WO2014141112A1 - Closing device for a leather article - Google Patents

Abstract

Described is a closing device for a leather article (1) comprising a coupling head (5) connected to a flap (3) and a case (6) for receiving the head (5) associated with a front surface (4) of the article (1); the case (6) comprises a front opening (7) for receiving the head (5) through its movement along a plane parallel to the front surface (4); the means (8) for retaining the coupling head (5) are positioned in the receiving case (6) and configured for releasing the head (5) from the case (6) upon a manual command; the retaining means (8) comprise a lever (9) having a first portion (9a) for locking the head (5) equipped with an end tooth (10) for locking the head (5), and a second operating portion (9b) protruding from the receiving case (6); the lever (9) is pivoted inside the case (6) and is able to rotate between a first operating position, wherein the lever (9) is parallel to the front surface (4), and a second operating position wherein the lever (9) is inclined and its first portion (9a), located close to the front opening (7) of the case (6), is moved close to a lower base (11) of the case (6) in contact with the front surface (4); the elastic elements (12) for pushing on the first portion (9a) of the lever (9), are interposed between the first portion (9a) and the lower base (11) of the case (6) to allow the lever (9) to be kept in the first operating portion, and a controlled rotational movement of the lever (9) between the first and second operating position, and vice versa, for the entry and the snap-on locking of the coupling head (5), using the end tooth (10), inside the receiving case (6).

Description

DESCRIPTION

CLOSING DEVICE FOR A LEATHER ARTICLE

Technical field

This invention relates to a closing device for leather articles such as bags, handbags, cases and the like. Background art

In the field of accessories for leather articles, as regards articles such as bags, handbags, suitcases, cases and the like, made from leather or fabric, both natural and synthetic, closing devices are used which hold together two opposite sides of the articles in question.

It should be noted that the term "leather articles", as mentioned above, does not only mean bags, handbags, cases, suitcases or the like made of leather, but also includes similar products made from other natural materials different from leather, natural fabric, synthetic material, etc.

For example, these articles have the closure of the relative access zone or opening with a tab forming an integral part of the bag.

The flap is connected or hinged to an edge of the access opening and they have as the closing element a knob, or button, rotatably fixed to an outer side of the bag.

Other closing devices comprise belts with buckles or, in other examples, an element having a catch or tooth which can be inserted in a matching seat provided with at least one contact element where there are retaining means which can be operated by a single knob or pairs of knobs.

Another type of closing device comprises a tab element having a substantially rectangular transversal cross-section and a thickness which can be varied elastically by compression, which can be inserted in a corresponding rectangular through hole.

However, these closing devices have several drawbacks.

More specifically, the devices operated by a knob or button rotatable about a slot are not very practical during opening and closing and have a low level of security in the case of impacts and the device is thus easy to open.

The closing devices with belts or buckles or elastic tabs are more secure than the previous devices, but are in any case not very practical, are slow to open and close, and are not always applicable to high quality leather articles.

The devices with a catch insertable in a seat equipped with at least one contact element with retaining means which can be operated from the outside are not very practical and also have a low security of closing.

Another prior art solution of the closing device is known from document FR 1465897.

In this specific case, the device comprises a coupling head connected to a flap of the article and a case for receiving the head associated with a front surface of the article.

The case comprises a front opening for receiving the head through it. In the case there are means for retaining the coupling head configured to release the head from the case upon a manual command.

This solution comprises retaining means consisting of a system with two superposed planes movable due to their elastic deformation, and so as to allow a lowering and raising movement of a further plane or tooth at right angles to them to lock or release a shaped end of the coupling head.

However, this system has many drawbacks due to the poor manoeuvrability and response of the levers during opening and closing and poor reliability over time resulting from wear of the levers and their loss of elasticity.

Moreover, the manual control lever requires an end stroke hook to prevent it from deforming the lever lower with an angle of inclination which is too high and such as to plastically deform the second lever.

