Electrically-Conductive Plastic Hangers

Abstract

Electrically-conductive plastic hangers for supporting a workpiece during an electrostatic coating, plating, treating or other processing operation are described herein. In embodiments, the hangers have a one-piece hanger body made of an electrically-conductive plastic material, a connector portion configured to hang the hanger from a rack or other support and a further connector portion configured to hang a workpiece directly from the hanger. The further connector portion is provided in the form of a closure to seal off a part opening.

1 . An electrically-conductive hanger for supporting a workpiece having at least one surface defining a workpiece opening and for masking the workpiece opening comprising a one-piece hanger body, the body being of an electrically conductive plastic material and having a first portion for securing the body with respect to a support and a second portion configured to at least partially mask the workpiece having at least one surface defining the workpiece opening. 
   
   
       2 . The hanger of  claim 1  wherein the second portion is configured in the shape of a plug. 
   
   
       3 . The hanger of  claim 2  wherein the plug has a shank and a flange. 
   
   
       4 . The hanger of  claim 3  wherein the shank further includes threads configured for threaded engagement with corresponding threads along a surface defining the workpiece opening. 
   
   
       5 . The hanger of  claim 1  wherein the second portion is configured in the shape of a cap. 
   
   
       6 . The hanger of  claim 1  wherein the cap has an internal surface configured to fit over a neck portion of the workpiece, the neck portion including the workpiece opening. 
   
   
       7 . The hanger of  claim 6  wherein the internal surface further includes threads configured for threaded engagement with corresponding threads along the workpiece having at least one surface defining a workpiece opening. 
   
   
       8 . The hanger of  claim 1  wherein the first portion comprises a hook. 
   
   
       9 . The hanger of  claim 1  wherein the first portion comprises a member including an opening and formed therein. 
   
   
       10 . The hanger of  claim 1  wherein the first portion further comprises a breakaway portion and the first portion and second portions are separable at the breakaway portion. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the breakaway portion is a notch, a narrowed area, or a scored portion. 
   
   
       12 . The hanger of  claim 1  wherein the electrically-conductive plastic material comprises:
 at least one plastic material; and   at least one conductive material distributed homogeneously therein.   
   
   
       13 . The hanger of  claim 12  wherein the plastic material is selected from one or more of the group consisting of polyether ether ketones, polyphenylene sulfides, polyethylenes, liquid crystal polymers, and nylon 6-6. 
   
   
       14 . The hanger of  claim 12  wherein the conductive material is selected from one or more of the group consisting of metallic powders, carbon black, carbon fibers, carbon mats, metallized glass fibers, metallized glass spheres, copper, aluminum and gold. 
   
   
       15 . A method for supporting a workpiece from an electrically-conductive plastic hanger and for masking a workpiece having at least one surface defining a workpiece opening wherein an electrical state is imparted to the workpiece through the hanger, comprising:
 providing a one-piece hanger body, the body being of an electrically conductive plastic material, wherein the body further comprises:
 a first portion for securing the body with respect to a support; and 
 a second portion configured to at least partially mask the workpiece having at least one surface defining a workpiece opening; 
   masking the workpiece having at least one surface defining the workpiece opening with the second portion;   securing the first portion with respect to a support to hang the workpiece; and   imparting an electrical state to the workpiece through the hanger.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the second portion includes threads configured for threaded engagement with corresponding threads along a surface defining the workpiece opening and the method further includes engaging the second portion threads and opening threads to secure the second portion in place masking the workpiece opening. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the first portion comprises one or more of a hook and a member including an opening formed therein. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the first portion further comprises a breakaway portion and the first portion and second portions are separable at the breakaway portion. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising applying a coating to the unmasked portions of the workpiece.