Pegboard Hanger Assembly

Abstract

A pegboard hanger assembly is provided for mounting on a pegboard surface. The pegboard includes a first hole formed therethrough. The pegboard hanger assembly includes: a hanger including a hanger base and a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof, the pin including flanged end and a grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet. The pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of storage and hanger devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a pegboard hanger assembly for securely supporting and organizing items on a pegboard.

BACKGROUND

Pegboards are commonly used for organizing, for storage and for hanging items such as tools on a wall or other surface. Pegboards typically include a plurality of uniformly spaced-apart holes formed through a sheet of material. Various hangers exist that may be mounted on a pegboard surface for supporting various items on the pegboard, such as tools and other related items.

Existing hangers typically rely on portions of the hangers aligning with and extending through holes in the pegboard. Many existing hangers use metal hooks or other similar mechanisms to fit the hangers to the pegboard. These existing hangers do not create a sturdy support and instead allow for significant movement between the hanger and the pegboard. As a result, when a tool or other item is lifted from the hanger the hanger may become dislodged from the pegboard and require replacement.

Other existing hangers may be attached to pegboard such as by securing hangers to the pegboard with zip ties, locking mechanisms, or other fasteners. While providing a more secure attachment to the pegboard, such fasteners increase a difficulty of both installation and removal of the hanger. In addition, there is currently no way to identify items or information easily and directly onto the hook.

What is needed, therefore, is an improved pegboard hanger assembly that securely supports items on the pegboard while also allowing the pegboard hanger assembly to be easily installed and removed from the pegboard surface, and readily allows identifiers to be attached directly to the hook.

SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by an improved pegboard hanger assembly that securely supports items on the pegboard while also allowing the pegboard hanger assembly to be easily installed and removed from the pegboard surface. In a first aspect, a pegboard hanger assembly is provided for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole formed therethrough. The pegboard hanger assembly includes: a hanger including a hanger base and a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof, the pin including flanged end and a grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet. The pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

In one embodiment, the hanger further includes a hook projecting from the rear surface of the hanger, wherein the hook is insertable through a second hole of the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface. In another embodiment, the hook includes an upwardly projecting end insertable through the second hole of the pegboard surface. In one embodiment, the hook projects sideways relative to the hanger base. In yet another embodiment, the upwardly projecting end curves inwards towards the hanger base such that the upwardly projecting end contacts a back of the pegboard surface. In one embodiment, the upwardly projecting end is reliantly flexible relative to the hanger base.

In another embodiment, the grommet further includes a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet. In yet another embodiment, the pin further includes a flared portion located between the flange end of the pin and the hanger base.

In one embodiment, the grommet is integrally formed on the first hole of the pegboard surface.

In another embodiment, the pegboard hanger assembly further includes an accessory hook extending from a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface.

In yet another embodiment, the grommet further includes a split formed along a length of the grommet such that the grommet is insertable through the first hole of the pegboard surface.

In a second aspect, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough includes: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base and a grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet. The pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

In a third aspect, a pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough includes: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, wherein the hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base, and a grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet. The pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a pegboard hanger assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a hanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a grommet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a grommet installed on a pegboard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a step of installing a grommet on a pegboard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a step of inserting an upper hook of a hanger into a pegboard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of a step of inserting an upper hook of a hanger into a pegboard according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a step of snapping a lower pin of a hanger onto a grommet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows a grommet of a pegboard assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a pegboard hanger assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. The definitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words being defined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below diverges from the commonly understood and/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions below control.

FIG. 1 shows a basic embodiment of a pegboard hanger assembly 10 for supporting an item on a pegboard surface 12. The pegboard hanger assembly 10 is readily secured to the pegboard surface 12 and provides a sturdy support for supporting items, such as tools or other accessories. The pegboard hanger assembly 10 is readily installed on and removed from the pegboard surface 12 without requiring any specialized tools or other devices to aid in installation and removal. Embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for any surface that has been made, modified, or used to receive pegboard style hooks or any surface or item that is capable of holding pegboard style or similar hooks. For example, while embodiments illustrated in figures herein show the pegboard surface 12 having a plurality of circular holes, it is also understood that embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly 10 described herein may be suitable for use with various other types of surfaces, such as those having elongated holes or slots or other various similar surfaces.

