FR3075228A1 - UNITARY, PORTABLE STORAGE, WITH SHUTTER OPENING, SELF-SUPPORTING AND SUSPENDABLE - Google Patents

Abstract

 The storage (1) comprises a receptacle (5) and an opening (2), a cover (3) associated with the receptacle (5) by means (15) of receptacle-cover association, comprising two articulated parts, means of opening and closing control of the cover (3), a hook (4) for hanging, such that the opening (2) is delimited by a rigid frame (9) comprising two longitudinal sides (10) and two transverse sides ( 11), the cover (3) is formed by two half-covers (3a, 3b) mounted mobile relative to each other by articulation (16) around their median transverse edges (14b) and each being mounted mobile relative to the frame (9), the two half-covers (3a, 3b) being moved in synchronism, the means (15) of receptacle-cover association comprise two means (15a, 15b) of receptacle-half-cover association combining elongated guide members (17) and localized guide members (18), the suspension hook (4) is for mé by a projection (4a) of the median transverse edge (14b) of a half-cover (3a), the other half-cover (3b) having a notch (4b) capable of forming a housing for the hook (4) in the closed position, in the open position the two half-covers (3a, 3b) are folded over one another perpendicular to the opening plane (R).

Description

Unit storage, portable, closable opening, freestanding and hanging

The invention relates to unitary, portable storage, with closable opening, self-supporting and suspensible. This storage is more specially adapted to be intended for objects such as clothespins.

By "storage" is meant a device which is suitable and intended for storage. And by "storing", it is necessary to understand the fact that an object, or more often several objects, is in a given location, namely the storage. In the context of the invention, the terms "storage" and "store" do not necessarily imply that the objects (when there are several) are in a given order or in a particular arrangement. They can be jumbled up. But it is not excluded that the arrangement is arranged so that the objects are in a given order or in a particular arrangement.

Instead of clothespins, these can be solid objects that form units, which:

- are light in weight (for example of the order of a fraction of a gram to a few grams) and of small size (for example a length of the order of a fraction of a centimeter to a few - like 2 to 5 - centimeters and a width of the order of a fraction of a centimeter to a few - like 1 to 3 - centimeters),

- are easy to handle,

- must be handled for their use, especially one by one by being taken from a collection of several objects in the storage,

- as they form the collection of objects in the storage, must be able to be moved together by the user and be close to him.

Such objects can be for example nails, screws, parts for construction, pieces of clothing ..., this list is not exhaustive.

Depending on the case, these objects are either repetitive in use (in the case of clothespins, for example) or occasional use (in the case of screws, for example).

This arrangement is unitary in the sense that it forms a single whole, its components being permanently united and cannot normally be disunited.

This storage is portable in the sense that it is of reduced volume and weight, so that it can be carried by the user in excessive effort and easily transported. For example, storage can be part of a parallelepiped having sides of around 30 cm and an empty weight of less than 1 kg. These data are purely indicative.

This storage has an opening and it is closable, that is to say that it can be either in a closed state or in an open state, and be modified to pass from one to the other of these states and this by manipulation of the user.

This storage is both freestanding and suspended, that is to say capable of being suspended at a height. It should be understood by this, on the one hand, that the configuration and the shape of the arrangement ensure its stability so that it can stand by itself by simply being placed on a carrying means such as the ground, a table, a shelf, a ladder ..... this list not being exhaustive, on the other hand, that the storage can be suspended in height from an exogenous hanging member placed in height, like a washing line (for the 'clothespin application), or a hooking member, flexible or rigid, with which a hook can cooperate, such as a wired hooking member (rod, cable, etc., this list not being exhaustive). The storage can be used while it is simply placed or suspended vertically, being within easy reach of the user.

By "use" of storage, we must understand the possibility for the user:

- place one or more objects in the storage to keep them waiting for their use and transport them to the place of their use when desired by the user,

- to take one or more objects, one by one or not, from the collection of objects thus placed in the storage, for their use,

- and, conversely, to add one or more objects to the collection of objects thus placed in the storage, when they are not or no longer used.

It is in this context that the storage object of the invention must be considered.

In this context, on the one hand, the user should be able to use the storage space at the same time when it is simply placed or when it is suspended, with a view to using the objects at height, within reach of her hand.

On the other hand, objects placed in storage and kept pending their use should be protected. It should be understood by this, on the one hand, that the objects are kept in the storage without being able to escape, even in the event of overturning of the storage and, on the other hand, that unwanted introduction is prevented exogenous elements in the storage (including dust).

This is the purpose of the "closability" feature of the storage opening.

This is the technical field of the invention.

The technological background is illustrated by the documents US 1 380 087, US 1 989 473, US 2 524 352, US 3 630 251 and US 5 575 219 which describe various storage arrangements for clothespins, in the form of a basket or the like, permanently open at the top, with a hook shaped handle. The opening of these storage spaces cannot be closed with the inherent drawbacks. The technological background is illustrated is also illustrated by document US 882 935 describes a rigid laundry basket which has a central compartment for laundry and two side compartments which can accommodate bags of clothespins. These flexible bags have an opening that can be closed off by tightening a closure cord. This rigid basket is self-supporting but cannot be hung. The technological background is further illustrated by an embodiment in which the storage is a flexible bag comprising a suspension carabiner and an opening closable by tightening a closure cord. Such a bag is not self-supporting and it is inconvenient to use.

