Hinged container with opening angle limitation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container (1) comprising at least two frame elements (2) circumferentially surrounding an inner receiving space for receiving objects, which frame elements are connected to one another on one side so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (X) from a closed state of the container (1) into an open state of the container (1), wherein a maximum opening angle of the frame elements (2) is limited by means of at least one foldable connecting element (6). The connecting element (6) has at least two connecting means (8) and at least two holding parts (10), and the frame elements (2) each have, on an inner wall on side sections (12) extending radially to the pivot axis (X), at least one corresponding counter-connecting means (14) for detachably connecting to the connecting means (8) of the connecting element (6) and at least one counter-holding part (16) for detachably connecting to the holding parts (10) of the connecting element (6).To connect the connecting means to the respective counter-connecting means (14), the connecting means (8) are movable parallel to the pivot axis (X) to the respective corresponding counter-connecting means (14) and to connect the holding part (10) to the respective counter-holding part (16), the holding parts (10) are movable radially to the pivot axis (X) to the respective corresponding counter-holding part (16).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container, such as a bag or a suitcase. The container has at least two frame elements that circumferentially surround an inner receiving space for accommodating objects. The frame elements are connected to one another on one side about a pivot axis so that they can be pivoted from a closed state of the container to an open state of the container. A maximum opening angle of the frame elements is limited by at least one connecting element. To connect the connecting element to the frame elements, the connecting element has at least two connecting means and at least two holding parts.The frame elements each have, on an inner wall, at side sections extending radially to the pivot axis, at least one corresponding counter-connecting means for releasably connecting to the connecting means of the connecting element and at least one counter-holding part for releasably connecting to the holding parts of the connecting element. It is provided that, in order to connect the connecting means to the respective counter-connecting means, the connecting means are movable parallel to the pivot axis to the respective corresponding counter-connecting means. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connecting element for use in a container of the aforementioned type and to a connecting element group comprising two such connecting elements.

[0002] Such containers are known, in particular, in the form of briefcases or document cases, but also handbags. Frame elements themselves are usually designed as case shells or form a framework for stabilizing, in particular, flexible, often textile case shells. The containers feature connecting elements that limit the maximum opening angle. The two frame elements are usually sewn together with a substantially triangular textile connecting element to limit the maximum opening angle.

[0003] The known connecting elements can be detachably attached to the respective side sections of the frame elements, with the respective connecting element being attached on one side to a first side section of the frame element and on the other side to the side section of the respective other frame element opposite the pivot axis of the side section of one frame element. Detachable connecting elements have the advantage that the container is more modular and, in particular, more adaptable. Containers with detachable connecting elements also allow for simplified repair in the event of damage to the respective connecting element, without, for example, having to open / separate seams or adhesive joints.

[0004] Detachable connections between the connecting element and the frame elements are often provided in each case by a connecting means and a counter-connecting means. These connections are designed in particular as snap fasteners or hook-and-loop connections. It is known for the connecting element to have a first snap fastener or hook-and-loop connecting element with the connecting means, and for the respective frame element to have a corresponding counter-connecting means, a second snap fastener or hook-and-loop connecting element. The connecting means is brought into engagement with the counter-connecting means by a movement parallel to the pivot axis, thereby connecting the connecting element to the frame element. Frequently, the connecting element is also connected to the frame element with a plurality of snap fasteners or long hook-and-loop connecting strips.

[0005] Containers are also known in which the maximum opening angle is adjusted by connecting the two frame elements, in particular by sewing them together, with an essentially triangular textile.

[0006] Combinations of connection types are also known, so that the connecting element has both connecting means and holding means. In this case, the frame elements are provided with corresponding counter-holding means and counter-connecting means. It is known that the holding means and the counter-holding means are designed as hook-and-loop connections, with the connecting means and counter-connecting means being designed as snap fasteners. Advantageously, this known variant provides a large adhesive surface through the hook-and-loop connection and a high holding force through the snap fastener connection.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that two case shells that can be pivoted relative to each other about the pivot axis are connected to each other by means of two connecting elements, so that a first side section of the first frame element is connected to a first side section of the second frame element by means of a first connecting element, and a second side section of the first frame element is connected to a second side section of the second frame element by means of a second connecting element. Advantageously, in this variant, the connecting elements can jointly function as a room divider by being connected to each other parallel to the pivot axis.

