SE0802114A0 - Container with stackable modules in stackable format - Google Patents

Description

The innovation in question consists of a container that is adapted to be included as one of your modules in a stack of containers. The container has an upper end (hereinafter referred to as "top") and a lower end (hereinafter referred to as "bottom") and comprises: - a first path, which forms the top, - at least one outer wall extending from the bottom to the top, - at least an inner wall, which is enclosed by at least one outer wall, - an inner container delimited by the inner and outer walls and by the upper side.

The container further allows interconnection with at least one other module in the stack of modules, where the inner wall forms a space extending along an L-shaped axis.

The space is accessible from at least one of the ends of the container.

A container of the type described here enables the addition of fl your modules to a stack, where at least two of the modules consist of containers. However, it is also possible to use the container as a single unit.

The packaging solution in the form of a stack must be able to include the most hygienic products that are usually found in a toiletry bag, both liquids and other things, such as a toothbrush.

All products can now be accommodated in the same package without the products' original packaging having to give rise to a lack of space. The stack is suitable for travel and is easy to carry. The modules can f.ö. purchased pre-filled, so that the user does not have to fill these himself.

The modules can be sold both as single units, e.g. to replace empty modules, and in the form of stackable units. The modules are suitably sold already filled in, but it is also possible for the buyer / user to fill these in themselves. The stackable device format gives the user freedom of choice as to how many or which modules he or she wants to include in the stack. The user can also combine modules as needed - if you train at an indoor center, only a few modules may be needed, while a longer trip requires more space, and more modules can then be added to the stack. All modules in the bar are interchangeable, individually.

For most modules such a stack, the interior space extends through the container between the bottom and the top. Such a continuous space can advantageously be used to form extended encapsulation possibilities within the stack. Other modules could have a cavity that is accessible from the bottom or top.

The cavity could follow the same direction along an L-shaped axis, which would provide a space with a regular inner shape.

The cavity can be centric or eccentric. For some models, a central cavity is preferred, as it will provide a well-balanced stack. For other models, an eccentric cavity is preferred, since the modules in the stack can then be rotated with simplicity so that they do not completely cover each other, which facilitates the accessibility of the individual modules in the stack.

The container may further comprise a second wall which will then form the bottom.

The outer wall then extends between the first and the second wall, and the storage space is hereby delimited by the inner and outer walls, as well as by the bottom and top of the container. At least one of the ends contains a slit which forms an opening to the inner cavity. The bottom is intended to protect the contents of the stack, especially in the case where a module is removed from the stack and used as an individual unit. The lower bottom could also consist of a thinner fi ch. It would be cheaper, but offer less protection. It would be even cheaper to let the next module in the stack provide the protection for the content, but this would make it more difficult to use the modules as individual units.

The diameter of the inner cavity is between 5% and 50% of the diameter of the container; preferably between 10% and 40% and most preferably between 20% and 35%. These cross-sectional areas have proven to be suitable for most of the intended applications. They are a compromise between the surface of the cavity and the size of the container.

The container could have connection mechanisms for modules at at least one of the two ends. It would be preferable if connection surfaces were available on both the bottom and the top, as the space requirements could be reduced as a result. If the coupling surfaces are returned at the ends, you can mount as many modules as you want and the stack can thus be easily built to the desired length.

The coupling surfaces are suitably mechanical or magnetic. They can also consist of threaded inner or outer wall. The coupling mechanism can also consist of a snap-lock function (so-called "snap-lock" function) which makes it easy to attach the modules to each other, such a coupling function would mean a quick and easy way to connect the modules to each other.Threads are also a familiar mechanism for most users and would thus be perceived as easy to manage.

The container should be sealed so that no liquids can leak out. The module that contains the desired product, e.g. soap, should be able to be sold as a special module pre-soap, ie. a module that contains soap at the time of purchase, so that the buyer / user does not have to hold on and fill up the modules from larger packages.

As an alternative or complement to waterproof containers, the larger container could accommodate at least one inner container adapted to the shape and size to fit inside the larger container. This inner container would e.g. can consist of a plastic bag. In this position, an empty container can be refilled in the form of a new inner container.

The user can then buy the real unit separately, without having to buy a new container.

