WO2025166427A1

WO2025166427A1 - Clothes hangers or clothing hangers

Info

Publication number: WO2025166427A1
Application number: PCT/AU2025/050101
Authority: WO
Inventors: Da Li Li
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-02-10
Filing date: 2025-02-10
Publication date: 2025-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-10

Abstract

Aspects herein are directed to a clothing hanger that allows for quick connecting and suspending with the use of any suitably sized cord preconfigured with a knot. Some embodiments of the clothing hanger generally comprise a hanger body having a central portion, a first arm and a second arm for supporting clothing. In some embodiments, the clothing hanger further comprises at least one of the connection components to allow quick connecting with a cord. The connection component is an open duct structure in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the connection component is a structure with a receiving opening on a surface and at least surface that forms nesting space to generally house a knot portion of the cord. Some embodiments of the clothing hanger generally comprise a hanger body and a cord to carry and suspend the clothing hanger. The cord may be releasably connected to a connection component or tied to the hanger body using at least a hole. In some embodiments, a user may use one hand to thread and connect a cord to carry or suspend the clothing hanger.

Description

CLOTHES HANGERS OR CLOTHING HANGERS

BACKGROUND

Clothing hangers are often used in everyday life. Many people may like to use clothing hangers to dry their wet clothes. Traditional clothing hangers generally comprise a hook that is integrally formed or attached to the hanger body and may require shorter uses to get a step ladder to use in some of the many occasions clothing hangers are used. The additional steps of purchasing a step ladder, looking for the step ladder, having going to pick it up, and safely setting up the step ladder again may be time-consuming, inconvenient, and risky. Further, many traditional clothing hangers have open hooks that may be easily blown off on windy days from the support structure where it had been hung. Also, wet clothes are heavier and may cause certain parts of the fabric in a garment to stretch more, causing bumps or notches in the garment. Another problem is that traditional hangers generally cause the sleeve and armpit portions and/or side of garment to be touching together when hung, resulting in longer drying times and wrinkles. Therefore, a clothing hanger that overcomes some or all of these disadvantages would be a welcomed advance in the art.

SUMMARY

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of at least some of its aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention and/or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.

Aspects of this invention relate to a clothing hanger comprising a hanger body having a central portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a connection component tab for quickly connecting and suspending with any suitably sized cord. The central portion may have a first arm portion integrally formed or attachable to a first side and a second arm portion integrally formed or attachable to to the opposite second side for supporting garments. The connection component tab may be attachable to or integrally formed with the central portion and may extend generally downwardly from the central portion. In some embodiments, a clothing hanger may include a hanger body having a central portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and an object housing groove portion. The object housing groove portion may be attachable to or integral formed with the hanger body and may be positioned at a location that is easily accessible for a user. The hanger body may have a connection component. The object housing groove portion may include at least a bulge.

In another aspect, the invention may be a clothing hanger system comprising: a hanger body comprising an upper surface; a connection component tab comprising a distal end and a proximal end integrally formed with the upper surface of the hanger body for connecting with any suitably sized cord; a cord for carrying and suspending the hanger body via the connection component tab. The hanger body may have a hole on the upper surface of the central portion to attached the cord.

In yet another aspect, the invention may be a clothing hanger comprising a hanger body comprising a central portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a connection component open duct for quickly connecting with any suitably sized cord preconfigured with at least a knot without a loop portion formed. The central portion may also have a front surface, top surface, and back surface. Each arm portion may be elongated and attachable or integrally formed with the central portion. The central portion may also have an aperture for receiving the suitably sized cord. The open duct may be positioned at a location that allows the suspended clothing hanger to be in generally balanced orientation.

In some embodiments, a clothing hanger may include a hanger body having a connection component comprising a nesting part and two tabs for connecting with any suitable sized cord with just a knot or bead attached and also having a loop or cord configured with a loop portion connection function. The connection component may be attachable to or integrally formed with the hanger body. The connection component may be positioned generally on a central region of the hanger body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 2 is an environmental view of the clothing hanger of FIG. 1, as used with a macrame hanger.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line IE- IE in FIG. 3 of the clothing hanger shown in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the clothing hanger of FIG. 7, as used with a different macrame hanger.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an another embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the clothing hanger in FIG. 9 in a shorter length configuration.

FIG. 11 is an environmental view of the clothing hangers of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, as used with a rotary clothesline.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an another embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a back view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 12

FIG. 21 is an environmental view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 12, as used with a rotary clothesline illustrating the adjustable length suspension system.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the connection component used in the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 depicts an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 28 is a back view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 is a close-up view of a central portion of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an open duct that is a connection component of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the open duct connection component of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 32 illustrates an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a back view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the open duct connection component shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the open duct connection component shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of another different embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 40 is an environmental view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 39, as used with a macrame hanger.

FIG. 41 is a front view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 39. FIG. 42 is a back view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 45 depicts a front view of yet another embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 46 is a back view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 48 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 49 depicts a front view of a different embodiment of a clothing hanger in accordance with aspects herein.

FIG. 50 is a back view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 52 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger shown in FIG. 49.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the illustrative embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto. Where there is a conflict in the language used throughout the specification, the definition and use of the terminology in the section of the specification describing embodiments that are relevant to the particular claims at issue controls.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-4 concurrently, a first illustrative embodiment of a clothing hanger 100 is depicted in accordance with at least some aspects of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the clothing hanger 100 in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 2 is an environmental view of the clothing hanger 100, as used with a macrame hanger. FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger 100. FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger 100. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clothing hanger 100 taken along line 1E-1E in FIG. 3. The clothing hanger 100 generally comprises a hanger body 102 having a central portion 103, a first arm 104, and a second arm 105. The central portion 103 may include a grooved zone 107, a tab 110, a nesting part 118, and a hole 151. In the exemplified embodiment of FIG. 1, the central portion 103 of the hanger body 102 comprises upper and rear surfaces, which may be substantially curved. The shape of the central portion 103, when viewed from the front, is somewhat semi-elliptical. Of course, the central portion 103 may be configured with a generally rectangular-shape, or somewhat triangular- shape, or any other traditional construction commonly used in the art.

The hanger body 102 also comprises said first arm 104 and said second arm 105 which may be attached to or integrally formed to the central portion 103. The first arm 103 may extend from the first side of the central portion in an outward direction. Each of the arms 104 and 105 may be elongated and comprise a curved upper surface and curved rear surface for supporting clothing. Of course, in other embodiments, each of the arms 104 and 105 may be structured and/or configured with any traditional construction commonly used in the art. That is, in other embodiments, any arm or arm portion may be a substantially flat surface or a different curved surface. It is contemplated herein that at least one of the arms may be a separate component that may be attached to the central portion 103 with a joint, and/or fastener, and/or glue, or any other traditional means commonly used in the woodwork, and the like. That is, in many contemplated aspects and embodiments, the hanger body 102 may be composed of a plurality of separate parts that may be connected or assembled to form the hanger body 102.

