Decorative object

Abstract

Decorative object (1), in particular candle holder or planter, comprising: a base part (2); and at least two side parts (3a, 3b) which are connected to the base part (2); wherein the side parts (3a, 3b) are integrally formed with the bottom part (2), in particular in one piece, and wherein the side parts (3a, 3b) are foldable relative to the bottom part (2).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a decorative object, in particular a candle holder or a planter. background

[0002] Decorative objects, such as candle holders or plant pots, are generally familiar. These objects typically consist of a base and several sides. The base usually contains a recess or holder for an object. In the case of a candle holder, this might be a recess for a candle, especially a tea light. In the case of a plant pot, it might be a recess for a flowerpot. The sides are designed to protect the object. They may have openings to allow a view into the interior of the decorative object. In the case of a candle holder, the sides allow the light from a candle to escape.

[0003] A disadvantage of conventional decorative objects with a casing is that they are unwieldy to transport and difficult to pack.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a decorative object that is easy to transport and can be well packaged. Summary

[0005] This problem is solved by a decorative object according to claim 1. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The decorative object comprises a base and at least two side panels connected to the base. The side panels are integral, in particular one-piece, with the base and are foldable relative to the base.

[0007] The decorative object can be a candle holder. In an alternative embodiment, the decorative object can be a planter. However, the invention is not limited to this.

[0008] In its unfolded state, the decorative object's side panel and base panel can be arranged in a common plane, and in particular, they can form an angle of 0° to each other. By folding, the side panel can be folded out of this plane by an angle, in particular 90°, while the base panel remains in the plane. In a folded state, the decorative object's side panel and base panel can thus form an angle other than 0°, in particular an angle of 90°, to each other. The side panel can be folded along a fold line that runs between the base panel and the respective side panel. In the folded state, the side panels can thus form side walls of the decorative object.

[0009] The maximum height of the decorative object in its unfolded state can be less than or equal to 15% of its maximum length in its unfolded state. Here, the maximum length refers to the greatest extent of the decorative object in the plane in which it substantially extends when unfolded. Similarly, the maximum height refers to the greatest extent of the decorative object in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which it substantially extends when unfolded.

[0010] Since the decorative object, when unfolded, essentially lies flat within a single plane, it is easy to pack, store, and transport. Its foldable design also simplifies assembly, as no screws, glue, or similar fasteners are required.

[0011] In its folded state, the decorative object can take the form of a container. Specifically, in its folded state, the bottom section can form the base of a container. Furthermore, in its folded state, the side sections can form the sides of a container.

[0012] The base can include a recess for an object. When the decorative object is folded, the recess can be located within the space defined by the side walls and the base. The object could be, for example, a candle, especially a tea light, or a flowerpot.

[0013] The receiving area can be designed to hold the object in such a way that it is prevented from moving within it. The receiving area can include an annular protrusion and / or a spike. The annular protrusion and / or the spike can be integral, in particular formed as a single piece, with the base and side parts.

[0014] The base and side panels can be formed from a single sheet of metal, particularly painted metal. Specifically, it is possible for the base and side panels to be manufactured from a single sheet of metal, especially the same sheet, using a process such as punching, cutting, profiling, drilling, deep drawing, or a combination of such processes. Here, the term "sheet metal" refers, in its usual usage, to a rolled metal product whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness. Manufacturing the base and side panels—that is, all large-area components of the decorative object—from a single sheet of metal, especially the same sheet, can enable efficient and cost-effective production of the decorative object, particularly in large quantities.

[0015] Alternatively, the base and side panels can be molded from a single piece of plastic. For example, the base and side panels can be manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0016] Alternatively, it is possible to manufacture the base and side panels from different sheets of metal and then join them together using suitable methods such as welding, gluing or clinching.

