Clothing Bar with Holding Grooves

Abstract

A clothing bar with holding grooves for making it easier to secure, organize, and safely store hung articles of clothing or other similar items and objects. The clothing bar with holding grooves generally includes a bar, grooves, connecting fittings, and external devices and objects.

Claims

1. A clothing bar comprising: a rigid member having an axial length and a circumference; and a plurality of recessed grooves extending around less than the entire circumference of the rigid member, with each of the recessed grooves in the plurality of recessed grooves having a width and a depth, and spaced at an axial distance from the other recessed grooves in the plurality of recessed grooves.

2. The clothing bar of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of groove collars spaced along the axial length of the rigid member, wherein each of the recessed grooves in the plurality of recessed grooves is displaced to within a different groove collar in the plurality of groove collars.

3. The clothing bar of claim 1 wherein the width of at least one of the recessed grooves in the plurality of recessed grooves varies with the depth of that recessed groove.

4. The clothing bar of claim 2 wherein each of the groove collars in the plurality of groove collars further comprises a collar slit, each collar slit configured to facilitate the engagement of the groove collar in the plurality of groove collars with the rigid member.

5. The clothing bar of claim 2 wherein the plurality of recessed grooves extends around less than the entire circumference of the rigid member.

6. The clothing bar of claim 2 further comprising a groove sleeve having a sleeve slit, wherein the plurality of groove collars is attached to the groove sleeve, and wherein the groove sleeve is fitted onto the rigid member.

7. A clothing hanging apparatus configured to fit on a rigid member, with the clothing hanging apparatus comprising: a groove sleeve having an axial length and sleeve slit; and a plurality of groove collars spaced along the axial length of the groove sleeve, each groove collar in the plurality of groove collars having a recessed groove, each recessed groove having a width and a depth.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the width of at least one of the recessed grooves varies with the depth of that recessed groove.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the plurality of recessed grooves extends around less than the entire circumference of the groove sleeve.

10. A clothing bar comprising: a rigid member having an axial length and a circumference; and a plurality of recessed grooves extending around the entire circumference of the rigid member, with each of the recessed grooves in the plurality of recessed grooves having a width and a depth, and spaced at an axial distance from the other recessed grooves in the plurality of recessed grooves.

11. The clothing bar of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of groove collars spaced along the axial length of the rigid member, wherein each of the recessed grooves in the plurality of recessed grooves is displaced to within a different groove collar in the plurality of groove collars.

12. The clothing bar of claim 11 wherein the width of at least one of the recessed grooves in the plurality of recessed grooves varies with the depth of that recessed groove.

13. The clothing bar of claim 11 wherein each of the groove collars in the plurality of groove collars further comprises a collar slit, each collar slit configured to facilitate the engagement of the groove collar in the plurality of groove collars with the rigid member.

14. The clothing bar of claim 11 further comprising a groove sleeve having a sleeve slit, wherein the plurality of groove collars is attached to the groove sleeve, and wherein the groove sleeve is fitted onto the rigid member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention. The figure shows a bar (10) with multiple recessed grooves (20) located at various positions along the length of the bar (10).

[0017] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention. The figure illustrates how hanging mechanisms (30) are inserted into the recessed grooves (20).

[0018] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the present invention. The figure shows multiple hanging items (40) suspended on the bar (10). Hanging items (40) make use of hanging mechanisms (30) inserted into the recessed grooves (20).

[0019] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the present invention. The figure shows a structural variation of the invention, having recessed all-around grooves (22) with a length that extends around the entire periphery of the bar (10).

[0020] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the present invention. The figure shows a structural variation of the invention where the bar (10) contains recessed graduated grooves (24) where each groove has a width which varies with depth into the groove. Inset 1 within the figure clearly shows the varying width of the recessed graduated grooves (24). Inset 2 within the figure clearly shows how the varying width of the recessed graduated grooves (24) can accommodate hanging mechanisms (30), for example, hangers, of different sizes (indicated as small, medium, and large).

[0021] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a monolithic member (Full Protruding Piece) consisting of protruding graduated grooves (50) within groove collars (60) attached to the bar (10) via a groove sleeve (70). The figure shows multiple views of a small section of the invention (section AA-BB) containing a protruding groove (50), groove collar (60), and part of the groove sleeve (70).