The pegboard hanger assembly 10 includes a hanger 14 and a grommet 16 for securing the hanger 14 to the pegboard surface 12. The hanger 14 removably engages the grommet 16 to form a tight fit of the hanger 14 to the pegboard surface 12 to prevent the hanger 14 from becoming dislodged from the pegboard surface 12 when hanging and removing items from the hanger 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, the hanger 14 includes a hanger base 18. The hanger base 18 is preferably substantially flat and elongated in shape. A hooked portion 20 is formed on the hanger base 18 for supporting an item, such as a tool, on the hanger 14. While FIG. 2 shows a specific embodiment of a hanger 14 having the hooked portion 20, it is also understood that embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly 10 may be implemented on a variety of accessories supported on the pegboard surface 12. For example, instead of the hooked portion 20 it is to be understood that embodiments of the hanger 14 may include double hooks, elongated hooks, baskets, bins, shelves, loops for securing cords thereon, and other accessories that may be secured to the pegboard surface 12. Alternatively, a face of the hanger base 18 may include a magnet or other similar components formed thereon for releasably securing one or more items on the hanger base 18.

The hanger 14 includes an upper hook 22 projecting from the hanger base 18 towards an upper end of the hanger base 18. The upper hook 22 is shaped to be inserted into one of the plurality of holes formed through the pegboard surface 12 and includes an upwardly projecting end 24 that is shaped to secure the upper end of the hanger base 18 to the pegboard surface 12. The upwardly projecting end 24 may be spaced apart from a back side of the hanger base 18 a distance that is proximate to a thickness of the pegboard surface 12 such that the upper hook 22 tightly secures the hanger base 18 to the pegboard surface 12 when the hanger 14 is attached to the pegboard surface 12 as discussed in greater detail below. The upper hook 22 has a diameter that is less than a diameter of holes formed through the pegboard surface 12 such that the upper hook 22 is insertable through holes of the pegboard surface 12.

Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment the upwardly projecting end 24 of the upper hook 22 is shaped such that the upper hook 22 is adaptable to the pegboard surface 12 having varying degrees of thickness. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the upwardly projecting end 24 of the upper hook 22 is resiliently flexible with respect to the hanger base 18 such that the upper hook 22 secures the hanger base 18 to the pegboard surface 12 when a thickness of the pegboard surface 12 varies. As shown in FIG. 10, the upper hook 22 initially projects from the hanger base 18 such that the upper hook 22 substantially extends through the pegboard surface 12. The upper hook 22 is preferably inwardly curved such that the upper hook 22 curves back towards the pegboard surface 12. The upwardly projecting end 24 of the upper hook 22 preferably contacts a back of the pegboard surface 12, thereby securing at least an upper portion of the hanger base 18 to the pegboard surface 12. While reference is made herein to the upwardly projecting end 24 of the upper hook 22, it is also understood that embodiments may include locating the upper hook 22 such that the upwardly projecting end 24 extends in other suitable directions, such as laterally or downwardly with respect to the hanger 14.