[0008] However, the connecting elements known from the prior art have shown potential for improvement with regard to assembly and / or durability. In particular, the known connecting elements cannot be mounted on the frame elements by a user using one hand. Since, in the containers known from the prior art, the connecting means and the holding means can be released from one another in the same separation direction parallel to the pivot axis, the connections, in particular the combination of a snap fastener connection and a hook and loop connection, can unintentionally release simultaneously if a certain release force parallel to the pivot axis is exceeded. This regularly results in the opening angle of the two frame elements relative to one another no longer being limited and the frame elements pivoting open uncontrollably around the pivot axis.Damage to or loss of objects stored in the container's receiving space is often accompanied by the unintentional loosening of the connecting elements.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a pivotable container with an opening angle limitation, which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular has a simplified assembly and preferably an increased security against unintentional release.

[0010] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Because the holding parts are movable radially to the pivot axis to the respective corresponding counter-holding part in order to connect the holding part to the respective counter-holding part, one-handed assembly of the connecting element to the respective side section of the frame element can be achieved in an advantageous manner. The combination of two directions of movement also makes changing hands unnecessary. Preferably, the user can hold a corresponding section of the connecting element in one hand and successively move the connecting element radially to the pivot axis so that the holding part is connected to the counter-holding part by means of the movement radially to the pivot axis.The user can then move the connecting element, in particular without changing their grip, such that the connecting means is moved parallel to the pivot axis and connects with the corresponding mating connecting means. To connect the connecting means to the mating connecting means, it can be provided that the connecting element can be pivoted about the connection between the mating holding part and the holding part, so that the connecting means can be moved substantially parallel to the pivot axis.

[0011] A further advantage of the invention is that the holding part can be released from the counter-holding part by a first separation movement directed radially to the pivot axis, whereas the connecting means can be released from the counter-connecting means by a second separation movement directed parallel to the pivot axis. The first separation movement and the second separation movement are therefore not aligned, thus preventing / reducing the risk of unintentional release due to a release force acting in a specific direction, in particular a release force directed parallel to the pivot axis.

[0012] It is within the scope of the invention that the container can be designed as a suitcase, a bag, in particular a handbag. The container is also not limited to specific designs, e.g., a hard-shell suitcase.

[0013] Preferably, the frame elements themselves are designed as case shells or are integrally connected to a hard or flexible case shell. It is also within the scope of the invention for the frame elements to be designed in such a way that they provide a framework for stabilizing, in particular, flexible, often textile, case shells.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the counter-holding part is designed as a locking tongue extending radially from the pivot axis to a free end. Correspondingly, the holding part formed accordingly on the connecting element is designed as a correspondingly designed receiving sleeve. In this variant, the connection between the holding part and the counter-holding part is advantageously established in that the receiving sleeve is designed to be plugged onto the locking tongue radially to the pivot axis. Preferably, the receiving sleeve has a closed annular profile, which has the particular advantage that the holding part is positively blocked against release forces acting perpendicular to the locking tongue extending radially to the pivot axis. Inadvertent release is thereby advantageously prevented.

[0015] In particular, it can be provided that the receiving sleeve has an inner diameter adapted to the locking tongue in such a way that a manually generated opening force is necessary for arranging the receiving sleeve on the locking tongue or the locking tongue in the receiving sleeve, so that the receiving sleeve is also held force-fittingly on the locking tongue.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the connection between the connecting means and the counter-connecting means supports the connection of the holding part, in particular the receiving sleeve, with the counter-holding part, in particular the locking tongue, and / or restricts the movement of the holding part in such a way that the holding part cannot be released from the counter-holding part as long as the connecting means is connected to the counter-connecting means.

[0017] In particular, the opening force and the force-locking connection of the receiving sleeve on the locking tongue and / or the support and movement restriction of the connection between the connecting means and the counter-connecting means prevent the receiving sleeve from separating from the locking tongue due to gravity in an alternative variant according to which the locking tongue extends radially to the pivot axis pointing to a free end.

[0018] It is within the scope of the invention that the connecting means is preferably detachably connected to the respective, correspondingly designed counter-connecting means in a form-fitting manner, in particular by means of a hook-and-loop connection or in a force-fitting or force-form-fitting manner, in particular a screw connection, preferably by means of a snap-in connection, for example a snap-in connection.

[0019] Preferably, the manufacture of the container is simplified by arranging a counter-connecting means and a counter-holding part on a common mounting plate. The mounting plate can expediently be arranged / arrangable on the inner peripheral wall in the side section of the frame element. This variant has the advantage that the arrangement of the counter-holding part relative to the counter-connecting means can be independent of the frame part, which simplifies assembly, particularly with regard to accessibility of the respective elements. The mounting plate, in turn, can be screwed and / or attached to the frame element in a material-to-material bond, in particular by adhesive bonding.

