WO2006076919A2

WO2006076919A2 - Closure system for container

Info

Publication number: WO2006076919A2
Application number: PCT/DK2006/000029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Pedersen; Karsten NØRSKOV
Original assignee: Caravell A/S
Priority date: 2005-01-19
Filing date: 2006-01-19
Publication date: 2006-07-27
Also published as: DK200500097A; RU2383828C2; RU2007131075A; WO2006076919A3; EP1839003A4; EP1839003A2

Abstract

According to the invention, a closure system (3) for a container (5), where the container (5) has a mainly upwards facing opening (9) which is delimited by a frame member (8), which frame member (8) interacts with at least one lid face (11) is peculiar in that sash members (12) are provided at two opposing sides of the lid face (11) which by displacing the lid face (11) and by interaction with the frame members (8) entails that the lid face (11) is moved in the direction of the force of gravity (15). Hereby is achieved that the closure system closes or pulls the lid face (11) entirely shut each time a customer has opened the container (5) or the freezer with the purpose of taking out an article therefrom.

Description

Closure system for container

The present invention concerns a closure system for a container, where the container has a mainly upwards facing opening which is delimited by frame members, which frame members interact with sash members at two opposing sides of at least one lid face which is displaceable between a first position where the lid face covers the opening and a second position where the lid face exposes the opening, as the sash members of the lid face by interaction with frame members entail that the lid face is moved in the direction of the force of gravity.

Field of the Invention

The closure mechanism is developed for all types of containers where an attractive look is desired, where the articles in the container are at least partly visible through a lid or a wall member which mostly face upwards, and where the container is to be opened and closed manually, but where the final part of the closing process occurs in a controlled and almost automatic way. The closure mechanism may be used for self- closing lids for chest freezers, and in particular for a display freezer for retail sale of food, edible ice, ice-cream, ice lollies, ice desserts or ice products in boxes in supermarkets or similar sales outlets.

The closure mechanism for a cooling box may include a lid of several parts that entirely or partly may slide over each other.

Background of the Invention

From DK 125 599 there is known a sliding lid for a chest freezer where the lid is made of glass in sections and provided with sash members in the form of a moulded edge. The moulded edge serves as guideway/slide rail against frame members in the form of a moulded edge or frame on the chest freezer. The glass sections are provided with heating in order to prevent dew or moisture formation.

From JP 2002 013868 A there is also known a closure system of the kind mentioned in the introduction. This closure system includes rails and wheels that interact to ensure closing of the opening. This system necessitates use of special rails which are disposed with an inclination towards the opening. Thus there is need for an area over the container at a position at the side of the container opening. This is often impossible to establish, e.g. when speaking of chest freezers where there is to be unhindered access to the interior of the container.

Object of the Invention

The purpose of the invention is to indicate a closure system for a container or a freezer, which closure system ensures that the lid closes completely each time the user has opened the container/freezer with the purpose of inserting or taking out a product from the container/freezer. In particular the last 50 mm of the closing movement is important if there is to be established a secure closing in a freezer so that cold from the freezer is not unduly wasted.

Description of the Invention

According to the present invention, this is achieved by a closure system of the type specified in the introduction, which is peculiar in that the sash members are provided at two opposing sides of the lid face extending in parallel with the direction of displacement and is provided with inclining surfaces at each end of sash members, that the frame member has corresponding inclining surfaces which by displacing the lid face interact with the inclining surfaces of the lid face and entail that the lid face is moved in the direction of the force of gravity under a final displacement to the first and second position. Hereby is achieved that the closure system closes or pulls the lid face entirely shut each time a user has opened the container or the freezer with the purpose of inserting or taking out an article from the container.

It has appeared expedient that the displacement of the lid face is effected by manual operation in a direction of displacement mainly transversely of the direction of the force of gravity. The user/customer will only lift and thereby move the lid face a short distance in direction of the force of gravity for subsequently performing the displacement. Actually, the displacement is sufficient as choice of material, sash members and frame members interact. In particular, the invention has appeared suitable in connection with the container being a freezer, preferably a chest freezer with an opening where the frame members encircles that.

Such a freezer would most expediently be constructed by the lid face being mainly four-sided, preferably rectangular, and that the inclining surfaces on the frame members and the sash members of the lid face are inclining in the direction of the force of gravity as well as in the direction of displacement in which the lid face is displaced when opening and closing.

According to the invention it has appeared expedient if the inclining faces include a ramp with an angle between 20° and 25°, preferably 22°. This is suitable for achieving a self-closing action with overcoming the friction with frictional coefficients at the magnitude of about 0.2 - 0.5, which is normal when using POM and/or ABS.

