CA2139912A1 - Foolproof article hangers and information carriers - Google Patents

Abstract

A uniquely configured information carrier is provided for receipt by a correspondingly configured portion of an article hanger to display information pertinent to the article to be displayed on the hanger. The information carrier is formed in generally "U" shaped configuration, and of somewhat flexible material, with a base and spaced and generally parallel legs one of which is shorter than the other. The short leg carries a hook-like protrusion that is received within an indentation formed in the side of the hanger and the longer leg carries a rib-like projection,such that the information carrier is asymmetrical in cross-section which facilitates mounting to the hanger in a preferred disposition wherein information carried by the carrier is properly displayed. The carrier displays information on the exposed surface of its base as well as on those of its legs which are configured with spaced and opposite sides. Ribs, carried by the-hanger, form boundaries for the carrier receiving portion of the hanger and serve to retain the information carrier in its preferred disposition.

Description

` 213991Z

FOOLPROOF ~RTICL~ H~NG~R~ AND INFORMATION r~T~.C

BACgGRO~ND OF T~E lNV~ ON-FIELD OF APP~ICATION
The present invention is generally directed to article hangers particularly of the type used as clothing hangers.
~ore Farticularly, the present invention is directed to article hangers and information carriers associated therewith to indicate to an observer some characteristic of the hanging article such as its size if the article is an article of clothing.

BA~ UN~ OF T~ lNV~h.lON-DESCRIP~ION OF T~ PRIOR ART
Many articles are displayed for observation, such as when the article is being offered for sale, by beinq draped over or hung from an article hanger. Information relating to the displayed article may be of value to observers and may facilitate sale of the article. Accordingly, such 2~912 .. --information, such as size for articles of clothing, may be of greatest value if displayed in close proximity to the article as by placing the information on an information carrier, button or tally carried by the article hanger.
It is the customary practice in the retail clothing industry, for example, to enable easy visual identification of the sizes of garments and the like which are appropriately mounted on clothing hangers. Such visual identification may serve to provide for quick buyer identification of the size of the garment, thereby facilitating purchase of the merchandise, as well as facilitating an efficient inventory of garments within the establishment. Quite often, these objectives are accomplished by so-called size buttons or tallys which are typically removably attached to the garment hanger. The identifiable indicia of the buttons or tallys provide information to the prospective customer, such as the clothing size.
One example of a size marker assembly is disclosed in United States Letters Patent Number 3,949,914 patented on April 13, 1976 to H.D. Ostroll for "Size Marker Assembly".
The symmetrical arrangement of hanger engaging structure such as that of the Ostroll information carrying marker, and the symmetrical arrangement of the hook portion of the Ostroll hanqer could result in the assembly of the marker onto the hanger in such a way that the information on the -marker is disposed upside down in an unacceptable way.
Another shortcoming of a size marker assembly such as that of U.S. Patent No. 3,949,914 is that such a marker only has a single surface on which to dispose indicia such as the size of the garment, thereby precluding quick identification of the size of the garment from other sides of the display.
Another example of a prior art device for indicating the size of a garment on a garment hanger is disclosed in United States Letters Patent Number 4,101,059 patented on July 18, 1978, to J.H. Batts et al for "Tally" which also discloses a garment size indicator that is only displayed on only one surface of the hanger.
United States Letters Patent Number 4,115,940 patented on September 26, 1978 to R. Philli~s for "Garment Hanger With Size Indicator"; United States Letters Patent Number 5,096,101 patented on March 17, 1992 to M. Norman et al for "Garment Hanger With Locking Information Tab"; and United States Letters Patent Number 5,199,608 patented on April 6, 1993 to A.M. Zuckerman for "Garment Hanger With Irremovable Information Tabs"; all show information carrying tabs which are symmetrical in construction and which coact with symmetrically formed portions of hangers and, as such, may prove unacceptable if the information on the tab is disposed upside down because there is nothing on either the tab or 2S hanger or both to prevent or counteract installation of the tab with the information thereon in an upside down and 21~9912 -unacceptable disposition. In addition, there is only one viewable tab surface upon which to display information. The references of record cited in these patents do not provide contrary teachings. Similarly, the tab shown and described in United States Letters Patent Number 4,997,114 patented on March 5, 1991 to N. Petrou for "Hanger With Indicia Tab"
could be unacceptably connected to the hanger in alternative dispositions.
Clips or tabs of the types shown: in United States Letters Patent Number 1,754,908 patented on April 15, 1930 to F.S. Schade for "Clip For Book Backs"; in United States Letters Patent Number 4,744,612 patented on May 17, 1988 to R.X. Winter et al for "Fastener"; in United States Letters Patent Number 4,947,524 patented on August 14, 1990 to C.
Chang for "Resilient Sheet Steel Paper Clip"; and in United States Letters Patent Number S,101,540 patented on April 7, 1992 to J.A. Roof for "Lamp Housing Mounting Clip"; are not constructed or intended to carry information (except for the Schade device); would be capable of displaying any information, if carried, in an unacceptable disposition and would only be able to display such information, if carried, in one plane. Moreover, it would not be obvious to seek teachings for constructing information carrying tabs for garment hangers in this art which is clearly not pertinent to garment hangers and would be unusable therewith.

