GB2544312A

GB2544312A - Garment hanger with removable display marker

Info

Publication number: GB2544312A
Application number: GB1519986.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Warren Michael
Original assignee: Braiform (hk) Ltd
Current assignee: Braiform (hk) Ltd
Priority date: 2015-11-12
Filing date: 2015-11-12
Publication date: 2017-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-12
Also published as: GB201519986D0; GB2544312B

Abstract

A garment hanger 10 comprises a hook portion 14 and a garment-receiving portion 12 with a display marker 100 being removably attachable to the hook portion. The display marker comprises a hook-receiving portion 102 and a display surface 104. The hook-receiving portion defines a guide path 110 having first and second ends 112, 114, at least the first end being open for slidable insertion of the display marker over the hook portion. The hook portion and the hook-receiving portion together include cooperative features such as locking and stop ribs 140, 150 on the hook portion and associated walls, ridges or bumps on the hook-receiving portion for locating and retaining the display marker in a predetermined position on the hook portion.

Description

Garment Hanger with Removable Display Marker

[0001] This invention relates to a garment hanger with a removable display marker. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to supply garment hangers with separate, removable display markers for indicating, for example, the size of a garment that is hung on the hanger. It can be preferable for the display marker to be attached to an upper part of the hook portion of the hanger so as to be clearly visible when hung on display, particularly when hung together with other items. In the case of hangers with a moulded plastic hook portion of the prior art that accept such a removable display marker, if there is no size marker fitted, then there are visible holes or ribs that are unsightly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment hanger comprising: a hook portion and a garment-receiving portion; and a display marker removably attachable to the hook portion. The display marker comprises a hook-receiving portion and a display surface. The hook-receiving portion defines a guide path having first and second ends, at least the first end being open for slidable insertion of the display marker over the hook portion. The hook portion and the hook-receiving portion together include cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker in a predetermined position on the hook portion. The arrangement allows for the positive location of the display marker on the hanger without additional parts or fasteners and without affecting the aesthetic of the hanger when the marker is not attached in place.

[0004] The guide path may also have an open second end. This will allow the marker to be slid further on to the hook portion than with a closed end.

[0005] The guide path may comprise a channel defined at least in part by parallel arcuate top and bottom sidewalls that run between the first and second ends, matching the radius of curvature of at least a part of the hook portion over which the display marker is to be slid. The channel is typically open backed. An open-backed channel requires less material and is therefore less expensive to manufacture and to transport.

[0006] The display surface may comprise a planar panel. Thus, a flat surface can be provided best to receive display information. The panel may be arcuate. Thus, the panel can mirror the profile of the hook portion to which it is attached, providing a clean, aesthetic look.

[0007] Where the guide path comprises a channel, a rear side of the panel may form a front wall of the channel. Thus, at least that part of the panel performs a dual function of defining part of the guide path channel and, on the opposite face, defining at least part of the display surface itself.

[0008] At least the part of the hook portion over which the display marker is to be slid has a C-shaped cross-section, open towards a rear side of the hanger. This is a typical construction for moulded plastic hangers, and it is intended that the garment hanger may take that form of construction. However, it will be understood that other forms of construction are equally viable. By way of example, the hook portion of the hanger may have an l-shaped cross-section, in which a web spans centrally between top and bottom sidewalls or between front and rear faces.

[0009] The cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker may include a stop rib on the hook portion and an end wall at the first end of the guide path.

The end wall is brought into abutment with the stop rib when the display marker has been slid over the hook portion to the predetermined position. Thus, the marker is located at the desired position on the hook portion. The stop rib may project rearward beyond the open side of the C-shaped cross-section, in which case the end wall does not have to project into the cavity defined within the C-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the stop rib may be fully contained within the C-shaped cross-section, in which case the end wall includes a stop ridge that projects into the open side of the C-shaped cross-section so as to be able to abut against the stop rib.

