Connector for moving filler material and method for moving filler material using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector for transferring filler material, which is composed of a connecting portion having an inner surface in the shape of a band surrounding a hollow portion formed in the center and open at both ends, a first hooking portion formed along the outer surface of one open end of the connecting portion and having a rim structure, and a second hooking portion formed along the outer surface of the other open end of the connecting portion, also having a rim structure and a shape symmetrical to the first hooking portion, and the minimum distance by which the outer surfaces of the first and second hooking portions are separated from the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion is greater than the distance by which the surfaces of both ends of the first and second hooking portions are separated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for assisting the movement of a filling material when filling the filling material into an internal portion of a bag-shaped accommodating member such as a bean bag or moving it to another bag. More specifically, the connector is formed in a belt-shaped ring shape whose inner peripheral surface surrounds a hollow portion formed in a central portion, and has a connecting portion with both ends open, and is formed along an outer peripheral surface of an open end of the connecting portion, and has a rim structure. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are formed along the outer peripheral surface of the other open end of the connecting portion, have a rim structure, and have a shape symmetrical to the first engaging portion. The minimum distance between the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second engaging portions and the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion is formed larger than the distance between the surfaces of both ends of the first and second engaging portions. The present invention relates to a connector for moving a filling material.

Background Art

[0002] A bean bag used as a sofa, mat, cushion, etc. is filled with a filling material in a granular form inside a bag-shaped fabric or leather material accommodating member. The filling material moves in the internal space of the accommodating member according to the body shape of the user and supports the lower part of the body.

[0003] Since the filling material supports the body in a state where it has moved according to the external shape of the body, the weight can be evenly distributed to improve the comfort. In particular, when the filling material is made of a highly elastic foaming material, the filling material is deformed according to the body shape, and the weight distribution by the filling material is more effectively performed, and a more comfortable feeling can be provided.

[0004] When a bean bag is used for a long time, the volume of the filling material is reduced due to permanent deformation, and when the volume of the filling material is reduced, the comfort is reduced due to the reduction of the weight distribution and cushion performance of the bean bag. Therefore, it may be necessary to replace the filling material.

[0005] Furthermore, situations may arise where beanbags need to be replaced due to contamination by various foreign objects during use or damage to the beanbags. If the beanbags have a short lifespan and the filling material is in good condition, replacing only the contents of the beanbag can reduce the cost of replacing the beanbags and decrease the amount of waste generated.

[0006] Therefore, the beanbag's container has an opening for filling or separating / discharging the filler material, and the opening is fitted with Velcro®, a snap fastener, or a slide fastener to open or close the opening of the container.

[0007] During the process of transferring the filler material from one beanbag to another, or after separating and discharging the existing filler material from the beanbag and then filling it with new filler material, the filler material may leak out of the beanbag or temporary filler storage container that is being filled.

[0008] Due to the characteristics of the filling material, which is manufactured using a foaming process to provide cushioning, any filling material that leaks out is easily scattered by the movement of surrounding air and adheres to the bottom surface due to an attractive force created by static electricity, making it difficult to collect or clean up the leaked filling material.

[0009] Furthermore, since the beanbag's containment material is made of a woven or leather material that can be freely deformed to conform to the user's body shape, the shape of the beanbag's opening is also easily deformed, and there is a possibility that the filling material may leak out through the gap created by the deformed opening.

[0010] Furthermore, beanbags that can be used as sofas, etc., have a large volume, which makes it difficult for one or a few people to maintain a consistent position of the opening when transferring the filling material from the opening of one beanbag to the opening of another beanbag to be replaced or to a temporary filling material storage container. If the position of the opening shifts during the process of transferring the filling material, the amount of filling material that leaks out may increase further.

[0011] To facilitate the storage of contents within a bag-shaped container whose shape is easily deformed, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 46024866 (registered August 27, 1971) presents a funnel for disposing of kitchen waste.

[0012] The aforementioned kitchen waste disposal funnel is configured to have funnel-shaped protrusions at both ends of a hollow cylindrical body, with the upper funnel collecting kitchen waste introduced into the cylindrical body, and the lower funnel having a fixing part to secure the end of the opening of the waste disposal bag.

[0013] However, beanbags used as sofas, etc., are formed to be much larger in volume and weight than kitchen waste disposal bags. Therefore, it is very difficult to lift the beanbag to the position of the funnel formed at the top for separating and discharging the filler material. During the process of separating and discharging the filler material, the shape of the opening of the beanbag deforms, making it easy for the filler material to spill out.

[0014] Furthermore, when the opening of a bean bag or temporary filler storage container, into which the filler material is packed, is connected to the lower funnel, the external force acting due to the weight of the large amount of filler material can easily cause the opening fixed to the lower funnel to separate, potentially resulting in a large spill of the filler material.

[0015] As another solution to prevent the leakage of filler material, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010006177 (published January 14, 2010) proposes a filler material transfer system that is connected to the opening of a beanbag and has auxiliary wings made of a material that can be freely deformed into any shape.

[0016] Auxiliary wings connected to the opening of a beanbag expand to form a connecting port that can be inserted into the opening of another beanbag or temporary filler storage container. Fixing members such as slide fasteners can be attached to the auxiliary wings to secure them to the opening of the other beanbag or temporary filler storage container.

[0017] However, in the aforementioned filler material transfer system, if the size of the auxiliary wings differs from the size of the openings of other bean bags or temporary filler material storage containers to which the filler material is to be transferred, a gap may be formed when the openings on both sides are fixed with a fixing member such as a slide fastener. Furthermore, if the shape or specifications of the slide fasteners between the openings that are connected to each other differ, there is a problem in that the openings cannot be fixed via the fixing member.

[0018] As another solution to prevent the leakage of filling material, Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-2023-0000596 (published March 21, 2023) proposes a filling cap for bean bags in which the opening of the packaging container containing the filling material is fixed between the outer surface of a tube guide inserted into the opening of the packaging container and the joint between the tube holder, and a detachable cover is attached to the tube holder.

[0019] A disc-shaped support portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tube holder of the bean bag filling cap, which catches on the opening of the bean bag, thereby preventing the filling material from spilling out when the filling material inside the packaging container is moved into the bean bag.

[0020] However, in the case of the beanbag filling cap mentioned above, a method is used in which the opening of the packaging container is sandwiched and fixed between the outer surface of the tube guide and the joint between the tube holder. Therefore, when transferring the filling material to another beanbag for washing the beanbag in use, there is a problem that the beanbag may be damaged if the opening of the beanbag is sandwiched and fixed between the outer surface of the tube guide and the joint between the tube holder.

[0021] Furthermore, connectors for moving the beanbag filler, as described above, can be sold as standalone products, or they can be components that are secondarily provided to the beanbags themselves. However, if the connector's configuration becomes complex or its volume increases, both the manufacturing cost and the cost of product logistics may increase.

