Storage unit comprising a box and a lid having innovative means for connection with the box

Abstract

A storage unit includes a housing (8) and a cover (100); wherein the cover (100) includes: a central portion (1) adapted to close an upper compartment of the housing (8); and a peripheral portion (2) adapted to be located on an upper edge (9) of the housing (8); wherein the peripheral portion (2) includes a plurality of straight portions (21, 22, 23, 24), each straight portion (21, 22, 23, 24) adapted to abut against a corresponding straight portion (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the housing (8); the cover also includes two connecting devices (M1, M2, M3, M4) integrated in the cover (100) and connected to the peripheral portion (2) of the cover (100) at least At least two of the two straight sections (21, 22, 23, 24) are associated; wherein each of the at least two connecting devices (M1, M2, M3, M4) includes at least one tab (3) extending to the corresponding straight section (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2) of the lid and defining a groove (S) configured to receive and engage the straight section (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the housing (8) so that the lid (100) can be in the open position, wherein the lid (100) is self-supporting in a vertical or nearly vertical plane in the open position, engaging and balancing on the straight section (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the housing (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This industrial invention patent application relates to a storage unit comprising a housing and a lid, the lid having an innovative device for connection to the housing. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, it has long been known that a box or case, preferably made of molded plastic material, consists of a body suitable for holding various items and an upper edge suitable for placing a lid.

[0003] There are two types of lids: the first type is detachable, and the second type has a hinge mechanism that allows the lid to be hinged to the box.

[0004] In the first type of lid, the lid includes a box-shaped peripheral portion that is adapted to be forcibly connected to / separated from the upper edge of the box body.

[0005] Therefore, to close the box, place the lid on the top edge of the box and then push it firmly towards the box, so that the box-shaped periphery fits snugly against the top edge of the box. Conversely, to open the box, pull the lid firmly off the box, so that the box-shaped periphery opens slightly outward and separates from the top edge of the box.

[0006] Obviously, in order to put an object into or take an object out of the box, the user needs to temporarily place the lid on the support surface near or away from the box so that the user's hands can operate freely inside the box.

[0007] Since the lid of the box is completely removed, this solution is not complicated.

[0008] In fact, even if the lid is placed far away from the box after it is removed, it will not negatively affect the overall volume of the box when it is opened.

[0009] While this solution has the advantage of utilizing limited space, it is not without its drawbacks.

[0010] In fact, it is inconvenient and troublesome for users to temporarily place the cover on the support surface.

[0011] In addition, it should be noted that if the user pushes the lid into the box improperly, the lid or the box may crack or deform, requiring replacement of one of these two parts.

[0012] In the second type of lid, the lid includes a hinge mechanism that hinges the lid to the upper edge of the box and allows it to rotate about a rotation axis.

[0013] If a user wants to put an item into or take an item out of the box, they need to lift the lid and rotate it around the axis of rotation to move it from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa.

[0014] While this opening and closing method is quick and convenient and ensures a secure closure, its drawback is that the lid rotates around the axis of rotation during opening and closing, and is located on one side of the lid. This design limits users to using it only when there is sufficient space to ensure the lid can rotate and remain securely in the open position.

[0015] US1038001A describes a cooking container (specifically, a pot) comprising a container and a lid, the lower side of which is adapted to face the container when the lid is closed, and the upper side opposite the lower side. The container also includes a handle and two opposing hooks adapted to attach to a straight portion of the container's end edge, thereby allowing the lid to hang in a nearly vertical position.

[0016] Removing the lid and reattaching it to the top edge of the container is a rather complicated operation. This is mainly because the handle and hook are located on the outside of the lid.

[0017] In fact, after removing the lid from the container, in order to install the lid onto the container in a nearly vertical position, the lid needs to be rotated so that the outside faces the container, and one of the two hooks is attached to the top edge of the container.

[0018] DE102005008695A1 discloses a container comprising a base, a container portion, and a lid. The lid has two aligned hooks for securing it to the free edge of the container portion, thereby placing the lid in a nearly vertical position. Because only two aligned hooks are provided, the lid can only be secured in a nearly vertical position relative to the container portion in one manner. Therefore, the lid described in DE102005008695A1 is neither practical nor flexible.

[0019] US Patent 2015239622A1 describes a container comprising a container and a lid. The container has grooves or recesses on its side walls, and the lid has two aligned hooks that engage with the grooves or recesses to keep the lid open when suspended from the container. The container described in US 2015239622A1 is difficult to manufacture because it requires special grooves or recesses to be made on the container, and because the connection between the lid and the container is limited by the location of the grooves or recesses on the container and the two hooks on the lid, the container is neither practical nor flexible.

[0020] US4345697A describes a container that includes a container and a lid, the lid having a hinge assembly that allows the lid to rotate 90° relative to a corresponding edge portion of the container and allows the lid to separate from the container at any point during rotational movement.

