Sliding opening and closing device.

Abstract

Sliding opening and closing device, intended to be mounted, by fixing and holding means, mainly on packaging. This device, made of materials of organic origin, comprises two plates (3) and (4) including at least one blocking plate, at least one housing (2) with fixing lugs at each end and at least one holding wedge (1). This device operates in association with at least 2 external panels. These panels are intended to be joined and immobilized when the device is in the closed position. The plates are arranged on each side of the 1st panel on which the device is mounted. The 1st panel is provided with at least one slot serving as a passage for a housing and a holding wedge. The housing consolidated by the holding wedge, connects and secures the 2 plates together.The device slides as a unit along the slot of the 1st panel until a locking plate, notched or hooked or flat, comes to grip or block the wall of the 2nd panel.

Description

Title of the invention: Sliding opening and closing device. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sliding opening and closing device intended to be mounted, by fixing and holding means, mainly on packaging. State of the prior art

[0002] . There are opening and closing systems whose installation requires restrictive means of implementation or which are made of non-ecological materials such as magnets, or whose fixed characteristics limit their use, such as buckles and carabiners, or which offer little possibility of shape and customization, such as snap fasteners, or which are not of sufficient quality or performance, such as Velcro fasteners, or which require time for each closure, such as ribbons, or which are not suitable for all supports, such as metal locks. Purpose of the invention - statement

[0003] In view of the above, the aim which the invention seeks to achieve is to provide a device which overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above, combines functionality and aesthetics whilst offering great ease and comfort of use.

[0004] One of the aims of the invention is to produce this device with recyclable materials of plant origin, such as paper and cardboard.

[0005] Another aim of the invention is to industrially produce this customizable device in all kinds of shapes and dimensions with simple and inexpensive tools such as die-cuts.

[0006] However, the invention does not depart from the scope of the invention when the device is manufactured by other means.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight device that is suitable for rigid or folding structures. By folding, we mean structures, such as packaging, that are easily deployed but transportable and storable flat.

[0008] Such a device assembled and mounted on a first panel slides as a unit along a slot provided for this purpose on this same panel. By moving, the device aims to bring together and immobilize together several panels of the same structure in order to block the opening.

[0009] In a configuration with adjoining panels, the blocking part of the device slides until it partially covers the adjoining panel which it must prevent any opening movement and release it by withdrawing, that is to say by sliding in the opposite direction.

[0010] If the blocking part is equipped with a hook, the blocking part grips the wall facing it and immobilizes it using its hook.

[0011] In a configuration with covering panels, superimposed or overlapping, the blocking part of the device passes through the wall facing it through an opening provided for this purpose and then slides along the wall passed through until it is attached to it, thus the carrier panel and the covering panel are linked. The panels are separated when the device is withdrawn by sliding in the opposite direction.

[0012] According to a production method, another aim of the invention consists in proposing, by means of a flexible optional part on one of the elements of the device, an alternative unlocking, by traction, without resorting to the sliding mechanism.

[0013] However, the invention does not depart from this option when this option is not used and the unlocking is carried out by sliding. Method of implementation

[0014] This sliding opening and closing device is composed, among other things, of two main plates, a housing (2) and a holding wedge (1).

[0015] This device operates in association with, among other things, two panels, external to the device.

[0016] The first panel designates the support panel on which the device is mounted. This panel is pierced with a slot. This slot constitutes a receiving cavity for the housing and the holding wedge as well as a guide path for the sliding mechanism.

[0017] The second panel designates the panel intended to be joined with the first panel when the device is in the closed position. This panel may be joined or superimposed on the first panel.

[0018] The two main plates, free-form, are provided with at least one slot whose width is equal to the slot of the 1st panel and whose length is less than it. These two plates arranged on each side of the 1st panel are connected to each other by a box.

[0019] The box passes through in a row at least a first main plate, a first panel then at least a second main plate.

[0020] Equipped with fixing lugs at each end, the box connects and secures together the crossed elements of the device. The fixing lugs are glued to the external face of the last crossed plates.

[0021] However, the invention does not depart from the invention when the legs are fixed to the plates by other means.

[0022] The interior of the housing constitutes a compartment in which a retaining wedge is inserted, as illustrated in profile section in figures [Fig.5] and [Fig.8], according to a particular embodiment.

[0023] The main plates are the plates essential to the device. At least one of the main plates is blocking.

[0024] A blocking plate is a plate whose shape or position allows it to join and immobilize together a first support panel with a second panel.

