GARMENT SUSPENSION APPARATUS

Abstract

 The present invention concerns a garment suspension apparatus (100). More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a garment suspension apparatus (100) for use during transportation of garments. The garment suspension apparatus (100) comprises a rail (101) for receiving a hanger. The rail (101) has a cross section comprising a tubular section (102) and a flange section (104). The tubular section (102) comprises a recessed waist (105).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention concerns garment suspension apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns garment suspension apparatus for use during transportation of garments. Aspects of the invention concern garment suspension apparatus having a securing system for securing the garments they carry.

Background of the Invention

[0002] A garment suspension apparatus is a known type of apparatus that is principally used to hang garments therefrom. The present invention relates to garment suspension apparatus comprising a rail on which garments are hung. Typically, garments are hung from the rail via a hanger, such as a clothes hanger. Garment suspension apparatus comprising a rail may commonly be known as a garment rail, garment rack, a clothes rail and/or a clothes rack.

[0003] Garment suspension apparatus comprising a rail can be used in a variety of domestic and commercial settings, including during transportation of garments, particularly vehicular transportation. During vehicular transportation the loads on the rail may increase due to the collective movement of articles hung therefrom and/or due to relative movement of the points at which the rail is supported. Such movement may impart dynamic loads and torsional forces on the rail which could lead to buckling and/or breakage of the rail.

[0004] During transportation there also exists a problem of articles hung from the rails falling off them, for example due to accelerative forces acting on the garments causing them, or their hanger, to slide or jump off the rail.

[0005] The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved garment suspension apparatus.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a garment suspension apparatus comprising: a rail for receiving a hanger, the rail having a cross section; wherein the cross section comprises a tubular section and a flange section, and wherein the tubular section comprises a recessed waist.

[0007] The flange section and/or the recessed waist may increase the flexural stiffness of the rail, as compared to prior art cylindrical rails. The rail may therefore be more resistant to buckling. The increased structural stiffness of the rail may allow lower quality materials to be used to manufacture the rail. This may reduce the overall cost of the garment suspension apparatus.

[0008] The recessed waist may comprise a concave recess. The concave recess may be provided in a lateral side of the tubular section. The concave recess is preferably curved. The recessed waist may comprise a pair of opposed concave recesses in opposing lateral sides of the tubular section.

[0009] The tubular section may comprise an upper portion above the recessed waist and a lower portion below the recessed waist. The upper portion and/or the lower portion may be rounded. The upper portion and/or the lower portion may be substantially hemispherical. The upper and lower portions may be connected to, and separated by, the recessed waist. The upper portion, lower portion and recessed waist may define a generally hourglass shape. The tubular section may therefore be generally hourglass shaped.

[0010] The flange section may project away from the tubular section. The flange section may project away from the upper portion or lower portion; preferably, the flange section projects away from the lower portion. When the rail is oriented for use, the flange section may project away in a direction which is substantially parallel to a vertical plane. The flange section may project away substantially vertically downwardly and/or upwardly from the tubular section.

[0011] The upper portion, lower portion, recessed waist, and flange section may define a generally pandurate shape. The cross section of the rail may therefore be generally pandurate in shape.

[0012] It will be appreciated that relative terms 'upper' and 'lower' relate to the intended orientation of the rail in use.

[0013] The rail is preferably dimensioned to receive the hook of a typical hanger. The tubular section is preferably above the flange section in use. The tubular section is therefore preferably dimensioned to receive the hook of a typical clothes hanger. The tubular section may be dimensioned to receive a hook having an internal diameter of between about 3cm and 5cm. The maximum external width of the tubular section may be 4cm, 3.5cm, 3 cm, or 2.5cm.

[0014] The most recessed point of the recessed waist may have a maximum external width of about 95%, 90% or 85% of the maximum external width of the tubular section. The most recessed point of the recessed waist may have a minimum external width of about 50%, 60% or 70% of the maximum external width of the tubular section.

