US2465752A - Automatic combination container and cover - Google Patents

Description

March 29, 1949. q M. M. RODBELL 2,465,752

AUTOMATIC COMBINATION CONTAINER AND COVER Filed March 30, 1948 INVENTOR. 1140670 114. iODBEZL @Mue Y 7 Patented Mar. 29, 1949 OFFICE 2,465,752 AUTOMATIC COMBINATION CONTAINER AND COVER Morton M. Rodbell, New York, N. Y. Application March 30, 1948, Serial No.'17,906

12 Claims. (Cl. 206-63) My present invention relates to an automatic container having a base section and a cover section with the cover section so arranged that the cover will normally be closed; but a simple pressure of the hand at a convenient portion of the base will cause the cover to tilt to the open position, rendering the upper surface of the base section visible.

The base section which is covered by the automatically operable cover may have any suitable or appropriate conformation to adapt it to a variety of purposes. Thus, its upper surface may have a depression or well therein specifically fitted and arranged to receive the tab of a memorandum pad, index pad, or other type of stationery unit.

The well or depression of the base section may be sufficiently deep and appropriately dimensioned so that the base section may be adapted to utilization as a cigarette box, jewelry container, hair-pin container, or as a container for many other purposes.

The cover section may also be provided, if desired, with a well or depression in its upper surface adapting it to receive a calendar pad, advertising device, a mirror, ornamentation of various kinds, and other replaceable or permanently attached items.

In one embodiment where my automatic unit is sold as a desk unit, the base section may be arranged so that a telephone index pad may be secured therein, the pad being covered by the cover section, the cover section extending down to a point Where only the index tabs of the telephone index pad are visible. The upper or cover section may then have provision for insertion of a calendar pad.

Thus, while my novel unit is adapted to many purposes including among those previously mentioned and in addition to many other usages its adaptation as a pin or clip tray, a tray for individual sheets or for any other article which may be permanently secured or removably placed in the unit, it is nevertheless a simplified structure requiring in most cases no modification in changing from one use to another, and in some cases only minor modifications.

While my unit may preferably be made of any thermo-setting or thermo-plastic material, it may also be made of wood, metal, paper board,

; leather, or other materials, and the cover and base sections may individually be made of different materials or combinations of different materials, and the base may also be arranged so that in addition or in place of providing a support for solid objects, it may serve as an ash-tray, powder container, or for other similar purposes.

The tilting back of the cover as above pointed out occurs automatically when pressure is applied at an appropriate convenient point; but the cover when it is tilted to the vertical position rendering the contents of the bottom section available, provides a shield for the base, blocking the view of the base with respect to anyone but the actual user of the article.

Thus, where the base section contains a memorandum pad, markings on the memorandum pad may automatically be concealed from anyone but the user even though the pad is in use.

My invention is directed to the principle of construction of the cover member in conjunction with the base section so that the cover member may open without any mechanical or other assistance other than that the base must be so arranged that its rear end, that is, the point of attachment'of the cover thereto, be off the surface on which the unit rests.

The primary object of my invention, however, is the arrangement of the cover member in such manner that finger pressure at the forward end of the base member will cause the cover to tilt automatically to a vertical position uncovering the base.

' For this purpose the cover member is pivoted at the rear end of the base member and extends below the bottom of the base member on a for wardly directed curve so that the point of contact of the cover with the surface on which the unit rests is located between the pivot point of the cover and the front end of the base.

Finger pressure adjacent the front end of the base will thus result in downward pressure at the rear end of the base as well and hence downward pressure at the pivot point of the cover.

Since this downward pressure is rearwardly of the point of contact of the cover with the surface on which the unit rests, this will be translated effectively into upward pressure by the action of forces on the point on which the cover extension engages the surface, thus causing the cover to pivot upwardly about its pivot.

Thus, another object of my invention is the provision of a novel container unit provided with a cover wherein the cover may automatically tilt to uncover the base member on the application of finger pressure to a portion of the base member.

