GB2577702A

GB2577702A - Champagne case

Info

Publication number: GB2577702A
Application number: GB1816092.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gurra Pellumb; Dixon Amy
Original assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Current assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
Priority date: 2018-10-02
Filing date: 2018-10-02
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-02
Also published as: GB2577702B

Abstract

A container 1 comprising means for: raising and lowering a top 2 of the container 1 while maintaining a position parallel to a base 4 of the container 1, opening and closing at least one side 10, 12 of the container 1 by extending away from a body of the container 1 and pivoting at least one holding section 22 within the container 1, wherein the means for raising the top 2, opening the at least one side 10, 12 and pivoting the at least one holding section 22 is powered and is controlled by a one-touch control. Also disclosed is a storage container 1 comprising a lid 2 and means for mechanically raising and lowering the lid 2 while maintain a position parallel to a base 4 of the container on activation. The container 1 is preferably a food hamper or a jewellery box.

Description

Presentation and Storage Box

Introduction

The present invention relates to a presentation and storage box, particularly though not exclusively for storage and presentation of food and/or drink.

Background to the Invention

Hampers or containers for outdoor eating, for example on the lawn or on a yacht, are well known. However, they generally consist of containers which are closed by means of straps or catches, Such containers typically include a very limited number of compartments, and it is necessary to open the container and reach in to access the food and/or drink stored therein. This is not very convenient for a user.

Furthermore such storage containers often provide a single space only, for storage of food, drink, dishes, glasses and anything else required. This potentially enables the items to fall into and onto each other, which may damage or break the items. Delicate items such as glasses are particularly vulnerable in such an arrangement. Where some division is present, this is typically in the form of general dividers, which still do not result in secure confinement of fragile items such as glasses.

In addition such containers do not provide a suitable surface for use when consuming the contents thereof.

It is an object of the invention to provide a storage container in which the contents are securely stored and then are presented to the user for access thereof. It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage container providing a surface for use while allowing access to the contents thereof.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a container comprising means for raising and lowering a top of the container while maintaining a position parallel to a base of the container, (ii) opening and closing at least one side of the container by extending away from a body of the container and (iii) pivoting at least one holding section within the container, -2 -wherein the means for raising the top, opening the at least one side and pivoting the at least one holding section is powered and controlled together by a one-touch control.

The raised top of the container provides a table on which items stored in the container can be placed, and the extension of the sides and pivoting of the internal holding sections enables ease of access to the contents of the container.

Typically the container will be used as a hamper, for holding food and/or drinks ready for consumption. The container may be temperature controlled. For example the container may comprise a refrigeration unit. Additionally or alternatively the container may be insulated. However, the container could be used for other items, for example jewellery.

In an important feature, the arrangement will be such that the one-touch control actuates opening of all the elements, namely raising the top, opening the side(s) and pivoting the holding section(s), so that they reach full opening simultaneously.

Preferably the container is provided with a lid, over the top, able to be raised with the top, and removed, either from the raised or lowered positions. The lid can act as a tray.

Typically the means for raising and lowering the top will be actuators provided under the top adjacent the extendable sides. The opening of the sides allows access to space within the container beneath the actuators.

Preferably the container will comprise two sides adapted to be opened. Usually, the opening of the sides will include extending away from the container and pivoting or tilting to increase access thereto.

Preferably flexible material is attached to the side and to an underside of a frame of the container. As a result extending and pivotal opening of the sides draws the flexible material with the sides, presenting the contents thereof.

Typically the container will comprise a plurality of holding containers, for example 4 or 6. Usually these will be provided in pairs, facing in opposite directions. -3 -

Preferably the means for raising and lowering the top comprises two pairs of supports, each pair adjacent a side of the container, each support connected to an underside of the top at its respective side and a surface within the container adjacent its respective side, the pairs forming a cross shape, the means further comprising actuators adapted to move the supports on the surface resulting a raising and lowering of the top. This enables the top of the container to rise to allow access to the body of the container, while maintaining the top in a position parallel to the base, and thus provide a flat surface, or table surface.