[0021] The hinge assembly on the lid allows the lid to rotate only in one direction relative to the container, that is, only to the corresponding straight edge of the container. Therefore, the lid described in US4345697A is neither practical nor flexible. Summary of the Invention

[0022] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by designing a novel and practical lid that combines the advantages of existing technical solutions and ensures versatility when opened, so that the lid can be used no matter where the box is placed.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to design a storage unit including a lid that can move relative to a housing, and the lid can be attached to the housing in different ways.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to design a storage unit including a lid that is simple to manufacture, inexpensive and efficient.

[0025] According to the invention, these objectives can be achieved by the features listed in the appended independent claim 1.

[0026] Advantageous implementation methods can be seen from the dependent claims.

[0027] The storage unit described in this invention is defined by claim 1. Attached Figure Description

[0028] For ease of explanation, the storage unit of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are illustrative and not restrictive in nature, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a storage unit including a housing and a lid according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 and Figure 1 The same applies, except that the tabs on the lid have been removed from the lid;

[0031] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the lid according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3A It is along Figure 3 HH plane pair Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the lid;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Part of the lid along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the PP plane;

[0035] Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating some movements that the lid can perform relative to the housing according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5A , Figure 6A , Figure 7A and Figure 8A They are Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0037] Figure 9 This is an isometric view of a storage unit including a housing and a lid according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 and Figure 9 The same applies, except that the tabs on the lid have been removed from the lid;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a view of the lid according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the lid relative to the housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 17 This is an isometric view of a storage unit including a housing and a lid according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 17A It shows Figure 17 The box and lid are inside, with the open lid placed on the other side of the box;

[0043] Figure 18 and Figure 17 The same applies, except that the tabs on the lid are detached from the lid;

[0044] Figure 19This is a view of the lid according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 20 , Figure 20A and Figure 20B It shows Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 The corner element of the cover shown supports two vertical tabs when viewed from three different angles;

[0046] Figure 21 and Figure 21A This is an isometric view of a storage unit including a housing and a lid according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 21B yes Figure 21 and Figure 21A The lid shown is viewed from below in an axonometric view.

[0048] Figure 21C yes Figure 21 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lid and the box body.

[0049] Figure 22 and Figure 22A This is an isometric view of a storage unit including a housing and a lid according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 22B yes Figure 22 and Figure 22A The isometric top view of the cover shown;

[0051] Figure 22C yes Figure 22A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lid and the box body.

[0052] Figure 23 and Figure 23A This is an isometric view of a storage unit including a housing and a lid according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 23B yes Figure 23A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lid and the box body.

[0054] Figure 24 and Figure 24A This is an isometric view of a storage unit including a housing and a lid according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 24B yes Figure 24A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lid and the box body.

[0056] Figure 25 This is an isometric view of the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 26 This is an isometric view of the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 27 This is an isometric view of the tenth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the present invention describes a storage unit.

[0060] Different versions of the storage unit according to the present invention will now be described and shown in detail, all of which have the same inventive concept.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 17 , Figure 17A , Figure 18 , Figure 21 , Figure 21A , Figure 22 , Figure 22A , Figure 23 , Figure 23A , Figure 24 , Figure 24A , Figure 25 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 According to the present invention, all types of storage units include a housing 8, which includes a bottom 8a and a peripheral wall 8b having an upper edge 9 that defines an opening for access to a compartment of the housing 8. The upper edge 9 has two or more straight portions 91, 92, 93, 94.

[0062] The peripheral wall 8b of the box 8 is composed of four mutually perpendicular sides, so from the top view, the box 8 is quadrilateral, and the upper edge 9 is also quadrilateral.

[0063] The four sides of the peripheral wall 8b of the box 8 are inclined, so that the box is conical and the size gradually increases from the bottom 8a to the top edge 9.

[0064] Since the box 8 is a quadrilateral, its upper edge 9 has four straight sections 91, 92, 93, and 94, namely:

[0065] - The first straight section 91 and the second straight section 92 are parallel to each other; and

[0066] - The third straight section 93 and the fourth straight section 94 are parallel to each other and are laterally (preferably perpendicular to) the first straight section 91 and the second straight section 92.

[0067] The four straight sections 91, 92, 93, and 94 are connected by the curved section 95.

[0068] According to the present invention, all versions of the storage unit also include a cover 100.

[0069] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 3A An exemplary example of the lid 100 is shown. See below for further details. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 3A The features described in the illustrated cover 100 should also be considered applicable to the cover 100 of the storage unit according to all embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] Lid 100 includes:

[0071] - A central portion 1, when the lid 100 closes the housing 8, is adapted to close the compartment of the housing 8 upwards; the central portion 1 has: a lower side 11, adapted to face the bottom 8a of the housing 8 when the lid 100 closes the housing 8; and an upper side 12, facing in the opposite direction to the lower side 11; and

[0072] - Peripheral portion 2, when the lid 100 closes the box 8, the peripheral portion 2 is adapted to be placed on the upper edge 9 of the box 8; the peripheral portion 2 includes a plurality of straight portions 21, 22, 23, 24; each straight portion 21, 22, 23, 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the lid 100 has a lower surface 2a, which is adapted to abut against the corresponding straight portion 91, 92, 93, 94 of the upper edge 9 of the box 8 when the lid 100 closes the box 8.

