Storage unit comprising a box and a lid provided with innovative means for coupling to said box

Abstract

Storage unit comprising a box (8) and a lid (100); wherein said lid (100) comprises a central portion (1 ) suitable for superiorly closing the compartment of the box (8) and a perimeter portion (2) suitable for being positioned on an upper edge (9) of the box (8); wherein said perimeter portion (2) comprises a plurality of rectilinear sections (21, 22, 23, 24), each being suitable for abutting against a respective rectilinear section (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8); the lid further comprises two coupling means (M1, M2, M3, M4) integrated in the lid (100) and associated with at least two of said at least two rectilinear sections (21, 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100); wherein each of said at least two coupling means (M1, M2, M3, M4) comprises at least one tab (3) extending toward the respective rectilinear section (21, 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid and defining a recess (S) configured to accommodate and engage with the rectilinear section (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) so that the lid (100) can be disposed in an opening position wherein the lid (100) is self-supported in opening position on a vertical or sub-vertical plane, it being engaged and balanced onto the rectilinear section (91, 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8).

Description

[0001] STORAGE UNIT COMPRISING A BOX AND A LID PROVIDED WITH INNOVATIVE MEANS FOR COUPLING TO SAID BOX

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present patent application for industrial invention relates to a storage unit comprising a box and a lid provided with innovative means for coupling to said box.

[0004] Trunks or boxes in general, which are preferably made of a molded plastic material and consist of a box suitable for containing objects of various kinds and provided with an upper edge whereon a lid is suitable for being positioned, have been known for long.

[0005] Two types of lid are known, namely a first removable type and a second type provided with hinge means for hinging the lid to the box.

[0006] In the first type of lid, the lid comprises a boxed perimeter portion suitable for being forcedly coupled / uncoupled with / from the upper edge of the box.

[0007] Therefore, in order to close the box, it is necessary to place the lid on the upper edge of the box and then energetically push the lid toward the box in such a way that the boxed perimeter portion is elastically fitted to the upper edge of the box. Conversely, in order to open the box, it is necessary to vigorously pull the lid away from the box in such a way that the boxed perimeter portion is diverged slightly and uncoupled from the upper edge of the box.

[0008] Obviously, in order to place objects inside the box or to take said objects out of the box, it is necessary for the user to momentarily place the lid on a supporting surface near to or far from the box, in such a way that the user's hands are free to operate in the box.

[0009] Since the lid is completely removed from the box, such a solution is not cumbersome.

[0010] In fact, after being removed, the lid can be rested even far from the box without negatively affecting the total volume of the box when the box is open.

[0011] Although it has the advantage of using a limited space, such a solution is not free of drawbacks. In fact, the need to momentarily place the lid on a supporting surface is an impractical and annoying operation for the user.

[0012] Additionally, it should be pointed out that if the user inappropriately pushes the lid toward the box, cracks or deformations may be generated on the lid or on the box, requiring to replace either of said two parts.

[0013] In the second type of lid, the lid comprises hinge means that hinge the lid to the upper edge of the box with respect to an axis of rotation.

[0014] In the event that the user intends to place or take out objects into / from the box, the user will need to take the lid and rotate it with respect to the axis of rotation to move it from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.

[0015] Although such an opening or closing operation of the lid is quick, practical, and capable of ensuring a stable closure of the lid, there is a drawback associated with the fact that, when opening, the lid is rotated according to an axis of rotation and is disposed on one side of the lid. Such a configuration forces the user to use such a solution only when there is sufficient space to let the lid rotate and remain firmly in the opening position.

[0016] US1038001 A describes a cooking vessel (specifically a pot) comprising a receptacle and a cover having a lower side suitable for facing the receptacle when the cover closes the receptacle, and an upper side opposite the lower side. A structure comprising a handle and two opposite hooks suitable for being attached to rectilinear sections of the ending edge of the receptacle in such a way to suspend the lid in sub-vertical position.

[0017] The removal of the cover and its subsequent attachment to the upper edge of the receptacle is a somewhat complicated operation. The complexity of such an operation is especially due to the fact that the handle and the hooks are both located on the outer side of the cover.

[0018] In fact, after removing the cover from the receptacle, in order to attach the cover to the receptacle in sub-vertical position, it is necessary to rotate the cover in such a way that the outer side faces the receptacle and one of the two hooks is attached to the upper edge of the receptacle.

[0019] DE102005008695A1 discloses a container comprising a base, a container part and a cover comprising two aligned hooks suitable for being attached on a free edge of the container part to position the cover in sub-vertical position. The provision of only two aligned hooks allows the cover to be attached in sub-vertical position only in one way with respect to the container part. Therefore the cover described in DE102005008695A1 is neither functional nor versatile.

[0020] US2015239622A1 describes a receptacle comprising a container and a lid. The side wall of the container is provided with slots or seats, whereas the lid is provided with two aligned hooks suitable for being engaged in the slots or seats in such a way that the lid remains in open position while hanging on the container. The receptacle described in US2015239622A1 is difficult to be produced because it requires special slots or seats to be made on the container and is neither functional nor versatile because the attachment of the lid to the container is constrained by the position of the slots or seats on the container and by the two hooks provided on the lid.