All of this, therefore, reduces the quality of the device, with reduced reliability over time and it is very complex and expensive. Disclosure of the invention

The aim of this invention is to provide a closing device for leather articles, such as bags, handbags and the like, which overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a closing device for leather articles, such as bags, handbags and the like, which is able to close the article securely, effectively and quickly.

A further aim of this invention is to provide a closing device for leather articles, such as bags, handbags and the like, which is capable of guaranteeing a quick and automatic closing of the bag even without manual intervention.

These aims are fully achieved by the closing device for leather articles according to this invention as characterised in the appended claims.

More specifically, the closing device for leather articles comprises a coupling head connected to a flap of the article and a case for receiving the head associated with a front surface of the article.

The case comprises a front opening for receiving the head through its movement along a plane parallel to the front surface. In the case there are means for retaining the coupling head configured to release the head from the case upon a manual command.

According to the invention, the retaining means comprise a lever having a first portion for locking the head equipped with an end tooth for locking the head, and a second operating portion protruding from the receiving case. Also according to the invention, the lever is pivoted inside the case, along an axis perpendicular to a direction of engagement of the head in the case, and able to rotate between a first operating position, wherein the lever is parallel to the front surface, and a second operating position wherein the lever is inclined and the relative first portion, located close to the front opening of the case, is moved close to a lower base of the case in contact with the front surface. Also according to the invention, elastic elements pushing on the first portion of the lever are interposed between the first portion and the lower base of the case to allow both the lever to be kept in the first operating portion and a controlled rotational movement of the lever between the first and second operating positions, and vice versa, for the entry and the snap-on locking of the coupling head, using the end tooth, inside the receiving case.

Thanks to the structure of the lever it is possible to block the flap of the leather article quickly and securely and without the need for manual movements. This is also because the lever and coupling head profiles and the rotation of the lever create a engagement guide such as to form a snap-on closure.

The opening of the device is convenient and easy, thanks to the outside portion of the lever, but it must be performed using a movement away from the front surface of the article, and must thus be voluntary by the user.

It should also be noted that the structure of the device is extremely simple and with limited components in such a way as to make the device extremely economical. Brief description of the drawings

These and other features will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a leather article, that is, a handbag, provided with the closing device according to this invention;

- Figures 2 and 3 show plan views from above of two component parts of one of the elements of the device according to this invention, that is, a receiving case;

- Figure 4 shows a plan view from above of a retaining element forming part of the device;

- Figure 5 shows a plan view from below of a coupling head forming part of the device according to this invention;

- Figure 6 shows a side view of the component of Figure 2 with some parts in cross-section;

- Figure 7 shows a side view of the component of Figure 3 with some parts in cross-section;

- Figure 8 shows a side view of the component of Figure 4 with some parts in cross-section;

- Figure 9 shows a side view of the component of Figure 5 with some parts in cross-section;

- Figures 10 to 13 show side views with some parts in cross section of the device applied to the leather article in different configurations, that is, respectively, positioning the head relative to the case, pre-locking the head on the case, locking the head in the case and release of the head from the case;

- Figure 14 shows a plan view from below of an alternative embodiment of the coupling head forming part of the device according to this invention;

- Figure 5 shows a side view with some parts in cross-section of the coupling head of Figure 14;

- Figure 16 shows a side view with some parts in cross section and others cut away of the device applied to the leather article equipped with the head of Figures 14 and 15 in a position of moving the head towards the case.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention With reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular Figure 1 , the device according to this invention, labelled 100, is used for the closing/opening of leather articles 1.

Figure 1 shows a handbag, by way of non-limiting example of the solution, since the device 100 may be applied on bags, handbags, cases, suitcases and the like without thereby limiting the invention.

It should also be noted that the term "leather articles", as mentioned above, does not only mean bags, handbags, cases, suitcases or the like made of leather, but also includes similar products made from other natural materials different from leather, natural fabric, synthetic material, etc., without thereby limiting the scope of this invention.

The leather article 1 comprises a body 2 for containing objects equipped with a flap 3 connected to the body 2 and configured for folding towards a front surface 4 of the body 2 in such a way as to define the closing of an opening for access to the containment body 2.