[0073] The central portion 1 and the peripheral portion 2 of the lid 100 are made of a single piece of plastic material, thus the lid 100 is a one-piece lid. The peripheral portion 2 extends outwards around the central portion 1.

[0074] The lid 100 is adapted to fit with the upper edge 9 of the housing 8, and in a top view, the lid is quadrilateral.

[0075] In this regard, the peripheral portion 2 of the cover 100 includes four straight sections 21, 22, 23, and 24, namely:

[0076] - First straight section 21, which is adapted to be connected to the first straight section 91 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8;

[0077] - The second straight section 22 is adapted to be connected to the second straight section 92 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8;

[0078] - The third straight section 23 is adapted to be connected to the third straight section 93 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8;

[0079] - Fourth straight section 24, which is adapted to connect with the fourth segment 94 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8.

[0080] The first straight section 21 and the second straight section 22 of the peripheral portion 2 are parallel to each other, and the third straight section 23 and the fourth straight section 24 are parallel to each other and are lateral to (preferably vertical to) the first straight section 21 and the second straight section 22.

[0081] Each of the four corner portions 25 is connected to two straight portions 21, 22, 23, and 24 of the adjacent peripheral portion 2.

[0082] The cover 100 also includes two or more connecting devices M1, M2, M3, M4, which are integrated in the cover 100 and configured to connect the cover 100 to the housing 8.

[0083] Each of the two or more connecting devices M1, M2, M3, M4 is associated with a corresponding straight portion 21, 22, 23, 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover.

[0084] The connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 each include at least one protrusion 3, which extends toward the corresponding straight portions 21, 22, 23, and 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover, and defines a groove S when the cover 100 faces the corresponding straight portions 21, 22, 23, and 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover. For ease of explanation, the protrusion 3 and its defined groove S are as follows: Figure 3A and Figure 4 As shown.

[0085] The groove S defined by at least one tab 3 of each of the connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 is configured to receive and engage the straight portions 91, 92, 93, and 94 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8, thereby allowing the cover 100 to be positioned in the open position, wherein the cover 100 is self-supporting in a vertical or near-vertical plane, engaging and balancing on the straight portions 91, 92, 93, and 94 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8.

[0086] At least one tab 3 in each of the connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4:

[0087] - The corresponding straight portions 21, 22, 23, 24 of the peripheral portion 2 near the cover 100;

[0088] -Located below the lower surface 2a of at least one straight portion 21, 22, 23, 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the lid; and

[0089] - When the lid 100 is closed on the box body along the vertical direction of the plane π where the opening is defined by the upper edge 9 of the box body 8, it retracts backward relative to the lower surface 2a of at least one straight portion 21, 22, 23, 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the lid, so as not to interfere with the straight portions 91, 92, 93, 94 of the upper edge 9 of the box body 8.

[0090] The height D2 of the groove S (measured as the distance between the at least one tab 3 and the portion of the cover 100 disposed on the tab 3) is greater than the thickness sx of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8, so that the groove S perfectly accommodates the straight portions 91, 92, 93, 94 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8, and keeps the cover 100 in a nearly vertical position balanced on the straight portions 91, 92, 93, 94 of the upper edge 9.

[0091] Now for reference Figures 1-8A The first embodiment of the storage cell according to the present invention is described.

[0092] In a first embodiment of the invention, the cover 100 has two connecting devices M1 and M4, which are associated with two straight portions 21 and 24 of the peripheral portion 2. The two straight portions 21 and 24 are adjacent to each other and laterally directed to each other, and are adapted to be connected to corresponding straight portions 91 and 94 that are adjacent to each other on the upper edge of the housing 8.

[0093] For details, please refer to the following: Figures 1-8A The two connecting devices M1 and M4 are respectively associated with the first straight section 21 and the fourth straight section 24 of the peripheral part 2.

[0094] More precisely, the two connecting devices M1 and M4 include:

[0095] - A connecting device M1, comprising at least one tab 3 abutting against a first straight portion 21 of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover 100; and

[0096] - An additional connecting device M4 includes at least one tab 3 that abuts against the fourth straight portion 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover 100.

[0097] In view of the above, at least one tab 3 of the connecting device M1 abutting against the first straight portion 21 of the peripheral portion 2 defines a groove S toward the first straight portion 21 of the peripheral portion 2, so that when the cover 100 is in the vertical position, it receives and engages the corresponding first straight portion 91 of the upper edge 9 of the box body 8.

[0098] Conversely, at least one tab 3 of the additional connecting device M4, which abuts against the fourth straight portion 24 of the peripheral portion 2, defines a groove S facing the fourth straight portion 24 of the peripheral portion 2, so that when the cover 100 is in the vertical position, it receives and engages the corresponding fourth straight portion 94 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8.

[0099] Therefore, since the cover 100 is provided with two connecting devices M1 and M4 associated with two adjacent straight portions 21 and 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover 100, the cover 100 can be tilted relative to the first straight portion 91 and the fourth straight portion 94 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8, thereby alternately located in: a first vertically open position, wherein the groove S defined by the tab 3 of the connecting device M1 receives the first straight portion 91 of the upper edge 9; and a second vertically open position, wherein the groove S defined by the tab 3 of the additional connecting device M4 receives the fourth straight portion 94 of the upper edge 9.

