with hangers made only of paper material.

[0026] In this case too, the hook 5000 has a shank 5001 that is adapted to fit into the slit 2001 present below it. However, in this case, at its first end 5011, the shank 5001 has a recess 5010, due to the presence of a step 5012 formed on the upper side of the end 5011, which precisely connects the end 5011 with said recess 5010. Conversely, at the opposite end of the shank 5001, there is a recess 5015, punctuated at the top by a nose 5016.

[0027] 10 to 13, the shank 5001 in this case has the entire length of the slit 2001, made in this case on the upper surface of the tubular element 1, at a position opposite to where the flat element 1200 is located. From an operational point of view, first the entire shank 5001 (see FIG. 11) is partially inserted into the slit 2001, making sure that one of said ends is inserted inside the concave surface 5015, and then the hook is lowered further, making sure that the nose 5016 (see FIG. 12) rests itself against the part of the outer surface of the tubular element 1 adjacent to the end of the slit 2001. At the same time, the upper part of the nose 5016 of the shank 5001, located at the end of the concave surface 5015, is placed against the inner surface of the tubular element 1. 12 and 13, the insertion of the opposite end 5011 of the shank 5001 into the slit 2001 is achieved as long as the upper surface of the step 5012 rests against the inner surface of the tubular element 1 placed near the said opposite end of the slit 2001. In fact, the particular geometry of the shank 5001 is such as to ensure a stable "snap" positioning of the hook 5000 with the slit 2001 inside the tubular element 1 and to ensure an integral fixation of the hook 5000 to the tubular element 1, all thanks to a certain elasticity and deformability of the material from which said hook 5000 is made.

[0028] It should be understood, however, that the shank can have a different shape from that described above, provided that it can be snapped into the slit, said slit still having a total length shorter than the longitudinal length of the shank itself. In the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, the hook 4000 of the hanger is of the so-called classic type, i.e. substantially linear, generally made of a metallic material, and has a first straight section 4001 rising from the tubular element 1, continuing with a curved section 4002. Advantageously, at the end of the straight section 4001, the hook 4000 has a threaded section 4003 adapted to be inserted into a second hole 2003 present on the upper side of the tubular element 1 where the flat element 1200 is present.

[0029] 14 also shows a plug 2004 adapted to be inserted into the tubular element 1 and to be partially positioned in its central part. At the side of the plug 2004 there is a first hole 2005 which must be positioned exactly in a second hole 2003 present in the surface of the tubular element 1.

[0030] In this way, the threaded portion 4003 of the hook 4000 can be inserted into the first hole 2005 and will naturally pass through the second hole 2003 present in the tubular element 1 .

[0031] Figure 15 shows a general cross-sectional view of the tubular element 1 to which the hook 4000 has already been applied by means of a screw fastening which engages with the plug 2004 as already specified, said plug 2004 having a jagged or corrugated outer surface to avoid rotation of said plug, particularly during the step of its insertion inside the tubular element 1, to facilitate complete overlap of the holes 2003 and 2005.

[0032] However, when the plug 2004 and hook 4000 are in place, the overall appearance of the hanger is shown in FIG.

[0033] Advantageously, plug 2004 will be made from compostable materials and compatible with methods for recycling paper and similar materials.

[0034] Figures 16 to 19 show two embodiments of a hanger of the type comprising a pair of mutually parallel elements of a known configuration, connected by a pair of C-shaped elements arranged at the ends of said elements. In particular, a first embodiment is illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, while a second embodiment is illustrated in Figures 18 and 19. Both of these embodiments use at least one tubular element 1, but advantageously two tubular elements 2 as components of the pair of mutually parallel elements, such element 1 therefore providing for the presence of a flat element 1200.

[0035] Advantageously, the hooks 4000 and 5000 will be provided with tubular elements arranged as above, according to the type detailed above.

[0036] It can be seen in these figures that in both embodiments of such hangers, two substantially C-shaped elements 6000 can be used as connection means between the tubular elements 1, with their horizontal parts 6001 inserted into the hollow bodies of these tubular elements. These C-shaped elements 6000 are advantageously made of cellulose or paper material in order to make it possible to recycle as much as possible the materials that make up these hangers.

[0037] From the above, it can be seen that the use of the tubular member and method of the present invention provides a simple solution to the problem of being able to use a tubular member made of cellulose or paper material as a structural member for a hanger.