[0022] In particular, with the revitalization of online commerce, the frequency of international shipping of beanbags purchased from overseas online shops is gradually increasing. In the case of air transport, volumetric weight is applied, which adds shipping costs proportionally to the volume if the volume is larger than the product weight. Therefore, if the volume of the connector is large, the shipping cost may increase significantly due to the components that are incidentally provided with the product.

[0023] The increased manufacturing costs and shipping fees for connectors, which are by-product components, contribute to a decline in price competitiveness in online commerce. Therefore, there is a growing need to develop connectors that can achieve lower product prices through structural simplification and volume reduction. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0024] The present invention aims to provide a connector structure that can prevent the outflow of filler material when moving the filler material between bean bags or between a bean bag and a temporary filler storage container.

[0025] The present invention aims to provide a connector structure that can securely connect various types of beanbags, regardless of the size and shape of the beanbag, the size and shape of the opening of the beanbag, or the type and size of the fastening member applied to the opening.

[0026] The present invention aims to provide a connector structure that can improve price competitiveness in online commerce by reducing the unit cost and volume of the connector during manufacturing.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0027] The connector for filler movement according to the present invention is connected to an opening formed in a housing member in order to assist the movement of a filler filled inside a bag-shaped housing member, and has an annular belt shape surrounding a hollow portion formed in the central portion of its inner peripheral surface. It consists of a support portion with both ends open, a first engaging portion formed along the outer peripheral surface of one open end of the support portion, with a distance formed larger from the central axis of the hollow portion in both end directions than the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, forming a rim structure, and a second engaging portion formed along the outer peripheral surface of the other open end of the support portion, with a distance formed larger from the central axis of the hollow portion in both end directions than the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, forming a rim structure and having a shape symmetrical to the first engaging portion. The minimum distance by which the ends of the protruding rims of the first and second engaging portions are separated from the central axis in both end directions of the hollow portion is formed larger than the distance by which the open ends of the first and second engaging portions are separated along the central axis in both end directions of the hollow portion.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface, inner peripheral surface of the support portion, and the first and second engaging portions are composed of a first bending portion bent into a convex shape toward the outside of the hollow portion, and a second bending portion having a shape symmetrical to the first bending portion around a virtual plane passing through the central axis in both end directions of the hollow portion. For each support portion of the first and second bending portions, and for the ends of the protruding rims of the first and second engaging portions, the distance from the central axis changes. The distance between both ends of the connecting portion between the first and second bending portions is formed larger than the size of the distance between the central portions of the first and second bending portions separated from each other.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape formed by each support portion of the first and second bending portions is in an elliptical form. The ratio of the size of the distance by which the ends of the rims of the first and second engaging portions at both ends of the connecting portion between the first and second bending portions are separated from each other to the size of the distance by which the ends of the rims of the first and second engaging portions at the central positions of the first and second bending portions are separated from each other is formed within the range of 1:0.4 to 1:0.8.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape formed by each support portion of the first and second bending portions is such that the ends of two arcs are connected symmetrically to each other, and the central angle of each arc formed by the support portions of the first and second bending portions is formed within a range of 100° to 150°.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first anti-deformation rib protruding at a constant height in a direction away from the support portion is formed on the outer edge portion of one end of the first engaging portion along the central axis in both end directions of the hollow portion, and a second anti-deformation rib protruding at a constant height in a direction away from the support portion is formed on the outer edge portion of the other end of the second engaging portion along the central axis in both end directions of the hollow portion.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle of the inner portion where the virtual plane contacting the surface of the inner side of the rims facing each other of the first and second engaging portions intersects with the virtual plane contacting the center point of the outer peripheral surface of the support portion is formed within a range of 90° to 140°. The rims of the first and second engaging portions have a certain thickness, and chamfering is performed such that the connecting portion between the inner peripheral surface of the support portion and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second engaging portions forms a gentle curved surface.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the depth of the concave groove to the width of the concave groove formed by the outer peripheral surface of the support portion and the rims of the first and second engaging portions is formed within a range of 1:0.7 to 1:4, and the minimum size of the depth of the concave groove is 10 mm.

[0034] A method for moving a filler material using a filler material moving connector according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a support portion having an annular shape in the form of a band with its inner circumferential surface surrounding a hollow portion formed in the center, with both ends open; a first hook portion formed along the outer circumferential surface of one open end of the support portion, with a distance greater than the outer circumferential surface of the support portion from the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion, forming a rim structure; and a second hook portion formed along the outer circumferential surface of the other open end of the support portion, with a distance greater than the outer circumferential surface of the support portion from the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion, forming a rim structure, and having a shape symmetrical to the first hook portion, wherein the minimum distance between the ends of the protruding rims of the first and second hook portions from the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion is greater than the distance between the open ends of the first and second hook portions along the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion, and the opening of the first housing member in the bag shape. The process consists of a first stage of positioning the connector close to the opening, a second stage of inserting the second hook portion of the connector into the opening so that the end of the opening of the first housing member is positioned between the first and second hook portions, then closing the fastening member formed above the opening to fix the opening on the second hook portion, a third stage of positioning the first hook portion of the connector close to the opening of the second housing member, a fourth stage of inserting the first hook portion of the connector into the opening so that the end of the opening of the second housing member is positioned between the first and second hook portions, then closing the fastening member formed above the opening to fix the opening on the first hook portion, a fifth stage of flipping the housing member and connector upside down so that the housing member filled with filler and the housing member with an empty interior are positioned vertically, and moving the filler, and a sixth stage of separating the openings of each housing member from the connector and then closing the fastening member to completely close the openings.

[0035] Another embodiment of the filler material moving method using a filler material moving connector according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a support portion having an annular shape in the form of a band with its inner circumferential surface surrounding a hollow portion formed in the center, with both ends open; a first hook portion formed along the outer circumferential surface of one open end of the support portion, with a rim structure formed by a larger distance from the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion than the outer circumferential surface of the support portion; and a second hook portion formed along the outer circumferential surface of the other open end of the support portion, with a rim structure formed by a larger distance from the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion than the outer circumferential surface of the support portion, and having a shape symmetrical to the first hook portion, wherein the minimum distance from the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion between the protruding ends of the first and second hook portions is greater than the distance from the open ends of the first and second hook portions along the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion, and the connector is formed in a bag-shaped first housing member. The process consists of: a first stage of positioning the first housing member close to the opening; a second stage of passing the end of the opening of the first housing member into the hollow part from the direction of the first hooking part formation side, and then flipping over a part of the first housing member on the end of the opening that has passed through the hollow part to cover the outer surface of the connector; a third stage of attaching a binding member made of a different material from the first housing member so as to surround the outer surface of the support part, thereby tightly fixing the portion of the first housing member that covers the outer surface of the connector; a fourth stage of inserting the second hooking part of the connector into the opening so that the end of the opening of the second housing member is positioned between the first and second hooking parts, and then closing the binding member formed above the opening to fix the opening on the second hooking part; a fifth stage of flipping the housing member and the connector over so that the housing member filled with the filling material and the housing member with an empty interior are positioned vertically, and moving the filling material; and a sixth stage of separating the openings of each housing member from the connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to embodiments of the present invention, when filling a storage member with a filler or separating and discharging the filler from the inside of a storage member to the outside, it is possible to prevent the filler from spilling out onto the outside of other bean bags or temporary filler storage containers, thereby preventing inconvenience to the user during the cleaning process of spilled filler.

