Container and process for making a container.

Abstract

The invention relates to a container and a corresponding method of production. The container is of the type comprising a first body and a second body that, when placed next to each other, define an internal cavity, as well as connecting means between the two bodies that allow for the opening and closing of the container through, respectively, the separation and mutual approach of two respective peripheral surfaces of said bodies arranged facing each other and defining two corresponding contour lines; the connecting means (4) between the bodies (2, 3) comprisee: two peripheral seats (7) arranged corresponding to each of said peripheral surfaces along said contour line (20, 30); two cores (5) elastically insertable into the peripheral seats (7) so as to be stably fixed and integral with said two bodies (2, 3); and a flexible connecting element (6) that joins said cores (5) allowing mutual movement between them.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] Container and process for making a container.

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a container and a process for making a container. In this description, the term container or bag will be used to refer to any container for storing and / or transporting various types of objects such as, for example, a bag, a clutch, a briefcase, a folder, and similar items.

[0005] In particular, the invention refers to a container that is essentially made up of two three- dimensional bodies, that is to say, not flat, substantially rigid, and placed together to define an internal storage compartment. In its traditional form, this type of bag consists of two rigid bodies that have two opposing peripheral portions that are joined when the bag is closed.

[0006] The two bodies can be kept together by a hinge, usually located at the bottom, which allows the bag to open and close, or by flexible material sides joined by seams that allow for closing and opening movements. The locking in the closed position can be achieved in various ways, usually by acting on the top and / or front part of the bag, for example, using buckles, magnets, ties, etc.

[0007] In bags of this type, the connection is traditionally made by joining the lower portions of the two bodies that form the bag using connection means that, in some cases, may not be perfectly coordinated with the aesthetic effect of the bag. Indeed, it may happen that the connection between the two parts that form the bag can be a detrimental element to the aesthetic appearance of the entire bag. In any case, designing the connection methods between the two parts of the bag requires further inventive input to production, with possible increases in time and costs.

[0008] One of the purposes of the present invention is therefore to provide a container capable of solving the inconveniences of the known art with a method of making a container different from what is conventionally provided by the known art.

[0009] Among the advantages of the present invention, the following can be listed: a mechanism for opening / closing is realized that can be used for any shape of three-dimensional container made from two parts that are coupled without seams or welds between the two parts but with a flexible connecting element that is fixed by two elastic cores to the two parts that form the container; the bag or container subject of the invention allows for obtaining an item in which the two parts are joined by an extremely effective and highly aesthetic connecting means as it is fully integrated into the line of the bag; the proposed solution involves production times and costs substantially comparable to those of a traditional bag and therefore has an advantageous cost / benefit ratio; the proposed solution can be applied to bags and containers of different shapes, sizes, and materials while maintaining the advantageous aspects of the invention; a bag made in accordance with the invention has significant mechanical resistance to stress and wear, certainly not inferior to conventional solutions.

[0010] The advantages and features of the invention will be more evident from the following description which refers to the attached drawings, provided by way of example and not limitation, in which:

[0011] - Fig. 1 shows a possible embodiment of two elastic cores usable for implementing the present invention;

[0012] - Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of two frames usable for implementing the present invention;

[0013] - Fig. 3 schematically shows in a side view a bag made in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0014] - Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a possible example of realization of one of the two bodies that make up the bag in question, with the respective elastic core destined for it;

[0015] - Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a possible example of realization of the other of the two bodies that make up the bag in question, with the respective elastic core destined for it;

[0016] - Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a possible example of realization of the connecting means between the two bodies including a flexible connecting element or side that joins the two elastic cores;

[0017] - Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a possible example of realization of one of the bodies of the bag in question with the connecting means not yet associated with the body;

[0018] - Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a possible example of realization of one of the bodies of the bag in question with the connecting means associated with the body;

[0019] - Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a possible example of realization of one of the bodies of the bag in question with the respective frame and the connecting means not yet associated with the body; and

[0020] - Fig. 10 schematically shows in a perspective view a bag made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As previously indicated, in this description, the definitions "container" or "bag" will be used to indicate the object of the invention. The container in question, indicated as (1) in its entirety in the drawings, is a bag of the type comprising a first body (2) and a second body (3) that, placed next to each other, define an internal cavity (11).

[0021] In practice, the two bodies (2, 3) that form the bag (1) have a substantially rigid three- dimensional structure, present an internal cavity (21, 31), and can be made from a suitable material that ensures sufficient rigidity. For example, natural material such as animal leather may be used, properly treated to achieve a stably rigid three-dimensional shape. Alternatively, other materials such as synthetic leather, plastic, composite material, etc., can be used, provided that the two bodies (2, 3) made have a stable three-dimensional shape, at least along the two edges or contour lines (20, 30) that are intended to match when the bag (1) is closed.