The hanger body 102 may further comprise the grooved zone 107 to further help create or define a space with the tab 110 and/or nesting part 118 for receiving or connecting, releasably securing or holding, disconnecting or releasing a portion (of cord, rope, or the like) of a macrame hanger M (shown in FIG. 2), or loop, and the like. In aspects, the grooved zone 107 may be generally positioned on the central portion 103 of the hanger body 102. In some embodiments, the position of a section of the grooved zone 107 may also be adjacent or beneath the tab 110 (i.e, a first component of a quick-connect and/or quick-release mechanism) and the nesting part 118 (i.e., another functional component of a quick-connect and/or quick-release mechanism) of a connection system. The positioning of the grooved zone 107 beneath the tab 110 and the nesting part 118 may, in some embodiments, allow even the highest points of the nesting part 118 and tab 110 to be positioned at a lower elevation with respect to adjacent surface(s) of the central portion 103 of the hanger body 102 and may be beneficial to a user when placing a garment on such embodiments. The grooved zone 107 may lead into or transition into the adjacent upper surface 108 of the hanger body 102. The groove zone 107 may extend inwardly from the upper surface 108 of the hanger body 102 such that the middle region of the grooved zone 107 is below the elevation of the highest point of upper surface 108, which the grooved zone 107 is nearest and connected to. The centres of grooved zone 107, tab 110, and nesting part 118 may be in a linear vertical alignment with one another in or on the central portion 103 of the hanger body 102. In the exemplified embodiment, the grooved zone 107 is integrally formed with the hanger body 102. It is contemplated herein, in other embodiments, that the grooved zone 107 may be a separate component that may be optionally attached via joint(s) and/or fastener(s), and the like to the hanger body 102. The grooved zone 107 may be formed by constructing a mould with the appropriate configuration to make this shape or structure integral with the hanger body 102, or the grooved zone 107 may be constructed by any other processes known in the art. Also contemplated herein, in embodiments where the hanger body 102 is formed without the grooved zone 107, there will be at least an aperture in or adjacent to the general region where the grooved zone 107 would have been in the hanger body 102. The alternate embodiments with an aperture instead of a grooved zone 107 enable the hanger to be manufactured with less material and make it easier to stack and/or suspend with other hanger(s) in a series. Of course, the grooved zone 107 may be excluded from the hanger body 102, and structure of the tab 110 and/or the nesting part 118 of the hanger body 102 may be altered and/or positioned also to allow the tab 110 to be connected and suspended to a part of the macrame hanger M.

The embodiment of the connection system illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises the grooved zone 107 in the hanger body 102, the tab 110, and the nesting part 118 which are configured to allow the hanger body 102 to be releasably secured with an adjustable length suspension mechanism, which may be, for example, many different sized cords, lines, ropes, wires, straps, chains, loops, and the like. This particular embodiment of the connection system allows a user to connect or couple or releasably secure the clothing hanger 100 with a cord configured with just a knot (without a looped portion or a cord with a bead or the like attached) and a cord configured with a looped portion. This connection between the clothing hanger 100 and an environmental cord or the like may be done quickly without additional tying of the environmental cord and the like. This quick connection system may be used and performed by many users with only one hand. It is contemplated herein that the connection system may be formed without the grooved zone 107 by changing the size and/or angle the nesting part is connected to the hanger body 102. It is also contemplated herein that the connection system may simply consist of the tab 110 by altering the size and/or shape and/or angle in which the tab 110 is connected to the central portion 103 of the hanger body 102. It is also contemplated herein, that numerous alterations may be utilised to change the shape and/or structure and/or configuration of any one of the connection components as desired, so long as each provides the desired function of allowing the hanger body 102 to be releasably connected to a cord (preconfigured with a knot and/or a looped portion) and/or other quickly adjustable length suspension mechanism, and the like.

With reference to FIG. 5, the tab 110 comprises a distal end 111, a proximal end 112, a front surface 113, and an opposite rear surface 114. The proximal end 112 of the tab 110 may be integrally connected to the bottom portion of the nesting part 118. In some embodiments, where the nesting part 118 is omitted, the tab 110 may be integrally formed or attachable directly to the central portion 103 for forming for structure or component capable of quickly connecting with a preconfigured cord or the like having a knot (bead, stopper, or the like) and/or loop portion. The distal end 111 of the tab 110 is spaced a distance D3 from the portion of the grooved zone 107 vertically aligned directly below. The distance D3 is configured to allow easier connecting/ coupling or disconnecting/decoupling of the connection system of the hanger 100. The tab 110 may have a similar curvature to that the upper surface 108 of hanger body 102 that the tab 110 is nearest or adjacent to. The tab 110 is slightly curved (shown in FIG. 5). The tab 110 may be shaped similarly to adjacent surfaces mainly for aesthetic benefits. The invention, of course, is not limited by the shape of the tab, and other shapes may be used as would be known to persons skilled in the art. For example, the tab could simply be a straight tab extending downwardly for slidable mating with at least an edge of the cord 130 or the like, as described below. In other embodiments, the shape of the tab may be straight even if the shape of the adjacent upper surface is curved. The tab 110 may be integrally formed with the hanger/hanger body 102 structure formed one way by configuring a mould to have the necessary structure to create the desired structure from plastic, metal, wood, or the like. Of course, other materials and formation techniques can be used, including the milling and/or lathing of plastics, matrix materials, or any other material capable of withstanding the required load-bearing requirements. Moreover, while in some embodiments, the tab 110 of the hanger 100 may be rigid in nature, it may be constructed so as to be flexible if desired. It is contemplated herein that the tab 110 alone may allow a cord 130 to be coupled with the hanger, therefore other considered embodiments may leave out the nesting part 118 for the additional benefit it contributes to the coupling mechanism. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-4, a somewhat U-shaped nesting part 118 is provided at a proximal end 112 of the tab 110 and extends between the tab 110 to the hanger body 102 for the connecting or coupling by engaging of a surface of any suitably sized cord, part of macrame hanger, wire, loop, chain link, carabiner, and the like. The nesting part may have two cone- shaped holes 119 on opposite sides which extend from the bottom towards the top of the nesting part for the purpose of improving the reliability of the coupling mechanism to reduce the chance of an unintentional decoupling/releasing of any connected cord, rope (of macrame hanger), loop, or the like. Another function of the cone-shaped holes 119 is that it may be suitable for use with a larger number of cords with different widths/diameters. The nesting part 118 configured with a gradual narrowing structure from a larger width of D2 to a smaller width of DI formed by the cone-shaped holes 119 may allow any cord or the like that is of wider width than DI to get slightly stuck and thereby adding to the functionality of the connection system utilised in this particular embodiment. Furthermore, the benefit to a user of having an embodiment with a nesting part 118 that is structured having holes 119 with tapering widths is when any cord or the like gets slightly stuck, it will move in unison with hanger embodiments that have this aspect as part of the utilised connection system or coupling mechanism. Although the nesting part 118 of this embodiment is described as having a substantially U-shaped structure, in other embodiments the shape of the structure nesting part 118 may be of a different shape, which may include a M- shaped, spherical shape, rectangular prism shape, cube-shape, or even more complex and/or organic shaped structure may be used if desired. Similarly, also contemplated herein, each of the cone-shaped holes 119 shown in the FIG. 5 may in many other embodiments be in a rectangular, triangular, or other geometric shape if desired. In this embodiment, the upper adjacent surfaces of the central portion 103 of the hanger body 102 curves slightly downward to connect with the nesting part 118 so that the top portion of the nesting part 118 is below the adj acent surfaces of the central portion 103 of hanger body 102 for the purpose of reducing a chance that the nesting part 118 may in circumstances cause a bump or notch in clothing placed on the hanger 100.

The nesting part 118 is may be made of a rigid material so that it can suspend the hanger 100 in a predetermined position that maintains a balanced orientation of the hanger 100 and also allows any cord (usually of lesser width/diameter than d2 but also with certain material cords a width/ diameter larger than D2 may be used) used to get slightly stuck more firmly. In other words, it may be better that a user is able to get a portion of any cord in, for example, a macrame hanger, slightly stuck between the edges/surfaces formed by the cone-shaped holes 119 of the nesting part 118 when connecting or coupling and suspending the hanger.