Document US 2,647,550 describes a storage space for clothes pegs, with closable opening, suspensible, intended for clothes pegs, first comprising a receptacle, delimiting a hollow space, with a flexible peripheral wall and an opening suitable and intended, in the open position, for the insertion or extraction of clothespins and in the closed state, to enclose the clothespins in space. The storage then comprises an adjustable closure, combined with the opening, associated with the receptacle by means of receptacle-lid association. In this case, this closure is formed by two U-shaped frames hinged together by the ends of their wings, so that they can be separated from one another, the two U being head to tail, or can be folded over each other. These two U-shaped frames are secured to the edge of the peripheral wall. The storage then comprises means for controlling the closure, in this case manual means for pivoting the two U's in order to separate them from one another or to fold them over one another. The storage finally comprises suspension means, such as a hook associated with one of the U-shaped frames. Here, the exogenous attachment member to the storage is a washing line. Such storage is not self-supporting. It can only be used when suspended. In addition, its opening can only be in the open position if it is suspended.

In another known embodiment known as a “removable cover”, the storage for clothespins comprises, on the one hand, an assembly formed by a rigid basket with an opening, a handle and a hanging hook attached to the handle and, on the other hand, a rigid cover in a single piece separate from the assembly comprising the basket. In the closed position, the cover is placed in the opening of the basket. In the open position, the lid is completely detached from the basket. In this embodiment, the cover and the hook are two separate parts, each fulfilling its own function. From a situation in which the basket is placed on a carrying means, it is necessary, to arrive at the situation in which the basket is suspended with its opening in the open position, carry out a succession of operations: remove the cover and place it somewhere, unhook the hook from the edge of the basket, take the handle and lift it and finally take the hook and hang it. With this embodiment, the cover can be separated from the basket and lost. Consequently, this arrangement does not form a single unitary assembly.

In another known embodiment known as “with semi-fixed, semi-mobile cover”, the storage for clothespins is unitary, portable, with closable opening, self-supporting and suspensible and it comprises:

- a lower rigid receptacle, delimiting a hollow space, with a peripheral wall and an opening of fixed oval shape, for in the open state, the introduction or the extraction of objects, and in the closed state, l enclosing objects in space, an upper cover, complementary to the opening, comprising a part fixedly fixed to the receptacle without being able to be moved relative to it and a mobile part, articulated to the fixed part; the two parts of the cover are articulated around two of their adjacent edges and, in the closed position of the cover, they are in mutual extension being located in the opening,

- means of receptacle-cover association, namely a fixed connection of the fixed part of the cover to the receptacle,

- means for controlling the opening of the cover and means for controlling the closing of the cover, a hook for hanging from an exogenous attachment member, such as a wired member; this hook is attached to the receptacle at the edge of the opening in the vicinity of the fixed part of the cover.

In the open position, the fixed part of the lid remains in the plane of the opening and the movable part is perpendicular to the fixed part and directed upwards opposite the container.

In this embodiment "with semi-fixed, semi-mobile cover", the cover and the hook are two separate parts, each fulfilling its own function.

From a situation in which the basket is placed on a carrying means, it is necessary, to arrive at the situation in which the basket is suspended with its opening in the open position, to carry out a succession of operations: take the hook and hang it then lift the movable part of the cover and keep it raised otherwise it falls on the basket and closes it. Consequently, the use of such storage is awkward.

Document US 4,213,539 describes, in the context of a technical field other than that of the invention, a cover complementary to an opening, comprising a part fixedly fixed to a receptacle without being able to be moved relative to it and two parts successive mobiles, articulated, respectively to the fixed part and to the first mobile part.

None of the documents cited above proposes a storage specially adapted to be intended for objects such as clothespins, which, in combination, is unitary, portable, freestanding, suspensible, the opening of which has the characteristic of being closable by a cover and which, moreover, is such that:

- storage is of simple and economical construction, the passage of the cover from the closed position to the open position or vice versa from the open position to the closed position, when possible, is easy, quick and safe , the cover can be kept in the open position when the storage is simply put down when possible and when desired by the user - or when it is suspended,

- the cover can be kept in the closed position when the storage is simply placed - when possible and when desired by the user

This is the problem underlying the invention, which the invention therefore aims to solve.

Below is a description of the invention as characterized in the claims.

The subject of the invention is a unitary, portable storage, with opening closable by a cover, self-supporting and suspensible, intended for objects such as clothespins, comprising, as is known, storage spaces “with semi-fixed, semi-mobile lid >>:

- a lower receptacle, delimiting a hollow space, with a peripheral wall and an opening of fixed shape, for in the open state, the introduction or the extraction of objects, and in the closed state, the enclosure objects in space,

- An upper cover, complementary to the opening, associated with the receptacle by means of association receptacle-cover, comprising two parts articulated around two adjacent edges and which, in the closed position of the cover, are in mutual extension in the 'opening,

- means for controlling the opening of the cover,

means for controlling the closing of the cover,

- a suspension hook to an exogenous attachment member, such as a wired member.

