Articulating hook apparatus for hanging an article from a variety of structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hanging devices require a flat surface to function effectively, limiting their usability in public places lacking such surfaces, and may also cause damage to soft items due to locking mechanisms or accidental hooking.
Innovation Solution
An articulating hook apparatus with a disk-shaped housing and retractable connectors that allow the links and hooks to fold within cut sections, enabling both J- and S-shaped configurations for hanging articles from various structures, including those with uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing hangers use a base to rest on a flat surface, then they can stably support handbags, but they cannot be used in public places lacking flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the support function into two separate connectors instead of relying on a single flat base. Each connector can independently engage with different types of structures (flat surfaces, protrusions, edges), allowing the device to adapt to various public place environments without requiring a complete flat surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed with multi-functional capability to engage with diverse structures including flat surfaces, protrusions, and edges. This universal engagement capability allows the same device to be used across different public places with varying surface characteristics, eliminating the limitation of requiring exclusively flat surfaces.
2Reliability
If hangers include locking means to secure links, then they can hold handbags securely, but the locking means may get stuck with other objects and tear soft articles
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful locking means that causes damage to soft articles is completely removed from the design. Instead of using locking mechanisms that can get stuck and tear materials, the patent relies on the structural geometry of the connectors and links to provide secure engagement through friction and mechanical interlocking, eliminating the source of damage while maintaining holding security.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates an intermediary engagement mechanism that mediates between the need for secure holding and the risk of damage. The connector's geometry provides a gradual engagement path that distributes force evenly, preventing sudden jerks or pinching that could damage soft articles while still achieving reliable handbag securing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the articulating hook extends to connect to structures, then it can hang articles from various surfaces, but it increases the risk of accidentally hooking other objects when carried
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are designed to be dynamically controllable - they can be extended when needed for hanging and retracted when not in use. This dynamic capability allows users to adapt the device's profile to the situation, extending connectors only when engaging with structures, and retracting them during carrying to minimize the risk of accidental hooking while maintaining full adaptability when required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides a versatile solution for hanging articles from diverse surfaces, supports large masses in a J-shaped configuration, and folds compactly for easy storage and transport, reducing the risk of accidental hooking or damage.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of links (36) connect pivotally to each other in series
Implementation Method 2
The connectors (56, 78) extend from the housing (20) and operate between an extended position (58, 80) and a retracted position (60, 82)
Implementation Method 3
A friction pad (30) made of a rubber or plastic material is attached to the bottom of the housing (20) and frictionally engages the table
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating hook apparatus for hanging an article from a structure includes a housing. The hook apparatus having connectors that extend from the housing. Each of the connectors including a plurality of links that connect pivotally to each other in series. The plurality of links having a starting link and a last link. The starting link connects to respective connectors. The last link connects to an articulating hook. The connectors operate between a retracted position and an extended position. The connectors retract and allow the plurality of links and the hooks to fold adjacent to the perimeter of the housing. The connectors enable both a “J”- and an “S”-shaped configuration.