Another object-of my invention is the arrangement of the cover member so that its pivot on the base and its point of contact with the surface on which the unit rests are so arranged that down- Ward pressure on any portion of the base member will result effectively in downward pressure on the pivot of the cover and corresponding upward pressure on the point of engagement of the cover with the surface.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a novel container unit provided with a base section for retention of an index pad or memorandum pad or other contents as above noted and a cover section hingedly connected thereto provided with means for retention of a calendar pad or other pad, or other inserts as an adve r.. tising message, a display case or other product or article.

Another object of my invention is the formartion and construction of a novel combination con-v tainer having a base and a cover section including means for presenting either the upper surface of the base or they upper surface of the cover to view at the will of the user.

Essentially, as above pointed out, my invention contemplates an arrangement of the base so that one end of the base rests on the surface or table top on which the entire unit rests. The other end of the base is raised clear of the surface or table top by the curved camming member of the cover section, which camming member is so arranged that on the application of finger pressure at the first mentioned portion of the base, the

cover will be rotated to the open position.

The foregoing and many; other objects of my invention will become apparent in the following description and drawings in which Figure l is a view in perspective of my novel desk unit in closed position.

Figure 2 is aschema-tic side View showing [the closed position of the unit.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing the open position of-the unit.

Figure 4 is an expanded view showing the relationship of the parts orthe unit.

Figure 5 is a view in perspective showing the unit of Fig-urel in open position.

Referring now to the figures, my novel unit comprises a base member I 0 preferably made, of

a readily moldable thermo-plastic or thermo-setting plastic material having a depressed well-i3 inits upper-surf ace.

The cover and-[the base may individually or in combination be made of all-types of material including metal, leather, wood, paper, fibre, orcombinations of any such materials. The cover and base may be the same colororcontrasting-colors, andeach of-the cover and base may themselves be made incombinations of colors where desired. Thus, the base may -be-ofmetal or wood andthe top maybe of leather or may be leather covered. Other combinations of materials will readily suggest themselves.

The bottom wallof Well 13 isprovided with a pair of slots l4, I5 to receivea tab of aniindex rp-ad, memorandum pad, or other suitablematerial which may beplacedin the well 13. The recess I 6 in the centerslot l5 facilitates the passing through of thetab of a memorandum pad where one is used.

The memorandum-or index padrwhich may-be -used in connection with theunit is not-shown herein sin-cethese are of standard well-knownconstruction.

A hole I! may be provided in the base for-attaching other elements which it maybedesired ito mountfinlthe well l3'-of--the;base. Thus, in-

, other I8 is not cured Ito the bottom wall of well 13 of the base, covering up the slots l4 and 15, or the base may be made without slots I4 and I5 and even without the hole l1 to serve as a container for ashes, powder, paper clips, bobby pins, etc., or an advertising device or ornament or other solid object, or other type of pad may be secured in the well l3 in any suitable manner, as for instance by passing a fastening device through the hole l1.

The forward end of the base ll! may have any suitable construction and, for instance, may be provided with the transverse pen or pencil recess [8.

In appropriate cases where the device is to be usedas a container for powder, paper clips, or elements where a pencil recess 0r trough desired, such pencil recess or trough may be omitted entirely, or suitable means such as a contrasting ornamental filler may be placed in the pencil recess or trough I8. One such contrasting trough or pencil recess filler may be a transparent piece ofcellulose acetate poured into the recess and hardened therein.

The cover member-as shown extends down only so far as, would be necessary to cover the body of an indexed pad, leaving the index tabs visible.

Where the base member is to be utilized to hold other elements, suchas cigarettes, jewelry, powder, ashes, etc., the end of the cover member may extend clear down beyond the forward end of the well IS in the base to completely cover the well.

The forward edge of thecover member may indeed be arranged to enter into a slot provided adjacent the forward end of the base in order to provide an efficient and complete closure for the unit. Theforward end of the base may, if necessary, be provided at 20 with a legend such as the legend shown Press here to guide the user in exerting pressure in the correct position to operate the mechanism in the-manner hereinafter-described.

