flat items

The flat article with interchangeable components and message/display functionality addresses the lack of multifunctionality and playfulness in existing designs, offering versatile and engaging uses.

JP7863163B1Active Publication Date: 2026-05-20BANDAI CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
BANDAI CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-11-20
Publication Date
2026-05-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing flat articles, such as doorknob plates, lack multifunctionality, playfulness, and interestingness, and are limited to a single practical function.

Method used

A flat article comprising a main component and a sub-component that can engage with a protrusion, allowing for multiple uses such as a message board, coaster, and playful interaction, with interchangeable front and back surfaces featuring character and message information, and a frame component for protection and handling.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a multi-functional and engaging flat article that can be used in various ways, including as a doorknob attachment, coaster, and message display, enhancing user interaction and enjoyment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a multi-functional and highly interesting flat-shaped article. [Solution] The flat plate-shaped article 1 comprises a main component 10 and a sub-component 20 held by the main component 10, wherein the main component 10 is configured to be able to be locked onto a projection 50 when the sub-component 20 is not being held. The main component 10 and the sub-component 20 are formed to the same thickness, and the sub-component 20 can be held in the through hole 12 of the main component 10, so that both components can be made into a single flat plate. This allows it to be handled as a single product in the shape of a disassembled flat plate. Furthermore, when the sub-component 20 is removed from the main component 10, a through hole 12 shaped like the sub-component 20 is formed, and the main component 10 can be hooked onto the projection 50 and held using this through hole 12.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flat article.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a flat article, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which "a doorknob plate is composed of a plate-like member, the surface is subjected to a surface treatment that can be written with an aqueous pen and erased by wiping, and has a hole into which the clip portion of the pen can be inserted."

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, it has a practical function of being able to write and erase a message and hold a pen such as a marker for writing the message. And the flat article described in Patent Document 1 can only be used as a doorknob plate and does not have multifunctionality and diversity. Also, as a doorknob plate, it lacks playfulness and has problems in terms of interestingness.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a flat article with high functionality and interestingness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A flat article according to an aspect of the present invention is a flat article including a main component and a sub-component held by the main component, and the main component is configured to be capable of engaging with a protrusion in a state where the sub-component is not held.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multi-functional and highly interesting flat article. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an assembled flat article according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the surface of the flat, plate-shaped article shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of a flat, plate-shaped object. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the usage status of the main components. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the usage status of the auxiliary components. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing the back surface of a flat, plate-shaped object. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of a flat article. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a flat article representing one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the assembled flat plate-shaped article 1. Figure 2 is a plan view of the surface of the flat plate-shaped article 1.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flat-shaped article 1 is a flat-shaped article 1 that is provided with specific first character information D1, second character information D2, and third character information D3. This flat-shaped article 1 has multiple characters depicted as the first to third character information D1, D2, and D3, and these characters consist of the same character or related characters. Here, the first character information D1 and the second character information D2 are character images, while the third character information D3 is formed as the character's name or other textual information.

[0011] Furthermore, the flat article 1 can be separated into multiple parts, as will be described later. For example, it comprises a main part 10 on which the first character information D1 is drawn, a sub-part 20 smaller than the main part 10 and held inside by the main part 10, and a frame part 30 that surrounds the outside of the main part 10 and holds the main part 10.

[0012] The main component 10 functions as a message board displaying message information M1(M) that can explain a specific situation using a character. On the other hand, the sub-component 20 has a second character information D2 drawn on it, but no message is written on it. The frame component 30 is positioned on the outermost part of each component and determines the overall shape of the flat plate-shaped article 1. In this embodiment, the frame component 30 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above.

[0013] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the flat plate-shaped article 1. When the sub-part 20 is not held in the main part 10, a circular through-hole 12 is formed at a position offset to one side in its longitudinal direction. That is, the disc-shaped sub-part 20 is held in the through-hole 12. For example, the outer edge 20e of the sub-part 20 fits into the inner edge 12e of the through-hole 12. The frictional force between the inner edge 12e and the outer edge 20e, which have a predetermined thickness, holds the sub-part 20 in the through-hole 12.