[0025] The device slides from the open position to the closed position along the slot of the 1st panel until at least one locking plate immobilizes the 2 panels together.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the locking plate is notched, hooked or flat.

[0027] The second main plate can be blocking or simple. The simple plate has for the function of tightening the device, like a nut without thread.

[0028] According to an embodiment in which the second panel is superimposed, this second panel is provided with an opening intended for the passage of the blocking plate. The dimensions of this opening are at least equal to those of the blocking plate which in this embodiment is a notched blocking plate, as illustrated in the figures ([Fig.5]) ([Fig.6]) ([Fig.8]) ([Fig.9]).

[0029] A notched blocking plate is a plate with at least one notch or recess on its internal face. The notch is the difference in level so that the protruding part of the plate blocks the opening when the system is in the closed position.

[0030] The notched side of the locking plate faces the second panel.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the second panel, adjoining the first, is provided with a notch intended to accommodate a hook. In this case the blocking plate used is hooked.

[0032] A hooked locking plate is a plate with one edge cut into a hook shape capable of gripping a wall.

[0033] The hooked side of the locking plate faces the second panel.

[0034] For optimal rigidity of the hook, it is advisable to use compact cardboard high density coated with a hardener. There are natural resin hardeners of plant origin which allow the device to maintain its ecological character.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the surface of the second, joined panel is flat. In this case the locking plate used is also flat and operates by overlapping, like a latch, this device is illustrated ([Fig. 10]).

[0036] The two main plates, the housing and the wedge form a solid block which slides along the slot of the 1st panel.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the sliding device is mounted on a movable panel. According to another embodiment, the sliding device is mounted on a fixed panel.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the device is provided with complementary elements such as, among others, an additional plate or seal.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the device is provided with complementary elements such as, among others, a thickness compensation plate (5). This plate is cut so as to compensate for the partial excess thickness induced by the fixing lugs.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the device is provided with complementary elements such as, among others, a covering or decorative element (6).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the locking plate of the device is mounted on the front face, visible in the open or closed position.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the blocking plate of the device is mounted on the rear face.

[0043] According to another embodiment, a single device makes it possible to open and close several panels of the same structure, simultaneously. In this case the thickness of the blocking plate as well as the lengths of the box and the wedge are increased proportionally to the thickness of the additional panels.

[0044] According to one production method, one of the ends of the blocking plate (9) is delimited by a line of lesser thickness thus constituting an articulation (10). During manual traction the flexible end of the plate bends and thus releases the blocking. In this case the opening is carried out without using the sliding mechanism.

[0045] According to a common production method, the housing and the shim correspond to two separate elements. However, the invention does not depart from the scope of the invention when the housing and the shim are one and the same element.

[0046] The invention is not departed from when the plates are provided with several parallel slots and the device comprises several housings and holding wedges. The multiplication of holding and sliding zones is particularly useful for obtaining a regular sliding movement.

[0047] Thus, an opening and closing device is provided which has the advantage of being suitable for a plurality of structures and packaging.

[0048] Other advantages, characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings.

[0049] Furthermore, although the device is particularly suitable for packaging, the scope of the invention does not depart from it when the device is used in another field. Presentation of figures

[0050] [Fig.l] is a cavalier perspective representing: In the 1st plane a rigid wedge (1), in the 2nd plane a connecting box (2) open on 2 faces and equipped with at least 2 fixing lugs at each end, in the 3rd plane a non-notched cylindrical main plate (3), in the 4th plane a notched hexagonal plate with a central opening in the form of a slot, in the 5th plane a thickness compensation plate (5) and in the last plane a covering element (6).

[0051] [Fig.2] is a perspective view showing an octagonal plate (9) with a flexible end (10) and a slot-shaped opening (11).

[0052] [Fig.3] is a perspective representing: In the 1st plane a rigid wedge (15), in the 2nd plane a box 14) open on 2 sides and equipped with at least 2 fixing lugs at each end, in the 3rd plane a simple rectangular plate (13) with a slot-shaped opening in the center, in the last plane, a cylindrical plate with hook (12).

[0053] [Fig.4] is a front view showing the device in the open position mounted on a panel (7). The locking plate is in the foreground.

[0054] [Fig.5] is a profile section showing the device in the open position, mounted on a panel (7). The notched plate on the left (4), the housing (2) and the wedge (1) in the center as well as the simple plate (3) on the right, constitute a solid block. The notched plate does not exceed the limits of the orifice of the 2nd panel (8).

