Patent Application
20250082082
The proposed solution relates to a closure device for closing an opening, which is formed between a first closing portion and a second closing portion.
In this case, the closing portions can be part of a storage device. Via the opening, which is closed by means of the closure device, a cavity in a hollow body of the storage device can then be closed. A storage device of this kind is provided for example for receiving an object, for example an electronic object such as a mobile telephone, a camera, a tablet or a laptop computer or the like, or also another object of daily life, for example a wallet or a payment means, such as a credit card, or documents, clothing and/or food. A storage device of this kind serves to receive objects and to protect them, in particular from moisture or dirt or also other external influences. This is intended to make it possible to carry the objects on one's person in difficult environments, for example during water sports, but also at work for example. In principle, a storage device can also be configured and provided for receiving a liquid, wherein then the liquid can be introduced into and/or removed from a hollow body via a closable opening.
A hollow body comprises a cavity, for example formed between a first wall and a second wall, in which cavity the object or liquid to be received in the storage device can be stored. The closure device is then provided for closing the hollow body, which closure device comprises at least one first closure part and at least one second closure part. In one variant, the first closure part comprises a first strip body extending along a transverse direction, and is arranged on a first closing portion of the first wall, and the second closure part comprises a second strip body extending along the transverse direction, and is arranged on a second closing portion of the second wall. The first closure part and the second closure part interact in a magnetically attracting manner in such a way that, in a closed position, in which the hollow body is closed, the first closing portion and the second closing portion rest on one another. A storage device of this kind is known for example from EP 2 571 391 B1.
Although a storage device known from EP 2 571391 B1 is very easy for a user to operate.
There is still essentially a need for storage devices that are improved in this respect, and/or improved closure devices.
A closure device with features as described herein provides a remedy here.
Thus, a closure device for closing an opening is proposed, wherein the closure device comprises at least one first closure part and at least one second closure part. The first closure part and the second closure part interact, in a magnetically attracting manner, in such a way that the opening is closed in a closed position of the closure device, for example in that the first and second closure parts rest directly against one another or first and second closing portions, on which the first and second closure parts are arranged. The first closure part and the second closure part are furthermore displaceable into an open position, counter to a magnetic force applied by the first and second closure parts, in order to release the opening. In addition, a proposed closure device comprises at least one hold-open mechanism, via which the first and second closure parts are locked in the open position, and which counteracts a displacement of the first and second closure parts into the closed position, by means of a holding (open) force.
A basic concept of the proposed solution is thus being able to hold a closure device in an open position via at least one hold-open mechanism, without a user having to apply a force to the closure device or its closure parts for this purpose, after the open position has been achieved. The closure parts consequently remain in the open position, without a user having to constantly engage on the closure parts. As a result, the introduction of an object and/or a liquid via the released opening can be facilitated, and the handling improved.
Locking of the open position via the hold-open mechanism is thus associated with the first and second closure parts remaining in an assumed open position, and being able to be transferred out of said open position again and into the closed position only when the holding force is overcome. Consequently, a holding force is applied by the locking, which holding force holds the first and second closure parts in the open position.
Furthermore, a magnetic attractive force of the first and second closure parts achieves an adjustment of the first and second closure parts into the closed position, and associated closing of the opening in a magnetic force-assisted manner, at least over a portion of a closing movement, after the holding force applied by the hold-open mechanism has been overcome. Under the action of the magnetic force, the closing portions are brought into contact, optionally into sealing contact, with one another again. Thus, both closing the opening and holding open the opening is facilitated for a user by means of a proposed closure device, and the operability of the closure device of a closure system formed therewith is improved.
In principle it is also possible, in the case of a proposed closure device, to preload the closure parts via at least one spring element and/or resilient closure parts, in the direction of the closed position. Automatic closing of the closure device is assisted hereby when the holding force of the hold-open mechanism has been overcome. In this case, a corresponding preload can act in particular in a first region of a closing path, to be bridged by the first and second closure parts, from the open position into the closed position, in that the magnetic force applied by the first and second closure parts is not yet sufficient to (alone) bring about an adjustment of the closure parts into the closed position.
An automatic adjustment of the closure parts in the direction of the closed position, or a corresponding closing force, can thus be provided by one or more spring elements, the magnetic attractive force of the first and second closure parts, and/or by a resilient design of the closure parts, such that after the holding force, applied by the at least one hold-open mechanism, has been overcome, an automatic adjustment of the first and second closure parts in the direction of the closed position takes place. Thus, an actuation force need be applied merely manually, for example, to the closure device, which force exceeds the holding force, in order to unlock the hold-open mechanism and trigger an automatic adjustment of the closure parts in the direction of the closed position.
Alternatively, in one variant it can be possible for a restoring force in the direction of the open position to be applied by the hold-open mechanism, at least over a limited part of the closing path, in the direction of the closed position, in order to also hold open the closure device and/or to transfer it back into the open position, if an actuating force is applied to the hold-open mechanism that exceeds the holding force only briefly and/or in an amount that disproportionately exceeds a threshold value. A corresponding actuating force then consequently has to be applied for example by a user over a longer time period and/or in an amount that disproportionately exceeds a threshold value, in order to adjust the closure parts in the direction of the closed position already beyond a defined amount and thus over a predefined part of the (overall) closing path, in order to prevent an automatic return of the closure parts into the open position from taking place.
In principle, the closure parts can be provided for arrangement on first and second closing portions, such that the closure parts can act on the closing portions. In this case, the opening can be formed between the first and second closing portions. Consequently, the closing portions are separated from one another in the open position. In the closed position, in order to close the opening, the first and second closure parts can rest against one another or first and second closing portions, on which the first and second closure parts are arranged, in particular integrated therein. In the latter case, the closure parts that interact in a magnetically attracting manner can thus magnetically hold the closing portions in contact with one another, in the closed position, when the first and second closure parts are in their closed position.
