Storage box

Abstract

Described is a box comprising a first half-shell having first end portions transverse to the longitudinal direction and a U-shaped first wall extending between the first end portions in the longitudinal direction and defining a receiving chamber; the second half shell is provided with a second end part transverse to the longitudinal direction and a second wall extending between the second end part along the longitudinal direction, and the second wall is used for limiting a containing seat; the first half shell is inserted into the accommodating seat to limit a closed space; coupling means are arranged at the first end portion and the second end portion, the coupling means rotatably coupling the first half-shell and the second half-shell such that the first half-shell and the second half-shell rotate relative to each other about a common axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal direction to switch the cartridge between an open configuration in which the first half-shell and the second half-shell rotate relative to each other and a closed configuration in which the first half-shell and the second half-shell rotate relative to each other. The receiving chamber faces outward and the closed space is separated from the receiving chamber, and a closed configuration in which the receiving chamber is closed by the second wall and received in the closed space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a case suitable for holding various types of objects, such as but not limited to a pair of eyeglasses. Background Art

[0002] The present invention is applicable to various fields, for example, in the field of eyewear as a spectacle case.

[0003] Various types of cases are known. Some known types of cases, such as cases for spectacles, comprise a main body provided with a storage chamber in which, for example, spectacles and other objects can be stored, and a removable part and / or a rigid "shell" connected to the main body. The main body is provided with a storage chamber in which, for example, spectacles and other objects can be stored. Such removable parts are in particular openable and closable to access the storage chamber to remove one or more objects contained therein, and also to close such chamber so that any object placed therein does not escape from the main body, remaining protected.

[0004] In addition, known boxes include fastening mechanisms to secure the movable component to the main body so that the main body cannot be opened unintentionally. For example, such fastening mechanisms may include buttons or hook and loop closure systems.

[0005] Disadvantageously, known types of boxes require that the user who intends to open the movable part must inevitably use both hands. In fact, the user must simultaneously hold the body with one hand and open the movable part with the other hand to unlock the fastening mechanism. Therefore, when the user cannot use both hands, opening the movable part to pick up or store one or more objects contained therein in the storage chamber is difficult, inconvenient and sometimes impossible. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned inconveniences and in particular to conceive a box that can be easily opened with one hand.

[0007] These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by making a cartridge as set forth in claim 1 .

[0008] Further features of the cassette are the subject matter of the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The characteristics and advantages of the cartridge according to the invention will become more apparent from the following description, which is illustrative and non-limiting, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0010] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a box according to the present invention in a closed configuration;

[0011] - Figure 2a yes Figure 1 A first side view of a box;

[0012] - Figure 2b yes Figure 1 A top view of a box;

[0013] - Figure 2c yes Figure 1 A second side view of the box;

[0014] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of a box according to the present invention in an open configuration;

[0015] - Figure 4a yes Figure 3 A first side view of a box;

[0016] - Figure 4b yes Figure 3 A top view of a box;

[0017] - Figure 4c yes Figure 3 A second side view of the box;

[0018] - Figure 5 is a transparent side view of a particular embodiment of a box according to the present invention in a closed configuration;

[0019] - Figure 6 is in open configuration Figure 5 A transparent side view of a box;

[0020] - Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a box;

[0021] - Figure 8 yes Figures 5 to 7 A perspective view of a portion of a box;

[0022] - Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a case according to the invention in an open configuration with a pair of glasses therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a box generally referenced at 100. The box 100 is a storage box suitable for holding various objects. In other words, the box 100 is a box suitable for receiving and / or protecting one or more objects enclosed therein.

[0024] For the sake of brevity and clarity, in this description, reference will be made to the following for illustrative and non-limiting purposes: Figure 1 and Figure 7 The box 100 is oriented in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0025] The box 100 extends in length along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0026] In particular, the longitudinal direction Y is the main extension direction of the box 100.

[0027] The box 100 comprises an at least partially open first half-shell 10 having two first end portions 12 , 13 opposite each other and transverse to the longitudinal direction Y.

