EP1702530B1 - Container - Google Patents

Abstract

The spectacle case is made up of two half-shells (2, 3). These are connected by a cross-strip hinge (12) and each long side is fitted with either a catch (13a, 14a) or recess (13b, 14b), forming two locks.

Description

The invention relates to a container for holding objects, in particular a spectacle case or the like, according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the EP 0 692 942 B1 and US 5,615,765 a container for receiving objects is known, which consists of two half-shells, which are connected via a cruciform hinge with cross over the outer surfaces of the half-shells extending bands. At the abutting surfaces of the half-shells magnets or Velcro closures are provided as connecting means, which prevent accidental opening of the half-shells. The magnetic fasteners are expensive to manufacture and can cause unwanted disturbances of data carriers or devices located in or near the container with their magnetic field. To open a hook and loop fastener an opening force must be applied for a long time to completely separate this, such an opening characteristic is less preferred, especially for cases by the customer.

The invention has for its object to develop a container for receiving objects whose closure means are inexpensive to produce and which have an opening characteristic which requires only a short-term opening force.

This object is achieved on the basis of the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the characterizing features of claim 1. In the dependent claims advantageous and expedient developments are given.

The container according to the invention for receiving objects has closure means, which are formed by form-locking cooperating closure means parts. As a result, a cost-effective design of the closure means is possible and at the same time achieves the desired opening characteristics. The core of the invention is the use of closure means with positively cooperating closure means parts, wherein such a closure means can also be arranged in the region of the hinge, without causing disadvantages.

The invention further provides for the closure means to be constructed from a tongue and a pocket, wherein the components distributed over the two half shells form a latching pair. A bag can be formed with minimal effort on the half-shell or its inner lining. Likewise, a tongue with a barb or a hemisphere can be easily attached or sprayed on a half shell in terms of manufacturing technology.

According to the invention, two cooperating tongues are provided as closure means, which form the latching pair. In an embodiment of both closure means parts as a tongue, it is possible to distribute the spring force on both components and to minimize the load on the individual component.

The invention provides a separability of the closure means, which is arranged in each case on the closing edge forming the longitudinal edge pair, wherein the separability is made possible by the application of an opening force.

As a result, accidental opening of the container is safely avoided.

Furthermore, the invention provides to detent the closure means by a temporary deformation of at least one half-shell. As a result, a particularly simple construction of the container is possible.

The invention also provides closure means which have further closure means parts, by which at least one of the closure means parts which form the latching pair, can be actuated. This makes it possible to form particularly easy-to-use and small-sized closure means.

Furthermore, the invention provides a separability, the closure means, which is respectively disposed on the hinge forming the longitudinal edge pair, by a minimum opening force. As a result, unimpeded opening of the container is possible.

The invention provides for unfolding the half-shells from one of the closed positions an unobstructed pivoting of the closure means part, which is located in the hinge area and protrudes in half-shells folded from one half-shell into the other half-shell, through the cavity of the container. As a result, the arrangement of a positive closure in the region of the hinge is possible without preventing or hindering the opening of the container through this. The core idea of this construction is thus the creation of a free space or a movement space for the closure middle part, which ultimately connects the two half-shells, this pivotal area is always required when said closure means part is located on the hinge side of the container and the container is closed or opened ,

According to the invention, a functional area is provided on each half-shell, on which an opening force is applied to the opening of the container, wherein the one functional area adjacent to the hinge and the other functional area adjacent to the closing edge is arranged and wherein the functional area which is in the vicinity of the hinge , obscured by a cruciate ligament of the cruciate ligamentous joint. As a result, a user is intuitively instructed to operate the respectively relevant for the opening functional area and keep the container accordingly, since each non-authoritative functional area is covered by the cruciate ligament and thus invisible.

Finally, the invention provides that the functional area can be used as a marker or as an actuating means, e.g. as a push button or slide, which forms a closure means part to form. Thus, only the visible functional area is usable.

Further details of the invention are described in the drawing with reference to schematically illustrated Ausführungsbeisielen.

Figur 1:

eine aus der EP 0692 942 B1 bekannte Darstellung eines Behälters in unterschiedlichen Stellungen;

Figur 2a:

eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes Etui in geöffneter Stellung;

Figur 2b:

einen Schnitt durch das in der Figur 2a dargestellte Etui entlang einer in der Figur 2a dargestellten Schnittlinie IIb-IIb;

Figur 2c:

das in der Figur 2b dargestellte Etui in einer bis auf etwa 5° geschlossenen Stellung;

Figur 2d:

das in der Figur 2b dargestellte Etui in einer bis auf etwa 3° geschlossenen Stellung;

Figur 2e:

das in der Figur 2b dargestellte Etui in einer ersten geschlossenen Stellung I;

Figur 2f:

das in der Figur 2b dargestellte Etui in einer nahezu geschlossenen Stellung, welche der Stellung VI angenähert ist und

Figur 3a- 3c:

drei Ausführungsvarianten eines Verschlussmittels.

