EP2537433B1 - Box for writing instruments, in particular for colouring pencils - Google Patents

Abstract

The box has a rectangular bottom (2) receiving a series of writing instruments e.g. crayons. A bridge-lever (4) is mounted rotatably around an axis on one side of the bottom. The lever includes a support strip (12) with regard to a fulcrum pin (A). The support is placed above the bottom. A pallet (13) is arranged with a set of gutters (15) for the writing instruments. The pallet is moved by actuation of the support strip between a lowered position against the bottom, and a raised position with regard to the bottom.

Description

The present invention relates to a box for writing instruments, in particular for colored pencils or other similar coloring instruments such as "felt" pens, "wax" pencil, etc.

In the field of packaging such writing instruments, it is usually proposed a bundle of instruments, which offers the user a color palette, the writing instruments being for example grouped by twelve, twenty -four or even thirty-six.

The packaging currently proposed for these writing instruments can be either packaging adapted for transport and sale, or packaging suitable for transport and sale but also for storage by the end user.

Packaging in the first category is not sustainable over time. Most of these packages are cardboard packaging or plastic bags made of welded film or "blister" type packaging.

Packaging in the second category is durable and suitable for storing the writing instruments in a parallel arrangement for the life of these instruments. Such packages are more rigid, usually being made of metal or plastic injected.

The invention relates more particularly to this second category of packaging.

In this second category of packaging for writing instruments, there are mainly containers of the box or case type, of generally rectangular shape.

A box has a bottom and a lid, connected by a hinge to one side of the bottom. The lid is held in the closed position on the bottom by a clip, located on the opposite side to the hinge. When the user releases the clip, the lid can pivot around the hinge, which usually allows a 180 ° rotation of the lid relative to the bottom. Such an opening system offers good visibility on all writing instruments, all these writing instruments being arranged in parallel on one and the same horizontal plane. However, the writing instruments remain arranged on the bottom of the box and the selection of these writing instruments is difficult.

A case usually has two parts, namely a lower part and a removable upper part, which caps the top of the part low. Thus, the upper part can be removed completely to clear the top of the lower part and one end of the writing instruments stored in the case, which facilitates the manual gripping of said writing instruments. However, the writing instruments are arranged in several rows superimposed on the inside of the case, which limits the visibility on these writing instruments. This visibility is already diminished by the fact that the lower part of the case hides the writing instruments over a significant fraction of their length, or even over their entire length if these writing instruments are shortened after a certain use (case pencils).

Another disadvantage of the cases is that they require from the user a more precise and more complicated gesture to store the writing instruments, because the user must put the writing instrument in the lower part of the case, finding a free location between the other writing instruments already stored, this disadvantage being particularly sensitive in the case where the user is a toddler.

An additional constraint, binding on all the packaging considered here, results from the usual presentation on suspension pins, in sales places, which requires to be able to put the package on the spindle and therefore to provide a hole suspension on the packaging.

Most boxes and cases today retain very simple designs, which do not provide remedies for the previously mentioned disadvantages. Some proposals, however, have already tried to improve these boxes or cases.

One of these proposals, described in the patent document EP 1584257 A2 , combines a blister-type package and a pivotal opening system. Thus, the packaging comprises a card with a suspension hole, and a two-piece thermoformed shell, with a fixed lower part integral with the card and an articulated upper part, which can be pivotally opened or folded against the card for closure. of the packaging. Such an embodiment allows the easy incorporation of suspension hole, but it retains the disadvantages of packaging type case. In addition, its life is limited because of its manufacture by sealing.

Another proposal, resulting from the patent document EP 0823227 A2 , consists of a package that can be transparent, realized by thermoforming and having a suspension hole, which has the appearance of a box but is also similar to a holster by its pivoting upper flap. This package has the advantage of presenting all the writing instruments on one and the same plane, and to allow full visibility on the writing instruments if it is made of a transparent material. However, such a package has the drawbacks of a case that requires donning a writing instrument during storage, and a box in which the writing instruments remain on the bottom.

Another proposal, described by the patent document DE102007040944 B4 consists of a case in which a lid portion slides longitudinally on the bottom of the case. Such a configuration allows a dual use of the package, either in the manner of a box by fully sliding the cover to remove, or in the manner of a case by partially sliding the cover so as to release only the terminal part of the writing instruments arranged on the bottom of the packaging.

