CZ20001425A3 - Box body closing device mechanics - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a closing device (10) for fitting on a container, or being a part of the container body, preferably a container for wetted tissues, comprising a stationary lid member (12), and a movable lid member (13), the stationary lid member including a means for allowing the movable lid member to slide so as to create access to the container contents. Said movable lid member and said stationary lid member are linked by at least one elastic member (21) which is charged with elastic energy when the movable lid member is in closed position, and they include means to provide a releasable locking mechanism (25) for securing the movable lid member in the closed position, or releasing the movable lid member held in tension by said elastic member, thus providing access to the container contents through a dispensing means. <IMAGE>

Description

Mechanics of closure

Technical field

The present invention relates to a closure mechanism adapted to be used on a container, particularly a container containing dry or wet fabrics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers for wet fabrics are typical representatives of the various types of containers for storing consumer goods to which this invention may relate. Such containers typically comprise, for example, a container body adapted to sequentially remove wet fabrics to clean the wearer's skin from a layer of fabrics deposited therein, and a closure mechanic adapted to sit on the container body and cover its upper opening. The closure mechanism consists of a fixed part of the lid seated directly on the upper opening of the box and a movable part of the lid which is rotatably connected with one edge to the edge of the opening in the middle of the fixed part of the lid.

The following documents relate to the damp cloth compartments that include the closure mechanism. European Patent Application EP-O-748 748 A1 discloses a box for wet fabrics consisting of a box body and a movable lid part which is rotatably connected to a fixed lid part. The opening of the fabric package is automatically performed by a releasable lock in combination with a flexible belt. U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,659 discloses a method for gradually removing individual wet fabrics from a package, wherein the release opening includes curved edges without sharp edges. Patent Application No. 96/06 556 discloses a receptacle layer of alternately folded moistened fabrics, the free end of one of the fabrics being led out by a slot that grips the rest of the fabric with its edges until it is manually pulled out of the slot. The aperture is provided with a cap to receive fluid displaced from the fabric. European patent application EP-O-629 560 discloses a cap with an upper lid attached to a hinge. The automatic opening of the package is mediated by a flexible link in the form of rubber. Japanese Patent Application JP-0910 4484 A discloses a functional component of a lid installed in a flexible receptacle opening. The lid component includes a releasable damp cloth opening and sliding portion of the lid.

The closure mechanics described in these documents have a number of drawbacks. The lid, hingedly mounted by means of a hinge, extends outwardly from the container body and the container loses stability. In the case of a diaper case there is a risk that the child will grab the case by the lid and fall on it, thereby tipping the case over or destroying it. In addition, with this type of lid, the contents of the container are accessible only from the front and not from the rear, which presents a disadvantage in terms of user benefit.

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In addition, the user may find himself in a situation where only one hand is available to open the package, and in most cases described, the package cannot be opened easily or automatically. Where the lid has a lid rotatably attached to the hinge, there is a risk of the lid opening itself and injuring the child.

Furthermore, it was found that the vast majority of users use baby towels away from home. The amount of wipes so carried into the field varies between 15 and 25 pieces. Commercially available containers are usually bulky (see the above documents) and are therefore difficult to use outside the home.

There are lightweight boxes with a fixed cover on the market that are easier to use outside the home. However, most of the moistened wipes are interleaved in such a way that they can be removed one by one from the container one after the other and the container must therefore be provided with an exact opening. The lightweight boxes closed by the hinged cover on the hinges do not allow the interleaved cloths to be removed.

European patent application EP 0 738667 to Procter and Gamble relates to a portable box for storing wet wipes, comprising a release opening adapted to gradually remove each interleaved wipe. However, this receptacle has a movable lid attached to the hinges, and therefore the stability problem regarding receptacles of this type is not solved.

The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a user with a container for storing dry and / or wet fabrics, which includes a user-friendly closure mechanism even when hand-operated. The container should be stable, especially when opened, while allowing easy access to its contents.

Another optional object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle that has no protruding or sharp edges near the release opening.

Another optional object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle with a spring opening mechanism that is not accessible from outside the receptacle, especially when filling the receptacle.

Another optional object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle whose side with the sliding portion of the lid need not be opened when filling the receptacle, thereby protecting the closure mechanism from distortion and ease of damage.