[0010] The cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker may include a locking rib on the hook portion and an associated locking ridge on the display marker. The locking ridge is configured to resiliently ride over the locking rib in the insertion direction and to provide resistance to movement back over the locking rib in a removal direction. Thus, once the marker has been fully inserted to the desired predetermined position on the hook portion, it is retained at that location. Typically, the retention is not permanent and with sufficient force the marker can be removed from the hook portion by virtue of the locking ridge riding back over the locking rib in the removal direction. The locking ridge typically has a profiled surface that makes it easier to ride over the associated locking rib in the insertion direction than in the removal direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the locking ridge is at the first end of the guide path. The associated locking rib for such a locking ridge would wherein therefore be located adjacent to the stop rib, where present. Thus, a transverse pocket may be formed between the stop rib and the locking rib to receive the locking ridge.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the locking ridge is at the second end of the guide path. In such an embodiment, the associated locking rib is spaced from the stop rib, where present, and the respective locating and retaining functions are performed at opposite ends of the marker. In certain embodiments, however, the locking ridge might be at an intermediate position between the first and second ends.

[0013] It is envisaged that rather than discrete locating and retaining features, a single feature may perform both functions: locating the marker at the desired location on the hook portion; and retaining the marker in that position.

[0014] In certain embodiments, rather than a locking ridge and associated locking rib, there is a locking bump on the display marker, projecting into the open side of the C-shaped cross-section, and an associated groove formed within the C-shaped cross-section for retaining the marker in the desired location on the hook portion. The groove may comprise a first recess in a top wall of the C-shaped cross-section and a second recess in a bottom wall of the C-shaped cross-section. The locking bump may be at the second end of the guide path. This avoids the need for ribs in the hook portion and can therefore lead to a more aesthetic result.

[0015] As mentioned above, at least the hook portion of the hanger is typically formed of moulded plastic. Likewise, the display marker may be formed of moulded plastic.

[0016] Since garment hangers may be supplied separately from the associated display markers and vice versa, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a display marker for use with the garment hanger of the first aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first exemplary garment hanger with a removable display marker in situ on a hook portion of the hanger;

Figure 2 is a rear elevation of the hanger and marker of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a second exemplary garment hanger with a removable display marker in situ on a hook portion of the hanger;

Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the hanger and marker of Figure 3;

Figures 5a-c show respective front, rear and side elevations of a display marker according to a first embodiment;

Figures 6a-c show an initial step of sliding the display marker of the first embodiment on to a corresponding hook portion according to the first embodiment, in respective front, rear and rear perspective views;

Figures 7a-c show an intermediate step of further sliding the display marker of the first embodiment on to the hook portion, in respective front, rear and rear perspective views;

Figure 7d is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through A-A of Figure 7b, showing the approach of a locking ridge of the display marker towards locking rib and stop rib features on the hook portion;

Figures 8a-c show a final step of the sliding insertion of the display marker of the first embodiment on to the hook portion - the fully inserted position, in respective front, rear and rear perspective views;

Figure 8d is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through B-B of Figure 8b and corresponds to Figure 7d, but showing the locking ridge locked in position between the locking and stop ribs;

Figure 8e is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through C-C of Figure 8b, showing locking bumps of the display marker engaged with corresponding rear surface features on the hook portion;

Figures 9a-c show respective front, rear and side elevations of a display marker according to a second embodiment;

Figures 10a and 10b show respective rear and rear perspective views of a hook portion for use with the display marker of the second embodiment;

Figure 11a corresponds to Figure 8b, but showing the marker of the second embodiment in its fully inserted position;

Figure 11b is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through D-D of Figure 11a, showing a stopping wall of the marker in abutment against a stop rib of the hook portion, and Figure 11c is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through E-E of Figure 11a, showing a locking ridge of the marker in locking engagement with a locking rib of the hook portion;

Figures 12a-c show respective front, rear and side elevations of a display marker according to a third embodiment;

Figures 13a and 13b show respective rear and rear perspective views of a hook portion for use with the display marker of the third embodiment and Figure 13c is an enlarged detail view of part of Figure 13b, showing a locking groove feature;

Figure 14a corresponds to Figures 8b and 11a, but showing the marker of the third embodiment in its fully inserted position;