[0028] Furthermore, the first half shell 10 includes a first wall 11, which preferably conforms to a "U" shape. Specifically, conforming to a "U" shape means that a cross section of the first wall 11 having a plane perpendicular to the length direction Y has a "U" shape.

[0029] The first wall 11 extends along the longitudinal Y direction between a first end portion 12 and a second end portion 13 .

[0030] The first wall 11 defines a storage chamber 14. The storage chamber 14 is adapted to hold one or more objects.

[0031] In more detail, the receiving chamber 14 is defined by the first wall 11 and the first end portions 12 , 13 .

[0032] The box 100 comprises an at least partially open second half-shell 20 having two second end portions 22 , 23 opposite each other and transverse to the longitudinal direction Y.

[0033] Furthermore, the second half-shell 20 comprises a second wall 21 extending between the second end portions 22 , 23 along the longitudinal direction Y. The second wall 21 defines a housing seat 24 .

[0034] Note that the first half-shell 10 is inserted into a housing seat 24 which defines a closed space 24 ′ of varying size.

[0035] In other words, the first half shell 10 is inserted into the receiving seat 24 of the second half shell 20 , and together with the second half shell 20 , a closed space 24 ′ is realized.

[0036] Preferably, each first end portion 12 , 13 faces a respective second end portion 22 , 23 .

[0037] More preferably, the first end portions 12 , 13 are housed inside the second end portions 22 , 23 .

[0038] Thus, a closed space 24 ′ is defined in particular between the first half-shell 10 and between the second half-shell 20 by the first wall 11 and the first end portions 12 , 13 , and by the second wall 21 and the second end portions 22 , 23 .

[0039] In particular, the closed space 24' is a space that is never directly accessible to a user when the box 100 is assembled.

[0040] In more detail, closed space 24' has a variable size depending on the positioning of first half-shell 10 relative to second half-shell 20. Note, on the contrary, that whatever the positioning of first half-shell 10, receiving chamber 14 always has the same dimensions and is in fact a substantially rigid receiving chamber.

[0041] The cassette 100 comprises coupling means 25 , 30 , 31 arranged at the first end portion 12 , 13 and the second end portion 22 , 23 .

[0042] In particular, the coupling means 25, 30, 31 rotatably couple the first half-shell 10 and the second half-shell 20. More details about the coupling means 25, 30, 31 will be given later in this description.

[0043] Note that the first half-shell 10 and the second half-shell 20 are coupled so that they can rotate relative to each other around a common rotation axis X to switch the box 100 from an open configuration to a closed configuration or vice versa.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the case 100 is a glasses case. According to this embodiment, the storage chamber 14 is suitable for holding a pair of glasses 200.

[0045] In the following, reference will be made to a spectacle case in an illustrative but non-limiting manner.

[0046] In detail, when the box 100 is in the open configuration, the storage chamber 14 faces outward, and the closed space 24' is separated from the storage chamber 14. In practice, in the open configuration, the storage chamber 14 is not covered by the second wall 21, and the pair of glasses 200 can be stored in or taken out of the storage chamber 14.

[0047] In contrast, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration, the storage chamber 14 is enclosed by the second wall 21 and contained in the closed space 24 ′. In other words, in the closed configuration, the storage chamber 14 is covered by the second wall 21, and the pair of glasses 200 cannot be stored in or removed from the storage chamber 14.

[0048] When the box 100 is in the open configuration, the closed space 24' is defined between the outer side of a portion of the first wall 11 and the inner side of the second wall 21. In contrast, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration, the first wall 11 and the second wall 21 are arranged so that their respective inner sides face each other, thereby realizing the closed space 24' that accommodates the storage chamber 14 in this case.

[0049] Note that the first wall 11 at least partially coincides with the second wall 21. In other words, the first wall 11 is at least partially surrounded by the second wall 21 both in the open configuration and in the closed configuration, as described with reference to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Fig. 9 in and Figure 5 and Figure 6 Especially visible in.

[0050] Furthermore, as described above, the first end portions 12 , 13 are also enclosed in the second end portions 21 , 23 .

[0051] Closed means that the first half shell 10 is at least partially accommodated in the second half shell 20 .

