Hanger apparatus and method of mounting the same

[0002] The present invention relates to a hanger apparatus or hanging article such as clothing, towels, etc. The present invention further relates to a method of mounting the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a hanger apparatus capable of being mounted in a door frame or directly to a wall and having a plurality of independently movable hanger bars.

[0003] Individuals are often searching for additional space in their homes to hang articles of clothing (such as coats, towels and other articles) due to a lack of closet space or overcrowded closets or simply for organization or ease of access in a specific location.

[0004] One solution to the need for extra hanging space is disclosed in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,212 entitled “MODULAR ARTICLE SUPPORT UNIT” issued to myself on Jan. 26, 1988. This patent discloses a modular article support unit comprising an elongated tubular member adapted to be removably attached to the hinge pins of a door by means of adjustable brackets. Said elongated tubular member having a plurality of holes along the length thereof for removably attaching several different types of support devices such as coat hooks, towel racks, bulletin boards and mirrors. While this invention has adequately served the need for hanging space for several years, there are some disadvantages with the same. For example, the modular article support unit must be mounted in a fixed location, i.e., in the hinges of a door. This limits an individual's ability to locate the support unit in any desired location. Further, the support devices attached to the support unit are likewise limited in that they are fixedly mounted thereto. The present invention overcomes these problems and disadvantages in the prior art hanger apparatuses.

[0005] The present invention comprises a hanger apparatus and method of mounting the same. The hanger apparatus comprises two end poles each having an angled mounting bracket thereto. Mounted between each end pole are a plurality of middle poles or spacers and a plurality of hanger bars pivotably mounted between the end poles and middle poles. The angled brackets of the end poles are situated in such a manner to allow flexibility and ease in mounting the hanger apparatus of the present invention in a door jam or door frame at any location along the door frame and along either side of the door frame without interfering with use of the door. The angled brackets further allow the hanger apparatus to be mounted directly to a wall.

[0006] Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a hanger apparatus that is flexible in mounting, as well as easy to mount.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide independently movable hanger bars on the hanger apparatus of the present invention.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a hanger apparatus which is capable of mounting to a door frame without interfering with the use of a door.

[0009] Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.

[0010] A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded front plan view of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded front plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded front plan view of another an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 2 in use mounted in a door frame.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 3 in use mounted in a door frame.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use mounted to a wall.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an end pole of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a front plan view of the end pole of FIG. 7.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a top plan view of the end pole of FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom plan view of the end pole of FIG. 8.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a left side plan view of the end pole of FIG. 8.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a right side plan view of the end pole of FIG. 8.

[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of the present invention mounted to a wall.

[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a top plan view of the present invention mounted to a door frame.

[0025] While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiment illustrated.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention 10 comprising two end poles 15 and 20 each having an angled mounting bracket 25 and 30, respectively. Mounted between the end poles are a plurality of middle poles 40. Positioned between the middle poles and end poles are a plurality of hanger bars 80 having ball caps 90. Each of the adjacent end poles and middle poles are fastened together via dowel screws 50 which pass through a hole in the ends of the hanger bars 80. As such, hanger bars 80 are free to be pivoted about the dowel screws 50 and thus about the pole axis A. Washers 60 are provided on dowel screws 50 between the poles and the hanger bars to allow for ease of movement of the hanger bars. Angled mounting brackets 25 and 30 are suitably mounted in a door frame or to a wall by mounting screws 70.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention 10 wherein the hanger bars are of various lengths illustrated by hanger bars 80, 80a,80b,80cand 80d,each decreasing in length respectively. However, it should be understood that hanger bars 80 could be any length and could be placed in any order along the poles 15, 20 and 40. Further, it should be understood that the present invention could accommodate any number of hanger bars of any size and shape.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention 10 wherein middle poles 40 have been replaced by a plurality of spacer elements 100 and dowel screws 50 have been replaced by a dowel rod 110. This embodiment allows a greater number of hanger bars 80 to be attached to the invention 10. In this embodiment, hanger bars 80 do not include ball caps 90 for ease in placing and removing articles therefrom.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates the present invention 10 mounted to a door frame wherein the angled mounting brackets 25 and 30 of end poles 15 and 20, respectively, are positioned between the door 5aand its frame 6aand secured thereto by mounting screws 70. Wall 5bis illustrated for reference. As such, the invention 10 angles away from door 5ato a position in line with and in close proximity of the door frame (see FIG. 14). In this manner, the hanger apparatus of the present invention is located in a position which will be free from interference from the door 5awhen in use. The hanger bars 80 of the present invention receive an article 150 such as clothing and can be pivoted to any location about the pole axis A. The pivoting feature of the hanger bars 80 allow the bars 80 to rotate with the door should the bars be in a position which would come into contact with the door when the door is open. In this manner, the bars simply pivot with the door and the articles 150 remain on the hanger apparatus of the present invention.

[0030] Similarly, FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention mounted into a door frame with angle brackets 25 and 30 being positioned between door 5aand its frame 6a.It should be understood that the hanger apparatus of the present invention could be suitably mounted at any location along the door frame. This provides greater flexibility, for example, the apparatus could be hung toward the bottom of the door frame to allow easy reach for children.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention 10 in use mounted directly to a wall. As can be seen, angled brackets 25 and 30 of end poles 15 and 20, respectively, attach directly to a wall 5b.In this manner, end poles 15, 20 and middle poles 40 are spaced away from the wall a distance defined by the angled bracket, and hanger bars 80 are free to rotate about the pole axis A.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates the end pole 20 having angled bracket 30. End pole 20 includes a bore 120 for receiving a dowel screw 50 or a dowel rod 110 therein. Angled bracket 30 includes a screw hole 130 for receiving a mounting screw therethrough. It should be understood that end pole 20 is equivalent to end pole 15 in all respects other than the angled brackets 30 and 25, respectively, wherein the angled brackets 25 and 30 have opposite bends in the angled bracket or a mirror image bend. This is necessary so that the end poles 15 and 20 can cooperate to mount the invention properly.

[0033] FIGS. 8 through 12 illustrate front, top, bottom, left side and right side views, respectively, of end pole 20 having angled bracket 30. End pole 20 includes bore 120, and bracket 30 includes hole 130. As can be seen in FIGS. 8-10, the angle bracket 30 includes a first portion extending substantially perpendicular to end pole 20 and an angled portion extending at an angle from the first portion which is mounted to end pole 20.

[0034] Preferably, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the angle of the brackets between the first portion and the angled portion is preferably approximately 135° (angle x) such that when the angled portion is mounted to a wall 5b(FIG. 13), for example, the end pole and the attached portion of the bracket extend away from the wall 5bat an angle of approximately 45° (angle Y). Similarly, when the angled bracket 30 is mounted to a door frame 6a(FIG. 14), the end pole 20 and first portion of the angled bracket extend away from the door and outward in front of the door frame at an angle of approximately 45° (angle Y).

[0035] It is to be understood that the embodiments herein described are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope from the claims which follow.