In addition, the piece forming the bottom is provided with a hinge which allows to fold its free end by a partial sliding of the cover, and thus use the open package as a bridge to facilitate the gripping of writing instruments. This proposal, however, retains various disadvantages, in particular the separation of the lid from the bottom which can cause loss of the lid, as well as the impossibility of incorporating a suspension hole on the bottom of the box and also a random stability of the lid. together in the easel configuration, wherein the package rests only two points on its support plane.

A variant of this proposal, retaining the same disadvantages as regards instability in the configuration of an easel, is disclosed in the patent document. EP 1072211 A2 , having as equivalent the patent document DE 199 34 428 C1 , on which the preamble is based.

A last proposal is that of the patent document GB 946272 which consists of a box for writing instruments provided with a lifting part supporting the writing instruments, the lifting part being able to be inclined and held by a pivoting flap to form an easel.

Thus, the establishment of the easel requires the coordinated folding of several elements, which can be difficult for a young child. Especially, in such a raised position, the tips of colored pencils or other writing instruments present a danger, in case of falling on these tips or other accidental contact with them, especially during use by a toddler.

However, coloring articles are considered to be toys and, therefore, must meet the official requirements relating to the risks incurred by the child; in particular, in Europe, such articles must meet the requirements of the European standard EN71-3.

• soit durable dans le temps,
• offre une bonne visibilité et accessibilité aux instruments d'écriture, pour une préhension aisée et une facilité de rangement, notamment par une solution du type chevalet qui soit stable,
• conserve une liaison permanente entre toutes les parties de l'emballage, afin d'éviter toute perte, et
• permette l'incorporation d'un trou de suspension,

tout en satisfaisant aux normes de sécurité applicables, les risques de blessure devant être largement évités même en cas de chute sur l'emballage.The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages described above, and is therefore intended to provide an improved packaging for writing instruments that:

• be sustainable in time,
• offers good visibility and accessibility to writing instruments, for easy grip and ease of storage, including a stable bridge solution,
• maintains a permanent connection between all parts of the packaging to prevent loss, and
• allows the incorporation of a suspension hole,

while meeting the applicable safety standards, the risks of injury must be largely avoided even in the event of a fall on the packaging.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a box for writing instruments, in particular for colored pencils or other similar coloring instruments, the box comprising a bottom of generally rectangular shape intended to receive a series of instruments of color. writing arranged in parallel on a single plane, and a lid connected by a hinge to one side of the bottom, means being provided for the temporary holding of the lid in the closed position relative to the bottom, this box being characterized by the fact that it comprises, pivoted about an axis on one of the sides of the bottom, a lever-bridge which itself comprises, outside relative to its pivot axis, a support tongue and, at interior relative to its pivot axis, thus housed above a portion of the bottom, a pallet provided with positioning means for writing instruments arranged on the bottom, the pallet being movable, by a actuation of the support tongue, between a position lowered against the bottom and a raised position relative to the bottom.

Thus, when the lid of the box is brought into the open position, a pressure exerted manually on the support tongue of the lever-bridge tilts the lever-bridge around its axis of pivoting, so that its pallet rises and she herself raises the writing instruments above the floor by tilting them. It then becomes easy for the user to select a writing instrument and take it. When the lever-bridge is lowered, its pallet resting on the bottom of the box, the writing instruments rest on this bottom and can benefit from the positioning means, like gutters, provided on said bottom.

Retaining means, such as abutments formed on two opposite edges of the bottom of the box, are advantageously provided to keep the lever-seat position lowered against the bottom and in the raised position.

Preferably, there are also provided means for limiting the pivoting of the lever-bridge upwards, so as to avoid the projection of the writing instruments out of the box, even in the event of a sudden support on the tongue of the lever-bridge . These limiting means may consist of lugs integral with the bottom which cooperate with lateral hinge lugs of the lever-bridge, these lugs being provided above slots in which are snapped the hinge lugs.

Inasmuch as the support tongue of the lever-bridge protrudes out of the bottom, on one side of the box, this tongue can be provided with a hole for the suspension of the box on a display stand, in a place of sale.

According to a complementary feature, the lid of the box is connected to the bottom of this box by a hinge arranged to allow a rotation of about 360 ° of the cover relative to the bottom, allowing a folding of the lid under the bottom. Thus, in the open position, the space above the bottom is perfectly clear including to allow access to the lever-bridge and writing instruments; in addition, the bottom is raised above the lid in the lower position, and the open box occupies a minimum surface, for example on a table on which it is placed.