[0022] FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The figure clearly demonstrates that the alternative embodiment snaps over the bar (10) via the utilization of collar slits (62) in the groove collars (60) and a sleeve slit (72) in the groove sleeve (70).

[0023] FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The figure clearly demonstrates how hanging mechanisms (30) are secured in place by their insertion into the protruding grooves (50).

[0024] FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The figure illustrates how hanging mechanisms (30), for example, hangers, having different sizes (indicated as small, medium, and large) are secured in protruding grooves (50) having graduated widths (similar to 24).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview

[0025] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate a bar, grooves, connecting fittings, and external devices and objects.

B. Bar

[0026] The bar (10) is an elongated thin shaft capable of supporting externally applied loads, for example, weight forces.

[0027] The bar (10) is a straight and rigid member capable of supporting loads imparted by objects suspended from the bar (10). Suspended objects include, but are not limited to, belts, scarfs, ties, and articles of clothing.

[0028] The bar (10) can be constructed from any rigid material capable of acting as a load-bearing member. Materials include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, and woods. The bar (10) can have any axial length, cross-sectional shape, or cross-sectional dimensions. Cross-sectional shapes include, but are not limited to, circles and polygons. Cross-sectional dimensions include diameter (for circles) or side-length (for polygons).

C. Recessed Grooves

[0029] The recessed grooves (20) are slots or channels cut into the bar (10) into which certain external objects can be inserted.

[0030] Recessed grooves (20) have a length, width, and depth that allows the insertion of objects for the purpose of hanging or suspending the objects. The recessed grooves (20) are spaced appropriately to facilitate the insertion and hanging of multiple objects simultaneously. In the preferred embodiment, the recessed grooves (20) are evenly spaced along the axial length of the bar (10). In an alternative embodiment, the spacing of the recessed grooves (20) varies to accommodate the hanging of different sized clothes. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves are close together at a constant interval, either -inch or 1-inch (between the middle of the grooves). Having more grooves with a closer spacing allows a greater number of grooves to choose from to hang items. For example, bigger items, like coats, can be hung on grooves further apart (and skipping grooves in between). Alternatively slim items, like t-shirts, can be hung on every groove if desired.

[0031] The recessed grooves (20) can have any length, width, or depth.

[0032] The length of the recessed grooves (20), that is, the distance the recessed groove spans around the periphery of the bar (10) can be short, as shown in FIG. 1, or can be made longer, for example, to completely traverse the periphery of the bar (10) as illustrated by the recessed all-around grooves (22) shown in FIG. 4.

[0033] The width can be constant throughout the depth of the cut as shown in FIG. 1, or can be made variable as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates recessed graduated grooves (24) that decrease in width as the depth into the cut increases.

[0034] The depth of a recessed groove (20) can be varied as necessary to ensure the recessed groove (20) can adequately support the objects that are to be hung. The bar (10) can contain multiple recessed grooves (20) that can have a constant or varying spacing.

D. Hanging Mechanisms

[0035] Hanging mechanisms (30) are devices used to facilitate the suspension of objects from the bar (10) usually by the use of hooks or other similarly-shaped elements.

[0036] Hanging mechanisms (30) can be inserted into the recessed grooves (20) on the bar (10) as shown in FIG. 2. Various types of hangers that have hooks are examples of hanging mechanisms (30) used to suspend articles of clothing from a rod. Other objects, like belts, scarfs, and ties, have self-contained hanging mechanisms (30), that is, they can be directly inserted into the recessed grooves (20).

[0037] There are many types of items that can act as hanging mechanisms (30), but the most common hanging mechanisms (30) are hangers. Hangers can have any size and shape, or be constructed from any material, but typically contain a hook and a geometric structure resembling human shoulders, which facilitate their use as an item that can hang clothing and similar objects on a long cylindrical rod.

E. Hanging Items

[0038] Hanging items (40) are suspended objects that impart stresses on the bar (10) due to the action of gravity.

[0039] Hanging items (40), illustrated in FIG. 3, have a finite weight which cause them to hang via the action of gravity. The hanging action of objects from the bar (10) imposes stresses on the bar (10). Hanging items (40) can make use of separate and distinct hanging mechanisms (30) or may, themselves, be capable of being hung. An example of hanging items (40) that require separate hanging mechanisms (30) are shirts or similar articles of clothing requiring a hanger. Hanging items (40) can have self-contained hanging mechanisms (30) allowing them to be hung directly from the bar (10), for example, belts, scarfs, and ties (that is, a hanger is not required).