[0014] When removing the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 from the frame component 30, the flat article 1 is curved, for example, by bulging or concavening one of its surfaces, such as surface fs. This allows for easy removal of the frame component 30, which has a roughly rectangular through-opening 32, the main component 10, which has a circular through-hole 12, and the disc-shaped sub-component 20. Furthermore, the main component 10 can be attached to the frame component 30, and the sub-component 20 can be attached to the main component 10 for storage.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the main component 10 in use. The main component 10 can be used by engaging with a protrusion 50 such as a doorknob as shown in Fig. 4 by utilizing its through-hole 12. In this case, the through-hole 12 of the main component 10 is formed at a position offset from the center of gravity of the main component 10. As a result, in the state of being hooked on the protrusion 50 as shown in the figure, it can swing (arrow R) and play, and the first character information D1 and the message information M1 can be provided as dynamic information.

[0016] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the sub-component 20. Due to its disc shape, the sub-component 20 can be used as a coaster with a character that is placed on a placement part 60 such as a table as shown in Fig. 5, and a coffee cup 70 is placed on it. When not in use, it can be stored by fitting it into the main component 10 as described above.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the back surface rs of the flat article 1. In the above, the front surface fs of the flat article 1 has been described. Naturally, it has a back surface rs on the other side. As shown in Fig. 6, the back surface rs is provided with fourth, fifth, and sixth character information D4, D5, D6 different from the front surface fs, and message information M2 (M). Thus, the flat article 1 can be used in different usage modes by having different message information M provided on both its front and back surfaces.

[0018] Also, in the character information, as shown in Fig. 6, it may be configured with different characters on the front and back surfaces, or it may be configured with the same characters but different patterns. By configuring the flat article 1 to be able to use both its front and back surfaces in this way, it is possible to enjoy using it in a variety of situations.

[0019] Regarding the frame component 30, the sales format allows for easier handling and protection of the main component 10 and the sub-component 20, thereby improving the product's handling characteristics. Furthermore, the frame component 30 does not have to be configured for practical use like the main component 10 and the sub-component 20, but it can be used in a similar manner to the main component 10. In this case, the frame component 30 can be used in a similar manner to the main component 10 by, for example, providing message information on the front surface fs and back surface rs of the frame component 30.

[0020] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the flat plate-shaped article 1. The flat plate-shaped article 1 shown in Figure 7 is configured in the same way as the one shown in Figure 3, allowing the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 to be removed from the frame component 30. However, in this embodiment, the structure of the frame component 30 is different. In the frame component 30 shown in Figure 7, the part that houses the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 is provided with a recessed portion 33 instead of a through hole.

[0021] The recessed portion 33 is provided with a bottom surface 34, and the depth of this recessed portion 33 is the same as the thickness of the main component 10 and the sub-component 20. In other words, the thickness of the frame component 30 is greater than the thickness of the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 by the amount of the bottom surface 34. Therefore, when the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 are housed in the frame component 30, the flat plate-shaped article 1 is flat with both its front and back surfaces flush. In addition, the bottom surface 34 is provided with, for example, an adhesive layer. This adhesive layer is configured to allow the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 to be attached and fixed, while also being easy to remove. The adhesive force of this adhesive layer firmly fixes the assembled state of the frame component 30, the main component 10, and the sub-component 20.

[0022] When the flat article 1 has its main component 10 and sub-components 20 assembled within the frame component 30, it can be treated as a flat product (a flat product). Therefore, it can be supplied from an article supply device.

[0023] Here, we will explain the flat product supply device. The item supply device stacks numerous flat items vertically in its storage compartment, and a feed roller, positioned to contact the bottommost flat item, rotates to supply the flat items one by one from the supply opening at the front of the device. The item supply device is unlocked upon payment, allowing the operating part to rotate. Rotating the operating part causes the feed roller to rotate via a shaft, gear train, etc., connected to the operating part. As the feed roller rotates, its outer surface frictionally contacts the bottommost flat item, allowing it to be fed out of the device one by one from the supply opening.

[0024] As described above, in the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 are formed to the same thickness, and the sub-component 20 can be held in the through-hole 12 of the main component 10, so that both components can be made into a single flat plate. This allows it to be handled as a single product in the shape of a disassembled flat plate. Furthermore, when the sub-component 20 is removed from the main component 10, the through-hole 12 is formed in the shape of the sub-component 20, so that the main component 10 can be hooked onto a protrusion 50 such as a doorknob and held using this through-hole 12.