[0021] US4345697A describes a receptacle comprising a container and a cover having one hinge assembly which allows a rotational movement of the cover with respect to a corresponding edge section of the container by an angle of 90° and allows the separation of the cover from the container at any point along the rotational movement.

[0022] The provision of the hinge assembly on the cover allows the cover to rotate with respect to the container in only one way, that is, only and exclusively onto the corresponding rectilinear edge section of the container. Therefore the cover described in US4345697A is neither functional nor versatile.

[0023] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by devising a storage unit comprising a new practical lid that combines the advantages of the solutions of the prior art and ensures versatility while opening so that the lid can be used regardless of where the box is placed.

[0024] A further purpose of the present invention is to devise a storage unit comprising a lid that can be moved relative to the box and attached to the box in different ways.

[0025] Another purpose of the present invention is to devise a storage unit comprising a lid that is simple to make, inexpensive and efficient. These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the features listed in the attached independent claim 1 .

[0026] Advantageous embodiments appear from dependent claims.

[0027] The storage unit according to the invention is defined by claim 1 .

[0028] For the sake of explanatory clarity, the description of the storage unit according to the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which only have an illustrative, non-limiting value, wherein:

[0029] Fig. 1 is an axonometric view illustrating a storage unit comprising a box and a lid according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Fig. 2 is the same view as Fig. 1 , wherein the tabs of the lid have been detached from the lid;

[0031] Fig. 2A is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 2;

[0032] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the lid according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Fig. 3A is a sectional view of the lid of Fig. 3 along plane H-H of Fig. 3;

[0034] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of a portion of the lid of Fig. 3 along plane P-P of Fig. 3;

[0035] Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are diagrammatic sectional views illustrating some of the movements that can be performed by the lid with respect to the box according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figs. 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A are enlarged detailed views of Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively;

[0037] Fig. 9 is an axonometric view illustrating a storage unit comprising a box and a lid according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Fig. 10 is the same view as Fig. 9, wherein the tabs of the lid are detached from the lid;

[0039] Fig. 1 1 is a view of the lid according to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figs. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are diagrammatic sectional views illustrating the movements performed by the lid with respect to the box according to the second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 17 is an axonometric view illustrating a storage unit comprising a box and a lid according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Fig. 17A shows the box and the lid of Fig. 17, with the open lid resting on a different side of the box;

[0042] Fig. 18 is the same view as Fig. 17, wherein the tabs of the lid are detached from the lid;

[0043] Fig. 19 is a view of the lid according to the third embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figs. 20, 20A and 20B show a corner element of the lid illustrated in Figs. 17, 18 and 19 seen from three different views, which supports two orthogonal tabs;

[0045] Figs. 21 and 21 A are an axonometric view of a storage unit comprising a box and a lid according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0046] Fig. 21 B is a bottom axonometric view of the lid shown in Figs. 21 and 21 A;

[0047] Fig. 21 C is a sectional view of the lid and of the box shown in Fig. 21 ;

[0048] Figs. 22 and 22A are an axonometric view of a storage unit comprising a box and a lid according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0049] Fig. 22B is an axonometric top view of the lid shown in Figs. 22 and 22A;

[0050] Fig. 22C is a sectional view of the lid and the box shown in Fig. 22A;

[0051] Figs. 23 and 23A are an axonometric view of the storage unit comprising a box and a lid according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

[0052] Fig. 23 B is a sectional view of the lid and the box shown in Fig. 23A;

[0053] Figs. 24 and 24A are an axonometric view of the storage unit comprising a box and a lid according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

[0054] Fig. 24B is a sectional view of the lid and the box shown in Fig. 24A;

[0055] Fig. 25 is an axonometric view of an eighth embodiment of the invention;

[0056] Fig. 26 is an axonometric view of a ninth embodiment of the invention;

[0057] Fig. 27 is an axonometric view of a tenth embodiment of the invention.

[0058] With reference to the attached figures, a storage unit is described according to the invention. In particular, different versions of the storage unit according to the invention will be described and shown below, all of them sharing the same inventive idea.

[0059] With reference to Figs. 1 , 2, 3, 9, 10,17, 17A, 18, 21 , 21 A, 22, 22A, 23, 23A, 24, 24A, 25, 26, and 27, in all versions of the storage unit according to the invention, the storage unit comprises a box (8) comprising a bottom (8a), a perimeter wall (8b) having an upper edge (9) defining an opening that provides access to a compartment of the box (8). The upper edge (9) has two or more rectilinear sections (91 , 92, 93, 94).

[0060] The perimeter wall (8b) of the box (8) comprises four sides that are orthogonal to each other so that the box (8) has a quadrangular shape when seen in a top view, and also the upper edge (9) is quadrangular.

[0061] The four sides of the perimeter wall (8b) of the box (8) are inclined in such a way that the box has a tapered shape with increasing dimensions going from the bottom (8a) to the upper edge (9).

[0062] Being quadrangular, the upper edge (9) of the box (8) has four rectilinear sections (91 , 92, 93, 94), namely:

[0063] - a first rectilinear section (91 ) and a second rectilinear section (92) parallel to each other; and

[0064] - a third rectilinear section (93) and a fourth rectilinear section (94) parallel to each other and transverse, preferably orthogonal, to said first rectilinear section (91 ) and second rectilinear section (92).