The connecting of the hanger 100 and any cord, rope, and the like commonly found in households may be achieved by sliding a portion of cord which has been configured with a knot and/or loop between the tab 110 and the grooved zone 107 and continuing to pull up until the commonly found cord reaches the nesting part 118. Alternatively, if the user’s hand is of sufficient size, while holding the hanger 100 in one hand, the user may move the hanger 100 so that the space between the distal end 111 of the tab 110 and the grooved zone 107 is in close proximity to a portion of cord which is desired to be used for suspending the hanger 100 and pushing the portion of the cord between the space with a finger (thumb or index) then allowing or moving the clothing hanger generally downwards so that a portion of the cord is nesting between the nesting part 118. In aspects, the nesting part 118 may be integrally formed with hanger body 102 may be made large enough to accommodate a variety of commonly available cords, loops, chains, carabiners, and the like of various widths which the inventive connection system or coupling mechanism is to be used. In some embodiments, the thickness of the material, and hence its rigidity, must be chosen so that the nesting part 118 is sufficiently strong to avoid deformation and/or breaking under the load of the hanger 100 and any garment resting thereon.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger body 102 further comprises a hole 150 configured to provide the hanger 100 with the function to relatively more fixedly connect any cord, line, and the like. The hole 150 may be positioned on the upper surface 108 of the hanger body 102 adjacent to the nesting part 118 in a direction further away from the tab 110. The hole 150 in the hanger body 102 may be circular in shape, but in other embodiments, it may take on any other shape as desired.

FIGS. 1-4 shows a clothing hanger 100 designed for use with garments by users with a macrame hanger, any wire or line for hanging, and the like. This embodiment does not utilise a cord member. Instead, this embodiment only utilises the tab 110, the nesting part 118, and the grooved zone 107, which may be all integrally formed in the hanger body 102, having central portion 103, first arm 104 and second arm 105. Although not shown in detail, it is contemplated herein that in alternative embodiments, the hanger body 102 may have each portion (central and arm) as separate structures or parts that may be assembled to form a clothing hanger similar to clothing hanger 100 as well as many other embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a clothing hanger 200 in accordance with aspects herein. The clothing hanger 200 is similar to clothing hanger 100 except that it also comprises a cord 260 (component or member). That is, the clothing hanger 200 comprises a hanger body 202 having a central portion 203, a first arm 204, a second arm 205, a grooved zone 207, a tab 210, a nesting part 218, a hole 250, and a cord 260. To avoid redundancy, only the additional part(s) are described in detail herein with the understanding that many aspects in the two embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 are identical.

The cord 260 may be attached to the hanger body 202 via the hole 250 by threading an end of the cord 260 through the upper surface 208 and tying at least a knot that is large enough to prevent the portion of the cord 260 from completely moving through and out of the hole 250. Another knot and/or loop may be formed with another portion of the cord 160 that is closer to the opposite end from which the cord was threaded through the hole 250. The attached cord 260 having been configured with a knot and/or loop may from that point on help a user more easily carry and/or quickly connect to suspend the clothing hanger 101. The length of the distance between the closet rod, tree branch, or the like, and the hanger body 202 may be adjustable by wrapping another portion the cord 260 around the example rod or branch as many times as allowed by the cord to still be able to connect to the connection component s) of the hanger body 202 and desired by the user. That is, the clothing hanger 200 comprises an adjustable length suspension system.

Referring to FIG. 7, a clothing hanger 300, according to another embodiment, is shown. That is, FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the clothing hanger 300 in accordance with aspects herein. The clothing hanger 300 generally comprises a hanger body having a central portion 303, a first arm 304, a second arm 305, an aperture 307, a tab 310, and a nesting part 318. The clothing hanger 300 is very similar to the clothing hanger 100 except that it has an aperture 307 instead of a grooved zone 107.

The aperture 307 helps provide (additional) space near both sides and beneath the tab 310 so that any suitably sized cord preconfigured or configured with a knot and/or loop may be used to quickly connect or couple. Thus, the aperture 307 may be positioned in the upper surface 308 beneath the tab 110 and nesting part 318. The aperture 307 may extend near the front aspect bottom edge of the upper surface 308 upwardly towards the centre and back aspect of the upper surface 308 of the central portion 303. The aperture 307 may be multi-width in dimension, comprising a combination of shapes, or maybe more simple and may be shaped, for example, like a rectangle or any other shape as desired in other embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the clothing hanger 300 used with a different macrame hanger M’. More specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates two clothing hangers 300 and 300 suspended together on the same cord(s) of the different macrame hanger M’ . The hanging of the clothing hanger 300 with a portion of the macrame hanger M’ may be done by threading the tab 310 of the hanger 300 through the loop portion formed by the cord(s) of the macrame hanger M’ so that the knot portion of the cord(s) is situated under the tab 310, nesting part 318, and upper surface 308 of the hanger body 302.

Referring to FIG. 9, a clothing hanger 400 according to another further embodiment is shown. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clothing hanger 400 assembled and adjusted to a longer length suspension configuration. The clothing hanger 400 comprises a central portion 403, a first arm 404, a second arm 405, an aperture 407, a tab 410, a nesting part 418, a housing-hole 451A, a housing-hole 45 IB, a housing-hole 451C, a housing-hole 45 ID, and a cord 460. The clothing hanger 400 The clothing hanger 400 is very similar to the clothing hanger 300 except that it further comprises holes 451 and a cord 460. The clothing hanger 400 is illustrated in a long and/ or single suspension configuration with just one portion of the threaded and tied cord 460 pulled upwardly.

Turning to FIG. 10, the clothing hanger 400 is being shown in another configuration where the suspension length has been adjusted to a smaller distance by pulling up on two portions of the cord 460. That is, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the clothing hanger 400 in a shorter length configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clothing hanger 400 has the central portion 403 may further comprise a cord housing means 450 which may include housing-hole 451 A, housing-hole 45 IB, housing-hole 451C, and housing-hole 45 ID. The cord housing means 450 may comprise aspects or components such as holes and/or tunnels or ducts and/or tabs in and/or on the central portion 403 to allow the cord 460 to connect and be at least partially housed with at least a portion of the central portion 403 in a convenient assessable location that also allows quick suspension length adjustment. The cord housing means 450 combined with the cord 460 creates another example of the quickly adjustable length suspension system.

The housing hole 451 A may be disposed adjacent to nesting part 418 in a direction closer to the first arm 404. The housing hole 45 IB may be disposed adjacent to the nesting part 118 in a position closer to the second arm 405 and may also be substantially horizontally aligned with housing hole 451 A. The housing hole 451C may be disposed adjacent housing hole 451 A further away from the nesting part 318 in a backwards direction. The housing-hole 45 ID may be disposed adjacent housing-hole 45 IB further away from the nesting part 418 and may also be horizontally aligned with 451C and vertically aligned with 45 IB. Each of the housing-holes 451 A, 45 IB, 451C, and 45 ID are configured to receive an end of a cord 460 (or the like) so that a user may connect a cord 460 to the hanger 400 for the purpose of improving the ease of carrying the hanger 400 (especially when with clothing and/or carrying multiple hangers) and increasing the circumstances in which the hanger 400 may be used to suspend clothing on new and/or other desirable/needed locations.

