hanger

Abstract

A clip-type footwear hanger (410) is provided and comprises first (425) and second (430) clip parts. Each clip part comprises a gripping portion. The clip parts are joined together by a hinge arrangement comprising hinge member on each part for allowing relative hinging movement of the parts to cause relative separation and approach of the gripping portions. The hanger comprises a biasing member for biasing the gripping portions towards each other.

Description

[0001] HANGER

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a hanger and particularly, although not exclusively, to a hanger for footwear such as boots and shoes.

[0003] Footwear hangers are well known and are used, for example, in shops for displaying footwear. These hangers are typically formed as clips, with a pair of opposed clip halves, such as gripping jaws, that are biased towards a gripping position. The jaws can be urged away from the gripping position to allow insertion of a product before release causes the jaws to close onto and retain the product (e.g. a single item of footwear or a pair of boots).

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to footwear hangers.

[0005] An aspect of the present invention provides a clip-type footwear hanger comprising first and second clip parts, each clip part comprises a gripping portion, the clip parts are joined together by a hinge arrangement comprising hinge member on each part for allowing relative hinging movement of the parts to cause relative separation and approach of the gripping portions, the hanger comprises a biasing member for biasing the gripping portions towards each other.

[0006] The biasing member may extend axially over the axial (longitudinal) extent of the hinge arrangement.

[0007] Each clip part may have a pair of spaced hinge members and the biasing member may extend between the spacing of the hinge members.

[0008] Each hinge member may comprise cooperating lugs.

[0009] An aspect of the present invention provides a clip-type footwear hanger comprising first and second clip parts, each clip part comprises a gripping portion, the clip parts are joined together by a hinge arrangement comprising hinge member on each part for allowing relative hinging movement of the parts to cause relative separation and approach of the gripping portions, the hanger comprises a biasing member for biasing the gripping portions towards each other, the biasing member extends over the hinge arrangement.

[0010] In some embodiments a hinge member on one part comprises a hinge seat and a hinge member on the other part comprises a hinge pivot.

[0011] An aspect of the present invention provides a clip-type footwear hanger comprising first and second clip parts, each clip part comprises a gripping portion, the clip parts are joined together by a hinge arrangement comprising a hinge seat and a hinge member for allowing relative hinging movement of the parts to cause relative separation and approach of the gripping portions, a first clip half comprises the hinge seat and a second clip part comprises the hinge member that can turn with respect to the hinge seat, the hanger comprises a biasing member for biasing the gripping portions towards each other, the biasing member extends over the hinge arrangement.

[0012] A further aspect provides a clip-type footwear hanger comprising first and second clip parts, each clip part comprises a gripping portion, the clip parts are joined together by a hinge arrangement comprising a hinge seat and a hinge member for allowing relative hinging movement of the parts to cause relative separation and approach of the gripping portions, a first clip half comprises the hinge seat and a second clip part comprises the hinge member that rests on the hinge seat and can turn thereon, the hanger comprises a biasing member for biasing the gripping portions towards each other, the biasing member extends over the hinge arrangement.

[0013] The second clip part may comprise a hook.

[0014] The second clip part may comprise a display portion.

[0015] The gripping portions may comprise (elastomeric) pads.

[0016] The pads may be formed from a rubber material.

[0017] The pads may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0018] The pads may be overmoulded onto clip parts.

[0019] The gripping portions may comprise upstands for preventing pads from sticking together.

[0020] The upstands may have a generally semi-circular section to provide optimal stability.

[0021] The pads may be separable from their respective clip parts.

[0022] The pads may be provided with a pull tab to assist separation.

[0023] The clip parts may be formed from a plastics material.

[0024] The clip parts may be formed from 100% post-consumer recycled polypropylene

[0025] The biasing member may be a spring.

[0026] The spring may be generally C-shape. The biasing member may be formed from a metal material.

[0027] The biasing member may be formed from a plastics material.