213~9~2 -8~MM~Y OF T9~ l~v~ ON
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide new and novel article hangers.
It is another object of this invention to provide new and novel information carriers for use with article hangers.
It is still another object of this invention to provide new and novel combinations of article hangers and information carriers.
It is yet still another object of this invention to provide new and novel garment hangers.
It is yet still another object of this invention to provide new and novel garment size indicators for use with garment hangers.
It is a further object of this invention to provide new and novel combinations of garment size indicators and garment hangers.
It is a further object of this invention to provide new and novel size indicators for garment hangers wherein the size indicator construction is such as to facilitate disposition on the garment hangers in a preferred disposition.
It is yet a further object of this invention to provide new and novel size indicators for garment hangers wherein the size indicators once attached to the garment hangers can be removed but not readily.

It is yet still a further object of this invention to provide new and novel size indicators for garment hangers wherein the size of the garment is indicated in more than one plane of view.
The present invention provides unique and improved combinations which essentially include garment hangers each having an information carrier receiving portion, and an asymmetrical information carrier. In one embodiment the information carrier receiving portion of the hanger includes two opposed surfaces, both of which surfaces have indentations therein; which indentations are asymmetrically disposed. The asymmetrical information carrier is generally U-shaped in cross-section and includes a flexible base portion and two unequal-length leg portions; one of the leg portions being generally straight and formed with an internal rib and the other leg portion including a first portion connected to the base and being generally parallel to the straight leg portion and a protrusion which extends toward the straight leg portion and is not aligned with the rib. As such, attachment of the asymmetrical information carrier to a hanger in a preferred disposition is facilitated when the protrusion of the information carrier is received within the appropriate hanger indentation thereby facilitating proper disposition of the information carrier on the hanger. Indicia may be provided on the external surface of the U-shaped information carrier both on its base, and on each of its straight leg portions whereby the indicia is readily visible to the viewer from three sides of the hanger.
Other o~jects, features and advantages of the invention in its details of construction and arrangement of parts will be seen from the above and from the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered with the drawing and from the appended claims.