Although the invention is described with a central portion 403 that may have four housing holes, the central portion 403 may have only one housing hole or any number of housing holes in the general region of housing holes illustrated in this embodiment as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the housing holes 451 A, 45 IB, 451C and 45 ID may be positioned in other locations on the central portion 403 as desired. Using more housing holes will create another adjustable length suspension system that allows additional adjustability options to the hanging height/di stance of the clothing hanger 400, as will be described below. The housing holes 451 A, 45 IB, 451C and 45 ID in the central portion 403 may be elliptical in shape but may take on any other shape as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a rotary clothesline R is used to show the adjustable length suspension system/mechanism/feature illustrated using two of the clothing hangers 400 and 400. That is, FIG. 11 is an environmental view of the clothing hangers 400 and 400 as used with the rotary clothesline R. One of the clothing hanger 400 is seen hung using the longer length configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 9 and has a distance of V4 between the top of the central portion 403 and the pole/rod of the clothing rotary R. This longer length configuration may be helpful to users that have shorter family members who may want to help with some of the chores. For example, a taller user may put the clothing out to dry, and a shorter user may bring the clothing in. On the other side of the clothing rotary R, the other clothing hanger 400 is seen suspended at a distance of V3 using a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 10. This may be useful in situations where a user has at least one large pet that may unintentionally wipe slobber over lower hanging clothing. These benefits are in addition to some of the other possible benefits, including not needing pegs, pegging on time, peg removal time, and peg-caused wrinkle(s) ironing time.

Turning now to another embodiment of the clothing hanger system described herein, FIGS. 12-14 depict perspective, bottom, and top views respectively of a clothing hanger 500 in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of clothing hanger 500. In aspects, the clothing hanger 500 may be formed from a lightweight and sturdy material constructed using, for example, plastic and/or from a material, such as, for example, wood or metal. It is contemplated herein that other embodiments may be formed of similar and/or different new materials. Although not described in detail herein, the clothing hanger 500 may comprise additional features such as at least a grip or grip zones made from materials, such as for example, silicone, rubber, paint, glue, and the like to help make the clothing hanger 500 have additional gripping capabilities and/or be more suitable and durable when used with wet clothing.

In aspects, the clothing hanger 500 may generally comprise a central portion 503, a first arm portion 510, a second arm portion 520, and a cord 560. In the embodiment of clothing hanger 500, the central portion 503, the first arm portion 510, and the second arm portion 520 may be integrally formed as one structure. The central portion 503 may have a front surface 504, a back surface 505, a bottom surface 506, a top surface 507, a first end 208, a second end 209, and a multi-width groove 530 extending inwardly from a generally central region of the front surface 504 and/or the top surface 507. In this aspect, the central portion 503 is shown as a generally half-oval shape, although it is contemplated herein that, in other embodiments, other shapes may be used as desired, for example, a triangular, or a rectangular, or other geometric or organic shapes, and the like. In other embodiments, central portion, first arm portion, and second arm portion may be separate structures that may be assembled together to form another embodiment. In at least some embodiments, an arm portion and central portion may be attachable and may be secured together by any traditional and/or known method of attachment, such as, for example, joints and/or adhesives and/or fasteners and/or mechanical connectors, or the like. For example, an arm portion may have a distal end and a proximal end having a joint structure configured to mate with a complementary joint structure at an end of a central portion. The structure(s) of or adjacent to each attachment joint may further comprise threaded holes for fastening. Similarly, another arm portion may have a likewise structure having any traditional and/or suitable joint configured to mate or attach with a central portion of other embodiments. Also contemplated herein, in other embodiments, a central portion or an arm portion may comprise a plurality of separate structures that may be assembled and/or be formed from other materials and/or using other manufacturing techniques. Of course, each of the portions may be structured as desired.

In aspects, the central portion 503 may comprise a multi-width groove 530, which may also be called a complex channel. The multi-width groove 530 or complex channel is a depression formed into the central portion 503. The depression of the multi-width groove 530 does not extend through from the front surface 504 to the back surface 505 (shown in back view FIG. 20) Similarly, the depression of the multi-width groove 530 does not extend through from the opening on the top surface 507 to the bottom surface 506 so that the structure of the central portion 503 may be stronger. However, the invention is not to be so limited and in alternative embodiments, one or more of the depressed or indented segments of the surface(s) of the multiwidth groove 530 may be through-holes in the sense that a portion may extend all the way through laterally and/or vertically the thickness of the central portion 503.

The multi-width groove 530 may have a wider width section opening located in the front surface 504 adjacent to the bottom surface 560 of the central portion 503. The multi-width groove 530 may also form a narrower width section opening in the front surface 504. The wider width section transitions into the narrower width section of the multi-width groove 530. The wider width section opening formed by the multi-width groove 530 may be positioned closer to the bottom surface 506 of the central portion 503 than the narrower width section opening. By positioning the multi-width groove 530 in the central portion 503 in this easily accessible location, the user can easily connect and disconnect the cord 560 with one hand by moving his or her arm in an upward direction to connect and a downward direction to disconnect. In aspects, the narrow width section opening may extend from the wider width section upwardly and may have an opening on the top surface 507 and the front surface 504 of the central portion 503. In this embodiment, the narrow width section opening is aligned vertically with the wider width section opening. In other embodiments, the narrow and wider openings formed by the multi-width groove may not be aligned vertically. The opening of the narrow width section on the top surface 507 may extend from the front surface 504 towards the back surface 505 and stop at a substantially central position that may be useful in helping the clothing hanger 500 to be in a balanced orientation when suspended with the cord 560 resting inside the nesting space created by the multi -width groove 530.

The narrower width section opening has a width of Wl, which allows the cord 560 or the like with a diameter slightly smaller than Wl to pass through from the front surface 504 towards the back surface 505. The narrower width section opening with a width of Wl is configured to prevent the passing through of the preconfigured knot portion of the cord 560. This allows the connection component formed by the multi-width groove 530 with or in or on the central portion 503 to be useful by providing a component that allows a user to releasably secure and/or quickly connect and suspend the clothing hanger 500 and other embodiments that may utilise this connection component. The connection component (i.e., first component of the quick-connect mechanism) formed by the central component and the multi-width groove 530 may be complemented by the cord 560 (i.e., second component of the quick-connect mechanism) and together form another example of a connection system of the clothing hanger system described herein. The connection system may also be called a connection mechanism, adjustable length suspension system, adjustable securing system, coupling system, releasable securing system, or knotted cord connection system.

The wider width section opening formed by multi-width groove 530 on the front surface 504 of the central portion 503 may receive a knot 561 section of the cord 560. A user may move the knot 561 section of the cord 560 in the direction towards the back surface 505 after passing the wider width section opening and may then be moved upwardly through a somewhat cylindrical space containing a nesting space or nesting section formed by the inner surfaces of the multiwidth groove 530 in the central portion 503. The somewhat cylindrical space may have a plurality of bulges 531, which is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Of course, the bulges may be omitted and left out in many embodiments, and in other embodiments, there may only be one bulge. The bulges 531 may help further secure the connection between the cord 560 and knot 561, bead, or the like with the clothing hanger 500 by requiring additional force to disconnect/ decouple once connected or releasably secured in the nesting space or nesting section formed by the multi-width groove 530 in the central portion 503.

