Openable and pivotable container with opening angle limitation

Abstract

To provide an openable and pivotable container with opening angle limitation, which has a simple assembly and preferably has improved safety for preventing unintentional removal.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a container (1) comprising at least two frame members (2) which are mutually coupled in an openable and pivotable manner from a closed state to an open state around a pivot shaft (X) on one side, and encircle an inner storage space for storing articles along an outer periphery. A maximum aperture angle is limited by a foldable coupling member (6). The coupling member (6) has coupling means and a holding part. The frame members (2) have, on an inner wall in a lateral zone (12) radially extending with respect to the pivot shaft (X) respectively, corresponding coupling means for removable coupling to the coupling means of the coupling member (6) and a corresponding holding part for removable coupling to the holding part of the coupling member (6).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container, such as a bag or trunk. The container has at least two frame members that circumferentially surround an interior storage space for storing items. The frame members are connected to each other on one side so that they can be pivoted open from a closed state of the container to an open state of the container around a pivot axis. The maximum opening angle of the frame members is limited by at least one connecting member. For connecting the frame members to the connecting member, the connecting member has at least two connecting means and at least two retaining portions. Correspondingly, the frame members have at least one counter-connecting means for detachable connection with the connecting means of the connecting member and at least one counter-retaining portion for detachable connection with the retaining portion of the connecting member on their inner walls in lateral regions extending radially relative to the pivot axis. For connecting the connecting members to each counter-connecting means, the connecting means are intended to be movable toward each corresponding counter-connecting means parallel to the pivot axis. The present invention further relates to a connecting member for use with the container of the above-mentioned type, and to a connecting member group having two connecting members of this type.

[0002] Containers of this kind are known, in particular in the form of briefcases or briefcases, or also in the form of handbags. [Background technology]

[0003] Usually, the frame members themselves are configured as the trunk shell or form a framework for stabilizing a particularly flexible, often textile, trunk shell, where the container has connecting members that limit the maximum opening angle, and both frame members are usually sewn together with a substantially triangular textile article that is connected as a connecting member to limit the maximum opening angle.

[0004] Known connecting elements can be removably attached to the respective side sections of the frame members, with each connecting element being attached on one side to a first side section of the frame member and on the other side to a side section of the respective frame member facing the side section of the first frame member with respect to the pivot axis. Removable connecting elements have the advantage that the container is modular and particularly adaptable. Containers with removable connecting elements also allow for easy repairs in the event of damage to the respective connecting elements, for example, without having to open / separate seams or adhesive bonds.

[0005] The releasable connection between the connecting member and the frame member is often provided by a connecting means and a counter-connecting means, respectively. Such connections are particularly configured as push-button or hook-and-loop connections. It is known that a connecting member having a connecting means has a first push-button or hook-and-loop connecting member, and each frame member has a corresponding counter-connecting means, i.e., a second push-button or hook-and-loop connecting member. The connecting means engages with the counter-connecting means by moving it parallel to the pivot axis, thereby connecting the connecting member to the frame member. Often, the connecting member is connected to multiple push-button connections on the frame member or to a long hook-and-loop connecting strip.

[0006] Furthermore, containers are known in which both frame members are connected, in particular sewn, with a substantially triangular textile article, so that the maximum opening angle is adjusted. Combinations of connecting methods are also known, whereby the connecting element has not only a connecting means but also a holding means. In this case, the frame element is intended to have a corresponding corresponding holding means and a corresponding connecting means. It is also known for the holding means and the corresponding holding means to be manufactured as a hook-and-loop fastener connection, while the connecting means and the corresponding connecting means are manufactured as a push-button connection. This known embodiment has the advantage of providing a large adhesive surface with a hook-and-loop fastener connection and a high adhesive force with a push-button connection.

