U.S. patent application number 10/463205 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for tool securing mechanism for hangtag assembly.
Invention is credited to Khachatoorian, Zareh, Wheeler, Thomas J..
Application Number | 20040256262 10/463205 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33517062 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040256262 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wheeler, Thomas J. ; et
al. |
December 23, 2004 |
Tool securing mechanism for hangtag assembly
Abstract
An apparatus for securing a tool to a hangtag is provided. A
method for securing the tool is also provided. The invention
particularly pertains to a hangtag assembly that includes a
fastening mechanism for securing a tool having a shank portion,
such as a socket driver. The hangtag has a body portion, and a
hanging mechanism connected to the body portion. The hangtag also
has a tool fastening mechanism for securely attaching a tool to the
hangtag. The tool fastening mechanism includes one or more pairs of
through-openings, and one or more ties, wherein each tie is wove
around the shank of the tool and through a respective pair of
through-openings.
Inventors: |
Wheeler, Thomas J.; (Pomona,
CA) ; Khachatoorian, Zareh; (Northridge, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MOSER, PATTERSON & SHERIDAN, L.L.P.
Suite 1500
3040 Post Oak Blvd.
Houston
TX
77056
US
|
Family ID: |
33517062 |
Appl. No.: |
10/463205 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/349 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 73/0071 20130101;
B65D 73/0064 20130101; A47F 5/0006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/349 |
International
Class: |
A45C 011/26 |
Claims
1. A hangtag assembly for hanging a tool, the tool having a shank
portion, and the hangtag assembly comprising: a body portion having
a front surface and a back surface; a hanging mechanism connected
to the body portion; and a tool fastening mechanism comprising at
least one pair of through-openings, the at least one pair of
through-openings being configured to each receive a respective tie
such that the tie may be wrapped around the shank portion of the
tool and wove through the respective through-openings.
2. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, further comprising a planar
surface offset from the front surface of the body portion, with the
at least one pair of through-openings being disposed within the
planar surface.
3. The hangtag assembly of claim 2, wherein each pair of
through-openings is disposed on a respective recess formed on the
planar surface substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the
tool.
4. The hangtag assembly of claim 3, wherein the planar surface is
substantially parallel to the front surface of the body
portion.
5. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more
ties defines a cable tie comprising a retaining member.
6. The hangtag assembly of claim 4, further comprising a label
placed on the planar surface, thereby concealing the one or more
recesses, the one or more pairs of through-openings, and the one or
more respective ties.
7. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, wherein the tool is a socket
driver.
8. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, wherein the tool is a
screwdriver.
9. The hangtag assembly of claim 1, wherein the tool is a
wrench.
10. A method of hanging a tool from a hangtag assembly, the tool
having a shank portion, and the hangtag assembly having a body
portion and a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion, the
method comprising: providing a tool fastening mechanism on the body
portion of the hangtag assembly, the tool fastening mechanism
comprising at least one pair of through-openings, the at least one
pair of through-openings being configured to each receive a
respective tie such that the tie may be wrapped around the shank
portion of the tool and wove through the respective
through-openings one or more ties; wherein each tie is disposed
through a respective pair of through-openings; placing the shank
portion of the tool adjacent the tool fastening mechanism; weaving
a tie through each of the at least one pairs of through-openings;
tightening each of the respective ties around the shank portion of
the tool; and fastening each of the at least one ties around the
shank portion of the tool.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the hangtag assembly further
comprises a planar surface offset from the front surface of the
body portion, with the at least one pair of through-openings being
disposed within the planar surface; and the step of placing the
shank portion of the tool adjacent the tool fastening mechanism
further comprises inserting the tool into the hangtag assembly
between the planar surface and the body portion.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein each pair of through-openings
is disposed on a respective recess formed on the planar surface
substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the tool.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the planar surface is
substantially parallel to the front surface of the body
portion.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more ties
defines a cable tie comprising a retaining member.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising a label placed on
the planar surface, thereby concealing the one or more recesses,
the one or more pairs of through-openings, and the one or more
respective ties.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the tool is a socket
driver.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the tool is a screwdriver.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to tools and tool
accessories. The invention more particularly relates to hangtags
for supporting and displaying tools. Still further, the invention
pertains to a hangtag that includes a fastening mechanism for
attaching a tool having an elongated shank.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the tool industry, it is desirable to display tools in an
organized and presentable manner. One way in which this has been
done is through the use of hangtags. Hangtags allow individual
tools to be supported and displayed, such as in a retail
environment.