The'rear end of :the base is provided with extensions .21, 2! preferablyintegrally formed with the base. These extensions provide a pivot for the covermember 30.

The cover member 30 as shown in the figures has anupper surface 3| containing a depressed well 32 provided with suitable recesses or slots 33, 33 to receivea .tab-orextension of a calendar pad or othersuitable pad.

The depressed'wel1 3.2.may. also be arranged to provide asupport for an inset-display caseshowwing some productor an advertising I panel, or f or any other suitable material. If-d-esired, the well 32 may even be provided with a lid so that the cover itself-willbe a container.

vTheslots 33, 33 as arrangemmay actually re- .ceiveand position the entirepad, maintainingthe face of thecover,

The calendanpadlmay then bepinched 0r slid outof the slotseachmonthto facilitatetheremoval of the top sheet or theltopsheetmay-simply be .pulled off.

Other types ofinserts may, of course, beused inthe recess 32 wheredesired; Ihave here shown my composite .unit constructed as a combined index or,memorandum pad and calendar pad iarrangement.

which may be desired. Where the well 32 of the cover is to be used as a container for loose articles and is in turn to be provided with a lid, then of course the base of the well 32 will be flat and unbroken.

The cover 30 is provided with the side flanges 35,35 each of which has an opening 36 which may be sprung over the lug or extension 2| on each side of the base I0, thereby pivoting the cover 30 on the base 10. A

A reinforcement 35a may be provided along the sides of the flanges 35 and extending up over the openings 36 so that the ends of the lugs or extensions 2| will be flush with the outer surface of the flanges 35 when they are in position.

The side flanges 35 are specifically curved as shown in the figures so that the point 40 at which the side flanges engage the table is located forwardly of the pivot 2| on each side, and therefore is located between the pivot 2| and the front end of the base l having the pencil recess l8 and the finger guide 20.

The portion 4| of each side fiange 35 between the point of engagement 40 with the surface on which the unit rests and the rear 40 of the cover is curved as shown so that the cover may readily pivot from the position of Figures 1 and 2 to the position of Figures 8 and 5.

The forward ends 44 of the side flanges are curved and shaped so that the cover 30 engages the surface on which the unit rests only at the points or areas 40.

The curve M is preferably a rounded one, as shown in the figures, so that irrespective of the angle at which the cover may be, the point 40 of engagement with the surface will always be effectively a point contact so that the unit may by slight pressure at point 20 be operated to raise the cover only partly, and then by additional pressure may be operated to raise the cover all the way.

Where it is desired to so arrange the unit that the cover will, however, be closed or snapped to a full open position, then instead of a curve at 4|, it would be necessary then to use simply a straight line so that the unit would snap from the point of contact 40 to a full open position,

terminating with the straight line in contact with the surface.

With the present arrangement a slight but continuous pressure will operate the unit to open the cover all the way. Reducing the pressure and pressing for only a minute interval of time as determined by the user will open the cover only part way. As a practical matter, I have found that a slight finger pressure of but a few ounces will serve to open the cover entirely and the user may readily determine for himself after one or two attempts just what pressure will serve to open the cover only part way.

Thus, where the unit is used as a covered ashtray, only a slight opening of the cover is needed to deposit ashes. Where it is used as a cigarette container, only a partial opening of the cover is needed, to remove a cigarette. Where it is used as a memorandum pad, then the cover should snap to the full open position of Figure 3 in order to enable appropriate markings to be made on the memorandum pad.

It will thus be seen from a comparison of Figures 2 and 3 that when pressure is applied to the forward end of the base at approximately the area 50 of Figure 2, this downward pressure will also be transmitted to the pivot or lug 2| and the entire base will act as a lever pivoting downwardly around point 5| which is the line of engagement of the forward end of the base with the surface on which the unit rests thereby exerting downward pressure on the lugs or pivots 2|.