[0007] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that two trunk shells, each capable of pivoting open relative to one another about a pivot axis, are connected to one another by two connecting members, whereby a first lateral section of each first frame member is connected to a first lateral section of each second frame member by a first connecting member, and a second lateral section of each first frame member is connected to a second lateral section of each second frame member by a second connecting member. This configuration has the advantage that the connecting members are connected to one another parallel to the pivot axis and thus jointly function as a space divider. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the coupling elements known from the prior art leave room for improvement in terms of assembly and / or durability. In particular, known coupling elements cannot be assembled to a frame element by a user with one hand. Because the coupling means and the holding means of the containers known from the prior art are detachable from each other in the same separation direction parallel to the pivot axis, the couplings, particularly the combination of a push-button coupling and a hook-and-loop coupling, can be unintentionally and simultaneously detached when a certain detachment force parallel to the pivot axis is exceeded. This usually results in the frame elements no longer being restricted in their relative opening angle, allowing them to pivot open uncontrollably around the pivot axis. The unintentional detachment of the coupling elements can then result in damage to or loss of items stored in the container's storage space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a pivotable container with opening angle limitation which overcomes the drawbacks known from the prior art, has a particularly simple assembly and preferably has increased safety against unintentional removal.

[0010] This problem is solved by the present invention by the features of claim 1. For the connection of the respective corresponding holding portions with the holding portions, the holding portions can be moved radially relative to the pivot axis toward the corresponding corresponding holding portions, thereby simplifying the assembly of the respective lateral sections of the frame member with the connecting member with one hand. Furthermore, the combination of two directions of movement eliminates the need for a change of grip. The user can advantageously hold the corresponding section of the connecting member with one hand and then first move the connecting member radially relative to the pivot axis to connect the holding portion with the corresponding holding portion by a radial movement relative to the pivot axis. The user can then move the connecting member without any need to change grip, so that the connecting means moves parallel to the pivot axis and connects with the corresponding corresponding connecting means. For the connection of the corresponding connecting means with the connecting means, it may be possible to pivot the connecting member about the connection between the corresponding holding portion and the holding portion, thereby allowing the connecting means to move substantially parallel to the pivot axis.

[0011] A further advantage of the present invention is that the holding part can be detached from the counter-holding part by a first separation movement directed radially to the pivot axis, whereas the coupling means can be detached from the counter-coupling means by a second separation movement directed parallel to the pivot axis, so that the first and second separation movements do not point in the same direction, thereby preventing / reducing the risk of unintentional detachment due to a removal force acting in a certain direction, in particular a removal force directed parallel to the pivot axis.

[0012] It is also within the scope of the present invention that the container may be configured as a trunk, as a bag, and in particular as a handbag, and the container is not limited to its specific embodiment, for example as a hard shell trunk.

[0013] Preferably, the frame members themselves are configured as the trunk shell or are integrally joined to a rigid or flexible trunk shell, although it is within the scope of the present invention for the frame members to be configured to provide a framework for stabilizing a particularly flexible, often fabric, trunk shell.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the corresponding retaining portion is configured as a locking tongue extending radially away from the pivot shaft toward its free end. Correspondingly, the corresponding retaining portion configured on the connecting member is configured as a correspondingly configured receiving sleeve. In this embodiment, the connection between the retaining portion and the corresponding retaining portion is preferably achieved by the receiving sleeve being configured so that it can be fitted radially relative to the pivot shaft onto the locking tongue. The receiving sleeve preferably has a closed annular cross-sectional shape, which has the particular advantage that the retaining portion is positively blocked against removal forces acting on the locking tongue extending radially relative to the pivot shaft. This advantageously prevents unintentional removal. In particular, the receiving sleeve may be intended to have an inner diameter adapted to the locking tongue so that a manually-generative bore expansion force is required to position the receiving sleeve over the locking tongue or to position the locking tongue in the receiving sleeve, whereby the receiving sleeve is also held in a frictional fit on the locking tongue.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the connection between the connecting means and the counter connecting means may be intended to assist the connection of the counter holding part, in particular the locking tongue, with the holding part, in particular with the receiving sleeve, and / or to restrict the movement of the holding part so that the holding part cannot be detached from the counter holding part as long as the connecting means is connected to the counter connecting means. In particular, the bore expansion force, the frictional coupling of the receiving sleeve on the locking tongue and / or the auxiliary coupling and movement constraint between the coupling means and the counter-coupling means prevent the receiving sleeve from separating from the locking tongue due to gravity in alternative embodiments in which the locking tongue extends to its free end so as to be oriented radially relative to the pivot axis.