In order to provide a magnetic interplay, the first closure part and/or the second closure part can in each case be formed from a magnetic material, for example in that the closure parts are formed from a plastics material, in particular a polymer material, or a silicon material, to which a magnetic material, in the form of magnetic particles, is mixed. Alternatively, the closure parts can each receive a magnet arrangement of discrete magnetic elements, such that the closure parts interact in a magnetically attracting manner by interplay of the magnet arrangements. It is conceivable for each closure part to act in a permanently magnetic manner, for example in that a closure part is formed having permanently magnetic particles and is thus produced from a permanently magnetic material, or in that the magnet arrangements of the closure parts are in each case formed of an arrangement of permanent magnets. It is alternatively also possible, however, for one closure part to be permanently magnetic, at least in one portion, and for the other closure part to act as a ferromagnetic armature, in at least one portion. For example, a ferromagnetically acting closure part comprises a body which consists of a ferromagnetic material (for example a plastics material into which ferromagnetic particles are mixed), or comprises discrete ferromagnetic elements. In principle, the proposed solution in particular includes the situation where at least one pair composed of magnet element and armature, or a plurality of magnet elements and armatures in alternation, is provided in one closure part, and one or more offset matching pairings of armatures and magnet elements are provided in the other closure part.
If one closure part comprises a magnet arrangement of discrete magnetic elements, then the discrete magnetic elements can be lined up against one another, for example in a linear manner along a transverse axis, wherein the discrete magnetic elements can be spaced apart from one another at regular intervals along the transverse axis, for example. It is also conceivable and possible, however, to arrange the discrete magnetic elements in rows and columns on the basis of a two-dimensional matrix, so as to be diagonally offset relative to one another, and/or in different sizes and at different spacings from one another.
In principle it is preferred for the holding force is specified, via the hold-open mechanism, such that it can be overcome manually. A proposed closure device is thus configured and intended for manual operability, although this is of course not obligatory. For example it can be provided, in one embodiment, for the holding force to be specified via the hold-open mechanism such that it (initially) cannot be overcome manually, and for the hold-open mechanism to comprise a latching device which has to be initially unlocked, preferably manually, before the hold-open mechanism again allows an adjustment of the first and second closure parts into the closed position. Therefore, upon reaching the open position, not only is the open position locked, but rather also at the same time latching is provided, which applies the holding force that counteracts an adjustment. Thus, without releasing the latching provided by the latching device no adjustment of the first and second closure parts into the closed position can any longer be brought about, without the latching device being irreversibly destroyed, damaged or worn. Although a hold-open mechanism developed in this way thus requires for example an additional handle compared with a variant in which the holding force applied by the hold-open mechanism can be overcome by purely manual action of force on the first and second closure parts, and thus without additional separate displacement of a component of the hold-open mechanism, unintended adjustment into the closed position can be more reliably excluded in this way.
An additional latching device can for example provide form-fitting latching of two latching components, which are provided on two locking elements of the hold-open mechanism.
The holding force can be applied via at least a form-fitting connection, a force-fitting connection, and/or a magnetic force. The first and second closure parts can consequently be locked in the open position, via the hold-open mechanism, in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or magnetic manner. In other words, the hold-open mechanism an act in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or magnetic manner in order to apply the holding force and thereby to lock the first and second closure parts in the open position.
The hold-open mechanism can apply an opening force which at least assists with the first and second closure parts assuming the open position and/or with the locking of the first and second closure parts in the open position. Said opening force can be higher in the open position of the first and second closure parts than in the closed position, in particular can be at a maximum, in order to assist with achieving and securing the open position. For the closed position, the hold-open mechanism is then configured, in a variant, in such a way that the opening force of the first and second closure parts is lower than in the open position, in particular is at a minimum. In contrast, in the closed position a closing force applied by the first and second closure parts can be higher, in particular can be at a maximum, which force assists with a displacement of the first and second closure parts in the direction of the closed position. Said closing force is in turn lower, in particular at a minimum, in the open position.
In a variant, the hold-open mechanism comprises at least one first locking element and at least one second locking element, wherein the first and second locking elements interact with one another in the open position in order to lock the first and second closure parts in the open position. In this case, the first and second locking elements can interact magnetically, in a form-fitting manner, and/or in a frictionally engaged manner, in order to achieve locking of the closure parts in the open position.
For example, for locking the first and second closure parts in the open position, the first and second locking elements are adjusted relative to one another from a rest position, bridging a predefined adjustment path, into a locking position. This in particular includes the situation where the first and second locking elements are also adjusted along with a displacement of the first and second closure parts out of the closed position into the open position, and specifically out of the rest position and into their locking position. However, this furthermore also includes the situation where an adjustment of the locking elements out of a rest position and into the locking position leads to an adjustment of the closure parts out of the closed position and into the open position. The situation in which at least one of the first and second locking elements is provided on, in particular formed on, one of the first or second closure parts is also included.
As already stated above, the first and second locking elements can interact with one another, for example in a magnetically attracting manner, in order to lock the first and second closure parts in the open position. For example, in this connection, the first and second locking elements interact with one another in a magnetically attracting manner in such a way that the first and second locking elements are transferred automatically into the locking position, under action of a magnetic force. In this case, the automatic transfer can depend on the first and second locking elements having been adjusted, relative to one another, out of their rest position, by at least a defined amount of the predefined adjustment path, in the direction of the locking position. In a variant, for example a (further) adjustment of the locking elements into the locking position is brought about in a manner caused by magnetic force, when the first and second locking elements have been adjusted, relative to one another, out of their rest position, by at least half the adjustment path, in particular by at least two-thirds of their adjustment path, in the direction of the locking position. The first and second locking elements are consequently configured and dimensioned in such a way, in particular with respect to a position and size of magnet elements provided on or in the locking elements, that the locking elements are automatically adjusted into the locking position that locks the closure parts, when the closure device has been opened beyond a defined amount.
In a variant, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that a magnetic force applied by the first and second locking elements, which assists with a displacement of the first and second locking elements in the direction of the locking position, is higher in the open position of the first and second closure parts than in the closed position, in particular is at a maximum, and is lower in the closed position of the first and second closure parts than in the open position, in particular is at a minimum, while a magnetic force applied by the first and second closure parts, which force assists with a displacement of the first and second closure parts in the direction of the closed position, is higher in the closed position, in particular at a maximum, and lower in the open position, in particular at a minimum. Force curves of corresponding (magnetic) closing and hold-open forces are thus opposing in a variant of this kind, such that, from a user perspective, both the opening and the closing of the closure device is perceived as comfortable, and both the holding of the closure parts in the open position and in the closed position takes place with sufficiently high force.
