초록 ▼

A hangtag is provided that is capable of hanging and securing a tool, such as socket. The invention pertains to a hangtag mechanism that includes a locking mechanism for securing a socket style tool. The hangtag has a body portion having a front surface and a back surface, a hanging mechanism connec

A hangtag is provided that is capable of hanging and securing a tool, such as socket. The invention pertains to a hangtag mechanism that includes a locking mechanism for securing a socket style tool. The hangtag has a body portion having a front surface and a back surface, a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion, and a tool supporting mechanism also connected to the body portion for supporting a tool. The tool supporting mechanism includes first and second legs and a locking finger disposed between the first and second legs. The locking mechanism allows the particular tool to be reattached to the hangtag assembly after it is initially unlocked. This allows the hangtag to function as a storage and organization device for the tool.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A method of hanging a tool from a hangtag assembly, the tool having a female opening, the method comprising: providing a tool supporting mechanism on a portion of the hangtag assembly, wherein the tool supporting mechanism includes: a first leg and a second leg, the fir

The invention claimed is: 1. A method of hanging a tool from a hangtag assembly, the tool having a female opening, the method comprising: providing a tool supporting mechanism on a portion of the hangtag assembly, wherein the tool supporting mechanism includes: a first leg and a second leg, the first and second legs each having an inner surface and an outer surface; a locking finger disposed along the inner surface of the first leg, the locking finger being moveable from a first locking position to a second releasing position; and a slot; inserting an assembly instrument into the slot, thereby contacting the locking finger; urging the locking finger into the second releasing position; inserting the first and second legs and the locking finger into the female opening of the tool; engaging the first and second legs against an inner surface of the tool; and removing the assembly tool from the slot, thereby allowing the locking finger to return to the first locking position, whereby the locking finger prevents the first and second legs from bending towards each other. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tool is a socket. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first and second legs each further comprise outwardly protruding detents along the respective outer surfaces, the detents being configured to engage a respective undercut disposed on the inner surface of the socket for hanging. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the locking finger protrudes from the first leg towards the second leg. 5. A hangtag assembly for hanging a drive tool, the drive tool having a female opening within the tool, 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 supporting mechanism also connected to the body portion for supporting a tool, wherein the tool supporting mechanism comprises: a first leg and a second leg, the first and second legs each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and being dimensioned to be securely received within the female opening of the tool, and a locking finger disposed along the inner surface of the first leg, the locking finger being moveable from a first locking position to a second releasing position. 6. The hangtag assembly of claim 5, wherein the first and second legs are biased inwards relative to each other. 7. The hangtag assembly of claim 5, wherein the locking finger protrudes from the first leg towards the second leg. 8. The hangtag assembly of claim 7, wherein the tool supporting mechanism further comprises a slot. 9. The hangtag assembly of claim 8, wherein the slot is designed to receive an assembly tool and allow the assembly tool to contact the locking finger, thereby urging it to its second position. 10. The hangtag assembly of claim 9, wherein the second leg and the locking finger are each tapered at a distal end. 11. The hangtag assembly of claim 5, wherein only one of the first and second legs is biased inward. 12. The hangtag assembly of claim 5, wherein the tool is a socket. 13. A method of hanging a tool from a hangtag assembly, the tool having a female opening, the method comprising: providing a tool supporting mechanism on a portion of the hangtag assembly, wherein the tool supporting mechanism comprises: a first leg and a second leg, the first and second legs each having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a locking finger disposed along the inner surface of the first leg, the locking finger being moveable between a first locking position and a second releasing position; urging the locking finger into the second releasing position; inserting the first and second legs and the locking finger into the female opening of the tool; engaging the first and second legs against an inner surface of the tool; and allowing the locking finger to return to the first locking position, whereby the locking finger prevents the first and second legs from bending towards each other. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second legs are biased inwards relative to each other. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the locking finger opposes the bias of the legs. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the first and second legs further comprises at least one outwardly protruding detent along its respective outer surface. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein engaging the first and second legs against an inner surface of the tool comprises engaging each detect with a respective undercut disposed on an inner surface of the tool. 18. A hangtag assembly for hanging a drive tool, the drive tool having a female opening within the tool, 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 supporting mechanism also connected to the body portion for supporting a tool, wherein the tool supporting mechanism comprises: a first leg and a second leg, the first and second legs being dimensioned to be securely received within the female opening of the tool, wherein the first and second legs each further comprise outwardly protruding detents along their respective outer surfaces; and a structural locking member which is unitary with a remainder of the hangtag assembly. 19. The hangtag assembly of claim 18, wherein the structural locking member is moveable into a locking position to lockingly engage the drive tool. 20. The hangtag assembly of claim 19, wherein the structural locking member extends between the first and second legs when the locking member is in the locking position. 21. The hangtag assembly of claim 18, wherein the detents are designed to engage a respective undercut disposed in the opening of the socket for hanging.