[0100] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connecting device M1 and the additional connecting device M4 include two protrusions 3, namely a first protrusion 3a and a second protrusion 3b, which abut against the first straight portion 21 or the fourth straight portion 24 of the peripheral portion 2 and are close to the opposite ends of the first straight portion 21 or the fourth straight portion 24 of the peripheral portion 2.

[0101] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 6A , Figure 7A and Figure 8A From a cross-sectional view, the upper edge 9 and the resulting straight sections 91, 92, 93, and 94 are approximately inverted L-shaped, having a horizontal section 9a and a downwardly extending vertical section 9b. The vertical section 9b connects to the horizontal section 9a of the upper edge 9 and extends below it. The horizontal section 9a and the vertical section 9b of the upper edge 9 are respectively as shown in the figure. Figure 5A , Figure 6A , Figure 7A and Figure 8A As shown.

[0102] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 4 From the cross-sectional view, the peripheral portion 2 and its various straight portions 21, 22, 23, and 24 include:

[0103] - Support portion 26, adapted to rest on the upper edge 9 (specifically, on the horizontal portion 9a of the upper edge 9) when the lid 100 closes the housing 8; the lower surface 2a of the peripheral portion 2 is formed on the support portion 26; and

[0104] - Vertical edge 27, which is laterally positioned around the upper edge 9 (specifically the vertical portion 9b of the upper edge 9) of the housing 8 when the lid 100 is closed on the upper edge 9.

[0105] Refer again Figure 3A and Figure 4 The central portion 1 of the cover 100 includes a concave connecting portion 16 that connects the central portion 1 to the peripheral portion 2. The direction of the concave surface of the connecting portion 16 is the same as the direction of the lower side 11 of the central portion 1.

[0106] The concave connecting portion 16 includes:

[0107] - The first part 161 protrudes vertically from the upper side 12 of the central part 1;

[0108] - Part 2, 162, is perpendicular to Part 1, 161;

[0109] - The third part 163, which is tilted at about 45° relative to the second part 162, connects the second part 162 with the surrounding part 2.

[0110] Back Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described above, the connecting device M1 and the additional connecting device M4 each include two protrusions 3, which together with the cover 100 define their respective grooves S.

[0111] like Figure 2 and Figure 2A As shown, the cover 100 includes a connecting device 6 that connects each tab 3 to the lower side 11 of the central portion 1 of the cover 100.

[0112] Special Reference Figure 2A The tab 3 is supported by a support member 34, which is detachably connected to the cover 100 via the connecting device 6.

[0113] Specifically, the support member 34 includes a plate 35 and a partition 36. The plate 35 is arranged side by side and adjacent to the lower side 11 of the center portion 1 of the cover 100. The partition 36 protrudes vertically from the plate 35, and the tab 3 protrudes from the partition 36.

[0114] Plate 35 and tab 3 extend in opposite directions relative to partition 36. Therefore, the storage cell consisting of plate 35, partition 36 and tab 3 has an approximately S-shaped profile when viewed in cross-sectional view.

[0115] The connecting device 6 includes a resilient connecting device for connecting the plate 35 to the lower side 11 of the central portion 1 of the cover 100.

[0116] More specifically, the connecting device 6 includes a protrusion 60 extending vertically from the lower side 11 of the central portion 1 of the cover 100, and includes an elastic tab 61 that is forcibly inserted into a hole 351 formed in the plate 35.

[0117] By observing in sequence Figure 7 , Figure 6 and Figure 5 It is evident that the advantage of the two protrusions 3 of the connecting devices M1 and M4 being positioned close to the corresponding straight portions 21 and 24 of the peripheral portion 2 is significant. In fact, when the cover 100 is in the closed position (e.g., Figure 7 When the lid 100 is tilted open, the user can grasp the straight portions 22 and 23 of the peripheral portion 2 that are opposite to the straight portions with protrusions 3, and use the first straight portion 91 or the fourth straight portion 94 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8 as a pivot surface. During this movement from the horizontal closed position to the vertical open position, the groove S defined by the two protrusions 3 receives and immediately engages with the first straight portion 91 or the fourth straight portion 94 of the upper edge 9, thereby firmly supporting the lid 100 in the vertical open position.

[0118] like Figure 2A and Figure 4 As shown, each tab 3 preferably includes an elastic plate 4, which is connected to one end 30 of the tab 3.

[0119] Special Reference Figure 5A , Figure 6A and Figure 7A When the lid 100 is tilted to the closed position, the elastic plate 4 is adapted to interfere with the peripheral wall 8b of the housing 8, thereby being bent and subjected to an elastic load, thereby pushing the lid 100 away from the straight portion of the tilted upper edge 9 of the lid 100.

[0120] More precisely, reference Figure 5 , Figure 5A , Figure 6 , Figure 6A , Figure 7 and Figure 7A When the lid 100 is in the vertically open position (e.g.) Figure 5 and Figure 5A (As shown) Tilt to the horizontal closed position (as shown) Figure 7 and Figure 7A When (as shown), the elastic plate 4 interferes with the peripheral wall 8b of the box 8, causing it to bend (see...). Figure 6 and Figure 6A The lid 100 is subjected to an elastic load, thereby applying a pushing force to the lid 100 in sequence, so that the straight portion 22 of the peripheral portion 2 of the lid (opposite to the straight portion 21 of the inclined lid) can perfectly fall on the corresponding straight portion 92 of the upper edge 9 of the box body 8.