The storage according to the invention is such that;

- the opening is delimited by a rigid frame associated with the receptacle, comprising two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides,

the cover is formed by two half-covers each having two longitudinal edges, a transverse end edge and a median transverse edge, mounted movable relative to each other by articulation around their median transverse edges, each of two half-covers also being mounted movable relative to the frame, so as to be in a closed position or in an open position, the two half-covers being moved synchronously from one to the other of the closed positions and opening,

the receptacle-cover association means comprise two receptacle-half-cover association means combining elongated guiding members and localized guided members,

the suspension hook is formed by a protuberance from the median transverse edge of a half-cover, the other half-cover having a notch capable of forming a housing for the hook in the closed position,

- in the open position, the two half-covers are folded one over the other perpendicular to the plane of the opening.

Thus, this storage includes a single piece "cover-hook" combining the two functions of opening / closing and suspension. This realization is of simple and economic construction. It makes it possible to move the cover from the closed position to the open position or vice versa from the open position to the closed position, when possible, easily, quickly and safely. It keeps the cover in the open position when the storage is simply placed - when possible and when desired by the user - or when it is suspended. It keeps the cover in the closed position when the storage is simply placed - when possible and when desired by the user

The invention relates both to storage alone, empty of objects, and to storage filled with objects.

The invention relates both to storage with the cover in the closed position and to storage with the cover in the open position.

The invention relates to both simple storage and hanging storage.

In one embodiment, a receptacle-half-cover association means comprises two elongated guide members each between an outer end and an inner end, associated with the two longitudinal sides of the frame, and two localized guided members which can slide with low friction in the two guiding members, associated with the half-cover in the vicinity of its transverse end edge, each of the two half-covers being permanently fixed to the receptacle.

According to one embodiment, a guiding member has two parallel elongated edges, one upper, the other lower, connecting its outer end and its inner end and forming a guide space with reduced clearance for a horizontal guided member.

According to one embodiment, a guiding member is rectilinear, the two elongated edges and the guide space being rectilinear.

According to one embodiment, a guiding member is arranged with a downward inclination from its inner end to its outer end, in particular at an angle of between 10 ° and 20 ° approximately.

According to one embodiment, a guiding member has at its inner end a downward notch formed in the lower edge, with which a guided member can cooperate.

According to one embodiment, the notch is connected to the lower edge of the guiding member by a section forming a springboard.

According to one embodiment, a guiding member is a profiled slide formed by a light formed in the internal field of the frame and in which a guided member is a pin projecting from the field of the corresponding half-cover and arranged in transverse direction.

According to one embodiment, the outer end of a guiding member is located in the vicinity of the transverse side of the frame.

According to one embodiment, the two interior ends of the two members guiding two half-covers associated with the same longitudinal side of the frame are spaced but close to one another.

According to one embodiment, in the closed position of the two half-covers, the guided members are located towards the outer ends of the guiding members.

According to one embodiment, in the open position of the two half-covers, the guided members are located towards the inner ends of the guiding members, in particular in the notches or opposite the notches.

According to one embodiment, the means for controlling the opening of the cover comprise two means for controlling the opening of the two half-covers operating in synchronism and comprising the suspension hook urged by the user in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening. and in the opposite direction to the receptacle.

According to one embodiment, the means for controlling the closing of the cover comprise two means for controlling the closing of the two half-covers operating in synchronism, which are the mass of the two half-covers which, when subjected to their own weight, tend to fold over the opening, the low friction sliding of the guided members in the guiding members, and the downward inclination of the guiding members from their inner ends to their outer ends.

According to one embodiment, the two half-covers are mounted movable relative to each other by articulation around sections of their adjacent median transverse edges situated towards their longitudinal edges, which sections are separated by the protrusion forming a hook and l 'notch forming housing for the hook, which are located in the central area of the cover.

According to one embodiment, the storage comprises means for blocking the movement of the cover, associated with the cover, suitable and intended to block the movement of the cover passing from its open position to its closed position, so as not to allow it to exceed the closed position. For example, such blocking means comprise a stop secured to the receptacle, on which the cover abuts.

According to one embodiment, the storage comprises a partition wall disposed inside the receptacle in line with the two half-covers folded one over the other perpendicular to the plane of the opening in the open position.

According to one embodiment, a half-cover has two longitudinal edges thickened towards the transverse end edge and thinned towards the median transverse edge.

According to one embodiment, the frame has a return to the outside over all or part of its periphery acting as a grip area for the storage.

According to one embodiment, the frame and the receptacle form a single piece.

According to one embodiment, the receptacle is rigid.

The figures of the drawings are now briefly described.