[0016] It is also within the scope of the present invention that the connecting means are releasably connected to a respective corresponding connecting means, preferably configured correspondingly, in a form-fitting manner, in particular by a hook-and-loop fastener connection, or in a friction-fitting or friction-form-fitting manner, in particular by a screw connection, preferably by a locking connection, for example by a push-button connection.

[0017] Preferably, the respective mating means and mating retaining portions are arranged on a common assembly plate, which simplifies the manufacture of the container. Advantageously, the assembly plate can be arranged / positionable on the inner circumferential wall of the side section of the frame member. This embodiment has the advantage, on the one hand, that the mating retaining portions can be arranged relative to the mating means independently of the frame member, which simplifies assembly, particularly with regard to the accessibility of the respective components. Furthermore, the assembly plate can be screwed / attached to the frame member in a material-bonded manner, in particular glued.

[0018] In addition, according to one preferred embodiment, at least the counter-retaining part is monolithically formed with the mounting plate, which further improves the manufacturing and assembly reliability. In particular, the counter-retaining part as a locking tongue is formed in one piece with the mounting plate and is manufactured in particular by a stamping and forming process.

[0019] The connecting element is preferably adapted to the maximum opening angle of each of the two frame elements, and has a cross section, in particular a triangular or trapezoidal, particularly preferably a symmetrical trapezoidal, radially extending relative to the pivot axis, such that the connecting element can particularly efficiently fill or close the substantially V-shaped gap that widens relative to the pivot axis when the frame elements are opened.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the container, the container has two connecting members, each arranged axially offset relative to the pivot axis, connecting two frame members arranged opposite each other relative to the pivot axis. The four frame members and both connecting members are manufactured or connected to each other in accordance with one of the above-mentioned embodiments. Both connecting members delimit the same maximum opening angle between the frame members.

[0021] Furthermore, the use of two connecting elements has the advantage that the maximum opening angle can be maintained even under increased loads, for example, when large forces act on the frame elements in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis. In particular, this allows the frame elements themselves to be constructed more massively or robustly, particularly for reasons of protection or design. Another advantage is that when the container is in the open position, the frame elements do not shift relative to one another and preferably assume an open position that is mirror-symmetrical relative to the pivot axis. Due to internal distortions, shifting of the frame elements relative to one another can have adverse effects on the frame elements and / or on the connection between the two frame elements in the region of the pivot axis, for example, on one or more joints.

[0022] Specifically, a preferred embodiment having two connecting members is intended to have two frame members that can pivot freely relative to one another about a pivot axis, each connected to one another by two connecting members, whereby a first side section of a first frame member is connected to a first side section of a second frame member by the first connecting member, and a second side section of the first frame member is connected to a second side section of the second frame member by the second connecting member.

[0023] Preferably, both connecting members are connected by at least one space divider extending parallel to the pivot axis, in particular to form a connecting member group. According to one preferred embodiment, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the space divider can be removably arranged on both connecting members. Preferably, the space divider itself can be configured to meet various functional requirements. In particular, the space divider can have pockets for storing articles, advantageously have indexes for sorting and storing articles and / or documents, and preferably has at least one organizer bag that can be closed by a zipper or hook-and-loop fastener, in particular a pocket that is protected against NFC signals.

[0024] The container, in particular the frame members and / or the connecting members and / or the space dividing parts, preferably have electrical devices such as batteries for charging mobile appliances, and / or location devices, in particular GPS sensors, or Bluetooth® transmitting devices such as Apple Airtags, and / or other types of anti-theft devices.

[0025] The container conveniently has a closure device, for example a key lock and / or combination lock, that keeps the container closed and makes it difficult for unauthorized persons to open the container. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the container is intended to have three frame members, two of which are configured as trunk shells or frameworks for the trunk shells, and one of which is configured as an intermediate member arranged between the trunk shells, the intermediate members being connected to the frame members in the aforementioned manner on opposite sides so as to be pivotable about respective pivot axes.