[0121] In the following text, elements that are the same as or correspond to those described above will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0122] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The second embodiment of the storage cell according to the present invention will now be described.

[0123] In this embodiment of the storage unit, the housing 8 is the same as the housing described above, and the two connecting devices M1 and M2 are integrated in the cover 100 and associated with the first straight section 21 and the second straight section 22.

[0124] More precisely, the two connecting devices M1 and M2 include:

[0125] - A connecting device M1 includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against a first straight portion 21 of the peripheral portion 2;

[0126] - An additional connecting device M2 includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against the second straight portion 22 of the peripheral portion 2.

[0127] Furthermore, preferably, the connecting device M1 and the additional connecting device M2 include two tabs 3, namely a first tab 3a and a second tab 3b, which abut against the first or second straight portion 21, 22, close to the opposite ends of the straight portion 21, 22.

[0128] refer to Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 In a second embodiment of the invention, the lid 100 is alternately tilted relative to the first straight portion 91 and the second straight portion 92 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8, and alternately located in a first vertically open position (wherein the groove S defined by the tab 3 of the connecting device M1 accommodates the first straight portion 91 of the upper edge 9, as shown in the figure). Figure 12 As shown) and the second vertically open position (wherein, the groove S defined by the protrusion 3 of the additional connecting device M2 accommodates the second straight portion 92 of the upper edge 9, as ... Figure 16 (As shown).

[0129] The following is for reference. Figure 17 , Figure 17A , Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 20 , Figure 20A and Figure 20B The third embodiment of the storage cell according to the present invention is described.

[0130] In this embodiment, the housing 8 is the same as the housing described above, and four connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 are integrated in the cover 100, each connecting device corresponding to each straight portion 21, 22, 23, and 24 of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover 100.

[0131] The four connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 include:

[0132] - A first connecting device M1 includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against a first straight portion 21 of the peripheral portion 2;

[0133] - The second connecting device M2 includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against the second straight portion 22 of the peripheral portion 2;

[0134] - A third connecting device M3, which includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against the third straight portion 23 of the peripheral portion 2;

[0135] - The fourth connecting device M4 includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against the fourth straight portion 24 of the peripheral portion 2.

[0136] In this case, preferably, the first connecting device M1, the second connecting device M2, the third connecting device M3 and the fourth connecting device M4 each include two protrusions 3, namely the first protrusion 3a and the second protrusion 3b, which abut against the first or second or third or fourth straight portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and the opposite ends of the adjacent straight portions 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0137] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the lid 100 is alternately tilted relative to any of the straight portions 91, 92, 93, 94 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8, thereby securing the lid 100 firmly to the first straight portion 91 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8 (see, for example, the first straight portion 91 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8). Figure 17 ), second straight section 92 (position not shown in the attached drawing), third straight section 93 (position not shown in the attached drawing), or fourth straight section 94 (see Figure 17A The vertical position above.

[0138] In this embodiment of the cover 100, a first tab 3a of one of the connecting devices M1, M2, M3, M4 and a second tab 3b of different adjacent connecting devices M1, M2, M3, M4 are integrated into a single corner element Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 in the shape of "L".

[0139] More specifically, reference Figure 19 :

[0140] - The first tab 3a of the first connecting device M1 and the second tab 3b of the third connecting device M3 are integrated in the first corner element Q1, which is shaped like an "L".

[0141] - The first tab 3a of the fourth connecting device M4 and the second tab 3b of the first connecting device M3 are integrated in the second corner element Q2, which is shaped like an "L".

[0142] - The first tab 3a of the second connecting device M2 and the second tab 3b of the fourth connecting device M4 are integrated in the triangular element Q3, which is shaped like an "L".

[0143] - The first tab 3a of the third connecting device M3 and the second tab 3b of the second connecting device M2 are integrated in the fourth corner element Q4, which is shaped like an "L".

[0144] Special Reference Figure 20 and Figure 20A The figure shows in detail the corner components Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, which are shaped like an "L". The corner components Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 are identical and are all made from a single piece of plastic material.

[0145] The corner elements Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 are actually formed by connecting the two support members 34 of the two tabs 3a and 3b through the central connecting portion A3. It is worth noting that the central connecting portion A3 does not extend along the trajectory of the corner 25 in front of it, but is recessed and cut off so that it does not obstruct the attachment of the adjacent tabs 3a and 3b to the corresponding straight portion of the upper edge 9.

[0146] Now for reference Figure 21 , Figure 21A , Figure 21B , Figure 21C , Figure 22 , Figure 22A , Figure 22B , Figure 22C , Figure 23 , Figure 23A , Figure 23B , Figure 24 , Figure 24A and Figure 24B , Figure 25 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 The following describes additional embodiments of the storage cell according to the present invention, which differ from the storage cell embodiments described above in the arrangement of the tabs 3 of the connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 and the connection method with the cover 100.