BRI~ DE~C~IP~ION OF T~F ~RA~INGS
In the drawing:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the preferred embodiment of an article hanger for clothing and asymmetrical information carrier displaying a size for the clothing and all incorporating the instant invention;
lS FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one side of the article hanger/information carrier of FIG. 1, cut away in part to better show details thereof;
FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the other side of the article hanger/information carrier of FIG. 2 with the information carrier exploded therefrom and shown in partial perspective to better show details thereof;
FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the information carrier of FIGS. 1-2A;
. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along 3-3 in FIG. 2;

~ 21~9912 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment of article hanger and asymmetrical information carrier incorporating the instant invention;
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of another alternative embodiment of article hanger and asymmetrical information carrier showing the information carrier exploded therefrom;
FIG. 7 is a perspective showing of the information carrier of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the information carrier of FIGS. 6 and 7;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of yet another alternative embo~irent of article hanger and asymmetrical information carrier showing the information carrier exploded therefrom;
FIG. 10 is a perspective showing of the information carrier of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the information carrier of FIGS. 9 and 10 enlarged slightly to better show details; and FIG. 12 is a sectional elevation view, taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 11 enlarged slightly to better show details thereof.

21399~Z

D~SCRIPTION OF rh~ ~n~KRED ~MBODl~ 8 With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is generally shown at 10 an article hanger and information carrier assembly incorporating subject invention. Assembly or device 10 includes an improved article hanger in the configuration of a garment or clothing hanger 12 and an information carrier in the form of a size tab 14 which is uniquely configured to coact with and be received by a correspondingly uniquely configured portion of hanger 12 and to be secured to hanger 12 so that removal from hanger 12 is possible but relatively difficult and so that when carrier 14 is secured to the hanger means 12 there is only one possible disposition of carrier 14 and hanger 12 and that is with the information carried by carrier 14 in a viewable disposition; all as will be hereinafter described in greater detail.
Hanger lZ includes a shoulder portion 16 with a standard type hook portion 18 extending upwardly therefrom.
Specifically, hook portion 18 includes a first generally flat main body portion 20 having opposed side surfaces 22.
Formed adjacent opposite edges of the main body portion 20 are flange portions 24 which extend generally transversely and in opposite directions from side surfaces 22 of main body portion 20. While the foregoing type of article or clothing hanger 12 has been described and illustrated it should be noted that other forms of article or garment - 21399~2 , hangers with different configurations are also contemplated for use in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
An upper restraining or stop rib 26 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A) and a spaced, parallel lower restraining or stop rib 28 are disposed on hook portion 18 of hanger 12, with stop ribs 26 and 28 being disposed therein at an acute "a" (FIG. 2) to the horizontal. Stop ribs 26 and 28 extend between flange portions 24 on opposite sides of main body portion 20 and limit vertical movement of information carrier or size tab 14 as more fully described hereinafter. Stop ribs 26 and 28 are formed unitarily with the hanger 12, as are two vertically disposed limiting ribs 30 and 32 which are more clearly depicted in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 Limiting ribs 30 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and 32, (FIGS. 2A) extend between the stop ribs 26 and 28, and are likewise unitarily molded with hanger 12. Other fabrications may be utilized for hanger 12 as long as ribs 26, 28, 30 and 32 are carried thereby.
Stop ribs 26 and 28 and limiting ribs 30 and 32, define therebetween an information carrier or size tab receiving portion 40 (FIGS. 2, 2A and 3) for hanger 12. A distal end 42 (FIGS. 2A and 3) of carrier tab receiving portion 40 is chamfered as at 44 and 46 (FIG. 3) with the extent of chamfer 46 being greater than chamfer 44 in order to facilitate mounting of information carrier or size tab 14 2~39912 .