[0026] Furthermore, the problem underlying the present invention is solved by a connecting element for limiting the maximum opening angle, in particular of a container of the above-mentioned type, in particular of a bag or trunk, which has the features of a connecting element according to at least one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0027] Other preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the drawings and the dependent claims. The drawings show: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container having a first embodiment of a coupling member shown in an open position. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are perspective views of another embodiment of a coupling member and a perspective view of the underside of an embodiment of an assembly plate for placement on a frame member. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing a partial region of the connecting member of FIG. 2 and a perspective view showing the front side of the mounting plate of FIG. 2; [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of a partial region of another embodiment of a container with the connecting members removed, in which the mounting plate of FIGS. 2 and 3 is mounted on the inner wall of the frame member of the container in the side area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] In the different figures of the drawings, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals. It is to be asserted in the following description that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and to one or more of the combinations of the elements described therein, but rather that each individual subelement of an embodiment / embodiments, apart from all other subelements described in connection therewith, has significance for the subject matter of the present invention either alone or in combination with any element of another embodiment.

[0030] 1 shows a container 1 having at least two frame members 2 that circumferentially surround an interior storage space for storing items. The container 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a handbag, and the frame members 2 are connected to two hard shells 4.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the frame members 2 are connected to each other on one side so as to be able to pivot about a pivot axis X from a closed state of the container 1 (not shown) to an open state of the container 1 shown in FIG.

[0032] 1, 2 or 3 limits the maximum opening angle of the frame member 2. The connecting member 6 is foldable so that it is folded when the frame member 2 is closed or when the container 1 is in the closed position. The connecting member 6 is preferably made of textiles and / or leather and / or artificial leather.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2, the coupling member 6 has at least two coupling means 8 and at least two retaining portions 10 for coupling to the frame member 2. Correspondingly, the frame member 2 has, on its inner wall in each of its lateral sections 12 extending radially relative to the pivot axis X, at least one counter coupling means 14 for detachable coupling with the coupling means 8 of the coupling member 6 and at least one counter retaining portion 16 for detachable coupling with the retaining portion 10 of the coupling member 6. The arrangement of the counter retaining portions 16 and the counter coupling means 14 is shown by way of example in Fig. 4 in the lateral section 12 of the frame member 2.

[0034] Each coupling means 8 is movable parallel to the pivot axis X towards the respective corresponding coupling means 14 in order to couple the coupling means with the respective counter coupling means 14. In Figures 1 and 4 the direction of movement 18 for coupling the coupling means 8 with the counter coupling means 14 is shown. Correspondingly, the coupling means 8 is movable parallel to the pivot axis X away from the respective counter coupling means 14 in order to uncouple the coupling.

[0035] According to the invention, for coupling of the respective corresponding holding portion 16 and the holding portion 10, it is intended that the holding portion 10 is movable radially relative to the pivot axis X towards the respective corresponding corresponding holding portion 16. Figures 1 and 4 show a movement direction 20 for coupling the corresponding holding portion 16 and the holding portion 10. Correspondingly, the holding portion 10 is movable radially relative to the pivot axis X away from the respective corresponding holding portion 16 in order to uncouple the coupling.

[0036] 1 shows that the direction of movement 20' of the holding part 10 for separating it from the respective corresponding holding part 16 is preferably oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement 18' for separating the coupling means from the corresponding coupling means 14. In particular, this has the advantage that a secure coupling between the respective frame member 2 and coupling member 6 is provided and unintentional detachment is prevented.

[0037] According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4, the corresponding retaining part 16 comprises a locking tongue 22 extending radially away from the pivot axis X at its free end, as can be seen in particular in Figure 4. The retaining part 10 is preferably configured as a correspondingly configured receiving sleeve 24, which is configured to fit radially towards the pivot axis X onto the locking tongue 22.