For example, for locking the first and second closure parts in the open position, the first and second locking elements each comprise at least one magnet element. The magnet elements of the locking elements then interact with one another in order to hold the locking elements in the locking position. Yet a further magnet element can be provided on at least one of the first and second locking elements. Said further magnet element can be polarized opposingly to a magnet element of the other locking element, such that magnet elements of the first and second locking elements repel one another in the rest position, and thus (initially) counteract a displacement of the first and second locking elements in the direction of the locking position, until a minimum adjustment path of the first and second locking elements relative to one another has been bridged. One or more additional magnet elements of the first and second locking elements can thus assist with the locking elements assuming the rest position, during closure of the closure device.
Alternatively or in addition, the first and second locking elements can be coupled to the first and second closure parts, in particular fixed or shaped thereon, such that the first and second locking elements are transferred into the locking position when the first and second closure parts are displaced out of the closed position and into the open position, in which locking position the first and second locking elements interact with one another in order to lock the first and second closure parts in the open position. For example, in this case the first and second locking elements are in each case pivotable about a pivot or hinge axis, into the locking position, with displacement of the first and second closure parts into the open position. In this case, it can be possible for an adjustment force for displacing the first and second closure parts to be applied (manually) for example to the closure parts and/or to the locking elements.
In a variant, the first locking element comprises at least one first magnet element, and the second locking element comprises at least one second magnet element. The first and second magnet elements can be displaceable towards one another or beyond one another, at least in part, with displacement of the first and second locking elements into the locking position. The first and second locking elements having the first and second magnet elements provided thereon are consequently configured and arranged on the closure device in such a way that the displacement of the first and second locking elements out of their rest position and into the locking position is associated with a displacement movement of the first and second magnet elements towards one another or beyond one another, at least in part, in order to move the first and second magnet elements towards one another and to hold the locking elements in their locking position via the applied magnetic force or the applied magnetic forces.
In a first variant, in which the first and second magnet elements are displaceable towards one another with displacement of the first and second locking elements into the locking position, the first and second magnet elements then for example attract one another with a magnetic force which, in the locking position, acts substantially, in particular exactly, in parallel with a closing axis along which the first closure part and the second closure part are displaceable towards one another, after the holding force has been overcome, out of the open position and into the closed position, and/or which force, in the locking position, acts substantially, in particular exactly, perpendicularly to a hinge axis, about which a locking element is displaceable out of the rest position and into the locking position. In the latter case, a force vector of the magnetic force can thus be in a normal plane with respect to the hinge axis, and can for example also extend at an angle different from 90° with respect to a closing axis.
In an alternative variant, in which the first and second magnet elements are displaceable beyond one another, at least in part, with displacement of the first and second locking elements into the locking position, the first and second magnet elements attract one another with a magnetic force which, in the locking position, acts substantially, in particular exactly, perpendicularly to a closing axis along which the first closure part and the second closure part are displaceable towards one another, after the holding force has been overcome, out of the open position and into the closed position, and/or which force, in the locking position, acts substantially, in particular exactly, in parallel with a hinge axis, about which a locking element is displaceable out of the rest position and into the locking position. In the latter case, a force vector of the magnetic force can thus be in a plane in which the hinge axis also extends.
Alternatively or in addition to a magnetically assisted locking of the first and second locking elements, it can be provided that the first and second locking elements of the hold-open mechanism are interconnected in a form-fitting manner, in the open position of the first and second closure parts, in order to lock the first and second closure parts in the open position. This for example includes a variant in which the first and second locking elements are latched together, in the open position of the first and second closure parts, for example in that at least one latching element provided on one of the locking elements engages in a latching opening or another latching element which is provided on the other locking element. In the case of latching elements engaging in one another, for example latching lugs of the locking elements can latch together. A resilient or resiliently mounted latching element, for example in the form of a latching lug, can thus latch or snap into a latching opening, or latch to a further latching lug, when the first and second locking elements have assumed their locking position, in order to mechanically secure the locking position assumed. In this case, a latching opening can be configured for example as a recess or groove on a locking element. In particular, in the present case a form-fitting connection for locking in the locking position is intended to include mechanical latching with the aid of a ball latch or a spring preloaded adjusting cam.
In a variant, the first closure part and the second closure part are displaceable towards one another, out of the open position and into the closed position, after a holding force applied by the hold-open mechanism has been overcome. The first and second locking elements can in turn be provided for arrangement on first and second closing portions in such a way that the at least one first locking element protrudes beyond an edge, preferably lateral edge, of the first closing portion, and the at least one second locking element protrudes beyond a corresponding edge, in particular lateral edge, of the second closing portion, such that the first and second locking elements are opposite one another. The locking elements of the closure device, which interact with one another in the open position of the closure parts in order to hold the closure parts in the open position, thus protrude on mutually opposing edges of the first and second closing portions, for example along a transverse direction along which the closure parts extend in the closed position, or at an angle to said transverse direction. This facilitates the accessibility and operability of the hold-open mechanism. In addition, the length of a (virtual) lever, and thus a leverage transferred via the locking elements, can be varied comparatively easily via the length of the overhang of the locking elements, for example if an opening force for transferring the closure parts into the open position is intended to be able to be introduced onto the locking elements.
In a possible development, the first and second closure parts in each case extend along a transverse axis, and the first and second locking elements in each case protrude, by at least one portion, along the transverse axis, beyond ends of the closure parts. Analogously to the design explained above, having locking elements protruding beyond lateral edges of the closing portions, corresponding advantages can also be achieved by locking elements protruding (laterally) beyond ends of the closure part.