Figure 14b is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through F-F of Figure 14a, showing a stopping wall of the marker in abutment against a stop rib of the hook portion, and Figure 14c is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through G-G of Figure 14a, showing a locking bump of the marker in locking engagement with the locking groove feature;

Figures 15a-c show respective front, rear and side elevations of a display marker according to a fourth embodiment;

Figures 16a and 16b show respective rear and rear perspective views of a hook portion for use with the display marker of the fourth embodiment;

Figure 17a corresponds to Figures 8b, 11a and 14a, but showing the marker of the fourth embodiment in its fully inserted position;

Figure 17b is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through l-l of Figure 17a, showing a stopping wall of the marker in abutment against a stop rib of the hook portion, and Figure 17c is a detailed, enlarged, cross section through J-J of Figure 17a, showing a locking ridge of the marker in locking engagement with a locking rib of the hook portion; and

Figures 18a and 18b show further alternative embodiments of the display marker, having, respectively, smaller and larger display surface portions than the display markers of the preceding embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 on the one hand, and Figures 3 and 4 on the other hand illustrate, in general form, alternative garment hanger forms 10; 10’, on each of which is received an associated display marker 100. The garment hanger 10; 10’ comprises a body portion 12; 12’ and a hook portion 14; 14’ integrally connected centrally to the body portion 12; 12’.

[0019] It will be appreciated that with at least an upper part of the hook portions 14; 14’ of the respective hangers 10; 10’ being of common shape and profile, they are able to receive a common form of display marker 100. Thus, one form of display marker may be applied to a range of different hangers. Accordingly, other than requiring at least part of the hook portion 14 to have a particular shape and profile, the invention is not limited by the form of hanger to which it is to be applied. In particular, it is immaterial what form the body portion 12 takes.

[0020] In the following, the invention will be described with reference to the application of a display marker 100 to a moulded plastic hanger 10, but it will be appreciated that the marker may be applied to any suitable form of hanger construction.

[0021] The hook portion 14 of an exemplary moulded hanger 10 has an upper part with a constant radius of curvature extending over approximately 180 degrees from a free end 14a before curving back on itself towards its lower part in a gentle arc, as is conventional in the art. As best seen perhaps in Figure 6c and especially Figure 8e, the hook portion 14 has a C-shaped cross-section, open towards a rear side of the hanger 10. The C-shaped cross section is defined by a front wall 16 and a pair of parallel sidewalls 17, 19 projecting rearwardly therefrom. It will be appreciated that the cross-section may vary beyond the portion over which the marker 100 is to be slid. The exemplary moulded hanger 10 has a smooth front face 13, with the hook portion 14 being contiguous with the body portion 12 over that front face.

[0022] A first embodiment of a display marker 100 for use in the invention is shown in Figures 5a-c. The display marker 100 has a generally arcuate form, corresponding to the curve of the hook portion 14 to which it is to be applied. The marker 100 comprises a hook-receiving portion 102 and a display surface portion 104. The hook-receiving portion 102 defines a guide path 110 having first and second ends 112, 114, at least the first end being open for slidable insertion of the display marker over the hook portion. Typically, the second end 114 is also open, but this need not be the case and so in some embodiments in which the second end does not have to be inserted beyond the free end 14a of the hook portion, the second end 114 may be closed.

[0023] The guide path 110 comprises a channel defined by parallel arcuate top and bottom sidewalls 116, 118 that run between the first and second ends 112, 114, matching the radius of curvature of at least a part of the hook portion 14 over which the display marker 100 is to be slid. The channel is typically open backed.

[0024] The display surface portion 104 comprises a planar panel on a front side of the marker 100, connected to the hook-receiving portion 102. A rear side 105 of the panel forms a front wall of the channel 110. A portion of the panel projects beyond the top sidewall 116 defining a lip 120. The panel is otherwise bounded by the bottom sidewall 118 and the first and second ends 112, 114 of the guide path 110. As best seen in Figures 18a and 18b, the lip 120 can be made larger or smaller. In Figure 18a, there is no lip 120 and the panel is bounded at its upper end by the top sidewall 116. In contrast, the lip 120’ of Figure 18b projects farther from the top sidewall 118 than in the embodiment of Figure 5a for example, thus providing a larger surface area for display purposes.