Embodiments of the hanger 14 may include a hole, slot, or other similar feature formed on the hanger 14 for securing an identifier to the hanger 14 to identify an item to be stored on or hung from the hanger 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 a hole 25 may be formed through the hanger 14 for receiving a tag or other visual indicator to be hung from the hanger 14. The hanger 14 may include a slot 27 located on the hanger 14 for supporting the visual indicator (such as a card or other indicator). In one example, the hanger 14 may further include a small secondary hook 29 formed on the hanger base 18 for receiving a tag or other visual indicator. Similarly, a snap 31 or other similar attachment means may be formed on the hanger base 18 for receiving a tag or other visual indicator on the hanger 14.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the hanger 14 further includes a lower pin 26 projecting from and formed on the hanger base 18. The lower pin 26 is shaped to include a flanged end 28 and a flared portion 30 formed along a length of the lower pin 26 between the flanged end 28 and the hanger base 18. The lower pin 26 is preferably formed at a bottom end of the hanger base 18 and extends substantially parallel to at least a portion of the upper hook 22 towards the pegboard surface 12.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the pegboard hanger assembly 10 further includes the grommet 16 shaped to form a snap fit engagement with the lower pin 26 on the pegboard surface 12. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, an inner portion of the grommet 16 is shaped to fit with the flanged end 28 and the flared portion 30 of the lower pin 26. The grommet 16 includes a body 32 that has a diameter such that the body 32 is insertable through holes of the pegboard surface 12 during installation of the pegboard hanger assembly 10. A split 34 is formed along a length of the body 32 such that sides of the body 32 are resiliently flexible, such as by flexing outwardly when the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16. While the grommet 16 is described as being secured on the pegboard surface 12 by flexing outwardly, it is also understood that the grommet 16 may otherwise be secured to the pegboard surface 12, such as by a twisting expansion of the grommet 16 or a peg having a compressible material applied over a smaller stiffer peg or cover. Embodiments may also include use of more flexible or tackier materials that would allow the grommet to engage the pegboard surface 12 without the use of the split 34.

An inner portion of the grommet 16 further includes a shoulder 36 formed around the inner portion of the grommet 16 proximate to an open end 38 of the grommet 16. The shoulder 36 is shaped to engage the flared portion 16 of the lower pin 26 to substantially secure the lower pin 26 within the grommet 16. The open end 38 further preferably includes a bevel 40 formed around the open end 38 to aid in inserting the lower pin 26 into the grommet 16 as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a grommet 16 formed of a flexible material that can receive the lower pin 26 such that the grommet 16 expands without the split 34. In one embodiment, the grommet 16 may include a groove or gap formed thereon to aid in removal of the grommet from the pegboard surface 12, such as by inserting a tool or other device into the groove or gap between the grommet 16 and the pegboard surface 12. In one embodiment, the grommet 16 is substantially integrated with a pegboard such that the hanger 14 may be installed thereon.

The hanger 14 and grommet 16 are preferably molded of a polymer material such that elements of the hanger 14 and grommet 16 are readily manufactured and further such that portion of the hanger 14 and/or grommet 16 are resiliently flexible during installation and use of the hanger assembly 10. The hanger 14 and grommet 16 may each be formed as a single piece, such as by injection molding.

To install the hanger assembly 10 on a pegboard surface 12, the grommet 16 is pressed into a first hole 42 formed through the pegboard surface 12, as shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hanger 14 is next installed on the pegboard surface 12. In a first step, the upper hook 22 is inserted into a second hole 44 of the pegboard surface 12. The orientation of the upper hook 22 is such that the hanger 14 may be tilted to properly insert the upper hook 22 into the second hole 44 of the pegboard surface 12. After inserting the upper hook 22 into the second hole 44, the hanger 14 is then tilted towards a position wherein the hanger base 18 is flat against the pegboard surface 12. The lower pin 26 is aligned with the open end 38 of the grommet 16 and the bevel 40 formed around the open end 38 of the grommet aids in aligning the lower pin 26 with the open end 38 of the grommet 16. As the lower pin 26 is inserted into the open end 38 of the grommet 16, the hanger 14 is pressed against the pegboard surface 12 until the lower pin 26 snaps into the grommet 16.

When the lower pin 26 of the hanger 14 is installed on the grommet 16 on the pegboard surface 12, the hanger 14 is secured by the lower pin 26 being secured to the grommet 16 and the grommet 16 thereby also being secured to the pegboard surface 12. When the grommet 16 is removably installed on the pegboard surface 12, insertion of the lower pin 26 into the grommet 16 prevents the grommet 16 from being removed from the pegboard surface 12. For example, when the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16, an outer edge of the grommet 16 contacts edges of at least one aperture formed through the pegboard surface 12 to substantially prevent removal of the grommet 16 from the pegboard surface 12 until the lower pin 26 is removed from the grommet 16.