[0065] The four rectilinear sections (91 , 92, 93, 94) are connected by curvilinear sections (95).

[0066] In all versions of the storage unit according to the invention, the storage unit also comprises a lid (100).

[0067] An illustrative example of said lid (100) is shown in Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 3A. The characteristics described below with reference to the lid (100) shown in Figs. 1 , 2, 3 and 3A are to be considered valid also for the lids (100) of all the embodiments of the storage unit according to the invention.

[0068] The lid (100) comprises: - a central portion (1 ) suitable for superiorly closing the compartment of the box (8) when the lid (100) closes the box (8); the central portion (1 ) has a lower side (1 1 ) suitable for facing the bottom (8a) of the box (8) when the lid (100) closes the box (8), and an upper side (12) facing the opposite direction of said lower side (1 1 ); and

[0069] - a perimeter portion (2) suitable for being positioned onto the upper edge (9) of the box (8) when the lid (100) closes the box (8); the perimeter portion (2) comprises a plurality of rectilinear sections (21 , 22, 23, 24); each rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100) has a lower surface (2a) suitable for abutting against a respective rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) when the lid (100) closes the box (8);

[0070] The central portion (1 ) and the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100) are made in one piece of plastic material so that the lid (100) is a monolithic lid. The perimeter portion (2) extends perimetrally all around the central portion (1 ).

[0071] Being suitable for mating with the upper edge (9) of the box (8), the lid (100) has a quadrangular shape, when seen in a top view.

[0072] In this regard, the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100) comprises four rectilinear sections (21 , 22, 23, 24), namely:

[0073] - a first rectilinear section (21 ) suitable for interfacing with the first rectilinear section (91 ) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8);

[0074] - a second rectilinear section (22) suitable for interfacing with the second rectilinear section (92) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8);

[0075] - a third rectilinear section (23) suitable for interfacing with the third rectilinear section (93) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8);

[0076] - a fourth rectilinear section (24) suitable for interfacing with the fourth section (94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8).

[0077] The first rectilinear section (21 ) and the second rectilinear section (22) of the perimeter portion (2) are parallel to each other, and said third rectilinear section (23) and said fourth rectilinear section (24) are parallel to each other and transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the first and second rectilinear sections (21 , 22). Each of four corner sections (25) connects two rectilinear sections (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) adjacent to each other.

[0078] The lid (100) also comprises two or more coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) that are integrated in the lid (100) and configured to couple the lid (100) to the box (8).

[0079] Each of said two or more coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) is associated with a respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid.

[0080] Each of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprises at least one tab (3) extending toward the respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid and defining a recess (S) with the lid (100) facing the respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid. For illustrative purposes, the tab (3) and the recess (S) defined by the tab are shown in Figs. 3A and 4.

[0081] The recess (S) defined by the at least one tab (3) of each of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) is configured to accommodate and engage with the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) so that the lid (100) can be positioned in an opening position, wherein the lid (100) is self-supported in opening position on a vertical or sub-vertical plane, engaged and balanced onto the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8).

[0082] The at least one tab (3) of each of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4):

[0083] - is close to the respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100);

[0084] - is positioned inferiorly to the lower surface (2a) of the at least one rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid; and

[0085] - is set back with respect to the lower surface (2a) of the at least one rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid in such a way not to interfere with the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8), when the lid (100) is closed on the box following an orthogonal direction to the plane (IT) where the opening defined by the upper edge (9) of the box (8) lies.

[0086] The recess (S) has a height (D2) - measured as the distance between said at least one tab (3) and the portion of the lid (100) disposed on the tab (3) - that is greater than the thickness (sx) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) in such a way that the recess (S) perfectly accommodates the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8), keeping the lid (100) balanced on the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) in subvertical position.

[0087] Now with reference to Figs. 1 -8A, a first embodiment of the storage unit according to the invention is described.

[0088] In such a first embodiment of the invention, the lid (100) has two coupling means (M1 , M4) associated with two rectilinear sections (21 , ,24) of the perimeter portion (2) adjacent and transverse to each other and suitable for interfacing with respective rectilinear sections (91 , 94) adjacent to each other of the upper edge of the box (8).

[0089] With specific reference to Figs. 1 -8A, the two coupling means (M1 , M4) are associated with the first rectilinear section (21 ) and the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2).

[0090] More precisely, said two coupling means (M1 , M4) comprise:

[0091] - one coupling means (M1 ) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting against the first rectilinear section (21 ) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100); and

[0092] - an additional coupling means (M4) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting against the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100).

[0093] In view of the above, the at least one tab (3) of the coupling means (M1 ) abutting against the first rectilinear section (21 ) of the perimeter portion (2) defines a recess (S) facing the first rectilinear section (21 ) of the perimeter portion (2) in order to accommodate and engage with the corresponding first rectilinear section (91 ) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) when the lid (100) is disposed in vertical position. Conversely, the at least one tab (3) of the additional coupling means (M4) abutting against the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2) defines a recess (S) facing the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2) in order to accommodate and engage with the corresponding fourth rectilinear section (94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) when the lid (100) is disposed in vertical position.

