Patent Publication Number: US-7210663-B2

Title: Tool securing mechanism for hangtag assembly

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation-in-part of utility patent application having Ser. No. 10/463,205, entitled “Tool Securing Mechanism for Hangtag Assembly.” That application was filed on Jun. 17, 2003 now abandoned, and is referred to and incorporated herein in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to tools and tool accessories. The invention more particularly relates to hangtags for supporting and displaying tools. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a hangtag that includes a fastening mechanism for attaching a tool having an elongated shank. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   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. 
     FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of an illustrative 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. 
   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. 
   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 
   A hangtag assembly is provided for hanging a tool. In one embodiment, 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. A hanging mechanism is operatively connected to the body portion, preferably at an upper end thereof. 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   In another embodiment, a hangtag assembly for hanging a tool is provided, wherein the tool does not have a shaft. Instead, the tool has an opening in a central portion. The hangtag assembly includes a body with a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a tool fastening mechanism having at least one pair of openings therethrough. The tool is disposed and secured between the fastening mechanism and the hangtag body. A fastener, such as a cable tie, is woven through a pair of the openings on the fastening mechanism, through the central opening of the tool, and then through the apertures in the hangtag body. 
   A method of hanging a tool from a hangtag assembly is also provided. The method involves providing a hangtag assembly for hanging a tool, wherein the tool does not have a shaft. Instead, the tool has an opening in a central portion. The hangtag assembly includes a body with a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a tool fastening mechanism having at least one pair of openings therethrough. The method further involves placing the opening of the tool between the fastening mechanism and the hangtag body and weaving a fastener, such as a cable tie, through a pair of the openings on the fastening mechanism, through the central opening of the tool, and then through the apertures in the hangtag body. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     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. 2–13 ). 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. 
       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. 
       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. 
       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. 
       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 
       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. 
       FIG. 6  shows a schematic view of a topside of the hangtag and fastening mechanism of  FIG. 3 . 
       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. 
       FIG. 8  provides a front view of a hangtag assembly supporting a tool, such as a grinding wheel, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The circular grinding wheel is shown in phantom. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a side-sectional view of the hangtag assembly of  FIG. 8 , taken along line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  provides a back view of the hangtag assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 11  provides a front view of a hangtag assembly supporting a tool, such as a grinding wheel, according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The grinding wheel is shown in phantom. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a side-sectional view of the hangtag assembly of  FIG. 11 , taken along line  12 — 12  of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  provides a back view of the hangtag assembly of  FIG. 11 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tool, such as socket driver  10  from  FIG. 1 , a grinding wheel  100  from  FIG. 8 , or a grinding wheel  200  from  FIG. 10 , on hangtag assemblies  50 ,  120 , and  220 , respectively. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a hangtag having a fastening mechanism for temporarily securing a tool. 
     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. Another example would be a screwdriver (not shown). 
   The hangtag  50  first comprises a main body  54 . The body  54  is generally planar, but optionally includes an upper portion  55  for displaying a first label. A concave geometry for the upper portion  55  provides an attractive, ornamental labeling surface. Typically, the label on the concave surface  55  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 . This provides an aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional effect. 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 , as will be described further below. 
   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. 
   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 or peg (not shown). The hook, in turn, is configured to be attached to a display panel (also not shown). In practice, a number of hooks (or other display pegs) are disposed along a display panel, permitting various hangtags  50  supporting various products  10  to be presented to the customer in a retail environment. 
     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 forcibly pulled out from the fastening mechanism  20  by overcoming the frictional forces provided by the fastening mechanism  20 . 
   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. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the label  57  placed on the lower labeling surface  56  has been removed 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 fastener, such as a cable tie or “zip” tie, to be disposed through each opening and fastened around a tool  10  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 fasteners  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 . 
     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  also 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 . 
     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 fasteners  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. 
   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&#39;s  20  ability to retain a tool in a desired position. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of the hangtag assembly  50 . The tool  10  is again 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 . 
     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 . 
   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 . Fasteners, such as 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 . 
   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  57  may then be placed over the front of the planar surface  56  to provide a more aesthetic appearance. 
     FIGS. 8 and 10  provide front and back views, respectively, of a hangtag assembly  120  supporting a tool, such as a grinding wheel  100 , according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The grinding wheel  100  is shown in phantom.  FIG. 9  illustrates a side-sectional view taken along line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 8 . As shown, the grinding wheel  100  includes a hub portion defining a central opening  105  therethrough. It is understood that the tool  100  is demonstrative, and that any tool having an opening proximate its center may be supported by the hangtag  120 . 
   The hangtag  120  first comprises a main body  125 . The body  125  is generally planar. Preferably, the main body  125  is constructed of plastic. However, it may be also constructed from cardboard or other material of sufficient resilience for supporting the weight of the tool  100 . Near a top of the body  125 , a through-opening  127  is provided 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  120  supporting various products  100  to be presented to the customer in a retail environment. 
   The grinding wheel  100  is supported by a tool fastening mechanism  135 . The tool fastening mechanism  135  allows the tool  100  to be securely held to the hangtag  120  in a retail environment, but to be detached from the hangtag  120  once the tool  100  has been purchased by a customer. As shown, the fastening mechanism  135  is circular in shape, however, the shape of the fastening mechanism is not essential to the invention. Preferably, the fastening mechanism  135  is constructed of plastic and serves as a plate that is placed adjacent the central opening  105  of the tool  100  opposite the body  125  of the hangtag  120 . 
