Storage box

Abstract

A storage box includes an outer case to be fixed to an attachment member; an inner case slidably disposed in the outer case for holding an article; an urging device disposed between the inner case and the outer case for urging the inner case toward an opening; a latching device for locking the inner case; and a holder disposed at the inner case for holding the article within the inner case. The holder extends along a direction that the inner case slides and has an arm section for holding the article, a guide section for guiding the arm section to hold the article, and a shaft section rotatably supported on the inner case. The arm section passes an opening of the inner case when the inner case moves inwardly in the outer case.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT

The present invention relates to a storage box for stably storing and holding a remote control key unit, a mobile phone, or the like.

Inside an automobile or the like, cassette tape cases and CDs may be stacked disorderly when they are not in use, thereby making it difficult to distinguish one from the other. It is convenient to have a container for easily arranging cassette tapes and CDs for storage or a storage box for storing cassette tapes and CDs in an inserted state. However, when a storage space having an opening is provided, it is difficult to take out content such as cases. Further, content such as cases also may fall and scatter around in a vehicle, thereby creating clutter, distracting a driver, and posing a danger. In order to solve the problems, the following Patent References disclose techniques for holding contents such as cases in a stored state.

Patent Reference 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication (Kokai) No. 08-192

Patent Reference 2: Japanese Utility Model Publication (Kokai) No. 03-93492

In a structure disclosed in Patent Reference 1, when content is inserted, a bent section 24 disposed at a rocking section 23 is bent to form a rectangular shape of the content. A protrusion of the bent section 24 abuts against a surface of the content, so that the content is held between a bottom portion 20 and the bent section 24. Accordingly, the device is suitable for storing an object such as a cassette tape within a storage box. When an elongated article such as a remote controller with a surface projecting from an inner case, i.e., content not engaging the bent section 24 (as described in Patent Reference 1), is stored, or an article is not tightly held between the bent section 24 and the bottom portion 20, the content wobbles upon rapid braking or starting of a vehicle and may fall out of the storage box.

In the structure of the storage box described in Patent Reference 1, when the content has a different shape as described above, the bent section 24 for preventing the content from projecting stays in parallel with the rocking section 23. That is, the bent section 24 does not bend inwardly in the inner case with the rocking section 23, thereby making it difficult to handle the content described above.

Moreover, a plate spring 12 is installed at a back wall of an outer case as urging means for urging the inner case toward an opening of the outer case. Accordingly, the inner case storing the content moves with an urging force and stops at a projected position, thereby making it easy to remove the content. However, there is no means for damping the urging means, thereby deteriorating operational feeling.

In the structures of the storage boxes disclosed in Patent References 1 and 2, the opening opens widely when nothing is stored. Accordingly, when not in use, dust and trash tend to enter the storage box, thereby causing damage on a mechanism of the storage box.

As described in Patent Reference 1, when the content is inserted, the rocking section 23 rotates from a bent state with a hinge section 22 of the inner case, and becomes linear relative to a sliding section 21, so that the bent section 24 holds an end surface of the content. In order for the bent section to securely hold the content at the end surface, however, the content needs to have a rectangular shape such as a cassette tape and CD. Otherwise, the content may rattle.

In view of the above problems, the present invention has been made, and an object of the invention is to provide a storage box, wherein it is possible to securely hold an article having a shape different from a circular shape or a narrower width than the inner case.

Another object of the invention is to provide a storage box as described above, wherein it is possible to prevent dust and trash form entering, and hold the content securely, thereby making an operation of the storage box high quality.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an inner case is urged in an outer case toward an opening. When a latch is released, the inner case storing content moves within the outer case. A holder is attached to the inner case with a shaft, and a guide is disposed at the outer case for guiding the holder. The holder rotates, so that an arm section of the holder penetrates the inner case to hold the content. Accordingly, it is possible to securely hold an article even if it is smaller than the inner case.

According to a second aspect, a guide with a plate shape is provided on an inner side of the outer case. A guide groove is formed in the guide for guiding the holder holding the content. The guide groove is inclined inwardly toward the opening, so that the holder moves freely. Accordingly, as the inner case enters the outer case, the arm section of the holder can penetrate the inner case, thereby stably holding the content having a width smaller than the case or a varied shape.

According to a third aspect, urging means is attached to one of the inner case and the outer case, and damping means such as a rotary damper is provided for damping an urging force of the urging means. When the inner case is released from the outer case, a gear of the rotary damper engages a linear gear section, so that the inner case projects smoothly, thereby eliminating low quality feeling associated with the urging force.

According to a fourth aspect, a cover is provided at the opening of the inner case for opening and closing, and is urged toward a closed position with urging means. The cover completely closes the opening when no content is stored in the storage box, thereby preventing dust and trash from entering.