[0094] So, due to the fact that the lid (100) is provided with the two coupling means (M1 , M4) associated with two adjacent rectilinear sections (21 , 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100), the lid (100) can be tilted with respect to both the first rectilinear section (91 ) and the fourth rectilinear section (94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) and thus alternately positioned in a first vertical opening position, wherein the recesses (S) defined by the tabs (3) of the coupling means (M1 ) accommodate the first rectilinear section (91 ) of the upper edge (9), and a second vertical opening position, wherein the recesses (S) defined by the tabs (3) of the additional coupling means (M4) accommodate the fourth rectilinear section (94) of the upper edge (9).

[0095] With reference to Figs. 1 , 2 and 3, the coupling means (M1 ) and the additional coupling means (M4) comprise two tabs (3), namely a first tab (3a) and a second tab (3b) abutting against the first rectilinear section (21 ) or the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2) and near the opposite ends of the first rectilinear section (21 ) or of the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2).

[0096] With reference to Figs. 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A, when seen in a cross- sectional view, the upper edge (9), and consequently each rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) is substantially shaped like an inverted-L with a horizontal section (9a) and a descending vertical section (9b) connected to and extending under the horizontal section (9a) of the upper edge (9). The horizontal section (9a) and the vertical section (9b) of the upper edge (9) are shown in Figs. 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 3A and 4, when seen in a cross-sectional view, the perimeter portion (2), and thus each of its rectilinear sections (21 , 22, 23, 24) comprises: - a support section (26) suitable for resting on the upper edge (9) (specifically on the horizontal section (9a) of the upper edge (9)) when the lid (100) closes the box (8); said lower surface (2a) of the perimeter portion (2) being formed on the support section (26); and

[0098] - a vertical edge (27) laterally surrounding the upper edge (9) of the box (8) (specifically the vertical section (9b) of the upper edge (9)) when the lid (100) is closed on the upper edge (9).

[0099] Again with reference to Figs. 3A and 4, said central portion (1 ) of the lid (100) comprises a concave connecting portion (16) that connects the central portion (1 ) to the perimeter portion (2). The concave connecting portion (16) has a concavity facing the same direction as the lower side (1 1 ) of the central portion (1 ).

[0100] The concave connecting portion (16) comprises:

[0101] - a first section (161 ) protruding orthogonally from the upper side (12) of the central portion (1 );

[0102] - a second section (162) orthogonal to the first section (161 );

[0103] - a third section (163) inclined by approximately 45° with respect to the second section (162) that connects the second section (162) with the perimeter portion (2).

[0104] Going back to Figs. 1 , 2 and 3, as mentioned above, the coupling means (M1 ) and the additional coupling means (M4) each comprises two tabs (3) that define respective recesses (S) together with the lid (100).

[0105] Referring to Figs. 2 and 2A, the lid (100) comprises connection means (6) that connect each tab (3) to the lower side (1 1 ) of the central portion (1 ) of the lid (100).

[0106] With particular reference to Fig. 2A, the tab (3) is supported by a support (34) removably connected to the lid (100) by said connection means (6).

[0107] Specifically, the support (34) comprises a plate (35) disposed side by side and adjacent to the lower side (1 1 ) of the central portion (1 ) of the lid (100) and a partition (36) that projects orthogonally from the plate (35) and from which the tab (3) protrudes. The plate (35) and the tab (3) extend along opposite directions with respect to the partition (36), and therefore the storage unit consisting of plate (35), partition (36) and tab (3) has a substantially S-shaped profile when seen in a cross-sectional view.

[0108] The connecting means (6) comprise elastic connection means that connect the plate (35) to the lower side (1 1 ) of the central portion (1 ) of the lid (100).

[0109] More specifically, said connection means (6) comprise protrusions (60) projecting orthogonally from the lower side (11 ) of the central portion (1 ) of the lid (100) and comprising elastic tabs (61 ) forcedly inserted into holes (351 ) formed in the plate (35).

[0110] By sequentially looking at Figs. 7, 6 and 5, it becomes apparent what advantages are derived from the fact that the two tabs (3) of the coupling means (M1 , M4) are positioned close to the respective rectilinear section (21 , 24) of the perimeter portion (2). As a matter of fact, starting with the lid (100) in closing position (shown in Fig. 7), the user can hold the rectilinear section (22, 23) of the perimeter portion (2) opposite to the rectilinear section provided with said tabs (3) in order to tilt the lid (100) in open position, using the first rectilinear section (91 ) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) or the fourth rectilinear section (94) as pivoting surface. During such a movement from the horizontal closing position to the vertical opening position, the recesses (S) defined by the two tabs (3) accommodate and immediately engage with the first rectilinear section (91 ) or the fourth rectilinear section (94) of the upper edge (9), thus firmly supporting the lid (100) in vertical open position.

[0111] Referring to Figs. 2A and 4, each tab (3) preferably comprises an elastic plate (4) attached to one end (30) of the tab (3).