[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the material can be adapted not only for beanbags but also for various types of bag-shaped containers such as pillowcases, into which filling material is packed, and for filling bags containing various raw materials in powder or granular form, thereby expanding its range of applications.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second hooking portions, which are formed to protrude in a rim shape, have the effect of being able to fix the openings of various types of bean bags and temporary filling material storage containers, regardless of the size and shape of the opening of the storage member, or the type and size of the fastening member applied to the opening.

[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and weight reduction of connectors by simplifying the structure, and by reducing the unit cost of manufacturing connectors and air shipping costs, it is possible to prevent the decline in price competitiveness due to increased product sales prices and increased shipping costs caused by connectors that are sold incidentally included in beanbags in online commerce. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a method for moving a filler material into the interior of a housing member using a filler material moving connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a method for moving a filler material into the interior of a housing member using a filler material moving connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a method for moving a filler material into the interior of a housing member using a filler material moving connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the overall and side shapes of a first embodiment of the filler material transfer connector according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the overall and side shapes of a second embodiment of the filler material transfer connector according to the present invention. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows the planar structure and the shape of the cross-section according to line A-A' of the first embodiment of the filler material moving connector according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the planar structure of a second embodiment of the filler material moving connector according to the present invention, and the shape of the cross-section shown by lines B-B' and C-C'. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the formation position of the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion of the filler material moving connector according to the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the formation position of a virtual plane (S1) passing through the central axis (CS) of the filler material moving connector according to the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the position and lateral shape of the grooves formed by the outer circumferential surface of the support portion and the rims of the first and second hook portions according to the present invention, which are formed on the filler material moving connector. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the position of the central angle formed in the filler material moving connector of the second embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the positional relationship between the magnitude DL of the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hooking parts of the joint between the first and second bending parts, and the magnitude DS of the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hooking parts at the central positions of the first and second bending parts, in a filler material moving connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the size of the gap area formed between the opening and the support portion when using the filler material transfer connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the size of the gap area formed between the opening and the support portion when using the filler material transfer connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a feasible structure for a filler material transfer connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of a feasible structure for a filler material transfer connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]Figure 17 shows an example of a feasible structure for a filler material transfer connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. This document will provide a detailed explanation focusing on the parts necessary to understand the operation and function of the present invention.

[0042] While describing embodiments of the present invention, explanations of technical content that is well known in the art to which the present invention belongs and is not directly related to the present invention will be omitted.

[0043] This is to convey the gist of the invention more clearly without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0044] Furthermore, when describing the components of the present invention, different reference numerals may be assigned to components with the same name in different figures, and the same reference numerals may be assigned to components in different figures.

[0045] However, even in such cases, it does not mean that the relevant component has different functions depending on the embodiment, or that it has the same function in different embodiments. The function of each component should be determined based on the description of each component in the relevant embodiment.

[0046] Furthermore, unless otherwise defined herein, technical terms should be interpreted in the sense generally understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and should not be interpreted in an overly comprehensive or overly restrictive sense.

[0047] Furthermore, the singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless otherwise specified in the context.

[0048] In this application, terms such as “composed of” or “including” should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the components or stages described in the specification, and may not include some of the components or stages, or may include additional components or stages.

[0049] The filler material (12) moving connector (100) according to the present invention is connected to an opening (10) formed in a storage member (1) to assist in the movement of the filler material (12) when filling the inside of a bag-shaped storage member (1) into which the filler material (12) is filled, when discharging the filler material (12) filled in the storage member (1) to the outside of the storage member (1), or when moving the filler material (12) filled inside the storage member (1) to another empty storage member (1).

[0050] The housing member (1) in which the connector (100) according to the present invention is used includes various containers in the form of bags, such as bean bags, pouches, or bedding, and the filling material (12) includes cushioning material used in bean bags and bedding, or various raw materials used for the manufacture of processed products.

[0051] The containment member (1) is made of a woven fabric material or a synthetic or natural leather material, and consists of an irregularly shaped container that can change shape, and can have a double-layer structure in which an inner and outer layer are joined together, or it can consist of a single layer.

[0052] Since the movement of the filler material (12) is carried out by the weight of the filler material (12), the housing member (1) into which the filler material (12) is packed is positioned downwards from the connector (100), and the opening (10) of the housing member (1) faces upwards.

[0053] The housing member (1) from which the filler material (12) is discharged is positioned above the connector (100), and the opening (10) of the housing member (1) faces downward.

[0054] (A) First embodiment of connection between connector (100) and opening (10): In the first embodiment of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10), as shown in Figure 1, if the housing member (1) has a fastening member (11) formed on the opening (10) itself, the opening (10) of the housing member (1) can be hooked onto the first hooking portion (130) or the second hooking portion (140) of the connector (100).

[0055] Subsequently, by reducing the size of the opening (10) via the binding member (11), the opening (10) catches on the first hooking portion (130) or the second hooking portion (140), and the filling material (12) can be moved into the interior of the housing member (1) while the opening (10) via the binding member (11) is caught on the binding member (11).

[0056] (B) A second embodiment of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10): A second embodiment of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10) can be applied when a fastening member (11) is formed on the opening (10) of the housing member (1) itself, and when a filler material (12) stored inside an existing housing member (1) is moved inside a new housing member (1).

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, after connecting the openings (10) of the housing member (1) to the first and second hooking parts (130 and 140), the two housing members (1) can be fixed to the first and second hooking parts (130 and 140) via the fastening member (11).

[0058] (C) Third embodiment of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10): If a fastening member (11) is not formed in the opening (10) of the housing member (1), a third embodiment of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10) can be applied.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, after passing the opening (10) of the housing member (1) through the hollow portion (110), which is a space formed in the center of the connector (100), the opening (10) can be turned inside out to cover the first hook portion (130) or the second hook portion (140), thereby allowing the opening (10) of the housing member (1) to hook onto the first hook portion (130) or the second hook portion (140) of the connector (100).

[0060] To prevent the end of the opening (10) covered by the first hooking portion (130) or the second hooking portion (140) from separating, the end of the opening (10) can be secured with a binding member (11) such as a cable tie.