In this connection, it can also be provided that, in the open position, the first and second locking elements fix the first and second closure parts in a locking position, in order to lock the first and second closure parts in the open position, and the first and second locking elements in each case comprise (in particular form) an operating portion which is coupled to an associated closure part and is provided for manual force application, and said elements are configured to adjust the closure parts out of their closed position and into the open position by displacement of the first and second locking elements out of a rest position in the direction of the locking position, as a result of an actuation force applied manually to the operating portions. Consequently, in this variant, operating portions are provided on the locking elements, which operating portions are configured for applying an actuating force, in order to adjust the closure parts out of the closed position and into the open position, in which locking of the closure parts then takes place, via the locking elements. In this case, corresponding locking element-side operating portions can also be provided, in addition to the actuating portions of the first and second closure parts, via which operating portions a manual force application on the closure parts for the displacement thereof out of the closed position into the open position, and/or vice versa, is made possible or at least facilitated. Actuating portions on the closure part side can for example be formed by handle portions protruding in a tab-like manner. Alternatively, locking element-side operating portions form the only option, provided on the closure device, for a force application as intended, in order to displace the first and second closure parts out of the closed position and into the open position, and/or vice versa.
In a variant the first and second locking elements are provided for arrangement in a cavity accessible via the opening. In this case, a first end piece of the first locking element and a second end piece of the second locking element are spaced apart from one another in the closed position and interact with one another in the open position in order to apply the holding force. Consequently, in the case of a storage device equipped with the proposed closure device, in this variant the locking elements are provided inside the cavity and are spaced apart from one another when the first and second closure parts are present in their closed position. For example, in the case of a storage device, the first and second, in this case inner, locking elements are in each case connected, on the inside, to an associated lateral edge of a closing portion or of a portion of the storage device adjacent thereto. The opening of the closure device is associated with the first and second end pieces of the locking elements moving closer together, inside the storage device, such that said end pieces can interact with one another in order to apply the holding force. Thus, by the transfer into the open position for example the first and second locking elements are interconnected at their first and second end pieces, and are held in said connected state. The connection of the end pieces then counteracts an adjustment of the first and second closure parts into their closed position, since initially a force for releasing the connection between the locking elements has to be applied (manually) on the first and second end pieces.
For example, in each case at least first and second magnet elements can be provided on the first and second end pieces. A first and a second magnet element of the first and second end pieces can interact in a magnetically attracting manner in the open position of the first and second closure parts, in order to fix the two end pieces against one another and thereby apply the holding force which counteracts closing of the closure device.
Alternatively or in addition it can be provided, in this connection, that the first and second closure parts (in the closed position) in each case extend along a transverse axis, and the first and second locking elements are intended to be brought into contact with one another at their end pieces, by adjustment from the closed position into the open position, in order to interact with one another and, in the open position, to apply a tensioning force, via the first and second locking elements, to ends of the closure parts provided laterally along the transverse axis. Consequently, if the end pieces are interconnected in the open position, a tensioning force is maintained by the locking elements comprising the end pieces, which tensioning force holds the first and second closure parts in the open position. Thus, a tensioning force applied by the locking elements, in the case of interacting end pieces, in the open position of the first and second closure parts, thus acts, optionally via a lateral edge of the storage device, in each case on lateral outside ends of the two closure parts extending along a transverse axis. In this way, an outward bulging of the closure parts transversely to the transverse axis is assisted and maintained via the tensioning force, for example, by means of which the two closure parts, in their open position, release the opening.
In principle, a variant can provide for a plurality of (at least two) hold-open mechanisms to be part of the closure device. This then for example also includes the situation in which two pairs of locking elements are provided at ends of the closure parts that are spaced apart from one another along a transverse axis.
The first closure part and/or the second closure part can extend along a transverse axis, in particular in a strip-like manner. The first closure part and/or the second closure part can thus in particular have a strip body extending along the transverse axis.
In a variant, the first closure part and/or the second closure part are configured having at least two portions, which are interconnected via a weakening region. The at least two portions are then displaceable relative to one another, via the weakening region. In this case, the at least two portions or segments are consequently interconnected via a weakening region made of the material of which the respective closure part consists, for example in the manner of a film hinge, such that when the first and second closure parts are adjusted between their closed position and their open position, displaceability of the at least two portions, about a hinge axis defined by the weakening region, relative to one another is made possible. For example, the weakening region is formed by a notch in the material of the respective closure part.
If first and/or second closure parts are provided, these can be separate from one another and separated in the transverse direction, such that a flexible region of each closing portion, on which the first or second closure parts are arranged, can act as a film hinge.
Thus, when producing a closure part, flexibility is purposely introduced into the respective closure part via one or more weakening regions, without the closure part itself having to be produced from a flexible or even resilient material (which is of course in principle also possible, as part of the proposed solution). A respective closure part can thus consist of an inherently rigid material, in which portions displaceable relative to one another are provided by one of more weakening regions. This in particular includes the situation where the first closure part and/or second closure part comprise a plurality of weakening regions, i.e. more than 2, 3 or 4 weakening regions, such that the respective closure part forms a plurality of portions or segments that are displaceable relative to one another.
In a further variant, the first and second closure parts can in each case extend along a transverse axis, and the at least one hold-open mechanism comprises a flexible, in particular resilient, locking element for arrangement in a cavity that is accessible via the opening, wherein said flexible locking element is provided to apply a tensioning force to ends of the closure parts provided laterally along the transverse axis, in the open position. In this connection, the flexible tensioning element can engage on mutually opposing end portions of the first and second closure parts and/or on a lateral edge of the storage device, and can be preloaded, such that a transfer of the first and second closure parts out of their open position and into the closed position can take place only counter to the tensioning force applied by the flexible locking element. Consequently, for maintaining the closed position of the first and second closure parts, at least the tensioning force must always be overcome, via which force the first and second closure parts strive to assume their open position.
For example, the flexible locking element is provided for arrangement in an intermediate wall within the cavity. In the case of a storage device equipped with such a variant of a proposed latching device, it can thus be provided that at least two compartments are defined in the storage device, via an intermediate wall within the cavity. The flexible locking element accommodated in said intermediate wall-typically in the region of an upper edge of the intermediate wall facing the opening-then applies the holding force for maintaining the open position of the first and second closure parts.
In this connection, it can also be provided for the flexible locking element to be able to be re-tensioned. A tensioning force applied by the flexible locking element can thus be readjusted manually. Thus, for example, a flexible locking element configured as a tensioning cable can be tensioned more strongly by manually pulling on a cable portion accessible inside the cavity, and can be locked in the respective more strongly tensioned position via a clamp, in particular in the manner of a cord clamp provided on an item of clothing.