Another optional object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle that is designed to be easy to use outside the home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a closure mechanism which is part of a receptacle or is intended to be seated on a receptacle, preferably a receptacle for storing dry and / or better wet fabrics, the closure mechanism comprising a fixed lid part and a movable lid part, the mechanism the closure being characterized in that the fixed portion of the lid comprises means for sliding along a plane parallel to the fixed portion of the lid, thereby providing access to the contents of the container; the movable lid portion is preferably coupled to the fixed lid portion with at least one resilient member having sufficient energy when the movable lid portion is moved to the closed position; a preferred component of the fixed lid portion and the movable lid portion is a means for engaging the movable lid portion in the closed position by means of a closed position by means of a closed portion of the lid and a movable lid portion; · »··· 4 · ···· <

···· «« ·· ·· ··

Or releasing the movable part of the lid held by the tension of the resilient member, thereby allowing access to the contents of the receptacle through the release means. In one embodiment of the present invention that can be used away from home, the overall height of the closure mechanism including the box body is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2.5 cm.

Brief overview of the drawings

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows the overall appearance of a container according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a fixed part of the lid as seen from above.

Figure 3 shows a fixed part of the lid ph from below.

Figure 4 shows the profile of the movable lid part.

Figure 5 shows the movable part of the lid ph viewed from above.

Figure 6 shows the profile of the closure mechanism in the open position.

Figure 7 shows the profile of the closure mechanism in the closed position.

Figure 8 shows the profile of the fixed part of the lid according to the invention.

Figure 9 shows schematically one embodiment of the closure mechanism ph from above. Figure 10 illustrates a method of seating a closure mechanism in a container flange.

Figures 11 and 12 show the lock mechanism of the present invention in an open and closed position.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the closure lid of the present invention, this embodiment being particularly suitable for field use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The mechanism of the closure 10 in the drawings 1-10 is inserted into or part of the body of the receptacle 11. The receptacle is preferably intended to accommodate a layer of dry or preferably wet fabrics. The closure mechanics comprise a fixed part of the lid 12 and a movable part of the lid 13 made of a suitable synthetic resin and connected by at least one resilient member 21. Another part of the closure mechanism 10 is a releasable lock mechanism 25 by which the closure mechanism 10 is held closed position. Optionally, a flexible bag containing a layer of dry or preferably wet fabrics may be accommodated in the container body.

Although the fixed portion of the lid may be a separate piece with respect to the container body, it is preferably formed integrally with the container body. Both parts are rotatably connected by a link 35 which is located at the rear of the box and which allows it to be opened or closed, for example when a new wipe layer is deposited.

The height of the container body together with the closure mechanism (i.e. the total height of the container in closed form) is preferably not more than 5 cm, more preferably not more than 2.5 cm.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle body 11 is defined by an upper opening 11a and a skirt 11b that extends from the outer peripheral edge 11c of the upper one.

- 4this this this "this" this "this" and this "opening". The container body is preferably made of a suitable synthetic resin and generally has a rectangular prism shape.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the shell body 11 comprises a second open surface, preferably a bottom surface that is closed by a removable cover. This means that if the bottom is open, a new layer or rule of wipes can be placed in the clipboard. The bottom surface of the receptacle Π is optionally (but preferably) larger than the top surface, thereby providing greater stability. In addition, the removable cover is optionally made of a flexible material such that the removable cover is firmly connected to the container body.

In both embodiments, the fixed portion of the lid 12 of the closure mechanism 10 may be integrally formed with the container body 11 (in which case it preferably constitutes the upper surface of the container body), or may be a separate piece fitted to the container body.

It can be seen from Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7 that the upper surface 14 is part of the fixed portion of the lid 12.

There is at least one opening 15 that can be covered by sliding the movable part of the lid. The opening 15 is preferably located on one side of the fixed portion of the lid. The fixed portion of the lid is bounded by circumferential walls 16 which are integral with the upper surface 14. Another component of the fixed portion of the lid 12 is a means (e.g., a guide bar) that allows the movable portion of the lid 13 to slide along a plane parallel to the fixed portion of the lid. such that opening 15 allows access to the contents of the receptacle. If the receptacle comprises dry or wet fabrics (preferably wet fabrics), preferably the release portion of the lid is a release agent

18. which is either part of the fixed part of the lid or is in the form of a separate part which fits into the movable part of the lid 12. The release means is located in the lower part of the fixed part of the lid. The opening 20 of the release means 18 is delimited by the edges 19 and is preferably S-shaped with a width preferably in the range of 20 to 60 mm, more preferably 55 mm. The individual wipes are gradually removed through the release opening 20. Upon removal of the fabric, its first edge folds along one leg (20a) of the opening S, upon removal of the next wipe its first edge folds along the opposite leg (20b) of the opening S, and this is still the case with successive removal of the other wipes. The reason for this method of loosening the wipes is the way they are stored. The wipes are folded in an alternating manner and when released, the wipe is pulled out first from the beginning of the tray space and then the wipe from the end of the tray space.