[0005] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary tool 10
that may be hung from a hangtag assembly. In this exemplary view,
the tool 10 is a socket driver. As shown, the socket driver 10
includes a handle portion 12 having a shoulder 13 at one end, an
elongated shank 14 protruding from the shoulder 12, and a drive
member or "head" 11 disposed at a distal end. Socket drivers 10 are
typically configured to fit tightly around and rotate a nut, bolt,
or other type of fastener (not shown) in a deep or narrow recess by
manually or automatically rotating the socket driver 10. As shown
in FIG. 1, the drive member 11 includes a hexagonal opening
designed to fit around a bolt or nut of a particular diameter.
[0006] It is known to attach a tool to a hangtag as a means of
retail display. However, in some instances it is difficult to
attach the tool in a secure manner. This is particularly true in
the case of tools having an elongated shank, such as screwdriver or
such as the socket driver 10 shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, a need
exists for a hangtag having a securing or fastening mechanism for
securely supporting a tool in such a manner that a large amount of
force is required to detach the tool from the hangtag. Difficulty
in releasing the tool from the hangtag is desired to decrease the
probability of the tool being inadvertently released from the
hangtag, and to reduce theft in a retail environment.
[0007] There is also a need to shorten the length of currently used
hangtags. In this respect, it is necessary to include labeling on
the hangtags in order to provide product descriptions, product
specifications, and marketing information. This information has
typically been placed in an area between the head of the tool and
the hanging hole. Thus, a need exists for an offset surface, or
"bridge," for placing retail information while conserving the
length of material for the hangtag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A hangtag assembly is provided for hanging a tool. More
particularly, a hangtag assembly is provided for hanging a tool
having a shank portion. The hangtag assembly first comprises a body
portion. The body portion has a front surface and a back surface.
The hanging mechanism is operatively connected to the body portion.
The hangtag assembly next comprises a tool fastening mechanism. In
one arrangement, the tool fastening mechanism is disposed on a
planar surface offset from the front surface of the body portion of
the hangtag. The tool fastening mechanism comprises one or more
pairs of through-openings. Each pair of through-openings is
configured to receive a respective tie.
[0009] In operation, the shank of the tool is placed adjacent the
tool fastening mechanism of the hangtag assembly. A cable tie is
then wrapped around the shank of the tool, and is then run through
the through-openings. The tie is then tightened and its ends are
fastened. In this manner, the tool is securely affixed to the
hangtag assembly.
[0010] It is preferred that the tool fastening mechanism include
more than one pair of through-openings along the shank of the tool.
This prevents the tool from rotationally moving relative to the
hangtag. It is also preferred that the cable ties be received
within a recess in the planar surface of the hangtag. A label may
then be placed over the front of the planar surface to provide a
more aesthetic appearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings (FIGS. 2-7). It is to be
noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical
embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be
considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to
other equally effective embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary tool well
known in the tool industry. The tool is a socket driver. The tool
includes a handle portion, a head portion, and an elongated shank
therebetween.
[0013] FIG. 2 presents a perspective frontal view of a hangtag as
might be used to support and display a single tool product. A tool
fastening mechanism is shown on the hangtag supporting an exemplary
socket driver. The socket driver is shown in phantom.
[0014] FIG. 3 provides an elevational front view of a hangtag
assembly and fastening mechanism according to one embodiment of the
present invention. In this view, the socket driver of FIG. 1 is
again shown in phantom.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an elevational side view of the hangtag
and the fastening mechanism of FIG. 3. The socket driver is once
again shown in phantom
[0016] FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of a backside of the
hangtag and fastening mechanism of FIG. 3. The socket driver is
shown in phantom.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a topside of the hangtag
and fastening mechanism of FIG. 3. The socket driver is again shown
in phantom.