[0028] The biasing member may clips onto the clip parts, over the hinge.

[0029] A further aspect provides aboot clip for hanging boots in retail displays, wherein said boot clip comprises recycled polypropylene clip components and further comprises pads that are bonded to the clip components via overmoulding at the time of manufacture.

[0030] The pads may be configured to be removed at the point of recycling via a pullable tab that separates the pad from the plastic, thereby enabling separate recycling of the material of the pad and clip components.

[0031] Also provided is a boot clip spring substantially as hereinbefore shown and described in relation to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip-type footwear hanger comprising a pair of opposed gripping portions, the gripping portions are provided on or by a respective clip half, the hanger comprises a biasing member for biasing the gripping portions towards each other, and a pivot, the pivot is movable relative to the clip halves between a gripping position in which the gripping portions are forced towards each other by the biasing member and a separating position in which the gripping portions are held spaced from each other.

[0033] In some embodiments the pivot is formed on a separate, pivot-bearing component that is movable relative to the clip halves to move the clip between a transit mode and a hanging mode.

[0034] The pivot-bearing component may comprises a hook.

[0035] The pivot-bearing component may comprise a display portion.

[0036] The gripping portions may comprise pads, such as elastomeric pads.

[0037] Some clips may comprise have elastomeric pads on the gripping portions to reduce damage to the item they are retaining. This is particularly the case when the item to be retained is heavy and a strong gripping force is required.

[0038] Pads may, for example, be formed from a rubber or rubber-like material, or a thermoplastic material. In some embodiments clip halves are formed from a plastics material, for example polypropylene (PP), such as recycled polyethylene.

[0039] In some embodiments gripping portions are overmoulded onto clip halves.

[0040] Gripping portion pads may be separable from respective clip halves. Gripping portions may be provided with a pull tab to assist separation.

[0041] The hanger may be configured so that the biasing member acts to push clip halves together (rather than pull apart)

[0042] The biasing member may be a spring, for example a generally C-shape spring.

[0043] In some embodiments the biasing member is formed from a metal material. In other embodiments the biasing member is formed from a plastics material, which may be the same type of material from which clip halves are formed.

[0044] From several perspectives, including recyclability, polypropylene is an excellent choice of material for producing components of a hanger. However, the flexible nature of PP means that it is prone to “creep” (the slow and progressive deformation of a material with time under a constant stress). During shipping / transit / storage creep can be a particular problem for clips held under tension.

[0045] In some embodiments a clip has a transit position to avoid material creep in transit.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip-type footwear hanger comprising a pair of opposed jaws and a biasing member for biasing the jaws towards each other, the hanger is moveable between an engaged position in which the biasing member exerts maximum tension and a relaxed position in which the force exerted by the biasing means is at least partly reduced.

[0047] A pivot may be movable relative to the jaws to convert the hanger between the positions.

[0048] In some aspects and embodiments a multi-component and / or multi-material clip may be (easily, user-based) disassemble-able to meet recycling regulations for monomer materials. For example a PP-based clip with peelable, removable rubber gripping pads. Material types can be simplified for the recycling chain.

[0049] “Rubber” pads may, for example, have a tab attached at its perimeter e.g. to a window / slot in a plastics component) and can be easily removed by the user using the extended tab. In some embodiments a rubber pad is provided with tab and with rubber teeth, which has improved performance when hanging fur-lined boots, for example.

[0050] Some embodiments are provided with a rubber pad (which may, for example, be less than 5- 10% of total hanger weight) that is embedded into plastics material to keep the rubber in place.

[0051] In some embodiments rubber is handed on the clip so as to prevent rubber on rubber contact.

[0052] Some aspects and embodiments include a plastics-based spring which can be disassembled.

[0053] A further aspect provides a boot clip for hanging boots in retail displays, wherein said boot clip comprises recycled polypropylene clip components and further comprises rubber pads that are bonded to the clip components via overmoulding at the time of manufacture.