onto receiving portion 40, as more fully described hereinafter. Disposed intermediate limiting stop 30 and chamfered portion 46 of tab receiving portion 4~ are a first bearing wall 48 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and an indentation 50.
Disposed on the opposite side of receiving portion 40 is a second bearing wall 52 (FIGS. 2A and 3) which is generally parallel to first bearing wall 48. Second bearing wall 52 terminates at opposed side surface 22 opposite limiting rib 28. A space 54 is provided intermediate an inner end of second bearing wall 52 and limiting rib 32. Bearing walls --48 and 52 are generally parallel. The construction of bearing walls 48 and 52 may be reversed with a corresponding reversal of tab 14.
Information carrier or size tab 14 is basically of U-shaped cross-section (FIGS. 2A and 3) and includes a flexible base portion 60 and two leg portions 62 and 64 of unequal length. As shown in FIGS. l, 2, 2A and 2B) the side planar surface of each leg portion 62, 64 is generally in the configuration of a rhomboid, (i.e., with opposed sides parallel to each other but not meeting at right angles) and is of sufficient size to bear information such as size indicia (shown by the numeral "8") for the garment to be hung on the hanger assembly 10. Leg portion 62 is generally straight and extends generally orthogonal to base portion 60, and when assembled to hanger 12 is disposed in abutting relationship to second bearing wall 52. Opposite leg 64, of tab 60, includes a first portion 66 which is also orthogonal to base 60 and extends generally parallel to first leg portion 62 to a point corresponding to an inner end of first bearing wall 48. Extending from or near the distal end of S the second leg 64 is a hook-shaped protrusion 68 which is configured to interlock and snap fit into indentation 50 of tab receiving portion 40. As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the construction of the indicia tab 60 is asymmetrical in cross-section and provides three external surfaces, designated 70, 72 and 74 upon which indicia or other information may be printed or applied in order to provide hanger assembly 10 with information viewable from three sides of hanger assembly 10.
Information carrier or size tab 14 may be made of a flexible plastic material whereby it may be readily deformed for snap fitting over receiving portion 40 or from other materials suitable for the purpose. Chamfers 44 and 46 aid in the outward expansion of legs 62 and 64 of indicia tab 14 and flexing of base 60 until protrusion 68 snaps into indentation 50 and tab 14 is locked into place about receiving portion 40.
Rib portions 26 and 28 are spaced by a distance which restricts uncontrolled sliding movement of the asymmetrical indicia or carrier tab 14 in a vertical direction whenever tab 14 is appropriately secured to hook portion 18 of hanger 12. By this particular arrangement tab 14, asymmetrical in 21399~2 -cross-section and with side legs in the configurations of rhomboids, is prevented from sliding upwardly or downwardly relative to hook portion 18. In a similar manner, limiting ribs 30 and 32 limit angular movement of tab 14 inwardly relative to hook portion 18, while protrusion 68 precludes tab 14 from being inadvertently removed from tab receiving portion 40 of hook 18.
Rib portions 26 and 28 and limiting r bs 30 and 32 also function to shield tab 14 from accidental removal from hanger 12 and also prevent snagging of garments on tab 14.
The unique asymmetrical construction of tab receiving portion 40, as well as the unique asymmetrical and rhomboidal construction of tab 14, make it impossible for the indicia tab 14 to be mounted improperly, such as upside down, onto tab receiving portion 40. Accordingly, in all instances, tab 14 will be properly applied to hanger 12 for providing a clear indication of the size of the garment on the hanger or other pertinent information from opposite sides of hanger 12; as well as from the side of hanger 12 to which base 60 of indicia tab 14 faces. The visibility of the tab 14, is further enhanced by its disposition on hook portion 18. Stop ribs 26, 28 are disposed at an angle "a"
of hanger 12 with respect to shoulder portion 16, with angle "a" (FIG. 2) generally in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and preferably 45 degrees. It should also be noted that the unequal lengths of the legs 62 and 64 define an 21399~12 enlarged opening to U-shaped tab 14 thereby providing an enlarged guided op~; ng for facilitating mounting of tab 14 onto hanger 12.
An alternate embodiment of subject invention is illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein the information carrier or size tab receiving portion is mounted to the shoulder portion of the hanger rather than to the hook section of the hanger. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 5, extending upwardly from the shoulder section 116 of article or clothing hanger 112 is a tab receiving portion 140 including upper and lower ribs 126, 128, as well as limiting stop rib 130. Tab receiving portion 140 of the embodiment of the subject invention as shown in FIG. 5 is identical in construction to the tab receiving portion disclosed in the preferred em~odiment of FIGS. 1-4, and similarly the asymmetrical indicia tab 114 is similar in construction to the asymmetrical indicia tab disclosed in the preferred embq~;rent of FIGS. 1-4.
Another alternative embodiment of subject invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 wherein the information carrier or size tab is mounted between the hook and shoulder portions of the hanger and wherein the information carrier has an alternative configuration. Hanger 112 includes a shoulder portion 116 with a standard type hook portion 118 extending upwardl-y therefrom. Specifically, hook portion 118 includes a first generally flat main body portion 120 having opposed _ 21399~

