Object-holding case

Abstract

 Object-holding case consisting of a generally flat casing that comprises a generally flat box-shaped body (4) closed by a generally sheeted body (3), where said generally flat box-shaped body (4) has an articulation area (66) that divides it into two parts (40, 42), the first of which (40) is fixed to said generally sheeted body (3) so as to provide a containment space (1) for objects (2), whereas the second (42) can oscillate with respect to the previous one (40) so as to open and close said containment space (1).

Description

[0001] The present finding refers to a case, or box, for containing generally small objects, in general objects of elongated shape like, for example, writing implements like felt-tip pens.

[0002] A purpose of the finding is that of providing a case, or box, that is structured so as to be able to be used as a display item for such objects by the retailer, and as an object-holder by the buyer thereof.

[0003] A further purpose is that of realising a case that is practical, easy and quick to open and close and to access its contents.

[0004] Another purpose of the finding is that of realising a case that is light and handy, and capable of holding its contents in an organised way.

[0005] Yet another purpose is that of providing an object-holding case that can be obtained in short time periods and at a low cost.

[0006] Said purposes are accomplished thanks to the characterising elements indicated in the claims.

[0007] In a totally general way, the case (or box) under consideration consists of a generally flat casing that comprises a generally flat box-shaped body closed by a generally sheeted body.

[0008] In particular, said generally flat box-shaped body has an articulation area that divides it into two parts, one of which is fixed to said generally sheeted body so as to provide a containment space, and the other can be oscillated with respect to the previous one so as to open and close said containment space.

[0009] The quoted articulation area is made in a single piece with said flat box-shaped body, and preferably has the shape of a predetermined folding line.

[0010] Preferably, mutual engagement means are arranged between said mobile part of the flat box-shaped body and said sheeted body to stabilise the closed position of the object-holding space.

[0011] The characteristics and constructive merits of the finding shall become clear from the following detailed description, made with reference to the figures of the attached tables of drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view that shows the case closed.

FIG. 2 is a section II-II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the case open.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the case open.

[0012] From the quoted figures it should be noted that the case consists of a flat-shaped casing of generally thin thickness that provides an object-holding space indicated with 1 in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0013] In the case shown (see FIG. 3) said objects consist of felt-tip pens, or highlighters, 2.

[0014] Said casing is obtained by joining together a generally sheeted body 3 and a generally flat box-shaped body 4.

[0015] The sheeted body 3 has a right-angled shape with rounded corners, in the figures rectangular-shaped, and is obtained starting from a flat sheet of generally flexible material, which may or may not be transparent.

[0016] For the purposes of the finding a sheet of paper has proven advantageous, but of course there is nothing to prevent the use of other sheeted materials, like sheets of cardboard, sheets of plastic (e.g. PVC) and aluminium foil.

[0017] The same body 3 is divided into two parts 30 and 32 of different size joined by a predetermined breaking line 31 that runs parallel to its shorter sides.

[0018] Moreover, the shortest part 30 of said body 3 has a central slotted opening 33 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4).

[0019] As Far as the flat box-shaped body 4 is concerned, it is tub-shaped with a right-angle in plan the mouth of which faces towards the sheeted body 3, to provide the quoted space.

[0020] Said body 4 is obtained by thermoforming starting from a generally thin sheet or strip of suitable synthetic material.

[0021] For the purposes of the finding a plastic material like PVC has proven suitable, but another analogous synthetic material can, of course, be used.

[0022] The thickness of said starting sheets or strips shall, of course, be suitable for the use of the case, and in general it shall be of the same order of magnitude as that of the sheeted body 3, which is usually in the order of a few tenths of a millimetre.

[0023] Preferably, said starting sheet is at least partially transparent, to at least partially visualise the objects 2.

[0024] The sizes in plan of said tub-shape are contained within those of the part 30 of the body 3, and the end rim 5 of the side walls of the quoted tub-shape faces outwards.

[0025] Moreover, said flat box-shaped body 4 is divided into two parts 40 and 42 that have different sizes in plan, and that are joined through an articulation area that is parallel to the predetermined breaking line 31.

[0026] In particular, said articulation area is provided by a predetermined folding line 66 that is formed on the bottom of said tub-shape, and that is arranged in line with respective cuts 77 formed on the corresponding side walls for obvious reasons.

