Pivoting Hanger Hook Assembly for Compact Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment hangers are not suitable for both retail and e-commerce channels, as they require physical force to change the hook position, which can lead to breakage and increased shipping costs due to inefficient packaging.
Innovation Solution
A hanger with a sturdy, compact hook attachment pivotably connected to the hanger body, using a flexible finger member for easy movement between vertical and horizontal positions, reducing the force required for engagement and disengagement, and incorporating a sizer tab for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hook is made movable between vertical and horizontal positions using ribs and detents as in prior art, then the hanger can be compacted for shipping, but serious force is required to separate the ribs from detents which can break the plastic hanger body
Solution Approach 1:
The hook attachment is divided into separate components: a hook attachment member with detents and a separate drum with ribs. This segmentation allows the hook to be moved between vertical and horizontal positions by rotating the drum, while the modular design prevents stress concentration that could break the integrated plastic body in prior art designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The detents and ribs serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the hook attachment and the hanger body. The detents on the hook attachment member engage with corresponding features on the drum, providing a mechanical interface that allows position change without requiring force that would break the plastic hanger body.
2Reliability
If the hook attachment structure is made sturdy to prevent breakage, then the hanger can withstand repeated use, but the force required to move the hook between positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook attachment uses a dynamic locking mechanism where the detents and ribs engage to hold the hook in vertical position during use, but can be easily disengaged by rotating the drum to horizontal position. This dynamic design provides both durability during operation and ease of repositioning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the engagement parameter between locked and unlocked states. When the drum rotates, the ribs move relative to the detents, changing from an engaged state (providing structural strength) to a disengaged state (allowing easy movement). This parameter change enables the structure to be both sturdy and easy to operate.
3Volume of moving object
If the hanger is designed for dimensional packaging to reduce shipping costs, then shipping efficiency improves, but the hook must be movable which complicates the hanger structure
Solution Approach 1:
The drum component serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural element of the hanger body, provides the rotating mechanism for hook position change, and includes the ribs that engage with detents for locking. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying the overall structure while enabling dimensional packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook attachment member is merged with the hanger body through the drum structure, creating an integrated assembly that can be molded as a single piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components that would need to be packaged separately, improving shipping efficiency while maintaining the movable hook functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A garment hanger with a hook either metal or plastic that moves between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. The body of the hanger having mounts that allow for the attachment of an assembly containing a hanger hook which allows hook movement either vertical or horizontal to help in footprint reduction of hanger creating space savings in packaging and transport. A size indicator has been developed to fit over this hook assembly and still allow the folding of the hook.