When a flexible bag with wipes is inserted into the body of the receptacle, it is not necessary for the release means to be attached to the fixed part of the lid or to be part thereof.

In such a case, the release means is part of the flexible bag, accessible through a wide opening in the fixed portion of the lid, immediately upon release of the lock mechanism by the user and upon opening of the movable portion of the lid.

It can be seen from Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 that the movable part of the lid 13 consists of one or two plates (preferably one), which may be polygonal or rounded, but are preferably rectangular. The dimensions of the plates are such that when the shutter mechanism is in the open position (see drawing 6), the plates completely cover the release means 18 (see drawing 7), with the movable part of the lid 13 in the open position of the shutter mechanism (see drawing 6). The movable part of the lid moves in a rotating or preferably linear manner when inserting or withdrawing. In such a case, the fixed part twists in a horizontal plane on its upper plane surface arched into

5 of the arc, the sliding movement of the movable part of the lid can also be guided in the vertical plane optionally in an arc. The movable part of the lid is slidably engaged to the fixed part of the lid by a guide means preferably in the form of two rows of continuous or intermittent guide bars 17. These partitions are at least 10 mm long, parallel to the long edges of the fixed part of the lid and form a single unit with between the partitions 17 and the upper surface 14 of the fixed lid part, it is possible to slide the movable lid part 13 in a horizontal plane. On the inner surface of the fixed lid part there is at least one protrusion 22 which stops the sliding movement of the movable lid part. 23 of the movable part of the lid 13 remained accessible to the user when closing the receptacle. This protrusion may optionally be supplemented, for example, with a clip 24 to facilitate the entire closure process.

In one optional but preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality (preferably one) of the resilient members 21 is attached to at least one point to the fixed portion of the lid and at least one other point to the movable portion of the lid. sufficient energy to automatically open the movable portion of the lid 13 upon release of the lock mechanism 25 by the user. This energy may take the form of bending, torsion or, preferably, tensioning energy. For example, the resilient member may be in the form of a flat band with a functional portion between 0.5 and 5 mm in length with openings at both ends. One end of the elastic strip is attached to the fixed part of the lid 12 by means of a hook 21a (which is part of the fixed part of the lid), and the other end is attached, for example, by a hook 21b to the movable part of the lid 13. Preferably, the portion of the lid is a cavity 21c in which the means 21b is positioned so that it cannot come into contact with the contents of the receptacle and damage it.

Optionally, the resilient member 21 may be in the form of a coil spring with elongated ends positioned between the fixed and movable lid portions so that when the closure mechanism is closed the spring is stretched to such an extent that the tensioned spring can automatically open the movable lid portion . This energy may take the form of bending, torsion or, preferably, tensioning energy.

The closure mechanism further includes a lock mechanism 25 (see Figures 6, 7, 10 and 11), which includes a latch 26 and preferably one (or more) corresponding recess 27 to receive the latch 26. One of the two elements of the lock mechanism is part of the movable of the lid part 13 and the second element is part of the fixed part of the lid 12. By the lock mechanism 25, the movable part of the lid 13 is held in the locked position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lock mechanism 25 can be opened directly by pressing a movable member 28 (e.g. a button) coupled to the latch thereby releasing the latch 26 from the recess 27. In another alternative embodiment, the lock mechanism is indirectly opened by resiliently denting an area at a distance from the mechanism the latch to release the latch from the recess. The pressure to achieve this resilient dent should be minimal so that the lock mechanism should be able to be released, for example, with a single finger.

Other embodiments of the invention (see drawing 9) differ from those already described in the following details: the movable part of the lid 13 is divided into two separate parts 13a and 13b. Both of these sliding portions have a rounded or polygonal shape, but are preferably rectangular and can be displaced in opposite directions from the connecting line 13c, thereby giving access to the release means and the contents of the receptacle. In accordance with the foregoing, the sliding movement of the two lid portions may be exclusively linear, or may be in the · · · »

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- 68 9 · 9 9 9 9

9 «· 99 99 in a vertical plane, guided according to the general shape of the upper part of the closure mechanics. In addition, the inner surface of the fixed portion of the lid includes two depressions that stop the sliding movement of the two sliding portions 13a and 13b in the open position, thereby allowing the user access to close the receptacle. In order to facilitate the closing process, the two sliding parts 13a and 13b can additionally optionally be provided with clips 24, for example.

In this embodiment of the invention and in accordance with the description of the first embodiment, the fixed part of the lid 12 comprises an opening which can be covered by sliding both sliding parts 13a and 13b and which is preferably located in the center of the fixed part of the lid. The fixed part of the lid 12 comprises two rows of continuous or intermittent guiding bars of at least 10 mm in length, which are parallel to the longer edges of the fixed part of the lid and form a unit with it so that the two sliding parts 13a and 13b are slidable in a horizontal plane between these guide rails.

Furthermore, the two sliding portions 13a and 13b are preferably provided with at least one elastic member already described, which can be automatically opened by the user when the lock mechanism 25 is released by the two sliding portions 13a and 13b. The energy generated may be in the form of bending, torsion or, preferably, tensioned energy.

Optionally, the resilient member may be in the form of a coil spring with elongated ends positioned between the fixed portion of the lid and the sliding portions of the movable portion of the lid so that when the closure mechanism is closed the spring is stretched so that the tensioned spring can automatically open the movable part of the lid. This energy may take the form of bending, torsion or, preferably, tensioning energy.

The closure mechanism further includes a lock mechanism 25 (as described in the first embodiment of the present invention) which includes latches with respective recesses for engaging them. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lock mechanism 25 can be opened directly by pressing a movable beer 28 (for example a button) connected to the latch, thereby releasing the latch from the depression. In another alternative embodiment, the lock mechanism is indirectly opened by resiliently denting the area at a distance from the lock mechanism, thereby releasing the latch from the recess (as explained above).

In the first preceding embodiment, the movable member 28 may be positioned on the fixed portion of the lid 12, for example, in the middle of one of the long sides of the fixed portion of the lid 12. In the second previous embodiment, a portion of the lid can be secured to the second sliding portion by a depression so that the releasable lock mechanism 25 is in the middle between the two sliding portions 13a and 13b of the movable portion of the lid 13.

Further embodiments of the invention differ from the first embodiment in the following details: the movable part of the lid has the form of a polygonal, rounded or preferably circular plate with an opening near the peripheral edge. This opening fits into a shoe located on the inner surface of the fixed part of the lid, so that the movable part of the lid rotates about this shoe. On the inner surface of the fixed lid part there is a protrusion for stopping the rotational movement of the movable lid part. When the closure mechanism is in the open position, the release opening is thus accessible, while some portion of the movable lid portion remains accessible to the user to close the receptacle. Optionally, said portion of the movable lid portion may be supplemented by, for example, a depression to the to-do-it-to-this-to-it-to-it To to ♦ ♦ <to to to to to to to to

- 7to facilitate the closure procedure. Preferably, the releasable lock mechanism described in the first embodiment may also be part of this embodiment.

In all of the embodiments of the present invention, the fixed lid portion, the movable lid portion and the optional discrete release agent are molded from polypropylene or other suitable material such as polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrylbutadiene styrene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate or elastomer, made of polypropylene. The shell body may also be molded from any of the foregoing materials, the resilient member being of rubber or some synthetic rubber with resilient rubber, such as silicone, chloroprene, butadiene, urethane, ethylene propylene copolymer or natural rubber.

In any of the preceding embodiments, where the closure mechanism is in the form of a separate element inserted into the receptacle body, the receptacle body 11 comprises an upper opening 11a with an outer peripheral edge 11b and a rim extending therefrom (see Figure 10). The inner surfaces of the upper opening 11a comprise ribs and / or grooves 29 which extend longitudinally over the short and long edges of the container body Π. These ribs and / or grooves 29 fit into the corresponding ribs and / or grooves 30 of the fixed part of the lid 12 in such a way that the joint is smooth, without overlap and that the surface especially on the upper part is regular and without sharp edges. However, on one side of the receptacle, preferably at one of the shorter edges, the opening mechanism may be part of the closure mechanism that extends beyond the outer peripheral upper edge of the receptacle body. This overlap should be less than 5 mm, preferably less than 3 mm, the shape of the opening projection preferably being rounded so as not to damage the user's fingers.

Said embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination so that the resulting receptacle provides an optimum benefit to the user. However, especially in the case of intended use in the field, a preferred embodiment of the receptacle of the present invention should include a releasable lock mechanism with spring elements for automatically opening the sliding lid by finger pressure, the overall height of the receptacle being less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2.5 cm. A similar embodiment of the sliding lid box with automatic opening is a practical device for storing and transferring sanitary towels, adapted to be carried, for example, in a pouch or in a backpack for field use.

Claims (29)

PATENT CLAIMS A closure mechanism (10) which is part of or can be seated on the receptacle body, the receptacle body components being a fixed part of the lid (12) and a movable part of the lid, characterized in that the fixed part of the lid (12) ) is provided with means for moving the movable part of the lid (13) along a plane parallel to the fixed part of the lid (12), thereby allowing access to the contents of the container. A closure mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: a) the movable part of the lid (13) in the closed position is connected to the fixed part of the lid (12) by at least one spring element (21), which is endowed with a certain energy, b) the fixed (12) and / or movable lid part (13) comprises a releasable lock mechanism (25) for engaging the movable lid part (13) in the closed position or releasing the movable lid part (13) held by tension of the resilient member (21) and thus to access the contents of the clipboard. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock release mechanism (25) is provided with a latch (26) which can be engaged in a corresponding recess (27). Lock mechanism according to claims 1-3, characterized in that the releasable lock mechanism (25) can be released directly by changing the position of the movable member associated with the latch (26), thereby removing the latch (26) from the recess (27). Lock mechanism according to claims 1-3, characterized in that the releasable lock mechanism (25) can be indirectly released by resiliently compressing an area which is close enough to the lock mechanism (25) to remove the latch (26) from the recess. (27). Lock mechanism according to claims 1-5, characterized in that the resilient member (21) is attached to the fixed part of the lid (12) at least at one point and attached to the movable part of the lid (13) at least at one second point. Lock mechanism according to claims 1-6, characterized in that it is provided with a release means (18) with edges (19) without flanks, said edges (19) defining a release means (20) through which they are gradually removed individual fabrics. The closure mechanism of claim 7, wherein the release means (18) is molded as part of a fixed portion of the lid (12). · · 1 ώ * • • • • • • • • • 9 Φ Φ Φ 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 · «· φ · φφ The closure mechanism of claim 7, wherein the release means (18) is in the form of a separate fixed portion of the lid (12). characterized by a part adapted to be deployed on that Lock mechanism according to claims 1-6, characterized in that the release means (18) is part of a separate flexible bag with respective contents, which is stored in the receptacle. Lock mechanism according to claims 1-10, characterized in that the sliding movement of the movable part of the lid (13) is linear in the horizontal and vertical plane and is made possible by guide rails (17) which are pressed as part of the fixed part of the lid (12). ). Lock mechanism according to claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the movable part of the lid (13) is displaced into an arc in a vertical plane, this movement being made possible by guide bars (17) which are pressed as part of the fixed part of the lid (12). ). Lock mechanism according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the guide bars (17) are continuous. Lock mechanism according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the guide bars (17) are discontinuous. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable part of the lid (13) is in the form of a single unit. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the releasable lock mechanism is located in the fixed part of the lid (12) and in the movable part of the lid (13). A closure mechanism according to claims 1-14, characterized in that the movable part of the lid (13) is in the form of two parts (13a) and (13b) that move in opposite directions from the connecting line (13c) so that the contents of the box is in the open position of the lock mechanism between the two parts (13a) and (13b) of the movable part of the lid. Lock mechanism according to claims 1-14 and 17, characterized in that the releasable lock mechanism (25) is in the movable part of the lid (13). The closure mechanism according to claims 1-10, characterized in that the movable part of the lid (13) performs a sliding rotary movement about an axis and is provided with a foot protruding from the fixed part of the lid (12). A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access to the contents of the receptacle and the release means (18) are in the middle of the fixed part of the lid (12). 0 · 00 0 ♦ ♦ 0 «• 0 0 0 0 0 * - 1021. The closure mechanism according to claims 1-19, characterized in that the container content process and the release means (18) are located on one side of the fixed portion of the lid (12). A container closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is to be used to store fabrics preferably moist, which are folded and stored for gradual removal from the container. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable part of the lid (13), the fixed part of the lid (12) and the optional separate release means (18) are made of plastic. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resilient member (21) is made of natural rubber or synthetic derivatives. The closure mechanism according to claims 1-23, characterized in that the resilient member (21) is in the form of a spring having one or more windings with elongated ends. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises ribs and / or grooves (30) which fit into the corresponding ribs and / or grooves of the container body (29) and that the closure mechanism is adjustablely mounted on the container body (11), so that the resulting surfaces of the joined parts have no edges. A closure mechanism according to claim 26, comprising an opening projection that extends over the outer peripheral upper edge (11b) of the receptacle body. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the total height of the closure mechanism and the container body does not exceed 5 cm. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the total height of the closure mechanism and the container body does not exceed 2.5 cm. A closure mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims which is part of or is adapted to fit on one side of the receptacle body, the receptacle body having a second open side, preferably a bottom, which is closed by a removable cover .