[0020] Manufacturing and assembly reliability can be further improved by, according to an advantageous variant, at least the counter-holding part being formed monolithically in one piece with the mounting plate. In particular, the counter-holding part is formed as a locking tongue made of the same material as the mounting plate, in particular, manufactured using a stamping and bending process.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting means is adapted to the respective maximum opening angle of the two frame elements. Because the connecting means has, in particular, a triangular or trapezoidal, particularly preferably symmetrical-trapezoidal, cut surface radial to the pivot axis, the connecting means can particularly efficiently fill or close a substantially V-shaped gap that widens when the frame elements are opened, pointing toward the pivot axis.

[0022] According to an advantageous variant of the container, the container has two connecting elements arranged axially offset from the pivot axis, each connecting two frame elements arranged opposite the pivot axis. The four frame elements and the two connecting elements are designed and connected to one another, in particular, according to one of the preceding exemplary embodiments. Both connecting elements limit the same maximum opening angle of the frame elements relative to one another.

[0023] The use of two connecting elements also has the advantage that the maximum opening angle can be maintained even under increased stress, for example a large force acting on the frame elements in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis. In particular, this also allows the frame elements themselves to be made heavier or more solid, particularly for reasons of protection or design. A further advantage is that when the container is open, the frame elements do not twist relative to one another and preferably assume an open position that is mirror-symmetrical relative to the pivot axis. Twisting of the frame elements relative to one another can have a detrimental effect on the frame elements and / or the connection, for example one or more joints, of the two frame elements in the area of ​​the pivot axis due to internal tension.

[0024] As illustrated, the advantageous variant with two connecting elements provides that the two frame elements which can be pivoted relative to one another about the pivot axis are connected to one another by means of two connecting elements, so that in each case a first side section of the first frame element is connected to a first side section of the second frame element by means of the first connecting element and a second side section of the first frame element is connected to a second side section of the second frame element by means of the second connecting element.

[0025] Advantageously, the two connecting elements are connected by at least one partition running parallel to the pivot axis, in particular to form a connecting element group. It is within the scope of the invention that, according to an advantageous variant, the partition can be detachably arranged on the two connecting elements. The partition itself can advantageously be designed to meet various functional requirements. In particular, the partition can have pockets for holding objects, expediently a register for the sorted storage of objects and / or documents, advantageously at least one organizer compartment closable with a zipper or a hook-and-loop fastener, preferably a pocket protected against NFC signals.

[0026] Preferably, the container, in particular the frame elements and / or the connecting element and / or the room divider, comprises electrical devices, such as a power storage unit for charging mobile devices and / or a locating device, in particular a GPS sensor or Bluetooth transmitting device, such as an Apple Airtag and / or another type of anti-theft device.

[0027] The container expediently has a locking device, for example a key lock and / or a combination lock, which keeps the container in its closed state and makes it difficult for unauthorized persons to open the container.

[0028] In a particular variant of the invention, the container comprises three frame elements, two of which are designed as a case shell or as a framework for a case shell, and one frame element is designed as an intermediate member arranged between the case shells. The frame element designed as an intermediate member is connected on opposite sides to a respective frame element, each pivotable about a pivot axis, in the manner described above.

[0029] Furthermore, the object underlying the invention is achieved by means of a connecting element for limiting a maximum opening angle of a container, in particular a bag or a case, in particular of the aforementioned type. The connecting element according to the invention has the features of the connecting element according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0030] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0031] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a variant of a container in an open state with a first embodiment of a connecting element, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connecting element and a perspective view of a rear side of a variant of a mounting plate for arrangement on a frame element, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a partial area of ​​the connecting element according to Fig. 2 and a perspective view of a front side of the mounting plate according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 a perspective view of a portion of a further variant of the container with detached connecting element, wherein in a side section on an inner wall of a frame element of the container the mounting plate according to Figure 2 and3 is mounted.

[0032] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols.

[0033] With regard to the following description, it is claimed that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of described combinations of features, but rather each individual partial feature of the / each exemplary embodiment is also important for the subject matter of the invention, even independently of all other partial features described in connection therewith, and also in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0034] In Figure 1 a container 1 is shown with at least two frame elements 2 circumferentially surrounding an inner receiving space for receiving objects. Fig. 1The container 1 shown is designed as a handbag, wherein the frame elements 2 are connected to two hard shells 4.

[0035] The frame elements 2 are, as in Fig. 1 shown, one-sided with each other, about a pivot axis X from a not shown closed state of the container 1 into a Fig. 1 shown open state of the container 1 can be swung open, connected.