[0015] It will be understood that "hanger" may refer to clothes hangers, for example coat hangers, trouser hangers, hanging tie racks and the like. It will also be understood that the hanger alternatively may have a circular element in place of the hook.

[0016] The flange section may comprise a single, substantially linear, projection. The flange section may comprise a pair of, substantially linear, projections. The pair of projections may be substantially parallel. The pair of projections may be in the form of a pair of opposed faces of material. The pair of projections may be in physical contact with each other.

[0017] The tubular section and flange section may be integrally formed from a single piece of material. The rail may be formed from a single piece of material bent, pressed and/or roll formed to the cross section according to the first aspect. The rail may be formed from metal.

[0018] The rail may be formed from a tubular piece of material, such that the cross section defines a closed path. The rail may be formed from a sheet of material of material, such that the cross section defines an open path. The rail may be formed from a sheet of material, the edges of which are then joined, for example by welding, such that the cross section defines a closed path. The edges may be joined by spot welding along the flange.

[0019] The rail may have the cross section according to the first aspect of the invention along a majority of the length of the rail. The rail may have the cross section according to the first aspect of the invention along the whole length of the rail.

[0020] The rail may comprise a substantially tubular part. The tubular section of the cross section may correspond to the cross section of the substantially tubular part. The rail may comprise a flange part. The flange section of the cross section may correspond to cross section of the flange part.

[0021] The rail may be of one piece construction. Alternatively, the rail may comprise an extension part for extending the length of the rail along the longitudinal axis of the rail. The extension part may comprise an extension member received within the tubular part of the rail. The extension member may be arranged to telescopically extend the length of the rail. The extension part may comprise a locking mechanism for locking the position of the extension member relative to the tubular part of the rail.

[0022] The extension member may have a cross section having a substantially similar shape to the tubular section and/or the flange section. Alternatively, the extension member may have a different cross section, but nevertheless may be shaped to fit inside the tubular part of the rail.

[0023] The rail may comprise an end cap. The end cap may be provided at an end of the rail, for example at an end of the tubular part and/or the extension part.

[0024] The rail may comprise a formation for mounting the garment suspension apparatus. The formation may be provided at an end of the rail; for example at an end of the tubular part, at an end of the extension part and/or at the end cap.

[0025] The garment suspension apparatus may comprise a mounting element for mounting the rail thereto. The mounting element may comprise a corresponding formation. The formation and corresponding formation may be inter-engagable to secure the rail to the mounting element. For example, the mounting element may comprise a corresponding formation in the form of keyhole slot. The rail may comprise a formation in the form of a T-shaped projection inter-engagable with the keyhole slot.

[0026] The mounting element may comprise a plate and/or a track. The mounting element may be provided on the walls of a container, for example a shipping container or load space of a lorry, to mount the rail therein.

[0027] The garment suspension apparatus may be arranged to support a mass of garments hung from the rail of up to 300kg, 400kg, or 500kg, or more. It will be understood that the mass may be distributed substantially evenly along the length of the rail.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention there is also provided a kit of parts comprising: a garment suspension apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, and a mounting apparatus for mounting the rail. The mounting apparatus may comprise the mounting element as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the invention there is also provided a transportation container, the transportation container comprising a garment suspension apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the rail is mounted in the container such that garments may be suspended from the rail via a hanger.

[0030] The transportation container may be, for example, a freight container, a shipping container, a load space of a lorry, the load space of a van, a crate such as a shipping crate and/or the like.

[0031] The mounting apparatus as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention may mount the rail to the walls of the container.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is also provided a method of manufacturing a garment suspension apparatus, the method comprising a step of roll forming a metal sheet into a rail having the cross section according to the first aspect.

[0033] The present invention provides, according to a fifth aspect, a garment suspension apparatus comprising: a rail for receiving a hanger thereon, a securing bar movable to a securing position in which a hanger can be clamped between the rail and the securing bar, and a connection between the rail and the securing bar comprising a flexible connector arranged permit movement of the securing bar into the securing position.