[0061] According to the first to third embodiments of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10), by fixing the opening (10) of the housing member (1) to the connector (100), the shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the opening (10) of the housing member (1), which is bag-shaped and prone to deformation, can be kept constant.

[0062] This prevents deformation of the opening (10) when filling the inside of the storage member (1) with the filler material (12) or when discharging the filler material (12) that has been filled into the storage member (1) to the outside of the storage member (1), and makes it easier to move the filler material (12).

[0063] The method for fixing the opening (10) of the housing member (1) to the connector (100) of the present invention is not limited to the methods according to the first to third embodiments of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10), but should be understood as being applicable to combinations of these fixing methods, or to applying different methods.

[0064] The structure and shape of the connector (100) of the present invention are described below.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the connector (100) consists of a support portion (120) with a hollow portion (110) formed in the center, and first and second hooking portions (130, 140) formed along the outer circumferential surfaces at both ends of the support portion (120).

[0066] The hollow portion (110) forms a passage through which the filler material (12) moves when the connector (100) is connected to the housing member (1) and the filler material (12) is moved, and the support portion (120) supports the opening (10) of the housing member (1), preventing the filler material (12) from flowing out through the widened gap between the connector (100) and the opening (10), or from the area of ​​the opening (10) narrowing due to deformation of the housing member (1), which would reduce the speed at which the filler material (12) moves.

[0067] Furthermore, the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) provide a hooking structure that prevents separation between the connector (100) and the housing member (1) by hooking the opening (10) of the housing member (1) onto the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) when the opening (10) of the housing member (1) is connected to the connector (100).

[0068] The support portion (120) has a closed surface structure formed by strip members in the shape of a band surrounding the hollow portion (110), forming the hollow portion (110), which is an open space inside the inner circumferential surface of the support portion (120), and one end and both ends of the support portion (120) are formed to be open.

[0069] Since the support portion (120) is composed of a strip member forming an annular shape with a closed surface, as shown in Figure 8, a central axis (CS) is formed in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110), which is a virtual line segment (segment) connecting the centers of both open ends of the support portion (120).

[0070] A first hook portion (130) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the open end of the support portion (120), along the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120), and the distance from the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) to the center of the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) is greater than the distance from the central axis in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) to the outer edge of the first hook portion (130), forming a rim structure in which the first hook portion (130) protrudes in the direction away from the central axis (CS) of the hollow portion (110).

[0071] A second hook portion (140) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the open other end of the support portion (120), along the outer circumferential surface of one end of the support portion (120). The distance from the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) to the center of the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) is greater than the distance from the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) to the outer edge of the second hook portion (140), forming a rim structure in which the second hook portion (140) protrudes in the direction away from the central axis (CS) of the hollow portion (110).

[0072] The first hooking portion (130) and the second hooking portion (140) are symmetrical with respect to a virtual plane (S4) formed by connecting the central portions of both ends of the support portion (120), and the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) formed along the edges of one end and the other end of the connector (100) form a hooking structure to which the opening (10) of one or two housing members (1) is fixed.

[0073] Then, as shown in Figure 10b, the support portion (120) is symmetrical with respect to a virtual plane (S4) formed by connecting the central parts of the support portion (120) in the direction of both ends.

[0074] Furthermore, the minimum distance at which the protruding ends of the rim formed by the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) are separated from the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is greater than the distance at which the open ends of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) are separated along the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110), that is, the length of a hypothetical line segment connecting the centers of the open ends of the support portion (120).

[0075] The ratio of the minimum distance that the rim formed by the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) protrudes from the central axis (CS) of the hollow part (110) to the length of the open ends of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) reduces the length of the passage for the filling material (12) inside the connector (100) and prevents an increase in the volume of the connector (100).

[0076] Reducing the length of the open ends between the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) of the connector (100) prevents the opening (10) of the housing member (1) from moving along the outer surface of the support part (120) when the opening (10) of the housing member (1) is connected and fixed to the first and second hooking parts (130, 140), thereby improving the convenience of moving the filler material (12).

[0077] Furthermore, the connector (100) according to the present invention can be a product sold independently, or it can be a component provided secondarily to a product such as a beanbag containing a storage member (1). However, as the volume of the connector (100) increases, both the manufacturing cost and the logistics cost of the product increase.

[0078] In particular, the increasing activity in online commerce is gradually leading to a greater frequency of international deliveries. For international deliveries between continents where delivery by freight vehicles is impossible, air transport is increasingly being used instead of sea transport, which has longer delivery times.

[0079] In air transport, because the cargo space inside an aircraft is limited, if the volume is large compared to the weight of the product, a volumetric weight is applied, which adds to the shipping cost in proportion to the volume. However, if the volume of the connector (100) is large, the shipping cost will increase significantly due to the connector (100) being provided as a by-product, which can lead to price competitiveness issues in online commerce that requires international shipping.

[0080] Therefore, it is preferable to manufacture the connector (100) from a synthetic resin material including plastic, thereby simultaneously reducing the unit cost and weight of the product.

[0081] (1) Connector (100) 1st embodiment: As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 16, the cross-sectional shape of the support portion (120) of the connector (100), when cut along a virtual plane (S4) formed by connecting the central parts of the support portion (120) at both ends, can be circular or a regular polygon.

[0082] If the cross-section of the support portion (120) is a regular polygon, there is a possibility that the filler material (12) may flow out through the widened gap between the opening (10) of the housing member (1) and the outer surface of the support portion (120) during the movement of the filler material (12) via the connector (100). Therefore, it is preferable to apply a cross-sectional shape that is close to circular by forming a large number of surfaces on the support portion (120).

[0083] When the opening (10) of the housing member (1) is connected to the connector (100), a fastening member (11) is used to maintain a constant size of the opening (10) and to prevent the housing member (1) from separating from the first hooking part (130) or the second hooking part (140).

[0084] The fastening member (11) consists of a member including various strings or cable ties, or a slide fastener formed on the opening (10) itself, and the size of the opening (10) is formed to be smaller than the size of the rim formed by the first hooking part (130) or the second hooking part (140).

[0085] This maintains the opening (10) in close contact with the outer surface of the support portion (120), preventing the filler material (12) from flowing out through the widened gap between the connector (100) and the opening (10).

[0086] However, when a connector (100) to which the circular or regular polygonal cross-sectional shape of the support part (120) according to the first embodiment is applied is connected and fixed via a slide fastener formed in the opening (10) itself to move the filler material (12), the external force applied to the connector (100) due to the weight of the housing member (1) and the filler material (12) may cause the slide fastener to move, and as shown in Figure 13, the size of the widened gap between the connector (100) and the opening may increase, potentially causing the filler material (12) to leak out from the widened gap.

[0087] (2) Second embodiment of connector (100): As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 9, the connector (100) according to the second embodiment is configured such that a first bending portion (101) and a second bending portion (102) are joined together, and the first bending portion (101) and the second bending portion (102) have symmetrical shapes with respect to a virtual plane (S1) that passes through the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110).