This downward pressure being exerted rearwardly of the points of contact 40 of the side flanges of the cover 30 with the surface will, therefore, exert a corresponding counterclockwise rotative eifect on the points of contact with respect to Figure 2.

This will result in rotation of the points 40 of flanges 35 around the pivots 2| and hence in rotation of the entire cover 30 from the position of Figure 2 to the position of-Figure 3.

Consequently, when the user desires to obtain access to the well l3 in the base, he need merely place his finger at the area 20 exerting a slight downward pressure therein. This will cause the cover to snap from the position of Figures 1 and 2 to the position of Figures 3 and 4.

He may then consult the index pad or other contents in well l3 or make notes thereon and when he is finished he may then rotate the cover back from the position of Figures 3 and 5 to the position of Figures 1 and 2.

Since the cover snaps from the position of Figures 1 and 2 to the position of Figures 3 and 5, any note or view which the user may wish to make or do even while another person is present will be shielded automatically from the view of the other person.

Various means may be provided in conjunction with my invention, including various stippling or ornamental elements, special arrangements or conformations-of the cover or of the base, pro vision for advertising messages or legends, provision for more than one pencil recess l8, if desired.

While my unit will operate simply on downward finger pressure at the area as above described, it will also operate on rearward movement of the entire unit, especially where the point 40 is in good frictional engagement with the surface on which the unit rests.

I have found that the natural tendency of operating my unit isthat when finger pressure is applied at the area 20 at the same time some rearward force is exerted by the user without specific instruction to do so.

Actually I have found that either action, downward pressure at point 20 or a rearward push, will serve to open the unit.

The combination of these two forces causes the cover 30 to snap from the position of Figures 1 and 2 to the position of Figures 3 and 5 with practically no effort. By the arrangement herein shown, the twopiece unit can be disconnected and used separately, the top portion as a calendar or other purpose; the bottom portion as a separate memorandum pad or calendar support, display device, container for cigarettes, paper clips, jewelry, powder, ashes, etc.

The sides and top may be appropriately decorated when desired. Thus, a thermometer may be placed on one side of the cover or other elements or materials may be incorporated.

In the foregoing I have described my invention solely in connection with specific illustrative embodiments thereof. Since many variations and modifications of my invention will now be obvious to those skilled in the art, I prefer to be bound not by the specific disclosure herein contained, but only by the appended claims.

I. claim:

1. A container comprising a. base section and a. cover section; said cov r section being rotatably connected tov said base section at one end of. said base section and being rotatable about said connec icn from. a position where. it encloses t least a portion of the upper surface of. said base section to a position where. it reveals. the upper. surfa ev of the base section; said. cover having depending side sections at the. region oi securement of the cover to the base; said side sections extendin below the. lowest portion. of the base at S i r n; said container being adapted to. rest on a surface. With said dependent side sections ofthe cover and. the end of the base. opposite said side. sections. in en agement with said surface; said side sections. being curved. to; provide substantially a. point. contact between said. side sections. and said surfa e; said poin Contac being located on each. side between the point. of rotatable securement, of thecover to the base and the end. of. the. base-in. contactwith said surface; ressure. on. the upper; surface of the base adiacent the end thereof in contact. with. the surface causing said cover to. rotate from; closed to. open position.

2.. A container comprising; a base. section, and a cover section; said cover sectionbeing. rota-ta bly connected. to said base. section at. one. end. of said base. section, and being. rotatable, about said connection from a position where;- it encloses, at least. a. po on o h -upper surfaceof said ba e section to; a. position. Where it. reveals the upper siltface, of the base. section; said cover having depending side sections. at the region of secure.- ment of th cover to. the base; said side sections extending below the lowest portion. of the base at said region; said container being adapted to rest. on a surface with said dependent. side sections of the cover. and the end of the. base opposite. said side sections. in. engagement with said surface; said. side sectionsbeing curved. to pro.- vide substantially a point. contact between said side sections andlsaidsurface; saidipoint. contact being located on each side between the point. of rotatable securement ofthe cover to, the base and the end of" the base in contact with said-surface; pressure on the upper surface of the-base adjacent the end thereof in contactwith the surface causing the pivot. off said cover to press downwardlyand causing said-point of-contact to be pushed upwardly-to rotate said coverfrom closed to open position.