[0052] When the box 100 is in the closed configuration, the portion of the first wall 11 enclosed by the second half-shell 20 is smaller than the portion of the first wall 11 enclosed by the second half-shell 20 when the box 100 is in the open configuration.

[0053] In more detail, when the box 100 switches from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first wall 11 rotates relative to the second wall 21, and the portion of the first wall 11 overlapping the second wall 21 slides on the second wall 21, so that an increasingly larger portion of the first wall 11 is enclosed by the second half-shell 20. The rotation of the first wall 11 causes the storage chamber 14 to face the second wall 21 less and less, so that when the box 100 switches to the open configuration, such a storage chamber 14 is increasingly opened outwardly.

[0054] On the other hand, when the box 100 switches from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the first wall 11 moves relative to the second wall 21, so that a smaller and smaller part of the first wall 11 is enclosed by the second half-shell 20. In this case, when the box 100 switches to the closed configuration, the rotation of the first wall 11 causes the storage chamber 14 to be increasingly covered by the second wall 21.

[0055] Preferably, the coupling means 25, 30, 31 comprise a male element 25 and a female element 31 placed respectively on one of the second end portions 22, 23 and one of the first end portions 12, 13, or vice versa.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, the coupling means 25 , 30 , 31 comprise a pin 25 .

[0057] The pin 25 extends from one of the second end portions 22 , 23 , defining the rotation axis X. In other words, the pin 25 is a protrusion extending from the respective second end portion 22 , 23 away from the same second end portion 22 , 23 and close to the opposite second end portion 23 , 22 .

[0058] Furthermore, the coupling device 25 , 30 , 31 comprises a fastener 30 which is integral with the respective first end portion 12 , 13 .

[0059] The fastener 30 includes a recess 31 in which the pin 25 is received.

[0060] The recess 31 faces towards the respective second end portion 22, 23 and therefore towards the pin 25. In other words, the recess 31 does not face towards the receiving chamber 14.

[0061] In particular, the engagement of the pin 25 in the recess 31 is such that a rotational coupling between the respective first end portion 12 , 23 and the respective second end portion 22 , 23 is achieved.

[0062] In other words, the recess 31 is a blind hole formed in the fastener 30 .

[0063] In short, according to this embodiment, the male element mentioned above is realized by the pin 25 , while the female element mentioned above is realized by the recess 31 .

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the recess 31 is a through hole.

[0065] Preferably, the first half-shell 10 has a first edge 15 and the second half-shell 20 has a second edge 26 .

[0066] The first edge 15 is a free edge of the first wall 11 extending between the two first end portions 12, 13. The second edge 26 is a free edge of the second wall 21 extending between the two second end portions 22,23.

[0067] The first edge 15 and the second edge 26 are configured to abut each other when the box 100 is in the closed configuration.

[0068] On the other hand, when the box 100 is switched from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first edge 15 moves away from the second edge 26.

[0069] Preferably, the second half-shell 20 has a third edge 27 opposite the second edge 26. The third edge 27 is a free edge of the second wall 21 which, like the second edge 26, extends between the two second end portions 22,23.

[0070] The third edge 27 is configured to abut against the first wall 11 when the box 100 is in the open configuration. Figure 4a Visible in.

[0071] In more detail, when the box 100 switches from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first half-shell 10 rotates relative to the second half-shell 20 until the third edge 27 abuts the first wall 11 , preventing the first half-shell 10 from rotating further relative to the rotation axis X. In this state, the storage chamber 14 is open to the outside and is therefore not covered by the second wall 21 .

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the box 100 includes a retracting mechanism 40 configured to pull the first half-shell 10 to rotate to return it to the closed configuration when the box 100 is in the open configuration.

[0073] In this way, the retraction mechanism 40 allows the first half-shell 10 to be rotated relative to the axis of rotation X so that the second wall 21 can again cover the receiving chamber 14. Advantageously, the box 100 is self-closing.

[0074] Preferably, the retraction mechanism 40 comprises a cam 41 integral with the respective first end portion 12 , 13 .

