Blanket hanger

Title: Blanket hanger

Related Patent Categories: Supports: Racks, Pivoted Support, Panels Or Frames

Blanket hanger description/claims

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060175275, Blanket hanger.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to racks, supports, and hangers, and more specifically to a blanket hanger configured for hanging horse blankets, saddle blankets, and/or similar articles thereon.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Horses generally represent a substantial investment, and accordingly the owners of such animals generally see that they are well cared for. This has led to a number of accessories for use with horses and similar large livestock, some of which go back for centuries. Many of these accessories are intended to provide for the health and comfort of the animal, e.g., saddle blankets, horse blankets, and similar articles.

[0005] A problem with the typically large number of accessories ("tack") often found in the typical horse barn or stable, is that much of it is rather bulky and difficult to store. While saddles are a particular example of such, even other accessories, such as horse blankets and saddle blankets, can pose storage problems as well. While a single such blanket is not particularly bulky, a few such blankets may be provided for a single animal in order to allow their rotation for cleaning, repair, etc. Moreover, the animal will typically not be wearing such blankets or other tack while resting in the stable or horse barn, and such equipment must be stored until needed in the future.

[0006] The present inventor is aware of various devices developed in the past for hanging articles. An example of such is found in Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-52,400, published on Apr. 27, 1977, which describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) various embodiments of a device for displaying slide fasteners (zippers) for sale. The device includes one or more pivotally mounted arms, with the arms being outwardly and downwardly inclined relative to their pivotal attachment points. Each arm includes internal or external ridges, teeth, or similar elements. The single pivot, as well as the downward slope of each arm, is incapable of supporting heavier elements such as horse blankets and the like.

[0007] However, such devices either cannot be used to support blankets or lack the features of the present invention. Thus, a blanket hanger solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The blanket hanger provides an efficient and relatively compact means for storing a large number of horse blankets, saddle blankets, or similar articles in a barn, stable, or similar structure, without requiring additional shelving, closet or similar space, or other areas which require additional floor space. The blanket hanger comprises a frame or brackets that attach to the wall of a stable, barn, or other structure, with the frame or brackets having a series of vertically oriented pivot holes therein. The holes provide for the removable and interchangeable installation of corresponding hanger arm pivots therein, with the hanger arms pivoting within the holes in the frame or brackets for access to the arms as desired for placement or removal of blankets thereon.

[0009] Each of the arms is formed of a series of rigid metal rods or tubes welded to form the desired configuration. Each arm includes substantially parallel upper and lower horizontal members, which extend from the hanger arm pivot. The upper arm is curved or bent 90.degree. at its distal end to form a downwardly extending distal end component, with the lower horizontal member attaching to the end component. A diagonal brace is provided from the pivot to the upper member. The downwardly extending end component lies within the fold of a horse blanket suspended from the upper horizontal member in order to maintain the vertical "hang" of the blanket and prevent it from swaying inwardly.

[0010] In another embodiment, an intermediate horizontal member may be provided for placement of saddle blankets thereon. The lower end of the distal end component may be bent back toward the pivot to extend between blankets supported on the intermediate member and reduce their swaying as the arm swings arcuately about its pivot. Either embodiment provides for hanging either horse or saddle blankets thereon, as desired, with the arms being interchangeable on the frame or brackets as desired.

[0011] These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a stable blanket hanger according to the present invention, showing a horse blanket and saddle blankets hanging thereon.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view with the central portions of the mounting brackets broken away, showing alternative positioning of the different arm types and indeterminate length.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view showing the procedure for removing and installing one of the blanket hanger arms in the brackets or frame.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an exemplary mounting bracket for the blanket hanger arms, illustrating the staggered relationship of the arm pivot holes therein.

[0016] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present invention comprises various embodiments of a multiple arm rack for holding blankets or similar articles. While the device could be used in many different environments to hold and/or store blankets or similar articles associated with those environments, it is particularly well suited for use in barns, stables, and similar structures for holding horse and other livestock blankets, pads, and the like.

[0018] FIG. 1 of the drawings provides a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present blanket holder 10. The blanket holder 10 comprises a series of pivotally disposed arms 12a and 12b, extending from spaced apart upper and lower brackets 14a and 14b. The blanket holder 10 may be formed of any suitable materials, as desired. Aluminum stock (tube or bar, angle, etc.) is well suited for the construction of the present blanket holder, due to its relatively high strength for its weight and its resistance to corrosion. However, other materials may be used, e.g., mild or stainless steel, etc., as desired.

[0019] FIG. 4 provides a top plan view of either of the two brackets 14a, 14b, as the two brackets are identical to one another. Each of the brackets 14a and 14b includes a series of arm pivot holes therein, e.g., holes 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, etc., depending upon the length of the brackets 14a and 14b and the number of arms 12a and 12b desired for installation. As the two brackets 14a, 14b are identical to one another, the corresponding holes 16a, etc. in each bracket form vertically disposed arm pivot hole pairs.