Hereby shows:

FIG. 1:

one from the EP 0692 942 B1 known representation of a container in different positions;

FIG. 2a:

a plan view of an inventive case in the open position;

FIG. 2b:

a cut through that in the FIG. 2a illustrated case along one in the FIG. 2a illustrated section line IIb-IIb;

FIG. 2c:

that in the FIG. 2b illustrated case in a closed position to about 5 °;

FIG. 2d:

that in the FIG. 2b illustrated case in a closed position to about 3 °;

FIG. 2e:

that in the FIG. 2b illustrated case in a first closed position I;

FIG. 2f:

that in the FIG. 2b illustrated case in a nearly closed position, which is approximated to the position VI and

FIGS. 3a-3c:

three embodiments of a closure means.

In FIG. 1 is already out of the EP 0692 942 B1 Known representation of a container 1 shown to explain the movement of a so-called roll cases. The container 1 is shown in six different positions I to VI of its half-shells 2 and 3. The half-shells 2, 3 are identical and designed as segments of a hollow cylinder. To simplify the figure, the illustration of a cross-band joint connecting the half-shells 2, 3 is omitted here. The positions I to VI show the sequence of movement of the upper half-shell 2 when the lower half shell 3 is stationary. In the position I, the container 1 is in a first closed position I. In this position I, longitudinal edges 2a, 3a form a first longitudinal edge pair 4, which serves as a closing edge 5 interacts. Longitudinal edges 2b, 3b form a second longitudinal edge pair 6, which cooperates as a hinge 7 (see also position II). The opening of the container initially follows by a rotation of the upper half-shell 2 about an axis of rotation a formed by the hinge 7 up to an opening angle of α = 180 °. Position II shows an opening angle of approximately α = 150 °. At an opening angle α> 180 ° loses the axis of rotation a function and the half-shell 2 rolls with her back 8 on a back 9 of the half-shell 3 from (see position III and IV). This rolling movement passes into a further rotational movement about a rotation axis b when the longitudinal edges 2a and 2b again pass through a plane E3 defined by the longitudinal edges 3a and 3b. This is in a lying between the positions IV and V, not shown intermediate position of the case. From this point on, the longitudinal edges 2a, 3a form a hinge 10 with the axis of rotation b. Upon further rotation of the half-shell 2 about the axis of rotation b, a second closed position VI of the container 1 is brought about, in which the half-shell 2 rests again on the half-shell 3 after rotation and the longitudinal edges 2b and 3b form a closing edge 11. Between the first closed position I and the second closed position VI there is thus a change in the position of the hinge or the closing edge, wherein the same longitudinal edge pairs 4, 6 alternately form the closing edge 5 or 11 and the hinge 7 or 10. In the positions I and VI, the container forms a closed hollow body HK.

In the FIG. 2a is a plan view of a container 1 according to the invention shown, which is formed as a case 1 and is in a position open by 180 °, which an intermediate position between in the FIG. 1 shown positions II and III corresponds. Half-shells 2 and 3 of the case 1 are connected by a cruciate ligament 12, which by three bands 12a, 12b and 12c is formed. The half-shells 2, 3 each have longitudinal edges 2a, 2b and 3a, 3b, wherein the longitudinal edges 2a, 3a form a longitudinal edge pair 4 and the longitudinal edges 2b, 3b form a longitudinal edge pair 6. The bands 12a and 12c are from the longitudinal edge 3a of the half-shell 3 on the backs 9 (see FIG. 2b ) guided to the longitudinal edge 2b of the half-shell 2 and in each case in the region of the longitudinal edges 3a, 2b attached to the half-shells 3 and 2 respectively. The band 12b is from the longitudinal edge 2a of the half-shell 2 on the back 8 (see FIG. 2b ) guided to the longitudinal edge 3b of the half-shell 3 and attached to the half-shells 2 and 3 in the region of the longitudinal edges 2a, 3b. At the cooperating longitudinal edge pairs 4 and 6, a respective closure means 13 and 14 is arranged (see also Figure 2c ). The closure means 13, 14 each comprise two closure means parts 13a, 13b and 14a, 14b, which respectively form a latching pair 13c, 14c (see also FIGS Figure 2c ). The closure means 13a, 14a are each designed as tongues 15 with a nub 15a and the closure means 13b, 14b are each designed as a pocket 16 with a knob-shaped recess 16a. The longitudinal edge pair 6 of the case 1 forms in the in FIG. 2a shown position a hinge 7 with a rotation axis a. By a rotation of the half-shell 2 to the half-shell 3 by an opening angle α = 180 ° (see also FIG. 2b ), the case 1 is closable.