In a further alternative variant, a U-shaped tensioning element can be provided on the closure device for the application of the holding force in the open position, and thus the maintenance of the open position. A U-shaped tensioning element of this kind comprises a base and two limbs that are interconnected via the base, wherein the two limbs are preloaded towards one another, and the tensioning element is provided for applying the holding force over the two limbs that are preloaded towards one another, in the open position. The tensioning element can thus be provided, here, to allow an adjustment of the first and second closure parts out of the open position and into the closed position only counter to a preload force applied by the two limbs. Under action of the two limbs, the first and second closure parts thus strive to assume and maintain their open position. In order to transfer the first and second closure parts into the closed position, the preload force of the two limbs then has to be overcome manually.
In a variant, the U-shaped tensioning element can for example be formed by a U-shaped spring element. The limbs of said spring element, which are resiliently preloaded towards one another and are interconnected via the base, then apply the holding force in the open position. In another variant, the tensioning element is not formed by a separate component, but rather, for example, by a U-shaped cavity which is provided as part of the closure device in an edge of a storage device equipped with the closure device. In this case, the cavity is shaped in such a way that the limbs of the U shape are preloaded towards one another, and thus pushed (inwards) towards one another, under pressure applied by inflating the cavity.
For applying the holding force, a further variant provides at least one spring strip which is preloaded against an adjustment of the first and second closure parts out of the open position and into the closed position. A spring element of this kind can for example, by means of bulging transversely to a longitudinal extension direction of the spring strip, assist a (corresponding) bulging of the flexible first or second closure part, by means of which the respective closure part is displaced into the open position, if a sufficiently high closing force does not act on the first and second closure parts in order to (still) hold these in their closed position. For example, the spring strip can comprise a convex steel strip or can be formed by a convex steel strip.
In the case of a closure device configured having at least one spring strip, the spring strip can for example extend along the first or second closure part. Alternatively, the at least one spring strip can be an integral component of the first or second closure part.
In a further alternative variant the at least one spring strip can extend, in the open position of the first and second closure parts, between an end of the first closure part and an opposing end of the second closure part. The spring strip preloaded in the direction of the open position of the first and second closure parts thus strives, in the last-mentioned variant, to space the mutually opposing ends of the first and second closure parts apart from one another, and to hold them spaced apart. A transfer of the first and second closure parts out of their open position and into their closed position can in turn take place only counter to a restoring force applied by the at least one spring strip. Until reaching their closed position, in which the first and second closure parts are secured against resetting, the first and second closure parts would thus always automatically assume their open position, under action of a spring strip or a plurality of spring strips.
In principle, the first and second closure parts form a closure combination in the closed position, which combination is adjustable from a release position, in which the first and second closure parts can be moved away from one another for releasing the opening, into a closure position, in which the closure combination and at least one third closure part of the closure device interact with one another in such a way that the closure combination is held in the closure position. Thus, in the closure position, for example first and second closing portions, on which the first and second closure parts are arranged, can be folded or rolled up, in particular in that the first and second closing portions, and thus any walls of a storage device comprising the closing portions, are bent or folded, at least once, about 180°. By means of the interaction of the closure combination with the third closure part, the closure combination is held securely in a closure position assumed in this way. It is thereby possible for additional securing of a closed state of the closure device to be provided, since initially the closure combination has to be transferred out of the closure position into the release position before a displacement of the first and second closure parts out of the closed position and into the open position can take place.
For example, the third closure part and the closure combination can interact mechanically, e.g. in a form-fitting manner, in particular via a hook and loop fastener, and/or in a magnetically attracting manner, in order to hold the closure combination in the closure position. In this case, a magnetic interaction also includes for example an interaction of at least one magnet element of the third closure part with at least one magnet element of the first or second closure part, via which the first and second closure parts are held in the closed position. At least one magnet element of the first or second closure part thus has a dual function, on the one hand in interaction with a magnet element of the respective other (second or first) closure part, and in interaction with the third closure part.
The closure combination can in principle be adjustable out of the release position and into the closure position, folding over or rolling in the first and second closing portions at least once, for example about a pivot axis in parallel with a first spatial direction. A securing force, e.g. a magnetic force, for holding the closure combination in its closure position with respect to the third closure part, then acts for example along a spatial axis which is in parallel with a second spatial direction extending perpendicularly to the first spatial direction. As already discussed above, the closure combination having the first and second closure parts present in the closed position can consequently be transferred out of the release position and into the closure position by pivoting the closure combination about a pivot axis in parallel with a first spatial direction (e.g. based on a cartesian coordinate system of the x-direction). It is thus possible, for example, for the closure combination to be folded out of the release position and into the closure position. Consequently, here, the closure combination is folded about the pivot axis in parallel with the first spatial direction, for example about approximately 180°. A (resulting) magnetic force, for holding the closure combination in its closure position with respect to the third closure part, then acts along a spatial axis which is in parallel with a second spatial direction (y) extending perpendicularly to the first spatial direction.
In principle, the third closure part can (also) be configured so as to extend along a transverse axis, in particular in a strip-shaped manner. In this case, for example the third closure part is arranged in an offset portion of a first wall of a storage device which is different from the first closing portion. The third closure part can thus be arranged for example perpendicularly to a transverse axis and spatially offset relative to the first closing portion. In a variant of this kind, for example at least one strip-shaped third closure part extends in parallel with a strip-shaped first closure part, but in this case is arranged so as to be offset transversely to the first closure part.
In connection with a closure device which comprises a third closure part for securing the closure combination in the closure position, it can be provided for the third closure part to be provided for arrangement in a cavity accessible via the opening. If the closure combination interacts magnetically with an inner third closure part of this kind, in order to secure the closure position, consequently the corresponding magnet elements are provided here, in such a way that the magnetic interaction is also possible through the walls of a storage device comprising the closure device.