[0020] It will be noted that the holes 16a, 16b, etc. are staggered relative to one another, in relationship to the edges of the bracket 14a, 14b. This staggering of the blanket holder arm pivot holes allows the blanket holder arms to fold flat against, and completely parallel to, one another, as explained below. Each bracket 14a, 14b has a first end 18, an opposite second end 20, and a first edge 22 and opposite second edge 24, from which the wall mounting flange extends. The first arm mounting hole 16a is positioned near the first end 18 of the bracket 14a or 14b, and adjacent the first edge 22 of the bracket. The next hole 16b is positioned somewhat farther down the length of the bracket 14a, 14b toward the opposite second end 20, and spaced slightly farther from the first edge 22. In the case of a five hole bracket as shown in FIG. 4, the third hole 16c is centered between the two ends 18 and 20 and the two edges 22 and 24. This arrangement continues to the final hole 16e, positioned near the second end 20 and adjacent the second or mounting flange edge 24 of the bracket. The holes 16a through 16e are evenly spaced between the two ends 18 and 20 and also between the two edges 22 and 24 of each bracket, to form a generally diagonal straight line from a point adjacent the corner of the first end 18 and first edge 22 to a point adjacent the diagonally opposite corner of the second end 20 and second edge 24.

[0021] The lateral spacing of the holes, i.e., the spacing from the edges 22 and 24, is such that each hole is shifted by a distance equal to the thickness of the stock material from which the arms 12a, 12b are formed. In other words, each hole shifts from the first edge 22 toward the second edge 24 by one-half inch, where the arms 12a, 12b are formed of one-half inch thick material. Thus, when the arm extending from the last hole 16e is folded flat against the wall, the next arm 16d is spaced one-half inch farther away from the wall to allow for the thickness of the arm extending from the last hole 16e. This folding process may be continued, as shown by the folded arms 12a in FIG. 1, to provide efficient and compact storage for the arms.

[0022] Each arm includes a pivot shaft 26, which is removably installed within one of the hole pairs between the two brackets 14a, 14b. The two types of blanket hanger arms 12a and 12b illustrated may be interchangeably installed in any selected hole pair position of the brackets 14a, 14b, as their blanket hanger arm pivot shafts 26 are identical to one another. In the case of the first blanket hanger arm 12a, an upper member 28a extends substantially horizontally from the pivot shaft 26 when the arm is installed in the brackets 14a, 14b, with the upper member 28a having a pivot shaft attachment end 30a and an opposite downwardly curved distal end 32a. The distal end 32a continues to form a substantially vertical (again, when the arm 12a is installed) distal end component 34a, with the end component 34a and upper member 28a being formed as a single, unitary length of material. The end component 34a continues downwardly to terminate in a straight lowermost portion 36a. substantially horizontal (when the arm is installed) lower member 38a extends from its pivot shaft attachment end 40a to attach to the distal end component 34a at a point above the lowermost portion 36a of the end component 34a. This assembly is braced by a diagonal brace member 42a, which extends upwardly from the pivot shaft end 40a of the lower member 38a to a point along the upper member 28a.

[0023] The first arm type 12a is well suited for holding and storing relatively large horse or other large livestock blankets B, as shown in FIG. 1. The chest straps of the blanket B are secured over the upper member 28a of the arm 12a, with the point where the diagonal brace 42a meets the upper member 28a being located at about the location where the weight of the blanket B is suspended from the upper member 28a, to provide optimal strength and bracing at this point. The back of the blanket B rests against the vertically disposed distal end component 34a, with the end component 34a preventing the blanket B from swaying inwardly due to its suspension from the chest straps, which are offset relative to the center of gravity of the vertically suspended blanket B.

[0024] The arm 12b is similar to the arm 12a, but differs in certain respects. The arm 12b also includes an upper member 28b, which extends substantially horizontally from the pivot shaft 26 when the arm is installed in the brackets 14a, 14b. The upper member 28b has a pivot shaft attachment end 30b and an opposite downwardly curved distal end 32b, similarly to the upper member 28a. The distal end 32b continues to form a substantially vertical (when the arm 12b is installed) distal end component 34b, with the end component 34b and upper member 28b being formed as a single, unitary length of material, just as in the case of the arm 12a. The end component 34b continues downwardly to terminate in an upwardly and inwardly curved lower end portion 36b. A substantially horizontal (when the arm is installed) lower member 38b extends from its pivot shaft attachment end 40b to attach to the distal end component 34b at a point above the curved lower end portion 36b of the end component 34b. The second arm 12b differs further from the first arm 12a in that the arm 12b also includes a generally horizontal intermediate member 41b, which extends between the pivot shaft 26 of the arm 12b and the opposite distal end component 34b. This assembly is braced by a diagonal brace member 42b, which extends upwardly from the pivot shaft end 40b of the lower member to a point along the intermediate member 41b.