[0025] As illustrated, the panel has an arcuate shape that matches the curvature of the hook portion 14, but it will be appreciated that the panel may readily take alternative forms. In some embodiments, the panel may extend beyond any or all of the top sidewall 116, bottom sidewall 118 or the first or second end 112, 114 of the guide path 110. The flat front surface provided by the panel can be used to receive information markings including, but not limited to: the size of the garment on the hanger 10; the quantity of items on the hanger 10; the manufacturer; branding; the price; and promotions, such as ‘SALE or ‘10% OFF’. These marker indicia may be directly printed or embossed or debossed onto the surface or may be applied in the form of a sticker. The display marker could also be colour coded. E.g. if the store used colour for size then the display marker could be used to reinforce that message. So, for instance, S = yellow, M = green & L = blue then the display marker could be moulded in these colours & the (S, M or L) info added (unless of course it was embossed / debossed in the mould).

[0026] An end wall 130 is provided at the first end 112 of the guide path 110, bridging across the top and bottom sidewalls 116,118. The end wall 130 includes a locking ridge 132 that projects centrally therefrom into the guide path 110. At the second end 114, the marker includes a pair of bumps 134 adjacent the respective top and bottom sidewalls 116, 118 and projecting towards the front of the marker.

[0027] The marker 100 is typically moulded from a plastics material and as such the hook-receiving portion 102 and the display portion 104 are formed integrally with one another.

[0028] The application of a marker 100 to an associated hook portion 14 according to the first embodiment is described now with particular reference to Figures 6a to 8e. In a first step (Figs. 6a-c), the marker 100 is presented to the hook portion 14 so as to align the open first end 112 of the hook-receiving portion 102 with the free end 14a of the hook portion 14, with the front side of the marker (having the display surface) oriented towards the front side of the hanger (the smooth side). The marker 100 is pushed on to the hook portion 14 in an insertion direction and the free end 14a enters the channel 110 through the first open end 112.

[0029] Continued pushing of the marker 100 relative to the hanger 10 slides it further on to the hook portion 14, guided by the interaction of the matching profiles of the sidewalls 17, 19 of the C-shaped cross-section of the hook portion 14 on the one hand and the top and bottom sidewalls 116, 118 of the guide channel 110 on the other hand. The second end 114 of the guide path passes the free end 14a of the hook portion and the end wall 130 approaches a stop rib 140 that extends across the cavity formed between the respective front and side walls 16, 17, 19 of the C-shaped profile of the hook portion 14. See Figures 7a-d.

[0030] Further continued pushing of the marker 100 relative to the hanger 10 slides it even further on to the hook portion 14 and, as shown in Figures 8a-e, the end wall 130 -more particularly an end face 130a thereof - is brought into abutment with the stop rib 140. The end wall 130 and the stop rib 140 thus cooperate to prevent further sliding of the marker and define an end position for the marker 100 on the hook portion 14 of the garment hanger 10.

[0031] To retain the marker 100 in that predetermined position and to prevent the marker 100 from sliding off the hook portion 14 in a removal direction, opposite to the insertion direction, cooperative locking features are also provided. The locking ridge 132 on the end wall 130 of the marker cooperates with a locking rib 150 to perform this function. Specifically, the locking ridge 132 is configured to resiliently ride over the locking rib 150 in the insertion direction and yet to provide resistance to movement back over the locking rib 150 in a removal direction. In this embodiment, the locking rib 150 is located adjacent to the stop rib 140, forming a transverse pocket 152 therebetween to receive the locking ridge 132. The pocket 152 is sized do that the locking ridge fits snugly within it, thereby preventing the marker 100 from rattling to and fro.