In aspects, the multi-width groove 530 portion may have a curved or smooth internal surface or a plurality of internal surfaces that define the nesting space shaped to generally fit or complement various types of knots, such as for example, diamond knots, monkey fist knots, figure 8 knots, stopper knots, overhand knots, lanyard knots, wall and crown knots or the like like. Similarly, in aspects, the multi-width groove 530 portion may have an curved or smooth internal surface or a plurality of internal surfaces that define the nesting space shaped to generally fit or complement various types of beads or balls with different shapes, for example, spheres, rugby footballs, or any other shape as desired. In some aspects, the surface or surfaces of the multi-width groove 530 portion that define the nesting space or nesting section is positioned closer to the top surface 507 than the surface or surfaces are to the bottom surface 506 of the central portion 503. Also contemplated herein, in some aspects, the structure comprising surface or surfaces that form the multi-width groove 530 portion may also be detachably attached to the central portion 503.

In some other aspects, one of skill in the art can modify the size, curve or shape of various sections or surfaces of the multi-width groove 530 portion. Further, one of skill in the art may make the multi-width groove 530 portion (with a structure that allows it to be a connection component) detachably attached or attachable to the central portion 503 as a modification of the aspects described herein. As such, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects described herein but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this novel concept as defined by the following claims.

A user may utilise the connection system by holding and moving a portion of the attached cord 560 and threading or inserting the knot 561 section through the wider width section opening in the front surface 504 of the central portion 503. More specifically, the user may move the held portion of the cord 560 generally above the knot 561 section in the direction from the front surface 504 towards the back surface 505 while ensuring that the portion of cord adjacent or directly above the knot 561 section is also being threaded through the narrow width opening in the front surface 504. When the knot 561 is positioned between the front surface 504 and back surface 505 of the central portion 503 the user may exert force in an upwards direction towards the top surface 507 to move the knot 561 section into the nesting space between front surface 504 and back surface 505 and under top surface 507.

The dimensions of the complex depression of the multi-width groove 530 change from the frontally visible shape and dimensions to different shapes having different dimensions at different vertically aligned planes in the central portion 503, which is shown or inferred from FIGS. 15, 16, 18 and 19. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the central portion 503 taken along lines D-D in FIG. 14. In this embodiment, a plurality of bulges 531 may be part of the multi-width groove 530 configured to narrow the space in and towards the nesting space. In aspects, the multi-width groove may have a first bulge 561 that is closer to the bottom surface 506 may narrow the width to W5 and may also have a second bulge 561 located closer to the top surface 507 that narrows the width between the inner surface to W3. In some other embodiments, the bulge 531 may be omitted. Also contemplated herein, other embodiments may have just one bulge.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 14. More specifically, FIG. 5E depicts a different cross-section taken along lines E-E of the central portion 503, illustrating from another plane the wider width opening and the structure of the internal surface(s) and of the multi-width groove 530 portion and the functional or housing nesting space it creates to form a connection component with the central portion 503. The widths W2, W4, and W6 at corresponding elevations to those depicted in FIG. 15 are smaller because of the somewhat cylindrical shape the inner surfaces form, and the cross-section is taken adjacent to the centre of the central portion 503. In other embodiments, the multi-width groove 530 may comprise an inner surface or surfaces, which defines a nesting space between the front surface 504 and back surface 505 of the central portion 503, that is generally cone-shaped with a narrow width opening extending to the front surface 504. In these contemplated embodiments, these generally cone-shaped inner walls tapers from a larger width closer to the bottom surface 506 to a narrower width that extends to or adjacent to the top surface 507. Although the internal grooved surfaces of the multi-width groove 530 is described and cross-sectionally shown as a substantially cylindrically-shaped structure having bumps 531, it is contemplated herein that other types of shapes or combinations of shapes may be used to form the structure of the multi-width groove 530, for example, the receiving portion may be a triangle, or a square, or any geometric shape, or an organic shape, and the like, and the internal grooved surfaces may be cone-shaped, or any other geometric or organic shape. It is contemplated herein, similar to the central portion and arm portion being separate structures, the structure formed by the multi-width groove 530 may in other embodiments a separate part that may be assembled with additional separate parts to form the central portion 503.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the clothing hanger 500. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of clothing hanger 500 shown in FIG. 17.

More specifically, FIG. 18 shows the inner surfaces' width distance of the multi -width groove 530 at an elevation near the peak of the central portion 503. The inner surfaces width distance adjacent the peak or top surface 507 may be approximately equal to the narrow opening width W1 so that the multi-width groove section is capable of only allowing approximately one width of the cord 560 to pass through and thus prevents the knot 561 section of the cord 560 from passing through vertically out the top surface 507 or horizontally out the front surface 504. Thereby forming an embodiment of the connection component of the connection system.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H of clothing hanger 500 shown in FIG. 17. More specifically, FIG. 19 depicts another cross-section taken along lines H-H at a lower elevation or closer towards the bottom surface 506 and shows a larger width inner surface crosssection that may be approximately equal to W7 shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 20 is a back view of the clothing hanger 500.

Although not described in detail herein, an optional bar may extend and connect at or adjacent to distal ends 511 and 521, the optional bar may be connected and disconnected with various common/traditional coupling connect! ons/components to the hanger at points adjacent the distal ends 511 and 521 of the respective arms 510/520.

Continuing, and with respect to FIG. 12, when the hanger 500 is configured with a single multiwidth groove 530 it may be positioned in a substantially central position with respect to the hanger 500 to help with the balance and/or orientation of the hanger 500 and clothing placed thereon when suspended with the cord 560. Additional benefits to this aspect may be that the coupling and decoupling of the cord 560 to the hanger 500 can both be done without any or much disturbance to the clothing on the hanger 500 as the receiving portion of the multi-width groove 530 is positioned to be above many commonly used neckline dimensions and may remain accessible to the user. It is contemplated herein that the multi-width groove 530 of the connection means or coupling means may be situated in other positions or regions of the hanger 500, for example, having the receiving portion of the multi-width groove 530 being on the back surface 505 of the hanger 500. This embodiment of the connection means or coupling means provides a way for quickly removably connecting any cord preconfigured and/or configured only with a knot without a loop portion to the hanger body or central portion of the hanger 500 and other embodiments using this embodiment of the connection means. The connection means allows for the central portion 503 or/of the hanger body 502 to be quickly hung releasably securely by the cord 560. The connection means allows for any line, loop, the cord 560, or the like, to be quickly connected with one hand to the central portion 503 of the hanger body 502 at a position between the upper surface 508 of the central portion 503. That is, the position at which the removable connection between the central portion 503 and the knot portion of the cord 560 is made is below the apex of the central portion 503 of the hanger body 502. It is also contemplated herein that there may be two or more multi-width grooves that have this coupling mechanism in other embodiments. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. The multi-width groove may create a structure with the central portion that is the connection component. That is, the multi-width groove may configure the central portion with the structure to be a quick connection component.