The device 100 comprises a coupling head 5 connected to the flap 3 (Figures 5 and 9) and a case 6 for receiving the head 5 associated with the front surface 4 (Figures 2, 3 and 6, 7).

More specifically, the case 6 comprises a front opening 7 for receiving the head 5.

In light of this, the head 5 moves towards the front opening by its movement (sliding) along a plane parallel to the front surface 4.

The device 100 also comprises means 8 for retaining the coupling head 5, when the latter is housed in the case 6, positioned in the receiving case 6 and configured for releasing the head 5 from the case 6 upon a manual command (from the outside).

According to the invention, the retaining means 8 comprise a lever 9 having a first portion 9a equipped with an end tooth 10 for locking the head 5 and a second operating portion 9b protruding from the receiving case 6.

Also according to the invention, the lever 9 is pivoted inside the case 6, along an axis X9 perpendicular to a direction D of engagement of the head 5 in the receiving case 6. In this way, the lever 9 is able to rotate between a first operating position (Figures 10 and 12), wherein the lever 9 is parallel to the front surface 4, and a second operating position wherein the lever 9 is inclined and the relative first portion 9a, located close to the front opening 7, is moved close to a lower base 11 of the case 6 in contact with the front surface 4 (Figures 11 and 13). Also according to the invention, the retaining means 8 comprise elastic elements 12 pushing on the first portion 9a of the lever 9, interposed between the first portion 9a and the lower base 11 of the receiving case 6. In light of this, the elastic elements 12 operate on the first portion 9a of the lever 9 (due to the contact with the lower base 11).

More specifically, the elastic elements 12 are positioned (extend) at right angles to the lower base 11 in such a way as to maintain the lever 9 in the first operating position.

According to this arrangement, the elastic elements 1 act in conjunction with the lever 9 to allow both the lever 9 to be kept in the first operating portion and a controlled rotational movement of the lever 9 between the first and second operating position, and vice versa, for the entry and the snap-on locking of the coupling head 5, using the end tooth 10, inside the receiving case 6.

More specifically, the elastic elements 12 have their longitudinal axes positioned perpendicular to the lower base 9.

In light of this, the ends (flat) of the elastic elements 12 are in contact with the first portion 9a of the arm 9, on one side, and with the lower base 11 , on the other side.

The elastic elements 12 are, therefore, subjected to an axial compression/release between lever 9 and lower base 11.

This arrangement between the components ensures a secure movement of the lever and a quick return (snap-on) of the lever when both locking and releasing the tooth 0.

Moreover, the positioning of the elastic elements 12 in direct contact with the lever 9 allows the size of the elastic elements to be reduced whilst maintaining optimum reaction forces to keep the portion 9a in the first operating position. In addition, this type of arrangement with the elastic element subjected to controlled axial compression significantly reduces wear of the system over time.

Thanks to this structure, the device allows a quick and secure snap-on closing of the article with a simple push on the coupling head, whilst maintaining a high level of security of the seal, as well as an excellent overall appearance of the component.

Preferably, the coupling head 5 comprises at least one front pin 13 provided with a shaped profile and configured to intercept frontally the end tooth 10 of the first portion 9a.

In light of this, the pin 13 in contact with the tooth 10 moves the lever 9 from the first to the second operating position and, subsequently, engages in a snap-on fashion with the tooth 10 for locking the coupling head 5 in the receiving case 6 (see in sequence Figures 11 and 12).

Preferably, the end tooth 0 of the first portion 9a has a protrusion 10a defining a vertical wall designed for coupling stably in a recess 13a made on the lower surface of the pin 13 of the coupling head 5.

In other words, the tooth 10 is configured with a hook-shaped profile facing upwards, that is to say, opposite to the lower base 11 of the case 6.

The pin 13 has a tapered profile, that is, pointed, and a recess 13a facing the lower base 11 of the case 6 to obtain a stable coupling with the tooth 10.