   The fastening mechanism  135  is configured to have an outside diameter greater than that of the central opening  105 . The fastening mechanism  135  comprises at least one linear recess  140  configured to receive a fastener  155 , such as a cable tie; however, the recess may be omitted. As shown, the fastening mechanism  135  employs both a vertical recess  140   a  and a horizontal recess  140   b . Each recess  140   a,b  includes a pair of through-openings  145   a,b , respectively. Having two recesses  140   a,b  allows for the placement of two cable ties. However, in the illustrative arrangement of  FIG. 8 , only a single fastener  155  is employed. 
   Disposed through a lower portion of the main body  125  are two sets of apertures  130   a,b . As shown, each set comprises more than two apertures. This allows the position of the fastening mechanism  135  to be adjusted along the body  125 . The cable tie or “zip” tie  155  is woven through each opening  145   a , the opening  105  of the tool  100 , and apertures  130  to fasten the tool  100  to the hangtag  120 . The cable tie  155  includes a retaining member  160 . The retaining member  160  allows the cable tie to be shortened to a particular size and to retain that size, thereby preventing the cable tie from loosening during the time period that the tool  100  is attached to the hangtag assembly  120 . Excess length of the cable tie  155  may optionally be cut. 
   In operation, the central opening  105  of a tool, e.g., tool  100 , is placed between the tool fastening mechanism  135  and the body  125  of the hangtag assembly  120 . The cable tie  155  is then woven through one pair (as shown) of openings  145   a  in the fastening mechanism  135 , through the central opening  105 , and then through the selected pair (as shown) of apertures  130   a  in the hangtag body  125 . The tie  155  is then tightened and the ends fastened so that the tie is disposed along recess  140   a  (as shown). Optionally, a second cable tie may be added in a similar fashion. In this manner, the tool  100  is securely affixed to the hangtag assembly  120 . 
     FIGS. 11 and 13  provide front and back views, respectively, of a hangtag assembly  220  supporting a tool, such as a grinding wheel  200 , according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The grinding wheel  200  is shown in phantom.  FIG. 12  illustrates a side-sectional view taken along line  12 — 12  of  FIG. 11 . As shown, the grinding wheel  200  includes a first hub portion defining a cavity  207  in which a second hub portion, defining a central opening  205  therethrough, is located. It is understood that the tool  200  is demonstrative, and that any tool, such as the tool  100  shown in  FIGS. 8–10 , having an opening proximate its center may be supported by the hangtag  220 . 
   The hangtag  220  first comprises a main body  225 . The body  225  is generally planar having a front side with portions  225   a–c  and a backside  225   d . Portion  225   a  is flush with the back portion  225   d . Portion  225   b  extends away from portion  225   a  so that portion  225   c  may cover a portion of the tool  200 . Preferably, labels (not shown) are disposed on portions  225   a,c,d ; however, portion  225   b  may also serve as a labeling surface. Preferably, the main body  225  is constructed of cardboard. However, it may be also constructed from plastic or other desirable but economical material. 
   At the top of the body  225 , a through-opening  227  is provided for receiving a hook or other display peg. 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  220  supporting various products  200  to be presented to the customer in a retail environment. 
   The grinding wheel  200  is supported by a tool fastening mechanism  235 . The tool fastening mechanism  235  allows the tool  200  to be securely held to the hangtag  220  in a retail environment, but to be detached from the hangtag  220  once the tool  200  has been purchased by a customer. As shown, the fastening mechanism  235  is circular in shape, however, the shape of the fastening mechanism is not essential to the invention. Preferably, the fastening mechanism  235  is constructed of plastic and serves as a plate that is placed adjacent the central opening  205  of the tool  200  opposite the body  225  of the hangtag  220 . 
   The fastening mechanism  235  is configured to have an outside diameter greater than that of the tool hole  205 . The fastening mechanism  235  comprises at least one linear recess  240  configured to receive a fastener  255 , such as a cable tie; however, the recess may be omitted. As shown, the fastening mechanism  235  employs both a vertical recess  240   a  and a horizontal recess  240   b . Each recess  240   a,b  includes a pair of through-openings  245   a,b , respectively. Having two recesses  240   a,b  allows for the placement of two cable ties. However, in the illustrative arrangement of  FIG. 11 , only a single fastener  155  is employed. 
   Disposed through the back portion  225   d  of the main body  225  are apertures  230  for receiving the fastener  255 . The cable tie or “zip” tie  255  is woven through each opening  245   a , the opening  205  of the tool  200 , and apertures  230  to fasten the tool  200  to the hangtag  220 . The cable tie  255  includes a retaining member  260 . The retaining member  260  allows the cable tie to be shortened to a particular size and to retain that size, thereby preventing the cable tie from loosening during the time period that the tool  200  is attached to the hangtag assembly  220 . Excess length of the cable tie  255  may optionally be cut. 
   In operation, the central opening  205  of a tool, e.g., tool  200 , is placed between the tool fastening mechanism  235  and backside  225   d  of the body  225  of the hangtag assembly  220 . The cable tie  255  is then woven through one pair (as shown) of openings  245   a  in the fastening mechanism  235 , through the central opening  105 , and then through the apertures  230 . The tie  255  is then tightened and the ends fastened so that the tie is disposed along recess  240   a  (as shown). Optionally, a second fastener may be added in a similar fashion by adding more apertures in the backside  225   d . In this manner, the tool  200  is securely affixed to the hangtag assembly  220 . 
   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.