Continuing, and with respect to FIG. 12, when the clothing hanger 500 is configured as hanger with a cord housing mechanism 550 having at least a housing-hole 551 which may be positioned on the upper surface 507 of the central portion 503 that extends generally downwardly to the bottom surface 506, thereby forming a housing channel 252. In this aspect, the hanger shown 500 has two holes 551 openings on the upper surface 507. Each of the housing holes 551 of the cord housing mechanism 550 of the top surface 507 may be generally equidistant (± about 0.5 cm to about 13 cm) from a centre of the central portion 503. In aspects, each of the holes 551 may be further positioned generally equidistant from substantially the same plane top edges of front surface 504 and the back surface 505 (± about 0.1 cm to about 5 cm). Similarly, each of the connected hole 551 openings positioned in the bottom surface 506 is substantially in alignment with the respective housing hole 551 opening on the top surface 507. Although this example of the housing mechanism 550 having housing-hole 551 may have a substantially straight channel, it is contemplated that the channel may be curved such that the housing-hole 551 openings on the top surface 506 and bottom surface 507 are not vertically aligned. It is also contemplated herein that the housing-hole 551 may be positioned on only the front surface, or only on the back surface and/or top surface only and/or back surface only, or any combination of surfaces of the central portion 503. In this aspect, the housing-hole 551 opening is shown as having an elliptical shape, although it is contemplated herein that other types of shapes may be used, for example, squares, geometric shapes, organic shapes, and the like. It is also contemplated herein that the central portion 503 may have only one continuous curved surface. In these examples, the housing-hole opening 551 may extend from a one portion of the curved surface to another portion of the curved surface to form a structure and/or hole and/or channel to house the cord 560. The use of the cord housing mechanism may help to further increase convenience of using the hanger 500 having a cord constantly connected and preconfigured with at least a knot and/or loop(s) to suspend the hanger 500 with the engagement of the multi-width groove 530 of the coupling system. A cord housing mechanism 550 provides a function that allows the hanger 500 to house at least a portion of a cord at a location on or in the central portion 503 to provide an alternative hanger convenient carrying means and/or another constantly available adjustable length suspension means.

FIG. 12 depicts the clothing hanger 500 assembled with a cord 560 component that has been configured with knots 561 and 562. This assembled clothing hanger 500 with the cord 560 may be achieved by having a first end of the cord 560 threaded through a first housing-hole 551 opening on the bottom surface 506 and pushed through and out the channel until the end of the cord is partially exiting and appearing above the corresponding housing-hole 551 opening on the upper surface 507, this process may be repeated for the second end of the cord 560 while ensuring the portion of the first end of the cord 560 remains above the top surface 507, once both ends of the cord 560 have been passed through the housing-holes 551 on the bottom surface, through the channels in the central portion 503, using the opposite end portions of the cord 560 a loop-forming knot 562 may be configured, followed by a knot 561 which may be done using only one end of the cord 560.

It is contemplated herein that the assembly and configuration of the cord 560 to the hanger 500 may be done in many other different methods. Not all steps described need be carried out in the specific order described. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein. FIG. 21 is an environmental view of clothing hangers 500 and 500 as used with a rotary clothesline R to illustrate the adjustable length suspension system. One of the clothing hanger 500 is seen hung using the longer length configuration having a distance of V2 between the top surface 507 of the central portion 503 and the pole/rod of the clothing rotary R. On the other side of the clothing rotary R, another clothing hanger 500 is suspended at a distance of VI using the adjustable length suspension system in a relatively more secured configuration having more wraps around the pole/rod.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a clothing hanger 600. The clothing hanger 600 comprises a hanger body 602 having a central portion 603, a first arm portion 604, a second arm portion 320, an aperture 607, a nesting part 618, a first tab 610a, and a second tab 610b.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the connection component used in the clothing hanger 600. In this embodiment, the connection component comprises the nesting part 618, the first tab 610a, and the second tab 610b.

Similar to the embodiments described above, the central portion 603 may have an upper surface 608 and a substantially curved rear surface. Of course, as has been described above, the central portion 603 may be configured with a generally rectangular-shape, or somewhat triangular- shape, or any other traditional construction commonly used in the art.

The first arm portion 604 and the second arm portion 605 may be integrally connected to the central portion 603 extending from opposite sides in an outward and slightly downward direction. Of course, in other embodiments, the shape of the central portion 603 and each of the arm portions 604 and 605 may be structured and/or configured with any traditional construction commonly used in the art.

The aperture 607 used in clothing hanger 600 has a slightly different multi-width shape. Similar to hanger 200, the aperture 607 helps provide space near each of tabs 610a, 610b that may allow any cord configured in a knot and/or loop to be connected/coupled and/or disconnected/released from the hanger 600. The aperture 607 allows the connection component to be positioned on the central portion 603 and helps improve ease of connecting, hanging and/or releasing any cord or the like. Of course, variations to the shapes of the aperture 607 of the central portion 603 of the hanger body 602 have been contemplated as possible and useful in other embodiments.

The connection component or connection means utilised in this embodiment may be integrally formed with the central portion 603. The connection component comprises the nesting part 618, the tab 610a, and the tab 610b. This embodiment of the connection component provides a way for quickly removably connecting any cord preconfigured and/or configured only with a knot without a loop portion to the hanger body 602 or central portion 603 of the clothing hanger 600 and other embodiments using this embodiment of the connection component. This embodiment of the connection component allows for the clothing hanger 600 to be quickly hung or releasably secured by any suitably size cord preconfigured with a knot or has a suitably sized bead attached, moving the suitable cord through the space between both tabs 610a and 610b and nesting in the space of the nesting-hole 619. This embodiment of the the connection component also allows for any line, loop or loop portion, or the like, to be quickly connected with one hand to the clothing hanger 600 by moving selected loop portion through the space on the outer sides of each tabs 610a and 610b from the distal end to the proximal end connected to the nesting part 618. In this embodiment, with the connection component integrally formed with the upper surface 608 of the central portion, the position at which the releasable connection between the central portion 603 of the clothing hanger 600 and the knot or bead portion of any cord is made with the upper surface 608 of the central portion 603. This may be advantageous over many traditional garment hangers that have hooks, which may get in the way or at least make it more difficult to put some garments on.

In aspects, the first generally rectangular-shaped tab 610a may be connected to the first distal end of the nesting part 618, and the second generally rectangular-shaped tab 610b may be connected to the second distal end of the nesting part 618. It is contemplated herein that the description of the tabs in this embodiment may also be described as a tab that has a hole extending from a distal end towards a proximal end, separating it generally in two portions, wherein the hole separating the tab portions is aligned to the distal end of said nesting-hole 619. Of course, variations to the shapes of the tabs 610a and 610b are possible in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, both tabs 610a and 610b may have a generally more elliptical shape or any other geometric shape as desired.

In the exemplified embodiment, the nesting part 618 comprises an upper surface 620 and an opposite rear surface (not shown) is configured to receive various cords (wires, loop, or the like) configured with looped portion (as explained above) and also cords which have been configured with only a knot section/portion. The nesting part 618 may have a spherical shape, although in other embodiments, the shape may be different and may include any outer shape as desired. The coupling of said hanger 600 with any cord or the like having only a knotted portion may be achieved by sliding a portion of the cord above the knotted portion between the tabs 610a and 610b from the distal ends towards the proximal ends, continuing generally upwards through the nesting part 618 towards the apex of the nesting part 618. Thus, the clothing hanger 600 and other embodiments with this type of nesting part 618 have an adjustable length suspension system that may allow a user the additional option to quickly couple and decouple any cord preconfigured with a knot or the like.

Turning now to yet another embodiment of the clothing hanger system described herein, FIGS. 24- 28 depict various views of a clothing hanger 700 in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the clothing hanger 700. FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger 700. FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger 700. FIG. 27 is a front view of the clothing hanger 700. FIG. 28 is a back view of the clothing hanger 700. FIG. 29 is a close-up view of a central portion 703 of the clothing hanger 700.

The clothing hanger 700 generally comprises a hanger body 702 and an open duct 740 as the connection component. In aspects, the hanger body 702 includes a central portion 703, a first arm 704 portion, and a second arm 705 portion.