The interior of the larger container can be divided into two or two sections. In this way, smaller units can be formed, if desired. The sections can have the same or different size.

At least one pump can be provided to pump liquid out of the container. The pump has a locked and an open position. The pump could have a pump head which, in its locked position, is conveniently placed in a recess at one end of the container. As a result, the pump head will not protrude above the surface of the lower end (bottom) of the container, which facilitates stack construction.

A further function of the innovation is that the stack, which in turn is built up of at least two modules that can be connected and disconnected from each other, has at least two adjacent modules consisting of containers, all of which are characterized by a recess, as described above. The modules are positioned so that together they will form a common cavity in the stack. The cavity they create will be as large as one or two depressions. An inner container of the desired size can thus be built by adding fl er modules to the stack.

It is recommended to use only modules that have these continuous cavities, except possibly for the first and last module in the stack. If more than one module has this design, it does not matter in what order they are placed in the stack to be able to create the interior space.

The cavities in at least two adjacent modules should coincide and be positioned so that their centers will synchronize in a vertical position, thereby creating the common, inner space. The space will thereby have a regular wall. The space can be used to store additional products. By selecting an appropriate number of modulus appropriate size, the user can control the size of the space. A small space is suitable for smaller things, while a space consisting of fl your modules that provide a longer cavity, can be suitable for storing longer things such as. a toothbrush.

The stack may further contain at least one lid, which should be connectable to at least one of the containers. In its engaged position, the cover covers the cavity of the nearest module. Such a lid construction can be used to constitute an end of the space construction itself. If the container closest to the end of the container has a continuous cavity, it is recommended that a module without an internal cavity be placed at the end, e.g. a lid. The lid module can also function as a container by virtue of itself. Such a container is suitable for storing flat, circular objects.

By combining modules that have continuous cavities with lid modules, a stack can be built that contains a number of different storage spaces.

One of the containers in the stack may be rotatable relative to at least one of the adjacent modules, without the rotation of the module causing any of the contents to leak out.

The rotation function can, for example, be used to rotate two modules apart so that a pump head on the lower module can be reached and used without the module in question first having to be disconnected from the stack. If the space is eccentric, the modules can be rotated so that it is easy to reach a certain module while it is still in the stack.

The stack may further also contain at least one module with a recess and at least one other module comprising a pump, where the recess holds the pump in its open position, so that the pump can be used while the container having the pump connected to it can still remain in the stack. In this way, the pump head is protected even when the pump is in its open position.

The stack may further contain a disk adapted to be rotated out of a module.

Such a disc can e.g. contain a mirror, which the user may sometimes want to use without it being stuck in the stack at the same time, but where it can in any case be stored in the form of the attachable stack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS The innovation will now be described in more detail in terms of general examples and with reference to the accompanying illustrations: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container with two modules, according to a first modeling of the innovation; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a module as depicted in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a second view of a module; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a first construction of a stack as referred to in the innovation; Fig. 5 is a second view of a stack; Fig. 6 is a third view of one of the modules of the container; Fig. 7 is a stack built of two modules as depicted in Fig. 6; is a stack built of two trtangular modules with centric cavities; is a stack built of two triangular modules with eccentric cavities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED MODEL In the following, the innovation will be exemplified by means of various modeling.

It should be clarified that the main purpose of these modeling is to explain the functions of innovation and not to limit the possibilities of innovation, as described here.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a container module 2 according to a first modeling of the innovation.

The module is adapted for use in a stack consisting of fl your modules. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of module 2 and Fig. 2 is a cross section along A-A. Module 2 has a lower end 4 and an upper end 6, which is opposite the upper end 4. As illustrated in Fig. 1, end 4 forms the bottom and end 6 forms the upper side. A first wall 8 constitutes the lower bottom 4. A second wall 20 constitutes the top 6. An outer wall 12 extends from the bottom 4 to the top 6. The outer wall 12 comprises an inner wall 14. The second wall 10 is removable and resealable for to facilitate accessibility but also to protect the container 16. The second wall 10 is optional and can be replaced with a thin layer of metal or plastic, or it can be omitted altogether so that the next module in the stack is allowed to protect the contents of the module under .

