Pants hanger and pants rack comprising the pants hanger

Abstract

A pants rack (1) in a storage system comprises an extendable, rectangular frame (3) with sliders. The pants rack (1) is configured to slide between a retraced position and an extended position and comprises at least one pants hanger (2). Each pants hanger (2) is mounted on the extendable, rectangular frame (3) and comprises a rod (5), which is adapted to extend between two opposite sides of the extendable, rectangular frame (3) in a selectable position. A pants hanger (2) for use in a pants rack (1) comprises a rod (5), and further comprises an attachment clip (4, 4a, 4b) at at least one end of the rod (5). An attachment clip (4, 4a, 4b) for a pants hanger comprises an upper (7a, 7b) and a lower (8, 11) arm for a snap fastening of the clip (4, 4a, 4b) on a support.

Description

[0001] PANTS HANGER AND PANTS RACK COMPRISING THE PANTS HANGER

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a pants rack in a storage system, the pants rack comprising an extendable, rectangular frame with at least one pants hanger, each pants hanger being mounted on the extendable, rectangular frame.

[0004] The disclosure also relates to a pants hanger for use in a pants rack, the pants hanger comprising a rod.

[0005] Finally, the disclosure relates to an attachment clip for a pants hanger.

[0006] Background

[0007] WO2021 / 061683A1 discloses an extendable storage component for a storage system. In particular the storage component may be used as a pants rack, by the provision of a number of bars in the extendable, rectangular frame. Although the storage system may be modular and may include components that are selected and arranged according to the wishes of an end user, the storage components may not be customizable in themselves. This fact reduces the possibility of storing and displaying the stored items in the best way possible. For a pants rack, this may mean that thick pants may be difficult to hang next to one another, since the space between the pants hangers in the pants rack may be insufficient. When one pair of pants is pulled off from its hanger, a pair next to it may be dragged along and fall to the floor. This is a source of irritation and may cause additional work, if the pants, or other items on the pants rack are creased and need to be ironed again. To avoid the problem of items falling off from the pants rack, the user may resort to using only every second pants hanger, since the distance between the items will be larger, and they may not contact one another. However, in this way, the storage space may not be used to its potential.

[0008] Summary

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve, or at least mitigate, parts or all of the above-mentioned problems. To this end, there is provided a pants rack wherein each pants hanger comprises a rod, adapted to extend between two opposite sides of the extendable, rectangular frame in a selectable position.

[0010] Hereby, the number of pants hangers attached to one frame, and the distance between the hangers may be varied according to the user’s wishes. A flexible pants rack may be obtained, suitable for different types of pants or even other items of clothing. The storage is space efficient and attractive, since the pants may be stored with an optimal overview, and the pants rack may be easily retracted to a compact storage position, once the desired pair of pants has been selected.

[0011] In an embodiment each pants hanger is attached to the extendable, rectangular frame with one attachment clip at each of the sides between which the pants hanger extends.

[0012] Hereby the number of pants hangers in the pants rack, and their positions on the extendable, rectangular frame, may be selected according to the user’s needs and wishes.

[0013] In some further embodiments, the attachment clips are adapted to snap onto the extendable, rectangular frame.

[0014] Hereby no special tools nor skills are required for their mounting or demounting on the rectangular frame. The pants rack may hence be easily designed and redesigned by the user according to their varying needs.

[0015] One attachment clip may comprise a hook portion configured to grasp an outer flange of the frame.

[0016] In a further embodiment, each attachment clip comprises an outwardly directed friction pad.

[0017] Hereby the attachment clips and the pants hangers that they hold, may stay in place in their intended position on the extendable, rectangular frame in the storage system, unaffected by any loads caused by the pants hung on the pants hangers or by the forces that may affect the pants hangers, when pants are slid off from them

[0018] In an even further embodiment, the friction pad is elastic.

[0019] Hereby a compressed friction pad may contribute with a reactive force directed outwards in the longitudinal direction of the pants hanger against the rectangular, extendable frame of the pants rack. The connection between the pants hanger and the frame may be enhanced in this way.

[0020] In a second aspect of the disclosure, parts or all of the above-mentioned problems are solved, or at least mitigated, by a pants hanger, which further comprises an attachment clip at each end of the rod.

[0021] Hereby the pants hanger may be well suited for arrangement at an arbitrary position, freely selectable by the user, in the extendable, rectangular frame. The pants hanger may be mounted and dismounted for rearrangement without any tool or special skills. In an embodiment, each attachment clip comprises an outwardly directed friction pad.

[0022] Hereby the ability of the attachment clip to form a secure connection with the rectangular, extendable frame is enhanced.

[0023] In some embodiments the length of the rod in the pants hanger is in the range of 350-450 mm or 450-550 mm.

[0024] Hereby the pants hanger may be easily integrated in a standardized storage system. The pants hangers may be arranged to extend along the direction of movement of the extendable frame or transversal to the direction of movement.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, the attachment clip comprises an upper and a lower arm, for a snap fastening of the clip on a support.