Figures 1,2, 3 and 4 are four perspective and top views of a unitary storage, portable, opening closable by a cover, self-supporting and suspensible, intended for objects such as clothespins, according to the invention , in different situations, namely: with the cover in the closed position while the storage is placed on a support means (Figure 1), with the cover in the intermediate position between the closed position and the open position (Figure 2 ), with the cover in the open position while the storage is filled with clothespins and placed on a support means (Figure 3), with the cover in the open position while the storage is filled with clothespins and suspended from an exogenous attachment member, such as a wired member (Figure 4). These figures show that the container is rigid, that the opening is delimited by a rigid frame associated with the receptacle (and forming one and the same part together), with two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, that the cover is formed by two half -covers mounted movable relative to each other by articulation around their median transverse edges, each of the two half-covers also being mounted movable relative to the frame, that the suspension hook is formed by a protuberance from the transverse edge median of a half-cover, while the other half-cover has a notch for housing the hook in the closed position (Figure 1), and that, in the open position, the two half-covers are folded one on the other perpendicular to the plane of the opening (Figures 3 and 4). These figures also show that a receptacle-half-cover association means comprises two elongate guide members each between an outer end and an inner end, associated with the two longitudinal sides of the frame, formed by lights made in the frame, and two localized guided members which can slide in the two guiding members, associated with the half-cover in the vicinity of its transverse end edge, formed by a pin projecting from the field of the corresponding half-cover.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are two perspective and top views, respectively, of the receptacle alone and of the single piece "cover-hook" combining the two opening / closing and hanging functions, the storage associating the receptacle and the piece "Hook-cover" to form a unitary assembly. FIG. 5A also shows the frame forming a single piece with the receptacle, the frame comprising a return to the outside, the receptacle comprising an interior partition wall, the two elongated guide members formed by lights. FIG. 5B also shows the “cover-hook” part in the situation corresponding to the closed position, the two half-covers of the “cover-hook” part, their articulation, the projection of one of the half-covers forming the suspension hook and the notch of the other half-cover forming a housing for the hook.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the “cover-hook” part showing the two half-covers with longitudinal edges, transverse end edge and median transverse edge, the articulation of the two half-covers around their median transverse edges , and the guided organs located in the shape of pawns.

Figure 7 is a partial side view of the receptacle showing two elongate guide members, rectilinear, each between an outer end and an inner end, associated with a longitudinal side of the frame, formed by slots in the frame, the two elongated edges parallels of a guide member, arranged with a downward inclination from the inner end to the outer end, a notch with springboard at the inner end, and the space existing between the two inner ends of the two guide members.

Figure 8 is a partial view on a larger scale of Figure 7, showing a guide member with its edges and its notch with springboard.

Figure 9 includes three storage diagrams, from the side, showing the situations corresponding to Figures 1, 2 and 4.

Below is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention with examples and reference to the drawings.

The storage unit 1 according to the invention is unitary, portable, with opening 2 which can be closed off by a complementary cover 3, self-supporting and suspensible to an attachment member F exogenous to the storage unit 1, like a wired member (FIG. 4).

Storage 1 is intended for objects such as clothespins P (Figures 3 and 4).

The terms “unitary”, “portable”, “closable”, “freestanding” and “suspensible” should be understood as previously explained.

The fastening member F must be understood as previously explained, namely typically placed at a height, like a clothesline (for the clothespin application), or else a fastening member, flexible or rigid , with which a hook 4 forming part of the storage unit 1 can cooperate, such as a wired attachment member (rod, cable, etc., this list not being exhaustive).

As explained above, the invention is also applicable, if necessary by means of adaptations within the reach of those skilled in the art, instead of clothespins, to solid objects forming units, which are of low weight. and of small size, are easy to handle, must be handled for their use, especially one by one by being taken from a collection of several objects in the storage, as they form the collection of objects in the storage, must be able to be moved together by the user and be close to him. Such objects can be for example nails, screws, parts for construction, pieces of clothing ..., this list is not exhaustive. Depending on the case, these objects are either repetitive in use (in the case of clothespins, for example) or occasional use (in the case of screws, for example).

The opening 2 extends in an opening plane R and defines an insertion / extraction axis V which is perpendicular to the opening plane R.

The storage unit 1 comprises two separate parts associated with one another to form a unitary assembly, namely a lower receptacle 5 (FIG. 5A) and a single upper “hook-hook” part 6 (FIG. 5B). The receptacle 5 and the hook-cover 6 are permanently united and cannot normally be disunited. The receptacle 5 performs the function of receiving the clothespins P. The hook-cover 6 provides in combination two functions: the opening and closing of the opening 2 and the suspension of the storage 1 to the hooking member F .

