Abstract
The invention relates to a container for accommodating one or more objects, with the container having a main body and a lid, with the main body having a bottom as well as side walls forming a border structure pointing towards the lid, with the container having a connecting edge via which the main body and lid are pivotably connected to one another, wherein the container is provided with a unfoldable figure which is reversibly transferable from a compressed flat state to a three-dimensional expanded state, and means for producing visual and/or acoustic effects, wherein the container has a foldable insert sheet that has at least five sections arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, the 1st section covering the inner side of the lid, the 2nd and 5th sections, laid one on top of the other, being placed into the main body and the 3rd and 4th sections, laid one on top of the other, resting against the inside of the side wall opposite the connecting edge, wherein between the bottom and the 2nd and 5th sections laid one on top of the other there is a compartment formed out for receiving the objects, with means for producing visual and/or acoustic effects being located between the inside of the lid and the 1st section, and the unfoldable figure being located between the 1st and 2nd sections.
Claims
1. Container designed so as to accommodate one or several objects, with the container comprising a main body and a lid, the main body being provided with a bottom as well as side walls which are forming a border structure pointing towards the lid, the container further having a connecting edge where the main body and the lid are joined to each other in a pivotable manner, with the container also being provided with an unfoldable figure that can be reversibly transferred from a compressed flat state to a three-dimensional expanded state, and means capable of generating visual or acoustic effects, the container being provided with a foldable insert sheet comprising at least five sections longitudinally arranged one behind the other, wherein the 1st section covers the inside of the lid, the 2nd and 5th sections are placed on top of each other in the main body and the 3rd and 4th sections are laid one on top of the other against the inside of the side wall opposite to the connecting edge, with a compartment for the accommodation of the objects being formed between the bottom and the 2nd and 5th sections placed on top of one another, with means for producing visual or acoustic effects being located between the inside of the lid and the 1st section, and the unfoldable figure being arranged between the 1st and 2nd sections.
2. Container according to claim 1, wherein the container is of cuboidal shape.
3. Container according to claim 1, wherein the foldable insert sheet is made of paper or cardboard material.
4. Container according to claim 1, wherein the 1st section of the foldable insert sheet is at least partially bonded to the inside of the lid.
5. Container according to claim 1, wherein the 1st section is provided with an opening through which a switch protrudes, said switch being configured in such a way that it activates and deactivates the means for producing the visual or acoustic effects when the container is opened and closed.
6. Container according to claim 1, wherein a reed contact is arranged between the 1st section and the inside of the lid and a magnet is arranged between the 2nd and 5th sections, or a reed contact is arranged between the 2nd and 5th sections and a magnet is arranged between the 1st section and the inside of the lid, wherein the reed contact being configured in such a way that it activates and deactivates the means for generating visual or acoustic effects when the container is opened and closed.
7. Container according to claim 1, wherein between the 1st section and the inside of the lid or between the 2nd and 5th sections, illuminating means are provided which are in electrical connection with the means for producing visual effects, with the 1st or the 2nd section being provided with cutouts that allow the light generated by the illuminating means to pass through.
8. Container according to claim 1, wherein theist section is provided with foldable areas wherein an additional bendable section abuts against the top side foldable area.
9. Container according to claim 8, wherein the means for generating visual or acoustic effects are attached to the rear side of the additional bendable section.
10. Container according to claim 1, wherein cutouts are arranged in the 1st and 2nd sections for the fixation of the unfoldable figure.
11. Container according to claim 1, wherein between the 1st and 2nd sections there are areas of the insert sheet that facilitate the folding of the insert sheet.
12. Container according to claim 1, wherein the lid is provided with side walls forming a border structure pointing towards the bottom.
13. Container according to claim 1, wherein reinforcing strips are placed into the lid and in the main body respectively adjacent to and in parallel with the connecting edge.
14. Container according to claim 13, wherein the reinforcing strip placed in the lid is provided with a cutout through which a switch protrudes, said switch being configured in such a way that it activates and deactivates the means for producing visual or acoustic effects when the container is opened and closed.
15. Container according to claim 13, wherein the reinforcing strip placed in the lid is part of an insert carrying the means for producing visual or acoustic effects, wherein the insert is fixed inside the lid.
16. Container according to claim 1, wherein a band or a cord is attached between the lid and the main body for the purpose of limiting the opening angle of the container.
