Supports – Brackets – Article holding means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-30
2001-07-03
Ramirez, Ramon O. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Brackets
Article holding means
C248S113000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254053
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a novel hanger capable of displaying stick tools, such as lawn trimmers or lawn edgers and the like, in a vertical position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Certain stick tools, especially those with gas engines or electric motors, are particularly difficult to display in an upright or vertical position. They are generally designed to be of light or moderate weight so that they may be comfortably carried and used by a single person. However, the engine or motor is relatively heavy compared to the rest of the components and is generally placed at or near one end of the tool. Because of this, the center of gravity of the tool is widely displaced from the center of the device lengthwise. With the center of gravity so far away from the mid-point of the length, these devices have a great tendency to tip and it is difficult to hold these devices in an upright vertical position.
Prior art solutions to these problems, especially for displaying such devices at a retail sales establishment, have not been entirely satisfactory. It is generally preferred to display these devices vertically. Prior art hangers used to display these devices vertically had many deficiencies. In order to hold the device safely, in many instances it was necessary to attach the tool to the bracket in a way it could not be easily detached. This made removal for purchase and replacement of displayed devices difficult. And, prior art devices which held the devices for easy removal were often not strong or secure enough. Many retailers chose to display these devices on horizontal racks or brackets but, if a customer tried to pick one up, it would have a tendency to rotate very quickly and might be dropped damaging the device and injuring the customer.
The present invention overcomes these deficiencies and satisfies the existing need for a stick tool hanger which is safe and convenient to use for retail display of such devices as lawn trimmers and lawn edgers.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a stick tool hanger which is sturdier in construction, safer and more convenient than prior art hangers.
Another object is to provide a device which will hold a stick tool vertically and into which a tool may be easily placed and removed.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a hanger is provided with two pairs of elongate arms supported by a base and two article gripping members attached to the arms. The hanger is designed so that when upward or pushing pressure is applied to the ends of the arms opposite the base the gripping members move apart so that an article to be held can be placed between them. The gripping members are urged together by gravity so that an article placed between them is held in a substantially vertical position.
In the illustrative embodiment, the base is a box-like structure equipped with appropriately curved bars for attachment to a peg-board or with screw or bolt holes so that it can be mounted on a wall. The arms are attached to the base so they can pivot up and down. The arms cross over the other arm in the pair. A separation limiter in the form of a ring is placed on at least one pair of arms. The ring limits the separation of the arms and the distance the arms and the gripping members can be raised.
The gripping members are attached to the end of the straight portion of the arms in a manner that allows the gripping members to remain vertical while the arms move upward. The gripping members are curved in order to receive and hold the generally circular shaft of stick tools. Pads made of rubber or the like are placed inside the gripping member in order to securely hold the tool and prevent marring of the tool's surface. One or more stops can be positioned on the gripping members to prevent a tool from being pushed too far into the hanger and to ensure the tool is properly seated the gripping members.
The arms are curved inwardly towards the other arm in the pair beginning immediately distally of the gripping members and then curved outwardly. The two arms of each pair thus create “V” shaped receivers.
A stick tool can be placed in the hanger by pushing its shaft into the “V” shaped receiver. The pushing force will cause the arms to be raised and the gripping members to move apart. The tool may then be positioned between the gripping members. The arms will lower and the gripping members will converge around and engage the shaft of the stick tool under the force of gravity. The tool will then be held in a vertical position and the weight of the tool itself will contribute to the force holding the tool between the gripping members.
In order to remove the tool, the stick tool can be lifted. As it is lifted, the arms of the holder will be raised and the gripping members will separate. The stick tool can then be pulled out of the holder.
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Baxter Gwendolyn
Fixture Hardware Co.
Gerstman George H.
Ramirez Ramon O.
Shaw Seyfarth
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