The qualifier "lower" and the qualifier "superior", applied to an element of arrangement 1, must be understood as meaning, respectively, that this element is located lower or higher than other elements of arrangement 1. In this respect , the storage unit 1 is described with reference to a so-called "normal" position (which is the position shown in the figures), in which - the storage unit 1 being in the closed state - the receptacle 5 is in the lower part, while the opening 2, the opening plane R, and the hook-cover 6 are in the upper part. In this normal position, the opening plane R is horizontal and the insertion / extraction axis V is vertical (thus, V also denotes the vertical direction). It is in this normal position that storage 1 is used. However, it goes without saying that the storage unit 1 can be in other positions, for example inverted. The qualifiers "lower" and "higher" therefore have a relative meaning and they are not limiting in terms of an absolute situation. The same applies to the qualifiers "horizontal" and "vertical" which should not be considered in the narrow and literal sense of these terms, but include what is close to the horizontal and the vertical, respectively.

The receptacle 5 delimits a hollow space 5a. It has a peripheral wall 7 and the opening 2.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the receptacle 5 is rigid, being for example made of plastic. The peripheral wall 7 may include holes 8 for ventilating the hollow space 5a. These holes 8 are small enough not to allow the clothespins P to pass through.

The storage 1 is not only suspensible to the attachment member F, but also, thanks to the rigid nature of the receptacle 5, the storage 1, self-supporting, in the sense that it can stand by itself by simply being placed on a load-bearing means S such as the floor, a table, a shelf, a ladder, etc., this list not being exhaustive (Figures 1 and 3).

The storage unit 1 can be used while it is simply placed on such a carrying means S (FIGS. 1 and 3) but also while it is suspended in height from the hooking member F, being within easy reach of the user (Figure 4).

In the case where the advantage provided by the rigid nature of the receptacle 5 is not necessary or desired, it can be envisaged that the receptacle 5 is deformable, in whole or in part, with a certain degree of flexibility or rigidity.

Storage 1 also includes a rigid frame 9 associated with receptacle 5.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, where the receptacle 5 is rigid, the frame 9 and the receptacle 5 can form a single piece coming from manufacture, the frame 9 being formed by the upper part of the receptacle 5 defining the opening 2 .

On the other hand, in the case where the receptacle 5 is deformable, in whole or in part, with a certain degree of flexibility or rigidity, the frame 9 and the receptacle 5 can be in the form of two parts of the same piece , partly deformable (in the case of receptacle 5) and partly rigid (in the case of frame 9) or in the form of two separate parts permanently joined to one another.

The frame 9 has two sides 10 qualified as longitudinal and two sides 11 qualified as transverse. The longitudinal and transverse sides are connected two by two, if necessary by a rounded corner 12. The frame 9 thus has an outline whose general, fixed shape is that of a right quadrilateral (rectangle or square).

The qualifier "longitudinal" and the qualifier "transverse", applied to an element of storage 1, must be understood as meaning, respectively, that this element extends along a longitudinal direction L or along a transverse direction T. The longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T are horizontal (parallel to the plane R) and orthogonal to the vertical direction V of insertion / extraction, and this apart from the fact that the storage unit 1 can be in other positions than the so-called normal position.

The frame 9 comprises a field 9a which can be qualified as interior for the reason that it is located on the interior side of the receptacle 5. This field 9a is coplanar with the interior face 7a of the peripheral wall 7 of the receptacle 5

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the frame 9 also includes over its entire periphery a return to the outside 9b extending parallel to the opening plane R. Such an outside return 9b can act as a gripping zone for the storage 1 , for its transport and handling. It can also contribute to the stiffening of the container 5 around the opening 2. If necessary, the external return 9b can be shaped like a handle. In another embodiment, it is possible that the external return 9b is located on a part of the periphery of the frame 9.

The opening 2 is delimited by the frame 9, and more particularly by its internal field 9a. The opening 2 thus has an outline whose general, fixed shape is that of a right quadrilateral (rectangle or square). Like the frame 9 which delimits it, the opening 2 has two longitudinal sides 10 and two transverse sides 11.

The opening 2 can be closed by means of the cover 3 which is complementary to it.

Thus, the opening 2 can be either in a closed state (FIG. 1) or in an open state (FIGS. 3 and 4), and can be modified to pass from one to the other of these states and this by a user manipulation, as will be explained later.

The closed state of the opening 2 corresponds to a closed position of the cover 3 (Figure 1).

The open state of the opening 2 corresponds to an open position of the cover 3 (Figures 3 and 4).

The cover 3 can be moved from its open position to its closed position and vice versa from its closed position to its open position, and this by manipulation of the user, as will be explained below.

By "open state" of the opening 2, we must understand the maximum open state of the opening 2. And, similarly, by "open position" of the cover 3, we must understand the maximum open position of the cover 3. This maximum open state and this maximum opening position are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The opening 2 has the function of allowing, when it is in the open state, the insertion or extraction of clothespins P into the space 5a. When the opening 2 is in the closed state, the clothespins P are enclosed in the space 5a,

The cover 3 is complementary to the opening 2. In its closed position, in which the cover 3 is flat, the cover 3 has an outline whose shape is that of a right quadrilateral (rectangle or square), with two edges longitudinal 13 and two transverse edges 14. The cover 3 is thin, at least not very thick and its longitudinal 13 and transverse edges 14 form its longitudinal and transverse fields, respectively.

The cover 3 is the functional part of the hook-cover 6 which performs the closing function of the opening 2.

