Hook for use in a garment hanger

Abstract

A hook for use in a hanger is disclosed. The hook has a suspension portion for suspending it, and the hanger, from a rail. There is also an insert portion which is inserted into the body of a hanger. The insert portion has retainers, such as barbs, for fixing the insert into the hanger body. The suspension portion and insert portion have respective connectors which engage one another to connect these two components together whilst allowing the suspension portion to rotate relative to the insert portion and the hanger body, preferably with a known torque resistance.

1 . A hook for use in a hanger, the hook comprising:
 a suspension portion for suspending the hook from a rail or the like, the suspension portion including a first connector; and   an insert portion for engaging a body of a hanger and having at least one retainer for fixing the insert to the hanger body, the insert portion comprising a second connector to engage said first connector and ensure connection between said suspension portion and said insert portion.   
     
     
         2 . A hook according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second connectors have rotational symmetry. 
     
     
         3 . A hook according to  claim 1 , wherein said suspension portion and said insert portion comprises metal. 
     
     
         4 . A hook according to  claim 1 , wherein said retainer comprises at least one barb. 
     
     
         5 . A hook according to  claim 1 , wherein said retainer comprises at least one rib. 
     
     
         6 . A hook according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second connectors comprise a snap fit connection. 
     
     
         7 . A hook according to  claim 1 , wherein said first connector comprises an at least partially conical end to said suspension portion said conical end having an outer edge , and
 said second connector comprises an annular ridge extending radially inward of an inner surface of said insert portion wherein said annular ridge and said outer edge of said conical portion engage one another to retain said suspension portion and insert portion in engagement with one another.   
     
     
         8 . A garment hanger comprising;
 a hanger body for bearing a garment thereon; and   a hook according to any of the preceding claims.   
     
     
         9 . A hanger according to  claim 8 , wherein said hanger body comprises wood. 
     
     
         10 . A hanger according to  claim 8 , wherein said hanger body comprises at least one thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         11 . A method of forming the garment hanger according to  claim 8 , comprising the steps:
 inserting the insert portion into an aperture in said body; and inserting the suspension portion into said insert portion such that said first and second connectors engage one another thereby retaining said suspension portion in said insert portion.   
     
     
         12 . A method of forming the garment hanger according to  claim 8 , comprising the steps, with said suspension portion and said insert portions engaged at said first and second connectors, inserting said hook into said hanger body. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , further comprising, prior to said inserting step, heating at least said insert portion.