[0147] It should be pointed out that, in Figure 21 , Figure 21A , Figure 21B , Figure 21C , Figure 22 , Figure 22A , Figure 22B , Figure 22C , Figure 23 , Figure 23A , Figure 23B , Figure 24 , Figure 24A and 24B , Figure 25 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 In all versions of the storage unit shown, the cover 100 is always quadrilateral and includes:

[0148] - A first connecting device M1 includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against a first straight portion 21 of the peripheral portion 2;

[0149] - The second connecting device M2 includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against the second straight portion 22 of the peripheral portion 2;

[0150] - A third connecting device M3, which includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against the third straight portion 23 of the peripheral portion 2;

[0151] - The fourth connecting device M4 includes at least one tab 3, which abuts against the fourth straight portion 24 of the peripheral portion 2.

[0152] In all versions shown below, the tab 3 and the cover 100 are integrally formed and are not connected in a detachable manner.

[0153] refer to Figure 21 , Figure 21A , Figure 21B and Figure 21C In a fourth embodiment of the storage unit according to the present invention, the shape of the cover 100 is substantially similar to that of the cover already described and shown in the previous figures, and has an inverted L-shaped box-shaped peripheral portion 2, a support portion 26, and a vertical edge 27.

[0154] In addition, each of the connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 includes two aligned tabs 3, namely a first tab 3a and a second tab 3b, which are located near the opposite ends of the corresponding straight portions 21, 22, 23, and 24 of the peripheral portion 2, respectively.

[0155] Furthermore, in this configuration, the tabs 3a and 3b of one of the connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4, and the adjacent tabs 3a and 3b of the other connecting device M1, M2, M3, and M4, are supported by identical L-shaped corner partitions J, which protrude downwards from the central portion 1 of the cover 100. It is noteworthy that the two tabs 3a and 3b supported by the identical corner partitions J are separate, not connected by a middle section, as such a middle section would hinder the attachment of each tab to the corresponding straight portion of the upper edge 9.

[0156] refer to Figure 22 , Figure 22A , Figure 22B and Figure 22C In the fifth embodiment of the storage unit, the shape of the cover 100 is similar to... Figure 21 , Figure 21A , Figure 21B and Figure 21C The shapes described and shown are basically similar. Similarly, in this structure, each connecting device M1, M2, M3, M4 includes two tabs 3 that are aligned with each other and abut against the corresponding straight portions 21, 22, 23, 24.

[0157] In fact, in this structure, each tab 3 is supported by a corresponding partition G, which protrudes downward from the center portion 1 of the cover 100. Furthermore, an opening K is provided at the location of the tab 3 on the cover; the opening K is formed during the molding process of the cover 100, for discharging material during molding, and is suitable for closure with the cover C.

[0158] refer to Figure 23 , Figure 23A , Figure 23B In a sixth embodiment of the cover 100, the cover 100 has: a peripheral portion 2 with a flat plane; and a central portion 1, which is also flat but lower than the peripheral portion 2. In other words, the lower side 11 of the central portion 1 is located below the plane containing the lower surface 2a of the peripheral portion 2.

[0159] Each connecting device M1, M2, M3, M4 includes a tab 3 that protrudes laterally from the central portion 1. The tab 3 is parallel or coplanar with the lower side 11 of the central portion 1 and extends between two points near the opposite ends of the straight portions 21, 22, 23, 24 of the peripheral portion 2.

[0160] It should be noted that all tabs 3 are separated from each other at the corners 25 of the peripheral portion 2, because if corners are provided, the corners will prevent each tab 3 from engaging with the corresponding straight portion of the upper edge 9.

[0161] refer to Figure 24 , Figure 24A and Figure 24BIn the seventh embodiment of the cover 100, the cover 100 has: a flat peripheral portion 2; and a flat central portion 1 that is lower than the peripheral portion 2, and the lower side 11 of the central portion 1 is located on a plane below the plane containing the lower surface 2a of the peripheral portion 2.

[0162] The connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 each include two aligned tabs 3 that project laterally and are coplanar with the lower side 11 of the central portion 1. It should be noted again that the tabs 3 of the different connecting devices located near the corner 25 of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover 100 are not connected to each other, but are separated by grooves. Similarly, because the two tabs are not connected, they can be easily connected to their respective straight portions on the upper edge 9.

[0163] refer to Figure 25 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 The illustration shows three additional embodiments of the storage unit according to the invention, including centering devices F0, F1, F2, and F3, configured to center the cover 100 relative to the opening of the housing 8 when the cover 100 is in the open position, and to be supported and balanced on the straight portions 91, 92, 93, and 94 of the upper edge 9.

[0164] like Figure 25 As shown, in the eighth embodiment of the storage unit of the present invention, the cover 100 and Figure 24 , Figure 24A and Figure 24B The lid shown is similar, except that its tab 3 is forked, comprising a first branch and a second branch, separated by a central groove F0. The housing 8 includes vertical ribs F1 formed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 8b, which abut against the upper edge 9 of the housing 8. When the lid 100 is in a near-vertical position, these vertical ribs F1 are adapted to engage with the central groove F0. The vertical ribs F1 and the central groove F0 are centering devices that enable the lid 100 to maintain stable centering relative to the opening of the housing 8 when in a near-vertical position.