[0025] Furthermore, in the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 are made of a flexible (elastically deformable) material, so that the sub-component 20 can be easily removed from the main component 10 simply by bending the main component 10 from its flat state in which it holds the sub-component 20.

[0026] In the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the main component 10 has a through hole 12 formed at a position away from the center of gravity of the main component 10, so the main component 10 can be swung and played with while hooked onto the projection 50.

[0027] Furthermore, in the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the main component 10 is configured to hold the sub-component 20 by the frictional force between the inner peripheral edge of its through-hole 12 and the outer peripheral edge 20e of the sub-component 20. This eliminates the need for special holding means, and the assembled state of both components can form a flat surface. As a result, the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 can be combined into a single sheet with related patterns, providing a playful sheet and adding to the enjoyment even when storing it.

[0028] In the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the sub-component 20 and the through-hole 12 are circular in shape, so the mounting orientation of the sub-component 20 can be freely set with respect to the orientation of the main component 10.

[0029] In the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the main component 10 has message information M (M1, M2), and when it is hooked onto a protrusion 50 such as a doorknob, it can transmit a specific message to a third party through the performance of a character.

[0030] In the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the message information M (M1, M2) is configured to form a message derived from character information drawn on the main component 10, and the information can be presented with the added color of the character emitting the message information.

[0031] In the flat article 1 of this embodiment, the sub-component 20 is configured to include a character design but not message information, thereby providing a product that, while featuring the same character, is used differently from the main component 10, and is suitable for use as a coaster, for example.

[0032] In the flat article 1 of this embodiment, by providing specific information such as message information (M1, M2) or patterns on the front surface (one side) and back surface (the other side) of the main component 10, it is possible to create a presentation using multiple messages or patterns.

[0033] In the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 are made of paper material, which allows for a good engagement force (frictional force) to be set between the through hole 12 of the main component 10 and the outer peripheral edge 20e of the sub-component 20.

[0034] In the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 are made to have the same thickness, so that when both components are assembled, it is possible to provide a product that is easy to handle as a flat member without any irregularities. As a result, the product in its assembled state can be supplied by an automatic vending machine such as an article supply device.

[0035] In the flat plate-shaped article 1 of this embodiment, the main component 10 and the sub-components 20 can be protected by providing a frame component 30 that engages with the main component 10 so as to surround it. Furthermore, by providing the frame component 30, even if the contour shape of the main component 10 has complex irregularities, it can be made into a simple contour shape.

[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in the above embodiments, the main component 10 and the sub-component 20 are made of paper, but are not limited to this, and may be made of synthetic resin or wood.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the flat article 1 is configured to have patterns or the like formed on both the front and back surfaces so that both sides can be used, but it may also be configured to use only one side.

[0038] As described above, this specification contains the following information:

[0039] (1) A flat article, Main components and, The sub-components are held by the main components described above, The main component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to be able to lock onto a projection when the sub-component is not being held.

[0040] (2) (1) The flat article described above, The above main component has a through hole formed in it. The above-mentioned sub-component is a flat plate-shaped article that is configured to be held by the above-mentioned main component at the position of the above-mentioned through-hole.

[0041] (3) (2) The flat article described above, The main component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to hold the sub-component when not curved.

[0042] (4) (2) or (3) a flat article, The main component described above is a flat plate-shaped article that is configured to swing while locked to the projection.

[0043] (5) A flat article described in any one of (2) to (4), The main component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to hold the outer peripheral edge of the sub-component.

[0044] (6) A flat article described in any one of (2) to (5), The main component is a flat plate-shaped article configured to allow the sub-component to be locked inside the through-hole.

[0045] (7) A flat article described in any one of (2) to (6), The above-mentioned sub-components and the above-mentioned through-holes are circular in shape, forming a flat plate-like article.

[0046] (8) A flat article described in any one of (2) to (7), The main component described above is a flat, plate-shaped article that includes message information and is configured to allow the message information to be visible when it is locked to the projection.

[0047] (9) (8) A flat article as described above, The main component described above is a flat article configured to include the message information at the lower part of the through hole.

[0048] (10) (8) or (9) a flat article, The above main components include character information, The above message information is a flat object configured to form a message derived from the above character information.

[0049] (11) (10) A flat article as described above, The above-mentioned sub-component is a flat, plate-shaped article that contains character information but does not contain message information.