[0034] The fifth aspect provides a convenient to use and simple to manufacture apparatus for securing hangers to the rail. In the securing position the hook of a hanger may be held, or substantially trapped, between the rail and the securing bar. When the securing bar is moved away from the securing position, the hook of a hanger may be removed from or hung from the rail for receiving the hanger without obstruction from the securing bar. The flexibility of the connector may advantageously enable a range of hook diameters and thicknesses to be accommodated secured by the clamping bar.

[0035] It will be understood that a "flexible" connector is one which is resiliently deformable and/or may be folded back on itself.

[0036] The flexible connector may comprise a flexible filament and/or strip of material. The flexible connector may comprise a cord, rope, wire, and/or strap. Such connectors are generally readily available and are available in a variety of forms.

[0037] The flexible connector may extend between the securing bar and the rail. The flexible connector may extend directly between the securing bar and the rail. For example, the flexible connector may loop around the rail and/or securing bar. The flexible connector may be retained in an aperture in the rail and/or securing bar. The flexible connector may be riveted to the rail and/or securing bar. The flexible connector may have a first end connected to the rail and a second end connected to the securing bar.

[0038] The flexible connector may extend between the securing bar and the rail via one or more additional components; for example the flexible connector may be retained by a collar provided on the rail and/or securing bar. Connecting the securing bar to the rail via a collar may enable the securing bar to be retrofitted to existing rails.

[0039] The flexible connector may be arranged to wrap at least partly around the rail when the securing bar is in the securing position. If the connector is pulled taught as the securing bar is moved to the securing position, the securing bar may therefore follow a spiral path relative to the rail.

[0040] A plurality of flexible connectors may be provided. Preferably there is provided two flexible connectors. Preferably a flexible connector is provided at each end of the securing bar.

[0041] The securing bar may stay in the securing position under its own weight. Preferably, the garment suspension apparatus further comprises a fastener arranged to fasten the securing bar in the securing position. Fastening the securing bar in the securing position may advantageously prevent movement of the securing bar relative to and away from the rail, particularly during transportation.

[0042] The fastener may comprise a flexible filament and/or strip of material, such as a cord, rope, wire, and/or strap, arranged to wrap at least partly around the around the rail. Providing a fastener that wraps around the rail may provide a convenient yet secure means of fastening and tightening the securing bar. The fastener may extend around the circumference of the rail and fasten to itself.

[0043] The fastener may comprise a hook and loop fastener. A hook part (or loop part) may be provided on said flexible filament and/or strip of material. The loop part (or hook part) may be provided on the rail, the flexible connector, the securing bar, and/or on the flexible filament and/or strip of material itself. Other fastening means may be provided alternatively or additionally to the hook and loop fastener, for example, poppers, buttons, clips, buckles, ratchets and the like.

[0044] The fastener may extend from the securing bar. The fastener may comprise an extension of the flexible connector. For example the fastener and flexible connector may share a single piece of strap which extends from the rail, through and/or around the securing bar, and terminates beyond the securing bar.

[0045] The garment suspension apparatus may comprise a handle for moving the securing bar towards and away from the securing position. The fastener may perform the function of a handle.

[0046] In the securing position the longitudinal axis of the securing bar may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail. The use of a flexible connector may mean the securing bar need not be exactly parallel to the rail when in the securing position, particularly in the case where different thickness of hanger-hook are hung at different ends of the rail. The use of a flexible connector may also reduce costs in comparison to provision of a rigid, for example steel, connector.

[0047] The rail may have a length and the securing bar may extend substantially along the length of the rail. Alternatively, the garment suspension apparatus may comprise a plurality of securing bars positioned along the rail, each securing bar being for securing hangers along a section of the rail. Providing a plurality of securing bars may be advantageous when the rail itself is relatively long and/or manipulating a single securing bar may be difficult for one person.

[0048] An open position, or unsecured position, of the securing bar is presented when the securing bar is not in the securing position. In the open position a hanger may be readily passed between the rail and the securing bar.