The hanger 14 is thereafter tightly secured to the pegboard surface 12 with the grommet 16 and the upper hook 22. As shown in the figures, the upper hook 22 tightens the hanger base 18 against the pegboard surface 12 when the lower pin 26 is snapped into the grommet 16. Further, as the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16, the body 32 of the grommet 16 expands about the split 34 formed in the body 32 to tightly secure the grommet 16 within the first hole 42 of the pegboard surface 12.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10 wherein the upper hook 22 is inwardly hooked and contacts a back side of the pegboard surface 12, when the lower pin 26 is secured to the grommet 16, the resiliently flexible upper hook 22 is flexed such that a preload is created on the hanger 14 to prevent any play or movement of the hanger 14 relative to the pegboard surface 12. As the lower pin 26 is urged towards the grommet 16, the resiliently flexible upper hook 22 resists pivoting of the hanger 14. When the lower pin 26 is inserted into the grommet 16, the connection between the lower pin 26 and the grommet 16 is such that the resiliently flexible upper hook 22 remains in tension without causing the lower pin 26 to release from the grommet 16.

Embodiments of the pegboard hanger assembly 10 include a kit of parts that may be provided for securing the hanger 14 to pegboard surfaces having a variety of shapes and dimensions. For example, and as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of grommets may be molded and provided with the grommets having different sizes to fit within various pegboard surfaces having holes with varying dimensions. A user may select a grommet that is best sized to fit within a particular pegboard for use with the hanger 14. In one embodiment, a variety of grommets are provided that are shaped to fit with a pegboard surface having holes with varying diameters and with pegboard surfaces having varying thicknesses. In another embodiment, all or portions of the grommet 16 may be integrally formed as part of the pegboard surface 12.

The pegboard hanger assembly 10 of the present disclosure advantageously allows installation of a pegboard hanger on a pegboard such that the hanger is securely mounted on the pegboard. Any play or movement of the hanger is substantially reduced as the hanger is tightly secured against the pegboard. Further, no tools may be required to install the hanger, nor is access to a backside of the pegboard required to secure the hanger to the pegboard. The pegboard hanger assembly 10 of the present disclosure may allow for ready installation and removal of the hanger to securely support tools and other items on the pegboard.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly comprising: a hanger including a hanger base and a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof, the pin including flanged end anda grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet;wherein pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

2. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 1, the hanger further comprising a hook projecting from the rear surface of the hanger, wherein the hook is insertable through a second hole of the pegboard surface to further secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

3. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 2, the hook including an upwardly projecting end insertable through the second hole of the pegboard surface.

4. The pegboard assembly of claim 3, wherein the upwardly projecting end curves inwards towards the hanger base such that the upwardly projecting end contacts a back of the pegboard surface.

5. The pegboard assembly of claim 4, wherein the upwardly projecting end is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base.

6. The pegboard assembly of claim 1, the grommet further comprising a bevel formed around an open end of the passage through the grommet.

7. The pegboard assembly of claim 1, the pin further comprising a flared portion located between the flange end of the pin and the hanger base.

8. The pegboard assembly of claim 1, wherein the grommet is integrally formed on the first hole of the pegboard surface.

9. The pegboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising an accessory hook extending from a front face of the hanger base for supporting one or more items on the pegboard surface.

10. The pegboard hanger assembly of claim 1, the grommet further comprising a split formed along a length of the grommet such that the grommet is insertable through the first hole of the pegboard surface.

11. A pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly comprising: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base anda grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet;wherein pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.

12. A pegboard hanger assembly for mounting on a pegboard surface including a first hole and a second hole formed therethrough, the pegboard hanger assembly comprising: a hanger including a hanger base, a pin projecting from a rear surface thereof and including a flanged end, and a hook projecting from a rear surface of the hanger base, wherein the hook is resiliently flexible relative to the hanger base, anda grommet locatable on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface, the grommet including a passage formed therethrough and an inwardly projecting shoulder formed within the passage of the grommet;wherein pin projecting from the hanger is insertable through the passage of the grommet and the flanged end of the pin is insertable through the shoulder of the passage of the grommet when the grommet is located on the at least one hole formed through the pegboard surface to secure the hanger on the pegboard surface.