[0022] Between the two bodies (2, 3) there are connecting means (4) that allow the opening and closing of the container (1) through, respectively, the separation and mutual approach of the two respective peripheral surfaces that define two corresponding contour lines (20, 30).

[0023] Advantageously, in the container (1) subject of the invention, the connecting means (4) between the bodies (2, 3) include the following components, which will be better described below:

[0024] - two peripheral seats (7) arranged corresponding to each of said peripheral surfaces and extending at least partially along said contour line (20, 30);

[0025] - two cores (5) that can be elastically inserted into said peripheral seats (7) so as to be stably fixed and integral with said two bodies (2, 3);

[0026] - a flexible connecting element or side (6) that joins said cores (5) allowing mutual movement between them.

[0027] When possible, for example, in the case of bodies (2, 3) made from plastic or composite material, the two peripheral seats (7) can be formed directly in the structure of the bodies (2, 3). In practice, each of the bodies (2, 3) will be provided during production with a seat (7) in which to insert a core (5). In the case of plastic molding or composite material formation, corresponding peripheral seats for the cores (5) will be formed. The peripheral seats may have, for example, a "C" shaped profile suitable for stably accommodating the elastic cores (5).

[0028] When, instead, the bodies are made from leather, hide, and similar materials, such seats are formed in special frames (7) that must be fixed to the bodies (2, 3). In practice, referring to the drawings, each frame (7) is inserted under the corresponding contour line (20) or (30) and fixed, for example, by gluing. In other words, still referring to the drawings in which the bodies (2, 3) have contour lines (20, 30) comparable to a very rounded isosceles trapezoid, the frames (7) will have a similar shape so that the surfaces of the contour lines (20, 30) result overlapped to the same frames (7).

[0029] Advantageously, one or more magnets (8) can be provided on at least one of said frames to allow for coupling by magnetic attraction. The flexible connecting element or side (6) can be made of natural or synthetic leather, plastic, composite material, and is sewn or glued so as to define two channels in which the cores (5) are inserted. Obviously, the shape of the connecting element (6) will correspond to the development of the core (5). In the illustrated example, the cores (5) are formed by a central base portion (51) extending laterally into two rounded vertical portions (52); therefore, the channels provided in the side (6) to accommodate the cores (7) will have a corresponding development.

[0030] The cores (5) can be made from spring steel or other suitable material capable of providing similar elasticity.

[0031] The "assembly" of the bag (1) is relatively simple as it involves, once the frames (7) are associated with the bodies (2, 3), inserting a first core (5) into the frame (7) of one of the two bodies (2, 3) to fix the connecting means (4) to that body and subsequently inserting the other core (5) into the frame (7) of the other of the two bodies (2, 3).

[0032] As previously indicated, the invention also relates to a process for making a container (1). The process essentially involves the following operational phases:

[0033] - forming two three-dimensional bodies (2, 3) that, when placed together, define an internal cavity (11) and are provided with two respective peripheral seats (7) arranged corresponding to each of said peripheral surfaces and extending at least partially along said contour line (20, 30);

[0034] - preparing two cores (5) that can be elastically inserted into said peripheral seats (7) so as to be stably fixed and integral with said two bodies (2, 3);

[0035] - joining said two cores (5) by means of a flexible connecting element or side (6) that connects said cores (5) allowing mutual movement between them;

[0036] - inserting said cores (5) into said peripheral seats (7).

[0037] The two frames (7) can be formed and then fixed to said bodies (2, 3) to realize said peripheral seats (7) or the same peripheral seats (7) can be formed in the same structure of the bodies (2, 3) depending on the material used. In general terms, as is evident from the description of the previously illustrated examples, the present invention consists of a container (1) of the type comprising a first body (2) and a second body (3) that, when placed next to each other, define an internal cavity (11), as well as connecting means (4) between the two bodies that allow for the opening and closing of the container through, respectively, the separation and mutual approach of two respective peripheral surfaces of said bodies (2, 3) arranged facing each other and defining two corresponding contour lines; the container (1) is characterized by the fact that the connecting means (4) between the bodies (2, 3) include:

[0038] - two peripheral seats (7) arranged corresponding to each of said peripheral surfaces and extending at least partially along said contour line (20, 30);

[0039] - two cores (5) that can be elastically inserted into said peripheral seats (7) so as to be stably fixed and integral with said two bodies (2, 3);

[0040] - a flexible connecting element or side (6) that joins said cores (5) allowing mutual movement between them.