Typically one of each pair of supports may be bifurcated with the other, non-bifurcated one of the pair being posited between forks of the bifurcated support. Preferably the actuator moves a lower end of one of the arms, with the other end, and upper end, of the other arm being slidingly connected to the underside of the top of the container. Preferably the actuator moves the lower end of the non-bifurcated arm.

Preferably the container further comprises means for mechanically opening a pair of opposed sides of the container. Preferably the means comprises further actuators adapted to extend the sides away from the container and pivot the sides away from a body of the container. Preferably the openable sides are the sides adjacent the top opening actuators. This allows access to the space beneath the surface. Preferably activation of the top raising actuators also activates the side opening actuators, and the activation is timed such that a fully open position of both the top and the sides is achieved at the same time.

Typically opening of the sides will reveal a compartment for containing items to be accessed. While the compartment may be a solid draw structure, with sides, a back and a base, preferably the compartment may be formed from a length of material: While this material may be fabric, plastic, or a mixture of the two, preferably the material is leather.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container is adapted for storing and presenting food and beverages, and the holding sections in in body of 35 the container are adapted to hold and present beverage containers, typically glasses. The holding sections are shaped and sized to hold a particular style of glasses, for -4 -example champagne glasses, or whisky tumblers. Typically the holding sections are arranged in pairs facing opposite directions. The container further comprises means for raising a front end of each holding section to allow ease of access thereto. Each holding section can be attached to a support connected between the sides of the container. Movement of the support along a cam surface raises and lowers the support, raising and lowering the front ends of the holding portions.

Preferably the means comprises actuators held within the body of the container and adapted to raise the containers. Again preferably the activation means for these holding section raising actuators is the same as that for the lid opening actuators and the side opening actuators, and the time is such that all three elements reach their final fully open position at the same time.

Typically a belt drive may be used to rotate lead screws for actuation of the supports 15 for raising and lowering of the top, and to rotate a lead screw adapted to move the cam surface to pivot the holding sections. Additionally hydraulic actuators may be used to open and close the sides.

To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiment thereof will now be 20 described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the invention, in the closed position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1, in the open position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 2, in the open position and with the tray removed; Figure 4 is a perspective view of internal elements of the container of Figure 1, in which the front, back and base have been removed; Figure 5 is a back perspective view of internal elements of the container of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a underneath perspective view of internal elements of the container of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a top perspective view of internal elements of the container of Figure 1, showing the moving elements only; Figure 8 is a side view of the container of Figure 1 in the open position; and -5 -Figure 9 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in the open position and with the contents displayed.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the container 1 thereshown has a top 2, a base 4, a front 5, a back 8 and two sides 10, 12. While the container could be designed to hold a variety of objections, for example jewellery, the container 1 is designed to be a food and drink container, for use for example on a yacht. In addition, while the container 1 is designed to hold full sized champagne flutes and bottles or thermos flasks containing champagne or a bottle thereof, and thus be a substantial size, the container could be much smaller, for example sized to fit on a dressing table.

The container 1 is adapted to open on activation to allow access by the user, and to present a raised table, or display area. The top 2 is adapted to be raised and lowered, whilst remaining essentially parallel to the base 4 of the container.

As shown, a tray 14 is provided over the top 2 of the container. The tray 14 may remain over the top 2 while it is being raised and lowered, or may be removed at any time. Again the tray 14 provides a convenient surface for presentation of the contents of the container, or a surface from which the contents, if food and beverages, can be consumed.

In addition, panels 16, 18 in the sides 10, 12 are adapted to extend outwards and pivot away from the container.

Raising of the top 2 reveals the inside 20 of the container 1. As show the container is provided with four receptacles 22 each having an open end 24 and a closed end 26, although other numbers or shapes of receptacles could be provided. Each receptacle 22 is also adapted to be moved between the storage position in which each receptacle 22 is substantially horizontally and parallel to the base of the container 1, and an access position in which each receptacle 22 is angled such that its open end 24 is raised to allow ease of access thereto. The receptacles 22 ensure that the contents thereof are held securely and safely during transit and storage. In some embodiments, one or more of the receptacles 22 may be provided with lids (not shown). -6 -

Importantly, depression of a single activation button 30 on the front 6 of container; activates opening or closing, extending or retracting and raising or lowering of all of the elements of the container, namely the top 2, side panels 16, 18, and receptacles 22.