[0054] The rubber pads may be designed to be removed at the point of recycling via a pullable tab that separates the rubber from the plastic, thereby enabling separate recycling of the rubber and plastic components.

[0055] Rubber pads may include a castellation feature creating a strong mechanical bond with the polypropylene, preventing inadvertent separation of the two parts under normal conditions.

[0056] Polypropylene components may include small upstands slightly proud of the surface to prevent adhesion between rubber pads during transit. Upstands may feature a specific semi-circular shape to provide optimal stability.

[0057] A further aspect provides a boot clip for hanging boots in retail displays, wherein said boot clip is operable in two modes: a transit mode and a hanging mode,

[0058] The clip may be provided with a pivot or axle which can change location.

[0059] In said transit mode the axle may be in a forward position (closer to a gripping end of the clip) holding gripping pads apart to prevent adhesion, and in said hanging mode, the axle is slid back into a rear position to enable boot hanging.

[0060] The central pivot or axle may include an interlocking feature that prevents it from being pulled out of the assembly.

[0061] Embodiments may comprise opposed gripping pads. Boot clips formed in accordance with the present invention may be configured for full disassembly without special tools or processes.

[0062] Disassembly may involve moving a (central) axle and hook section forward into the transit position and out of the assembly, removing spring tension and enabling the spring to be removed through the use of 'removal features' on the spring.

[0063] Upon removal of the spring, the assembly may fall apart into two polypropylene mouldings with rubber pads that can be easily peeled off using the thumb tabs on the pads.

[0064] The boot clip may comprise a spring formed from a flat metal plate, formed into a C shape and may include a 'removal feature' at the end for easy grip and removal from the assembly.

[0065] Rubber gripping pads may be provided and may have a castellated upper surface designed to contact the surface of a boot, thereby providing enhanced grip, especially on boots with fur lining, due to the hairs tangling around the castellations and requiring greater force to pull free.

[0066] In some embodiments the axle is provided on a hanger component.

[0067] Hanging devices formed in accordance with the present invention may comprise a hanging hook.

[0068] Embodiments may further comprise a portion to which information is attachable.

[0069] Further aspects and embodiments are listed in the following numbered paragraphs.

[0070] 1 . A clip-type footwear hanger comprising a pair of opposed gripping portions, the gripping portions are provided on or by a respective clip half, the hanger comprises a biasing member for biasing the gripping portions towards each other, and a pivot, the pivot is movable relative to the clip halves between a gripping position in which the gripping portions are forced towards each other by the biasing member and a separating position in which the gripping portions are held spaced from each other.

[0071] 2. A hanger according paragraph 1 , in which the pivot is formed on a separate, pivotbearing component that is movable relative to the clip halves.

[0072] 3. A hanger according to paragraph 2, in which the pivot-bearing component comprises a hook.

[0073] 4. A hanger according to paragraph 1 or paragraph 2, in which the pivot-bearing component comprises a display portion. 5. A hanger according to any preceding paragraph, in which the gripping portions comprises elastomeric pads.

[0074] 6. A hanger as according to paragraph 5, in which the pads are formed from a rubber material.

[0075] 7. A hanger according to paragraph 5, in which the pads are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0076] 8. A hanger according to any preceding paragraph, in which the clip halves are formed from a plastics material, optionally polypropylene.

[0077] 9. A hanger according to any preceding paragraph, in which gripping portions are overmoulded onto clip halves.

[0078] 10. A hanger according to any preceding paragraph, in which the gripping portions are separable from their respective clip halves.

[0079] 11. A hanger according to paragraph 11 , in which the gripping portions are provided with a pull tab to assist separation.

[0080] 12. A hanger according to any preceding paragraph, in which the biasing member is a spring.

[0081] 13. A hanger according to any preceding paragraph, in which the biasing member is formed from a metal material or a plastics material.