[0025] The second arm type 12b is well suited for the holding and storage of smaller saddle blankets S thereon, as shown in FIG. 1. The series of three arms, i.e., upper arm 28b, lower arm 38b, and intermediate arm 41b, allow for the storage of at least three saddle blankets B thereon, or more if so desired. The relatively short diagonal member 42b which extends only to the intermediate member 41b, provides a clear span along the entire length of the intermediate member 41b for placement of saddle blankets S or the like thereon. The upwardly and inwardly curved lower end 36b of the distal end member 34b extends between the two sides of a saddle blanket S suspended along the lower member 38b and serves to reduce swaying of the saddle blanket S as the arm 12b is swung one way or the other.

[0026] FIG. 2 of the drawings illustrates a second embodiment 110 of the present blanket hanger. The blanket hanger 110 of FIG. 2 differs from the blanket hanger 10 of FIG. 1, in that the blanket hanger 110 includes a pair of vertically disposed frame members 112 which connect (e.g., welding, rivets, bolts, etc.) the respective first and second ends 18 and 20 of the two brackets 14a and 14b, to form a rectangular frame 114. The two brackets 14a, 14b of the embodiment 110 of FIG. 2 are shown as being of indeterminate length, with only four arms 12a, 12b being shown. It will be understood that the brackets 14a, 14b may be formed to have any practicable length and number of arm pivot holes desired.

[0027] The arms 12a and 12b shown installed in the frame 114 of the blanket hanger 110 of FIG. 2 are identical to the arms 12a and 12b of the blanket hanger 10 of FIG. 1, but it will be noted that they have been repositioned in the hanger 110 relative to the hanger 10. This is easily accomplished in any of the embodiments of the blanket hanger 10 or 110 due to the spacing of the two brackets 14a, 14b and the lengths of the ends of the arm pivot shafts 26, which extend beyond the upper and lower members 28a and 38a of the arm 12a and upper and lower members 28b and 38b of the arm 12b. FIG. 3 provides an illustration of the removal and installation of one of the arms from or into the two brackets 14a and 14b of the device. In FIG. 3, the bracket attachment end of an arm 12a, with its arm pivot shaft 26, is shown in solid lines installed between the two brackets 14a and 14b. It will be noted that the pivot shaft attachment end 30a of the upper member 28a is displaced somewhat below the upper bracket 14a, thus allowing some vertical movement of the arm 12a when installed between the two brackets 14a and 14b. This allows the arm 12a to be lifted in the brackets 14a, 14b to the point that the lower end 44 of the arm pivot shaft 26 is clear of its bracket hole 16 in the lower bracket 14b. This allows the lower end 44 of the arm pivot shaft 26 to be swung outwardly to clear the lower bracket 14b, thus allowing the entire arm 12a to be lowered to remove the upper end 46 of the pivot shaft 26 from its hole or passage in the upper bracket 14a. Installation of the arm 12a (or installation of an alternate arm 12b) is accomplished by reversing the above procedure.

[0028] The relatively small diameters of the arm pivot shafts, in combination with the relatively large span of the arms 12a and 12b, result in little force being required to pivot the arms within their brackets 14a and 14b. However, the pivoting action may be made even smoother and quieter by means of bushings 48 (shown most clearly in FIG. 4) installed in the holes of at least the lower bracket 14b (and preferably in the upper bracket 14a, as well). The pivot shaft end 40a, 40b of the lower member 38a, 38b rides upon the upwardly dispose flange of the bushing 48, thereby precluding frictional contact between the lower member 38a, 38b and the lower bracket 14b, particularly when the arms 12a, 12b are swung to their stored positions parallel to the lengths of the brackets 14a, 14b, as shown in FIG. 1. The bushings 48 may be formed of any suitable material, e.g., nylon or other suitable plastic material, Oilite.RTM. bronze, etc.

[0029] In conclusion, the present blanket hanger in its various embodiments provides a much needed means of hanging and storing horse blankets, saddle blankets, and similar articles where they are out of the way when the arms of the device are folded, yet are readily accessible when desired. Storage space is often at a premium in horse barns, stalls, and similar structures, as wall space is often taken up by individual stalls, feeding troughs, and shelves and hangers for other equipment. Conventional single hanging of horse and saddle blankets requires a relatively large amount of vertical space, which is often not available. The alternative of folding such blankets and storing them on shelves is often not suitable, particularly if they have not had the opportunity to air out after use. Accordingly, the present blanket hanger will prove to be a very desirable device for installation and use in horse barns and stalls, and any other area where compact open-air storage combined with ready access to blankets and similar articles are stored.

[0030] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

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Adjustable rack structure
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Industry Class:
Supports: racks

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