[0040] Hanging items (40) can have any size, weight, or shape.

F. Protruding Grooves

[0041] Protruding grooves (50) are external slots or channels protruding from the bar (10) into which certain objects can be inserted.

[0042] Protruding grooves (50) serve the same purpose as recessed grooves (20), but extend outward away from the bar (10) as opposed to being cut into the bar (10).

[0043] Protruding grooves (50) can have any length, width, or depth.

[0044] The length, that is, distance in which the protruding grooves (50) span the periphery of the bar (10) can be variable. FIGS. 6 and 7 show protruding grooves (50) that almost completely surround the perimeter or periphery of the bar (10).

[0045] The width of a protruding groove (50) can be constant throughout its depth, or can be made variable as shown in FIGS. 6 through 9, which illustrate a step-wise decrease in width as you traverse deeper into the slot. The graduated nature of the protruding grooves (50) shown in FIGS. 6 through 9 operate similarly to the recessed graduated grooves (24).

[0046] The depth of a protruding groove (50) can be varied as necessary to ensure the protruding groove (50) can adequately support the objects that are to be hung.

[0047] The bar (10) can contain protruding grooves (50) that can have a constant or varying spacing between the protruding grooves (50).

G. Groove Collars

[0048] Groove collars (60) are housing structures that protrude from the bar (10) and contain the protruding grooves (50).

[0049] The groove collars (60) contain collar slits (62) which are small gaps in the groove collar (60) which allow the groove collar (60) to fit over and around the bar (10). The length of the groove collars (60) around the bar (10) is equal to the length of the protruding grooves (50) contained therein.

[0050] The groove collars (60) can be constructed from any material capable of acting as a load-bearing member. Materials include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, and woods. The specific size and shape of the groove collars (60) can be varied so long as their functionality is not lost. A single groove collar (60) could contain multiple protruding grooves (50) having a constant or varying spacing between the protruding grooves (50).

H. Groove Sleeve

[0051] The groove sleeve (70) is a tubular fitting that connects the groove collars (60) to the bar (10).

[0052] The groove sleeve (70) is a tubular structure which connects the groove collars (60) to the bar (10) as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8. The groove sleeve (70) must have an internal diameter that is slightly larger than the bar (10) in which the groove sleeve (70) is to clad. The thickness of the groove sleeve (70) should be sufficient to provide mechanical stability for the groove collars (60). The outer diameter of the groove sleeve (70) is determined by its inner diameter and thickness. The groove sleeve (70) contains a sleeve slit (72), which is a gap or spacing that allows the groove sleeve (70) to fit over and around the bar (10). The groove sleeve (70) and groove collar (60) may be constructed as a single monolithic structure, or as separate structures.

[0053] The groove sleeve (70) may be constructed of any material that provides good mechanical stability. The groove sleeve (70) can have any thickness, inner diameter, and axial length. The sleeve slit (72) can have any width provided it is sufficient at allowing the groove sleeve (70) to fit snugly over the bar (10).

[0054] The sleeve slit (72) can have any width provided it allows the groove sleeve (70) to fit over and snap onto the bar (10).

I. Connections of Main Elements and Sub-Elements of Invention

[0055] Slots or channels can be cut around the entire periphery of the bar (10) forming recessed all-around grooves (22) as shown in FIG. 4. The slots or channels can also contain a varying width as shown by the recessed graduated grooves (24) in FIG. 5.

[0056] In the alternative embodiment, the groove collars (60) require the use of collar slits (62) so they can fit around the groove sleeve (70) and the bar (10).

[0057] The groove sleeve (70) requires the use of a sleeve slit (72) so that the groove sleeve (70) can be installed on the bar (10).

[0058] The groove sleeve (70) and groove collars (60) may be constructed as a single monolithic structure, or as separate structures. If the groove sleeve (70) and groove collars (60) form a single permanently connected (monolithic) assembly, then the collar slits (62) and sleeve slit (72) must be adequate so the alternate embodiment can be installed on the bar (10).

J. Alternative Embodiments of Invention

[0059] An alternative variation or embodiment of the invention is the device shown in FIGS. 6 through 9 that contains protruding grooves (50), groove collars (60), and a groove sleeve (70).