• Grâce à son levier-chevalet, cette boîte facilite la prise manuelle des crayons de couleur ou autres instruments de coloriage analogues, tout en conservant l'encombrement et la présentation d'une boîte standard, avec positionnement et calage des crayons pour un rangement ordonné.
• Le système de chevalet s'applique sans difficulté à tous crayons, même usagés et dont la longueur est fortement réduite ; il suffit en effet à l'utilisateur de ranger les crayons raccourcis du côté de la palette, de sorte que ces crayons seront rehaussés lors de la rotation du levier-chevalet.
• Par sa réalisation en trois pièces seulement, à savoir le fond, le couvercle et le levier-chevalet, cette boîte reste de constitution simple et économique, et très facile d'utilisation même pour un jeune enfant, la mise en place du chevalet se faisant par une action manuelle unique et simple.
• La mise en place du chevalet s'effectue aussi sans altérer la stabilité de la boîte, laquelle peut toujours reposer à plat par son fond, ou par son couvercle si ce dernier est replié sous le fond grâce à une charnière autorisant une rotation de 360°.
• Grâce à ses butées et à son élasticité propre, le système de chevalet offre toute sécurité, car en cas de chute sur le levier-chevalet en position relevée, celui-ci s'abaisse automatiquement pour revenir en position horizontale de repos.
• L'incorporation d'un trou de suspension, ménagé dans une partie du levier-chevalet, est réalisable sans ajout de pièce supplémentaire.
• Réalisable en matière plastique moulée, et dépourvue de toute partie coulissante séparable, la boîte objet de l'invention constitue un produit durable, tout risque de perte d'une partie de cette boîte étant évité.

Overall, the box for writing instruments, object of the invention, has the following advantages:

• Thanks to its lever-easel, this box facilitates the manual grip of colored pencils or other similar coloring instruments, while maintaining the size and presentation of a standard box, with positioning and setting of the pencils for orderly storage.
• The easel system applies without difficulty to any pencil, even used and whose length is greatly reduced; it is sufficient for the user to store the shortened pencils on the side of the pallet, so that these pencils will be raised during the rotation of the lever-bridge.
• By its realization in three parts only, namely the bottom, the lid and the lever-bridge, this box remains of simple and economic constitution, and very easy of use even for a young child, the setting up of the easel being done by a single, simple manual action.
• The establishment of the easel also takes place without altering the stability of the box, which can always lie flat by its bottom, or by its cover if the latter is folded under the bottom through a hinge allowing a rotation of 360 ° .
• Thanks to its stops and its own elasticity, the easel system offers complete security, because in case of a fall on the lever-bridge in the raised position, it automatically lowers to return to the horizontal position of rest.
• The incorporation of a suspension hole, formed in a portion of the lever-bridge, is achievable without adding additional piece.
• Achieved molded plastic material, and devoid of any separable sliding portion, the box object of the invention is a durable product, any risk of loss of a portion of this box being avoided.

• Figure 1 représente une boîte selon l'invention, vue en perspective et en position de fermeture,
• Figure 2 est une vue en perspective de la boîte de la figure 1 en position d'ouverture complète,
• Figure 3 représente, en perspective, le fond de cette boîte avec le levier-chevalet en position de repos,
• Figure 4 représente, en perspective, le fond de la même boîte avec le levier-chevalet en position relevée,
• Figure 5 est une vue de détail, à échelle agrandie, de la région d'un angle du fond,
• Figure 6 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la boîte avec son levier-chevalet en position relevée.

The invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the attached schematic drawing showing, by way of example, an embodiment of this box for writing instruments.

• Figure 1 represents a box according to the invention, seen in perspective and in the closed position,
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the box of the figure 1 in full open position,
• Figure 3 represents, in perspective, the bottom of this box with the lever-bridge in the rest position,
• Figure 4 represents, in perspective, the bottom of the same box with the lever-bridge in raised position,
• Figure 5 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of the region of a corner of the bottom,
• Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the box with its lever-bridge in the raised position.

The drawing represents, for example, a box 1 for colored pencils, which consists of a bottom 2, a cover 3 and a lever-bridge 4. The box 1, so the bottom 2 and the cover 3, here have a generally rectangular shape, with rounded corners.

The bottom 2 has, internally, a series of parallel gutters 5 oriented longitudinally (see Figures 3 and 4 ) which constitute positioning and wedging means for a series of colored pencils 6, arranged inside the box 1 (see figure 2 ).