[0082] 14. A boot clip for hanging boots in retail displays, wherein said boot clip comprises recycled polypropylene clip components and further comprises rubber pads that are bonded to the clip components via overmoulding at the time of manufacture.

[0083] 15. The boot clip of paragraph 14, wherein said rubber pad is designed to be removed at the point of recycling via a pullable tab that separates the rubber from the plastic, thereby enabling separate recycling of the rubber and plastic components.

[0084] 16. The boot clip of paragraph 14 or paragraph 15, wherein said rubber pad includes a castellation feature creating a strong mechanical bond with the polypropylene, preventing inadvertent separation of the two parts under normal conditions. 17. The boot clip of any of paragraphs 14 to 16, wherein said polypropylene component includes small upstands slightly proud of the surface to prevent adhesion between rubber pads during transit,

[0085] 18. The boot clip of paragraph 17, wherein said upstands feature a semi-circular shape to provide optimal stability.

[0086] 19. A boot clip for hanging boots in retail displays, wherein said boot clip is operable in two modes: a transit mode and a hanging mode.

[0087] 20. The boot clip of paragraph 19, characterised by a pivot or axle changing location.

[0088] 21 . The boot clip of paragraph 19 or paragraph 20, comprising opposed gripping pads.

[0089] 22. The boot clip of paragraph 21 , wherein in said transit mode, the axle is in a forward position holding the pads apart to prevent adhesion, and in said hanging mode, the axle is slid back into a rear position to enable boot hanging.

[0090] 23. The boot clip of any of paragraphs 19 to 22, wherein said central pivot or axle includes an interlocking feature that prevents it from being pulled out of the assembly.

[0091] 24. The boot clip of any of paragraphs 19 to 23, in which the axle is provided on a hanger component.

[0092] 25. A boot clip according to any of paragraph 19 to 24, further comprising a portion to which information is attachable.

[0093] Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

[0094] Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

[0095] Examples of aspects and embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0096] In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, front, rear, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention or its connection to a closure. Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0097] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

[0098] The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0099] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0100] The present invention relates to devices for displaying footwear and more specifically to footwear hangers.

[0101] Figure 1 shows a clip formed according to the present invention and generally indicated 10. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the clip 10.

[0102] Figures 3 to 8 show front, rear, left side, right side, top and bottom views of the clip 10.

[0103] The clip 10 comprises a pair of opposed elastomeric gripping pads 15, 20. The pads 15, 20 are carried on a respective clip half 25, 30. A dumbbell-like pivot or axle 35 is formed on a separate, pivot-bearing component 40 that fits between and is movable relative to the clip halves 25, 30. The pivot 35 includes a pivot bar 35a. The component 40 also comprises a hook 45 and a display panel 50.

[0104] The clip 10 also comprises a spring clip 55 (also see Figures 11 and 12) which acts on the clip halves 25, 30 and biases the gripping pads 15, 20 towards each other.

[0105] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the pivot 35 is movable relative to the clip halves 25, 30 between a normal-use, gripping position (Figure 9) in which the gripping pads are forced towards each other by the spring 55 and a transit position (Figure 10) in which the gripping pads are held spaced from each other. In transit configuration the pivot is in a forward position, holding the pads apart to prevent adhesion; and in gripping configuration the pivot is slid backwards into a rearward position to enable footwear hanging. The spring clip applies a force between the clip halves in both positions, but the change in position of the axle means that in the transit position the pads are not squeezed together.

[0106] Figure 13 shows the clip half 30. The clip half 30 is shown fitted with the gripping pad 20.

[0107] Figure 14 shows the pad 20 separated from the clip half 30. The clip half 30 includes an opening 31 onto which the pad 20 fits. The bottom edge 32 of the opening has two upstanding stops 33 (having a generally semi-circular section). The top edge 34 of the opening includes a plurality of troughs 36.