In practice, the pin 13 also has a hook-shaped profile like the tooth 10, but facing downwards.

Due to the profiles of the pin 13 and of the tooth 10, together with the action of the elastic elements 12, there is a snap-on locking and a closure, that is automatic, through the simple pushing for engaging the head 5 inside the front opening 7. Preferably, the lever 9 comprises its second operating portion 9b consisting of a gripping plate 25 positioned outside the case 6 for a relative manual control gripping designed to rotate the lever 9 with the release of the coupling head 5 from the end tooth 10.

In light of this, the plate 25 has an upturned "C" cross section to allow a grip or contact from below for quick pushing upwards of the lever 9.

Preferably, the lever 9 has a shaft 15 housed in a cradle 16 made in the case 6. In light of this, the shaft 15 defines the above-mentioned pivoting axis X9 for rotation of the lever 9.

It should be noted that the pin 15 defines a zone or transversal line of separation between the first 9a and the second 9b portion of the lever 9. Preferably, the first coupling portion 9a of the lever 9 comprises a seat 18 for fixing an end of the elastic elements 12.

The other end of the elastic elements 12 is held in a recess 19 made on the lower base 11 of the case 6.

The elastic elements 12 may be, for example, a helical spring.

The housing of the helical spring 12 between seat 18 and recess 19 always allows a movement of compression/releasing along the axis of the spring 12 which is always correct and perpendicular to the lower base 1 1.

Thanks to this structure the movement of the lever 9 is quick and precise.

Preferably, but merely by way of an example of a non-limiting embodiment of this invention, the first coupling portion 9a of the lever 9 housed in the case 6 comprises two different arms 20a, 20b, each equipped with an end tooth 10 which can be coupled to a corresponding pin 13 present on the coupling head 5.

In this embodiment, therefore, the coupling head 5 comprises two protruding pins 13 located at a certain distance from each other in such a way to allow coupling with the corresponding teeth 10 present on the end of the arms 20a and 20b.

This type of solution with double locking allows a high level of security of closing the device 100, while maintaining high standards of appearance and a convenient manoeuvrability of opening.

Preferably, each arm 20a, 20b has a cylindrical seat 18 for housing an end of a corresponding elastic element 12 retained, at the opposite end, in a corresponding recess 19 made on the lower base 1 1 of the receiving case 6.

Preferably, the case 6 comprises the lower base 1 1 connected to the front surface 4 of the containment body 2 and an upper cover 17 connected or coupled with the lower base 11.

The cover 17 and the lower base 11 , once connected, form an inner space in which the lever 9 can rotate.

The cover 17 has on a relative vertical surface the opening 7 for entrance of the coupling head 5.

In light of this, the lower base 11 of the receiving case 6 has a surface 11a outside the upper closing cover 17.

This outside surface 11a defines a guide zone for the approaching movement of the coupling head 5 to the entry opening 7.

It should be noted that the cover 17 and the lower base 11 have corresponding internal profiles 21 and 22 which, when coupled, define corresponding matching portions designed to define the cradle 16 for housing the pin 15 of the lever 9.

The lower base 11 has seats 26 for connection to means (not illustrated) for fastening the base 11 to the front surface 4.

The cover 17 has seats 27 for housing means (not illustrated) for connection with the base 11.

Moreover, the lower base 11 comprises at least one vertical wall 23 positioned close to the opening 7 so as to form a lower occluding zone to prevent tampering of the coupling between tooth 10 and pin 13 from below.

More specifically, the cover 17 can have two separate openings 7 on the relative front surface if a double coupling system is used (that is, the above-mentioned coupling between the two teeth 10 and the two pins 13). In light of this, the lower base 11 can be equipped with two vertical walls 23 and 24 arranged for closing the bottom of the openings 7 defined by the cover 17.

In short, the walls 23 and 24 reduce the access gap of the openings 7 to the thickness necessary for entry of the pins 13 and without leaving access zones close to the openings allowing a forced opening the article 1. Figures 14 to 16 show an alternative embodiment of the device 100 described above.