The lid 3 is connected to the bottom 2 of the box 1, on a longitudinal side of the bottom 2, by a hinge 7 allowing a 360 ° rotation of the lid 3 relative to the bottom 2. For this purpose, the hinge 7 is made as a double hinge, combining a "mechanical" hinge for example with trunnions 8, allowing a first rotation of about 180 °, and a hinge-film 9 allowing a second rotation of about 180 °.

In the closed position ( figure 1 ), the lid 3 completely covers the bottom 2 and can be held in this position by a closing tab 10 with a film hinge, provided on the longitudinal side of the bottom 2 opposite the hinge 7. In the fully open position ( figure 2 ), the lid 3 is folded under the bottom 2 and thus serves as a base for the box 1.

Insofar as the lid 3 is made of an opaque material, it may comprise an opening or central window 11, which in the closed position ( figure 1 ) reveals the contents of the box 1, in this case the colored pencils 6 arranged inside this box. In a variant, the cover 3 may be transparent, in which case the window becomes superfluous.

The lever-bridge 4 is articulated on the bottom 2 of the box 1 about a pivot axis A, arranged along a transverse side of the bottom 2. This lever-bridge 4 comprises, on the one hand, a support tongue 12 which protrudes outside the bottom 2, on one side of the box 1, and on the other hand, a pallet 13 which extends inwardly of the box 1, above a portion of the bottom 2. The support tongue 12 and the pallet 13 are located on either side of the pivot axis A of the lever-bridge 4.

In the support tongue 12 of the lever-bridge 4, located outside the box 1, is formed a suspension hole 14 of standardized form, adapted for the suspension of the box 1 to a pin of a display rack. sale.

On the upper face of the pallet 13 of the lever-bridge 4 is formed a series of parallel gutters 15, corresponding to the gutters 5 of the bottom 2, the gutters 15 being particularly present towards the extreme edge of the pallet 13.

Separating and / or reinforcing ribs 16, possibly located in correspondence with some of the gutters 15, may also be provided at the junction of the support tongue 12 and the pallet 13, to stiffen the lever-bridge 4 and ensure the flatness of the pallet 13.

As shown in more detail figure 5 , the pallet 13 of the lever-bridge 4 comprises two opposite lateral notches 17, provided to cooperate respectively with two stops 18 formed in corresponding position on the two opposite longitudinal edges of the bottom 2, to form (as detailed below) retaining means which hold the lever-bridge 4 in the lowered position against the bottom 2 and also in the raised position.

For the pivoting mounting of the lever-bridge 4, it has two lateral hinge lugs 19 which snap into corresponding slots of the bottom 2, arranged in two bearings 20 located towards two consecutive angles of the bottom 2.

Above these slots are respectively provided, on the respective bearings 20, lugs 21 which, cooperating with the hinge lugs 19, are means for limiting the pivoting of the lever-bridge 4 upwards.

The operation and use of the box 1, described above, is as follows;

In the closed position ( figure 1 ), the box 1 contains colored pencils 6, positioned on its bottom 2 and also on the pallet 13 of the lever-bridge 4, through the gutters 5 and 15. The lever-bridge 4 is then in the rest position, its pallet 13 applying flat against the bottom 2 and being held in this position lowered by the two stops 18 located above it. The closing tab 10 is put in place and ensures the maintenance of the lid 3 in its closed position.

To access the colored pencils 6, the user opens the closing tab 10, thus releasing the lid 3. The user can then, as desired, rotate the lid 3 by only 180 ° to bring it to the side of the lid. bottom 2, or rotate the lid 3 360 ° to bring it below the bottom 2, as illustrated by the figure 2 .

In order to facilitate access to and grip of the colored pencils 6, the user can then actuate the support tongue 12 of the bridge lever 4, by pressing the tongue so that the lever-bridge 4 carries out a rotation about the pivot axis A, bringing its pallet 13 in an upwardly inclined position, above the bottom 2.

The pivoting of the lever-bridge 4 upwards is limited by the cooperation of the lateral hinge tabs 19 of this lever-bridge 4 with the lugs 21, which prevents the projection of the colored pencils 6 out of the box 1.

When the thrust force on the support tongue 12 of the lever-bridge 4 is released, this lever-bridge 4 falls and its pallet 13 bears on the two stops 18. The pallet 13 is thus held in an inclined position as shown in figure 4 , so that the colored pencils 6 also occupy an inclined position, resting on the one hand on the bottom 2 opposite the lever-bridge 4, and on the other hand on the outer edge of the pallet 13 - see also figure 6 .