[0075] In this case, the retraction mechanism 40 comprises an elastic element 42 which is coupled to the respective second end portion 22 , 23 and which is at least partially in contact with the cam 41 .

[0076] Preferably, the elastic element 42 is interposed between the first end portion 12, 13 and the second end portion 22, 23. In this case, the cam 41 is also interposed between the first end portion 12, 13 and the second end portion 22, 23.

[0077] The cam 41 is configured to load the spring element 42 with a load moment when the cartridge 100 switches from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In fact, during such switching, the cam 41 pulls or compresses the spring element 42 more than when the cartridge 100 is in the closed configuration. Therefore, when the cartridge 100 is in an intermediate position between the open configuration and the closed configuration, by releasing the first half-shell 10, the cartridge 100 returns to the closed configuration due to the load moment loaded in the spring element 42. In fact, the elastic element 42 pushes the cam 41 to rotate, which in turn pushes the first half-shell 10, which is integral with the cam 41, to rotate.

[0078] Preferably, at least one of the two second end portions 22 , 23 comprises one or more hooking elements 28 for positioning the elastic element 42 .

[0079] Preferably, Figure 7 and Figure 8 Such a hooking element 28 , which can be seen in particular in FIG. 2 , is an additional protrusion extending from the respective second end portion 22 , 23 towards the opposite second end portion 23 , 22 .

[0080] Preferably, the number of fasteners 30 is two, and each fastener is arranged at a respective first end portion 12, 13. In this case, the number of pins 25 is two, and each pin 25 extends from a respective second end portion 22, 23. Furthermore, each second end portion 22, 23 comprises the one or more hooking elements 28.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment, the cam 41 is made on the fastener 30 .

[0082] In other words, the box 100 may include two fasteners 30, wherein each fastener 30 includes a corresponding recess 31 and a corresponding cam 41, both facing the corresponding second end portion 22, 23. In addition, each cam 41 is in contact with a corresponding spring element 42 coupled to the corresponding second end portion 22, 23. The spring element 42 is positioned on the corresponding second end portion 22, 23 by a hooking element 28 extending from the second end portion 22, 23.

[0083] Preferably, the hooking elements 28 are two pairs. In this case, each second end portion 22 , 23 comprises a pair of hooking elements 28 .

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastener 30 is interlockingly coupled with the first half-shell 10. In other words, the fastener 30 is a body separate from the first half-shell 10.

[0085] Advantageously, the assembly of the box 100 explained below is simplified. According to this embodiment, the respective first end portion 12, 13 has an opening 120, 130 in which the fastener 30 engages.

[0086] Alternatively, the fastener 30 is made in one piece with the first half-shell 10. In this case, the recess 31 and the cam 41 are made on the respective first end portion 12, 13. According to an embodiment of the invention, the spring element 42 may be a linear spring, a torsion spring, a helical spring or other spring.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the retraction mechanism 40 comprises a first magnet coupled to the fastener 30 and a second magnet coupled to the respective second end portions 22, 23. The first magnet and the second magnet have opposite polarities to each other.

[0088] When box 100 is in a closed configuration, the first magnet and the second magnet are aligned with each other. In this case, the magnetic attraction between them keeps box 100 in the closed configuration.

[0089] When box 100 is in an open configuration, the first magnet and the second magnet are not aligned with each other. In this case, the magnetic attraction between them rotates the first half shell 10 so that box 100 can be switched to a closed configuration.

[0090] According to other embodiments, the retraction mechanism 40 may include an elastic band or a compliant mechanism.

[0091] Preferably, the first half-shell 10 and / or the second half-shell 20 are made of an injection-mouldable polymer and / or a biopolymer.

[0092] For example, the first half shell 10 and / or the second half shell 20 are made of polylactic acid (PLA) having wood inclusions.

[0093] Alternatively, the first half shell 10 and / or the second half shell 20 are made of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

[0094] The assembly of the cartridge 100 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0095] Initially, the elastic element 42 is arranged on the respective second end portion 22 , 23 by engaging said elastic element 42 to the respective hook element 28 .