According to a further embodiment, the closure system according to the invention is peculiar in that the ramp has a length between 40 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 50 and 60 mm, particularly 50 mm, and that the ramp has a height between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably 20 mm. Particularly the last 50 mm of the linear closure movement will hereby be performed under the action of the force of gravity. Cold is thereby not unduly wasted from a freezer if the user/customer do not close it completely. Furthermore, suitable dimensions are attained in connection with freezers having commonly occurring sizes.

According to a further embodiment, the closure system according to the invention is peculiar in that the height of the lid face corresponds to the height of the inclining surfaces as measured in direction of the force of gravity. A two-part lid will hereby have lid faces sliding upon each other when they are first displaced along the height of the inclining surfaces. Hereby there will be no need of inclining surfaces for the guideways of the lid faces.

The inclining faces includes one or more of the following elements: sash members, cross member, frame members, slide shoes. It has appeared most suitable that the inclining interacting surfaces are made of plastic, preferably of ABS or POM. It is particularly preferred that the two interacting inclining faces are adapted so that one is made of ABS and the other is made of POM.

According to a further embodiment, the closure system according to the invention is peculiar in that to a container two lid faces are used, and that at the top side and the bottom side of the each lid face there are provided interacting guideways for the displacement of the lid faces.

Description of the drawing. The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, where:

Fig. 1 shows a partial view of a lid and closure system of a container in the form of a freezer in partially opened condition;

Fig. 2 shows details of the frame members of the container and the sash members of the lid faces as seen in the direction of displacement of the lid faces;

Fig. 3 shows details of slide shoes on the sash members of the lid faces for interacting with the frame of the container;

Fig. 4 shows in principle an illustration of four inclining faces for a lid face;

Fig. 5 shows an elementary sketch for the design of guideways for the lid faces; Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a frame for a container in the form of a freezer; and

Figs. 7 - 10 show details of the frame shown in Fig. 6.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In the following, with reference to Figs. 1 - 10 there is described an embodiment where a container 5 in the shape of a chest freezer is closed by a set including two largely horizontal lid faces 11 of glass. The closure system as a whole is designated 3. The reference number 5 is used in the following for the container as well as the chest freezer. Also, reference number 11 is also used for lid faces individually as well as jointly, since the lid faces 11 in the shown embodiment are mirror-inverted in pairs.

Normally, there are two lid faces 11 or a set of two. The lid faces 11 are inclining and curved, but more horizontal than vertical. The reason why they are to be almost horizontal is that the force of gravity is to be utilised for assisting the final closing of the lid faces 11. The guideways 24 described below, which are particularly clearly shown in Fig. 2, thereby become almost horizontal, so that the inclining faces (17, 18, 19) are provided intended maximum effect by the selected materials and friction angles.

In Fig. 2 appears details of a frame or frame member 8 (see Fig. 1) encircling the chest freezer 5 (see Fig. 1). Also, details at the guideways 24 are shown.

All the Figures 1 - 3 are partially in section.

Each lid face 11 is encircled by sash members 12, 13. The reason why there is to be a sash 12, 13 is that glass or corresponding translucent plastic does not have the desired frictional properties. By making the individual sash members 12, 13 in a suitable way, the desired properties may be achieved.

At the bottom side of the sash 12 of each individual lid face 11, inclining surfaces 18, 19 are provided at the end facing away from the centre. This means, that the sash 12 comprises an inclining face 18, 19. These inclining faces 18, 19 do not need to extend in the entire length of the sash 12.

At the bottom of the sash 13 of each individual lid face 11 facing the centre, an inclining surface 17 is provided. The inclining surface 17 facing the centre may fit in the entire length of the sash 13.

Between the lid faces 11, when closed, there is a centre bridge or cross-bar 21 that is not secured on any of the lid faces 11 or their sashes 13. This centre bridge or crossbar 21 is obliquely cut off at each side for forming inclining surfaces 30 (see Figs. 7 and 9) or made so that inclining faces are formed which interact with the inclining surfaces 17 on the lid faces 11. The lid faces 11 will thus when closed come to lie down in the same plane as the centre bridge or cross-bar 21. In the frame 8 of the freezer there is thus provided inclining surfaces at all four corners of a lid face 11 for interacting with the corresponding inclining faces on the lid face 11. These inclining surfaces all have the same angle α as illustrated in Fig. 4.

As it particularly appears from Fig. 6 and Figs. 8 and 10, inclining faces 28, 29 are provided in the frames 8 in the chest freezer 5, the faces 28, 29 corresponding to the inclining surfaces 18, 19 on the lid faces 11 at the end facing away from the centre of the freezer/frame.