Referring now to Figures 4 -7, the opening and closing of the container is controlled by an electronic control unit 32, held within the inside 20 of the container 1. This Control unit 32 controls the opening of the container, namely the raising and lowering of the top 2, the opening and closing of the side panels 16, 18 and the pivoting of the receptacles 22. The electronic control unit 32 is adapted to control the timing of the actuation of the container 1 such that all actuations reach their full extension, i.e. the top 2 achieves its full extension, the side panels 16, 18 reach their full extension and the receptacles 22 reach their full titled position, at the same time.

A battery 34 is also provided inside 20 the container, and as shown is provided directly adjacent the electronic control unit 32. These elements 32, 34 are provided directly above the base 4 of the container, providing ease of access thereto. Indeed all of the main elements of the actuation mechanism are provided directly above the base 4 of the container, again providing ease of access thereto, and protecting the contents of the container 1.

An electric motor 36, which is powered by the battery 34 and controlled by the electronic control unit 32, is provided inside the container. The motor 36 moves a belt drive 38, which in turn rotates three lead screws 40, 42, 44.

Rotation of lead screws 40, 42 result in the raising and lowering of the top 2 of the container 1. Lead screws 40, 42 are positioned adjacent each side 10, 12 and close to the top 2 of the container.

The top 2 of the container is raised by the motion of two pairs of cross-arms 46, 48, one adjacent each side 10, 12 of the container. One arm 50, of each pair 46, 48, being bifurcated, and the other 52 being non-bifurcated and interdigitating the bifurcation.

Each non-bifurcated arm 52 is fixedly connected at its upper end 54 by a hinge to the underside of the top 2 of the container. The lower end 56 of the non-bifurcated arm -7 - 52 is attached to a nut 58 on the lead screw 52, 54 which acts as a slider 60 to move the end 56 of the arm 52 towards the centre of the side 10, 12 of the container.

The bifurcated arm 50, is fixedly connected by hinges at its lower end 62 to a platform 64, positioned adjacent the side 10, 12 of the container, above the respective lead screw 40, 42. The upper end 66 of this arm 62 being held within a channel 68 on an underside of the top 2 of the container. This allows movement of the upper end 66 of the arm 52 along a line parallel to the respective side 10, 12 of the container.

In the closed position of the container 1, the cross arms 46, 48 are essentially horizontal, and positioned on the platform 64, parallel to the top 2 of the container and the base 4. On activation of the container, namely by depression of the button 30, the electronic control unit 32 activates the motor 36 to move belt drive 38, which rotates lead screws 40, 42. Rotation of these screws 40, 42 moves sliders 60, urging the ends 56 of the non-bifurcated arms 52 towards the ends 62 of the bifurcated arms 50. This forces the top 2 of the container to rise. As a result, the upper ends 66 of the bifurcated arms 50 also moves in their channels 68, in direct response to the movement of the lower end 56 of the non-bifurcated arms 52. With the upper ends 54 of the non-bifurcated arms and the lower ends 62 of the bifurcated arms being fixedly connected by hinges to the container, the movement of the lead screws 40, 42 results in raising of the top 2.

Re-activation of the container 1, namely by depression of button 30, the electronic control unit 32 activates the motor 36 to move belt drive 38 in the opposite direction, which in turn rotates screws 40, 42 in the opposite directed. This results in sliders 60 drawing the ends 56 of the non-bifurcated arms 52 away from the ends 62 of the bifurcated arms 50, reducing the height of the X formed by the cross arms 46, 48, and thus lowering the top 2 of the container. The upper ends 66 of the bifurcated arms 50 also move in their channels 68, while the upper ends 54 of the non-bifurcated arms 52 and the lower ends 62 of the bifurcated arms 50 remain fixed but able to pivot in accordingly.

