Assemblable multi-purpose container

Abstract

A plastic, assembleable container comprising: - a half-shell (1) comprising: • a square central wall (10) provided with two longitudinal edges (10a) and two transverse edges (10b); wherein the square central wall (10) comprises hinge means in accordance with its longitudinal center line, which divides the square central wall (10) into two lateral halves (10a, 10b) which are capable of rotating circularly relative to each other; • two side walls (11, 12) which are connected by the insertion of hinge means at the two longitudinal edges (10a) of the central wall (10) in order to perform opposing rotations at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the central wall (10) and to alternately assume an overlapping, stop position and a perpendicular position with respect to the respective lateral halves (100a, 100b) of the central wall (10); • a longitudinal access section (A) located between the two said side walls (11, 12) when the two side walls (11, 12) have assumed the said perpendicular position with respect to the lateral halves (100a, 100b) of the said central wall (10); - a second plate (102) and a third plate (103) which are suitable to be inserted between the two said side walls (11, 12) of the half shell (1) in accordance with the two end sections thereof and to be blocked by clamping; - a first plate (101) which is suitable to come into contact with the free edges of the two said hinged side walls (11, 12) of the half shell (1) in order to close the longitudinal access section (A) exactly when the two walls (11, 12) have assumed the said vertical position with respect to the central wall (10).

Description

[0001] The patent application for utility models concerns a collapsible multi-purpose container.

[0002] The artifact in question, which falls into the category of interior design accessories, was designed to meet a need that is increasingly arising in living spaces, offices, and similar environments.

[0003] Consider the need for cupboards, chests or boxes to neatly store items of all kinds, be they clothing, tools, more or less bulky items, etc.

[0004] It should also be considered that such containers, even when not in use, take up considerable space in a state where they are located inside the designated area.

[0005] From this latter point of view, it is understood that conventional containers do not solve the problem of the rational storage of objects of different kinds, but rather, especially when they are not in use, are responsible for an unnecessary reduction of the space inside the respective intended room.

[0006] Based on these preliminary remarks, the multi-purpose container that is the subject of this description was designed.

[0007] Its main purpose is indeed to adapt perfectly to the user's current needs, that is, to be able to easily assume its operational position (in the manner of a cabinet or box), but on the other hand to be just as easily able to assume its compact, non-operational position, which is associated with a significant reduction in its space requirements and enables rational, practical storage.

[0008] Another purpose of the new utility model in question is to offer the respective user considerable versatility in its use, the versatility being not limited to the ability to increase the utility volume of the new utility model at will, but also including the possibility of using it alternately, but equally effectively, in both vertical (in the manner of a cabinet) and horizontal positions (in the manner of a box).

[0009] Another purpose of the new utility model is to give it a lightweight, durable and at the same time inexpensive structure, since it is preferably made from assembleable components obtained by molding usable plastics.

[0010] The ultimate purpose of the new utility model in question is to enable the conversion of its components from the operational position to the non-operational position, as well as their mutual assembly and disassembly, without requiring the use of "external" fasteners or the use of tools and / or specialized labor.

[0011] The modular container in question uses a first load-bearing structural element, which can be defined as a foldable half-shell, in which a central wall and two hinged side walls (all of the same length) are provided, which are able to alternately lie exactly on the said central wall and to arrange themselves opposite each other at an angle of 90° to the central wall.

[0012] In the first case, when the three said walls overlap, the said foldable half-shell is in its compact, non-operational position (in a state with minimal space requirements), while in the second case, when the two side walls are arranged opposite each other at an angle of 90° to the central wall, the half-shell is in its extended operational position, in which it has an essentially U-shaped cross-section.

[0013] In this latter state, it is possible to use the half-shell to obtain a box-shaped container, under the sole condition of mounting three closure plates on it, the first of which must be mounted in accordance with the free edges of the two side walls in order to assume a position parallel to the central wall, i.e. a state in which the interaction of these two artifacts creates a box-shaped structure with a square cross-section.

[0014] The second and third plates must be used to close the ends of the box-shaped structure with a square cross-section.

[0015] The first closure plate is easily removable from the supporting half-shell to allow the user easy access to the interior of the container in question.