[0032] The bumps 134 at the second end 114 of the guide path serve to further retain the marker in position on the hanger 10 by virtue of their tightening the fit between the marker 100 and the hook portion 14, as the marker is slid into position - in particular as the bumps 134 slide over a chamfered end 14b of the hook portion (best seen in Figure 7c) onto the part where the sidewalls 17, 19 are parallel - thereby preventing front to back movement. The bumps 134 only come into play during the last few mm of rotation because of the chamfer 14b on the tip of the hook; the bumps don’t engage until the front and back walls 17, 19 of the hook become parallel. The chamfer 14b on the tip of the hook is also useful in that any protrusions (e.g. the locking ridge 132) on the marker that project into the channel 110 avoid hitting the tip of the hook.

[0033] In a variation of the first embodiment (not shown), the locking ridge 132 could be positioned on the second end 114 of the display marker 100, with attendant re-positioning of the associated ribs 140, 150 on the hanger. In this case, the bumps 134 would be removed.

[0034] In the embodiment of Figures 9 to 11, the stop rib 140’ is in the same position as for the embodiment of Figures 5 to 8, but the locking rib 150’ is here located away from the stop rib for cooperation with the locking ridge 132’ that is now provided at the second end 114 of the auide Dath 110. The end wall 130’ thus no lonaer includes the lockina ridae. so does not project into the open side of the C-shaped cross-section. The stop rib 140’ is accordingly taller than that of the preceding embodiment, here projecting rearward beyond the open side of the C-shaped cross-section (as best seen in Figure 10b and, especially, Figure 11b) so that the end wall 130’ can abut against it to define the final position of the marker 100’.

[0035] The action of sliding the marker 100’ on to the hook portion 14 is substantially the same as described above for the embodiment of Figures 5 to 8, except that the end wall 130’ passes over the locking rib 150’ without any interaction therewith. The locking ridge 132’ is again configured to resiliently ride over the associated locking rib 150’ in the insertion direction yet to resist movement in the removal direction.

[0036] In a variation of this second embodiment (not shown), the locking ridge 132’ could be on end wall 130’ and the locking rib 150’ could be positioned closer to stop rib 140’.

This would therefore be almost the same as the first embodiment of Figures 5-8, but with the stop rib 140’ projecting rearwards beyond the open side of the C-shaped cross-section.

[0037] In the embodiment of Figures 12 to 14, the stop rib 140 is the same as for the embodiment of Figures 5 to 8. However, because there is no locking rib and no associated locking ridge at the first end 112 of the guide path 110, and because the stop rib 140 is fully contained within the C-shaped cross-section of the hook portion 14, the end wall 130” is here provided with a locking ridge 160 that projects into the open side of the C-shaped cross-section for abutting against the stop rib 140 (as best seen in Figure 14b especially). A locking bump 132” is provided at the second end 114 of the guide path 110, and an associated groove 170 is formed within the C-shaped cross-section of the hook portion 14. The groove 170 comprises respective recesses formed in the internal surfaces of the top and bottom sidewalls 17, 19 of the hook portion. This is best seen in Figure 14c.

[0038] The action of sliding the marker 100” on to the hook portion 14 is substantially the same as described above for the embodiments of Figures 5 to 8 and Figures 9 to 11, except that there is no locking rib past which the end wall 130” and ergo the locking ridge 160 must pass. When the marker has been fully inserted to the final predetermined position, the locking bump 132” is received within the associated locking groove 170 to retain the marker 100” in that position.

[0039] In the embodiment of Figures 15 to 17, the stop rib 140 is again the same as for the embodiment of Figures 5 to 8. The end wall 130’” includes a stop ridge 180 projecting centrally therefrom into the guide path 110, akin to the locking ridge 132 of the embodiment of Figures 5 to 8. The marker 100’” includes a separate locking ridge 132’” at the second end 114 for cooperation with the locking rib 150’”.

[0040] The action of sliding the marker 100”’ on to the hook portion 14 is substantially the same as described above for the preceding embodiments, except that the end wall 130”’ here resiliently passes over the locking rib 150’”, which is shallower than the stop rib 140. The locking ridge 132’” is again configured to resiliently ride over the associated locking rib 150’” in the insertion direction yet to resist movement in the removal direction.

