Hanging device and method

Abstract

A hanging device as may be utilized to mount plants is provided. The hanging device is coupled to a standardized care tag slot as found on most store-bought plastic containers. Through the use of the hanging device, it is not necessary to purchase additional plant containers for placement in additionally purchased hanging devices to display plants in a selected environment. The hanging device further allows for the placement of communications to customers as they concern the plant and/or container. Methods for mounting a container utilizing the disclosed hanging device are also provided.

1 . A hanging device comprising: 
 a planar body with a proximate end and a distal end;    a tang extending from the proximate end of the planar body, the tang configured for upward insertion into a slot associated with a container;    a shoulder situated on both sides of the tang, the shoulder configured to control the depth to which the tang may be upwardly inserted into the care tag slot;    at least one bend situated below the shoulders situated on both sides of the tang; and    a support arm extending from the distal end of the planar body and opposite the tang.    
   
   
       2 . The hanging device of  claim 1 , wherein the tang comprises beveled edges.  
   
   
       3 . The hanging device of  claim 1 , wherein the tang comprises broken radial corners.  
   
   
       4 . The hanging device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting hole, the mounting hole configured to accept mounting means.  
   
   
       5 . The hanging device of  claim 4 , wherein the mounting hole is round.  
   
   
       6 . The hanging device of  claim 4 , wherein the mounting hole comprises a keyhole configuration.  
   
   
       7 . The hanging device of  claim 4 , wherein the mounting hole comprises a reinforcement edge.  
   
   
       8 . The hanging device of  claim 4 , wherein the mounting hole is situated on the planar surface and above a center of gravity of the container.  
   
   
       9 . The hanging device of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting device further comprises at least one mounting slot.  
   
   
       10 . The hanging device of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one mounting slot is vertical.  
   
   
       11 . The hanging device of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one mounting slot is horizontal.  
   
   
       12 . The hanging device of  claim 1 , wherein the bend is configured to offset the hang from a mounting surface.  
   
   
       13 . The hanging device of  claim 1 , wherein the support arm is configured to maintain the container at a desired vertical orientation.  
   
   
       14 . The hanging device of  claim 1 , wherein the hanging device is constructed from metal.  
   
   
       15 . The hanging device of  claim 14 , wherein the metal comprises a corrosion-resistant surface treatment.  
   
   
       16 . The hanging device of  claim 1 , wherein the hanging device is constructed from plastic.  
   
   
       17 . A hanging device comprising: 
 a planar body with a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end comprising a head configured for upward insertion into a slot associated with a container;    a mounting hole situated on the planar surface, the mounting hole configured to accept mounting means; and    a stopper situated near the distal end of the body, the stopper configured to control the depth to which the planar body may be upwardly inserted in the slot.    
   
   
       18 . The hanging device of  claim 17 , wherein the planar body tapers from the distal end to the proximate end.  
   
   
       19 . The hanging device of  claim 17 , wherein the mounting hole comprises a keyhole configuration.  
   
   
       20 . The hanging device of  claim 17 , wherein the mounting hole comprises a reinforcement edge.  
   
   
       21 . The hanging device of  claim 17 , wherein the mounting hole is situated above a center of gravity of the container.  
   
   
       22 . The hanging device of  claim 17 , wherein the planar body further comprises at least one hinge.  
   
   
       23 . The hanging device of  claim 17 , wherein the planar body further comprises a pair of flexure arms situated on both sides of the planar body.  
   
   
       24 . The hanging device of  claim 23 , wherein the flexure arms each comprise a barb.  
   
   
       25 . The hanging device of  claim 23 , wherein the stopper comprises a pair of shoulders extending upward from the stopper and toward the proximate end of the planar body.  
   
   
       26 . The hanging device of  claim 25 , wherein the shoulders and barbs are in the same horizontal plane.  
   
   
       27 . The hanging device of  claim 26 , wherein the shoulders and barbs lock the hanging device in place relative the slot.  
   
   
       28 . The hanging device of  claim 17 , further comprising a handle area coupled to the stopper and opposite the head.  
   
   
       29 . A method for hanging a plant container comprising: 
 locating a care tag slot on a plant container;    inserting a hanging device into the care tag slot, the hanging device comprising means for securing the hanging device to the plant container;    securing the hanging device to the plant container;    mounting the plant container on a mounting surface utilizing the hanging device.    
   
   
       30 . A hanging device comprising: 
 a substantially planar body with a first end and a second end, one of the two ends configured for insertion into a slot associated with a container;    means for mounting the hanging device on a mounting surface; and    means for controlling the depth to which the planar body may be inserted in the slot.    
   
   
       31 . A hanging system comprising: 
 a container;    a planar body coupled to the container, the planar body comprising a mounting hole situated on the surface of the planar body, the mounting hole configured to accept mounting means.    
   
   
       32 . The hanging device of  claim 32 , wherein the coupling is permanent.