In the FIG. 2b is a cut through that in the FIG. 2a shown case 1 along a section line IIb-IIb shown. In the illustrations from the FIG. 2a is omitted on the hatching cut components so as not to affect the clarity of the representations. Starting from the FIG. 2b show the FIGS. 2c to 2e the case 1 in individual positions at a smaller opening angle α. Compared to the representations in the FIG. 1 show the Figures 2c and 2d Intermediate positions between positions I and II and the FIG. 2e corresponds to the first closed position I.

In the Figure 2c the case 1 is already closed except for an opening angle of approximately α = 5 °. In this position, the closure middle part 14a of the closure means 14, which is designed as a tongue 15 and which is arranged in the region of the hinge 7, is almost completely immersed in the half shell 3. In this position, the tongue 15 easily springs in an arrow direction f into a cavity 17 enclosed by the half-shells 2 and 3, in order then to slide with the nub 15a into the recess 16b formed by the pocket 16 (see also FIG Figures 2d and 2e ). In the Figure 2c is the arranged in the region of the closing edge 5 tongue 15 of the closure means 13 is not yet in contact with the half-shell 2 and arranged on this closure central part 13b.

In the Figure 2d the case 1 is now closed except for an opening angle of about α = 3 °. In this position, the tongue 15 forming the closure middle part 13a of the closure means 13 springs back into the cavity 17 of the case 1 in an arrow direction g. This spring-back is effected by a contact surface 18 of an inner lining 19 of the half-shell 2, which cooperates with the nub 15 a of the tongue 15. From this in the Figure 2d illustrated deflected position jumps in the region of the closing edge 5 arranged tongue 15 when closing the case 1 in the closed position I then in their in the FIGS. 2b and 2c shown starting position and snaps into the closure center part 13b and the recess 16a of the pocket 16 (see also FIG. 2e ).

In this in the FIG. 2e shown position I is the half-shell 3 in a functional area 20 is not covered by the band 12b. Thus, the user can be guided by a arranged in this functional area 20 marker here to apply pressure to deform the half-shell 3 elastic in the direction of arrow g and the an inner lining 21 of the half-shell 3 arranged tongue 15 also to move in the direction of arrow g. By this temporary displacement of the tongue 15 can then be the case 1 easier in the example in the Figure 2c open shown position.

The Figure 2d shows by way of example a free space FR, which the closure means 14, which is arranged in the region of the hinge 7, in the cavity 17 of the case 1 for its closure central part 14a in the opening and during the closing movement of the case 1 is required. This free space FR is in the Figure 2d roughly demarcated with dashed lines. The free space FR is traversed by the closure center part 14a formed as a tongue 15 when the opening angle α changes from 0 ° to 90 °. According to an embodiment not shown, it is provided the free space, which represents a movement space or a pivoting range for the closure means to limit by walls and thereby to form a slot in the half shell, in which the closure center part in question can be pivoted. Such a shaft serves to protect the closure center part or the protection of the object to be received in the case 1. The formation of such a shaft can of course be made on both half shells.

In the FIG. 2f the case 1 is in a position in which the longitudinal edge pair 4 consisting of the longitudinal edges 2a and 3a forms a hinge 10 and in which the longitudinal edge pair 6 consisting of the longitudinal edges 2b and 3b forms a closing edge 11. In comparison with the FIG. 1 this position corresponds to a position lying between the positions V and VI there. In the in the FIG. 2f shown position, the already mentioned functional area 20 is covered by the band 12b. In return, however, a corresponding trained on the half-shell 2 Functional area 22 visible and thus facilitates the opening of the case 1 on the right side.

The FIGS. 3a to 3c show three embodiments of a closure means 13 in a schematic representation. The FIG. 3a shows a first closure means 13 which has closure means parts 13a and 13b, which form a latching pair 13c. The closure means 13 serves for the temporary connection of two half shells 2, 3, which form, for example, a closing edge 5 in the region of longitudinal edges 2a, 3a. As a further closure means parts, the closure means 13 comprises a plunger 13d guided in the shell 2 and a spiral spring 13f acting on it. These further closure means parts 13d and 13f allow by pressing the plunger 13d in an arrow direction h unlatching of the latching pair 13c and thus facilitate opening.