The inner wall 14 comprises a cavity 18 which extends along an axis L. In Figs. 1 and 2 the cavity 18 extends through the entire module 2 and tends to reach from both ends 4, 6.

Alternatively, the cavity may be a space which can only be reached from one of the ends 4, 6.

Coupling mechanisms are mounted on the outer wall 12. In this case, the coupling mechanism consists of outer threads 20 which connect to the top of the upper end 6 of the module and inner threads 22 which are attached to the projecting part 24 of the outer path 12. The threads are intended to be used for to be able to be connected to other modules that have the same type of threads. Alternatively, the threads may be on the outside of the outer wall 12 near the bottom of the lower end 4 and the inner threads may be on a protruding portion of the outer wall extending from the top of the upper end 6.

Threads can also be on the inner wall 14 (not illustrated) or on both the inner 14 and the outer 12 wall (not illustrated). In that case, the inner wall will be able to have a projecting part at the bottom and the top.

As an alternative to threads, the container may include other connection mechanisms, such as a clamp or "snap-lock" function on the outer and / or inner wall. Modulemba can also be held together by means of magnets, which can also be used to attach one of the modules to a metal surface in the environment, e.g. a wall, a cupboard door or a table.

Figs. 1 and 2. represent a container in a circular cross-section, but the cross-section can also be triangular, square, rectangular, rhombic, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. or asymmetrical / irregular. If the holders are polygonal, the tail can be rounded off. The cavity can also have an optional cross-sectional pattern. However, if threads are used as a connection mechanism, the part with threads (on the inner or outer wall) should have a circular cross section, so that the two modules that are connected can be rotated in the correct position. If, on the other hand, you were to use a snap-lock function, there would be no such restrictions.

The inner cavity may be centric as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. By centric is meant that in each cross-sectional area which is vertical with respect to the L-axis, the center 18 of the cavity coincides with the center of the cross-sectional area. In the illustration in Figs. 1 and 2, both the cavity and the module have circular cross-sectional areas. The cavity 18 is centric, and thus has the same center point as the cross section of the container module 2. The cavity can also be eccentric, ie lie close to the outer wall. If the container were to have a trianular shape, the cavity could, for example, be close to one of the corners.

Since the container is intended for hygiene products and cosmetics, at least the containers intended for liquid should be watertight. As an alternative, the container may comprise one or fl your inner containers for liquids (not illustrated). In that case, the inner container should be adapted to fit inside the larger container 16. The inner container can e.g. consists of a resealable ash or plastic bag. Figure 3 shows a second modeling of the container, where container 16 is divided into two sections 26 by means of partitions 28. The container is further provided with two pumps 30, one for each section 26; pictured here in open mode. The second wall 10 has depressions 32, where the pump heads 34 are located, while the pumps 30 are again in a locked position. Such a pump 30 can be moved between its open or locked position in a number of different ways, some examples of which are described below. In one of the illustrations we see that pump head 34 can be moved from its locked position to its open position by pressing the pump head downwards against module 2, which has a locking mechanism, until the locked position of the pump head has been released. When the external pressure is then released, the pump head jumps back using the locking mechanism until the locked position has been released. The pump head 34 is in its open position located on top of module 2.

The pump head can be changed from its open to its locked position by pressing the pump head downwards against the module until the locked position enters. When the external pressure ceases, the pump head jumps back to its locked position. In a further modeling proposal, the pump head 34 can be moved from its locked position to its open position by first rotating the pump head and then, when the pump head has reached its open position, activating a locking mechanism which causes the pump head to jump above module 2. The pump head is fl open position to the locked position by first pressing the pump head down against the module and its locking mechanism, and then rotating back into its locked position.

A number of modules may constitute stack 36. The stack 36 shown in Fig. 4 comprises four container modules 2 and a lid module at each end, a first lid module 38 and a second lid module 39. The cavities 18 in the modules 2 form a space 40 inside the stack.

Space 40 can be used to store things such as a toothbrush 42 and a razor 43. Space 40 extends vertically along the L-axis of the container of Figure 1.