[0017] The side panels can be designed to be separably connected to one another when the decorative object is folded. For this purpose, the side panels can have connecting devices that connect the side panels to one another, in particular by force-fit and / or form-fit. In particular, the connecting devices can include locking or snap-fit ​​elements. It is possible that a first side panel has a first connecting element and a second panel has a second connecting element, wherein the first and second connecting elements are designed to create a force-fit and / or form-fit connection between the two side panels. It is also possible that each side panel has a first connecting element on a first side and a second connecting element on a second side opposite the first side.

[0018] It is possible that the connecting elements are integral, in particular integral, with the respective side part. In particular, the connecting elements can be made from the same sheet metal as the side parts and the base of the candle holder.

[0019] For example, a first connecting element can be designed as a tab with a hook or a locking lug, the tab being arranged laterally on a side member. The first connecting element can be at an angle to the side member on which it is laterally arranged. This angle can be between 100° and 140°. The hook or locking lug can be at an angle to the tab in a range of 15° to 25°. A second connecting element can also be designed as a tab arranged laterally on a side member, the tab of the second connecting element having a through-opening. The second connecting element can also be at an angle to the side member on which it is laterally arranged. This angle can also be in a range of 100° to 140°.The tab of the first connecting element can be designed to be inserted through the through-opening of the second connecting element and to lock the side parts by means of the hook or locking lug.

[0020] The ability to connect the side panels allows for increased stability of the decorative object when folded. A design combining a flap with an opening can be easily achieved during the manufacturing process through appropriate sheet metal preparation. Such a combination can also be produced using injection molding.

[0021] The at least two side panels can each be connected to the base panel by at least one bridge. A bridge is defined as a component that connects the respective side panel to the base panel, bridges a gap between the respective side panel and the base panel, and has smaller dimensions than the respective side panel and the base panel. In particular, the at least one bridge can be formed by a section of sheet metal or plastic located between the respective side panel and the base panel. The section forming the at least one bridge can have one or more holes. Alternatively or additionally, the section can have an embossed design. For example, a groove and / or several indentations can be embossed in the section. The holes and / or the embossing can further facilitate folding and thus the assembly of the decorative object.

[0022] The at least one web can be formed integrally with the base and the at least two side parts. In particular, it is possible that the at least two side parts, the base, and the respective webs are formed from the same sheet metal.

[0023] A fold line, along which a side panel can be folded relative to the bottom panel, can run through the at least one web connecting the respective side panel to the bottom panel. Since the web has less material than the bottom panel and the respective side panel, folding along the web is facilitated. It is possible that a film hinge is arranged in the area of ​​the at least one web, and in particular, that the at least one web forms at least one film hinge. A film hinge is understood to be a connecting element that has less material, and is in particular thinner, than the elements it connects.

[0024] At least one side panel can have at least two adjacent segments, and the at least two adjacent segments of the side panel can be foldable towards each other. In particular, the at least one side panel can be foldable along a first fold line relative to the base panel, and the at least two adjacent segments can be foldable towards each other along a second fold line, the second fold line being perpendicular to the first fold line. By folding the adjacent segments towards each other, several side walls of the decorative object can be formed from one side panel.

[0025] The number of at least two segments can be determined by the shape of the base in plan view. For example, the base in plan view can have the shape of an N-gon. In this case, the at least two side pieces can have a total of N segments. For example, the decorative object can have two side pieces, and the base in plan view can have the shape of a hexagon. In this case, each side piece of the decorative object can have three segments. In another example, the decorative object can have two side pieces, and the base in plan view can have the shape of a pentagon. In this case, one side piece can have two segments, while the other side piece has three segments.

[0026] The segments of the side panel can be connected to each other by at least one web. It is also possible for a film hinge to be arranged in the area of ​​the at least one web, in particular for the at least one web to form at least one film hinge. The at least one web can be formed by a section of sheet metal or plastic between the segments. The section forming the at least one web can have one or more holes and / or an embossed pattern. As explained above, the connection via such a web can facilitate folding and thus the assembly of the decorative object.