The cover 3 is associated with the receptacle by means 15 of receptacle-cover association.

The storage unit 1 also comprises means for controlling the opening of the cover 3 and means for controlling the closing of the cover 3. By “control”, it is necessary to understand what allows the actuation and the movement, respectively for the opening. and closing the cover 3.

The hook 4 is the functional part of the hook-cover 6 which performs the function of suspending the storage unit 1 from the exogenous attachment member F.

According to the invention, the cover 3 is formed by two half-covers 3a and 3b, similar with regard to the shutter function.

Each half-cover 3a, 3b is limited by two longitudinal edges 13a, a transverse end edge 14a and a median transverse edge 14b. These two longitudinal edges 13a, this transverse end edge 14a and this median transverse edge 14b respectively form the longitudinal, transverse end and median transverse fields of the half-cover 3a, 3b. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a half-cover 3a, 3b has two longitudinal edges 13a thickened towards the transverse end edge 14a and thinned towards the median transverse edge 14b.

The cover 3 and its two half-covers 3a and 3b being in the closed position, a longitudinal edge 13a of a half-cover 3a, 3b, is adjacent to a longitudinal side 10 of the frame 9 and the opening 2. In this same position, a transverse end edge 14a is adjacent to a transverse side 11 of the frame 9 and the opening 2. And, still in this same position, a median transverse edge 14b is parallel to the two transverse sides 11 of the frame 9 and opening 2 and equidistant from them, thus being placed in the middle position.

First, the two half-covers 3a and 3b are mounted movable relative to one another around their respective median transverse edges 14b adjacent to each other, by means of a median articulation 16. For example, the two median transverse edges 14b can be arranged to form sections of channels nested one inside the other, a rod passing through the channels.

Then, each of the two half-covers 3a, 3b is mounted movable relative to the frame 9, so as to be either in a closed position or in an open position.

The two half-covers 3a, 3b are moved in synchronism from one to the other of the closed and open positions.

The receptacle-cover association means 15 comprise two receptacle-half-cover association means 15a and 15b, combining elongate guide members 17 and localized guide members 18, cooperating together.

The hook 4 is formed by a protrusion 4a from the median transverse edge 14b of a half-cover 3a, the other half-cover 3b having a notch 4b capable of forming a housing for the hook 4, 4a, in the closed position in which the two half-covers are in mutual extension in the opening plane R (Figures 1 and 5B).

In the open position, the two half-covers 3a and 3b are folded one over the other perpendicular to the opening plane R (Figure 3).

We will now describe more specifically the receptacle-cover association means 15 with two receptacle-half-cover association means 15a and 15b, combining elongate guide members 17 and localized guided members 18. The two receptacle association means half-cover 15a and 15b are similar.

Such a means of receptacle-half-cover association 15a or 15b firstly comprises two elongated guide members 17 each between an outer end 19 and an inner end 20. The end 19 is qualified as exterior for the reason that it is located towards the transverse side 11 of the frame 9 and of the opening 2, itself situated towards the outside of the storage 1. The end 20 is qualified as interior 20 for the reason that it is situated towards the hinge 16 when the cover 3 is in the closed position. The two guiding members 17 are associated with the two longitudinal sides 10 of the frame 9.

Such a means of receptacle-half-cover association 15a or 15b then comprises two localized guided members 18 which can slide with low friction in the two guiding members 17, respectively. The two localized guided members 18 are associated with the half-cover 3a or 3b, in the vicinity of its transverse end edge 14a.

With the above constructive arrangement, each of the two half-covers 3a, 3b is permanently fixed to the receptacle 1.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show more specifically the receptacle-cover association means 15 combining elongated guide members 17 and localized guided members 18.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, a guiding member 17 has two parallel elongated edges 21a, 21b, one upper 21a, the other lower 21b, connecting its outer end 19 and its inner end 20 and forming a guide space 21c with reduced clearance for a guided member 18 extending horizontally. Such a guide member 17 is rectilinear, the two elongated edges 21a and 21b and the guide space 21c being rectilinear. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a guiding member is arranged with a downward inclination from its inner end 20 to its outer end 19, in particular at an angle of between approximately 10 ° and 20 °.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, a guiding member 17 has at its inner end 20 a notch 22 downwards, formed in the lower edge 21b. The notch 22 can cooperate with a guided member 18 when the latter is in the notch 22. Such a notch 22 is connected to the lower edge 21a of the guiding member 17 by a section forming a springboard 23.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, a guiding member 17 is a profiled slide formed by a light formed in the internal field 9a of the frame 9. And, a guided member 18 is a pin projecting on the longitudinal field 13a of the half-cover corresponding. This pawn and arranged in transverse direction T.

The outer end 19 of a guide member 17 is located in the vicinity of the transverse side 11 of the frame 9. The two inner ends 20 of the two guide members 17 of two half-covers 3a, 3b, associated with the same longitudinal side 10 of the frame 9 are spaced apart but close to one another, a space 24 being provided between them.

In the closed position of the two half-covers 3a, 3b, the guided members 18 are situated towards the outer ends 19 of the guiding members 17.

