Device for hanging items and method

Abstract

An apparatus for hanging items is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof to a surface, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface, in a direction substantially normal to the surface. The apparatus may also include a second element having a longitudinal axis. The second element may be coupled with the first element and may be configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis away from and toward the attachment end. The second element may be configured to hang the items thereon.

1 . An apparatus for hanging items thereon, the apparatus comprising:
 a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof to a surface, and to be oriented, when attached to the surface, in a direction substantially normal to the surface; and   a second element having a longitudinal axis, the second element coupled with the first element and configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis away from and toward the attachment end, the second element configured to hang the items thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a third element in translational engagement with the first element, the third element supporting the second element below and parallel with the third element. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a one or more support members fixed at a first location to the third element and fixed a second location to the second element to support the second element below the third element. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a fourth element between the first element and the third element, the fourth element translationally engaged with the both the first element and the third element. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a fifth element, the element located below and parallel with the second element, the fifth element being elongated and configured to hang more of the items thereon. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is telescopically engaged with the first element. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is engaged with the first element via one or more sets of roller bearings. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is disposed in sliding engagement with the first element. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the third element is a substantially rail shaped element having a bearing or bearing race configuration that is configured to interact in rolling engagement with a corresponding bearing race or bearing configuration on the first element. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a container for containing objects fixed to the second element and configured to be translated with the second element toward and away from the surface. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an additional first elements and an additional second element each configured similar to the first and second elements;   the additional first element configured to be attached to the surface parallel to and at a spaced apart distance from the first and second elements; and   a container have a first edge and a second edge parallel with the first edge, the container being attached at the first edge to the second element and attached at the second edge to the additional second element.   
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for supporting hanging items comprising:
 a first element configured to be fixed at an attachment end thereof;   a second element in translational engagement with the first element and configured to translate away from the attachment end and toward the attachment end; and   an elongate third element coupled for movement with the second element and configured for supporting the hanging items thereon.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the first element attachment end includes two hook shaped elements, and further comprising a bracket member having at least two slots therein, and wherein the two hook shaped elements can pass into the corresponding slots to hook the first element to the bracket, and the bracket member is configured to be fixed to a surface. 
     
     
         14 . A method of providing an article for hanging items thereon, the method comprising:
 providing a first element with an attachment configuration at a first end thereof for directly, or indirectly, attaching the first end to a fixed surface, and for orienting the first element substantial normal to the fixed surface when attached thereto;   providing a second element the second element being elongated, and configuring the second element for hanging items thereon;   coupling a third element with the second element; and   configuring the first and third elements for relative translational engagement thereby enabling the second element to be moved away from and toward the fixed surface.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising;
 providing a fourth element between the third element and the first element; and   configuring the fourth element for relative translational engagement with both the third element and the first element.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the coupling the second element to the first element for translational engagement includes providing a fourth element between the first element and the third element. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 providing a fourth element to couple the first element to the third element;   configuring the fourth element to translate relative to the first element a first translational distance; and   configuring the second element to translate relative to the fourth element a second translational distance wherein the second element is configured to translate relative to the first element a total translational distance substantially determined by a sum of the first translational distance and the second translational distance.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second element has a first end relatively closer to the fixed surface, and a second end relatively further from the fixed surface, and further comprising providing a handle at the second end and configuring the handle to be held by a user to translate the second element away and toward the first element. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising attaching a container for containing objects to the second element to be translated with the second element. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 providing similarly configured first, second, and third elements;   attaching the similarly configured first element to the fixed surface parallel to and at a spaced apart distance from the first second and third elements;   providing a container have a first edge and a second edge parallel with the first edge;   attaching the first edge of the container to the second element; and   attaching the second edge of the container to the similarly configured second element.