3. A container comprising a base section and a cover section; said" cover-sectionbeingrotatably connected to said basesection at one end of said base section and being rotatable about said connection from a position where-it encloses at least a portion of the'uppersurface of saidbase section to a: position where it reveals the upper surfaceofv the base-section; said cover having depending side sections at the region of securement of; the cover to thebase; saidisidd sections ex;- tending below the lowest portion: of; the baseat said region; said;containerybcingiadapted to rest Q1113! surface; WithLsalldidfipendentlSidEiSBCtiODSjOf C V 1 -2tnd; the; end: of: the base opposite: said id sections in engagement. with. said surface; sa d; side sections b.e ing;-. curved; to.:provide, substantially a point; contactbetween said-side sections andsaid-surface; said point contact being located on eachside betweenthe point ,of rotatable sccurement of ,the;-cover\to thdbase and.the end of; the; base, in contact. with said. surface; pressure, on theuppen surface of, the base: causing said cover to-rotate from closed to open position.

4. A container comprising a base section and a cover section; said cover section being rotatably connected to said base section at one end of. said base section and being rotatable about said connection from a position where it encloses at. least a. portion of the upper surface of said base section to a position where it reveals the upper surface of the base section; said cover havingv depending side sections at the region. of securement of. the cover to the base; said side sections extendin below the lowest portion of the. base at. said. region; said container being adapted to rest on a. surface with said dependent side: sections of. the cover and the end of the base opposite said side sections in engagement with said surface; said side sections being curved to provide substantially a point cont-act between said side sections and said surface; said point: contact being located on each side between the point of rotatable securement of the cover to. the base and; the end of the base in contact with; saidsurface.

5.. A. container comprising a base section and a cover section; said cover section being rotatably connected to said.- base section at one end of said base section and being rotatable about said. connection from a, position where it encloses at least a. portion of the upper surface of said base section. to aposition where it reveals the upper surface of the base section; said cover having depending side sections at the region of securement of the cover to the base; said side sections extending below the lowest portion of the; basev at said region; said container being adapted to rest on, av surface with said dependentside sections of the. cover and the end of the base opposite said side sections in engagement with said. surface; said side sections being curved to provide substantially a pointv contact between said side sections and. said surface; said point contact. being: located on. each side between the point of. rotatable securement of. the cover to the base and the end of. the base in contact with said. surface and a pencil. recess in a portion of the base beyond. the end. of. said cover.

6... A container comprising. a base section. and a cover section; said cover section being rotatably connected. to. said. base section at one end of. said base, section. and; being rotatable about said, connection from. a. position. where it en.- closes at least a. portionof. the upper surface. of said base. section to a. position. where it reveals the. upper surfacecf. the. base section; said cover having depending; side sections. at the. region. of securernent of. the coverv to the base; said. side sections extending: below the lowest. portion. of the base at said. region; said container being adapted to rest on. a surface with. said. depend.- entside sections ofthe cover. and the end of the base. opposite. said sidesections in engagement with said surface; curved-to. provide substantially a. point contact bQtWBtihrsdidSidc sections andsaid surface; said pointncontact being located on eachside between thetpoint of rotatablesecurement. of the cover to, the base: and theend of. the base in contact with said surface; a recess in theupper surface of said base formingacontainer.

7. A-. container comprising a basesection and aicoversection; said cover sectionbeing rotatably, connected.topsaidpbase. section at one. end of saidbase section and.beingrotatableabout said. connection from. apositionpwhere it ensaid side sections being.