[0041] From the preceding description, it is also evident that a container in accordance with the present invention can have one or more of the following characteristics, even combined together:

[0042] - said peripheral seats (7) are defined by two frames fixed to said bodies (2, 3);

[0043] - said peripheral seats (7) are defined by two frames fixed to said bodies (2, 3) and provided with magnets (8) arranged on at least one of said frames to allow for coupling by magnetic attraction;

[0044] - said peripheral seats (7) are defined by two frames formed in said bodies (2, 3);

[0045] - said flexible connecting element or side (6) is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: natural or synthetic leather, plastic material, composite material;

[0046] - said cores (5) are made from spring steel.

[0047] From the description of the previously illustrated examples, it is also evident that the present invention consists of a method for making a container (1) comprising a first body (2) and a second body (3) that, when placed next to each other, define an internal cavity (11), as well as connecting means between the two bodies that allow for the opening and closing of the container through, respectively, the separation and mutual approach of two respective peripheral surfaces of said bodies arranged facing each other and defining two corresponding contour lines; the method is characterized by the fact of providing the following operational phases: - forming two three-dimensional bodies (2, 3) that, when placed together, define an internal cavity (11) and are provided with two relative peripheral seats (7) arranged corresponding to each of said peripheral surfaces and extending at least partially along said contour line (20, 30);

[0048] - preparing two cores (5) that can be elastically inserted into said peripheral seats (7) so as to be stably fixed and integral with said two bodies (2, 3);

[0049] - joining said two cores (5) by means of a flexible connecting element or side (6) that connects said cores (5) allowing mutual movement between them;

[0050] - inserting said cores (5) into said peripheral seats (7).

[0051] From the preceding description, it is also evident that a method in accordance with the present invention can have one or more of the following characteristics, even combined together:

[0052] - forming two frames (7) and fixing them to said bodies (2, 3) to create said peripheral seats (7);

[0053] - said frames (7) are provided with magnets (8) arranged on at least one of said frames to allow for coupling by magnetic attraction.

[0054] What is described is to be understood with reference to what is illustrated in the attached diagrams that constitute forms of realization of the invention. Moreover, the details of execution may vary equivalently in form, size, arrangement of elements, nature of the materials used, without however departing from the scope of the adopted solution idea or the inventive concept and therefore remaining within the limits of the protection granted by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Container, of the type comprising a first body and a second body that, when placed next to each other, define an internal cavity, as well as connecting means between the two bodies that allow for the opening and closing of the container through, respectively, the separation and mutual approach of two respective peripheral surfaces of said bodies arranged facing each other and defining two corresponding contour lines, characterized in that the connecting means (4) between the bodies (2, 3) comprise:- two peripheral seats (7) arranged corresponding to each of said peripheral surfaces and extending at least partially along said contour line (20, 30);- two cores (5) elastically insertable into said peripheral seats (7) so as to be stably fixed and integral with said two bodies (2, 3);- a flexible connecting element or side (6) that joins said cores (5) allowing mutual movement between them.

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said peripheral seats (7) are defined by two frames fixed to said bodies (2, 3).

3. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said peripheral seats (7) are defined by two frames fixed to said bodies (2, 3) and provided with magnets (8) arranged on at least one of said frames to allow for magnetic attraction coupling.

4. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said peripheral seats (7) are defined by two frames formed in said bodies (2, 3).

5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible connecting element or side (6) is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: natural or synthetic leather, plastic material, composite material.

6. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said cores (5) are made from spring steel.

7. Process for making a container comprising a first body and a second body that, when placed next to each other, define an internal cavity, as well as connecting means between the two bodies that allow for the opening and closing of the container through, respectively, the separation and mutual approach of two respective peripheral surfaces of said bodies arranged facing each other and defining two corresponding contour lines, characterized in that it includes the following operational phases:- forming two three-dimensional bodies (2, 3) that, when placed together, define an internal cavity (11) and are provided with two respective peripheral seats (7) arrangedcorresponding to each of said peripheral surfaces and extending at least partially along said contour line (20, 30);- preparing two cores (5) elastically insertable into said peripheral seats (7) so as to be stably fixed and integral with said two bodies (2, 3); - joining said two cores (5) by means of a flexible connecting element or side (6) that connects said cores (5) allowing mutual movement between them;- inserting said cores (5) into said peripheral seats (7).

8. Process according to claim 7, characterized in that it includes forming two frames (7), each in one of said bodies (2, 3) to create said peripheral seats (7).

9. Process according to claim 7, characterized in that it includes forming two frames (7) and fixing them to said bodies (2, 3) to create said peripheral seats (7).

10. Process according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said frames (7) are provided with magnets (8) arranged on at least one of said frames to allow for magnetic attraction coupling.

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