The central portion 703 further comprises an upper surface 708, a rear surface 709 (shown in FIG. 7C), and a multi-width aperture 707. In some embodiments, the upper surface 708 may be one curved surface; in other embodiments, the upper surface may comprise distinct edges and thereby have a plurality of surfaces as part of the upper or outer surface. The multi-width aperture 707 may have a wider opening on the front aspect of the upper surface 708 having a width of A3 (shown in FIG. 7F), which may receive or allow through a portion of any suitably sized cord and a knot (or bead, ball, or the like) portion. The multi-width aperture 707 also has a narrow width opening on the front aspect of the upper surface 708 with a width of Al that is connected to the wider width opening. The narrow opening with a width of Al is configured to prevent the passing through of the knot(s) portion of the suitably sized cord. A suitably size cord may be one that has a diameter that is able to be received by the narrow width opening. That is, any suitably sized cord may generally have a diameter less than Al.

The first arm 704 and second arm 705 may integrally formed with the central portion 703 and extend outwardly from a first side and a second side. In this embodiment, each of the arms 704 and 705 may similar or have the structures of other arms or arm portions previously described in the detailed description provided above, and thus a detailed description of those aspects is not being provided here in the interest of brevity.

As best seen in the exploded view in FIG. 24, the clothing hanger 700 further comprises the curved cylindrically-shaped open duct 740. In this embodiment, the duct 740 is integrally formed with the rear surface 709 of central portion 703. It is contemplated herein that in other embodiments, the shape of the duct may be, for example, generally a bent rectangular prism or any other shape as desired. In other embodiments, the duct may be a separate structure that may be assembled or attached to the central portion of the hanger body. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the open duct that is a connection component of the clothing hanger 700.

In this embodiment, the open duct 740 extends from a portion of the rear surface 709 of the central portion 703 adjacent to the receiving opening of the multi -width aperture 707 to another portion of the rear surface 709 that is adjacent to the apex of the central portion 703. The opening in the open duct 740 may be vertically aligned with the narrower width portion of the multiwidth aperture 707 so that any cord that is received by the opening can pass through the tunnel or channel formed by the open duct 740 to the nesting space or nesting section of the open duct 740. That is, the space of the narrower width section is vertically aligned between the space formed by the opening of the open duct 740.

Referring now to FIG. 31, the open duct 740 may further comprise a plurality of small holes 741, which may be disposed throughout the surface of the open duct 740. The small holes 741 may help to let water out the open duct 740 when the clothing hanger 700 is being used to hang wet clothing out to dry. It is contemplated herein that many other embodiments may be used with wet clothing and not just clothing hanger 700. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the open duct 740 connection component of the clothing hanger 700.

As shown in FIG. 31, in aspects, the duct 740 may further comprise a semi-circular bulge 742 in the inner surface configured to narrow at least a portion of the passage between the distal end of the duct 740 and the proximal end of the duct 740. The bulge 746 may allow the connection system or coupling mechanism to be improved by requiring more force to connect and/or decouple any suitable cord with the hanger 700. It is contemplated herein that the shape of the bulge 742 may be any other shape as desired. In other embodiments, it is also contemplated herein that the duct 740 may comprise a plurality of bulges 742. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

This embodiment of the connection system or coupling means provides a way to connect any suitably sized cord quickly preconfigured only with a knot without a loop portion to the central portion 703 of the hanger body 702 of the hanger 700. Moreover, the position at which any suitably sized cord may be connected is below the upper surface 708 of the central portion 703. Additionally, the duct 740( i.e., connection component) and upper surface may generally hide from view the knot portion of any connected cord. That is, this embodiment of the connection component comprising the open duct 740 allows the clothing hanger 700 to be releasably secured with any suitably sized cord, or the like, providing an adjustable length suspension function to the hanger 700. Furthermore, this connection system comprising the open duct 740 and any suitable preconfigured cord (or the like) may be utilised with one hand.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-36, another embodiment of a clothing hanger 800 in accordance with aspects herein will be described. FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the clothing hanger 800. FIG. 34 is a bottom plan view of the clothing hanger 800. FIG. 35 is a front view of the clothing hanger 800. FIG. 36 is a back view of the clothing hanger 800.

The clothing hanger 800 is similar to the clothing hanger 700 of FIG. 24 except that instead of a multi-width aperture 707, an aperture 807 is approximately the same width throughout and extends further, also the duct 840 is generally longer than the duct 740. The clothing hanger 800 comprises a hanger body having a central portion 803, a first arm 804, a second arm 805, and an open duct 840. As each of the arms 804 and 805 are identical to that of clothing hanger 700, to avoid redundancy, only the different aspects will be described in detail herein.

In this embodiment, the aperture 807 extends from the front aspect to the back aspect of the curved upper surface 808. Although the shape of the aperture 808 in this embodiment is a rectangle having a consistent width throughout when viewed from the top, in other embodiments, the shape may be changed as desired. The width of the aperture 808 is wide enough to receive any suitable cord and the knot portion. In aspects, the space made by the aperture 808 may be in alignment with the centre of the central portion 803 so that the hanger may more easily achieve a balanced orientation when suspended with the suitable cord.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the open duct 840 connection component of the clothing hanger 800. FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the open duct connection component used in the clothing hanger 800.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, the open duct 840 in this embodiment has two receiving openings on opposite ends. One of the receiving openings is attached to the rear surface opposite the front aspect of the upper surface 808. Similarly, the second opening is attached to the rear surface opposite the back aspect of the upper surface 808. More specifically, the receiving openings of the duct 840 will be placed adjacent to the opening nearest the bottom edges created by the aperture 807 in the upper surface 808. It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the duct may have a plurality of openings and may be configured as desired so that the openings may be generally in different planes.

The opening that extends between both receiving openings of the open duct 840 may be narrower than the width of the aperture 807 so that it prevents the passing through of any knot or bead portion of any suitably sized cord. This embodiment of the duct 840 (i.e., connection component) has both receiving and nesting functions. This connection mechanism may also be quickly used with only one hand.

Referring now to FIGS. 39-44, another embodiment of a clothing hanger 900 in accordance with aspects herein will be described. FIG. 40 is an environmental view of clothing hanger 900 used or suspended with a macrame hanger M. FIG. 41 illustrates a front view of the clothing hanger 900. FIG. 42 illustrates a back view of the clothing hanger 900. FIGS. 43 and 44 depict top and bottom plan views of the clothing hanger 900 respectively.

The clothing hanger 900 generally comprises a hanger body 902 having a central portion 903, a first arm 904, and a second arm 905. The central portion comprises a front surface 906, a back surface 907, and an upper surface 908. The central portion 903 comprises a pair of receiving openings 915 in the upper surface 908. One of the receiving opening 915 is positioned in the central portion adjacent to the first arm 904. The other receiving opening 915 is positioned in the central portion 903 adjacent to the second arm 905. Each of the openings 915 extends the width of the central portion 903 from the front surface 906 to the back surface 907. Each of the openings generally extends downwardly and inwardly (towards the centre of the central portion) and then extends upwardly towards the apex of the central portion 903. That is, when viewed from the front, the opening 915 creates a somewhat V-shaped hole. Each receiving opening 915 is configured to receive a portion of any suitably sized cord or the like.