[0036] By means of at least one, in the Fig. 1, 2 or 3 The connecting element 6 shown limits the maximum opening angle of the frame elements 2. The connecting element 6 is foldable, so that it folds up when the frame elements 2 are closed or when the container 1 is closed. Preferably, the connecting element 6 is made of a textile and / or leather and / or imitation leather.

[0037] The connecting element 6 has, as in Fig. 2shown, for connection to the frame elements 2 at least two connecting means 8 and at least two holding parts 10. The frame elements 2 each have on an inner wall on side sections 12 extending radially to the pivot axis X, corresponding to at least one counter-connecting means 14 for detachable connection to the connecting means 8 of the connecting element 6 and at least one counter-holding part 16 for detachable connection to the holding parts 10 of the connecting element 6. The arrangement of the counter-holding parts 16 and counter-connecting means 14 is shown by way of example in a side section 12 of a frame element 2 in Fig. 4 shown.

[0038] To connect the connecting means with the respective counter-connecting means 14, the respective connecting means 8 are movable parallel to the pivot axis X to the respective corresponding counter-connecting means 14. In the Fig. 1 and 4The direction of movement 18 for connecting the connecting means 8 to the counter-connecting means 14 is marked. Correspondingly, the connecting means 8 can be moved parallel to the pivot axis X in the opposite direction to the respective counter-connecting means 14 to separate the connection.

[0039] According to the invention, it is provided that in order to connect the holding part 10 with the respective counter-holding part 16, the holding parts 10 are movable radially to the pivot axis X to the respective corresponding counter-holding part 16. In the Fig. 1 and 4 The direction of movement 20 for connecting the holding parts 10 to the counter-holding parts 16 is marked. Correspondingly, the holding part 10 can be moved radially to the pivot axis X opposite to the respective counter-holding part 16 to separate the connection.

[0040] In Fig. 1It is advantageously shown that the direction of movement 20' of the holding part 10 for separating from the respective counter-holding part 16 is oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement 18' for separating the connecting means from the counter-connecting means 14. In particular, this provides a secure connection of the connecting element 6 to the respective frame elements 2 and advantageously prevents unintentional release.

[0041] According to the Fig. 2 to 4 In the advantageous variants shown, the counter-holding part 16 is designed as a locking tongue 22 extending radially from the pivot axis X to a free end, in particular in Fig. 4 illustrated. Preferably, the holding part 10 is designed as a correspondingly shaped receiving sleeve 24, wherein the receiving sleeve 24 is designed to be plugged onto the locking tongue 22 radially to the pivot axis X.

[0042] Fig. 3shows a further preferred embodiment, according to which the connecting means 8 and the counter-connecting means 14 are designed to correspond to one another as a snap-in connection, in particular a snap-in connection. In an example not shown, the respective connecting means 8 and the respective correspondingly designed counter-connecting means 14 are designed as a hook-and-loop connection or a screw connection.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the invention is particularly described in the Fig. 2 to 4 According to this embodiment, a counter-connecting means 14 and a counter-holding part 16 are arranged on a common mounting plate 26. The mounting plate 26 is preferably designed such that, as in Fig. 4shown, is arranged / can be arranged on the inner peripheral wall in the side section 12 of the frame element 2. The mounting plate 26 can expediently have a mounting hole 28 so that the mounting plate 26 can be connected to the frame element 2, as in Fig. 4 shown, screwed or riveted. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting plate 26 can be fastened to the frame element 2 by means of a material connection, in particular an adhesive connection. Preferably, an adhesive film 30 is arranged on a rear side of the mounting plate 26 facing the frame element 2, as shown in Fig. 2 by means of which the mounting plate 26 can be attached to the frame element 2 alternatively or additionally.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the mounting plate 26, at least the counter-holding part 16 is formed monolithically in one piece with the mounting plate 26. In the Fig. 2 to 4a particularly preferred variant of the mounting plate 26 is shown, wherein the mounting plate 26 is formed of a uniform material as a stamped and bent part such that it itself forms the locking tongue 22 as a counter-holding part 16 at one end.

[0045] A special embodiment of the connecting means provides that the connecting means 8 has a triangular or, as in particular in Fig. 1 and 2 shown, has a trapezoidal cutting surface radial to the pivot axis X. A symmetrical trapezoidal cutting surface radial to the pivot axis X has proven particularly preferred.