[0038] 3 shows another preferred embodiment, according to which the connecting means 8 and the counter-connecting means 14 are configured as a locking connection, in particular as a push-button connection, respectively. In a not shown example, each connecting means 8 and the correspondingly configured counter-connecting means 14 are configured as a hook-and-loop fastener connection or a screw connection.

[0039] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 2 to 4. In this embodiment, one counter-connecting means 14 and one counter-holding part 16 are arranged on a common assembly plate 26. The assembly plate 26 is preferably arranged / configurable on the inner circumferential wall of the frame element 2 in the lateral section 12, as shown in Figure 4. Advantageously, the assembly plate 26 can have assembly holes 28, by means of which the assembly plate 26 can be screwed or riveted to the frame element 2, as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively or additionally, the assembly plate 26 can be attached to the frame element 2 by a material-bonding type of connection, in particular by an adhesive bond. An adhesive film 30 is preferably arranged on the back side of the assembly plate 26 facing the frame element 2, as shown in Figure 2, by means of which the assembly plate 26 can alternatively or additionally be attached to the frame element 2.

[0040] In one preferred embodiment of the mounting plate 26, at least the counter-retaining portion 16 is formed monolithically with the mounting plate 26. Figures 2 to 4 show a particularly preferred embodiment of the mounting plate 26, which is formed as a single stamped and bent part in such a way that the locking tongue 22 is formed at one end of the mounting plate 26 as the counter-retaining portion 16.

[0041] One particular embodiment of the coupling element provides for the coupling means 8 to have a triangular, or in particular a trapezoidal, cross section radially relative to the pivot axis X, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here, a trapezoidal cross section radially symmetrical relative to the pivot axis X has proven to be particularly preferred.

[0042] In the embodiment of the container 1 shown in Figure 1, the container has two connecting members 6 arranged axially offset with respect to the pivot axis X. Only one connecting member 6 is shown in Figure 1. The connecting member 6 connects each of two frame members 2 arranged opposite each other with respect to the pivot axis X. Preferably, four frame members 2 and both connecting members 6 are configured and connected to each other according to one of the above embodiments.

[0043] Specifically, the preferred embodiment having two connecting members 6 is intended to connect two frame members 2, each of which can pivot freely relative to one another about a pivot axis X, to one another by two connecting members 6, whereby a first lateral section 12 of a first frame member 2 is connected to a first lateral section 12 of a second frame member 2 by a first connecting member 6, and a second lateral section 12 of the first frame member 2 is connected to a second lateral section 12 of a second frame member 2 by a second connecting member 6.

[0044] According to the embodiment of the container 1 shown in Fig. 1, one preferred embodiment is that two connecting members 6 are connected, preferably to form one connecting member group, by a space divider 32 extending parallel to the pivot axis X. Fig. 1 shows a preferred space divider 32 having a pocket 34. While the space divider 32 shown in Fig. 1 is fixedly connected to both connecting members 6, in an alternative preferred embodiment the space divider 32 can be removably arranged on both connecting members 6.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to the examples shown and described, but includes all embodiments that perform the same function within the meaning of the present invention. It is emphasized that each example is not limited to all elements in the combination, but rather that each individual subelement can have inventive significance in itself, separated from all other subelements. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the combination of elements defined in claim 1, but can be defined by any other combination of specific elements of all individual elements disclosed throughout. This means that, in principle, virtually any individual element of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual element disclosed elsewhere in the application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1…Container 2...Frame member 4...Hard shell 6...Connecting member 8...Coupling means 10...Holding part 12...lateral area 14... Corresponding coupling means 16...Corresponding holding part 18...8 direction of movement to combine with 14 18'...8 direction of movement to separate from 14 10 directions of motion to combine with 20...16 10 movement directions to separate from 20'...16 22...Lock tongue 24...Storage sleeve 26...Assembly plate 28...Assembly hole 30...Adhesive film 32…Space division part X...Pivot axis