[0088] The outer and inner surfaces of the support portion (120) and the first and second hook portions (130, 140) of the first bending portion (101) are bent to form a convex shape toward the outside of the hollow portion (110), and the outer and inner surfaces of the support portion (120) and the first and second hook portions (130, 140) of the second bending portion (102) are bent to form a convex shape toward the outside of the hollow portion (110).

[0089] The longitudinal ends of the first and second bending sections (101 and 102) are connected to each other on a virtual plane (S1), so that the first and second bending sections (101 and 102) form a single connector (100) member.

[0090] The distance from the central axis (CS) varies depending on the location along the longitudinal direction of the first and second bending sections (101 and 102) for each support portion (120) of the first and second bending sections (101 and 102) and the protruding rim ends of the first and second hooking portions (130 and 140).

[0091] The magnitude of the distance away from the central axis (CS) is maximized at the connection between the first and second bending sections (101, 102) formed on a virtual plane (S1), and minimized at the respective centers of the first and second bending sections (101, 102). The distance between the two ends of the connection between the first and second bending sections (101, 102) is greater than the distance between the respective centers of the first and second bending sections (101, 102).

[0092] As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the support portion (120) of the connector (100) when cut along a virtual plane (S4) formed by connecting the central parts of the support portion (120) at both ends can be as shown in Figures 16 and 17, with the ends of two parabolas connected symmetrically, an ellipse, or two polygonal line segments forming an arch shape connected symmetrically.

[0093] The end face shape of the connector (100) as in the second embodiment is such that when the housing member (1) is fixed to the first hooking portion (130) or the second hooking portion (140) via a slide fastener attached to the opening (10), the joint portion between the first and second bending portions (101, 102) faces the slide fastener (140).

[0094] This reduces the angle at which the housing members (1) on both sides of the opening (10) spread apart in the portion where the connector (100) is inserted and not closed by the slide fastener, thereby reducing the size of the gap between the connector (100) and the opening (10) due to external forces applied to the connector (100), and reducing the amount of filler (12) that flows out during the movement of the filler (12).

[0095] In this case, when the cross-sectional shape formed by the support portions (120) of the first and second bending portions (101 and 102) according to the second embodiment is such that the ends of two circular arcs are connected symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane (S1), the size of the central angle of each arc formed by the support portions (120) of the first and second bending portions (101 and 102) can be formed within the range of 100° to 150°.

[0096] Furthermore, if the cross-section of the support portion (120) constituting the first and second bending portions (101, 102) is formed in a manner in which the ends of two polygonal line segments forming an arch shape are connected symmetrically, it is preferable to apply an end face shape that is close to a configuration in which the ends of two parabolas are connected symmetrically, by forming a large number of surfaces on the support portion (120) in order to minimize the outflow of the filler material (12) to the outside.

[0097] In particular, when the cross-sectional shape of the support portion (120) is such that the ends of two parabolas are connected symmetrically, or the ends of two polygonal line segments forming an arch shape are connected symmetrically, the joint between the outer surfaces of the support portions (120) of the first and second bending portions (101 and 102) forms a wedge shape.

[0098] The wedge-shaped ends of the joint between the outer surfaces of the support portion (120) are directed toward the slide fastener applied to the opening (10). When the opening (10) is closed via the slide fastener, the wedge shape of the joint between the outer surfaces of the support portion (120) further reduces the angle of expansion between the housing members (1) on both sides at the portion of the opening (10) that is not closed by the insertion of the connector (100), thereby minimizing the size of the gap formed between the connector (100) and the opening (10) compared to the cross-sectional shape of other forms of the support portion (120).

[0099] More preferably, the central angle of each arc formed by the support portions (120) of the first and second bending portions (101, 102) can be formed within the range of 130° to 135°. Such an angle allows for the proper maintenance of the moving speed of the filler material (12) due to the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion (110) of the connector (100), while simultaneously reducing the amount of filler material (12) that flows out from the gap in the connecting portion between the opening (10) of the housing member (1) and the connector (100).

[0100] If the central angle of the arc formed by the support parts (120) of the first and second bending parts (101, 102) is less than 100°, the distance between the central parts of the inner circumferential surfaces of the support parts (120) becomes narrower, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow part (110) decreases, the amount of movement of the filler material (12) moving through the internal space of the hollow part (110) becomes excessively small, and the convenience of using the connector (100) may decrease.

[0101] If the central angle of the arc formed by the support parts (120) of the first and second bending parts (101, 102) exceeds 150°, the angle at which the housing members (1) on both sides of the opening (10) spread apart in the part not closed by the slide fastener can increase. As the housing members (1) spread apart, the external force applied may cause the slide fastener to retract, potentially leading to the outflow of the filler material (12) from the widened gap between the connector (100) and the opening (10).

[0102] Furthermore, when the cross-sectional shape of the support portions (120) of the first and second bending portions (101 and 102) according to the second embodiment is elliptical, the ratio DL, which is the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hook portions (130 and 140) of the joint between the first and second bending portions (101 and 102) and DS, which is the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hook portions (130 and 140) at the central positions of the first and second bending portions (101 and 102), can be formed within the range of 1:0.4 to 1:0.8.

[0103] The ratio of the magnitude Ds of the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second gripping parts (130, 140) at the central positions of the first and second bending parts (101, 102) can be applied not only when the cross-sectional shape of the support parts (120) of the first and second bending parts (101, 102) is elliptical, but also to the cross-sectional shapes of two parabolas connected symmetrically, or two polygonal line segments forming an arch shape connected symmetrically.

[0104] More preferably, the ratio of DL to DS can be formed within the range of 1:0.60 to 1:0.70. Such a ratio allows for the proper maintenance of the movement speed of the filler material (12) due to the size of the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion (110) of the connector (100), while simultaneously reducing the amount of filler material (12) that flows out from the gap in the connecting portion between the opening (10) of the housing member (1) and the connector.

[0105] If the ratio of DL to DS is less than 1:0.4, the distance between the central parts of the inner circumferential surfaces of the support portion (120) becomes narrower, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion (110) decreases, and the convenience of using the connector (100) may decrease due to the reduced amount of movement of the filler material (12).

[0106] If the ratio of DL to Ds exceeds 1:0.8, the angle at which the housing members (1) on both sides of the opening (10) spread apart in the area not closed by the slide fastener increases, which may result in an increase in the amount of filler material flowing out through the widened gap between the connector (100) and the opening (10).

[0107] (3) Third embodiment of connector (100): When moving a large amount of filler material (12) using the connector (100), such as when filling a large storage member (1) with filler material (12) or when discharging filler material (12) from the storage member (1), the weight of the storage member (1) and the filler material (12) acts as an external force, which may cause deformation of the connector (100).