[0108] The half 30 includes a seat 60 for receiving the pivot bar 35a. In use the pivot bar 35a can be pushed forwards out of the seat and along a ramp 62 to assume the transit position (and in doing so translate the pivot point between the halves). This movement of the pivot can be reversed to provide the gripping configuration.

[0109] The pad 20 is generally rectangular and includes a pull tab 21 and a notch 22 either side of the tab along one side.

[0110] A “top” engaging face 23 of the pad is flat, as shown in Figure 15. The other side of the pad 20 is shown in Figure 16 and includes a central protuberance 23 correspondingly shaped to the opening 32.

[0111] Along the edge of pad opposite the pull tab 21 a plurality of ribs 24 are provided. The ribs 24 correspond with the troughs 36.

[0112] In this embodiment the pad 20 is overmoulded onto the clip half 30. The pull tab 21 can be used to pull the pad away from the clip half 30. Figure 17 shows a pad 120 formed according to an alternative embodiment. The pad 120 is provided with a plurality of projections / teeth 137 on an upper surface which are used to improve engagement with footwear articles in use.

[0113] Figure 18 shows a clip 210 formed according to a further embodiment. The clip 210 is similar to the clip 10. Figure 19 is an exploded view of the clip 210.

[0114] In this embodiment the biasing force is provided by a spring 255 formed from a plastics material (also see Figure 20).

[0115] Figure 21 to 28 shows a clip 310 formed according to a further embodiment. The clip 310 is similar to the clips 10 and 210.

[0116] Figure 21 shows the clip 310 in its gripping configuration and Figure 22 shows the clip in its transport configuration. Figures 23 to 28 show top, bottom, left side, right side, front and rear views of the clip.

[0117] Figure 29 shows the clip half 330 with its pad 320 overmoulded in position.

[0118] The pad 320 is shown separately from the clip half in Figure 30.

[0119] The clip half 330 includes an opening 331 onto which the pad 320 fits. The bottom edge 332 of the opening has two upstanding stops 333 (having a generally semi-circular section). The top edge 334 of the opening includes a plurality of troughs 336. The clip half 330 has two (in this embodiment) support ribs 338 which extend across the opening 331 between the bottom 332 and top 334 edges.

[0120] In this embodiment, as well as the upstanding stops 333 on the bottom edge of the opening, a stop 339 is provided on each lateral side 341 of the opening. The stops 333, 339 help to stop the opposing gripping pads from sticking together. The TPE pad 320 has notches 322, 342 to accommodate the bottom and side PP stops.

[0121] Figures 33 to 40 show perspective (closed), perspective (open), top, side, bottom, side, front and rear views of a clip 410 formed according to a further embodiment.

[0122] The clip 410 is similar to the clips 10, 110, 210, 310, except there are fewer components (three instead of four).

[0123] The clip 410 comprises first and second clip halves 425, 430. Each half 425, 430 has a gripping portion 426, 431. Gripping pads 415, 420 are carried on a respective gripping portions 426, 431 .

[0124] Both gripping portions have a plurality (four, in this embodiment) of upstands 433a, 433b, 439a, 439b which prevent the pads 415, 420 from sticking together.

[0125] Referring to Figure 34, the half 425 is provided with two hinge members 427 (only one is shown), each having spaced lugs 428, 429. The half 430 comprises two corresponding hinge members 432, each having spaced lugs 433, 434. The lugs on the members from each part interdigitate with each other. For each hinge member interaction, an outer lug is also seated on an opposing hinge member (see also Figures 36 and 38, for example) and turns thereon.

[0126] Engagement of the hinge members allows the parts to pivot between the positions of Figure 33 and 34 to causes separation and approach of the gripping portions.

[0127] The half 425 also comprises a hook 445 and a display panel 450.

[0128] The clip 410 also comprises a spring clip 460 which acts on the clip halves 425, 430 and biases the gripping pads 415, 420 towards each other. Each half 425, 430 include a slot 480, 481 , which receive the arms of the spring.