[0049] The securing bar being in the securing position may define a securing configuration of the garment suspension apparatus. The securing bar being in the open position may define an open configuration of the garment suspension apparatus.

[0050] The securing bar is preferably substantially rigid. A hanger hung from the rail having a relatively thin hook, which is positioned between two hangers having a thicker hook, may not receiving a direct clamping action from a rigid securing bar when the securing bar is in the securing position. This may be mitigated by providing a resilient material on the securing bar, such as a foam coating or the like, which may extend into the gap between the hangers to provide a clamping action to such thinner hooks.

[0051] The securing bar may comprise an extension part for extending the length of the securing bar along the longitudinal axis of the securing bar. The extension part may comprise an extension member received within the securing bar. The extension member may be arranged to telescopically extend the length of the securing bar. The extension part may comprise a locking mechanism for locking the position of the extension member relative to the securing bar.

[0052] As per the first aspect of the invention, the rail may comprise an extension part comprising an extension member for extending the length of the rail along the longitudinal axis of the rail. The flexible connector may extend between the extension member of the securing bar and the extension member of the rail.

[0053] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is also provided a kit of parts comprising: a garment suspension apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, and a mounting apparatus for mounting the rail. The mounting apparatus may comprise the mounting element as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0054] According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is also provided a transportation container, the transportation container comprising a garment suspension apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the rail is mounted in the container such that garments may be suspended from the rail via a hanger.

[0055] The transportation container may be, for example, a freight container, a shipping container, a load space of a lorry, the load space of a van, a crate such as a shipping crate and/or the like.

[0056] The mounting apparatus as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention may mount the rail to the walls of the container.

[0057] It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa. In particular it will be appreciated that the garment suspension apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention may be provided with a securing bar according to the fifth aspect of the invention; and the garment suspension apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention may have a cross section according to the first aspect of the invention.

Description of the Drawings

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a garment suspension apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of a garment suspension apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a garment suspension apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention in a securing position;

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a garment suspension apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a garment suspension apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a transportation container according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

[0059] Figure 1 shows a garment suspension apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The garment suspension apparatus 100 comprises a rail 101 having a cross section comprising a tubular section 102 and a flange section 104.

[0060] The tubular section 102 is generally annular and comprises a recessed waist 105. The recessed waist 105 is formed by a pair of opposed concave recesses 106 in the opposing lateral sides of the tubular portion 102. The tubular section 102 also comprises a curved upper portion 108 above the recessed waist 105 and a curved lower portion 110 below the recessed waist 105. The flange section 104 projects from the lower portion 110 in a downward direction.

[0061] The tubular section 102 and flange section 104 give the rail a substantially pandurate cross section.

[0062] According to the first embodiment, the rail 101 has a maximum external width of about 3.1cm, the tubular section 102 has a height of about 3.5cm and the flange section 104 has a height of about 0.8cm. The recessed wait has a minimum external width of about 2.9cm.

[0063] The rail 101 is roll formed from a single sheet of metal such that the edges of the sheet meet at the flange section 104. The flange section 104 therefore comprises two opposing faces of material. The faces are held together by spot welding.

[0064] The tubular section 102 defines a substantially tubular part of the rail 101 extending along the length of the rail 101. Similarly, the flange section 102 defines a flange part of the rail 101 extending along the length of the rail 101.

[0065] Figures 2 and 3 show a garment suspension apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the invention. The garment suspension apparatus 200 comprises a rail 201 and a securing bar 214, each having a substantially circular cross section. The diameter of the securing bar 214 is approximately a third of the diameter of the rail 201, although other size ratios may be used. The longitudinal axes of the rail 201 and securing bar 214 are substantially parallel; and the rail 201 and securing bar 214 have substantially equal lengths.