In this solution, the coupling head 5 is equipped with a further auxiliary pin 30 (third pin) positioned between the two pins 13 present on the coupling head 5.

The auxiliary pin 30 is positioned at the centre of the coupling head 5 and lower down relative to the other two pins 13.

In light of this, the auxiliary pin 30 has a flat and linear cross section (that is, without the configuration of a hook facing downwards of the other two pins 13).

It should be noted that the auxiliary pin 30 is able to be housed, for sliding and in use, in a third central opening 31 made on the case 6.

In practice, the auxiliary pin 30, during the approach to the case 6 of the head 5 (for closing the leather article 1), rests on the outside surface 11a (of the cover 17) defining the guide zone for the movement of the head 5. Upon the snap-on closing of the pins 3 inside the case 6, the auxiliary pin 30 is only housed, not retained, in the third opening 30.

In effect, the auxiliary pin 30 is used as a stabilising element of the coupling between head 5 and case 6 and increases the resistant force of the coupling to forces directed perpendicularly to the plane in which the two components lie.

In light of this, in effect, a typical example of a situation to which the device is subjected is given by an attempt (voluntary or involuntary) to force the closing flap 3 of the article, moving it away from the front surface 4 of the containment body 2 (forwards): in this case, a part of the forces are discharged on the third pin 30 which, otherwise, would be discharged on the pair of pins 13 coupled with the teeth 10.

Therefore, this auxiliary pin increases the security of closing and the long service life of the device in its entirety.

The structure of the device 100 obtained in this way allows a high operating simplicity of the components used for locking and closing the article 1 with a different locking or releasing configuration of the lever 9 as a function of the operation to be performed.

In short, the lever 9 housed in the receiving case 6 is configured as a second class lever (advantageous) at the entrance and the locking of the coupling head 5 with the end tooth 10.

In effect (see Figures 10 and 11), the resistant force (spring 12) is positioned between the pivot X9 and the head 5, that is, the pin 13, which acts (thanks to the pushing action of the user) as applied force (or power) acting on the tooth 10 of the first portion 9a: thanks to this configuration, the lever is of an advantageous type and allows the engagement with a reduced force or power.

During opening of the device, the lever 9 is configured as a first class lever.

In this case (see Figure 13), the resistant force (spring 12) and the applied force or power (second portion 9b) are separate from the pivot X9, but the resistant arm B12 is shorter than the power arm B9b of the second portion 9b (see Figure 4): in this way, this lever configuration is also advantageous and allows a manual opening (that is, releasing the head 5 from the tooth 10) with a rotation from the bottom upwards of the lever 9 with little force and in a quick manner.

A closing device structured in this way thus achieves the preset aims.

More specifically, the lever structure thus obtained allows a quick and secure snap-on closing of the article with a simple push on the coupling head, whilst maintaining a high level of security of the seal, as well as an excellent overall appearance of the component.

With a lever of this type it is possible to block the flap of the leather article quickly and securely and without the need for manual movements. This is also because the lever and coupling head profiles and the rotation of the lever create a engagement guide such as to form a snap-on closure, that is to say, automatic.

The opening of the device is convenient and easy, thanks to the outside portion of the lever, but it must be performed using a movement away from the front surface of the article, and must thus be voluntary by the user. It should also be noted that the structure of the device is extremely simple and with limited components in such a way as to make the device extremely economical.

In light of this, the arrangement of the springs with end contact with the first portion of the arm, on one side, and with the lower base, on the other, allows an axial compression/release to be implemented on the spring: this feature guarantees a secure movement of the lever and a quick return (snap-on) of the lever when both locking and releasing the tooth. Moreover, the positioning of the spring in direct contact with the lever allows the size of the elastic elements to be reduced whilst maintaining optimum reaction forces to keep the portion in the first operating position. In addition, this type of arrangement with the elastic element subjected to controlled axial compression significantly reduces wear of the system over time (compared with spring systems operating with a torsional system on rotation pins). More specifically, the basic elements which make up the device can be mounted or coupled in a quick and easy fashion with a reduction both in the costs of the dies and in the assembly costs.

