Hang tab with multiple positions

A hang tab can be configured into a plurality of different positions that allow the merchandise with which it is used to be display in different configurations. The hang tab can be configured in an extended position for hanging the merchandise and a collapsed position wherein the merchandise is going to be placed on a shelf. In one configuration, the hang tab includes a body defined by a hook portion and a base portion. The hook portion is pivotably mounted to the base portion. One of the hook and base portion includes at least one locking tab with the other of the hook and base portion defining at least one locking recess. When the locking tab is received in the locking recess, the position of the hang tab is fixed with the locking tab in the extended position that allows the hang tab to hang from a hook.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Technical Field

The disclosure generally relates to devices used to display merchandise for viewing by potential consumers and, more particularly, to hang tabs used to hang merchandise directly or merchandise carried in storage containers. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a hang tab that can be configured for hanging and then collapsed if the merchant elects to place the merchandise on a shelf.

2. Background Information

Different items of merchandise are often displayed at retail locations in a hanging configuration from a hook. One common configuration is for a plurality of the same items of merchandise to be hung from a common elongated hook. The elongated hook is disposed through an opening defined by a portion of the merchandise storage container or by a hook connected to the merchandise storage container. At times, a merchant wants to move hanging merchandise from hooks to a shelf. When the hang tabs extend up from the top of the merchandise containers the containers take up more shelf space because of the shelf space consumed by the hang tabs. The merchant desires a hang tab that allows for both display configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure provides a hang tab that can be configured into a plurality of different positions that allow the merchandise with which it is used to be displayed in different configurations. The hang tab can be configured in an extended position for hanging the merchandise and a collapsed position wherein the merchandise is going to be placed on a shelf. The hang tab can be locked in either position. The hang tab can be repeatedly configured in these two positions as needed by the merchant. The hang tab can be separated from the merchandise upon sale of the merchandise and the hang tab can be re-used on different merchandise.

In one configuration, the hang tab includes a body defined by a hook portion and a base portion. The hook portion is pivotably mounted to the base portion. One of the hook and base portion includes at least one locking tab with the other of the hook and base portion defining at least one locking recess. The hook portion can be pivoted to a position where the locking tab is snap fit into the locking recess. When the locking tab is received in the locking recess, the configuration of the hang tab is fixed with the locking tab being received in the locking recess to hold the body in a first configuration.

In one configuration, the hang tab includes a body defined by a hook portion and a base portion. The hook portion is pivotably mounted to the base portion. The configuration of the pivotable configuration provides at least one configuration wherein the position of the hook portion is retained. The hook portion can be retained through the engagement of the fingers on a pivot bar or through the engagement of a locking tab in a locking recess.

The disclosure provides a configuration wherein the two portions of the body are injection molded from a polymer.

The disclosure provides a configuration wherein the base portion of the body is configured to be mounted to a merchandise storage container with an adhesive or can be mounted with a portion of the base portion disposed inside the merchandise storage container with another portion of the base portion protruding through the container.

The disclosure provides a locking configuration for the two portions of the body that is built into the configuration of the fingers and bars or as an extending locking tab. Both of these configurations minimizes the potential for a user's finger to be pinched during locking of the body. The locking tab is positioned between the fingers to minimize access and thus to minimize the potential of pinching.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

An exemplary configuration of a hang tab is indicated generally by the numeral2in the accompany drawings. Hang tab2generally includes a base portion4and a hook portion6. Hook portion6is selectively connectable to base portion4such that it can be removed. Hook portion6is selectively positionable between extended and collapsed positions and can be locked in one or both of these conditions. Although the exemplary configuration of the hang tab has a hook portion6with an enclosed, surrounded through hole8, hook portion6can also be provided in the form of a hanger hook with an open side so that hang tab2does not have to be placed over the end of a display rod. Through hole8is wide enough to receive side-by-side double hooks and defines a peak so that it is self-centering on a single hook. Hook portion6and base portion4are formed from a polymer and can be injection molded. Base portion4can be connected directly to an item of merchandise or can be connected to a merchandise storage container that holds the merchandise. When connected to a merchandise storage container, base portion4can be connected to the outside of the container with an adhesive or base portion4can be positioned inside the container or under a panel of the container with portions of the base portion extending out through an opening.