[0165] refer to Figure 26 In the ninth embodiment of the storage unit of the present invention, the cover 100 and Figure 22 , Figure 22A and Figure 22BThe lid shown is similar. In this case, the housing 8 includes a shallow embossed indentation F2 on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 8b, which abuts against the upper edge 9 of the housing 8 and is adapted to receive the tab 3 when the lid 100 is in a nearly vertical position. The indentation F2 is a centering device that allows the lid 100 to remain stably centered relative to the opening of the housing 8 when in a nearly vertical position. Furthermore, it should be noted that a groove N is provided in front of the tab 3 on the vertical edge 27 of the peripheral portion 2, which helps to remove the lid 100 from the mold during the molding process. In fact, during the molding of the lid 100, an insert is placed in the groove N. Once the plastic material of the lid 100 has been injected and cured, the insert is removed laterally, thereby removing the lid 100 from the mold.

[0166] like Figure 27 As shown, in the tenth embodiment of the storage unit of the present invention, the cover 100 and... Figure 21 , Figure 21A and Figure 21B The cover 100 shown is identical, while the housing 8 has a recessed lower seat F3 on its upper edge 9, which is adapted to accommodate the L-shaped wing of the corner partition J supporting the tabs 3a and 3b. The lower seat F3 is a centering device that enables the cover 100 to maintain stable centering relative to the housing 8 when it is in a nearly vertical position.

[0167] It should be noted that although it is not shown in the image, in Figures 21 to 27 In all versions of the cover 100 shown, the cover 100 may be equipped with only two connecting devices, which are adjacent to the two straight portions 21, 22, 23, 24 of the peripheral annular portion 2 respectively, or with three connecting devices, which are adjacent to the three straight portions of the peripheral annular portion 2 respectively, instead of being equipped with four connecting devices M1, M2, M3, M4.

[0168] Furthermore, although the attached drawings always show that the lid 100 and the upper edge 9 of the box 8 are basically quadrilaterals with four straight sections, this does not prevent the lid 100 and the upper edge 9 of the box 8 from being made of other polygonal shapes, such as triangles with three straight sections, pentagons with five straight sections, hexagons with six straight sections, and so on.

[0169] In this case, the connecting devices M1, M2, M3, and M4 are always provided on two or more straight sections of the peripheral portion 2 of the cover 100, so that the cover can be tilted and opened in different ways relative to the box body.

[0170] In addition, it should be noted that Figures 21 to 27 The tabs 3 of the cover 100 shown can also be fitted with the elastic plates 4 described above.

[0171] Therefore, based on the above description, the advantages of the present invention are now apparent.

[0172] In fact, according to the novel lid 100 of the present invention:

[0173] - While maintaining a substantially horizontal position, the lid 100 can be freely removed from or placed into the housing 8, and the direction of removal or placement is perpendicular to the bottom 8a of the housing 8; and

[0174] - Because of the tabs 3, and the tabs 3 together with the upper part of the cover 100 define the grooves S, which are adapted to receive and connect to the straight portions 21, 22, 23, 24 of the upper edge 9 of the housing 8, the cover 100 can remain suspended and connected to the upper edge 9 of the housing 8.

[0175] Therefore, according to the present invention, the cover 100 of the storage unit can be opened in multiple ways, thereby enabling the cover 100 to be connected to a box located in various spaces.

[0176] Furthermore, it is worth noting that, since two or more connecting devices M1, M2, M3, M4 are provided, the cover 100 can be attached to the housing in different ways and can be set in two or more open positions, wherein the cover is suspended in a vertical position.

[0177] Many variations and modifications to the present invention can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage unit, comprising a housing (8) and a cover (100); wherein, The housing (8) includes a peripheral wall (8b) having an upper edge (9) that defines an opening for access to a compartment of the housing; wherein the upper edge (9) includes a plurality of straight portions (91, 92, 93, 94). The cover (100) includes: -Central portion (1), when the cover (100) closes the box (8), the central portion (1) is adapted to close the compartment of the box (8) upward; - Peripheral portion (2), when the lid (100) closes the box (8), the peripheral portion (2) is adapted to be located on the upper edge (9) of the box (8); wherein, the peripheral portion (2) includes a plurality of straight portions (21, 22, 23, 24); each straight portion (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion of the lid has a lower surface (2a), which is adapted to abut against the corresponding straight portion (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) when the lid (100) closes the box (8); - At least two connecting devices (M1, M2, M3, M4) are integrated into the cover (100) and associated with at least two of the straight portions (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2) of the cover (100); wherein each of the at least two connecting devices (M1, M2, M3, M4) includes at least one tab (3) extending toward the corresponding straight portion (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2) of the cover; wherein the at least one tab (3) and the cover (100) define a groove (S) facing toward The corresponding straight portions (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2) of the cover; wherein the groove (S) defined by at least one tab (3) of each of the connecting devices (M1, M2, M3, M4) is configured to receive and engage with the straight portion (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the housing (8), thereby enabling the cover (100) to be in the open position, wherein the cover (100) is self-supporting in a vertical or nearly vertical plane in the open position, engaging and balancing on the straight portion (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the housing (8); Its characteristics are: At least one tab (3) in each of the connecting devices (M1, M2, M3, M4): -Near the corresponding straight portion (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2) of the cover; -Located below the lower surface (2a) of at least one straight portion (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2) of the cover; and - The lower surface (2a) of at least one straight portion (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2) of the cover is retracted so that when the cover (100) closes the box, it does not interfere with the straight portion (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8).

2. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein, The cover (100) has two connecting devices (M1, M4) associated with two straight portions (21, 24) laterally opposite each other, and adapted to connect with corresponding straight portions (91, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the housing (8); wherein the two connecting devices (M1, M4) include: - A connecting device (M1) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting against one of the two straight portions (21) of the peripheral portion (2) of the cover (100); and - An additional connecting device (M4) includes at least one tab (3) located near the other of the two straight portions (24) of the peripheral portion (2) of the cover (100).

3. The storage unit according to claim 2, wherein, The straight sections (21, 24) provided with the connecting devices (M1, M4) are adjacent to each other.

4. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein, The upper edge (9) includes a first straight section (91), a second straight section (92), a third straight section (93), and a fourth straight section (94); wherein, the peripheral portion (2) includes a first straight section (21), a second straight section (22), a third straight section (23), and a fourth straight section (24); wherein, the cover (100) includes: - A first connecting device (M1) includes at least one tab (3) located near the first straight portion (21) of the peripheral portion (2); - A second connecting device (M2) includes at least one tab (3) that abuts against the second straight portion (22) of the peripheral portion (2); - A third connecting device (M3) includes at least one tab (3) located near the third straight portion (23) of the peripheral portion (2); - A fourth connecting device (M4) includes at least one tab (3) which abuts against the fourth straight portion (24) of the peripheral portion (2).

5. The storage cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the connecting devices (M1, M2, M3, M4) includes two tabs (3) located near the opposite ends of the straight portion (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2).

6. The storage cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each of the connecting devices (M1, M2, M3, M4) includes a single tab (3) that extends between two points near the opposite ends of the straight portion (21, 22, 23, 24) of the peripheral portion (2).

7. The storage cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tab (3) includes an elastic plate (4) attached to one end (30) of the tab (3); wherein, when the cover (100) is tilted from its second position to its first position in the closed position, the elastic plate (4) is adapted to interfere with the peripheral wall (8b) of the housing (8), thereby being bent and subjected to an elastic load, thereby pushing the cover (100) away from the straight portion (91, 92, 93, 94) of the tilted upper edge (9) of the cover (100).

8. The storage cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The peripheral portion (2) is a flat plane.

9. The storage cell according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, In cross-section, the peripheral portion (2) includes: - A flat support portion (26) is adapted to abut against the upper edge (9) when the cover (C) is closed to the upper edge (9); the lower surface (2a) of the peripheral portion (2) is formed on the support portion (26); - Vertical edge (27), when the cover (100) is closed onto the upper edge (9), the vertical edge (27) is laterally positioned to surround the upper edge (9) of the housing (8).

10. The storage cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one tab (3) is detachably connected to the cover (100) via a connecting device (6).

11. The storage cell according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The at least one tab (3) is integrally formed with the cover (100).

12. The storage cell according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The central portion (1) of the cover (100) has a lower side (11) located on a plane below the plane of the lower surface (2a) of the peripheral portion (2); wherein at least one tab (3) protrudes laterally from the central portion (1) and is parallel or coplanar with the lower side (11) of the central portion (1) of the cover (100).

13. The storage cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The at least one tab (3) is supported by a partition (J, 36, G) that protrudes downward from the central portion (1) of the cover (100), and the tab (3) extends vertically from the partition (J, 36, G).

14. The storage unit according to any one of the preceding claims includes a centering device (F0, F1, F2, F3) configured to center the cover (100) relative to the opening of the housing (8) when the cover (100) is in the near-vertical position, the cover (100) being supported and balanced on the straight portion (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9).

15. The storage unit according to claim 14, wherein, The centering devices (F0, F1, F2, F3) include: - A central groove (F0) formed on at least one tab; and - A vertical rib (F1) is located on the inner surface of the peripheral wall (8b) and abuts against the upper edge (9) of the housing (8). When the cover (100) is in a near-vertical position, the vertical rib (F1) is adapted to connect to the central groove (F0).

16. The storage unit according to claim 14, wherein, The centering device (F0, F1, F2, F3) includes at least one shallow relief indentation (F2) formed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall (8b) against the upper edge (9) of the housing (8) and adapted to receive at least one tab (3) when the lid (100) is in a nearly vertical position.

17. The storage unit according to claim 14, wherein, when it is subordinate to claim 13, The centering device (F0, F1, F2, F3) includes at least one lower seat (F3) formed on the upper edge (9) of the housing (8) and adapted to accommodate a corner partition (J) supporting at least one tab (3).

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