In addition, the cover is urged in a direction to close the opening. Accordingly, the content is held by the cover from above as well as the holder, thereby holding the content stably.

According to a fifth aspect, the arm section of the holder is flexible for absorbing varying sizes and shapes of the content. Even when an article is rectangular, the arm section of the holder forms a flexible arc, thereby handling shape variations.

As described above, in the present invention, the flexible arm section is disposed at the holder that penetrates the inner case storing an article. The holder swings with the guide groove disposed on the guide in an inclined state. Accordingly, it is possible to securely hold the article having a shape different from a circular shape or a narrower width than the inner case. The storage box of the present invention is suitably installed at a location with a swing or vibration, particularly within a motor vehicle.

In addition, the inner case is urged toward the opening of the outer case with the urging means. The damping means is provided for damping the urging means. The cover is provided for completely closing the opening with the urging means. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust and trash form entering, and hold the content securely, thereby making an operation of the storage box high quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a storage box;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the storage box in a state that content projects;

FIG. 3 is a right side view showing the storage box in a state that the content projects;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the storage box taken along line 4,5-4,5 in FIG. 3 in a state that the content projects;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the storage box taken along line 4,5-4,5 in FIG. 3 in a state that the content is stored;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the storage box taken along line 6,7-6,7 in FIG. 3 in a state that the content projects;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the storage box taken along line 6,7-6,7 in FIG. 3 in a state that the content is stored;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the storage box with no content;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the storage box in a state that the content projects; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective showing the storage box in a state that the content is stored.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereunder, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing components of a storage box in a disassembled state. As shown in the figure, an outer case 1 with an open front side (large opening 1e) and an inner case 2 are arranged such that the inner case 2 slides within the outer case 1 in an in/out direction. For this purpose, rails 1g are disposed on inner plates la of the outer case 1 for receiving protruding strips 2c formed on the inner case 2, so that the inner case 2 moves straight in the in/out direction.

Further, a mounting hole 1k is provided in a perpendicular wall 1j of the rails 1g of the outer case 1 for holding a latch 5, i.e., latching means with a latch arm 5a disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3072911 or the like, for engaging a striker 2i disposed on the inner case 2. When the inner case 2 moves into the outer case 1, the inner case 2 is locked in a state entirely stored within the outer case 1.

A large hole 1c is provided in a bottom plate 1b of the outer case 1 for mounting a rotary damper 3 disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 04-34015 or the like. The rotary damper 3 is fixed within the large hole 1c with screws 3b. A small hole 1h is provided in the bottom plate 1b of the outer case 1 for hooking one end of a large spring 4, i.e., urging means for urging the inner case 2 toward outside the outer case 1. A hole 2f is formed in the bottom plate 2b of the inner case 2 for hooking the other end of the large spring 4. The large spring 4 is formed of a torsion coil spring, and is not limited to the torsion coil spring as far as the spring urges the inner case 2 toward outside the outer case 1. A coil spring and a plate spring may be used.

A rotary damper 3 has a gear 3a (not shown) for engaging a rack 2e (not shown) disposed on the bottom plate 2b in a direction of pulling out the inner case 2, so that the inner case 2 is controlled upon protruding with the urging force of the large spring 4.

Guides 1h are provided above the rails 1g disposed on inner sides of the side plates 1a of the outer case 1 along the direction that the inner case 2 slides, and have grooves 1i with at least sections inclined inwardly in the inner case 2. Holders 7 are rotatably supported on support holes 2h(1) of support sections 2h projecting from outer sides of the side plates 2a of the inner case 2. Guide sections 7d disposed at rear ends 7b of the holders 7 trace the grooves 1i, so that the holders move smoothly.

Each of the holders 7 is formed in a curved strip shape, and is divided into a mid section 7a, the rear end 7b, and an arm section 7c. As shown in the figure, the mid section 7a extends in parallel to the side plate 2a of the inner case 2. The rear end 7b is integrally provided at a rear end of the mid section 7a, and is bent about 30 degrees outwardly relative to the side plate 2a. The arm section 7c with an L shape is integrally provided at a front end of the mid section 7a, and is bent 90 degrees inwardly relative to the mid section 7a and further bent 90 degrees forward. Further, shaft sections 7e are provided on a top and bottom of the mid section 7a at a bent section between the mid section 7a and the rear end 7b, and are rotatably supported on the support holes 2h(1) of the support section 2h of the inner case 2. The guide section 7d is provided at an upper rear end of the rear end 7b for tracing the groove 1i of the guide 1h. A front end of the arm section 7c with an L shape, i.e., a section extending substantially in parallel with the mid section 7a, is flexible and formed in a gentle arc shape. A slip-proof material such as a non-woven cloth (not shown) is attached to the front end for preventing the content from slipping.