[0026] Hereby the attachment clip may partly enclose the frame of the pants rack, and a simple, yet effective grip on the frame may be realized.

[0027] In an embodiment, the clip is manufactured from a plastic material.

[0028] Hereby an attachment clip with elastic properties may be attained, such that the attachment clip may be easily mounted and demounted on a frame, without the use of specialized tools or skills.

[0029] It is noted that embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied by all possible combinations of features recited in the claims. Further, it will be appreciated that the various embodiments described for the pants rack in a storage system are all combinable with the components as defined in accordance with the second and third aspects of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

[0030] Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

[0032] Fig. 1 is a view in perspective of a pants rack according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 2 is a plan view from above of the pants rack of Fig. 1 ;

[0034] Fig. 3a is a plan view from the front of a pants hanger comprised in the disclosed pants rack;

[0035] Fig. 3b is a side view of the pants hanger of Fig. 3a; Fig. 3c is a perspective view of the pants hanger of Figs. 3a and 3b; and

[0036] Figs. 4a and 4b are sectional views of a frame in the pants rack of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0037] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the embodiments, wherein other parts may be omitted.

[0038] Detailed description of the exemplary embodiments

[0039] Fig. 1 illustrates a pants rack 1 according to the present disclosure. The pants rack 1 is adapted for mounting in a modular storage system, wherein the components may be chosen and arranged according to the wishes of an end user. The pants rack 1 comprises a number of pants hangers 2; in the illustrated pants rack 1 there are ten pants hangers 2. The pants hangers 2 are arranged on an extendable, rectangular frame 3, which is supported in the storage system and arranged with its main plane extending horizontally. In the illustrated case, the frame 3 is provided with sliders 16, known as such and attached to the sides of the frame 3, which sliders 16 may be fixed in a storage system and allows the frame 3 to be slideable horizontally, along the sliders, in the storage system in order to be drawn out therefrom. The pants rack 1 may hence be pulled out to give the user a better view of the pants arranged on the pants hangers 2, and then be pushed back into a storage position, e. g. after a desired pair of pants has been selected from the pants rack 1 . Thus, by the term “extendable” is meant that the frame 3 is provided with a slider mechanism, and that the frame is configured to be slideable from a compact, fully retracted position to a fully extended position, as well as to any partially extended position therebetween. From any fully or partially extended position, the frame 3 is slideable back to the fully retracted position in the storage system. The size of the frame 3 as such is constant.

[0040] As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the pants hangers 2 extend between two opposing sides of the rectangular frame 3. Different embodiments wherein the pants hangers 2 extend either along or transversally to the direction A of motion when the frame 3 is extended and retracted are possible, thus between short sides or long sides of a rectangular frame 3. For this reason, different lengths of hangers may be manufactured.

[0041] The pants hangers 2 are fixed on the extendable, rectangular frame by means of attachment clips 4, 4a, 4b. In Figs. 1 and 2, one attachment clip 4 is arranged at each end of the respective pants hangers 2. The number of pants hangers 2 arranged on the frame 3 and the distance between the hangers 2 are freely selectable by the end user. In the preferred embodiments, the attachment clips 4 may be mounted and demounted easily, without the use of tools, by application of a reasonable amount of force by a person without any specialized skills. Hereby the position of each pants hanger 2 on the frame 3 is selectable and readjustable in accordance with the needs and preferences of the user. By placing pants hangers 2 close to one another, more pants hangers 2 may fit on the frame 3, but the space between the pants hangers 2 will be smaller, and only thin pants may be accommodated on the shelves 2. Accommodation of thicker pants or several layers of pants, etc. may require that the pants hangers be placed at a larger distance from one another.

[0042] In Fig. 3a one exemplary hanger 2 is shown in a plan view. The hanger 2 comprises a rod 5 and an attachment clip 4a, 4b at the respective ends of the rod 5.

[0043] In Fig. 3b, the hanger is shown from one end side, where the attachment clip 4a is seen in a mounted position on the rod 5 and obscures the rest of the hanger 2.

[0044] Fig. 3c shows the hanger 2 in perspective, such that both attachment clips 4a, 4b are seen. One of the attachment clips 4a has a snap part 6, which is designed for gripping around three sides of the frame 3. In the embodiment which is shown in Fig. 3c, the attachment clip 4b, at the opposite end of the hanger 2, has a supporting function which will be described in detail below.

[0045] Figs. 4a and 4b show sections of the frame 3. Fig 4a shows the cross section through the frame 3a at the front part thereof, having an upper 17 and a lower 18 flange, projecting outwards, and a mid portion 19 therebetween. The outer distance between the upper and lower flanges 17, 18 may be approximately 20 mm.

[0046] Fig 4b illustrates the cross section through the rear part and the side parts of the frame 3b which parts may be formed from a single sheet metal bar bent into a II- shape. This cross section also comprises upper 13 and lower 15 flanges projecting outwards, and an interconnecting mid portion therebetween that may be provided with a longitudinal indentation 14, also projecting outwards.