[0018] FIG. 7 provides a schematic view of a bottom side of the
hangtag of FIG. 3. The socket driver of FIG. 1 is not shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an
apparatus for supporting a tool 10, such as socket driver 10 from
FIG. 1, on a hangtag assembly 50. Particularly, embodiments of the
present invention relate to a hangtag 50 having a fastening
mechanism 20 for temporarily securing a tool 10 having with a shank
portion.
[0020] FIG. 2 presents a perspective frontal view of a hangtag 50
that can be used to support and display a single tool product. The
socket driver 10 from FIG. 1 is shown in phantom as the tool
product. It is understood that the tool 10 is demonstrative, and
that any tool having an elongated shank 14 may be supported by the
hangtag 50 of the present invention.
[0021] The hangtag 50 first comprises a main body 54. The body 54
is generally planar, but optionally includes an upper concave
portion 55 for displaying a first label. The upper concave portion
55 provides an attractive, ornamental labeling surface. Typically,
the first label will present the house mark under which the tool
product is sold. The body 54 optionally also comprises a planar
surface 56 that is offset from the body 54. In one arrangement, the
offset planar surface 56 defines a lower labeling portion 56. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lower labeling surface 56 is
offset a particular distance from the body 54 and is substantially
parallel to the body 54. The lower labeling portion 56 allows a
label 57 describing the product 10 itself to be affixed in an
ornamental and pleasing manner. Furthermore, placing a label 57 on
the lower labeling portion 56 can serve to conceal a tool securing
mechanism 20 disposed along the hangtag 50.
[0022] In the exemplary hangtag 50 of FIG. 2, the product 10 is a
socket driver. The socket driver 10 is supported by a tool
fastening mechanism (at 20 in FIGS. 3 and 5). The tool fastening
mechanism 20 allows the tool 10 to be securely held to the hangtag
50 in a retail environment, but to be detached from the hangtag 50
once the tool 10 has been purchased by a customer.
[0023] At the top of the body 54, a hanging mechanism 52 is
provided. The hanging mechanism 52 includes a through-opening 53
for receiving a hook (not shown). The hook, in turn, is configured
to be attached to a display panel (also not shown). In practice, a
number of hooks are disposed along a display panel, permitting
various hangtags 50 supporting various products 10 to be presented
to the customer in a retail environment.
[0024] FIG. 3 provides an elevational view of a front side of a
hangtag assembly 50 and fastening mechanism 20 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The tool 10 is again shown in
phantom. The fastening mechanism 20 is disposed at a lower portion
of the hangtag assembly 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastening
mechanism 20 is designed to firmly secure a socket driver 10.
However, it is again understood that other tools with a shank, such
as a screwdriver or a wrench, can be adequately secured by the
fastening mechanism 20 according to the present invention.
Preferably, tools having an elongated shank with a head and a
shoulder disposed at opposing ends of the shank, wherein the head
and the shoulder have a larger diameter or width than the shank
diameter or width, can be ideally fastened using the present
invention. This configuration of the tool 10 having a shank 14, a
driver head 11, and a shoulder 13, as shown in FIG. 3, enhances the
securing capabilities of the tool 10 by providing a blockade at
each end of the shank, thereby preventing the tool from being
pulled out from the fastening mechanism 20 by overcoming the
frictional forces provided by the fastening mechanism 20.
[0025] It should also be noted at this point that, for purposes of
the present disclosure, the term "shank" includes any intermediate
portion of a tool between a handle portion and a head member. By
way of additional example, and not limitation, the shank may
include the intermediate portions of groove joint pliers or channel
locks (not shown) between the two handles and the respective
gripping heads.
[0026] Referring again to FIG. 3, the label 57 placed on the lower
labeling surface 56 is not shown so as to illustrate in more detail
the fastening mechanism 20. The fastening mechanism 20 comprises at
least one recess 26. In the arrangement of FIG. 3, the fastening
mechanism 20 comprises an upper horizontal recess 26 and a lower
horizontal recess 27 disposed on the lower labeling surface 56.