[0027] The longest part of body 4, indicated with 40, is stably fixed to the lower area of the sheeted body 3, whereas the shorter part 42 thereof is arranged close to the predetermined breaking line 31, and can oscillate with respect to the predetermined bending line 66.

[0028] In particular, said part 40 of the body 4 is fixed to the part 30 of the body 3 through its marginal flap 5.

[0029] Said fastening can be carried out with any suitable system, for example through gluing or another equivalent technique, like welding or stapling.

[0030] Moreover, at least the bottom wall of said longest part 40 of the body 40 has an ordered series of undulations 88 that make as many seats suitable for holding the objects 2 in an orderly manner inside the space 1 (see FIG. 3).

[0031] Furthermore, means suitable for stabilising the case in the closed configuration according to FIGS. 1 and 2 are associated with said bodies 3 and 4.

[0032] They comprise an oblong-shaped window 45 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) that is formed at the centre of the marginal band of the part 30 that extends close to the predetermined breaking line 31.

[0033] Said window 45 constitutes the seat for receiving and holding an engagement tab 46 of matching shape that projects from the flap portion 5 of the part 42 that is opposite the predetermined folding line 66 (FIGS. 1 and 2) .

[0034] Finally, two impressions 44 are foreseen on the upper areas of the sides of the part itself 42 (FIGS. 1-4) that provide the seats in which to intervene with a finger to open and close the case.

[0035] The use of the finding is substantially the following.

[0036] When the case has been assembled and filled it is closed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and it can be used as a display item for the sale of the objects 2 placed in it.

[0037] In general, for said sale it is hung on a suitable support hook through the opening 33.

[0038] In particular, during said display the tab 46 is slotted inside the window 45 and projects behind the sheeted body 3, where it is preferably connected to it through a suitable guarantee seal, like the one indicated with 99 in FIG. 4 and schematised with a shaped area.

[0039] For example, said guarantee seal 99 can consist of an adhesive label intended to tear when the case is first opened, i.e. after being purchased, said label of course being able to be arranged in another suitable position, for example between the flap 5 of the part 42 and the sheeted body 3.

[0040] Once the case is in the buyer's possession, if desired the part 32 of the body 3 can be separated from the part 30 and discarded, and the case in this new configuration acts as a personal object-holder.

[0041] Of course, to use one or more objects 10 the user will have to open the case, i.e. he will grip the part 42 at the impressions 44 and will oscillate it for example as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, disengaging the tab 46 from the window 45.

[0042] After the objects 2 have been used and placed back in the space 1, to close the case one has to do the same thing in reverse coupling tab 46 and window 45.

Claims

1. Object-holding case, characterised in that it consists of a generally flat casing comprising a generally flat box-shaped body (4) closed by a generally sheeted body (3), where said generally flat box-shaped body (4) has an articulation area (66) that divides it into two parts (40, 42), the first of which (40) is fixed to said generally sheeted body (3) so as to provide a containment space (1) for objects (2), whereas the second (42) can oscillate with respect to the previous one (40) so as to open and close said containment space (1).

2. Case according to claim 1, characterised in that said articulation area is made in a single piece with said flat box-shaped body.

3. Case according to claim 2, characterised in that said articulation area is a predetermined folding line foreseen on the bottom of the quoted flat box-shaped body.

4. Case according to claim 1, characterised in that means suitable for stabilising the closed position of said space are arranged between said second part of said flat box-shaped body and said sheeted body.

5. Case according to claim 4, characterised in that said means comprise at least one engagement tab that projects from the edge of said second part that is opposite said articulation, and a matching receiving and holding window that is formed on the sheeted body.

6. Case according to claim 5, characterised in that said second part is equipped with elements suitable for easing the locking and unlocking of said stabilisation means.

7. Case according to claim 6, characterised in that said elements are provided by gripping impressions formed on the sides of said second part.

8. Case according to claim 1, characterised in that the parts constituting said space are equipped with means intended to keep the objects present in it in order.

9. Case according to claim 1, characterised in that when it has been assembled and filled it has a seal, like a tearable adhesive label positioned to join said second part and said sheeted body.

10. Case according to claim 1, characterised in that on a part of the sheeted body that is outside of said space an opening is foreseen for hanging the case.

11. Case according to claim 10, characterised in that said part outside said sheeted body is joined to it through a predetermined breaking line.

12. Case according to claim 1, characterised in that at least said flat box-shaped body is at least partially transparent.

Drawing