In view of holding the first and second closure parts in their open position following transfer of the closure combination into the release position, an inner third closure part can have a dual function. Thus, a variant can provided that the third closure part, which is provided for arrangement in the cavity and is thus the inner closure part, is formed by two locking elements of the hold-open mechanism. Said two locking elements are displaceable relative to one another and overlap one another, in an overlap region, in the event of an adjustment of the first and second closure parts from the closed position into the open position. Portions of the two locking elements then interact in a magnetically attracting manner, and/or latch together in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, in the overlap region, in order to apply the holding force. Consequently, for transferring the first and second closure parts out of the open position and into the closed position, the connection of the first and second locking elements acting in the overlap region must first be released again.
For the magnetic attraction in the overlap region, for the variant first mentioned above, precisely those magnet elements of the two locking elements of the third closure part can also interact with one another which, in the case of a closed closure device and thus in the case of a closure combination in the closure position, hold the closure combination in the closure position under interaction with magnet elements of the first closure part.
In principle, the closure device can be provided for closing an opening via which a hollow body is accessible, and/or the closure device can be provided for arrangement on a storage device. Any hollow body can for example be bounded by at least one flexible wall, wherein a closing portion is then provided or formed on a flexible wall of this kind.
In a variant, the first closure part and/or the second closure part and/or a third closure part are configured so as to be resilient, or are configured so as to be flexible via one or more weakening regions having portions that are displaceable relative to one another. In this case, a closure part can then have increased rigidity, for example with respect to a wall of a hollow body on which the closure device is arranged, but in this case be so flexible that it can be bent, in particular about a vertical direction that is perpendicular to a transverse axis.
The proposed solution in particular includes a storage device which comprises a hollow body for receiving at least one object and/or a liquid, wherein the at least one object and/or the liquid can be introduced into the hollow body via an opening which can be closed by a variant of a proposed closure device.
In a variant, the first closure part is enclosed for example between an inner layer and an outer layer of a first wall, which bounds a cavity of the hollow body that is to be closed by the closure device. In addition or alternatively, the second closure part can be enclosed between an inner layer and an outer layer of a second wall of the hollow body. The respective closure part, which can be configured for example as a solid strip-shaped band, is thus located in an intermediate space between the inner layer and the outer layer, and is thus enclosed between the inner and outer layers, and thus covered towards the inside by the inner layer and towards the outside by the outer layer.
In a variant, the first closing portion is formed by the inner layer of the first wall, and the second closing portion is formed by the inner layer of the second wall. The closing portion of the respective wall is thus formed integrally on the inner layer of the respective wall. In the closed position, the closing portions rest flat against one another and establish an optionally sealing termination, such that the hollow body is closed (in a sealing manner) towards the outside, in particular in a manner so fluid-tight that no moisture can enter the interior of the hollow body. However, in the closed position the opening can also be closed, in particular closed in a sealed manner, in that the first and second closure parts rest directly against one another. Consequently, in principle a closure part can be arranged on the side of a wall by which the closing portions rest against one another in the closed state, or can be arranged on a side of a wall that is on the outside in the closed state, and is not adjacent.
In a variant, the first wall and/or the second wall are flexible. In particular, both the first wall and the second wall can be flexible and non-rigid such that the hollow body can be deformed in a flexible, easily moldable manner, and can thus adapt its shape for receiving an object. The hollow body is thus formed by the walls in the manner of a pouch, in that an object, in particular an electronic object such as a mobile telephone or another object of daily life, can be received and enclosed therein in a protective manner. Alternatively, the hollow body can be configured for receiving a liquid, and thus e.g. as part of a hydration bladder.
In principle, first and second walls, to which the first and second closing portions of a proposed closure device are connected, can be part of a continuous wall element. The first and second walls can thus in particular be formed in one piece. For example, first and second walls, which are opposite one another in a cross-sectional view, can be formed by a single, integral wall element in the form of a blow-molded part.
The accompanying drawings illustrate possible variants of the proposed solution, by way of example.
The walls 101, 102 are interconnected at parallel side edges, remote from one another along a transverse direction x and transverse axis extending in parallel therewith, and at a lower edge along a vertical direction z, for example by welding, adhesive bonding or folding over at one of the mentioned edges, and are to be closed, in the region of an upper end, by a closure device 2 in such a way that an inner volume of the hollow body 10 or a cavity defined thereby is closed in a sealing manner in a closed position of the storage device 1. In principle, each wall 101, 102 can be formed by two layers, of which an inner layer faces towards the inner volume of the hollow body 10, and an outer layer faces towards the outside. The walls 101, 102 are configured to be flexible, such that the hollow body 10 is flexibly deformable, in particular in order to be able to flexibly receive an object therein or to be able to expand when a liquid is received in the hollow body 10.
The closure device 2 comprises three closure parts 31, 32, 33. Of these closure parts 31, 32, 33, a first closure part 31 is arranged on a closing portion 101S of the first wall 101, while a second closure part 32 is arranged on a closing portion 102S of the second wall 102, and specifically in such a way that the first and second closure parts 31, 32 extend along the vertical direction z at the same height on the respectively associated wall 101, 102. The closure parts 31, 32 interact in a magnetically attracting manner, such that, in the closed position of the closure device 2, the closing portions 101S, 102S, which are in each case formed by the inner layer of the associated wall 101S, 102S, rest flat, and thus in a sealing manner, against one another, and form a closure combination 3.
A third closure part 33 is arranged on a front side 101A of the wall 101, on a portion of the first wall 101 that is offset with respect to the closing portion 101S of the first wall 101, and, viewed along an extension path proceeding from the closing portion 101S, in the cross section according to
The closure parts 31, 32, 33 are in each case configured in a strip-shaped manner, and extend along the transverse direction x, and thus transversely to the vertical direction z.