[0038] Obviously, the technical design details and the components used may be most diverse as known in the state of the art and evolution, provided that all are within the inventive concept defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A tubular element of cellulose or paper material for manufacturing hangers, having a cylindrical shape that is substantially circular in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein a flat element (1200) is integral with the tubular element (1) and projects radially from the surface of the cylindrical shape over the entire longitudinal length of the tubular element (1), and the tubular element (1) is at least partially enclosed by holes (2000, 2003) or slits (2001) on the side opposite to the side on which the flat element (1200) is present, into which an accessory element can be inserted. A tubular element (1) having at least one opening and provided at its end with a rod (2002) that can be inserted into a suitable hole (2000) present on the side of the tubular element (1) opposite to the side on which the flat element (1200) is present, the rod (2002) at the end of the tubular element (1) being adapted to prevent outward disengagement of a clamp (3000) hooked onto the tubular element (1) and adapted to hold clothing or the like.

2. 2. A tubular element according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment element is constituted by a flat hook (5000), advantageously made of cellulose or paper material, the hook having a shank (5001) insertable into a slit (2001) provided on the side of the tubular element (1) opposite to the side on which the flat element (1200) is present.

3. A tubular element according to claim 2, characterized in that the shank (5001) of the hook (5000) has a length substantially corresponding to the length of the slit (2001) and is adapted to be inserted into the interior of the slit (2001) in a measured manner, and the fixation of the shank (5001) to the inner surface of the tubular element (1) is ensured by a suitable adhesive element (5003).

4. A tubular element as described in claim 2, characterized in that the shank (5001) of the hook (5000) is formed to be snap-inserted into the slit (2001), thereby enabling the shank (5001), i.e. the entire hook (5000), to be stably positioned relative to the slit (2001), i.e. the entire tubular element (1).

5. 5. A tubular element according to claim 4, characterized in that the shank (5001) has a recess (5010) at its first end (5011), the recess (5010) being formed on the upper side of the first end (5011) due to the presence of a step (5012), the step (5012) connecting the first end (5011) to the recess (5010), and at the opposite end of the shank (5001) there is a concave surface (5015) defined at its apex by a nose (5016), in particular, at the end of the arrangement of the hook (5000) relative to the tubular element (1), the upper side of the nose (5016) can be attached to the inner surface of the tubular element (1) and the upper surface of the step (5012) can be attached to the inner surface of the tubular element (1) arranged near the end opposite the slit (2001).

6. The attachment element is constituted by a substantially linear hook (4000), advantageously made of a metallic material, having a first straight section (4001) rising from the tubular element (1) and continuing with a curved section (4002), the hook (4000) being provided with a threaded section (4003) at the end of the straight section (4001) and adapted to be inserted into a suitable second hole (2003) present on the upper side of the tubular element (1) opposite the side on which the flat element (1200) is present, and a plug (2004) is inserted inside the tubular element (1).

10. A tubular element according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug (2004) is advantageously made from a compostable material and is compatible with methods for recycling paper and similar materials, and that the plug (2004) has a first hole (2005) on its side, which is accurately positioned in a second hole (2003) present in the surface of the tubular element (1), thereby allowing the threaded portion (4003) of the hook (4000) to be inserted into the first hole (2005) and pass through the second hole (2003).

7. 7. A tubular element according to claim 6, characterized in that the plug (2004) has a jagged or corrugated outer surface.

8. A hanger comprising a hook (5000) arranged on an upper element, the tubular elements being parallel to each other and connected to each other by a pair of C-shaped elements arranged at the ends of the tubular elements, the hanger being adapted to support a garment arranged on its lower element, and at least one of the tubular elements which are parallel to each other is constituted by a tubular element (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A hanger as described in claim 8, characterized in that both of the tubular elements parallel to each other are constituted by tubular elements (1) as described in claim 1, connected to each other by two substantially C-shaped elements (6000), the horizontal parts (6001) of the C-shaped elements (6000) being inserted into the hollow bodies of the tubular elements, the C-shaped elements (6000) being advantageously generally made of a cellulose or paper material.

10. A hanger characterized in that it has two clamps (3000) adapted to hold a garment, removal of the clamps (3000) being prevented by the presence of a rod (2002) inserted into a hole (2000) present on the side of the tubular element (1) opposite to the side on which the flat element (1200) is present, and which has a tubular element (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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