side surfaces 122. Formed adjacent opposite edges of the main body portion 120 are flange portions 124 which extend generally transversely and in opposite directions from side surfaces 122 of main body portion 120. Hanger 112 is thus quite similar in construction to hanger 12 of FIGS. 1-4 except that a size tab or tally receiving portion 140 is formed thereon on a ridge 142 disposed between hook portion 118 and shoulder portion 116, and with a generally rectangular configuration to receive a correspondingly configured size tab 114 all as will be explained in greater detail below.
An upper restraining or stop rib 126 (FIGS. 6) and a spaced, parallel lower restraining or stop rib 128 are disposed on hook ridge 142 of hanger 112, with stop ribs 126 and 128 being disposed therein at an acute angle "z" to the horizontal. Stop ribs 126 and 128 limit vertical movement of information carrier or size tab 114 as more fully described hereinafter. Stop ribs 126 and 128 are formed unitarily with the hanger 112, as are two vertically disposed limiting ribs 130 (only one shown) which are similar to ribs 30, 32 of hanger 112. Limiting ribs 30 extend between the stop ribs 126 and 128, and are likewise unitarily molded with hanger 12. Other fabrications may be utilized for hanger 112 as long as ribs 126, 128, and 130 are carried thereby.

$5 _ "

Stop ribs 126 and 128 and limiting ribs 130 define therebetween information carrier or size tab receiving portion 140 for hanger 112. A distal end 144 of carrier tab receiving portion 140 is chamfered on both sides similar to chamfers 44 and 46 of hanger 12 in order to facilitate mounting of information carrier or size tab 114 onto receiving portion 140. Disposed intermediate limiting stop 130 and chamfered portion 144 of tab receiving portion 140 are a first bearing wall 148 and an indentation 150.
Disposed on the opposite side of receiving portion 140 is a second bearing wall which is generally parallel to first bearing wall 148. The second bearing wall terminates at opposed side surface 122 opposite limiting rib 128. A space is provided intermediate an inner end of the second bearing wall and the other limiting rib 130. The bearing walls are generally parallel and are constructed similar to those for hanger 12 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. The construction of the bearing walls may be reversed with a corresponding reversal of tab 114.
Information carrier or size tab 114 is basically of U-shaped cross-section (FIGS. 7) and includes a flexible base portion 160 and two leg portions 162 and 164 of unequal length. As shown in FIGS. 6-8 the side planar surface of each leg portion 162, 164 is generally rectangular and is of sufficient size to bear information such as size indicia for the garment to be hung on the hanger assembly 110. Leg i_ 213991Z

portion 162 is generally straight and rectangular and extends generally orthogonal to base portion 160, and when assembled to hanger 112 is disposed in abutting relationship to its second bearing wall. Opposite leg 164, of tab 160, includes a first portion 166 which is also orthogonal to base 160 and extends generally parallel to first leg portion 162 to a point corresponding to an inner end of first bearing wall 148. Extending from or near the distal end of the second leg 164 is a hook-shaped protrusion 168 which is configured to interlock and snap fit into indentation 150 of tab receiving portion 140. The construction of the indicia tab 160 is also asymmetrical in cross-section (like tab 60) and provides three external surfaces, designated 170, (FIG.
7) 172 and 174 upon which indicia or other information may be printed or applied in order to provide hanger assembly 110 with information viewable from three sides of hanger ~c~nhly 110.
Information carrier or size tab 114 may be made of a flexible plastic material whereby it may be readily deformed for snap fitting over receiving portion 140 or from other materials suitable for the purpose. Chamfers 144 aid in the outward expansion of legs 162 and 164 of indicia tab 114 and flexing of base 160 until protrusion 168 snaps into indentation 150 and tab 114 is locked into place about receiving portion 140.