The central portion 903 further comprises a pair of nesting surfaces 916 and 916 formed at the innermost ends of each of the v-shaped paths of the receiving opening 915. The nesting surfaces

916 and 916 may also extend from the front surface 806 to the back surface 807 of the central portion 803. The nesting surface 916 contacts any suitably sized cord that a user is utilising to suspend the clothing hanger 900. In this embodiment, the nesting surface is below the apex of the central portion 903. In aspects, the nesting surfaces 916 and 916 may extend the width of the central portion 903.

In this embodiment, the central portion also comprises a pair of inwardly curved surfaces 917 on the upper surface 908. In aspects, the curved surface 917 may extend downwardly to respective the nesting surfaces 916. The inwardly curved surfaces 917 may help a user obtain a balanced orientation more easily when suspending the clothing hanger 900. Each of the curved surfaces

917 configures the central portion 903 to have a somewhat H-shaped structure when viewed from the top, as shown in FIG. 43.

The connection component or structure formed by the receiving opening 915, the V-shaped path/ hole, and nesting surface 916 is integrally formed with the central portion 903 in this embodiment. It is contemplated herein that, in other embodiments, the structure formed by the receiving opening, V-shaped path, and nesting surface 916 may be a separate part that may be assembled with another part to form the central portion or hanger body. Similar to other connection components, this variation may also connect any suitably sized cord with only a knot. However, the clothing hanger 900 may be more suitably used with cords with a loop portion. Of course, the invention is not so limited, and the V-shaped path/hole can be differently shaped; for example, a J-shaped path/hole or many other shapes may be used as would be known to persons skilled in the art.

The central portion 903 may be described as having a somewhat T-shaped structure in the middle connected to somewhat L-shaped structures on both sides. The L-shaped structures extend from the bottom of the somewhat T-shaped structure in a configuration that forms a somewhat V- shaped opening between both structures. Also contemplated herein, in other embodiments, the somewhat T-shaped structure may be other shapes as would be known to persons skilled in the art.

In this embodiment, the central portion 903 may additionally comprise an object housing groove 920. The object housing groove 920 may form a depression in the front surface 906 of the central portion 903. The bottom surface of the housing groove 920 may be generally perpendicularly connected to side walls that are connected to the central portion 903. In aspects, the bottom surface of the housing groove 920 may connect all side walls. In other embodiments, the object housing groove 920 may be positioned in or on another surface of the central portion 903. Also contemplated herein, in other embodiments, the angle at which the side wall or side walls of the object housing groove may connect to the bottom surface at many other different angles. The object housing groove 920 may house at least partially house an object. In aspects, the object housing groove 920 may be generally rectangular shaped, although it is contemplated herein that in other embodiments, the shape of other object housing groove may take on any other shape or combination of shapes as desired. In other embodiments, the object housing groove may be, for example, an alphabet letter shape, circle-shaped, or a character shape or silhouette, and the like.

The object housing groove 920 may further comprise a bulge 921 on at least an edge or inner surface that is apart or adjacent to the object housing groove 920. In this embodiment, the clothing hanger 900 has a bulge 921 positioned on the bottom edge and surface and another bulge 921 positioned on the top edge and surface of the object housing groove 920. The bulge 921 narrows the distances between inner surfaces of the object housing groove 920 to help hold or retain any suitably sized object. The object may be a decoration portion of a necklace, a ring, or any other suitably sized object as desired. In some embodiments, a bulge may extend around the perimeter or circumference of the object housing groove. That is, in other embodiments, a single continuous bulge may extend along all inner surfaces or outer edges of the object housing groove. In aspects, the bulge may help any object at least partially housed to resist the force of gravity on the surface of the earth. That is, the bulge may prevent any suitably sized object from falling out of the indented surface of the object housing groove.

When viewed from the top, the structure of a section of the central portion 903 between the two receiving openings 915 and 915 may be somewhat H-shaped. A user may thread the somewhat H-shaped portion using the receiving opening 915 of the central portion 903 through the loop portion of a cord(s) or rope of the macrame hanger M and continue to move respective portions of the loop downwardly and inwardly, and then upwardly and inwardly towards each respective nesting surfaces 916. When one of the cord(s) or rope of the example environmental macrame hanger is wrapped around the central portion 903 of the clothing hanger 900, it has been suspended. When suspended as shown, portions of the cord(s) or rope of the macrame hanger contact the front surface 906, nesting surface 916, and the inwardly curved surfaces 917 of the clothing hanger 900.

Referring now to FIGS. 45-48, another embodiment of a clothing hanger 1000 in accordance with aspects herein will be described. FIG. 45 is a front view of the clothing hanger 900. FIG. 46 illustrates a back view of the clothing hanger 1000. FIGS. 47 and 48 depict top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the clothing hanger 1000.

The clothing hanger 1000 is very similar to clothing hanger 900 except that it also comprises the connection component utilised in clothing hanger 600 so that a user may have quicker connection options to carry and/or suspend the clothing hanger 1000.

Turning now to FIGS. 49-52, another embodiment of a clothing hanger 1100 in accordance with aspects herein will be described. FIG. 49 is a front view of the clothing hanger 1100. FIG. 50 illustrates a back view of the clothing hanger 1100. FIGS. 51 and 52 depict top and bottom plan views respectively of the clothing hanger 1100.

The clothing hanger 1100 is very similar to clothing hanger 500 except that it also comprises an object housing groove 1120 on a back surface 1107 and a receiving opening 1115 similar to that of clothing hanger 900. The clothing hanger 1100 also comprises a multi-width groove 1030 on a front surface 1106 similar to that of clothing hanger 500. The clothing hangers 1100 and 1000 illustrate two of the many combinations of connection components capable of being utilised in embodiments contemplated herein.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.

Claims

1. A clothing hanger comprising: a hanger body having a central portion, the central portion comprising: a tab positioned on a surface of the hanger body; a first arm, the first arm integrally formed or attachable to the central portion at a first end a second arm, the first arm integrally formed or attachable to the central portion at a second end.

2. The clothing hanger of claim 1, wherein the central portion includes at least a grooved zone formed in the surface.

3. The clothing hanger of claim 1, wherein the groove has at least a portion positioned beneath and in alignment with the tab.

4. The clothing hanger of claim 1, wherein the central portion includes a nesting part positioned on the upper surface of the central portion.

5. The clothing hanger of claim 2, wherein the central portion includes a nesting part positioned on the upper surface of the central portion.

6. The clothing hanger of claim 1, where the central portion includes at least a hole formed in the surface.

7. The clothing hanger of claim 6, further comprising a cord connected with the hole.

8. The clothing hanger of claim 1, wherein the central portion includes at least an aperture formed in the surface.

9. The clothing hanger of claim 8, where the central portion includes at least a hole formed in the surface.

10. A clothing hanger system comprising: a central portion having an aperture positioned in an exterior surface; a first arm, the first arm integrally formed or attachable to the central portion at a first end; a second arm, the first arm integrally formed or attachable to the central portion at a second end; and, a cord.

11. The clothing hanger system of claim 10, wherein the central portion further comprises a nesting part.

12. The clothing hanger system of claim 11, wherein the central portion further comprises at least a tab.

13. The clothing hanger system of claim 11, wherein the central portion further comprises at least a hole.

14. The clothing hanger system of claim 10, further comprising an open duct.

15. A clothing hanger comprising: a central portion having an groove positioned in an exterior surface a first arm, the first arm integrally formed or attachable to the central portion at a first end a second arm, the first arm integrally formed or attachable to the central portion at a second end

16. A clothing hanger system comprising:

A means for quickly removably connecting the cord to the hanger body, wherein the means for removably connecting is configured to enable the hanger body to be hung.