[0055] [Fig.6] is a perspective section showing the device in the open position, mounted on a panel (7). The 2nd panel (8) has an opening whose dimensions are slightly greater than or equal to that of the notched plate (4). The notched plate does not exceed the limits of the orifice of the 2nd panel (8).

[0056] [Fig.7] is a front view showing the device in the closed position, mounted on a panel (7). The locking plate is in the foreground.

[0057] [Fig.8] is a profile section showing the device in the closed position, mounted on a panel (7). The notched plate on the left (4), the housing (2) and the wedge (1) in the center as well as the simple plate (3) on the right, constitute a solid block. The notched plate protrudes, at one point, from the orifice of the 2nd panel (8).

[0058] [Fig.9] is a perspective section showing the device in the closed position, mounted on a panel (7). The 2nd panel (8) has an opening whose dimensions are slightly greater than or equal to that of the notched plate (4). The notched plate extends beyond the limits of the orifice of the 2nd panel (8).

[0059] [Fig. 10] is a front view showing the device in the closed position. Part of the 2 main locking plates overlaps part of the 2nd panel. This view shows in the foreground a flat, external, hexagonal locking plate (17), in the 2nd plane a double box (19), 2 holding wedges (1), a panel of support (7) and a joining panel (16), in the background a flat, interior, cylindrical-shaped blocking plate (18).

[0060] Nomenclature of the attached drawings:

[0061] (1) Consolidation and maintenance wedge

[0062] (2) Housing with fixing lugs

[0063] (3). Single plate with slot-shaped opening

[0064] (4) Locking plate, notched with slot-shaped opening.

[0065] (5) Thickness compensation plate.

[0066] (6) Dressing and decorative element.

[0067] (7) 1st panel wall supporting the device

[0068] (8) 2nd panel wall with opening to the dimensions of the notched plate

[0069] (9) Notched locking plate with flexible end

[0070] (10) Flexible part of the notched plate [0071 ] (11) Slit-shaped orifice

[0072] (12) Locking plate with hook

[0073] (13) Single rectangular plate with slot-shaped opening

[0074] (14) Box with fixing bracket, box dimensions adapted to plates (12) & (13).

[0075] (15) Consolidation and holding wedge adapted to the housing (14).

[0076] (16) Wall of 2nd adjoining panel

[0077] (17) Flat outer locking plate

[0078] (18) Flat inner locking plate

[0079] (19) Double box for plates (17) & (18) equipped with 2 slots

Claims

Claims

1. Sliding opening and closing device intended to be mounted, by fixing and holding means, mainly on packaging. This device comprises at least two main plates including at least one blocking plate, at least one housing with fixing lugs at each end and at least one holding wedge. This device operates in association with at least 2 external panels. These panels are intended to be joined and immobilized when the device is in the closed position. The plates are arranged on each side of the first panel on which the device is mounted. The first panel is provided with at least one slot. This slot, crossed by the housing and by the holding wedge inside the housing, constitutes a guide path for the entire sliding device. The housing, consolidated in its center by the holding wedge, passes through a first main plate, the first panel and a second main plate.Thanks to its fixing lugs located at each end, the box connects and secures the 2 plates together. The device slides as a unit along the slot of the 1st panel until at least one blocking plate, notched, hooked, or flat, grips the wall of the 2nd panel facing it or else locks the wall of the 2nd panel by overlapping when the 2nd panel is joined. Device characterized in that it is made with materials of organic origin, such as, among others, paper, cardboard, bagasse pulp.

2. Sliding opening and closing device, according to claim 1, characterized in that its simple assembly with through-housing, fixing lugs and holding wedge, works equally well on rigid structures as on folding structures.

3. Sliding opening and closing device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that its lightweight construction adapts equally well to a stable wall as to a movable wall, such as a lid flap.

4. Sliding opening and closing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it can be produced in multiple shapes with simple tools such as die cuts.

5. Sliding opening and closing device, according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, according to one embodiment, a single device is capable of opening and closing several panels of the same structure.

6. Sliding opening and closing device, according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, according to one embodiment, the device is equipped with complementary elements such as thickness compensation plates, covering or decoration.

7. Sliding opening and closing device, according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that according to one embodiment, the device comprises several housings and several holding wedges.

8. Sliding opening and closing device, according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that according to one embodiment, the direction of mounting is interchangeable, the locking sliding plate will thus be mounted on a front wall or a rear wall.

9. Sliding opening and closing device, according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that according to one embodiment, the locking plate is provided with a flexible end allowing the locking to be released and the panels to be separated without using the sliding mechanism.

10. Sliding opening and closing device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device is suitable for closing adjoining panels as well as covering panels.

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