21399~2 -Rib portions 126 and 128 are spaced by a distance which restricts uncontrolled sliding movement of the asymmetrical indicia or carrier tab 114 in a vertical direction whenever tab 114 is appropriately secured to hanger 112. By this particular arrangement tab 114, asymmetrical in cross-section, is prevented from sliding upwardly or downwardly.
In a similar manner, limiting ribs 130 limit angular movement of tab 114 inwardly, while protrusion 168 precludes tab 114 from being inadvertently removed from tab receiving portion 140.
Rib portions 126 and 128 and 130 also function to shield tab 114 from accidental removal from hanger 112 and also prevent snagging of garments on tab 114.
The unique asymmetrical construction of tab receiving portion 140, as well as the unique asymmetrical construction of tab 114, make it impossible for the indicia tab 114 to be mounted improperly, such as upside down, onto tab receiving portion 140. Accordingly, in all instances, tab 114 will be properly applied to hanger 112 for providing a clear indication of the size of the garment on the hanger or other pertinent information from opposite sides of hanger 112; as well as from the side of hanger 112 to which base 160 of indicia tab 114 faces. The visibility of the tab 114, is further enhanced by its disposition on hanger 112. It should also be noted that the unequal lengths of the legs 162 and 164 define an enlarged opening to U-shaped tab 114 thereby 213991;~

providing an enlarged guided opening for facilitating mounting of tab 114 onto hanger 112.
Yet another alternative embodiment of subject invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 wherein the information carrier or size tab is also mounted between the hook and shoulder portions of the hanger and wherein the information carrier has an alternative configuration. Hanger 212 includes a shoulder portion 216 with a standard type hook portion 218 extending upwardly therefrom. Specifically, hook portion 218 includes a first generally flat main body portion 220 having opposed side surfaces 222. Formed adjacent opposite edges of the main body portion 220 are flange portions 224 which extend generally transversely and in opposite directions from side surfaces 222 of main body portion 220.
Hanger 212 is thus quite similar in construction to hanger 112 of FIGS. 6-8.
An upper restraining or stop rib 226 (FIGS. 9) and a spaced, parallel lower restraining or stop rib 228 are disposed on hook ridge 242 of hanger 212, with stop ribs 226 and 228 being disposed therein at an acute angle "z" to the horizontal. Stop ribs 226 and 228 limit vertical movement of information carrier or size tab 214 as more fully described hereinafter. Stop ribs 226 and 228 are formed unitarily with the hanger 212, as are two vertically disposed limiting ribs 230 (FIGS. 9 and 12) which are similar to ribs 30, 32 of hanger 12 and 130 of hanger 112.

21399~2 Limiting ribs 230 extend between the stop ribs 226 and 228, and are likewise unitarily molded with hanger 2lZ. Other fabrications may be utilized for hanger 212 as long as ribs 226, 228, and 230 are carried thereby.
Stop ribs 226 and 228 and limiting ribs 230 define therebetween information carrier or size tab receiving portion 240 for hanger 212. A distal end 244 of carrier tab receiving por~ion 240 is chamfered on both sides at 246 and 248 similar to chamfers 44 and 46 of hanger 12 and 144 of hanger 112 in order to facilitate mounting of information carrier or size tab 214 onto receiving portion 240. It should be noted, however, that chamferes 144 and 146 are of different size (FIG. 12). Disposed intermediate limiting stop 230 and chamfered portion 246 of tab receiving portion 240 is a first bearing wall 248 and a first indentation 250.
Disposed on the opposite side of receiving portion 240 is a second bearing wall 249 which is generally parallel to first bearing wall 248 and a second indentation 251. Second bearing wall 249 terminates at opposed side surface 222 opposite limiting rib 228. A space is provided intermediate an inner end of the second bearing wall and the other limiting rib 230. The bearing walls are generally parallel and are constructed similar to those for hanger 12 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, and hanger 112 of the emboAi~ent of FIGS. 6-8. The construction of the bearing walls may be reversed with a corresponding reversal of tab 214.