These inclining faces 17, 18, 19 at each end of every lid face 11 and in the sashes 12, 13, frames 8 and the centre bridge or cross-bar 21, respectively, cause that when the lid parts 11 are almost closed - to each their side - they will be drawn by the weight of the lid faces 11 the final length to their position, and the freezer 5 is actually shut.

When one of the lid faces 11 are pushed aside, one end slides up upon the centre bridge or cross-bar 21 and then across the other lid face (see particularly Fig. 1). In the longitudinal edges of the lid faces, mouldings or guideways 24 are provided which function as guide 24 for the lid face 11 sliding in over the other. These guideways 24 may thus be uniform as they are only to receive the other lid face when it is pushed aside.

In closed position, the lid faces 11 will thus advantageously lie at the same level, with their top side in a plane flushing with the top side of the frame 8 and the top side of the cross-bar 21. By displacing, the inclining surfaces interact so that a lid face 11 is displaced in parallel to an upper level. Then the lid face 11 will subsequently be displaced linearly by supporting in the guideways 24 in the second and underlying lid face 11, and during this linear displacement the two lid faces will be kept in mutually parallel position.

Sections, frames 8 and guideways 24 for the lid faces 11 may be made of different materials by current production methods. Materials to be mentioned can be plastic, aluminium, steel or similar metals. Production methods to be mentioned may be extrusion, vacuum moulding or injection moulding. Besides, a friction-reducing coating may be applied.

In the same way as the parts for the lid faces 11, the frame 8 or the frames 8 may be produced from different materials by current production methods. Materials to be mentioned can be plastic, aluminium, steel or similar metals. Also, a friction-reducing coating may be applied here. Frame, lid and particularly those of their parts in mutual connection are to be matched by material so that function, service life and hygiene can fulfil current standards.

It is appropriate that the lid faces 11 themselves are of glass or at least with a display area of glass. Alternatively, plastic may be chosen. The lid faces 11 may also be made as a stratified construction, which may have better insulation properties.

The closing mechanism 3 itself is disposed in the part of the lid sash 12, 13 that interact with the frame 8.

When the closing surfaces 11 are closed, they are wanted in level with the frame 8 (see also Fig. 2). When the lid faces 11 are closed, they are to fit tightly almost entirely the whole way around along the frame 8. The individual lid faces 11 are not to fall off when opened and closed in normal use. The lid faces 11 are, however, to be removed for cleaning. There should be no sharp corners or similar hooks making cleaning difficult. It is suitable that the lid faces 11 can be locked. The lid faces 11 may be curved as well as flat lids. The materials should be UL-approved.

At the outset, ABS is preferred since there is a tradition of using this material for the frame 8 as well as the sash 12, 13.

In connection with the inclining parts 17, 18, 19 or ramps, it is important to minimise friction, as this will enable using flatter ramps, facilitating the opening of the lid for the user. With regard to friction, it is recommended to use POM, possibly with PTFE- coating. For several reasons it will be advantageous to use POM in the form of local slide shoes 22 (see Fig. 3) instead of using it for the whole frame 8 or the sash 12, 13. This is associated with the material properties, where POM is more expensive than ABS, POM is more difficult to mould than ABS, and POM provides less nice surfaces than ABS. However, POM has even very good friction and wear properties.

Unfortunately, friction coefficients are not certain, in particular after use for some time. Therefore it is necessary to require a large safety margin if the lids are always self-closing.

ABS against ABS can be expected to have coefficient of friction where μ = 0.5 when the objects are clean. In comparison, ABS against POM has μ = 0.2 when the objects are clean.

Therefore, it is expedient to use POM in the form of slide shoes 22 that slide against ABS. Dimensioning may be performed according to a coefficient of friction where μ = 0.4. This value is a compromise between the wish that it shall be easy to open the lid 11, and the requirement that all lids 11 are to be self-closing over a long period of time.

ABS against POM is used against the ramps, and four identical ramps per lid are constructed. With the selected materials, the inclination on the ramps is set to 22°. The length of the ramps thus becomes at least 50 mm and the height becomes 20 mm.

hi Fig. 5 it is illustrated that the guideways 24 for the sash members 12' of the lids running in parallel with the direction of displacement of the lids in horizontal and vertical plan are made so that they guide the lid precisely along one edge 32 and loosely along the other edge 34. hi that way, one may make lid faces 11 where the force of gravity on the individual lid face 11 can be used for pressing the sealing faces together. Hereby a suitable tightness is obtained.