9 closes at least a portion of the upper surface of said base section to a position where it reveals the upper surface of the base section; said cover having depending side sections at the region of securement of the cover to the base; said side sections extending below the lowest portion of the base at said region; said container being adapted to rest on a surface with said dependent side sections of the cover and the end of the base opposite said side sections in engagement with said surface; said side sections being curved to provide substantially a point contact between said side sections and said surface; said point contact being located on each side between the point of rotatable securement of the cover to the base and the end of the base in contact with said surface; a recess in the upper surface of said base forming a container; said cover permitting a portion of said recessed container to be exposed to view when covered.

8. A container comprising a base section and a cover section; said cover section being rotatably connected to said base section at one end of said base section and being rotatable about said connection from a position where it encloses at least a portion of the upper surface of said base section to a position where it reveals the upper surface of the base section; said cover having depending side sections at the region of securement of the cover to the base; said side sections extending below the lowest portion of the base at said region; said container being adapted to rest on a surface with said dependent side sections of the cover and the end of the base opposite said side sections in engagement with said surface; said side sections being curved to provide substantially a point contact between said side sections and said surface; said point contact being located on each side between the point of rotatable securement of the cover to the base and the end of the base in contact with said surface; a recess in the upper surface of said base forming a container and a recess in the upper surface of said cover forming a container.

9. A container comprising a base section and a cover section; said cover section being rotatably connected to said base section at one end of said base section and bein rotatable about said connection from a position where it encloses at least a portion of the upper surface of said base section to a position where it reveals the upper surface of the base section; said cover having depending side sections at the region of securement of the cover to the base; said side sections extending below the lowest portion of the base at said region; said container being adapted to rest on a surface with said dependent side sections of the cover and the end of the base opposite said side sections in engagement with said surface; said side sections being curved to provide substantially a point contact between said side sections and said surface; said point contact being located on each side between the point of rotatable securement of the cover to the base and the end of the base in contact with said surface; and a recess in the upper surface of said cover forming a container. 10. A container comprising a base section and a cover section; said cover section being rotatably connected to said base section at one end of said base section and being rotatable about said conof the base section; said cover having depending side sections at the region of securement of the cover to the base; said side sections extending below the lowest portion of the base at said region; said container being adapted to rest on a surface with said dependent side sections of the cover and the end of the base opposite said side sections in engagement with said surface; said side sections being curved to provide substantially a point contact between said side sections and said surface; said point contact being located on each side between the point of rotatable securement of the cover to the base and the end of the base in contact with said surface; a recess in the upper surface of said base forming a container; the recess in said base providing means for securing a pad therein.

11. A container comprising a base section and a cover section; said cover section being rotatably connected to said base section at one end of said base section and being rotatable about said connection from a position where it encloses at least a portion of the upper surface of said base section to a position where it reveals the upper surface of the base section; said cover having depending side sections at the region of securement of the cover to the base; said side sections extending below the lowest portion of the base at said region; said container being adapted to rest on a surface with said dependent side sections of the cover and the end of the base opposite said side sections in engagement with said surface; said side sections being curved to provide substantially a point contact between said side sections-and said surface; said point contact being located on each side between the point of rotatable securement of the cover to the base and the end of the base in contact with said surface; a recess in the upper surface of said base forming a container; the recess in said cover providing means for securing a pad therein.

12. A container comprising a base section and a cover section; said cover section being rotatably connected to said base section at one end of said base section and being rotatable about said connection from a position where it encloses at least a portion of the upper surface of said base section to a position where it reveals the upper surface of the base section; said cover having depending side sections at the region of securement of the cover to the base; said side sections extending below the lowest portion of the base at said region; said container being adapted to rest on a surface with said dependent side sections of the cover and the end of the base opposite said side sections in engagement with said surface; said side sections being curved to provide substantially a point of contact between said side sections and said surface; said point contact being located on each side between the point of rotatable securement of the cover to the base and the end of the base in contact with said surface; said base and cover member being disconnectable to form separate units.

MORTON M. RODBELL.

REFERENCES CITED FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Sept. 9, 1935 Number

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