[0016] If the container in question is to be used as a vertical cabinet, the closing plate may include two counter-rotating door leaves, which may be designed like the doors of a similar cabinet. The central wall of the half-shell has a longitudinal fold line in its center, allowing the two sections of the central wall located on either side of this fold line to be folded together in a circular motion.

[0017] The stated main purpose of the present utility model is achieved in accordance with the features listed in the accompanying independent claim 1.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of this utility model are set out in the dependent claims.

[0019] For better understanding, the invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which serve solely for illustration and have no limiting effect. They show: Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5. The modalities for the use and assembly of said foldable half-shell to obtain a container operating in a horizontal position in the manner of a box; Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. successively the modalities for opening and closing a preferred embodiment of the foldable half-shell contained in the container in question; Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 Two possible mounting solutions for the container in question in its vertical position in the manner of a cabinet.

[0020] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 In the new container (CT) in question, which is preferably manufactured entirely by molding usable plastics, a foldable half-shell (1) is used as a supporting structural element, comprising the following: - a square central wall (10) which is provided with two longitudinal edges (10a) and two transverse edges (10b) and is provided with hinge means on the longitudinal center line which divides the square central wall (10) into two lateral halves (10a, 10b) which rotate circularly between each other; - two side walls (11, 12) which have the same length as the two lateral halves (10a, 10b) of the square central wall (10) and are connected by the insertion of hinge means at the two longitudinal edges (10a) of the central wall (10) in order to perform opposite rotations at an angle of 90° with respect to the central wall (10).

[0021] The aforementioned side walls (11, 12) can thus alternately enter a closed position in contact with the surface of the respective lateral half (100a, 100b) of the central wall (10) - as in Fig. 1 shown - and assume an open position in which they are arranged opposite each other at an angle with respect to the central wall (10) - as in Fig. 2 shown.

[0022] When considering the aforementioned Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is better understood as noted at the beginning, that in the first case - for example during packaging, transport and storage - the half-shell (1) can assume a compact position with minimal space requirements, and in the second case - during preparation for the final assembly of the container (CT) in question - it can assume an open three-dimensional position.

[0023] With particular reference to Fig. 2. It can be said that the said half-shell (1) in its said open position has an essentially box-shaped design with an essentially U-shaped cross-section and a large longitudinal access section (A) between the two side walls (11, 12).

[0024] The Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 allow us to see the structure and modalities for the installation of the other components of the container (CT), which are also preferably obtained by molding suitable plastics.

[0025] The other components that can be assembled include: - a second plate (102) and a third plate (103) which are identical and suitable for being inserted between the two said side walls (11, 12) of the half-shell (1) in accordance with the two end sections thereof and blocked by clamping; - a first plate (101) which is suitable to come into contact and be blocked exactly against the two free edges of the said hinged side walls (11, 12) of the half-shell (1) and the free edges of the said second plate (102) and the third plate (103), such that a position parallel and perfectly connected with the middle wall (10) is assumed, which closes the longitudinal access section (A).

[0026] Fig. Figure 5 shows that at the end of such an assembly the container (CT) actually takes the form of a cuboid box, in a situation where the first plate (101) forms the removable lid when in use.

[0027] Although the aforementioned Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a version of the first plate (101) that functions as a removable lid, there is no objection to configuring the first plate (101) as a tilting lid, under the sole condition that it must be hinged to the free edge of one or the other of the hinged side walls (11, 12) of the half shell (1).

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the half-shell (1) shown in the accompanying figures – the one produced as a monolithic version by molding plastics – the said stop means, which are provided between each of the longitudinal edges (10a) of the central wall (10) of the half-shell (1) and the respective hinged side wall (11 or 12), consist of a straight, intermediate cut (L1) that partially reduces the thickness of the plastic and is therefore able to act as a pivot point for the respective hinged wall (11 or 12). Similarly, the hinge means provided on the central wall (10) in the position between the two side halves (100a, 100b) consist of a straight, intermediate cut (L2) that partially reduces the thickness of the plastic and is therefore able to act as a pivot point for the two side halves (100a, 100b).

[0029] The Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. Figure 11 shows a second design version of the new container in question, which is preferably intended to be used in a vertical position as a cabinet.

[0030] In this case too, the use of the said half-shell (1) and the three said plates (101, 102, 103) is of course intended, which are designed to be assembled to obtain the container (CT) in question.