[0027] The described segmented design of at least one side panel further simplifies the assembly of the decorative object, as not all side panels need to be folded at a 90° angle to the base. Instead, only two side panels need to be folded at a 90° angle to the base, and the segments of the at least one side panel only need to be folded at an angle less than 90°. Thus, in the example described above, where the decorative object comprises two side panels and a base that is hexagonal in plan view, the segments of the side panels would only need to be folded at a 60° angle if the base is a regular hexagon in plan view.

[0028] Furthermore, the assembly of the decorative object can be simplified with such a segmented design, at least for one side panel, since fewer side walls need to be joined together after the side panels are folded. For example, in a decorative object with a hexagonal base (as seen from above), six side panels would have to be joined together if the side panels were not segmented, i.e., if each side wall were formed by a single side panel. In the example described above, where the base is hexagonal (as seen from above) and two side panels each have three segments, only the outermost segments of one of the two side panels need to be joined to the corresponding outermost segments of the other side panel.

[0029] Furthermore, the production of the decorative object can be further simplified by the described segmented design of at least one side panel, as such segmentation can be achieved, for example, simply by creating an elongated hole in the side panel. This elongated hole then forms at least one rib, as described above. It is also possible to forgo creating a side panel extending from each edge of the base panel, which can further simplify production.

[0030] At least one side panel can have at least one opening. It is possible for at least one side panel to have multiple openings. The openings can be designed, in particular, as elongated slots. The elongated slots can run obliquely to a fold line of the respective side panel relative to the base panel and / or obliquely to a fold line of a segment of a side panel relative to an adjacent segment of the side panel.

[0031] The decorative object may include a carrying device. The carrying device may include a handle that can be detachably connected to at least one side of the decorative object. In particular, the handle may comprise a bent metal wire. Alternatively, the handle may comprise a plastic material, in particular one made of plastic. At least one side of the decorative object may include an opening into which the handle can be inserted. Such a carrying device is simple to manufacture and allows for easy assembly. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Further features and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the exemplary figures. These show: Fig. 1. Schematic representation of a decorative object in an unfolded state, viewed from above; Fig. 2. Schematically, a decorative object in an unfolded state in perspective view; Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b schematically a detail of a connecting element of a decorative object in perspective view and side view; Fig. Figures 4a to 4c schematically depict a decorative object in a partially folded or partially assembled state in perspective view; and Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a decorative object in a fully assembled state in perspective view. Detailed description

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a decorative object 1 in its unfolded state. The illustrated embodiment of the decorative object is a candlestick. It can be seen that the candlestick 1 comprises a base 2 and two side parts 3a and 3b. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 2 has the shape of a regular hexagon in plan view. The side parts 2a and 2b essentially have the shape of a rectangle in plan view.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 further shows that the base part 2 and the side parts 3a and 3b are formed in one piece from a sheet of metal. Two webs 4a and 4b are arranged between the side part 3a and the base part 2. In particular, the webs 4a and 4b are formed by a section of the sheet metal located between the side part 3a and the base part 2, which has an opening 5a. Similarly, two webs 4c and 4d are arranged between the side part 3b and the base part 2, which are formed by a section of the sheet metal located between the side part 3b and the base part 2, and which has an opening 5b.

[0035] The side panel 3a can be folded in the area of ​​the webs 4a and 4b opposite the bottom panel, as for example in Fig. 3 is shown. Similarly, the side panel 3b can be folded in the area of ​​the webs 4c and 4d relative to the bottom panel.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 further shows that side part 3a comprises three segments 6a, 6b, and 6c, and that side part 3b comprises three segments 6d, 6e, and 6f. The adjacent segments of a side part are separated from each other by elongated openings 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. These openings form webs 8a to 8h, with each pair of webs connecting two adjacent segments. Specifically, webs 8a and 8b connect segments 6a and 6b, webs 8c and 8d connect segments 6b and 6c, webs 8e and 8f connect segments 6d and 6e, and webs 8g and 8h connect segments 6e and 6f. Each pair of adjacent segments is foldable towards each other in the area of ​​the webs connecting them.