[0066] A flexible connector 212 extends between the rail 201 and the securing bar 214. The flexible connector 212 comprises a first length of webbing strap having two looped ends. A first looped end encircles the rail 201 and a second looped end encircles the securing bar 214. The first looped end is riveted to the rail 201 and the second looped end is riveted to the securing bar 214 so that the first and second looped ends do not rotate around, or slide off, the rail 201 or securing bar 214.

[0067] In use, a hanger (not shown) is hooked over the rail 201 when the garment suspension apparatus 200 is in an open configuration, as shown in Figure 2. To secure the hanger, the securing bar 214 is moved about the rail 201 (in the direction of the arrows) to a securing position, as shown in Figure 3. In the securing position the hook of the hanger is clamped between the rail 201 and the securing bar 214. When the securing bar is moved to the securing position the flexible connector effectively acts as a flexible hinge about which the securing bar rotates.

[0068] A fastener is provided to fasten the securing bar 214 in the securing position. The fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener and a second length of webbing strap 216 which extends from the flexible connector 212 at the securing bar 214. The hook part 218 of the hook and loop fastener is provided near the free end of the second length of webbing strap 216. The loop part 220 of the hook and loop fastener is provided on the first looped end of the flexible connector 212. In the securing position, the second length of webbing strap 216 can extend around the rail 201 such that the hook part 118 and loop part 220 are overlaid to thereby fasten the securing bar in the securing position.

[0069] The loop part 220 is provided as a strip having a length greater than the hook part 218 to accommodate a range of separations between the rail 201 and the securing bar 214 which may arise from various widths of hanger being hung from the rail 201.

[0070] Figures 4 and 5 show a garment suspension apparatus 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The garment suspension apparatus 300 comprises a rail 301 having a cross section substantially similar to that described in relation to the first embodiment of the invention; and a securing bar 314 and a flexible connector 312 substantially similar to that described in relation to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0071] As per the first embodiment, the rail 301 comprises a tubular section 302 with a recessed waist 305, and a flange section 304 projecting downwardly from the tubular section 302.

[0072] In the third embodiment, the rail 301 and securing bar 314 each comprise an extension part for extending the length of the garment suspension apparatus. The extension parts comprise a first extension member 324 slidably received with in the rail 301 and a second extension member 326 slidably received within the securing bar 314. The first and second extension members 324, 326 may be slid to telescopically extend the overall length of the garment suspension apparatus 300.

[0073] In the third embodiment, the flexible connector 312 extends between the rail 301 and securing bar 314 via their respective extension members 324, 326. The flexible connector 312 comprises a first length of webbing strap comprising a first looped end encircling, and riveted to, the first extension member 324 and a second looped end encircling the second extension member 326.

[0074] A fastener, comprising a second length of webbing strap 316, extends from the flexible connector 312 at the securing bar 314. The second length of webbing strap 316 is formed into a loop to provide a handle for moving the securing bar 314 into a securing position. A hook and loop fastener (not shown) is also provided between the second length of webbing strap 316 and the first looped end of the flexible connector 312 to fasten the securing bar in the securing position.

[0075] Figures 4 and 5 show a hanger hung from the rail 301. The hooks 322 of the hangers can be secured by the securing bar 314 by moving the securing bar to a securing position, shown in Figure 4. In the securing position, the securing bar 314 is located on top of the hook 322 to provide downward force on the hook 322 thereby helping to prevent the hook from falling off the rail 301 during transportation.

[0076] An end cap 328 is attached to the end of the first extension member 324. The end cap 328 comprises a formation 330 in the form of a downward projection for engaging a corresponding formation when mounting the garment suspension apparatus 300.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a transportation container 432 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The transportation container 432 comprises a garment suspension apparatus 400 mounted to, and positioned between, between two opposing walls 434 of the transportation container 432.

[0078] The garment suspension apparatus 400 is substantially similar to the garment suspension apparatus 300 described in relation to the third embodiment. Two end caps are provided at opposing ends of the rail. The two end caps each comprise formations arranged to engage with two mounting elements (not shown) attached to each opposing wall 434.