[0112] With particular reference to Figs. 5A, 6A and 7A, when the lid (100) is tilted over in closing position, the elastic plate (4) is suitable for interfering with the perimeter wall (8b) of the box (8) in order to bend and be elastically loaded in such a way to push the lid (100) away from the rectilinear section of the upper edge (9) with respect to which the lid (100) is tilted over. More precisely, with reference to Figs. 5, 5A, 6, 6A, 7 and 7A, when the lid (100) is tilted over from the vertical opening position (shown in Figs. 5 and 5A) to the horizontal closing position (shown in Figs. 7 and 7A), the elastic plate (4) interferes with the perimeter wall (8b) of the box (8), bending (see Figs. 6 and 6A) and being elastically loaded, thereby successively exerting such a thrust on the lid (100) as to enable the rectilinear section (22) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid, which is opposite the rectilinear section (21 ) with respect to which the lid is tilted over, to perfectly fall onto the respective rectilinear section (92) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8).

[0113] Hereafter, elements equal or corresponding to those described above are given the same reference numerals, omitting their detailed description.

[0114] With reference to Figs. 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, a second embodiment of the storage unit according to the invention is described hereinafter.

[0115] In such an embodiment of the storage unit, the box (8) is identical to the one described above, and two coupling means (M1 , M2) are integrated in the lid (100) and associated with the first rectilinear section (21 ) and the second rectilinear section (22).

[0116] More precisely, said two coupling means (M1 , M2) comprise:

[0117] - one coupling means (M1 ) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the first rectilinear section (21 ) of the perimeter portion (2);

[0118] - an additional coupling means (M2) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the second rectilinear section (22) of the perimeter portion (2).

[0119] Again, preferably, the coupling means (M1 ) and the additional coupling means (M2) comprise two tabs (3), namely a first tab (3a) and a second tab (3b) abutting the first or second rectilinear section (21 , 22) near the opposite ends of the rectilinear section (21 , 22).

[0120] With reference to Figs. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, in such a second embodiment of the lid (100) according to the invention, the lid (100) is alternately tilted over with respect to both the first rectilinear section (91 ) and the second rectilinear section (92) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) and is alternately positioned in a first vertical opening position, wherein the recesses (S) defined by the tabs (3) of the coupling means (M1 ) accommodate the first rectilinear section (91 ) of the upper edge (9) (as shown in Fig. 12), and a second vertical opening position, wherein the recesses (S) defined by the tabs (3) of the additional coupling means (M2) accommodate the second rectilinear section (92) of the upper edge (9) (as shown in Fig. 16).

[0121] With reference to Figs. 17, 17A, 18, 19, 20, 20A and 20B, a third embodiment of the storage unit according to the invention is described below.

[0122] In such an embodiment, the box (8) is identical to the one described above whereas four coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) are integrated in the lid (100), one for each rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100).

[0123] Said four coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprise:

[0124] - a first coupling means (M1 ) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the first rectilinear section (21 ) of the perimeter portion (2);

[0125] - a second coupling means (M2) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the second rectilinear section (22) of the perimeter portion (2);

[0126] - a third coupling means (M3) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the third rectilinear section (23) of the perimeter portion (2);

[0127] - a fourth coupling means (M4) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2).

[0128] Also in such a case, preferably, the first coupling means (M1 ), the second coupling means (M2), the third coupling means (M3) and the fourth coupling means (M4) each comprises two tabs (3), namely a first tab (3a) and a second tab (3b) abutting the first or second or third or fourth rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) near the opposite ends of the rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24).

[0129] In such a third embodiment of the lid (100) according to the invention the lid (100) is alternately tilted with respect to any of said rectilinear sections (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8), thus firmly positioning the lid (100) in upright vertical position on the first rectilinear section (91 ) (see, for example, Fig. 17) or on the second rectilinear section (92) (position not shown in the attached figures) or on the third rectilinear section (93) (position not shown in the attached figures) or on the fourth rectilinear section (94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) (see Fig. 17A).

[0130] In such an embodiment of the lid (100), the first tab (3a) of one of said coupling means (M1 ; M2; M3; M4) and the second tab (3b) of a different and adjacent coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) are integrated into a single corner element (Q1 ; Q2; Q3, Q4) in the shape of an "L."

[0131] More specifically, with reference to Fig. 19:

[0132] - the first tab (3a) of the first coupling means (M1 ) and the second tab (3b) of the third coupling means (M3) are integrated in one first corner element (Q1 ) in the shape of an "L."

[0133] - the first tab (3a) of the fourth coupling means (M4) and the second tab (3b) of the first coupling means (M3) are integrated in one second corner element (Q2) in the shape of an "L"

[0134] - the first tab (3a) of the second coupling means (M2) and the second tab (3b) of the fourth coupling means (M4) are integrated in one third corner element (Q3) in the shape of an "L"

[0135] - the first tab (3a) of the third coupling means (M3) and the second tab (3b) of the second coupling means (M2) are integrated in one fourth corner element (Q4) in the shape of an "L".

[0136] With special reference to Figs. 20 and 20A, one of said corner elements (Q1 ; Q2; Q3; Q4) in the shape of an "L" is shown in detail. Said corner elements (Q1 , Q2, Q3, Q4) are all identical and are each made of a monolithic piece of plastic material.