In the open position of the two half-covers 3a, 3b, the guided members 18 are located towards the inner ends 20 of the guide members 17, in particular in the notches 22 or opposite the notches 22.

The means for controlling the opening of the cover 3 comprise two means for controlling the opening of the two half-covers 3a, 3b, operating in synchronism and comprising the suspension hook 4 urged by the user in the vertical direction perpendicular to the plane d opening R and in the opposite direction to the receptacle 1.

The means for controlling the closing of the cover 3 comprise two means for controlling the closing of the two half-covers 3a, 3b, operating in synchronism, which are the mass of the two half-covers 3a, 3b, which, subjected to their own weight, tend to fall back on the opening 2, the low friction sliding of the guided members 18 in the guiding members 17, and the downward inclination of the guiding members 17 from their inner ends 20 towards their outer ends 19.

The two half-covers 3a, 3b are mounted movable relative to each other by means of the articulation 16, around sections of their adjacent median transverse edges 14b, located towards their longitudinal edges 13a, which sections 14b are separated by the protrusion 4a forming a hook 4 and the notch 4b forming a housing for the hook 4, which are located in the central zone of the cover.

It is understood that the means of association receptacle-cover 15 (respectively the two means of association receptacle-half-cover 15a and 15b) can combine guiding members and guided members according to other embodiments than that described, but fulfilling the same function, namely ensuring a permanent subjection of the two half-covers 3a and 3b to the receptacle 5 towards their transverse end edges 14a, with displacement between the transverse sides 11 of the frame towards the median transverse part of the frame and ensuring a synchronous movement of the two half-covers 3a and 3b. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment of the receptacle-cover association means 15 which has been previously described.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the storage unit 1 also comprises means for blocking the movement of the cover 3, associated with the cover 3, suitable and intended to block the movement of the cover 3 passing from its open position to its closed position , so as not to allow it to exceed the closed position. This is to prevent the cover from going into a V in the hollow space 5a. Such means for blocking the movement of the cover 3 may include a stop secured to the receptacle 5, on which the cover 3 abuts.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the storage also includes a partition wall 25, disposed inside the receptacle 5, in the recess 5a, to the right (vertically vertically) of the two half-covers 3a and 3b folded over each other perpendicular to the opening plane R, in the open position. The upper edge of such a partition wall 25 can perform the blocking function of the means for blocking the movement of the cover 3.

The invention relates to storage 1 alone, empty of clothespins, as well as to storage 1 filled with clothespins P.

The invention relates both to storage 1, the cover 3 of which is in the closed position, and to storage 1, the cover 3 of which is in the open position.

The invention relates both to storage 1 simply placed, on a support means S as to the storage suspended from a fastening member F.

The implementation of a storage unit 1 as it has just been described is as follows (FIG. 9).

We start from a situation in which the cover 3 is in the closed position, the two half-covers being in mutual extension in the opening 2 in order to close it. In this situation, the storage unit 1 can, for example, be placed on a carrying means, such as the ground.

The user then grasps the hook 4 which he pulls vertically upwards in the opposite direction to the receptacle 5 in order to move it away. It follows, automatically, the progressive folding of the two half-covers forming an inverted V more and more tightened, until in the open position the two half-covers are folded one on the 'other perpendicular to the opening plane.

The user can then suspend the storage unit 1 from the attachment member F. In this situation, the guided members 18 are locked in the guide members 17 at their inner ends 20. The storage unit 1 is then in the open state and remains in this state, without requiring any operation. Storage 1 can then be used, at height, the user being able to extract clothespins P.

But it is also possible that the user instead of suspending storage prefers to put it on a carrying medium. In this situation, the guided members 18 are blocked in the notches 22. The storage 1 is then in the open state and remains in this state, without requiring any operation. Storage 1 can then be used, the user being able to extract clothespins P.

For closing, the user unhooks the hook 4 from the hooking member F, so that the cover 3 returns by itself to the closed position. If necessary, the user causes the guided members 18 to cross the springboards 23, the cover then returning by itself to the closed position.

Claims (22)