Claims

1. A closing device for a leather article (1) comprising a body (2) for containing objects equipped with a flap (3) connected to the body (2) and configured for folding towards a front surface (4) of the body (2) in such a way as to define the closing of an opening for access to the containment body (2); the device (100) comprising a coupling head (5) connected to the flap (3) and a case (6) for receiving the head (5) associated with the front surface (4); the case (6) comprising a front opening (7) for receiving the head (5); means (8) for retaining the coupling head (5), when the latter is housed in the case (6), being positioned in the receiving case (6) and designed for releasing the head (5) from the case (6) upon a manual command,

characterised in that the retaining means (8) comprise:

- a lever (9) having a first portion (9a) equipped with an end tooth ( 0) for locking the head (5), and a second operating portion (9b) protruding from the receiving case (6); the lever (9) being pivoted inside the case (6), along an axis (X9) perpendicular to a direction (D) of engagement of the head (5) in the receiving case (6), and able to rotate between a first operating position, wherein the lever (9) is parallel to the front surface (4), and a second operating position wherein the lever (9) is inclined and the relative first portion (9a), located close to the front opening (7) of the case (6), is moved close to a lower base (11) of the case (6) in contact with the front surface (4);

- elastic elements (12) pushing on the first portion (9a) of the lever (9), interposed between the first portion (9a) and the lower base (11) of the receiving case (6), for operating on the first portion (9a) of the lever (9) to allow the lever (9) to be kept in the first operating portion, and a controlled rotational movement of the lever (9) between the first and second operating positions, and vice versa, for the entry and the snap-on locking of the coupling head (5), using the end tooth (10), inside the receiving case (6).

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the coupling head (5) comprises at least one front pin (13) provided with a shaped profile and designed to intercept frontally the end tooth (10) of the first portion (9a) in such a way as to move the lever (9) from the first to the second operating position and, subsequently, to engage in a snap-on fashion with the tooth (10) for locking the coupling head (5) in the receiving case (6).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the end tooth (10) of the first portion (9a) has a protrusion (10a) defining a vertical wall designed for coupling stably in a recess (13a) made on the lower surface of the pin (13) of the coupling head (5).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (9) comprises the second operating portion (9b) comprising a gripping plate (14) positioned outside the case (6) for a manual control gripping designed to rotate the lever (9) with the release of the coupling head (5) from the end tooth (10).

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (9has a shaft (15) housed in a cradle (16) made in the case (6) and defining the pivoting axis (X9); the pin (15) defining a transversal zone of separation between the first (9a) and the second (9b) portion of the lever (9).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the case (6) comprises a lower base (11) connected to the front surface (4) of the containment body (2) and an upper cover (17) coupled with the lower base ( 1) and equipped with the entrance opening (7) for the coupling head (5).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower base (11) of the receiving case (6) has a surface (11a) outside the cover (17) defining a guide zone for the approaching movement of the coupling head (5) to the entry in the front opening (7).

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling portion (9a) of the lever (9) comprises a seat (18) for fixing an end of the elastic elements (12); the other end of the elastic elements (12) being held in a recess (19) made on the lower base (11) of the case (6).

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling portion (9a) of the lever (9) housed in the receiving case (6) comprises two different arms (20a, 20b) each equipped with an end tooth (10) which can be coupled to a corresponding pin (13) present on the coupling head (5).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein each arm (20a, 20b) has a cylindrical cavity (18) for housing an end of a corresponding elastic element (12) retained, at the opposite end, in a corresponding recess (19) made on a lower base (11) of the receiving case (6).

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever (9) housed in the receiving case (6) is configured as a second class lever at the entrance and the locking of the coupling head (5) with the end tooth (10); the lever (9) being configured as a first class lever at a manual operation on the second portion (9b) of the lever (9) for releasing the coupling head (5).