The outer case 1 has a back opening 1f, and a back plate 9 is provided at the back opening 1f for preventing dust, trash, or the like from entering. Similarly, a front frame 8 is fastened for improving an appearance of the large opening 1e. A front cover 6 is disposed on the inner case 2 for closing the large opening 2g. The front cover 6 has a shaft 6a supported on holes 2f of the inner case 2 and holds the content securely. An urging force of a spring 6b urges the front cover 6 in a direction of closing the large opening 1e, thereby holding the content from above.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the storage box of the present invention in an assembled state wherein the content projects. The front frame 8 is fixed at the front face, and about one third of the content is stored.

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the storage box of the present invention in the assembled state wherein the content projects, and lines 4,5-4,5 and 6,7-6,7 are shown for sectional views of FIGS. 4 to 7 (described below).

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the storage box in the state wherein the content projects taken along line 4,5-4,5 in FIG. 3. In the state wherein the content projects, the latch 5 is released.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the storage box taken along line 4,5-4,5 in FIG. 3 in a state wherein the content is stored.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the storage box taken along line 6,7-6,7 in FIG. 3 in a state wherein the content projects.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the storage box taken along line 6,7-6,7 in FIG. 3 in a state wherein the content is stored. When the storage box stores the content, the mid sections 7a of the holders 7 are held substantially in parallel to the side plates 2b of the inner case 2. In the stored state, the arm sections 7c penetrate the inner case 2 through the openings 2g to press against and hold the content, and the arm sections 7c are formed in an L-shape and deformable. In this state, the rear ends 7b are bent about 30 degrees outwardly relative to the inner case 2 as compared to the mid sections 7a. The holders 7 are supported on the support holes 2h(1) of the support sections 2h of the inner case 2, and the guide sections 7d are guided in the grooves 1i at the sections where the mid section 7a of the holders 7 are connected to the rear ends 7b. Accordingly, when the inner case 2 moves within the outer case 1, the rear ends 7b rotate around the shaft sections 7e approximately 20 degrees outwardly relative to the inner case. When the inner case 2 projects from the outer case 1 to release the content, the rear ends 7b rotate approximately 20 degrees toward inside the inner case around the shaft sections 7e and return to the initial position. The holders rotate approximately 20 degrees according to the shape of the grooves 1i, and can rotate a specific angle by adjusting an angle of the grooves. The rotary damper 3 damps the urging force of the large spring 4, so that the inner case 2 is smoothly ejected from the outer case 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the storage box with no content 10. As shown in the figure, the storage box is assembled, and the front frame 8 is fixed at the large opening le of the outer case 1 retaining the inner case 2. There is no content inserted in the inner case 2, so that the large opening 2g is closed with the front cover 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the storage box in the state wherein the content projects. The content 10 is inserted in the inner case 2, and the front cover 6 is in the opened state and invisible.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the storage box in the state wherein the content is stored.

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-056793, filed on Feb. 2, 2004, is incorporated in the application.

While the invention has been explained with reference to the specific embodiments of the invention, the explanation is illustrative and the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage box comprising: an outer case to be fixed to an attachment member and having a first opening and a guide, an inner case slidably disposed in the outer case for holding an article and having a side wall, a second opening formed in the sidewall and a third opening at a front side thereof, urging means disposed between the inner case and the outer case for urging the inner case toward the first opening, latching means for locking the inner case within the outer case against the urging means, and a holder attached to the inner case for holding the article within the inner case, said holder extending along a direction that the inner case slides and having an arm section at a front end for holding the article, a guided section at a rear end guided by the guide for guiding the arm section toward a position that the arm section holds the article when the inner case moves inwardly relative to the outer case, and a shaft section disposed between the arm section and the guided section and rotatably supported on the inner case, said arm section passing through the second opening when the inner case moves inwardly relative to the outer case.

2. A storage box according to claim 1, wherein said guide includes an inclined portion engaging the guided section of the holder to move the arm section in and out relative to the inner case according to a movement of the inner case.

3. A storage box according to claim 2, wherein said guide includes a plate disposed on an inner side of the outer case and a groove formed in the plate to extend along the direction that the inner case slides, said groove guiding the guided section and having said inclined portion inclined inwardly toward the second opening.

4. A storage box according to claim 3, wherein said holder has an elongated shape, and said arm section has a flexible arc shape.

5. A storage box according to claim 3, wherein said guide and said holder are formed on each of two lateral sides of the outer and inner cases to hold the article from two sides.

6. A storage box according to claim 1, further comprising a rotary damper with a gear disposed on one of the inner case and the outer case for damping the urging means, and a linear gear section disposed on the other of the inner case and the outer case for engaging the gear.

7. A storage box according to claim 1, further comprising a cover attached to the inner case for closing the third opening.