[0137] The corner element (Q1 ; Q2; Q3; Q4) is nothing but a union of two supports (34) of two tabs (3a, 3b) joined by a central connecting portion (A3). It is worth noting that the central connecting portion (A3) does not follow the trajectory of the corner section (25) placed in front of the central connecting portion (A3), but is set back and cut in such a way that it does not hinder the attachment of the adjacent tabs (3a, 3b) to the respective rectilinear section of the upper edge (9).

[0138] With reference now to Figs. 21 , 21 A, 21 B, 21 C, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 23, 23A, 23B, 24, 24A and 24B, 25, 26, and 27, additional embodiments of the storage units according to the invention are described hereinafter, which differ from the embodiments of the storage units previously described in the way the tabs (3) of the coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) are configured and connected to the lid (100).

[0139] It should be pointed out that in all versions of the storage unit shown in Figs. 21 , 21 A, 21 B, 21 C, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 23, 23A, 23B, 24, 24A and 24B, 25, 26 and 27, the lid (100) always has a quadrangular shape and comprises:

[0140] - a first coupling means (M1 ) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the first rectilinear section (21 ) of the perimeter portion (2);

[0141] - a second coupling means (M2) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the second rectilinear section (22) of the perimeter portion (2);

[0142] - a third coupling means (M3) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the third rectilinear section (23) of the perimeter portion (2);

[0143] - a fourth coupling means (M4) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2).

[0144] In all versions that will be shown below, the tabs (3) are made in one piece with the lid (100) and are not connected by removable means.

[0145] With reference to Figs. 21 , 21 A, 21 B and 21 C, in a fourth embodiment of the storage unit according to the invention, said lid (100) has a shape substantially similar to that of the lid already described and shown in the previous figures and has an inverted L-shaped boxed perimeter portion (2) with the support section (26) and the vertical edge (27).

[0146] Moreover, each of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprises two tabs (3) arranged in aligned position, namely a first tab (3a) and a second tab (3b) disposed near the opposite ends of the respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2).

[0147] Additionally, in such a case, the tabs (3a, 3b) of one of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) and the adjacent tab (3a, 3b) of a different coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) are supported by the same L-shaped angular partition (J) that protrudes inferiorly from the central portion (1 ) of the lid (100). It is worth noting that the two tabs (3a, 3b) supported by the same angular partition (J) are separated and are not joined by an intermediate section because such an intermediate section would hinder the attachment of each tab to the respective rectilinear section of the upper edge (9).

[0148] With reference to Figs. 22, 22A, 22B, and 22C, in a fifth embodiment of the storage unit, the lid (100) has a shape substantially similar to that already described and depicted in Figs. 21 , 21 A, 21 B, 21 C. Also in such a version, each coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprises two tabs (3) aligned with each other and abutting the respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24).

[0149] Indeed, in such a version, each tab (3) is supported by a respective partition (G) that protrudes inferiorly from the central portion (1 ) of the lid (100). In addition, openings (K) are formed in correspondence with the place in which said tabs (3) are positioned on the lid; said openings (K) are obtained during the molding of the lid (100), are useful to discharge the material during such molding, and are suitable for being closed by means of covers (C).

[0150] With reference to Figs. 23, 23A, 23B, in a sixth embodiment of the lid (100), said lid (100) has a flat, planar perimeter portion (2) and a central portion

[0151] (1 ) that is also planar but lowered with respect to the perimeter portion (2). Otherwise said, the central portion (1 ) has the lower side (1 1 ) lying on a plane below the lying plane of the lower surface (2a) of the perimeter portion (2).

[0152] Each coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprises a single tab (3) that protrudes laterally from the central portion (1 ), is parallel or coplanar to the lower side (1 1 ) of the central portion (1 ), and extends between two points disposed near the opposite ends of the rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2).

[0153] It should be noted that the tabs (3) are all separated from each other at the corner sections (25) of the perimeter portion (2) because in case of provision of corner sections, said corner sections would prevent each tab (3) from engaging with the respective rectilinear section of the upper edge (9).

[0154] With reference to Figs. 24, 24A and 24B, in a seventh embodiment of the lid (100), the lid (100) has a flat and planar perimeter portion (2) and a central portion (1 ) that is flat and lowered with respect to the perimeter portion

[0155] (2) and having the lower side (1 1 ) lying on a plane below the lying plane of the lower surface (2a) of the perimeter portion (2). The coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprise two tabs (3) aligned with each other that protrude laterally and are coplanar to the lower side (1 1 ) of the central portion (1 ). Again, it should be pointed out that the tabs (3) of different coupling means proximal to a corner section (25) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100) are not connected to each other, but are separated by an indentation. Also in such a case, the fact that the two tabs are not connected ensures the easy attachment of the tabs to their respective rectilinear sections of the upper edge (9).

[0156] With reference to Fig. 25, 26 and 27, three additional embodiments of the storage unit according to the invention are shown, which comprise centering means (F0, F1 ; F2; F3) configured to center the lid (100) with respect to the opening of the box (8) when the lid (100) is in open position, supported and balanced on the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9).