[0108] In particular, since the connector (100) is manufactured from synthetic resin material to reduce unit cost and weight, it is susceptible to torsional deformation due to external forces acting on a part of the connector (100). When torsional deformation occurs in the connector (100), the filler material (12) may leak out or the connector (100) may break.

[0109] Therefore, the connector (100) according to the third embodiment can be applied to both the connector (100) according to the first or second embodiment, and provides a reinforced structure that increases the rigidity of the connector (100).

[0110] A first deformation prevention rib (131) can be formed on the outer edge of one end of the first hook portion (130), protruding at a certain height in a direction away from the support portion (120) along the longitudinal direction of the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110).

[0111] Furthermore, a second deformation prevention rib (141) can be formed on the outer edge of the other end of the second hook portion (140), protruding at a certain height in a direction away from the support portion (120) along the longitudinal direction of the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110).

[0112] The first and second deformation prevention ribs (131, 141) are symmetrical with respect to a virtual plane (S4) formed by connecting the central parts at both ends of the support portion (120) of the connector (100).

[0113] (4) Fourth embodiment of connector (100): The connector (100) according to the fourth embodiment can be applied to both the connector (100) according to the first or second embodiment, and provides a fixing structure that can stably connect the opening (10) of the housing member (1) via the first and second hooking parts (130, 140).

[0114] As shown in Figure 10a, the inner surfaces of the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) that face each other form inclined surfaces that are tilted at a certain angle to each other.

[0115] When a virtual plane that touches the inner surfaces of the opposing rims of the first hook portion (130) or the second hook portion (140) is defined as plane S2, and a virtual plane that touches the center point of the outer surface of the support portion (120) is defined as plane S3, it is preferable that the angle of the inner portion where each plane (S2, S3) intersects is formed within the range of 90° to 140°.

[0116] The connector (100) is manufactured by injection molding via a mold, and the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second engagement parts (130, 140) and the outer surface of the support part (120) are formed by a mold that separates in a direction away from the central axis (CS) after the injection molding is completed.

[0117] In this case, if the angle of the inner part where each plane (S2, S3) intersects is less than 90°, when the mold is separated after injection molding, snagging may occur on the inner surfaces of the opposing rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140). If snagging between the mold and the inner surfaces of the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) is avoided by methods such as mold splitting, it may lead to an increase in the manufacturing cost of the connector (100) due to the increased cost of manufacturing the mold.

[0118] Furthermore, in order to prevent the housing member (1) from separating from the connector (100) when the user moves the filler material (12) after connecting the connector (100) to the opening (10) of the housing member (1), it is necessary to fix the size of the opening (10) via the binding member (11).

[0119] Since the fastening member (11) is fixed manually by the user, there needs to be enough space between the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) for the user's fingers to fit in. However, if the angle of the inner part where the planes (S2, S3) intersect is less than 90°, the spacing between the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) decreases, reducing the space required for fixing the fastening member (11), which may decrease the convenience of the user using the connector (100).

[0120] When the openings (10) of the two housing members (1) are connected to the open ends of the connector (100) and the filler material (12) is moved, the weight may increase as the filler material (12) is packed into the housing member (1) positioned downwards, or an external force acting on the housing member (1) or connector (100) by the user may cause a force to act in a direction that separates the connector (100) and the openings (10) of the housing member (1).

[0121] If the angle of the inner part where each plane (S2, S3) intersects exceeds 140°, the inclined surface on the inside of the first hook (130) or the second hook (140) will be at a gentler angle, and the hooking action of the opening (10) of the housing member (1) via the first and second hooks (130, 140) may not be properly performed. When an external force acting in a direction that separates the connector (100) from the opening (10) of the housing member (1) is applied, the housing member (1) may easily separate from the connector (100), potentially greatly reducing the convenience of the user's use of the connector (100).

[0122] Furthermore, the connecting portion between the inner circumferential surface of the support portion (120) and the outer surfaces of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) has a chamfered cross-sectional shape that forms a gently curved surface. The chamfered cross-sectional shape of the curved surface of the connecting portion between the support portion (120) and the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) prevents damage to the connecting portion between the support portion (120) and the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) due to stress concentration when an external force is applied to the connector (100).

[0123] Furthermore, the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) can be configured to have a certain thickness, thereby forming an external inclined surface on the outer surface of the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) that corresponds to the inclination of the internal inclined surface formed on the inner surface of the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140).

[0124] The external inclined surfaces formed on the outer surfaces of the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) are configured such that the distance between the outer surfaces of the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) decreases as you approach the central axis (CS) from the protruding ends of the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140). The connecting portion between the outer surface of the support part (120) and the inner surfaces of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) also has a chamfered cross-sectional shape that forms a gentle curved surface.

[0125] The external inclined surfaces formed on the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) allow the filler material (12) that has caught on the outer surface of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) to move along the inclined surfaces and pass through the openings (10) when the openings (10) of the two housing members (1) are connected to the open ends of the connector (100) and the filler material (12) is moved, thereby minimizing the amount of residual filler material (12) remaining inside the housing member (1) and improving the convenience of the user's use of the connector (100).

[0126] (5) Fifth embodiment of connector (100): The connector (100) according to the fifth embodiment can be applied to both the connector (100) according to the first or second embodiment, and provides an ideal shape and specifications for the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) that simultaneously achieve a reduction in the volume and weight of the connector (100) and ensure the hooking performance of the opening (10) of the housing member (1) via the first and second hooking parts (130, 140).

[0127] When the filler material (12) is moved through the connector (100), a groove formed by the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) and the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) is formed around the side surface of the connector (100) depending on the orientation of the connector (100).

[0128] When the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) is defined as the width of the groove, and the shortest distance from the center of the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) to the imaginary line segment connecting the ends of the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) is defined as the depth of the groove, it is preferable that the ratio of the depth of the groove to the width of the groove formed by the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) and the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) is formed within the range of 1:0.7 to 1:4.

[0129] If the ratio of the depth of the groove to the width of the groove is less than 1:0.7, the spacing between the rims of the first and second engagement parts (130, 140) decreases, reducing the available space required for fixing the fastening member (11), which may decrease the convenience of the user's use of the connector (100).

[0130] Furthermore, if the ratio of the depth of the groove to the width of the groove exceeds 1:4, the volume of the connector (100) increases in the process of ensuring the minimum size of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) to prevent separation between the connector (100) and the opening (10) of the housing member (1), which may lead to an increase in the manufacturing cost of the connector (100) and the unit cost of delivery at the logistics stage.

[0131] In this case, the minimum depth of the groove is 10 mm, and by ensuring this minimum depth of the groove, when the openings (10) of the two housing members (1) are connected to the open ends of the connector (100) and the filling material (12) is moved, it is possible to prevent the connector (100) and the openings (10) of the housing members (1) from separating from each other.