[0060] Instead of making use of permanently cut slots in the bar (10), the alternative embodiment makes use of an assembly that contains protruding grooves (50) that stick out away from the bar (10). The groove collars (60) contain the protruding grooves (50) and are connected to the bar (10) via the groove sleeve (70). With collar slits (62) in the groove collars (60) and a sleeve slit (72) in the groove sleeve (70) the alternative variation can be fitted over a clothing rod that is already installed.

[0061] The groove sleeve (70) and groove collars (60) may be constructed as a single monolithic structure, or as separate structures. If the groove collars (60) are constructed as components separate from the groove sleeve (70), then the groove collars (60) must have collar slits (62) capable of allowing the groove collars (60) to fit over the groove sleeve (70) or directly over the bar (10).

K. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

[0062] The user first chooses the bar (10) shown in FIG. 1 of appropriate axial length and cross-sectional dimensions that fits the space where objects need to be hung. Spaces can include, but are not limited to, closets and similar rooms. An individual bar (10) can be simply manufactured to the appropriate axial length as necessary.

[0063] The bar (10) is to be installed so the recessed grooves (20) shown in FIG. 1 face upwards away from the floor. The recessed grooves (20) must be installed facing upwards so objects can be suspended from the bar (10) using the recessed grooves (20). If the user wants to suspend hanging items (40) from the bar (10), then he or she must insert the hanging mechanisms (30) of the objects into the recessed grooves (20) as shown in FIG. 2. Articles of clothing represent hanging items (40) which may make use of separate hanging mechanisms (30) like hangers. Belts, scarfs, and ties, on the other hand, represent hanging items (40) that have self-contained hanging mechanisms (30) that can be directly inserted into the recessed grooves (20).

[0064] The recessed grooves (20) prevent one or more hanging items (40) from moving or shifting along the axial direction of the bar (10). Because objects hung from the recessed grooves (20) cannot move along the bar (10), the hung objects cannot clump together at one or more locations along the bar (10). The clumping of hung items can impart significant stresses on a traditional clothing bar, which can cause the bar to bend or buckle. The present invention prevents the concentration of stresses on the bar (10) via the use of the recessed grooves (20). Clumped objects can also make it difficult to see or find individual items within the clump. As shown in FIG. 3, the spacing of the recessed grooves (20) better distributes the weight of the hanging items (40) along the bar (10) while making each of the hanging items (40) clearly visible and neatly organized.

[0065] If the bar (10) has alternate recessed all-around grooves (22) which are cut around the entire periphery of the bar (10) as shown in FIG. 4, then the bar (10) can be installed without the need to have the recessed grooves (20) facing upwards.

[0066] The bar (10) may have recessed graduated grooves (24) which contain a variable width that changes with depth. The variable width can secure hanging mechanisms (30) of multiple sizes, for example, hangers with a thin wire hook or thicker plastic or wooden hooks. Hanging mechanisms (30) with a width that is much less than the width of the recessed grooves (20) will allow the hanging mechanisms (30) to shift and move a bit. The recessed graduated grooves (24) can better secure, or even lock in place, multiple sizes of hanging mechanisms (30).

[0067] The alternative embodiment of the invention is an assembly that fits around a clothing bar (10) that is already installed. The alternative embodiment contains protruding grooves (50) that distend away from the bar (10) as shown in FIGS. 6 through 9. The collar slits (62) in the groove collars (60) and the sleeve slit (72) in the groove sleeve (70) allow the alternative embodiment to fit around the bar (10). The alternative embodiment can be installed on the bar (10) by pulling open the collar slits (62) and sleeve slit (72) as shown in FIG. 7.

[0068] Hanging items (40) can be hung from the alternative embodiment by inserting their hanging mechanisms (30) into the protruding grooves (50) as shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] The alternative embodiment can be manufactured as a single piece where the groove collars (60), which contain the protruding grooves (50), and the groove sleeve (70) are all one permanently connected piece. Alternatively, the alternative embodiment can have separate groove collars (60) and a groove sleeve (70) where the groove collars (60) can be connected to the groove sleeve (70) by opening the groove collars (60) at the collar slits (62).

[0070] The protruding grooves (50) may have a graduated width, as shown in FIGS. 6 through 9, similar to the recessed graduated grooves (24) illustrated in FIG. 5. The graduated nature of the protruding grooves (50) would better allow hanging mechanisms (30) of different sizes to be secured within the protruding grooves (50), as shown in FIG. 9.

[0071] What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.