Each recess 26, 27 includes a pair of through-openings 24 and 25,
respectively. The through-openings 24, 25 allow a cable tie or
"zip" tie to be disposed through each opening and fastened around a
tool 10 disposed behind the lower labeling surface 56. Although two
cable ties 21, 22 are shown in FIG. 3, it is understood that any
number of cable ties and recesses with opposed through-openings
including only one can be used in the fastening mechanism 20 to
secure a tool 10 to the hangtag 50. The respective cable ties 21,
22 provide the necessary frictional force to the shank 14 of the
tool 10 to firmly secure the tool 10 in position within the hangtag
50.
[0027] FIG. 4 provides a side elevational view of the hangtag
assembly 50. The socket driver 10 is again shown in phantom as
attached to the hangtag 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the hangtag body 54
includes a recessed portion 60 protruding from the backside 61 of
the hangtag assembly 50. The recessed portion 60 is designed to
allow the head 11 of the tool 10 to be received within the hangtag
assembly 50. The recessed portion 60 allows the head 11 of the tool
10 to be adjusted axially without chafing the hangtag body 54,
thereby preventing damage to the hangtag body 54.
[0028] FIG. 5 provides an elevational view of the backside of the
hangtag assembly 50 and fastening mechanism 20, with the attached
tool 10 again shown in phantom. As shown in FIG. 5, the two cable
ties 21, 22 are disposed around the shank 14 of the tool 10,
thereby securing the tool 10 to the hangtag assembly 50 through the
pair of through-openings 24, 25. Two cable ties 21, 22 are shown
zipped through the respective through-openings 24, 25, which are,
as previously described, disposed on the offset, lower labeling
surface 56. Each cable tie 21, 22 includes a retaining member 70.
The retaining member 70 allows each cable tie 21, 22 to be
shortened to a particular size and to retain that size, thereby
preventing the cable ties 21, 22 from loosening during the time
period that the tool 10 is attached to the hangtag assembly 50.
Excess length of the cable ties 21, 22 may optionally be cut.
[0029] Although only one cable tie is required to fasten the tool
10 to the hangtag 50, it is advantageous to incorporate two or more
cable ties into the fastening mechanism 20. Having two or more
cable ties prevents the tool 10 from pivoting away from the
backside of the lower labeling surface 56. Accordingly, having two
or more cable ties will enhance the fastening mechanism's 20
ability to retain the tool in a desired position.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the hangtag assembly 50.
The tool 10 is shown in phantom. The hexagonal opening on the
driver head 11 is more clearly shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6,
the driver head 11 is disposed between the recessed portion 60 and
the lower labeling portion 56. The lower labeling portion 56
includes a first planar portion 66 having an arcuate
through-opening 65 designed to receive the driver head 11. The
through-opening 65 has a curved profile formed by the first planar
portion 66 and the lower edge of the recessed portion 60.
[0031] FIG. 7 provides a bottom view of the hangtag assembly 50.
The tool 10 is not shown in FIG. 7. The lower labeling portion 56
also includes a second planar portion 68. As in the first planar
portion 66, the second planar portion 68 includes a curved
through-opening 67 designed to receive the tool 10. The
through-opening 67 is shown as having an open end on the edge of
the second planar portion 68. The open edge allows a tool 10 having
a head 11 with larger diameter than its shank 14 to be inserted
into the hangtag assembly 50. The size of the arcuate portion 60
that protrudes from the backside 61 of the hangtag 50 and the size
of the through-openings 65, 67 are configured specifically to
receive the particular tool 10 desired for attachment to the
hangtag 50.
[0032] In operation, the shank 14 of a tool, e.g., tool 10, is
placed adjacent the tool fastening mechanism 20 of a hangtag
assembly 50. Cable ties 21, 22 are then wrapped around the shank 14
of the tool 10, and are wove through the opposing respective
through-openings 24, 25. The ties 21, 22 are then tightened and the
ends are fastened. In this manner, the tool 10 is securely affixed
to the hangtag assembly 50.
[0033] It is preferred that the cable ties 21, 22 be received
within respective recesses 26, 27 in a planar surface of the
hangtag 50. A label may then be placed over the front of the planar
surface to provide a more aesthetic appearance.
[0034] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *