EP1174050A2 - Spectacle case and its fabrication method - Google Patents

Abstract

The spectacles case has an upper and lower part closed along one edge by two interacting detent catches (6,7), with one projecting from the inside of the upper part and the other from the inside of the lower part. The clasp is opened by a pressure element (4) whose front end passes through a recess (14) in the front wall of the lower part and actively connects with the second detent catch so that pressing the pressure element on the outside of the front wall releases the partially resilient second catch from the first. Independent claim describes method for manufacture by injection moulding lower part with integral second detent catch and upper part with first catch and fitting an articulated joint (5) between the upper and lower parts. The pressure element is inserted in the recess in the front wall of the lower part and fixed on the second catch.

Description

The invention relates to a glasses case according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for its production according to the preamble of the claim 11th

Such glasses cases consist of an upper part and a lower part a first long side are connected via an articulated connection. To open of the glasses case, this is done by swiveling the upper part with respect to the Lower part unfolded so that glasses can be placed in the interior of the glasses case can be inserted or removed from this.

In the simplest case, the articulated connection can be resilient, so that when the glasses case is closed, the upper part with a specified contact pressure is pressed against the lower part.

Through this contact pressure, the upper part and the lower part are in their Locked position held without further locking means. Such glasses cases preferably have metal tops and bottoms that are covered on the outside with synthetic leather. The synthetic leather covers are thereby pulled over the edges of the upper part and lower part and at their Glued inside.

A disadvantage of such a glasses case is that it can be opened from the Operator must be gripped with both hands to hold the top and the lower part against the contact pressure exerted by the articulation unfold. The operator must be in the narrow space grip between the edges of the top and bottom. Each can on the edge of the top and bottom part, a small one, across the front wall the protruding protrusion of the glasses case can be provided to hold the To improve the opening of the upper and lower part. However, these are tabs formed very small for aesthetic reasons and are close together, so that their function is not immediately recognizable to an operator is what often leads to handling errors.

Furthermore, glasses cases are known, which in addition to the articulation have separate closure means. Such glasses cases typically have upper and lower parts made of plastic injection molded parts. The Closure means are located in the center of the front wall of the glasses case. Closure means of this type typically have a spring in the longitudinal direction Pressure element on which one at its front longitudinal end Has push button and a locking lug protruding towards the top. Furthermore, the pressure element essentially has one at its rear end level support surface. The pressure element preferably consists of a plastic injection-molded part, which has a disk-shaped base body, which runs in waves in the longitudinal direction to achieve the spring action.

There is a recess in the center of the front wall of the lower part of the glasses case intended. In the interior of the lower part is a protruding from the bottom rigid projection spaced behind the recess.

To assemble the locking device, the pressure element is between the front wall and inserted the projection, for this purpose the pressure element in Longitudinal direction must be compressed. The pressure element so that the push button is inserted into the recess so that it protrudes from the outside of the front wall. moreover the pressure element must be aligned so that its rear support surface is pressed against the projection.

In this installation position, the catch is above the upper edge of the lower part something out. When the glasses case is closed, this latch engages in one Recess on the inside of the lower edge of the upper part. To open the glasses case is pressed against the pressure element by actuating the print head pressed the lead. With this movement, the latch is removed from the The opening is loosened, causing the upper part to pivot relative to the lower part can be.

A disadvantage of these closure means is their relatively complex structure. In particular, the pressure element is structurally complex. In addition is disadvantageous that the assembly of the pressure element on the lower part is complicated and requires considerable skill from the manufacturing personnel. The assembly is therefore undesirably time-consuming and costly.

Another disadvantage of such glasses cases is that the closure means connect directly to the inside of the edge of the lower part and also protrude above it. This will add a cover prevented on the outside of the glasses case, as this over the edge of the upper or lower part must be pulled to the inside of the To be able to glue the upper or lower part.

The invention has for its object a glasses case of the aforementioned Art to create, which is easy to use and at the same time rational and can be manufactured inexpensively.

To achieve this object, the features of claims 1 and 11 are provided. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the Invention are described in the subclaims.

The glasses case according to the invention has two operative connections as the closure means standing locking means, with a first locking means from the inside of the upper part and a second locking means protrudes from the inside of the lower part. The upper part and the first locking means as well as the lower part and the second locking means each formed in one piece plastic injection parts.

Furthermore, a pressure element is provided, the front end of which is a Recess through in the front wall of the lower part and which is in operative connection stands with the second locking means, so that by pressing the Pressure element on the outside of the front wall that is at least partially resilient second locking means for opening the locking means of the first locking means is solvable.

The pressure element for mounting on the glasses case is in the recess inserted in the front wall of the lower part while doing so on the second locking means fixed. The pressure element is preferably inserted into the recess snapped onto the locking means.

A major advantage of the glasses case according to the invention is that that this can be produced particularly efficiently and inexpensively.

Because the upper part and the first locking means as well as the lower part and the second Locking means each consist of a plastic injection molded part, these can be inexpensive Manufactured in large numbers using a plastic injection molding process become.

The advantageously disc-shaped pressure element needs for assembly on Glasses case can only be inserted into the recess, with the Push in the pressure element on the second one without further assembly steps Locking means is preferably fixed by snapping.

Another important advantage of the glasses case according to the invention is in that the locking means behind the front wall of the glasses case in its interior are arranged. Therefore, both before assembly of the pressure element the lower part as well as the upper part on their outer sides with a cover, which is preferably made of synthetic leather. Essential is that the covers easily over the edges of the top and bottom folded and glued to the inside.

Figur 1:

Draufsicht auf die Frontseite des erfindungsgemäßen Brillenetuis mit einem über dessen Frontwand hervorstehenden Druckelement.

Figur 2:

Seitenansicht des Brillenetuis gemäß Figur 1.

Figur 3:

Querschnitt durch das Brillenetui gemäß Figuren 1 und 2 in geschlossenem Zustand.

Figur 4:

Querschnitt durch das Brillenetui gemäß Figur 1 und 2 in geöffnetem Zustand.

Figur 5:

Draufsicht auf das Druckelement für das Brillenetui gemäß Figuren 1 und 2.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1:

Top view of the front of the glasses case according to the invention with a pressure element protruding beyond its front wall.

Figure 2:

Side view of the glasses case according to FIG. 1.

Figure 3:

Cross section through the glasses case according to Figures 1 and 2 in the closed state.

Figure 4:

Cross section through the glasses case according to Figures 1 and 2 in the open state.

Figure 5:

Top view of the pressure element for the glasses case according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the invention Glasses case 1. The glasses case 1 has an upper part 2 and a lower part 3, the are half-shell-shaped and essentially identical in shape. In the closed State of the glasses case 1, the upper part 2 is tight with his lower edge on the upper edge of the lower part 3.

The upper part 2 and the lower part 3 are on a long side of the glasses case 1 hingedly connected to each other so that to open the glasses case 1 Upper part 2 against the lower part 3 by one along the corresponding longitudinal side Edge of the glasses case 1 extending pivot axis can be pivoted can.

This is to open the glasses case 1 on the front wall of the lower part 3 protruding front end of a pressure element 4 actuated, whereby Closure means are released inside the glasses case 1.

While opening the glasses case 1, this is preferably on the Lower part 3 in one hand of the operator, this with the same hand the pressure element 4 is actuated. In principle, the lower part 3 can be opened can also be held upwards.

Figure 3 shows a cross section through a closed glasses case 1, while Figure 4, the upper 2 and lower part 3 in their end positions when open Glasses case 1 shows. The rear longitudinal edges of the upper part 2 and Lower parts 3 are preferably several over the length of the glasses case 1 distributed joint connections 5 connected. The articulated connections are preferred 5 resiliently formed with predetermined preloads, so that especially when the glasses case 1 is open, the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 in the end positions according to Figure 4 are held.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the closure means essentially exist from a first and a second locking means 6, 7, which inside of the glasses case 1 in the area of the front longitudinal edges of the upper and lower part 3 are arranged. The first locking means 6 is in one piece with the Upper part 2 is formed and protrudes from the inside of the upper part 2. The second locking means 7 is integrally formed with the lower part 3 and is from the inside out.

The locking means 6, 7 are each formed by webs 8, 8 ', the upper ones Have ends of hook-shaped receptacles 9, 9 '.

The webs 8, 8 'are essentially disc-shaped and run towards each other in the vertical direction. The webs 8, 8 'are in a predetermined Distance arranged behind the front wall of the glasses case 1. The fronts the webs 8, 8 'are aligned parallel to the front wall. The dimensions the webs 8, 8 'and the hook-shaped receptacles 9, 9' are essentially identical. The webs 8, 8 'are in the center of the upper 2 and Bottom 3 and typically have a length of slightly more than 1 cm on. The hook-shaped receptacles 9, 9 'each extend over the entire Length of a web 8, 8 '. The heights of the webs 8, 8 'are each chosen so that their edges with the hook-shaped receptacle 9, 9 'in the area of the upper edge of the upper part 2 or lower part 3. This helps on the lower part 3 of the upper part 2, the hook-shaped receptacles 9, 9 'interlocking and fix the upper and lower part 3 in their Lock positions (Figure 3). Since the hook-shaped receptacles 9, 9 ' Extend over the entire length of the webs 8, 8 'is a secure hold in the Lock positions guaranteed.

The closure means is opened by means of the pressure element 4 As can be seen in particular from FIG. 5, pressure element 4 has the shape of a essentially rectangular flat disc and is preferably of a molded plastic part. The front edge as well as the side Edges of the pressure element 4 are rounded.

Two latching arms 10, 10 'are located over the rear edge of the pressure element 4. out. The locking arms 10, 10 'run parallel to each other at a distance Longitudinal direction of the pressure element 4. The space 11 between the locking arms 10, 10 'settles as a recess in the base body of the pressure element 4 continued, the rear edge of the recess being arcuate. The locking arms 10, 10 'have a relatively small width, which is essentially that Corresponds to the diameter of the space 11. The locking arms 10, 10 'have in the area of their front ends each have a locking lug 12, 12 '. The latches 12, 12 'are each on the outside of the corresponding locking arm 10, 10 '. The locking arms 10, 10 'with the locking lugs 12, 12' are symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the pressure element 4. The locking lugs 12, 12 'are formed essentially triangular, the side edges of the locking lugs 12, 12 'run at an acute angle to the front ends of the locking arms 10, 10'. The rear edges of the locking lugs 12, 12 'form perpendicular to the outer sides the locking arms 10, 10 'projecting shoulders 13, 13'.

To assemble the pressure element 4, this is from the outside of the glasses case 1 inserted into a recess 14 in the front wall of the lower part 3. The cross section of the recess 14 is the cross section of the pressure element 4 adjusted so that its lateral surface is positively on the edge of the Recess 14 is present. The pressure element 4 continues to run horizontally Longitudinal axis inserted into the interior of the glasses case 1 until the locking arms 10, 10 'of the pressure element 4 have a further recess 15 in the Push through web 8 'of the second locking means 7 and snap into the web 8'. there is the cross section of the recess 15 to the outer dimensions of the parallel extending locking arms 10, 10 'adapted. However, the locking arms 10, 10 ' in the area of the locking lugs 12, 12 'larger external dimensions than the cross section of the recess 15. Therefore, when inserting the tips Locking lugs 12, 12 'pressed into the recess the locking arms 10, 10', until the locking lugs 12, 12 'behind that delimiting the recess 15 Edge. Then the locking arms 10, 10 'spread again, so that at in the web 8 'of the second locking means 7 engaging pressure element 4 which Recess 15 border of the web 8 'between the rear edge of the pressure element 4 and those protruding from the locking arms 10, 10 ' Shoulders 13, 13 'of the locking lugs 12, 12' is held without play.

According to the invention, the second locking element 7, on which the pressure element 4 is locked, at least to a small extent resilient. This can be achieved in particular that the plastic Web 8 'has a correspondingly small wall thickness.

In contrast, the web 8 'of the second locking means 7 on the upper part 2 is rigid educated. This can be due to a correspondingly larger wall thickness of the web 8 'can be accomplished. Alternatively or additionally, the web 8 'as in FIG. 5 is shown to be stiffened by means of a strut 16.

To open the glasses case 1, an operator presses on the Front wall of the lower part 3 outwardly projecting front end of the pressure element 4. As a result, it is guided horizontally in the recesses 14, 15 Pushing element 4 further into the interior of the glasses case 1, whereby the Web 8 'of the second locking means 7 is bent. This will loosen them hook-shaped receptacles 9, 9 'of the first and second locking means 6, 7.

Due to the resilient articulated connections 5, the upper part 2 preferably folds automatically on. When closing the glasses case 1, the upper part 2 is against Lower part 3 pressed. In this case, the upper part resting on the lower part 3 2 the resilient web 8 of the second locking means 7 by contact with the rigid first locking means 6 bent slightly until the hook-shaped receptacles 9, 9 'of the two locking means 6, 7 engage.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention are on the outside of the lower part 3 and the upper part 2 of the glasses case 1, not shown Covers applied, which are preferably made of synthetic leather. The application The covers are made before the pressure element 4 is installed. The covers are each folded over the edges of the lower part 3 and the upper part 2 and glued to the top inside. Then in the area of the recess 14 of the lower part 3 of the cover lying thereon cut out accordingly or punched out, after which the assembly of the pressure element 4 takes place can.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

(1)

glasses case

(2)

top

(3)

lower part

(4)

pressure element

(5)

articulation

(6)

latching means

(7)

latching means

(8, 8 ')

Stege

(9, 9 ')

Recordings

(10, 10 ')

locking arms

(11)

gap

(12, 12 ')

locking lugs

(13, 13 ')

Shoulders

(14)

recess

(15)

recess

(16)

brace

Claims (16)

Spectacle case with an upper part and a lower part, which are hingedly connected on a first long side, characterized in that two locking means (6, 7) that are operatively connected are provided as the locking means, a first locking means (6) from the side in the area of the second long side The inside of the upper part (2) and a second latching means (7) protrude from the inside of the lower part (3), and that a pressure element (4) is provided for opening the closure means, the front end of which has a recess (14) in the front wall of the lower part (3) and which is in operative connection with the second locking means (7), so that the at least partially resilient second locking means (7) can be detached from the first locking means (6) by actuating the pressure element (4) on the outside of the front wall. Glasses case according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching means (6, 7) are formed by webs (8, 8 ') which each have a hook-shaped receptacle (9, 9') at their upper free ends. Spectacle case according to claim 2, characterized in that the front wall thereof runs essentially parallel to the flat front sides of the webs (8, 8 '). Spectacle case according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the web (8 ') of the second latching means (7) has a recess (15) into which the rear end of the pressure element (4) can be latched. Spectacle case according to claim 4, characterized in that the pressure element (4) mounted in the recess (14) in the front wall of the lower part (3) and in the recess (15) of the web (8 ') is displaceable along its horizontally extending longitudinal axis. Spectacle case according to one of claims 2 - 5, characterized in that the second locking means (7) is formed by a plastic part, the web (8 ') of which is resilient. Spectacle case according to one of claims 2-6, characterized in that the second locking means (7) is formed by a plastic part with a rigid web (8 '). Glasses case according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the pressure element (4) is formed by a disc-shaped plastic part. Spectacle case according to claim 8, characterized in that the pressure element (4) has two latching arms (10, 10 ') which project beyond its rear edge and extend at a distance from one another, on the outer sides of which a latching nose (12, 12') protrudes. Spectacle case according to claim 9, characterized in that when the pressure element (4) is engaged in the web (8 ') of the second locking means (7), the edge of the web (8') delimiting the recess (15) between the rear edge of the pressure element (4 ) and the locking lugs (12, 12 ') is held. A method for producing an eyeglass case according to one of claims 1-10, comprising the following method steps: Manufacture of an upper part (2) and a first latching means (6) formed in one piece therewith as well as a lower part (3) and a second locking means (7) integrally formed therewith in a plastic injection molding process, Attaching an articulated connection (5) between upper (2) and lower part (3), Inserting a pressure element (4) into a recess (14) in the front wall of the lower part (3) and fixing the pressure element (4) to the second locking means (7). A method according to claim 11, characterized in that before inserting the pressure element (4) into the recess (14) in the front wall of the lower part (3), a reference to the outer sides of the upper (2) and lower part (3) is applied. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the cover consists of synthetic leather. Method according to one of claims 11-13, characterized in that the pressure element (4) is snapped onto the second locking means (7) by pressing on its front end protruding beyond the front wall of the lower part (3). Method according to one of claims 11 - 14, characterized in that for opening the glasses case (1) by pressing on the front end of the pressure element (4) protruding beyond the recess (14) in the front wall of the lower part (3), the resilient second latching means (7) bent up and thus released from the first locking means (6). Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the articulated connection (5) is at least partially resilient, so that when the latching means (6, 7) are released, the upper part (2) springs open relative to the lower part (3).

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