FIGS. 1 and 2depict the extended position of hang tab2. In this exemplary configuration, a locking tab10extends from hook portion6and is received within a locking recess12defined by base portion4to hold hook portion6in the extended position depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2. Locking tab10is received within locking recess12in a snap fit connection that allows the user to repeatedly make and break the connection by forcefully pivoting hook portion6with respect to base portion4. In this context, the snap fit connection generally means that one part defines a protrusion that is deflected briefly during the making of the connection and then catches in a depression defined by the mating part. In one configuration, the protrusion returns to its stress free condition. In another configuration, the protrusion remains at least somewhat stressed while engaged. These snap fits can be cantilever, torsional, annular, rotational, or U-shaped. The strength of the snap fit connection can be varied depending on the application for hang tab2. In the exemplary configuration, locking tab10extends from body portion6. Locking tab10is thinner than hook portion6as shown inFIG. 11. In another configuration, locking tab10extends from base portion4and locking recess12is defined by hook portion6. In another configuration, a pair of locking tabs10are used to hold hook portion6in each of the extended and collapsed positions. In another configuration, a plurality of locking tabs10extend from one of base portion4and hook portion6and lock hang tab2in each of a plurality of different positions.

Base portion4and hook portion6connect together in a pivotable connection formed between a pivot bar20defined by one of base portion4and hook portion6and a finger22connected to the other of the base portion4and the hook portion6. In the exemplary configuration, base portion4includes two fingers22disposed on opposite sides of locking recess12. Hook portion6provides a separate pivot bar20for each finger22. Fingers22extend up from a generally flat mount24. A boss26is disposed between fingers22and defines locking recess12. This configuration allows hook portion6to pivot out of the extended position in both directions with respect to base portion4. Once in the collapsed position, locking tab10maintains hook portion6in the collapsed position by being engaged with boss26and preventing hook portion6from moving to the extended position without being subjected to enough force to form the snap fit connection.

Each finger22is configured to receive a pivot bar20in a snap fit connection that allows pivot bar20and hook portion6to pivot while retained by finger22. The pivoting motion is unrestrained except by locking tab10. In one configuration, pivot bar20is resiliently held or frictionally held by finger22. In one configuration, pivot bar20has a non-circular cross section that cooperates with finger22to define at least two positions for hook portion6as hook portion6pivots with respect to base portion4. For example, pivot bar20can be oval in cross section with finger22defining an opening with four recesses to allow pivot bar20to snap into two locations defined by the four recesses. This feature can be used in combination with or as an alternative to locking tab10and recess12.

Hang tab2is moved to the extended position when the user wishes to hang the merchandise from a hanger. In the extended position, hook portion6is substantially perpendicular to flat mount24. In the situation where the user wants to take the merchandise off of the hanger and place the merchandise on a shelf, the user can change the configuration of hang tab2from the extended position to the collapsed position to reduce the shelf space required to display the merchandise. When collapsed, hook portion6can be moved to a position about ninety degrees from the extended position. Other collapsed configurations are possible depending on the configuration of the merchandise or merchandise storage container or the configuration of locking tab10and recess12. For example, recess12and locking tab10can hold hook portion6in a forty-five degree configuration with respect to flat mount24.

When the merchandise is sold, hang tab2can be sold with the merchandise or removed and reused. When hang tab2is used with a merchandise storage container, flat mount can be disposed under a slot defined by a portion of the storage container. This portion of the storage container can be moved to an open configuration to allow base portion4to be removed. For example, base portion4can be disposed under a flap of the merchandise storage container with the flap defined a slot that allows fingers22extending through the slot. Alternatively, this portion of the storage container can be configured to allow base portion4to be pulled through the slot. During this process, the slot can be enlarged to allow base portion4to be removed. The enlargement can be achieved by tearing a portion of the storage container to enlarge the slot.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the above description and attached illustrations are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the words “comprise” and “include” as well as variations of those words, such as “comprises,” “includes,” “comprising,” and “including” are not intended to exclude additives, components, integers, or steps.