The lid modules 38, 39 cover the cavity 18 in the adjacent module 2 and will thus constitute the ends of the space 40. A lid module 38, 39 could also constitute containers in themselves, e.g. for tops. The cover module can be connected to at least one other module. The cover module can also be placed anywhere in the stack between the end modules. In this camp, the lid module could have retaining modules connected to it at both ends. In this way, the space in the stack could be divided into two or less smaller 11 cavities. In this way, the height of the stack could be adapted to the object it is intended to contain, e.g. toothbrush 42, so that the toothbrush does not rattle around in an excessive space 40.

Fig. 5 shows another stack, here depicted with the different modules separated. In this example, module 2 contains the pump 30. When the module is placed in the stack, the pumps 30 are placed in the recess 32, so that they do not protrude from the top of the end 6 of module 2, which makes it possible to mount another module on top.

The lower Iock module comprises a disc 40 with a mirror 42, which can be pulled out from the stack 36. The example image shows a mirror which is rotated outwards, which is a suitable construction in case the stack has a circular center similar to that illustrated here. In all two models, the disc can run on tracks or be hinged to the bar. The disc may also contain e.g. a makeup set. More than one disk can be included in the same stack and in the same or separate modules. The disc 40 is suitably included in a lid module so that the entire cross-sectional area of the stack can be used. The mirror can also be found separately from the stack or it can be attached to the disc, to reduce the risk of the user losing it.

Fig. 6 represents a third modeling of module 2 with a cross-sectional area where two depressions 44 are visible. The fastening mechanism in Fig. 6 consists of a so-called snap-lock function, where the snap mechanism is located on the inner wall 14.

In Fig. 7, two modules have been connected together to build a stack, here depicted from above. The lower module 46 contains two pumps 30. When the modules are rotated approximately 90 degrees apart, the pump 30 in the lower module 46 will be positioned so that it coincides with the recess 44 in the upper module 48. In this way the pump can remain in its open position. without first having to disconnect the module from the stack itself.

In Figs. 8 and 9, two triangular modules form a stack. The modules are rotatable from each other around the inner wall 14. Alternatively, the corner of the triangle can be rounded to avoid sharp edges. In Fig. 8, the cavity 18 is centric, i.e. Placed in the middle of the triangular cross-sectional area, while the cavity 18 in Fig. 9 is eccentric, here in the form of an example placed near one of the corners. By rotating the upper 48 and the lower 46 module apart, it is possible to reach the second wall 10 of the lower module without first having to disconnect the lower module 46 from the stack. For example, if a pump were located on the second wall of the lower module 46, it could be easily used without first having to remove the lower module 46 from the stack.

The stack can consist of any number of modules, e.g. two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, ten or twelve. The different modules included in the stack can have different sizes, which is most easily achieved by varying the respective height of the modules. They can also have different cross-sectional areas.

The size of a container depends on the contents. Typical sizes may be between 5 ml and 400 ml, or more preferably between 10 ml and 300 ml, and most preferably between 20 ml and 200 ml. Normally, the first 4 and the second 6 walls are parallel to each other and centrally located on top of each other, creating a straight stack 36, but the stack may also have other shapes, Lex. twisted or sloping.

The modules can be constructed in different materials. Suitable materials can be plastic, glass and metal. You can imagine a transparent design, so that the content is visible from the outside. In the same stack, different modules can be made of different materials. It is possible to let the inner wall 14 be made of a visible material which can be reshaped, so that the shape of the cavity 18 can adapt itself to the object stored in the cavity. the innovation in question has been described here in the form of examples and the knowledgeable will realize that there are many possible solutions and opportunities to work with based on the examples and modeling described above. And although the innovation has been described as primarily intended to house hygiene products and cosmetics, it should be noted that it can also be used for other types of content, such as food or medicine.