[0041] By having the hanger-based components of the cooperative location and retention features on the rear face of the hanger’s hook, and fully contained within the cross sectional profile thereof (or projecting only minimally beyond rearwardly in the case of the stop rib 140’), it does not look like anything is missing when the display marker is not present.

[0042] Although the invention has been described primarily by reference to a hanger having a hook portion with a C-shaped cross section, it will be understood that other cross sections could also be used, with amendments mutatis mutandis to the other components, particularly of the display marker that interact therewith.

[0043] Certain embodiments may combine features from the embodiments explicitly illustrated and described above. Moreover, in some embodiments additional cooperative features may be provided in order to supplement the positive location and retention of the display marker on the hanger. For example, additional cooperative features could be provided intermediate the first and second ends of the guide path.

[0044] Whereas in the foregoing description the guide path has been described as being bounded by parallel arcuate walls between the first and second ends, it will be appreciated that although that arrangement would assist in guiding the marker onto the hook portion it is not necessary and it is sufficient for the marker to include an inlet and an outlet to the guide path at the respective first and second ends, with no top and bottom sidewalls in between [0045] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0046] Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0047] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A garment hanger comprising: a hook portion and a garment-receiving portion; and a display marker removably attachable to the hook portion; wherein the display marker comprises a hook-receiving portion and a display surface; wherein the hook-receiving portion defines a guide path having first and second ends, at least the first end being open for slidable insertion of the display marker over the hook portion; and wherein the hook portion and the hook-receiving portion together include cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker in a predetermined position on the hook portion.

2. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the guide path also has an open second end.

3. The garment hanger of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the guide path comprises a channel defined at least in part by parallel arcuate top and bottom sidewalls that run between the first and second ends, matching the radius of curvature of at least a part of the hook portion over which the display marker is to be slid.

4. The garment hanger of claim 3, wherein the channel is open backed.

5. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the display surface comprises a planar panel.

6. The garment hanger of claim 5, wherein the panel is arcuate.

7. The garment hanger of claim 5 or claim 6, when including the features of claim 3, wherein a rear side of the panel forms a front wall of the channel.

8. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein at least the part of the hook portion over which the display marker is to be slid has a C-shaped cross-section, open towards a rear side of the hanger.

9. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker include a stop rib on the hook portion and an end wall at the first end of the guide path, wherein the end wall is brought into abutment with the stop rib when the display marker has been slid over the hook portion to the predetermined position.

10. The garment hanger of claim 9, when including the features of claim 8, wherein the stop rib projects rearward beyond the open side of the C-shaped cross-section.

11. The garment hanger of claim 9, when including the features of claim 8, wherein the stop rib is contained within the C-shaped cross-section and wherein the end wall includes a stop ridge that projects into the open side of the C-shaped cross-section.

12. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker include a locking rib on the hook portion and an associated locking ridge on the display marker, wherein the locking ridge is configured to resiliently ride over the locking rib in the insertion direction and to provide resistance to movement back over the locking rib in a removal direction.

13. The garment hanger of claim 12, wherein the locking ridge is at the first end of the guide path.

14. The garment hanger of claim 13, when including the features of claim 9, wherein the locking rib is located adjacent to the stop rib, forming a transverse pocket therebetween to receive the locking ridge.

15. The garment hanger of claim 12, wherein the locking ridge is at the second end of the guide path.

16. The garment hanger of any of claims 1 to 11, when including the features of claim 8, wherein the cooperative features for locating and retaining the display marker include a locking bump on the display marker, projecting into the open side of the C-shaped cross-section, and an associated groove formed within the C-shaped cross-section.

17. The garment hanger of claim 16, wherein the groove comprises a first recess in a top wall of the C-shaped cross-section and a second recess in a bottom wall of the C-shaped cross-section.

18. The garment hanger of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the locking bump is at the second end of the guide path.

19. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein at least the hook portion of the hanger is formed of moulded plastic.

20. The garment hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the display marker is formed of moulded plastic.

21. A display marker for use with the garment hanger of any preceding claim.

22. A hanger substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A display marker substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.