[0157] Referring to Fig. 25, in an eighth embodiment of the storage unit according to the invention, the lid (100) is similar to the lid shown in Figs. 24, 24A and 24B, except for the fact that the tabs (3) are bifurcated and comprise a first branch and a second branch separated by a central slot (F0). The box

[0158] (8) comprises vertical ribs (F1 ) formed on an inner surface of the perimeter wall (8b) abutting the upper edge (9) of the box (8) suitable for being coupled with the central slots (F0) when the lid (100) is disposed in sub-vertical position. Said vertical ribs (F1 ) and said central slots (F0) are the centering means that allow the lid (100) to remain stably centered with respect to the opening of the box (8) when the lid (100) is in sub-vertical position.

[0159] With reference to Fig. 26, in a ninth embodiment of the storage unit according to the invention, the lid (100) is similar to the lid shown in Figs. 22, 22A and 22B. In such a case, the box (8) comprises low-relief impressions (F2) made on an inner surface of the perimeter wall (8b) abutting the upper edge

[0160] (9) of the box (8) and suitable for accommodating the tabs (3) when the lid (100) is disposed in sub-vertical position. Said impressions (F2) are the centering means that allow the lid (100) to remain stably centered with respect to the opening of the box (8) when the lid (100) is disposed in sub-vertical position. Moreover, it should be noted that niches (N) are provided on the vertical edge (27) of the perimeter portion (2) in front of the tabs (3), said recesses (S) being useful during molding to facilitate the removal of the lid (100) from the mold. In fact, during the molding of the lid (100), inserts are positioned at said niches (N). Once the plastic material of the lid (100) has been injected and solidified, said inserts are removed laterally to facilitate the extraction of the lid (100) from the mold.

[0161] Referring to Fig. 27, in a tenth embodiment of the storage unit according to the invention, the lid (100) is the same as the lid (100) shown in Figs. 21 , 21 A and 21 B whereas the box (8) comprises lowered seats (F3) formed on the upper edge (9) of the box (8) and suitable for accommodating an L-shaped wing of the angular partition (J) that supports the tabs (3a, 3b). The lowered seats (F3) are the centering means that allow the lid (100) to remain stably centered with respect to the box (8) when the lid (100) is disposed in subvertical position.

[0162] It should be noted that, although not shown in the figures, in all versions of lid (100) shown in Figs. 21 to 27, instead of being equipped with four coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4), the lid (100) may be equipped with only two coupling means abutting two of said rectilinear sections (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter annular portion (2) or even with three coupling means abutting three of said rectilinear sections of the perimeter annular portion (2).

[0163] Additionally, although in the attached figures it is always shown that the lid (100) and the upper edge (9) of the box (8) have a basically quadrangular shape with four rectilinear sections, nothing prevents the lid (100) and the upper edge (9) of the box (8) from being made with other polygonal shapes, such as a triangular shape with three rectilinear sections, a pentagonal shape with five rectilinear sections, a hexagonal shape with six rectilinear sections, and the like.

[0164] Also in such a case, the coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) will always be provided on two or more of the rectilinear sections of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100) in such a way that the lid can be tilted over and opened in different ways with respect to the box. It should be further noted that the tabs (3) of the versions of the lid (100) shown in Figs. 21 to 27 can each also be fitted with the elastic plate (4) described above.

[0165] Following the above description, therefore, the advantages of the present invention now appear obvious.

[0166] In fact, the new lid (100) according to the invention:

[0167] - can be freely extracted or inserted from / into the box (8) while maintaining the lid (100) in a substantially horizontal position and following an extraction or insertion direction orthogonal to the bottom (8a) of the box (8); and - can remain suspended and attached to the upper edge (9) of the box (8) due to the provision of the tabs (3) that define, together with the overlying portion of the lid (100), the recesses (S) suitable for accommodating and coupling to the rectilinear sections (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8).

[0168] Therefore the lid (100) of the storage unit according to the invention ensures a versatile opening so that the lid (100) can be coupled with boxes positioned in various spaces.

[0169] In addition, it is worth pointing out that, due to the provision of two or more coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4), the lid (100) can be attached to the box in different ways and can be disposed in two or more opening positions in which the lid is suspended in vertical position.

[0170] Numerous variations and detail modifications may be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the reach of those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Storage unit comprising a box (8) and a lid (100); wherein said box(8) comprises a perimeter wall (8b) having an upper edge (9) that defines an opening for providing access to a compartment of the box; wherein said upper edge (9) comprises a plurality of rectilinear sections (91 , 92, 93, 94); wherein said lid (100) comprises:- a central portion (1 ) suitable for superiorly closing the compartment of the box (8) when the lid (100) closes the box (8);- a perimeter portion (2) suitable for being positioned on the upper edge(9) of the box (8) when the lid (100) closes the box (8); wherein said perimeter portion (2) comprises a plurality of rectilinear sections (21 , 22, 23, 24); each rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion of the lid having a lower surface (2a) suitable for abutting against a respective rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) when the lid (100) closes the box (8);- at least two coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) integrated in the lid (100) and associated with at least two of said rectilinear sections (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100); wherein each of said at least two coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprises at least one tab (3) extending toward the respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid; wherein said at least one tab (3) and the lid (100) define a recess (S) facing the respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid; wherein the recess (S) defined by the at least one tab (3) of each of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) is configured to accommodate and engage with the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8) so that the lid (100) can be disposed in opening position wherein the lid (100) is self-supported in opening position on a vertical or sub-vertical plane, it being engaged and balanced onto the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8); characterized by the fact thatsaid at least one tab (3) of each of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3,M4):- is positioned close to the respective rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid;- is positioned inferiorly to the lower surface (2a) of the at least one rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid; and- is set back with respect to the lower surface (2a) of the at least one rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid, such that it does not interfere with the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8), when the lid (100) closes the box.