[0047] The second attachment clip 4b has a support part 10. The support part 10 forms an upper hook portion 7b, for grasping the end of the upper flange 13 of the frame 3 illustrated in fig 4b. A lower support 11 is arranged to keep the clip 4b from unintentionally moving upwards from the frame 3, by entering and remaining in contact with the longitudinal indention 14 on the frame 3. The snap part 6 of the first attachment clip 4a is configured to extend along an inner side of the frame portion 3a. Upwards, the snap part 6 forms an upper arm 7a, which is configured to rest on the upper flange 17 of the frame 3 front part. The snap part 6 further extends downwards into a lower arm 8 with a bend 9. The bend 9 snaps past and contacts the lower flange 18 surface of the frame 3. This makes the snap part 6 grasp the front part of the frame portion 3a, keeping the hanger 2 in place. In some embodiments, not shown in the drawings, a longitudinal ridge or indentation may be provided on the lower flange 18, to further improve the grip of the bend 9 with the lower flange 18. In some embodiments the lower flange 18 may be surface friction treated, e. g. blasted, coated or provided with a pad, in order to increase the friction, and thereby improve the grip of the bend 9. A corresponding surface treatment may be performed on other parts of the frame 3a, 3b, such as on the flanges 13, 15,17 to increase the friction between the frame 3a, 3b, and other parts 7a, 7b of the attachment clips 4a, 4b.

[0048] The lower arm 8 may be actuated such that the bend 9 temporarily changes its position and the snap part 6 may be loosened from its position on the frame 3.

[0049] The snap part 6 or the support part 10, and preferably both these parts, each may include a friction pad 12 on their respective outwardly facing ends, directed away from the rod 5. The friction pad 12 has a high friction. Preferably it is also elastically compressible, i.e. if it has been compressed, it will strive to return to its original thickness. This may increase the friction further, and the pants hanger 2 may be further secured in its mounted position on the frame 3 of the pants rack 1. Suitable materials for the friction pad 12 may be e. g. rubber, a rubber-like elastomer, a thick, felt-like textile material, etc.

[0050] Mounting of the attachment clip 4 on the frame 3 may be performed by positioning the hook portion 7b of the second attachment clip 4b in a desired position on the upper flange 13 of the frame ponton 3b, and then pressing the snap part 6 on the first attachment clip 4a in the direction of the inside of the frame 3a. The bend 9 and the lower arm 8 will temporarily yield, and the first attachment clip 4a will snap into its mounted position. A demounting of the pants hanger 2 may be performed by actuating the lower arm 8 such that the bend 9 moves out of its original, locking position, while the attachment clip 4a is moved upwards, and the snap part is released from the frame 3.

[0051] The disclosure has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended patent claims.

[0052] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

Claims1 . A pants rack (1 ) in a storage system, the pants rack (1 ) comprising an extendable, rectangular, horizontally arranged frame (3) comprising sliders and being configured to slide horizontally along the sliders between a retracted position and an extended position, the pants rack (1 ) comprising at least one pants hanger (2), each pants hanger (2) being mounted on the extendable, rectangular frame (3) characterized in that each pants hanger (2) comprises a rod (5), adapted to extend between two opposite sides of the extendable, rectangular frame (3) in a selectable position.

2. Pants rack (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each pants hanger (2) is attached to the extendable, rectangular, horizontally arranged frame (3) with one attachment clip (4a, 4b) in a selectable position at each of the sides between which the respective pants hanger (2) extends.

3. Pants rack (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the attachment clips (4a, 4b) are adapted to snap onto the extendable, rectangular frame (3).

4. Pants rack (1 ) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein one attachment clip (4b) comprises a hook portion (7b) configured to grasp an upper flange (13) of the frame (3).

5. Pants rack (1 ) according to any of claims 2-4, wherein each attachment clip (4a, 4b) comprises an outwardly directed friction pad (12).

6. Pants rack (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the friction pad (12) is elastic.

7. Pants rack (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one flange (18) on the frame is surface friction treated for improving the grip of at least one of the attachment clips (4a, 4b)8. Pants hanger (2) for use in a pants rack (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 7, the pants hanger (2) comprising a rod (5), characterized in that the pants hanger (2) further comprises an attachment clip (4a, 4b) at at least one end of the rod (5).

9. Pants hanger (2) according to claim 7, wherein each attachment clip (4a, 4b) comprises an outwardly directed friction pad (12).

10. Pants hanger (2) according to claim 8, wherein the friction pad (12) is elastic.11 . Pants hanger (2) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the length of the rod (5) is in the range of 350-450 mm.

12. Pants hanger (2) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the length of the rod (5) is in the range of 450-550 mm.

13. An attachment clip (4, 4a, 4b) for a pants hanger, characterized in that it comprises an upper (7a) and a lower (8) arm, for a snap fastening of the clip (4, 4a) on a support.

14. Attachment clip (4, 4a, 4b) according to claim 12, wherein the clip (4, 4a, 4b) is manufactured from a plastic material.

Images