To return the lever-easel 4 to its initial rest position, after using the colored pencils 6 and before closing the box 1, it is sufficient for the user to exert manual pressure on the colored pencils 6, preferably at the level of the gutters 15 of the pallet 13. When the pressure thus exerted is greater than the retaining force of the lever-bridge 4 by the stops 18, the pallet 13 escapes these stops 18 and returns to its low position.

This operation is also obtained in the case where an accidental thrust, directed downwards, is exerted on the lever-bridge 4 occupying its raised position. Thus, in case of a fall on the tips of the colored pencils 6, these pencils retract automatically with the pallet 13 towards the bottom 2 of the box 1, to avoid any injury during such a fall.

It should be noted that the notches 17 fitted on the pallet 13 of the lever-bridge 4 allow the passage of it without obstacle in front of the stops 18, either when raising the lever-bridge 4 or during its voluntary or accidental lowering, as described above.

• par des modifications du détail des formes du fond et du couvercle de la boîte,
• par le recours à tous moyens équivalents, en particulier pour la réalisation des articulations et des diverses butées,
• par une destination de la boîte à tous genres d'instruments d'écriture et en particulier de coloriage : crayons de couleur, stylos à bille, stylos « feutre », crayons « cire » etc, la boîte pouvant contenir des instruments d'écriture plus ou moins nombreux.

It is not departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims:

• by modifications of the detail of the shapes of the bottom and the lid of the box,
• by the use of all equivalent means, in particular for the realization of the joints and the various stops,
• by a destination of the box to all kinds of writing instruments and in particular coloring: colored pencils, ballpoint pens, "felt pens", "wax" pencils, etc., the box being able to contain writing instruments more or fewer.

Claims (10)

1. A box for writing implements, in particular for colored pencils or similar coloring instruments, the box (1) comprising a generally rectangular bottom (2) provided to receive a series of writing implements (6) positioned in parallel on a single and same plane, and a lid (3) connected by a hinge (7) to one side of the bottom (2), means (10) being provided for temporarily keeping the lid (3) in the closed position relative to the bottom (2), characterized in that it includes, mounted pivotably around an axis (A) on one of the sides of the bottom (2), a stand-lever (4) which in turn comprises a bearing tongue (12) outside relative to its pivot axis (A), and inside relative to its pivot axis (A), therefore housed above part of the bottom (2), a palette (13) provided with positioning means (15) for positioning writing implements (6) stored on the bottom (2), the palette (13) being movable, by actuating the bearing tab (12), between a position lowered against the bottom (2) and a raised position relative to the bottom.
2. The box for writing implements according to claim 1, characterized in that said positioning means consist of a series of parallel grooves (15), arranged on the palette (13), the grooves (15) normally being present toward the end edge of the palette (13).
3. The box for writing implements according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that retaining means (17, 18) are provided to keep the stand-lever (4) in the position lowered against the bottom (2) and in the raised position.
4. The box for writing implements according to claim 3, characterized in that said retaining means consist of stops (18) formed on two opposite edges of the bottom (2).
5. The box for writing implements according to claim 4, characterized in that the palette (13) of the stand-lever (4) includes two opposite lateral notches (17), provided to cooperate respectively with the stops (18) formed in the corresponding position on its two opposite longitudinal edges of the bottom (2).
6. The box for writing implements according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that means (19, 21) are also provided for limiting the upward pivoting of the stand-lever (4).
7. The box for writing implements according to claim 6, characterized in that the means for limiting the upward pivoting of the stand-lever (4) consist of lugs (21) secured to the bottom (2) that cooperate with lateral hinge tabs (19) of the stand-lever (4), said lugs (21) being provided above slits in which the hinge tabs (19) are snapped.
8. The box for writing implements according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the bearing tongue (12) of the stand-lever (4), protruding outside the bottom (2) on one side of the box (1), is provided with a suspension hole (14).
9. The box for writing implements according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lid (3) is connected to the bottom (2) by a hinge (7) arranged to allow a rotation of approximately 360° of the lid (3) relative to the bottom (2), allowing the lid (3) to be folded under the bottom (2).
10. The box for writing implements according to claim 9, characterized in that the lid (3) is connected to the bottom (2) by a double hinge (7), combining a mechanical hinge (8) allowing a first rotation of approximately 180°, and a film hinge (9) allowing a second rotation of approximately 180°.

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