The belt drive 38 is also connected to lead screw 44 which controls the movement of 35 the four receptacles 22. Each receptacle is provided with a hook 28, adjacent its open end 24, by which it attached to a cross bar 70. Rotation of lead screw 44 urges -8 -a cam surface 72 against the cross bar 70, raising bar 70 and pivoting the receptacles 22 such that their open ends 24 are presented to a user and allowing access to any contents thereof.

In the closed position, the receptacles 22 are in an essentially horizontal position, parallel to the top 2 of the container. This ensures that the contents of the receptacles 22 remain securely held in place, for example during movement of the container 1. On activation of the container, namely on depression of button 30, the electronic control unit 32 activates the motor 36 to move the belt drive 38. This in turn rotates lead screw 44, which moves the cam surface 72 against the cross bar 70, raising the bar. This raises the open ends 24 of the receptacles, relative to their lower ends 26, and allowing access to the receptacles 22. For closure of the container 1, the button 30 is depressed again, activating the electronic control unit 32 to switch on the motor 36 to move the belt drive 38 in the opposite direction. This in turn rotates lead screw 44, moving the cam surface 72 away from the cross bar 70, lowering the cross bar 70 and returning the receptacles to their horizontal, stowed position.

The third opening movement of the container is the opening of the panels 16, 18 in the sides 10, 12. Each of the panels 16, 18 are provided with a pair runners 74, adjacent the front 6 and back 8 of the container and adjacent the base of the container, The runners are supported on sets of 4 wheels 76 held against the front 6 and back 8 of the container 1. Cross members 78 connects the runners 74. Actuators 80 act against cross members 78 and on deployment urge the cross members, and hence the side panels 16, 18, outwards with respect to the container, with the runners 74 moving on the wheels 76. The runners 74 are connected via hinges 82 to the panels 16, 18, such that on deployment of the actuators 80, upper ends 84 of the panels 16, 18 pivot away from the container 1. On retraction of the actuators 80, the cross member 78 is urged into the container, pulling the runners 74, 30 through the wheels 76 into the container. Magnets 86 provided on the upper ends of the panels, connect to magnets 88 on the container, closing the sides.

In the closed position, the panels 16, 18 are securely held in position between the front and back, top and bottom, completing the side 10, 12 of the container 1. On depression of button 30, the electronic control unit 32 causes the motor 36 to extend the actuators 80, thereby urging the panels 16, 18, away from the body of the -9 -container. Once away from magnetic control 86, 88 and the body of the container, the panels 16, 18, pivot on hinges 82 such that they are angled away from the container. Extending of the panels 16, 18 allows access to compartments 90 within the body 20 of the container, and underneath the platforms 64 and cross arms 46, 48, and defined by fabric 92 attached to the panels 16, 18, and the sides 10, 12.

Motion of all of the lead screws 40, 42, 44 and actuators 80 are coordinated, such that depression of a single button 30 activates movement of the screws and actuators, which are timed such at the top, sides and receptacles all reach their fully open or extended positions at the same time. Equally, another depression of the button 30 will activate all of the actuators so that the top, sides and receptacles reach their fully closed position at the same time.

The container 1 is insulated, with insulation formed into the top 2, base 4, front 6, back 8 and sides 10, 12. In addition a refrigeration unit 106 is included in the container. This unit is optional and may not be present in all embodiments. In other embodiments a heater may be provided. In yet other embodiments, both may be provided, the device including means for ensuring that either heating or cooling can be provided at one time. In further embodiments such heating and cooling means may be interchangeable.

As shown, the container 1 is designed for holding food and drink. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, one of the compartments 90 at sides 10, 12 of the container holds a flask 94 for containing a drink. The flask shown is a temperature retaining flask such as a thermos flask, for holding drinks that need to be kept at a particular temperature.

For example champagne, white wine and other drinks should be kept cold, other drinks should be kept at ambient temperature, and yet other drinks, for example coffee should be kept hot. The other side holds a stack of dishes and containers 96 for holding snacks, for example such as would be appropriate to be consumed with the drink in the flask. The receptacles 22 are used to hold delicate or valuable items.