The closure parts 31, 32, 33 are configured to interact in a magnetically attracting manner. In the embodiment shown, the closure parts 31, 32, 33 are in each case produced from a plastics material or a silicone material, in which a series of permanent magnets is embedded. In particular, discrete magnet elements 31M, 32M, 33M (of a magnet arrangement on the closure part side) can be arranged in one or more of the strip-shaped closure parts 31, 32, 33. In this case, the discrete magnet elements 31M, 32M, 33M are lined up along the transverse direction x, and thus form a linear array of magnet elements 31M, 32M or 33M. In this case, the closure parts 31, 32, 33 can have opposite poles, such that the closure parts 31, 32, 33 act on one another in a magnetically attracting manner, in pairs. In an alternative variant, opposite poles can also alternate in an array of magnet elements 31M, 32M or 33M of a closure part. An array of this kind is then provided for interaction with a corresponding opposing array on another closure part 32, 33, 31. The discrete magnet elements 31M, 32M, 33M of the magnet arrangements can in each case be formed by discrete permanent magnets, for example made of a neodymium material. It is also conceivable, however, for just one or two of the magnet arrangements to comprise discrete permanent magnets, while the other magnet arrangement(s) is/are formed of discrete ferromagnetically active elements.
Alternatively, for example just the first closure part 31 can act in a permanently magnetic manner, while the other closure parts 32, 33 are configured to be ferromagnetic, in particular as ferromagnetic armatures, such that the associated closure parts 32, 33 act as magnetic armatures. It is also conceivable, for example, for the first and second closure parts 31, 32 to be configured to be permanently magnetic, while the third closure part 33 acts ferromagnetically.
The closing portions 101S, 102S are pushed flat into contact with one another by the first closure part 31 and the second closure part 32, in the present case in such a way that the closing portions 101S, 102S formed by inner layers of the walls 101, 102 rest against one another in the manner of diaphragms and close the hollow body 10 in a sealing manner. The closure combination 3 formed by the closure parts 31, 32 is held in a defined closure position by the third closure part 33, wherein folding of the walls 101, 102 about 180° is brought about in a region between the closing portions 101S, 102S and the portions transversely offset relative to the closing portions 101S, 102S, as is clear from
The first closure part 31 and the second closure part 32 in each case comprise an actuation portion in the form of a tab-like handle element 310, 320, on which a user can engage. By means of application of a force to the closure parts 31, 32, in particular on the handle elements 310, 320, the closure parts 31, 32 can be released from the further, third closure part 33 and adjusted into a release position. In said release position, the closure parts 31, 32 can be moved away from one another along an opening direction y (and thus at least in portions along a closing axis S in parallel therewith, which is oriented perpendicularly to the transverse axis x and to the vertical direction z), and thus the closing portions 101S, 102S can be separated from one another, such that the interior of the hollow body 10 is accessible via the opening O that is thereby released (cf. by way of example
In the open position, the two closure parts 31 and 32 are locked by two hold-open mechanisms 4A and 4B, such that the closure device 2 remains open, and thus the opening O remains accessible, without a user having to permanently apply a force manually to the closure parts 31 and 32. A hold-open mechanism 4A or 4B consequently applies an opening force which at least assists with the first and second closure parts 31, 32 assuming the open position and/or with the locking of the first and second closure parts 31, 32 in the open position. In the present case, a hold-open mechanism 4A or 4B is formed in each case, for this purpose, with two pairs of locking elements 41.1, 42.1 or 41.2, 42.2. In this case, the locking elements 41.1, 42.1 or 41.2, 42.2 of a hold-open mechanism are provided in each case spaced apart from one another in a rest position, in the closed position of the first and second closure parts 31 and 32 in accordance with
In this case, first locking elements 41.1 and 41.2 of the two hold-open mechanisms 4A and 4B are in each case associated with the first closure part 31 and are fixed or shaped thereon. In this case, the first locking elements 41.1 and 41.2 in each case protrude beyond ends of the respective strip-shaped closure part 31 of the x-axis, referred to as the transverse axis, along which the first closure part 31 extends. Thus, each first locking element 41.1, 41.2 protrudes beyond a respective lateral edge 101R of the associated closing portion 101S, and thus of the associated wall 101. Analogously, second locking elements 42.1, 42.2 of the hold-open mechanisms 4A, 4B, which are provided on the second closure part 32, also protrude laterally beyond ends of the second closure part 32 and lateral edges 102R of the other closing portion 102S, and thus of the other wall 102, of the storage device 1.
In a closed position of the first and second closure parts 31 and 32, corresponding to
The assumption of said locking position is assisted by magnetic force. For this purpose, each locking element 41.1 to 42.2 comprises a magnet element 41M or 42M in the laterally protruding portion. In this case, the magnet elements 41M, 42M of a pair of locking elements 41.1, 42.1 or 41.2, 42.2 of a hold-open mechanism 4A or 4B interact with one another in a magnetically attracting manner. Consequently, if the respective locking elements 41.1, 42.1 or 41.2, 42.2 of a hold-open mechanism 4A or 4B are moved towards one another by a defined amount, by opening the closure device 2, the magnetic force applied by the magnet elements 41M, 42M is sufficiently great to automatically adjust the locking elements 41.1, 42.1 or 41.2, 42.2 towards one another, into the locking position visible in
The holding force applied by the hold-open mechanisms 4A, 4B is then also defined by the applied magnetic attractive force in the locking position, which holding force must be overcome on the user side in order to adjust the first and second closure parts 31 and 32 back in the direction of the closed position, and thus to close the opening O again. In this case, the holding force that is applied magnetically by the magnets 41M, 42M of a hold-open mechanism 4A or 4B acts substantially in parallel with the closing axis S, and thus along the y-axis or in parallel with the y-direction.
In the case of the storage device shown in
In a variant, it is also possible for a plurality of separate (smaller or shorter) closure parts to be provided in a manner separated from one another in the transverse direction. Said closure parts would then be completely separated from one another in the region of a notch K. In this case, however, a more flexible region of a respective closing portion 101S or 102S or the wall 101 or 102 forming the respective closing portion, could act as a film hinge.
In a further variant of
For example, the variant of
In this case, the first magnet elements 412M, 422M of the locking elements 41.1, 42.1 or 41.2, 42.2 of a hold-open mechanism 4A, 4B, which magnet elements are arranged on the partially surrounding and thus projecting portions, can also be polarized opposingly to one another, such that the first magnet elements 412M, 422M, in the closed position of the closure parts 31 and 32, assist with holding the locking elements in the rest position.