[0037] It is in Fig. 1. It can further be seen that the side part 3a has two first connecting elements 9a and 9b on its upper side in the drawing view. On the opposite side, i.e., the lower side in the drawing view, the side part 3a has two second connecting elements 10a and 10b. Similarly, the side part 3b has two second connecting elements 10c and 10d on its upper side in the drawing view, and two first connecting elements 9c and 9d on its lower side in the drawing view.

[0038] The connecting elements 9a to 9d are each designed as tabs with a hook and are described further below in relation to the Fig. 3 described in more detail. The connecting elements 10a to 10d are each designed as tabs with a through-opening. In Fig. Figure 1 shows that a tab 11a or 11b is arranged between the connecting elements 9a and 9b or between the connecting elements 9c and 9d.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 further shows that the base includes a receiving area 12 for a candle or tea light. The receiving area 12 is defined by an annular curvature of the sheet metal.

[0040] In Fig. It is also apparent that segments 6a to 6f have a large number of through openings 13, which are designed as obliquely running elongated holes.

[0041] Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 1 indicates two fold lines, F1 and F2. Fold line F1 is a fold line along which the side panel 3a can be folded relative to the bottom panel 2. It can be seen that fold line F1 runs through the tabs 4a and 4b. A corresponding fold line, along which the side panel 3b can be folded relative to the bottom panel 2, runs through the tabs 4c and 4d. This fold line is not shown for clarity. Fig. 1 indicated.

[0042] Fold line F2 is a fold line along which segment 6a can be folded relative to segment 6b. It can be seen that fold line F2 runs through the webs 8a and 8b. Furthermore, it can be seen that fold line F2 runs perpendicular to fold line F1. Corresponding fold lines run between segments 6b and 6c, 6d and 6e, and 6e and 6f, passing through the corresponding webs located there. For the sake of clarity, these fold lines are also not shown in the diagram. Fig. 1 indicated.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 1 is still the maximum length l of the decorative object 1 in its unfolded state.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the in Fig. 1. Candlestick shown in top view. 1. The same reference symbols denote the same elements as in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 shows the curved, ring-shaped area of ​​the base part 1, which borders the recording area 12. Furthermore, in Fig. 2. It can be seen that the connecting elements 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b and the tab 11a are each bent relative to the side part 3a. Similarly, the connecting elements 9c, 9d, 10c, 10d and the tab 11b are each bent relative to the side part 3b. In Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the connecting element 10c includes a tab 14a with a through-opening 15a. The connecting elements 10a, 10b and 10d also include corresponding tabs.

[0045] Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b schematically shows a detail of a connecting element 9 of the candlestick 1 in perspective and side views. The connecting element 9 can be one of the ones shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The connecting elements shown in the diagrams 9a to 9d correspond to the two connecting elements shown. Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows that the connecting element 9 includes a tab 14 which forms an angle with a side part 3 of the candle holder 1, which in the illustrated embodiment is 120°. The side part 3 can be adapted to the shape shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 side panel shown corresponds to 3a or 3b. Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b further shows that the connecting element 9 has a hook 15 which forms an angle with the tab 14 which in the embodiment shown is 20°.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 3b shows the maximum height h of the decorative object 1 in its unfolded state. In the embodiment shown, the maximum height h is essentially determined by the tab 14. The maximum height h in the unfolded state is preferably less than or equal to 15% of the height shown in Figure 3b. Fig. 1 Illustrated maximum length l in the unfolded state.

[0047] Fig. Figures 4a to 4c show perspective views of candlestick 1 during various assembly steps, i.e., in different partially folded or assembled states. Candlestick 1 corresponds to the one shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The two candlesticks shown and the same reference symbols each denote the same elements.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 4a shows a state in which the side parts 3a and 3b of the candlestick 1 have been folded by 90° relative to the base part 2, as indicated by the two arrows. It can be seen that the folding occurs in the area of ​​the ribs 4a and 4b and 4c and 4d, respectively (in Fig. 3a (covertly) has taken place.