When used for consumables storage, the receptacles are likely to hold glasses or other kinds of drinking vessels as these are the most easily broken. Container 1 is desighed for holding food and drink and the receptacles hold glasses 98. As shown these are champagne glasses, although other kinds of glasses, including wine glasses, tumblers, cups or mugs could be contained in the receptacles 22.

Clips 100 provided in the side panels 16, 18, may hold spoons 102, for consuming food held within the containers and dishes 96, or for stirring coffee or the like. Alternatively, other cutlery may be held in these clips 100.

Napkins 104 may also be held within the compartments 90 in the container, or within the glasses 98 in the receptacles 22 when stored.

As discussed above, the container 1 is designed to open all elements of the container, namely the raising of the top 2, the extension of the side panels 16, 18 and the raising of the receptacles 22 at the same time, and equally to close the container, with all elements reaching their final resting position at the same time. This is achieved by depression of an actuation button 30.

The container is also provided with and ON/OFF switch 108 enabling the device to be fully switched off when not in use, to save battery life. In addition the container 1 is provided with a charging port 110 by which the battery 34 can be recharged, and a LED charge indicator 112 to indicate low battery level.

The invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above described embodiment. For instance, the container may be used to hold other items, for example valuables such as jewellery, or other consumables.

Claims

Claims 1. A container comprising means for (i) raising and lowering a top of the container while maintaining a position parallel to a base of the container, (H) opening and closing at least one side of the container by extending away from a body of the container and (iii) pivoting at least one holding section within the container, wherein the means for raising the top, opening the at least one side and pivoting the at least one holding section is powered and is controlled by a one-touch control.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the container is a hamper, for holding food and/or drinks.
3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is temperature controlled.
4. A container according to any previous claim, wherein the container is insulated.
5. A container according to claim 1, wherein the container is a jewellery box.
6. A container according any preceding claim, wherein deployment of the one-touch control actuates the means for raising and extending such that they reach full extension simultaneously.
7. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein opening at least one side comprises opening two opposed sides.
8. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein opening at least one side comprising extending the side away from the container and pivoting the side for increased access thereto.
9. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a plurality of holding sections within the container, each adapted to be pivoted between a storage position when the top is closed and a presentation position in which one end is pivotally raised for accesses thereto.
10.A container according to claim 9, wherein the holding sections are arranged in pairs facing opposite directions.
11.A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is provided with a lid, over the top, able to be raised with the top, and removed.
12.A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for raising and lowering the top comprises actuators provided under the top adjacent the extendable sides.
13.A container according to claim 11, wherein the top raising actuators are connected to cross-arms which raise and lower the top.
14.A container according to any one of claims 8 -10, wherein extending and is pivotally opening of the sides allows access to the container beneath the actuators.
15.A container according to any preceding claim, wherein flexible material is attached to the side and to a frame of the container.
16.A storage container comprising a lid and means for mechanically raising and lowering the lid while maintaining a position parallel to a base of the container on activation.
17.A storage container according to claim 16, wherein the means for raising and lowering the lid comprises two pairs of supports, each pair associated with one of a pair of opposed sides, each support connected to an underside of the lid at its respective side and a surface within the container adjacent its respective side, the pairs forming a cross shape, further comprising means adapted to move the at least part of each pair of supports on the surface resulting a raising and lowering of the lid.
18.A storage container according to claim 17, wherein one of each pair of supports is bifurcated with the other, non-bifurcated one of the pair being posited between forks of the bifurcated support.
-13 - 19.A storage container according to claim 17 or 18, wherein one of each pair of supports is moved by a lead screw.
20.A storage container according to claim 18, wherein the non-bifurcated support is moved by a lead screw.
21.A storage container according to any one of claims 17 -20, wherein one of each pair of supports is slidingly connected to the underside of the top.
22.A storage container according to claim 21, wherein the bifurcated support of each pair is slidingly connected to the underside of the top.
23.A storage container according to any preceding claim, wherein the holding portions are arranged in pairs facing opposite directions. 1.5
24.A storage container according to any preceding claim, wherein each holding portion is attached to a support connected between the sides of the container.
25.A storage container according to claim 21, wherein movement of the support along a corn surface raises and lowers the support, raising and lowering the front ends of the holding portions.