Claims (1)

3. 3 SPECIFICATIONS AND CLAIMS REQUIREMENTS A container in module format (2) intended for storage of hygiene articles / cosmetics, the current module is adapted to be included in a stack (36) with fl your modules, the current module has a bottom part (4) and an opposite top side (6), the module in question contains - a first wall (8) constituting said bottom part (4), - at least one outer wall (12) extending from the first wall (8) towards said top side (6) , - at least one inner wall (14) comprising at least one outer wall (12), - a container (16) delimited by said inner (14) and outer (12) walls and said first wall (8), said module (2) comprises a fastening device (20, 22) intended for at least one other module in said stack (36) of modules. this is characterized by said inner wall (14) forming a cavity (18) extending along the axis L, said cavity (18) being accessible from at least one of the bottom (4) or the upper part (6). The container (2) according to specification 1, wherein the cavity (18) extends through said module between the bottom (4) and the upper part (6). The container (2) according to specification 1 or 2, within which the cavity (18) has substantially the same cross-sectional area along the axis L. The container (2) according to all the preceding specifications above, where the cavity (18) is centric. The container (2) according to specifications 1 to 3, within which the cavity (18) is eccentric. The container (2) according to all the foregoing specifications, wherein the container comprises a second wall (10) which in turn forms a top (6), the outer wall (12) extending between said first (8) and second (10) walls, where the container (16) is delimited by said inner (14), outer (12), first (8) and second (10) wall, and where at least one of said first (8) and second wall (10) forms a recess which forms an opening into said cavity (18). 14 Container (2) according to all previous specifications, where the cross-sectional area of the cavity (18) is between 5% and 50% of the cross-sectional area of the container, preferably between 10% and 40% and most preferably between 20% and 35%. The container (2) in accordance with all the preceding specifications, wherein a coupling mechanism (20, 22) is mounted on at least one of the lower end (4) or on the upper side (6) of said container. Preferably, the engagement mechanism (20, 22) is located at said lower and upper ends. The container (2) according to all the preceding specifications, where the coupling mechanism comprises threads (20) on the inner wall (14) and I or on the outer wall (12). The container (2) in accordance with all the preceding specifications 1-8, where the snap-on mechanism comprises a snap-lock function, so that a module can be connected to at least one other module by means of this snap-on. The container (2) in accordance with all previous specifications, where the container is waterproof to hold liquids. The container (2) in accordance with all previous specifications where the container comprises at least one inner container, the shape of the inner container being adapted to fit in the large container (16). The container (2) according to all previous specifications, where the space (16) in the container is divided into two or fl your sections (26). The container (2) according to all the preceding specifications, wherein said container is provided with at least one pump (30) intended to hold a liquid in the container (16), wherein said pump comprises a pump head (34) and wherein said pump has a locked position and an open position. The container (2) according to specification 14, wherein the pump head (34) in its locked position is stored in a recess (32) in said module. A stack (36) comprising at least two modules (2, 38, 39), wherein said modules are interconnected, and where at least two adjacent modules are containers (2) according to specifications 1-15, each container containing a cavity (18), wherein said cavities in at least two of the modules are positioned so that their cross-sectional surfaces partially coincide, so that a common space (40) is formed in said stack (36). The stack (36) according to specification 16. where the cavities (18) in at least two continuous containers (2) have the same cross-sectional area and are positioned so that their cross-sectional surfaces coincide to a significant extent. and in this way forms a common space (40). The stack (36) according to specifications 16-17, where it contains at least one lid module (38, 39), where said lid module can be connected to at least one of the containers (2), and where said lid module in its fixed position covers the cavity (18 ) in an adjacent container module (2). The stack (36) according to specification 18, wherein the lid module (38, 39) forms a container. The stack (36) according to specifications 16-19, where at least one container (2) is rotatable relative to at least one adjacent module, where said rotation maintains the space (40). The stack (36) according to all specifications 16-17, wherein said stack (36) comprises at least one module having a recess (44) and at least one container comprising a pump (30) according to specification 14 or 15, wherein said recess comprises said pump (30) in its open position, so that the pump can be used while still remaining in the stack (36). The stack (36) according to the specifications 16-21, wherein said stack (36) further 16 comprises a disc (40) which is adapted to be pulled out of a module. SUMMARY A container in modular format (2) intended for hygiene products and / or cosmetics. The container (2) comprises a bottom (8), an outer wall (12) and an inner wall (14). The inner wall (14) forms a cavity (18). The container further contains a switch-on function (20, 22) for at least one additional container. The innovation also includes a stack (36) consisting of at least two modules, where at least two of the modules are container modules as described above. (Figure 5 for publication)