17. Container according to claim 1, wherein the connecting edge is provided with at least one hinge.
18. Container according to claim 1, wherein a reinforcing sheet is inserted between the 2nd and 5th sections.
19. Container according to claim 1, wherein a pulling element is attached to the 2nd or 3rd section for opening the compartment when objects are to be accommodated.
20. Container according to claim 1, wherein means are provided to bring about motion effects.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Details of the invention are shown in the following figures where
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an oblique view of a container proposed by the invention;
[0040] FIG. 2a is a top view of the insert sheet in the unfolded state;
[0041] FIG. 2b is a top view of the insert sheet in the unfolded state according to an alternative embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 3a shows the insert sheet in the folded state as seen from above;
[0043] FIG. 3b shows the insert sheet in the folded state as seen from below;
[0044] FIG. 3c shows the insert sheet of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 2b in the folded state as seen from above;
[0045] FIG. 3d shows the insert sheet of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 2b in the folded state as seen from below;
[0046] FIG. 4a illustrates the insertion sheet in the folded state as viewed from below with means for generating visual and/or acoustic effects in accordance with a first embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 4b shows the insertion sheet in the folded state as viewed from below with means for generating visual and/or acoustic effects in accordance with a second embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 4c illustrates an oblique view of the container with an alternative positioning of the magnet;
[0049] FIG. 5a is a top view of the insert sheet in the folded state when placing the unfoldable figure in position;
[0050] FIG. 5b is a top view of the insert sheet in the folded state showing the unfoldable figure;
[0051] FIG. 6a is a top view of the container with unfoldable figure;
[0052] FIG. 6b shows the container in the top view with unfoldable figure and open compartment for the accommodation of objects;
[0053] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the insert sheet in the unfolded state according to an alternative embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 8a is a top view of the insert sheet in the folded state as per the alternative embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 8b shows the insert sheet in the folded state in the view from below as per the alternative embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 9a shows a reinforcing strip for the lid;
[0057] FIG. 9b shows a reinforcing strip for the main body;
[0058] FIG. 9c illustrates a container proposed by the invention with reinforcing strip placed in position; and
[0059] FIG. 10 shows an L-shape insert comprising electronic components to be placed within the lid.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0060] In FIG. 1, the invention is represented in the form of an inclined top view. The container 10 consists of a main body 11 and a lid 12, with the main body 11 being composed of a bottom 13 and side walls 14. In the embodiment illustrated here, the lid 12 also has side walls 20, with lid 12 and main body 11 being pivotably connected to each other along a connecting edge 6. The opening of the container 10 is limited by means of band 24.
[0061] In a top view illustration, FIG. 2a shows the insert sheet 9 in its unfolded state. Insert sheet 9 has five sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction. With the exception of the foldable areas 27 provided laterally in the area of the 1st section 1, the width of the insert sheet 9 is constant over its entire length. In contrast, the 1st, 2nd and 5th sections 1, 2 and 5 are significantly longer than the 3rd and 4th sections 3 and 4, which is related to the fact that, in the inserted state, the 1st section 1 is positioned against the inner side of the lid 12 and the 2nd and 5th sections 2, 5 rest on the bottom 13 of the main body 11, whereas the 3rd and 4th sections 3, 4 are placed against a side wall 14 of the main body 11. In the event that the container 10 is designed as a flat cuboid, this results in a significantly reduced length for the 3rd and 4th sections 3, 4 in comparison to the other sections 1, 2 and 5.
[0062] Furthermore, various cutouts can be seen in the insert sheet 9. Opening 29 serves to pass through a pulling element by means of which the compartment can be opened with a view to accommodating objects, in particular gifts. The cutouts 28 are intended to secure the foldable figure which is to be mounted on the insert sheet 9. A switch to be provided for the activation of the visual/acoustic effects is passed through cutout 18. Finally, the cutouts 19 are provided for LEDs located underneath to allow them to illuminate and shine through the insert sheet 9. To render the insert sheet 9 sufficiently flexible along the connecting edge 6 of the container 10 when the lid 12 of the container 10 is opened or closed, additional areas 26 are provided for the purpose of facilitating the folding of the insert sheet 9 in this area.
[0063] FIG. 2b shows the view equivalent to FIG. 2a of an alternative embodiment wherein the insert sheet 9 comprises an additional bendable section 31 adjacent to the top side foldable area 27. When the insert sheet 9 is inserted into the lid 12, the additional bendable section 31 is folded towards the 1st section 1 wherein the top side foldable area 27 generates a certain height of the interspace between the additional bendable section 31 and the 1st section 1. This interspace may be used for accommodation of electronic components 8.