claims 1. Unit storage (1), portable, with opening (2) closable by a cover (3), self-supporting and suspensible, intended for objects such as clothespins, comprising: - a lower receptacle (5), delimiting a hollow space (5a), with a peripheral wall (7) and an opening (2) of fixed shape, for in the open state, the introduction or extraction of objects, and in the closed state, the confinement of objects in space (5a), - an upper cover (3), complementary to the opening (2), associated with the receptacle (5) by means (15) of receptacle-cover association, comprising two articulated parts (3a, 3b) around two adjacent edges and which, in the closed position of the cover (3), are in mutual extension in the opening (2), - means for controlling the opening of the cover (3), - means for controlling the closing of the cover (3), a hook (4) for hanging from an exogenous attachment member (F), such as a wired member, characterized in that - the opening (2) is delimited by a rigid frame (9) associated with the receptacle (5), comprising two longitudinal sides (10) and two transverse sides (11), - The cover (3) is formed by two half-covers (3a, 3b) each having two longitudinal edges (13), a transverse end edge (14a) and a median transverse edge (14b), mounted mobile one relative to each other by articulation (16) around their median transverse edges (14b), each of the two half-covers (3a, 3b) also being mounted movable relative to the frame (9), so as to be in a closed position or in an open position, the two half-covers (3a, 3b) being moved in synchronism from one to the other of the closed and open positions, the means (15) of receptacle-cover association comprise two means (15a, 15b) of receptacle-half-cover association combining elongated guide members (17) and localized guide members (18), - The hook (4) for suspension is formed by a protrusion (4a) of the median transverse edge (14b) of a half-cover (3a), the other half-cover (3b) having a notch (4b) capable of forming a housing for the hook (4) in the closed position, - in the open position the two half-covers (3a, 3b) are folded one over the other perpendicular to the opening plane (R). 2. Storage (1) according to claim 1, in which a means of association (15a, 15b) receptacle-half-cover comprises two guide members (17) each elongated between an outer end (19) and an inner end (20), associated with the two longitudinal sides (10) of the frame (9), and two localized guided members (18) which can slide with low friction in the two guiding members (17), associated with the half-cover (3a, 3b) in the vicinity of its edge transverse end (14a), each of the two half-covers (3a, 3b) being permanently fixed to the receptacle (5). 3. Storage (1) according to claim 2, wherein a guide member (17) has two parallel elongated edges (21a, 21b), one (21a) upper, the other (2 & b) lower, connecting its outer end (19) and its inner end (20) and forming a guide space (21 c) with reduced clearance for a horizontal guided member (18). 4. Storage (1) according to one of claims 2 and 3, wherein a guide member (17) is straight, the two elongated edges (21a, 21b) and the guide space (21c) being straight. 5. Storage (1) according to claim 4, wherein a guide member (17) is arranged with a downward inclination from its inner end (20) to its outer end (19), in particular by an angle between 10 ° and 20 “approximately. 6. Storage (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a guide member (17) has at its inner end (20) a notch (22) downwardly formed in the lower edge (21b), with which can cooperate with a guided organ (18). 7. Storage (1) according to claim 6, wherein the notch (22) is connected to the lower edge (21b) of the guide member (17) by a section forming a springboard (23). 8. Storage (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a guiding member (17) is a profiled slide formed by a light formed in the inner field (9a) of the frame (9) and in which a member guided (18) is a pin projecting from the field of the corresponding half-cover (3) and arranged in a transverse direction. 9. Storage (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the outer end (19) of a guide member (17) is located in the vicinity of the transverse side (11) of the frame (9). 10. Storage (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the two inner ends (20) of the two guide members (17) of two half-covers (3a, 3b) associated with the same longitudinal side of the frame (9) are spaced apart but close to each other. 11. Storage (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, in which in the closed position of the two half-covers (3a, 3b), the guided members (18) are located towards the outer ends (19) of the guiding members (17). 12. Storage (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11, wherein in the open position of the two half-covers (3a, 3b), the guided members (18) are located towards the inner ends (20) guide members (17), in particular in the notches (22) or opposite the notches (22). 13. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lid opening control means (3) comprises two opening control means of the two half-covers (3a, 3b) operating in synchronism and comprising the suspension hook (4) urged by the user in the direction perpendicular to the opening plane (R) and in the direction opposite to the receptacle (5). 14. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which the means for controlling the closing of the cover (3) comprise two means for controlling the closing of the two half-covers (3a, 3b) operating in synchronism, which are the mass of the two half-covers (3a, 3b) which, subjected to their own weight, tend to fall back on the opening (2), the sliding with low friction of the guided members (18) in the guide members ( 17), and the downward inclination of the guide members (17) from their inner ends (20) to their outer ends (19). 15. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the two half-covers (3a, 3b) are mounted movable relative to each other by articulation (16) around sections of their adjacent median transverse edges (14b) situated towards their longitudinal edges (13), which sections are separated by the projection (4a) forming a hook (4) and the notch (4b) forming a housing for the hook (4), which are located in the central area of the cover (3). 16. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, which comprises means for blocking the movement of the cover (3), associated with the cover (3), suitable and intended to block the movement of the passing cover (3) from its open position to its closed position, so as not to allow it to exceed the closed position. 17. Storage (1) according to claim 16, wherein which comprises means for blocking the movement of the cover (3) comprises a stop secured to the receptacle (5), on which abuts the cover (3). 18. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, which comprises a partition wall (25) disposed inside the receptacle (5) in line with the two half-covers (3a, 3b) folded the one on the other perpendicular to the opening plane (R) in the open position. 19. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a half-cover (3a, 3b) has two longitudinal edges (13a) thickened towards the transverse end edge (14a) and thinned towards the edge transverse median (14b). 20. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the frame (9) has a return (9b) to the outside over all or part of its periphery acting as a gripping area of the storage. 21. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the frame (9) and the receptacle (5) form a single piece. 22. Storage (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21, in which the receptacle (5) is rigid.