[0079] Each mounting element comprises a corresponding formation. The formations and corresponding formations are inter-engaged thereby securely mounting the garment suspension apparatus 400 to the walls 434. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mounting element may have a plurality of corresponding formations at different heights, thereby allowing the height of the rail to be selected, for example to accommodate different length garments.

[0080] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0081] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A garment suspension apparatus comprising:

a rail for receiving a hanger, the rail having a cross section;

wherein the cross section comprises a tubular section and a flange section, and

wherein the tubular section comprises a recessed waist.

2. A garment suspension apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recessed waist comprises a concave recess in a lateral side of the tubular section.

3. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the recessed waist comprises a pair of opposed concave recesses in opposing lateral sides of the tubular section.

4. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular section comprises an upper portion above the recessed waist and a lower portion below the recessed waist.

5. A garment suspension apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the upper portion and/or the lower portion are rounded.

6. A garment suspension apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the flange section projects away from the lower portion.

7. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular section is generally hourglass shaped.

8. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross section is generally pandurate in shape.

9. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange section comprises two opposed faces.

10. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange section projects away from the tubular section.

11. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail is formed from a metal.

12. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular section and flange section are integrally formed from a single piece of material.

13. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross section extends along a majority of the length of the rail.

14. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross section extends along the whole length of the rail.

15. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubular section has a maximum width of less than 3.5cm.

16. A garment suspension apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail has a length and the rail comprises an extending part for extending the length of the rail along its longitudinal axis.

17. A garment suspension apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the extending part comprises an extending member received within a tubular part of the rail corresponding to the tubular section.

18. A kit of parts comprising: a garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17, and a mounting apparatus for mounting the rail.

19. A transportation container, the transportation container comprising a garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17; wherein the rail is mounted in the container such that garments may be suspended from the rail via a hanger.

20. A method of manufacturing a garment suspension apparatus, the garment suspension apparatus according to claim 1, the method comprising a step of roll forming a metal sheet.

21. A garment suspension apparatus comprising:

a rail for receiving a hanger thereon,

a securing bar movable to a securing position in which a hanger can be clamped between the rail and the securing bar, and

a connection between the rail and the securing bar comprising a flexible connector arranged permit movement of the securing bar into the securing position.

22. A garment suspension apparatus according to claims 21, wherein the flexible connector comprises a cord, rope, wire, and/or strap.

23. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 22, wherein the connector is arranged to wrap at least partly around the rail when the securing bar is in the securing position.

24. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the flexible connector extends between the securing bar and the rail.

25. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the flexible connector has a first end connected to the rail and a second end connected to the securing bar.

26. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 25, further comprising a fastener arranged to fasten the securing bar in the securing position.

27. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claim 26, wherein the fastener comprises a cord, rope, wire, and/or strap arranged to wrap at least partly around the around the rail.

28. A garment suspension apparatus according to claims 26 or 27, wherein the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener.

29. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the fastener extends from the securing bar.

30. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the fastener is an extension of the flexible connector.

31. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the rail has a length and the rail comprises a first extending part for extending the length of the rail along its longitudinal axis.

32. A garment suspension apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the first extending part comprises a first extending member received within a tubular part of the rail.

33. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein the securing bar has a length and the garment suspension apparatus comprises a second extending part for extending the length of the securing bar along its longitudinal axis.

34. A garment suspension apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the second extending part comprises a second extending member received within the securing bar.

35. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 34, wherein in the securing position the longitudinal axis of the securing bar is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail.

36. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 35, wherein the rail has a length and the securing bar extends substantially along the length of the rail.

37. A garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 35, wherein the garment suspension apparatus comprises a plurality of securing bars, each securing bar for securing hangers along a section of the rail.

38. A kit of parts comprising: a garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 37, and a mounting apparatus for mounting the rail.

39. A transportation container, the transportation container comprising a garment suspension apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 37; wherein the rail is mounted in the container such that garments may be suspended from the rail via a hanger.

40. A garment suspension apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

Drawing