Information carrier or size tab 214 is basically of U-shaped cross-section (FIGS. 10) and includes a flexible base portion 260 and two leg portions 262 and 264 of unequal length. As shown in FIGS. 9-12 the side planar surface of each leg portion 262, 264 is generally rectangular and is of sufficient size to bear information such as size indicia for the garment to be hung on the hanger assembly 210. Leg portion 262 is generally straight and rectangular and extends generally orthogonal to base porLion 260, and when assembled to hanger 212 is disposed in abutting relationship to its second bearing wall 251 and with rib 265 snapped behind chamfer 246 as shown in FIG. 12. Opposite leg 264, of tab 260, includes a first portion 266 which is also orthogonal to base 260 and extends generally parallel to first leg portion 262 to a point corresponding to an inner end of first bearing wall 248. Extending from or near the distal end of the second leg 264 is a hook-shaped protrusion 268 which is configured to interlock and snap fit into indentation 250 of tab receiving portion 240. The construction of the indicia tab 260 is also asymmetrical in cross-section (like tabs 60 and 160) and provides three external surfaces, designated 270, (FIG. 7) 272 and 274 upon which indicia or other information may be printed or applied in order to provide hanger assembly 210 with information viewable from three sides of hanger assembly 210.

21399~2 Information carrier or size tab 214 may be made of a flexible plastic material whereby it may be readily deformed for snap fitting over receiving portion 240 or from other materials suitable for the purpose. Chamfers 244, 246 aid in the outward expansion of legs 262 and 264 of indicia tab 214 and flexing of base 260 until protrusion 268 snaps into indentation 250 and rib 265 snaps behind chamfer 246, and tab 214 is loc~ed into place about receiving portion 240.
Rib portions 226 and 228 are spaced by a distance which restricts uncontrolled sliding movement of the asymmetrical indicia or carrier tab 214 in a vertical direction whenever tab 214 is appropriately secured to hanger 212. By this particular arrangement tab 214, asymmetrical in cross-section, is prevented from sliding upwardly or downwardly.
In a similar manner, limiting ribs 230 limit angular movement of tab 214 inwardly, while protrusion 268 and rib 265 preclude tab 214 from being inadvertently removed from tab receiving portion 240.
Rib portions 226 and 228 and 230 also function to shield tab 214 from accidental removal from hanger 212 and also prevent snagging of garments on tab 214.
The unique asymmetrical construction of tab receiving portion 240, as well as the unique asymmetrical construction of tab 214, make it difficult for the indicia tab 214 to be mounted improperly, such as upside down, onto tab receiving portion 240 and if it should happen that tab 214 is so -mounted upside down such construction will facilitate removal of tab 214 from hanger 212 in a manner that is easier than removal of tab 214 when disposed as intended.
Accordingly, tab 214 should be properly applied to hanger 212 for providing a clear indication of the size of the garment on the hanger or other pertinent information from opposite sides of hanger 212; as well as from the side of hanger 212 to which base 260 of indicia tab 214 faces. The visibility of the tab 214, is further enhanced by its disposition on hanger 212. It should also be noted that the unequal lengths of the legs 262 and 264 define an enlarged opening to U-shaped tab 214 thereby providing an enlarged guided opening for facilitating mounting of tab 214 onto hanger 212.
Other unique and asymmetrical and corresponding configurations may be utilized as long as the coaction between the configuration of information carrier 14 and of its receiving portion on hanger 12 permit only one unique disposition of information carrier on hanger 12.
While the invention has been described with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms set forth, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. An article hanger and information carrier assembly;
comprising:
(a) article carrying means including a hook portion and an article receiving portion for receiving and carrying an article;
(b) an information carrier receiving portion carried by said article carrying means for receiving an information carrier means;
(c) an information carrier means of a unique size and configuration and including at least one surface for displaying information when said information carrier is received by said article carrying means;
(d) said information carrier receiving portion having a unique size and configuration corresponding to and for receiving said unique size and configuration of said information carrier means such that to facilitate a preferred disposition for said information carrier means on said article carrying means.

2. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein said information carrier means is asymmetrical in cross-section.

3. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein said information carrier means is substantially "U" shaped in configuration and includes a base and a pair of legs extending from said base in parallel and spaced relationship.

4. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 3, wherein one of said legs is shorter than the other of said legs thus providing an asymmetrical configuration for said information carrier means.

5. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 4, wherein said other leg includes an internal rib.

6. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 5, wherein said information carrier receiving portion includes a first indentation and said one of said legs carries a projection disposed to cooperate with said indentation and said information carrier includes a second indentation disposed to cooperate with said rib all so as to facilitate positioning said information carrier means on said article carrying means.

7. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 6, wherein said projection and indentation are sized and configured to facilitate movement of said projection into said indentation but so as to restrict ready separation thereof.

8. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 6, wherein said information carrier receiving portion is bounded by at least a first pair of spaced ribs that are spaced to receive and cooperate with first opposed and parallel sides of said information carrier legs.

9. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 8, wherein said spaced ribs are parallel to each other.

10. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 9, wherein said information carrier receiving portion is further bounded by a second pair of ribs disposed to coact with a distal end of each of said information carrier legs.

11. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 10, wherein said second pair of ribs are disposed parallel to each other.

12. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 2, wherein said information carrier receiving portion includes a distal end that is chamfered to facilitate receiving said information carrier.

13. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 12, wherein said information carrier means includes a plurality of information display surfaces.

14. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 13, wherein there are three surfaces for displaying information on said information carrier means.

15. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 14, wherein said article carrying means is of a size and configuration to carry an article of wearing apparel and said information carrier means is to display the size of the article of wearing apparel.

16. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 15, wherein said information carrier receiving portion is disposed on said hook portion.

17. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein said information carrier receiving portion includes at least two opposed surfaces, both of said surfaces having indentations therein, and said information carrier means is generally U-shaped in cross-section and includes a flexible base portion and two leg portions, one said leg portion being generally straight with a rib extending inwardly therefrom while the other said leg portion includes a first portion connected to said base portion and being generally parallel to said straight leg portion, said other leg portion having a protrusion which extends towards said straight leg portion whereby said information carrier means may only be mounted on said receiving portion with said protrusion received within one of said indentations and said rib received in said other indentation thereby facilitating said information carrier being properly connected to said hanger means.

18. The article hanger and information carrier assembly of claim 17, wherein said protrusion is generally hook-shaped in cross-section.

19. An asymmetrical information carrier or size tab for use with a clothing hanger having a tab receiving portion; comprising:
(a) a size tab generally U-shaped in cross-section and including a flexible base portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion;
(b) said first leg portion being longer than second leg portion and being generally straight;
(c) said second leg portion including a first portion connected to said base portion and being generally parallel to said straight leg portion; and (d) said second leg portion further having a protrusion which extends towards said first straight leg portion.
(e) said first leg portion having a rib which extends towards said second leg portion.

20. The information carrier or size tab of claim 19, wherein indicia is provided on the external surface of said base portion and on each of said leg portions.

21. The information carrier or size tab of claim 20, wherein said protrusion is disposed at the distal end of said second leg portion.