[0129] The spring 460 is C-shaped and clips over / around the halves, in between the spaced hinge members. Axially, therefore, the clip extends “over” the hinge.

[0130] Figure 41 shows part 425 with the pad 415 separated and Figure 42 shows the pad 415 attached.

[0131] Figure 43 is an exploded view of the clip 410.

[0132] Figures 44 to 53 illustrate a clip 510 formed according to a further embodiment.

[0133] The clip 510 is similar to the clip 410, except that in this embodiment there are no pads (or upstands) on the gripping portions. Instead, each gripping portion 526, 531 is provided with ribs 565. The ribs 565 on the portions interdigitate when the clip is closed.

[0134] Figures 54 to 61 illustrate a spring 670 formed according to the present invention and suitable for use with clips formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0135] The spring 670 is an elongated C-shape, with two curved arms 671 , 672 joined by a bight 673. At the free end of each arm, a leg 674, 675 is provided. The legs extend outwards from the arms. In this embodiment the spring is formed from a plastics material. Testing showed that a clip formed with the spring 670 could hold a boot up to around 1 kg in weight. Figure 62 shows a specific embodiment of a spring 770, with dimensions marked.

[0136] Figures 56 to 70 illustrate a spring 870 formed according to the present invention and suitable for use with clips formed in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment the spring is formed from a metal material. Testing showed that a clip formed with the spring 870 could hold a boot up to around 2kg in weight.

[0137] Figure 71 shows a specific embodiment of a spring 970, with dimensions marked. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A clip-type footwear hanger comprising first and second clip parts, each clip part comprises a gripping portion, the clip parts are joined together by a hinge arrangement comprising hinge member on each part for allowing relative hinging movement of the parts to cause relative separation and approach of the gripping portions, the hanger comprises a biasing member for biasing the gripping portions towards each other.

2. A hanger as claimed in claim 1 , in which the biasing member axially extends across the axial extent of hinge arrangement.

3. A hanger as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which each clip part has a pair of spaced hinge members and the biasing member extends laterally between them.

4. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each hinge member comprises cooperating lugs.

5. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second clip part comprises a hook.

6. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second clip part comprises a display portion.

7. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the gripping portions comprises elastomeric pads.

8. A hanger as claimed in claim 7, in which the pads are formed from a rubber material.

9. A hanger as claimed in claim 7, in which the pads are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer.

10. A hanger as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, in which the pads are overmoulded onto clip parts.

11. A hanger as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, in which the gripping portions comprise upstands for preventing pads from sticking together.

12. The boot clip of claim 11 , wherein the upstands have a semi-circular section to provide optimal stability.

13. A hanger as claimed in any of claims 7 to 12, in which the pads are separable from their respective clip parts.

14. A hanger as claimed in claim 13, in which the pads are provided with a pull tab to assist separation.

15. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the clip parts are formed from a plastics material.

16. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the clip parts are formed from 100% post-consumer recycled polypropylene17. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the biasing member is a spring.

18. A hanger as claimed in claim 17, in which the spring is generally C-shape.

19. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the biasing member is formed from a metal material.

20. A hanger as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, in which the biasing member is formed from a plastics material.21 . A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the biasing member clips onto the clip parts, over the hinge.

22. A hanger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a first clip half comprises a hinge seat and a second clip part comprises a hinge member that can turn with respect to the hinge seat.

23. A boot clip for hanging boots in retail displays, wherein said boot clip comprises recycled polypropylene clip components and further comprises pads that are bonded to the clip components via overmoulding at the time of manufacture.

24. The boot clip of claim 23, wherein said pads are configured to be removed at the point of recycling via a pullable tab that separates the pad from the plastic, thereby enabling separate recycling of the material of the pad and clip components.

25. A boot clip spring substantially as hereinbefore shown and described in relation to the accompanying drawings.

26. A boot clip spring comprising an elongated C-shape body, with two curved arms joined by a bight, at the free end of each arm a leg extends outwards therefrom.

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