The first or second locking elements 41.1, 41.2 (for the first closure part 31) or 42.1, 42.2 (for the second closure part 32), which are associated with a closure part 31 or 32, are configured to be offset from one another in the present case. That is to say that a first locking element 42.1 on the first hold-open mechanism 4A is positioned and pivotable under the second locking element 42.1, based on the vertical direction z, while the first locking element 41.2 on the other hold-open mechanism 4B is arranged and pivotable above the second locking element 42.2 there.
In particular in a development of the variant of
The variant of
If a sufficiently high actuating force is applied in order to displace the latching lugs 424 out of their respective latching grooves 414, the locking is released and the closure parts 31 and 32 can be brought back into their closed position, along the closing axis S.
In the variant of
In the case of the variant of
In a deviation from the variant shown in
The variant of
In order to assist such operation of the closure device 2, the strip-shaped closure parts 31, 32 (as well as the third strip-shaped closure part 33) can be produced for example from a resilient material having discrete magnet elements 31, 32 or 33 embedded therein, or from a resilient, magnetic material.
In a development according to
In the present case, the elongate locking elements 41.1-42.2 are provided on the end side, on the respective first and second closure part 31, 32. In this case, for example analogously to the embodiment of
Instead of the actuation loop 51 or 52 shown, of course an unlocking element configured in a different manner can also be provided, for example a rigid ring.
Alternatively or in addition to the variants explained above, it can also be provided, however, for the first and second closure parts 31 and 32 to be held in the open position by an additional element, for example by a rod attached to the inside of the closure parts 31,32.
Alternatively or in addition, the closure device 2 can also be configured having a deceleration means. A deceleration means of this kind is then configured to temporally limit the locking in the open position, following a completed transfer of the closure parts 31 and 32 into the open position, before the closure parts 31 and 32 are displaced automatically back into the closed position again, for example under action of a corresponding preload, e.g. a resilient preload, in the direction of the closed position. For example, a corresponding deceleration means can comprise one or more deceleration elements, e.g. in the form of suction cups and/or adhesion elements. Corresponding deceleration elements of the deceleration means can thus apply a holding force that decreases over time. Corresponding deceleration elements can be provided for example on laterally protruding portions of the locking elements 41.1, 42.1 or 41.2, 42.2 which are brought into locking contact with one another with transfer of the locking elements 41.1, 42.1 or 41.2, 42.2 into the locking position, or of the closure parts 31 and 32 into the open position. The holding force applied via said contact then reduces continuously however, or suddenly after a predefined time period has elapsed, if no further force is applied, by the user, to the respective hold-open mechanism 4A or 4B. The first and second closure parts 31 and 32 are thus automatically adjusted back into the closed position as soon as a corresponding restoring force is greater than the decreasing holding force.
In this case, the ends of the actuation tab 6 are fixed on the front side 101A, in the region of the third closure part 33, in order to overcome the respective magnetic forces by manually pulling on the actuation tab 6, applying a comparatively low manual force, and thus be able to easily open the storage device 1 on the closure device 2.
As is illustrated on the basis of
The possibility for simple one-handed opening of the storage device 1, illustrated by the actuation tab 6 (or another handle-like or tab-like actuation element) in the variant of
In a deviation from the storage device 1 shown in
In the case of the storage device 1 of
As is illustrated in particular on the basis of the partial perspective plan view of
In order to optionally re-tension the tensioning cable 40 and thus be able to readjust a tensioning force applied thereby, a cable portion, here in the form of a cable loop, is guided out of the intermediate wall 40A. When the storage device 1 is open, said cable portion is manually accessible for a user, in accordance with
In the variant of a storage device 1 in accordance with
In a variant of a storage device 1 of
The two elongate locking elements 330 and 331 of the third closure part 33 directly adjoin one another in the closed position of the first and second closure parts 31, 32 (both in the closure position and in the release position). Thus, the closure combination 3 can be held in the closure position, as has already been explained above, by means of magnet elements arranged in the locking elements 330, 331 of the third closure part 33, and their magnetic interaction with the magnet elements of the first closure part 31.
When the closure device 2 of a storage device 1 of
If the closure device 2 is opened further, in that the first and second closure parts 31 and 32 are bulged further outwards, the two locking elements 330 and 331 of the first closure part 33 are thereby shifted relative to one another. The overlap region UB enlarges. This is then also retained in a further opened position, by means of the magnet elements in the overlapping portions of the locking elements 330, 331, which elements attract one another. Closing is possible only by overcoming the magnetic forces, in order to separate the locking elements 330, 331 from one another.
A hold-open mechanism 4 of
In the variant of a storage device of
The same also applies for a variant according to
A similar principle is provided in the storage device FIGS. of 75A to 75B. In this case, two spring strips 43.1 and 43.2 are provided as part of two hold-open mechanisms 4A, 4B. A first spring strip 43.1 extends between two, in
The first and second spring strips 43.1 and 43.2 in each case strive to align themselves straight and thus in a manner preloaded into a state in which a respective spring strip 43.1 or 43.2 extends in a straight line. In the closed position of the first and second closure parts 31, 32, the two spring strips 43.1 and 43.2 are each bent once (centrally) and held in this state, bent once, via the magnetic forces of the first and second closure parts 31 and 32 that magnetically attract one another. If said magnetic force is overcome manually, the spring strips 43.1 and 43.2 fold out automatically on account of their respective preload, and thus displace the first and second closure parts 31, 32 into their open position and hold the first and second closure parts 31, 32 in a manner spaced apart from one another, in the open position (cf.
Hold-open mechanisms 4A, 4B corresponding to
In a closed state, two mutually opposing walls of the rucksack 1 of
In the open position, the closure parts 31 and 32 are held via hold-open mechanisms comprising spring strips 43.1, 43.2. Only after overcoming a holding force applied by the spring strips 43.1 and 43.2 can the two first and second closure parts 31 and 32 consequently be moved towards one another again, and thus be transferred into their closed position.
The concept on which the proposed solution is based is not limited to the embodiments set out above, but rather can also be implemented in an entirely different manner.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 124 310.9 | Sep 2022 | DE | national |
This application is the United States national phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2023/075983 filed Sep. 20, 2023, and claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2022 124 310.9, filed Sep. 21, 2022, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/075983 | 9/20/2023 | WO |