[0049] Fig. Figure 4b shows a state of the candle holder 1 in which segment 6a is folded relative to segment 6b. Similarly, segment 6f is folded relative to segment 6e. Both folds are indicated by arrows. It can also be seen that segments 6a and 6f are connected to each other. The tab 11b located on segment 6f overlaps segment 6a on its inner side facing the base part 2, thus stiffening the connection.

[0050] Fig. Figure 4c shows a state of the candle holder 1 in which segment 6c is folded relative to segment 6b, and segment 6d is folded relative to segment 6e. It can also be seen that segments 6c and 6d are connected to each other, with the tab 11a on segment 6c overlapping segment 6d on its inner side. The enlarged section further shows that the connecting element 9a, designed as a tab 14 with a hook 15, is inserted through the opening of the connecting element 10c, with the hook engaging in the through-opening 15a of the tab 14a of the connecting element 10c.

[0051] Fig. Figure 5 shows a candlestick 1 in its fully folded state in perspective. It can be seen that segments 6a to 6f form the side walls of the candlestick 1. Furthermore, in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the candle holder includes a support device 16, which is designed as a metal bracket. The support device can be connected to two opposing side walls, which in the illustrated embodiment are formed by segments 6b and 6e. For this purpose, a hook at one end of the support device 16 can be inserted through a corresponding opening in one of the side walls, as shown in Figure 4. Fig. 5 is shown in the enlarged section and indicated by the arrows.

Claims

[1] Decorative object (1), in particular candle holder or planter, comprising: a base part (2); and at least two side parts (3a, 3b) which are connected to the base part (2); wherein the side parts (3a, 3b) are integrally formed with the bottom part (2), in particular in one piece, and wherein the side parts (3a, 3b) are foldable relative to the bottom part (2). [2] Decorative object according to claim 1, wherein the base part (2) and the at least two side parts (3a, 3b) are arranged in a common plane in an unfolded state of the decorative object (1). [3] Decorative object according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein a maximum height (h) of the decorative object (1) in an unfolded state is less than or equal to 15% of a maximum length (I) of the decorative object (1) in an unfolded state. [4] Decorative object according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base part (2) and the side parts (3a, 3b) are formed from a sheet of metal, in particular from a painted sheet of metal. [5] Decorative object according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two side parts (3a, 3b) are connected to the base part (2) by at least one web (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d). [6] Decorative object according to claim 5, wherein a fold line between a side part (3a, 3b) and the bottom part (2) passes through the at least one web (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) that connects the respective side part (3a, 3b) and the bottom part (2). [7] Decorative object according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one web (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is formed by a region of a sheet which is arranged between the base part (2) and the respective side part (3a, 3b). [8] Decorative object according to claim 7, wherein the area of ​​the sheet forming the web (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) has one or more openings (5a, 5b) and / or one or more embossings to assist folding. [9] Decorative object according to one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the side parts (3a, 3b) has at least two adjacent segments (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f) and wherein the at least two adjacent segments (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f) of the at least one side part (3a, 3b) are foldable to each other. [10] Decorative object according to claim 9, wherein the at least one side part (3a, 3b) is foldable relative to the bottom part (2) along a first fold line (F1), wherein the at least two adjacent segments (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f) are foldable relative to each other along at least a second fold line (F2), and wherein the at least second fold line (F2) is perpendicular to the first fold line (F1). [11] Decorative object according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first of the at least two side parts (3a, 3b) has a first connecting element (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), wherein a second of the at least two side parts (3a, 3b) has a second connecting element (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), and wherein the first connecting element (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) and the second connecting element (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) are configured to connect the first side part and the second side part together, in particular separably, in a folded state of decorative object (1). [12] Decorative object according to claim 11, wherein the first connecting element (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) has a tab (14) with a hook (15) and wherein the second connecting element (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) has a tab (14a) with a through-opening (15a). [13] Decorative object (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base part (2) comprises a receiving area (12) for an object, in particular for a candle or a flower pot. [14] Decorative object according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a carrying device (16). [15] Decorative object according to claim 14, wherein the carrying device (16) comprises a handle, in particular wherein the handle comprises a metal bracket.

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