[0132] (6) Optimal embodiment of connector (100): An optimal embodiment of the connector (100) provides a range of specifications for the connector (100) that ensures the amount of movement of the filler (12) through the internal space of the hollow portion (110) and prevents an increase in manufacturing cost and logistics costs due to an increase in the volume of the connector (100).

[0133] The cross-sectional shape of the first and second bending parts (101, 102) is preferably such that, according to the second embodiment, the two arcs formed by each support part (120) are connected so as to be symmetrical with respect to the plane (S1), and the size of the central angle of each arc is preferably formed within the range of 130° to 134°.

[0134] The size DL of the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) at the joint between the first and second bending parts (101, 102) is formed within the range of 250 mm to 270 mm, and the size DS of the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) at the central positions of the first and second bending parts (101, 102) is formed within the range of 180 mm to 200 mm.

[0135] The width of the groove, which is the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140), is formed in the range of 50 mm to 70 mm, and the depth of the groove, which is the shortest distance from the center of the outer surface of the support part (120) to the imaginary line segment connecting the ends of the rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140), is formed in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.

[0136] The method for moving the filler material (12) using the connector (100) according to the first to fifth embodiments or the optimal embodiment configured in this manner is as follows.

[0137] In the process of transferring the filler material (12) packed into a housing member (1) to another housing member (1) with an empty interior, according to the second embodiment of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10), in particular when a fastening member (11) made of a slide fastener is formed on the opening (10) of each housing member (1), the transfer of the filler material (12) is carried out in the following stages.

[0138] In the first stage, the connector (100) is positioned in close proximity to the opening (10) of the first housing member (1).

[0139] In the second stage, the second hook portion (140) of the connector (100) is inserted into the opening (10) such that the end of the opening (10) of the first housing member (1) is positioned between the first and second hook portions (130, 140). Then, the fastening member (11), which is made of a slide fastener, is closed, and the opening (10) is fixed on the second hook portion (140) by making the open area of ​​the opening (10) smaller than the cross-sectional area formed by the end of the side surface of the rim of the second hook portion (140).

[0140] In the third stage, the first hook portion (130) of the connector (100) is positioned close to the opening of the second housing member (1).

[0141] In the fourth stage, the first hook portion (130) of the connector (100) is inserted into the opening (10) such that the end of the opening (10) of the second housing member (1) is positioned between the first and second hook portions (130, 140). Then, the fastening member (11), which is made of a slide fastener, is closed, and the opening (10) is fixed on the first hook portion (130) by making the open area of ​​the opening (10) smaller than the cross-sectional area formed by the end of the side surface of the rim of the first hook portion (130).

[0142] In the fifth stage, the two storage members (1) and the connector (100) are inverted so that the storage member (1) filled with the filler material (12) and the storage member (1) with an empty interior are positioned vertically, and the filler material (12) moves towards the storage member (1) with an empty interior due to its own weight.

[0143] Once the movement of the filler material (1) is complete, in the sixth stage, the openings (10) of each housing member (1) are separated from the connector (100). In order to prevent the newly filled filler material (12) from flowing out of the housing member (1), the connector (100) must be kept in a position where the openings (10) of the newly filled housing member (1) face upward during the separation process of the connector (100).

[0144] Once the connector (100) has been separated from the opening (10) of the newly filled storage member (1) by the filler (12), the slide fastener formed on the opening (10) of the newly filled storage member (1) is closed, completely closing the opening (10) and completing the transfer of the filler (12).

[0145] In this case, the first and second storage members (1) each correspond to either a storage member (1) with an empty interior that is to be filled with the filler material (12), or a storage member (1) from which the filler material (12) is separated and discharged.

[0146] Furthermore, other methods for moving the filler (12) using the connector (100) according to the first to fifth embodiments or the optimal embodiment can be carried out as follows, and other methods for moving the filler (12) consist of a method that combines the first and third embodiments of the connection between the connector (100) and the opening (10).

[0147] In particular, this method can be applied when transferring filler (12) packed into a second storage member (1) that does not include a fastening member (11) formed on its opening (10) to a first storage member (1) that has a fastening member (11) formed on its opening (10) and is empty inside, or conversely, when transferring filler (2) packed into a first storage member (1) that has a fastening member (11) formed on its opening (10) to a second storage member (1) that does not include a fastening member (1) formed on its opening (10) and is empty inside.

[0148] In the first stage, the connector (100) is positioned in close proximity to the opening (10) of the second housing member (1).

[0149] In the second stage, as shown in Figure 3, the end of the opening (10) of the second housing member (1) is passed into the hollow portion (110) from the direction of the formation of the first hook portion (130), and then a part of the second housing member (1) on the end side of the opening (10) that has passed through the hollow portion (110) is flipped over to cover the outer surface of the connector (100).

[0150] In the third stage, a separately formed fastening member (11), separated from the opening (10) of the second housing member (1), is attached so as to surround the outer surface of the support portion (120) of the connector (100), and the outer surface of the support portion (120) and the portion of the second housing member (1) that covers the connector (100) are tightly fixed together by the fastening member (11).

[0151] In this case, the fastening member (11) of the second housing member (1) can consist of any one selected from cable ties, string, or binders, and can also consist of a different type of member from the above members, as long as it has a similar function.

[0152] In the fourth stage, the second hook portion (140) of the connector (100) is inserted into the opening (10) of the first housing member (1), which has an empty interior and is to be filled with the filler material (12), so that the end of the opening (10) is positioned between the first and second hook portions (130, 140).

[0153] Subsequently, the fastening member (11), which consists of a slide fastener, is closed, and the opening area of ​​the opening (10) is made smaller than the cross-sectional area formed by the end of the side surface of the rim of the second hooking part (140), thereby fixing the opening (10) on the second hooking part (140).

[0154] In the fifth stage, the second housing member (1) and the first housing member (1) are inverted so that they are positioned vertically, and the filler material (12) moves from the second housing member (1) into the interior of the first housing member (1) due to its own weight. Once the movement of the filler material (1) is complete, the sixth stage is performed, in which the openings (10) of each housing member (1) are separated from the connector (100).

[0155] At this time, if the storage member (1) that has been newly filled with the filler (12) is the first storage member (1), the binding member (11) of the first storage member (1) is closed to completely close the opening (10) of the first storage member (1). If the storage member (1) that has been newly filled with the filler (12) is the second storage member (1), the opening (10) of the second storage member (1) is closed via another binding member (11) to prevent the filler (12) from flowing out.

[0156] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features.