[0031] It is also provided that the said second plate (102) functions as a top on the top of the said half-shell (1) and the said third plate (103) functions as a bottom on the underside of the said half-shell (1); wherein it is provided that the second (102) and the third plate (103) of the half-shells are able to be coupled to the half-shell (1) thanks to existing elastically deformable projections and corresponding receiving seats.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6 shows that the half-shell (1) has a series of projections (RS) on both the upper edge and the lower edge of its central wall (10), such that the projections (RS) can engage in respective seats provided on the inner surface of said second plate (102), which acts as the top, and on the inner surface of the third plate (103), which acts as the bottom.

[0033] Preferably the third plate (103) has some internally hollow floor support feet (103a).

[0034] The said first plate (101) is, according to some alternative embodiments, intended to serve as a means of closing the said access section (A) of the container (CT).

[0035] A similar panel (101) could be formed in the manner of a single revolving door, hinged between the second panel (102), which acts as the ceiling, and the third panel (103), which acts as the floor, at the free edge of one or the other of the side walls (11 or 12) of the half-shell (1).

[0036] In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, however, it is provided that the said first plate (101) is divided for front closing in order to form two symmetrical, counter-rotating door leaves (101a, 101b), each of which is suitable to be hinged between the said second plate (102) and the said third plate (103) at the level of the free edges of one and the other of the hinged walls (11, 12) of the half-shell (1).

[0037] To ensure that the two rotatable door leaves (101a, 101b) can remain stable in their closed position on the front of the container (CT) in question, it is provided that each has at least on the upper side of its free edge an elastically deformable pin (P) which projects vertically upwards and is able, when the respective door leaf (101a / 101b) assumes its closed position on the front of the half-shell (1), to engage in a corresponding seat which is provided below the front edge of the second plate (102) which acts as a ceiling.

[0038] To further stabilize such a closed position of the container (CT), it is provided that the first (101a) of said door leaves has a handle (M) which is equipped with a conventional locking catch (SC), and the second (101b) is equipped with an eyelet (OC) which is suitable for receiving said catch (SC).

[0039] With reference to 6 to 9, it can be provided that the said half-shell (1) is provided on its underside with some base strips (Z) which are suitable to fit from top to bottom exactly into the said internally hollow support feet (103a) which are provided with the said third plate (103) which serves as the bottom of the container (1).

[0040] With particular reference to Fig. 11 also provides that the container (CT) can also be manufactured according to a modular logic in order to be coupled vertically, i.e. in a “column-like” manner, with several identical copies.

[0041] For this purpose, a connecting piece (104) is provided which has a U-shaped cross-section that corresponds exactly to that of the said half-shell (1) and is suitable to be mounted and blocked by clamping between the half-shell (1) of a lower example of the container (CT) and the half-shell (1) of an upper example of the same container (1).

[0042] In this case as well, the load-bearing central wall (10) is provided on the centerline with the aforementioned hinge means, which divide the central wall (10) into two lateral halves (100a, 100b). Again, the aforementioned hinge means consist of a straight cut (L2) that partially cuts into the thickness of the plastic from which it is made, as in Fig. 7 is shown.

[0043] Thanks to this incision (L2), the aforementioned central wall (10) assumes a hinged structure, so that the two lateral halves (100a, 100b) of the supporting central wall (10) can be joined together in a circular fashion towards the other, and the entire half-shell (1) can essentially be folded together, as shown in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0044] Preferably the two lateral halves (100a, 100b) of said central wall (10) of the half-shell (1) have the same length as said side walls (11, 12) of the half-shell (1).

[0045] Another important provision, which is particularly useful if the container (CT) in question is to be used as a cabinet, is to provide inside the two hinged side walls (11, 12) of the half-shell (1) several brackets (ME) mounted at different heights, which are useful for attaching any shelves (RP), as shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig.11 is shown. SUMMARY

[0046] A collapsible container made of plastic, comprising a half-shell (1), comprising a square central wall (10), comprising, in accordance with its longitudinal centerline, hinge means dividing the square central wall (10) into two lateral halves (100a, 100b) capable of rotating circularly between each other, and two side walls (11, 12) connected by the insertion of hinge means at the two said longitudinal edges (10a) of the central wall (10) to perform counter-rotating rotations at an angle of approximately 90°;The collapsible container comprises a longitudinal access section (A) located between the two said side walls (11, 12) when the side walls (11, 12) have assumed a perpendicular position with respect to the lateral halves (100a, 100b) of said central wall (10), a second plate (102) and a third plate (103) suitable for being inserted between the two said side walls (11, 12) of the half-shell (1) in accordance with the two ends thereof and blocked by clamping, and a first plate (101) suitable for coming into contact with the free edges of the two said hinged side walls (11, 12) of the half-shell (1) in order to close the longitudinal access section (A) exactly.