Claims

1. A container (1), in particular a bag or trunk, has at least two frame members (2) which are connected to one another on one side so as to be able to pivot openly about a pivot axis (X) from a closed state of the container (1) to an open state of the container (1), and which surround an internal storage space for storing articles along the periphery thereof, the maximum opening angle of the frame members (2) being limited by at least one foldable connecting member (6), and the connecting member (6) having at least two connecting means (8) for connecting to the frame members (2) and at least two holding portions (10), and the frame members (2) are connected to one another so as to be able to pivot openly about a pivot axis (X) from a closed state of the container (1) to an open state of the container (1), the maximum opening angle of the frame members (2) being limited by at least one foldable connecting member (6), and the connecting member (6) having at least two connecting means (8) for connecting to the frame members (2) and at least two holding portions (10), and the frame members (2) are connected to one another so as to be able to pivot openly ... one another about a pivot axis (X), the maximum opening angle of the frame members (2) being limited by at least one foldable connecting member (6), and the connecting member (6) having at least two connecting means (8) for connecting to the frame members (2) and at least two holding portions (10), and the frame members (2) are connected to one another so as to be able to pivot openly from one another about a pivot axis (X), the maximum opening angle of the frame members (2) being limited by at least one foldable connecting member (6), and the connecting member (6) having at least two The arm member (2) has, on its inner wall in each of its lateral sections (12) extending radially relative to the pivot axis (X), at least one corresponding coupling means (14) for detachable coupling with the coupling means (8) of the coupling member (6) and at least one corresponding holding portion (16) for detachable coupling with the holding portion (10) of the coupling member (6), and the coupling means (8) are movable parallel to the pivot axis (X) towards the corresponding corresponding coupling means (14) for coupling with the coupling means, The container (1) is characterized in that, for coupling of each of the corresponding holding portions (16) with the holding portions (10), the holding portions (10) are movable radially relative to the pivot axis (X) toward the corresponding corresponding holding portions (16).

2. the corresponding holding portion (16) is configured as a locking tongue (22) extending radially away from the pivot axis (X) to a free end, and the holding portion (10) is configured as a correspondingly configured receiving sleeve (24), the receiving sleeve (24) being configured to be able to fit onto the locking tongue (22) in the radial direction relative to the pivot axis (X); Container (1) according to claim 1.

3. The coupling means (8) are removably coupled to the respective corresponding coupling means (14) in a form-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner; Container (1) according to claim 1.

4. The connecting means (8) and the counter-connecting means (14) are configured as corresponding locking connections, in particular as push-button connections or hook-and-loop connections. Container (1) according to claim 1.

5. each one of the corresponding coupling means (14) and the corresponding holding portion (16) is arranged on a common assembly plate (26), the assembly plate (26) being arranged / arrangeable on the inner circumferential wall of the side section (12) of the frame member (2); Container (1) according to claim 1.

6. At least one of the corresponding holding portions (16) is monolithically integrated with the assembly plate (26). Container (1) according to claim 1.

7. the coupling means (8) have a triangular or trapezoidal, particularly preferably symmetrical trapezoidal, cross section radially relative to the pivot axis (X); Container (1) according to claim 1.

8. The container (1) has two connecting members (6) arranged axially offset with respect to the pivot axis (X) for connecting two frame members (2) each arranged opposite to each other with respect to the pivot axis (X), and the four frame members (2) and both connecting members (6) are configured and connected to each other in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 7. Container (1) according to claim 1.

9. The two connecting members (6) are connected by at least one space dividing portion (32) extending parallel to the pivot axis (X). Container (1) according to claim 1.

10. The space dividing portion (32) is removably positionable on both of the connecting members (6). Container (1) according to claim 1.

11. The connecting element (6) for limiting the maximum opening angle of the container (1), in particular of a bag or trunk, in accordance with claim 1, A coupling element (6), characterized in that it has the features of the coupling element (6) as set forth in claim 1.

12. The coupling element (6) according to claim 8, comprising the features of the coupling element (6) according to at least one of claims 2 to 7.

13. A connecting element group for limiting the maximum opening angle of the container (1), comprising two connecting elements (6) according to claim 11 or 12, A group of connecting members, characterized in that it comprises at least one space divider (32) according to the features of any one of claims 9 or 10.

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