2. The storage unit according to claim 1 , wherein said lid (100) has two coupling means (M1 , M4) associated with two rectilinear sections (21 , 24) transverse to each other and suitable for being interfaced with respective rectilinear sections (91 , 94) of the upper edge (9) of the box (8); wherein said two coupling means (M1 , M4) comprise:- a coupling means (M1 ) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting one of said two rectilinear sections (21 ) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100); and- an additional coupling means (M4) comprising at least one tab (3) positioned close to the other one of the two rectilinear sections (24) of the perimeter portion (2) of the lid (100).

3. The storage unit according to claim 2, wherein said rectilinear sections (21 , 24) provided with the coupling means (M1 , M4) are adjacent to each other.

4. The storage unit according to claim 1 , wherein said upper edge (9) comprises a first rectilinear section (91 ), a second rectilinear section (92), a third rectilinear section (93) and a fourth rectilinear section (94); wherein said perimeter portion (2) comprises a first rectilinear section (21 ), a second rectilinear section (22), a third rectilinear section (23) and a fourth rectilinear section (24); wherein said lid (100) comprises:- a first coupling means (M1 ) comprising at least one tab (3) positioned close to the first rectilinear section (21 ) of the perimeter portion (2);- a second coupling means (M2) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting against second rectilinear section (22) of the perimeter portion (2);- a third coupling means (M3) comprising at least one tab (3) positioned close to the third rectilinear section (23) of the perimeter portion (2);- a fourth coupling means (M4) comprising at least one tab (3) abutting the fourth rectilinear section (24) of the perimeter portion (2).

5. The storage unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprises two tabs (3) positioned near the opposite ends of the rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2).

6. The storage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of said coupling means (M1 , M2, M3, M4) comprises a single tab (3) extending between two points located near the opposite ends of the rectilinear section (21 , 22, 23, 24) of the perimeter portion (2).

7. The storage unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tab (3) comprises an elastic plate (4) attached to an end (30) of said tab (3); wherein, when the lid (100) is tilted in closing position from its second position to the first position, said elastic plate (4) is suitable for interfering with the perimeter wall (8b) of the box (8) to be bent and elastically loaded so as to push the lid (100) away from the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9) with respect to which the lid (100) is tilted.

8. The storage unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said perimeter portion (2) is flat and planar.

9. The storage unit according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein, when seen in cross-section, said perimeter portion (2) comprises:- a flat support section (26) suitable for resting onto the upper edge (9) when the lid (C) is closed onto the upper edge (9); the lower surface (2a) of the perimeter portion (2) being formed on the support section (26);- a vertical edge (27) that laterally surrounds the upper edge (9) of the box (8) when the lid (100) is closed onto the upper edge (9).

10. The storage unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one tab (3) is removably connected to the lid (100) by means of connection means (6).

11. The storage unit according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein said at least one tab (3) is made in one monolithic piece with said lid (100).

12. The storage unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said central portion (1 ) of the lid (100) has a lower side (1 1 ) lying on a plane below the lying plane of the lower surface (2a) of said perimeter portion (2); wherein said at least one tab (3) protrudes laterally from said central portion (1 ), parallel to or coplanar with the lower side (1 1 ) of said central portion (1 ) of said lid (100).

13. The storage unit according to any of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein said at least one tab (3) is supported by a partition (J, 36, G) that protrudes inferiorly from the central portion (1 ) of the lid (100) and from which said tab (3) projects orthogonally.

14. The storage unit according to any of the preceding claims, comprising centering means (F0, F1 , F2, F3) configured to center the lid (100) with respect to the opening of the box (8) when the lid (100) is disposed in said sub-vertical position, it being supported and balanced onto the rectilinear section (91 , 92, 93, 94) of the upper edge (9).

15. The storage unit according to claim 14, wherein said centering means (F0, F1 , F2, F3) comprise:- a central slot (F0) formed on the at least one tab; and- a vertical rib (F1 ) on an inner surface of the perimeter wall (8b) abutting the upper edge (9) of the box (8), suitable for being coupled with the central slots (F0) when the lid (100) is disposed in sub-vertical position.

16. The storage unit according to claim 14, wherein said centering means (F0, F1 , F2, F3) comprise at least one impression (F2) in low relief formed on an inner surface of the perimeter wall (8b) abutting the upper edge (9) of the box (8) and suitable for accommodating at least one tab (3) when the lid (100) is disposed in sub-vertical position.

17. The storage unit according to claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein said centering means (FO, F1 , F2, F3) comprise at least one lowered seat (F3) formed on the upper edge (9) of the box (8) and suitable for accommodating the angular partition (J) that supports the at least one tab (3).

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