[0096] Then the first half shell 10 is assembled to the second half shell 20 so that the respective first end portions 12, 13 face the respective second end portions 22, 23. Specifically, the first half shell 10 is inserted into the receiving seat 24 so that the first end portions 12, 13 and the first wall 11 are at least partially received in the second half shell 20.

[0097] Once the first half-shell 10 is assembled, the fastener 30 is arranged on the respective first end portion 12, 13, oriented so that the cam 41 faces the respective second end portion 22, 23 and so that the cam 41 is in contact with the spring element 42 when the fastener 30 is assembled.

[0098] Advantageously, the box can be easily opened with one hand due to the special design of the first and second half shells and the way the first half shell is constrained within the second half shell.

[0099] The described storage also allows the volume of the storage chamber to be optimized.

[0100] From the description given, the characteristics of the cartridge which is the subject of the invention and its advantages are clear.

[0101] Finally, it is obvious that the box thus designed is susceptible to many modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the invention; in addition, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used and the dimensions can be any, according to technical requirements.

Claims

1. A box (100) extending in length along a longitudinal direction (Y) and comprising: - an at least partially open first half-shell (10), said first half-shell (10) having a first wall (11) of substantially U-shaped shape and two first end portions (12, 13) opposite one another and transverse to said longitudinal direction (Y); said first wall (11) extending along said longitudinal direction (Y) between said two first end portions (12, 13) and defining a receiving chamber (14); - an at least partially open second half-shell (20), said second half-shell (20) having two second end portions (22, 23) opposite each other and transverse to the longitudinal direction (Y) and a second wall (21) extending between said two second end portions (22, 23) along said longitudinal direction (Y), said second wall defining a housing seat (24); said first half-shell (10) being inserted into said housing seat (24) defining a closed space (24') of varying size; - A coupling device (25, 30, 31), wherein the coupling device (25, 30, 31) is arranged at the first end portion (12, 13) and the second end portion (22, 23), wherein the coupling device (25, 30, 31) rotatably couples the first half shell (10) and the second half shell (20) so that the first half shell (10) and the second half shell (20) can rotate relative to each other around a common rotation axis (X) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y) to switch the box (100) between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the storage chamber (14) faces outward and the closed space (24') is separated from the storage chamber (14), and in the closed configuration the storage chamber (14) is closed by the second wall (21) and accommodated in the closed space (24').

2. The box (100) according to claim 1, wherein The coupling device (25, 30, 31) comprises: - a pin (25) extending from one of said second end portions (22, 23) defining said common axis of rotation (X); - a fastener (30) integral with the respective first end portion (12, 13), said fastener (30) comprising a recess (31) in which said pin (25) is received.

3. The box (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first half shell (10) has a first edge (15) and the second half shell (20) has a second edge (26), the first edge (15) and the second edge (26) being configured to abut against each other when the box (100) is in the closed configuration.

4. The box (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second half-shell has a third edge (27) opposite the second edge (26), the third edge (27) being configured to abut against the first wall (11) when the box (100) is in the open configuration.

5. The box (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprises a retraction mechanism (40), which is configured to pull the first half shell (10) to rotate so as to return it to the closed structure when the box (100) is in the open structure.

6. The box (100) according to claim 5, wherein The retracting mechanism (40) comprises: - a cam (41) integral with the respective first end portion (12, 13), - an elastic element (42) coupled to the respective second end portion (22, 23) and at least partially in contact with the cam (41), The cam (41) is configured to load the elastic element (42) with a load moment when the box (100) is switched from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

7. The box (100) according to claim 6, wherein At least one of the two second end portions (22, 23) comprises one or more hooking elements (28) for positioning the elastic element (42).

8. The box (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein The number of the fasteners (30) is two, and each fastener is arranged at the corresponding first end portion (12, 13); the number of the pins (25) is two, and each pin extends from the corresponding second end portion (22, 23), and each second end portion (22, 23) includes the one or more hooking elements (28).

9. The box (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein The fastener (30) is coupled by interlocking with the first half shell (10).

10. The box (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The storage chamber (14) is suitable for holding a pair of glasses (200); and the box (100) is a glasses box.

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