[0157] Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention as described in the detailed description above is indicated by the claims set forth below, and the meaning and scope of the claims, and all modified or altered forms derived from their equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. In order to assist in the movement of the filling material (12) filled inside the bag-shaped storage member (1), a filling material (12) moving connector (100) is connected to an opening (10) formed in the storage member (1), A support portion (120) with an inner circumferential surface forming a band-shaped annular shape surrounding a hollow portion (110) formed in the central part, and both ends open; A first hooking portion (130) is formed along the outer circumferential surface of the open end of the support portion (120), and the distance from the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is large from the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120), forming a rim structure; and A second hooking portion (140) is formed along the outer circumferential surface of the open other end of the support portion (120), and is formed at a larger distance from the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) to the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110), forming a rim structure, and having a shape symmetrical to the first hooking portion (130). Composed of, A connector for moving filler material, characterized in that the minimum distance at which the ends of the protruding rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) are separated from the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is greater than the distance at which the open ends of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) are separated along the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110).

2. In claim 1, The outer and inner surfaces of the support portion (120) and the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) consist of a first bending portion (101) which is bent to form a convex shape toward the outside of the hollow portion (110), and a second bending portion (102) which has a shape symmetric to the first bending portion (101) with respect to a virtual plane (S1) passing through the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110). The distance from the central axis (CS) changes between the support portion (120) of the first and second bending portions (101, 102) and the protruding rim ends of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140). A filler material transfer connector characterized in that the distance between the ends of the joint between the first and second bending portions (101, 102) is greater than the distance between the central portions of the first and second bending portions (101, 102).

3. In claim 2, A connector for moving filler, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the support portion (120) of the first and second bending portions (101, 102) is elliptical, and the ratio of the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hook portions (130, 140) at both ends of the joint between the first and second bending portions (101, 102) and the distance between the ends of the rims of the first and second hook portions (130, 140) at the center of the first and second bending portions (101, 102) is formed within the range of 1:0.4 to 1:0.

8.

4. In claim 2, A connector for moving filler, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the support portion (120) of the first and second bending portions (101, 102) is such that the ends of two circular arcs are connected symmetrically, and the size of the central angle of each arc formed by the support portion (120) of the first and second bending portions (101, 102) is in the range of 100° to 150°.

5. In either claim 1 or claim 2, A first deformation prevention rib (131) is formed on the outer edge of one end of the first hook portion (130), protruding at a certain height in a direction away from the support portion (120) along the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110). A filler material transfer connector characterized in that a second deformation prevention rib (141) is formed on the outer edge of the other end of the second hooking portion (140), protruding at a certain height in a direction away from the support portion (120) along the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110).

6. In claim 5, The angle of the inner portion where the virtual plane (S2) that contacts the inner surfaces of the opposing rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) intersects with the virtual plane (S3) that contacts the center point of the outer surface of the support portion (120) is formed within the range of 90° to 140°. The rims of the first and second hooking parts (130, 140) have a certain thickness. A connector for moving filler material, characterized in that the connecting portion between the inner circumferential surface of the support portion (120) and the outer surfaces of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) is chamfered to form a gently curved surface.

7. In claim 5, The ratio of the depth of the groove to the width of the groove formed by the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) and the rims of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) is formed within the range of 1:0.7 to 1:

4. A connector for moving filler material, characterized in that the minimum depth of the groove is 10 mm.

8. A support portion (120) has an annular shape in the form of a band with its inner circumferential surface surrounding a hollow portion (110) formed in the center, and both ends are open. A first hooking portion (130) is formed along the outer circumferential surface of one open end of the support portion (120), and the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) to the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is large, forming a rim structure. A second hooking portion (130) is formed along the outer circumferential surface of the other open end of the support portion (120), and the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) to the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is large. In the first step, a connector (100) is positioned close to the opening (10) of a hollow, bag-shaped housing member (1), the connector (100) being formed to have a rim structure, comprising a first hooking portion (130) and a second hooking portion (140) having a shape symmetrical to the first hooking portion (130), wherein the minimum distance at which the protruding ends of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) are separated from the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is greater than the distance at which the open ends of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) are separated along the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110); The second step involves inserting the second hook portion (140) of the connector (100) into the opening (10) such that the end of the opening (10) of the first housing member (1) is positioned between the first and second hook portions (130, 140), then closing the fastening member (11) formed on the opening (10) to fix the opening (10) on the second hook portion (140); The third step involves positioning the first hook portion (130) of the connector (100) in close proximity to the opening (10) of the second housing member (1); The fourth step involves inserting the first hook portion (130) of the connector (100) into the opening (10) such that the end of the opening (10) of the second housing member (1) is positioned between the first and second hook portions (130, 140), then closing the fastening member (11) formed on the opening (10) to fix the opening (10) on the first hook portion (130); A fifth step involves inverting the housing member (1) and connector (100) so that the housing member (1) filled with the filling material (12) and the housing member (1) with an empty interior are positioned vertically, thereby moving the filling material (12); and The sixth step involves separating the openings (10) of each housing member (1) from the connector (100), and then closing the binding member (11) to completely close the openings (10). A method for moving a filler material using a filler material moving connector, characterized by comprising the following:

9. A support portion (120) has an annular shape in the form of a band with its inner circumferential surface surrounding a hollow portion (110) formed in the central part, and both ends are open. A first hook portion (130) is formed along the outer circumferential surface of one open end of the support portion (120), and the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) to the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is large, forming a rim structure. A second hook portion (130) is formed along the outer circumferential surface of the other open end of the support portion (120), and the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the support portion (120) to the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is large. The first step involves positioning a connector (100), which has a rim structure and consists of a second hooking portion (140) having a shape symmetrical to a first hooking portion (130), where the minimum distance at which the protruding ends of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) are separated from the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110) is greater than the distance at which the open ends of the first and second hooking portions (130, 140) are separated along the central axis (CS) in the direction of both ends of the hollow portion (110), in close proximity to the opening (10) of a first housing member (1) in the shape of a bag filled with a filler (12); In the second step, the end of the opening (10) of the first housing member (1) is passed into the hollow portion (110) from the direction of the first hook portion (130) formation side, and then a part of the first housing member (1) on the end side of the opening (10) that has passed through the hollow portion (110) is turned inside out to cover the outer surface of the connector (100); The third step involves attaching a fastening member (11), which is made of a different material from the first housing member (1), so as to surround the outer surface of the support portion (120), thereby tightly securing the portion of the first housing member (1) that covers the outer surface of the connector (100); The fourth step involves inserting the second hook portion (140) of the connector (100) into the opening (10) such that the end of the opening (10) of the second housing member (1) is positioned between the first and second hook portions (130, 140), then closing the fastening member (11) formed on the opening (10) to fix the opening (10) on the second hook portion (140); A fifth step involves inverting the housing member (1) and connector (100) so that the housing member (1) filled with the filling material (12) and the housing member (1) with an empty interior are positioned vertically, thereby moving the filling material (12); and The sixth step involves separating the openings (10) of each housing member (1) from the connector (100). A method for moving a filler material using a filler material moving connector, characterized by comprising the following:

Images