Positive locking merchandise hook

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to a positive locking merchandise hook, for mounting on perforated panel board, preventing accidental dislodgement of the hook from its mounted position. The locking feature comprises in part an upwardly extending, flexible resilient tongue which overlies the front face of the panel board. In order to mount or demount the merchandise hook, the locking tongue may be resiliently deflected by the application of a modest external force. After mounting of the unit, the flexible locking tongue is rigidly and positively supported against deflection, to prevent demounting without a specific mechanical manipulation in addition to normal movements incident to removal of the device. The positive locking feature is derived from so contouring the wire merchandise support element that, when it is placed in its working position, a portion of it bears against or least opposes the locking tongue to prevent its deflection. In general, the advantageous features are realized without consequential additional manufacturing expense.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.