[0064] As viewed from above in FIG. 3a, the insert sheet 9 is displayed in the folded state, while FIG. 3b is an illustration seen from below. Due to the folding of insert sheet 9, the 2nd and 5th sections 2, 5 are arranged on top of each other, and the same applies to the 3rd and 4th sections 3, 4. The 1st section 1, on the other hand, is provided as a single layer for placement into the lid 12.
[0065] FIGS. 3c and 3d correspond to the FIGS. 3a and 3b, however, according to the alternative embodiment of the insert sheet 9 of FIG. 2b. The additional bendable section 31 is folded towards the 1st section 1. Electronic means for generating optical and/or acoustic effects 8 may be accommodated within the interspace between the additional bendable section 31 and the 1st section 1. These may be attached either to the rear side of the 1st section 1 or to the rear side of the additional bendable section 31.
[0066] In FIG. 4a, insert sheet 9 is shown in a view from below with means 8 for creating visual/acoustic effects. A switch 30 which projects through the opening 18 shown hereinbefore is used to cause activation or deactivation of the means 8 by opening or closing the lid 12.
[0067] In FIG. 4b a respective insert sheet 9 is illustrated which differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a as far as the activation of the means 8 for producing the visual/acoustic effects is concerned, in that a reed contact 16 is provided here which interacts with a magnet 17. In both cases, means 8 for producing the visual/acoustic effects are arranged on the reverse side of the 1st section 1, and the same applies to the reed contact 16, with magnet 17, on the other hand, being located between the 2nd and 5th sections 2, 5.
[0068] According to the embodiment in FIG. 4c the magnet 17 is located at an opening edge of the side wall 14. On opening the lid 12 the means 8 for producing the visual/acoustic effects are activated.
[0069] FIG. 5a illustrates how the unfoldable FIG. 7 is mounted on the insert sheet 9 as indicated by the arrow. The unfoldable FIG. 7 is placed between the 1st and 2nd sections 1, 2 in such a way that unfolding takes place automatically upon unfolding the 1st and 2nd sections 1, 2, which is done in inserted state by opening the lid 12. The cutouts 28 already mentioned hereinbefore are provided for securing the unfoldable FIG. 7.
[0070] In FIG. 5b the insert sheet 9 is shown with the unfoldable FIG. 7 in secured position. The figure is caused to unfold upon the container 10 being opened, resulting in the 1st and 2nd sections 1, 2 being moved apart automatically. When the container 10 is closed, on the other hand, the 1st and 2nd sections 1, 2 are moved towards each other so that the FIG. 7 changes to assume a flat, compressed shape.
[0071] FIG. 6a shows the insert sheet 9 placed into the container 10 with the FIG. 7 in unfolded state. As shown in FIG. 6b, by lifting the pulling element 25, which is attached to the 2nd section 2, the compartment 15 can be opened to receive objects.
[0072] Similar to FIG. 2, an insert sheet 9 is shown in the unfolded state in FIG. 7, with the unfoldable FIG. 7 in this case, however, being already formed out on the insert sheet 9. The unfoldable FIG. 7 is produced here by a punching/die-cutting process.
[0073] In FIG. 8a the insert sheet 9 of FIG. 7 is shown in the folded state from the upper side, in FIG. 8b from the lower side, with in the configuration depicted here, which corresponds to the configuration when lid 12 of the container 10 has been opened, an unfolding of FIG. 7 taking place automatically.
[0074] FIG. 9a illustrates a reinforcing strip 22 for insertion into the lid 12 along the connecting edge 6, and FIG. 9b shows a reinforcing strip 21 for insertion into the main body 11, also along the connecting edge 6. The situation with strips in place can be seen from FIG. 9c. In the reinforcing strip 22 for the lid 12 a recess 23 is arranged through which a switch projects, which interacts with the reinforcing strip 21 for the main body 11 to activate or deactivate the means 8 for producing the visual/acoustic effects upon opening or closing of lid 12.
[0075] FIG. 10 shows an L-shape insert wherein the reinforcing strip 22 is part of the L-shape insert. Within the reinforcing strip 22 a recess or cutout is arranged for accommodation of a switch 30. The electronic components of the container like the means 8 for producing the visual/acoustic effects, a PCBA are attached to the L-shape insert.