Claims

[1] Plastic molded, assembleable container comprising: - a half-shell (1) comprising: • a square central wall (10) provided with two longitudinal edges (10a) and two transverse edges (10b); wherein the square central wall (10) comprises hinge means in accordance with its longitudinal center line, which divides the square central wall (10) into two lateral halves (10a, 10b) which are capable of rotating circularly relative to each other; • two side walls (11, 12) which are connected by the insertion of hinge means at the two longitudinal edges (10a) of the central wall (10) in order to perform opposing rotations at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the central wall (10) and to alternately assume an overlapping, stop position and a perpendicular position with respect to the respective lateral halves (100a, 100b) of the central wall (10); • a longitudinal access section (A) located between the two said side walls (11, 12) when the two side walls (11, 12) have assumed the said perpendicular position with respect to the lateral halves (100a, 100b) of the said central wall (10); - a second plate (102) and a third plate (103) which are suitable to be inserted between the two said side walls (11, 12) of the half shell (1) in accordance with the two end sections thereof and to be blocked by clamping; - a first plate (101) which is suitable to come into contact with the free edges of the two said hinged side walls (11, 12) of the half shell (1) in order to close the longitudinal access section (A) exactly when the two walls (11, 12) have assumed the said vertical position with respect to the central wall (10). [2] Container according to claim 1, wherein said first plate (101) is suitable to function as a removable lid. [3] Container according to claim 1, wherein said first plate (101) is hinged to the free edge of one of said hinged side walls (11, 12) of the half shell (1) to act as a rotatable lid. [4] Container according to claim 1, wherein said first plate (101) comprises two independent, symmetrical door leaves, each of which is hinged to the free edge of one of said side walls (11, 12) of the half shell (1). [5] Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the said half-shell (1) has a monolithic structure produced by molding usable plastics; - the said hinge means, which are inserted between the longitudinal edges (10a) of the central wall (10) of the half-shell (1) and the said hinged side walls (11, 12), consist of respective longitudinal incisions (L1) which cut into the thickness of the plastic from which the half-shell (1) is obtained, in order to be able to act as pivot lines for the hinged side walls (11, 12); - the said hinge means, which divides the central wall (10) into the said two lateral halves (100a, 100b), consists of a longitudinal incision (L2) that cuts into the thickness of the plastic from which the half-shell (1) is obtained, in order to serve as turning lines for the lateral halves (100a, 100b) of the central wall (10). [6] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the half-shell (1) is suitable to assume a horizontal position during use, in a situation in which said second plate (102) and third plate (103) are suitable to act as side walls for the half-shell (1). [7] Container according to one of claims 1 a 5, wherein the half-shell (1) is suitable to assume a vertical position during use, in a situation in which said second plate (102) and third plate (103) are suitable to act as a top and bottom respectively for the half-shell (1). [8] Container according to claim 7, wherein the third plate (103) which is suitable to serve as a base for the half-shell (1) has internally hollow support feet (103a) on its underside. [9] Container according to claim 8, wherein the half-shell (1) has baseboards (Z) which are suitable for fitting exactly into said internally hollow support feet (103a) contained in said third plate (103) when in use. [10] Container according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein said hinged side walls (11, 12) have inside one or more consoles (ME) for respective shelves (RP). [11] Container according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein said central wall (10) of said half-shell (1) has projections (RS) in accordance with its said transverse edges (10b) which are suitable to fit exactly into respective receiving seats which are provided in accordance with said second plate (102) and third plate (103). [12] Container according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the container (CT) comprises a connecting piece (104) suitable for establishing the stable connection between two superimposed examples of said half-shell (1). [13] Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two lateral halves (100a, 100b) of said central wall (10) of the half-shell (1) have a length equal to the length of said side walls (11, 12) of the half-shell (1).

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