[0050] (12) A flat article described in any one of (8) to (11), The above main component includes one side and the other side. The above message information is provided on at least one of the above-mentioned one side and the above-mentioned other side of a flat article.

[0051] (13) (10) or (11) a flat article, The above main component includes one side and the other side. The above message information is provided on at least one of the above-mentioned one side and the above-mentioned other side. The above character information is provided on at least one of the above-mentioned one side and the above-mentioned other side of a flat article.

[0052] (14) A flat article described in any one of (1) to (13), The above-mentioned sub-component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to form a coaster when not held by the above-mentioned main component.

[0053] (15) A flat article described in any one of (1) to (14), The above-mentioned main component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to allow the above-mentioned sub-component to be reattached after it has been detached.

[0054] (16) A flat article described in any one of (1) to (15), The above-mentioned main component and sub-component are flat articles made of paper material.

[0055] (17) A flat article described in any one of (1) to (16), The above-mentioned main component and the above-mentioned sub-component are flat articles having the same thickness.

[0056] (18) A flat article described in any one of (1) to (17), A flat article comprising the main component and the sub-component, configured to be supplied from an article supply device while the main component is holding the sub-component.

[0057] (19) A flat article described in any one of (1) to (18), The frame component further comprises a frame component capable of holding the above main component, The frame component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to hold the main component when the main component is holding the sub-component.

[0058] (20) (19) The flat article described above, The main component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to be able to engage with the projection when not held by the frame component.

[0059] (twenty one) (19) or (20) a flat article, The above-mentioned sub-component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to form a coaster when the above-mentioned main component is not held by the above-mentioned frame component.

[0060] (twenty two) A flat article described in any one of (1) to (21), The above-mentioned protrusion is a doorknob, a flat, plate-shaped object. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1 Flat article 10 Main parts 12 Through holes in main components 20 Sub-parts 20e Peripheral edge of sub-components 30 frame parts 50 Protrusion D1, D2, D3 Character Information fs surface (one side) M(M1, M2) Message Information rs back side (other side)

Claims

1. A flat article, Main components and, The main component holds a sub-component, The main component includes message information and character information, and has a through hole formed on one side in its longitudinal direction. The aforementioned sub-component is configured to include character information but not message information, to be held by the main component at the position of the through-hole, and to form a coaster when not held by the main component. The main component is a flat plate-shaped article configured to be able to engage with the projection through the through hole when the sub-component is not being held.

2. A flat article according to claim 1, The main component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to hold the sub-component when not curved.

3. A flat article according to claim 1, The main component is a flat plate-shaped article that is configured to swing while being locked to the projection by the through hole.

4. A flat article according to claim 1, The main component is a flat plate-shaped article configured to hold the outer peripheral edge of the sub-component.

5. A flat article according to claim 1, The main component is a flat plate-shaped article configured to allow the sub-component to be locked inside the through-hole.

6. A flat article according to claim 1, The aforementioned sub-components and the aforementioned through-holes are circular in shape, forming a flat, plate-like article.

7. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The main component is a flat article configured to allow the message information to be visible when it is locked to the projection by the through hole.

8. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The main component is a flat article configured to include the message information at the lower part of the through hole.

9. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The message information is a flat article configured to form a message from the character information.

10. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The main component includes one side and the other side, The message information is provided on at least one of the one side and the other side of the flat article.

11. A flat plate-shaped article according to claim 10, The character information of the main component is provided on at least one of the one side and the other side of the flat article.

12. A flat article according to claim 11, The aforementioned sub-component includes one side and the other side, The main component is provided with different character information and message information on each of its two sides. The aforementioned sub-component is a flat article in which different character information is provided on each of the one and the other surfaces.

13. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The main component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to allow the secondary component to be reattached after it has been detached.

14. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The main component and the sub-component are flat articles made of paper material.

15. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The main component and the sub-component are flat articles having the same thickness.

16. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A flat, plate-shaped article, wherein the main component and the sub-component are configured to be supplied from an article supply device while the main component is holding the sub-component.

17. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The frame component further comprises a frame component capable of holding the main component, The frame component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to hold the main component when the main component is holding the sub-component.

18. A flat article according to claim 17, The main component is a flat, plate-shaped article configured to be able to engage with the projection when not held by the frame component.

19. A flat article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned projection is a doorknob, and the article is flat in shape.