In the FIG. 3b is the one in the FIG. 3a illustrated embodiment simplified. A closure means 13, which is formed exclusively by two locking means parts 13a and 13b forming a locking pair 13c, can be easily separated by an elastic deformation of a half shell 3 in an arrow direction h.

When in the Figure 3c illustrated embodiment of a closure means 13 is in contrast to those in the FIGS. 3a and 3b shown embodiments, not only a first closure means part 13a designed as a tongue 15, but also a second closure means part 13b is also formed by a tongue 23. The closure means 13 can be analogous to that in the FIG. 3b shown closure means by pressure on a half-shell 3 in an arrow h separate direction.

The invention is not limited to illustrated or described embodiments. Rather, it includes developments of the invention within the scope of the patent claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Container, case

2

half shell

2a, 2b

Long edges on 2

3

half shell

3a, 3b

Long edges on 3

4

Longitudinal edge pair from 2a, 3a

5

Closing edge of 2a, 3a

6

Longitudinal edge pair from 2b, 3b

7

Hinge from 2b, 3b

8th

Back of 2

9

Back of 3

10

Hinge from 2a, 3a

11

Closing edge of 2b, 3b

12

Cruciate ligament joint

12a, 12b, 12c

Volume of 12

13

Closure means at 4

13a, 13b

Locking member portion

13c

Rastpaar from 13a, 13b

13d

tappet

13f

spiral spring

14

Closure means at 6

14a, 14b

Locking member portion

14c

Rastpaar from 14a, 14b

15

tongue

15a

Knob at 15

16

bag

16a

knob-shaped recess of 16

17

Cavity in 1 or 2, 3

18

contact area

19

Inner lining of 2

20

Functional area at 3

21

Inner lining of 3

22

Functional area at 2

23

tongue

I - VI

Position of 1 or 2, 3

I

first closed position of 1 or 2, 3

VI

second closed position of 1 or 2, 3

FR

free space

HK

hollow body

a

Rotation axis of 7

b

Rotation axis of 10

f, g, h

arrow

α

opening angle

Claims (10)

1. Container (1) for holding objects, in particular a spectacles case or the like, consisting of two opposite half-shells (2, 3) forming a hollow body (HK), wherein the half-shells (2, 3) are connected to one another by a crosstailed hinge (12) and can be folded into a first and a second closed position (I, VI), whereby a first and a second longitudinal edge pair (4, 6) depending on the position of half-shells (2, 3) form a hinge (7 or 10) and a closing edge (5 or 11), whereby on both longitudinal edge pairs (4, 6) fastening means (13, 14) are provided, characterised in that the fastening means (13; 14) is formed by fastening means elements (13a, 13b; 14a, 14b) which interact in a positive manner.
2. Container according to claim 1, characterised in that the fastening means (13; 14) comprises a tongue (13a; 14a; 15) and a pocket (13b; 14b; 16), which form a pair of catches (13c; 14c).
3. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means (13; 14) comprises two tongues (13a; 15; 13b; 23) which form the pair of catches (13c).
4. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means (13; 14), which is arranged respectively on the longitudinal edge pair (4; 6) forming the closing edge (5; 11), can be separated by applying an opening force.
5. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means (13, 14) can be unfastened by means of a temporary deformation of at least one of the half-shells (2, 3).
6. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means (13; 14) comprises at least one further fastening means element (13d, 13f), by means of which at least one of the fastening means elements (13a, 13b) of the pair of catches (13c) can be acted on.
7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means (13; 14), which is arranged respectively on the longitudinal edge pair (4; 6) forming the hinge (7, 10), can be separated by applying a negligible opening force.
8. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fastening means element (13a; 14a; 15), which in the closed position (I; VI) of the container (1) in the region of the hinge (7; 10) projects from one half-shell (2; 3) into the other half-shell (3; 2), can be pivoted unhindered during the opening or closing movement about the pivot axis (a; b) through a hollow chamber (17) of the container (1).
9. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each half-shell (2, 3) comprises a function area (20, 22), onto which a pressure force can be applied for opening the container (1), whereby one function area (20, 22) is assigned to the hinge (7, 10) and the other function area (20, 22) is assigned to the closing edge (5, 11), and whereby the function area (20, 22), which is assigned to the hinge (7, 10), is covered by a crosstail (12b) of the crosstailed hinge (12).
10. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the function area (20, 22) is formed by a marking or a fastening means element (14d) designed as an actuating means.

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