[0046] According to a Fig. 1 The variant of the container 1 shown has two connecting elements 6 arranged axially offset to the pivot axis X. In Fig. 1Only one connecting element 6 is shown. The connecting elements 6 each connect two frame elements 2 arranged opposite the pivot axis X. Preferably, the four frame elements 2 and the two connecting elements 6 are designed and connected to one another according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0047] As illustrated, the advantageous variant with two connecting elements 6 provides that the two frame elements 2 which can be pivoted relative to one another about the pivot axis X are connected to one another by means of two connecting elements 6, so that in each case a first side section 12 of the first frame element 2 is connected to a first side section 12 of the second frame element 2 by means of the first connecting element 6 and a second side section 12 of the first frame element 2 is connected to a second side section 12 of the second frame element 2 by means of the second connecting element 6.

[0048] According to the Fig. 1 In the variant of the container 1 shown, a preferred variant is that two connecting elements 6 are connected by means of a space divider 32 running parallel to the pivot axis X, preferably to form a connecting element group. Fig. 1An advantageous room divider 32 with a pocket 34 is shown. Fig. 1 The room divider 32 shown is firmly connected to the two connecting elements 6, wherein according to a preferred alternative embodiment the room divider 32 can be detachably arranged on the two connecting elements 6.

[0049] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also encompasses all equivalent embodiments within the meaning of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual partial feature can also have an inventive significance in itself, independently of all other partial features. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all the individual features disclosed as a whole. This means that, in principle, practically every individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. List of reference symbols

[0050] 1Container 2Frame element 4Hard shell 6Connecting element 8Connecting means 10Holding part 12Side section 14Counter-connecting means 16Counter-holding part 18Direction of movement from 8 to connect with 14 18'Direction of movement from 8 to separate from 14 20Direction of movement from 10 to connect with 16 20'Direction of movement from 10 to separate from 16 22Locking tongue 24Receiving sleeve 26Mounting plate 28Mounting hole 30Adhesive film 32Room divider X-swivel axis

Claims

1. Container (1), in particular a bag or a suitcase, with at least two frame elements (2) which circumferentially surround an inner receiving space for receiving objects and which are connected to one another on one side so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (X) from a closed state of the container (1) to an open state of the container (1), wherein a maximum opening angle of the frame elements (2) is limited by means of at least one foldable connecting element (6),wherein the connecting element (6) has at least two connecting means (8) and at least two holding parts (10) for connection to the frame elements (2), and the frame elements (2) each have, on an inner wall on side sections (12) extending radially to the pivot axis (X), corresponding at least one counter-connecting means (14) for detachable connection to the connecting means (8) of the connecting element (6) and at least one counter-holding part (16) for detachable connection to the holding parts (10) of the connecting element (6), wherein for connecting the connecting means to the respective counter-connecting means (14), the connecting means (8) are movable parallel to the pivot axis (X) to the respective corresponding counter-connecting means (14), characterized in that to connect the holding part (10) to the respective counter-holding part (16), the holding parts (10) are movable radially to the pivot axis (X) to the respective corresponding counter-holding part (16).

2. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the counter-holding part (16) is designed as a locking tongue (22) extending radially from the pivot axis (X) to a free end, and the holding part (10) is designed as a correspondingly designed receiving sleeve (24), wherein the receiving sleeve (24) is designed to be pluggable onto the locking tongue (22) radially to the pivot axis (X).

3. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (8) is releasably connected to the respective counter-connecting means (14) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

4. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (8) and the counter-connecting means (14) are designed to correspond to one another as a snap-in connection, in particular a push-button connection, or as a Velcro connection.

5. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatin each case a counter-connecting means (14) and a counter-holding part (16) are arranged on a common mounting plate (26), wherein the mounting plate (26) is arranged / can be arranged on the inner peripheral wall in the side section (12) of the frame element (2).

6. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the counter-holding part (16) is formed monolithically in one piece with the mounting plate (26).

7. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (8) has a triangular or trapezoidal, particularly preferably symmetrical-trapezoidal, cutting surface radial to the pivot axis (X).

8. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe container (1) has two connecting elements (6) arranged axially offset to the pivot axis (X), which each connect two frame elements (2) arranged opposite to the pivot axis (X), wherein the four frame elements (2) and the two connecting elements (6) are designed and connected to one another according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two connecting elements (6) are connected by means of at least one space divider (32) running parallel to the pivot axis (X).

10. Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the room divider (32) can be detachably arranged on the two connecting elements (6).

11. Connecting element (6) for limiting a maximum opening angle of a container (1), in particular a bag or a suitcase, in particular according to claim 1, comprising the features of the connecting element (6) according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized bythe features of the connecting element (6) according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

12. Connecting element (6) according to claim 8, characterized by the features of the connecting element (6) according to at least one of claims 2 to 7.

13. A group of connecting elements for limiting a maximum opening angle of a container (1), comprising two connecting elements (6) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized by at least one room divider (32) according to the characterizing features of one of claims 9 or 10.

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