The more inclining lid face 11 — meaning the lid faces 11 becoming less horizontal - the less the force of gravity is acting. This means that the force of gravity acts at a flat angle on the sealing surface. It is therefore suitable in closed position to let the lid 11 and the sash members 12, 13 of the lid wedge themselves down between the front frame 24 and the sealing face (see particularly Figs. 2 and 5). Thus the friction between the front frame and the sash members 12, 13 of the lid become critical, why the choice of material should be ABS against POM.

In Fig. 9 appears that on the outer end 36 of the cross-bar 21 there is formed a projecting guide pin 38 which is adapted to engage a guide slot at the side of the sash members 12, 13 of the lid face, so that a securing system is formed, contributing to forming a guiding of the displacement after the lid face 11 has been pushed a length up along the inclining surfaces. With the outlined solution to the securing system of the lid faces 11, it will be possible to design these lid faces 11 with associated guideways 24 so that dismounting a lid face 11 may occur by pushing it a length up along the ramps - but not right up to the position where the guide pin 38 engages the guide slot - and then lift the front end of the lid upwards in order thereby to pull it out of its rear guideway in the rearmost frame. This appears best from Fig. 1 compared with Fig. 9.

A whole lid for a chest freezer 5 of this type normally consists of at least two lid faces 11, or at least of set of pairs. These lid faces 11 may then be mutually displaced. The lid faces 11 do not need to be plane, but may advantageously be curved with an almost constant cross-section - at least in their direction of displacement 16 in which they are displaced by opening and closing. Both lid faces 11 may be at the same level, and the frame 8 itself, when the lid faces 11 are mounted, will not protrude above the lid faces 11.

The lid faces 11 are guided when the lid is open by means of interacting grooves or projections in the side moulding 24 or members of the frame 8 adjacent to the lid faces 11. The lid faces 11 may alternatively be controlled by guide pins placed in the centre bridge.

When choosing the guiding, it is thus emphasised that it should not demand fine tolerances from side to side, that it must not entail large moments between frame and sash, that it has to be able to resist lifting of the lid with relatively great force, that is has to allow that a closed lid fits tightly to the frame, that it has a practical design which may be moulded in a simple tool, and that it can guide the lid accurately along one edge 32 and "loosely" along the other edge 34.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may be modified by a skilled in the art within the scope of the claims below.

Claims

1. A closure system (3) for a container (5), where the container (5) has a mainly upwards facing opening (9) which is delimited by frame members (8), which frame members (8) interact with sash members at two opposing sides of at least one lid face (11) which is displaceable between a first position where the lid face covers the opening and a second position where the lid face exposes the opening, as the sash members of the Hd face by interaction with frame members (8) entail that the lid face (11) is moved in the direction of the force of gravity (15), characterised in that the sash members are provided at two opposing sides of the lid face (11) extending in parallel with the direction of displacement and is provided with inclining surfaces (17, 18, 19) at each end of sash members (12, 13), that the frame member (8) has corresponding inclining surfaces (28, 29, 30) which by displacing the lid face (11) interact with the inclining surfaces of the lid face and entail that the lid face (11) is moved in the direction of the force of gravity (15) under a final displacement to the first and second position.

2. Closure system according to claim 1, characterised in that the displacement of the lid face (11) is effected by manual operation in a direction of displacement (16) mainly transversely of the direction of the force of gravity (15).

3. Closure system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the container (5) is a freezer, preferably a chest freezer with an opening (9).

4. Closure system according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the lid face (H) is mainly four-sided, preferably rectangular, and that the inclining surfaces (17,

18, 19, 28, 29, 30) on the frame members (8) and the sash members (12, 13) of the lid face (11) are inclining in the direction of the force of gravity (15) as well as in the direction of displacement (16) in which the lid face (16) is displaced when opening and closing.

5. Closure system according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the inclining faces (17, 18, 19, 28, 29, 30) include a ramp with an angle between 20° and 25°, preferably 22°.

6. Closure system according to claim 5, characterised in that the ramp has a length between 40 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 50 and 60 mm, particularly 50 mm, and that the ramp has a height between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably 20 mm.

7. Closure system according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the height of the lid face (11) corresponds to the height of the inclining faces (17, 18, 19, 28, 29,

30) as measured in the direction of the force of gravity (15).

8. Closure system according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the inclining interacting faces (17, 18, 19, 28, 29, 30) are made of plastic, preferably of ABS or POM.

9. Closure system according to claim 8, characterised in that two interacting inclining faces (17, 18, 19, 28, 29, 30) are adapted so that one is made of ABS and the other is made of POM.

10. Closure system according to any preceding claim, characterised in that to a container two lid faces (11) are used, and that at the top side and the bottom side of the each lid face (11) there are provided interacting guideways (24) for the displacement of the lid faces (11).