Container section and container comprising two container sections

Abstract

A container section comprising a convex external surface, a removable resilient cover for covering said external surface and a retention frame for removably retaining said resilient cover on said external surface, in which said resilient cover comprises at least one pair of edges which are displaced from one another when said resilient cover is arranged flat, and which are adjacent to one another when said resilient cover assumes a three dimensional shape corresponding to said external surface, and in which said retention frame comprises a guard portion which is configured such that it overlies said pair of edges when said retention frame retains said resilient cover on said external surface.

Claims

1. A container section comprising a convex external surface, a removable resilient cover for covering said external surface and a retention frame for removably retaining said resilient cover on said external surface, in which said resilient cover comprises a plurality of pairs of adjoining edges which are angularly displaced from one another when said resilient cover is arranged flat, and which are adjacent to one another when said resilient cover assumes a three dimensional shape corresponding to said external surface, in which said retention frame comprises a plurality of guard portions, each one of which overlies one of said pairs of edges when said retention frame retains said resilient cover on said external surface, in which said external surface comprises a panel with a flange portion extending from a periphery thereof, in which said flange portion comprises a plurality of sides, in which disposed between each adjoining side is one of a plurality of first curved portions, in which said resilient cover comprises a central section which substantially corresponds in size and shape with said panel, a first set of extension portions, each of which extends from said central section and covers a substantial part of one of said plurality of sides of said flange portion, and a second set of extension portions, each of which extends from said central section and substantially covers one of said plurality of first curved portions, and in which each of said plurality of pairs of adjoining edges of said resilient cover comprises an edge of one of said first set of extension portions and an adjoining edge of one of said second set of extension portions.

2. A container section as claimed in claim 1 in which said external surface comprises a second curved portion which extends between said panel and said flange portion.

3. A container section as claimed in claim 2 in which each of said plurality of guard portions overlies two adjacent pairs of adjoining edges.

4. A container section as claimed in claim 3 in which said panel is rectangular and said flange portion comprises four sides, in which said retention frame comprises four guard portions, each of which overlies two adjacent pairs of adjoining edges at one corner of said external surface.

5. A container section as claimed in claim 4 in which said flange portion comprises a first part of a connection means at a periphery thereof, and in which said retention frame comprises a base, from which said four guard portions extend, and which comprise a second part of said connection means adapted to releasably connected to said first part.

6. A container section as claimed in claim 5 in which said first part of said connection means extends around the whole of said periphery of said flange portion, in which said second part of said connection means is a friction fit with said first part.

7. A container section as claimed in claim 5 in which said second part of said connection means is connected to said first part of said connection means by one or more retention members.

8. A container section as claimed in claim 5 in which each of said four guard portions comprises an arm, opposite first and second ends of which are connected to said base, and the shape of which substantially corresponds to the three dimensional shape formed by the two adjacent pairs of adjoining edges over which said arm lies.

9. A container comprising two container sections according to claim 1, in which said two container sections are connected together by a hinge and are arrangeable in a closed configuration to define an enclosed interior therein, and in an open configuration to allow access to said interior.

Description

(1) The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the second aspect of the present invention in a closed configuration, which is made from two container sections according to the first aspect of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container as shown in FIG. 1 in an open configuration;

(4) FIG. 3 is a plan view of a resilient cover part of the container shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a retention frame part of the container as shown in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a section of a retention frame part of the container shown in FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a section of an external surface part of the container shown in FIG. 1; and

(8) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the container shown in FIG. 1.

(9) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a container section 1 comprises a convex external surface 2, a removable resilient cover 3 for covering said external surface 2 and a retention frame 4 for removably retaining said resilient cover 3 on said external surface 2. The resilient cover 3 comprises at least one pair of edges 5 and 6 which are displaced from one another when the resilient cover 3 is arranged flat, as shown in FIG. 3, and which are adjacent to one another when the resilient cover 3 assumes a three dimensional shape corresponding to the external surface 2, as shown in FIG. 2, and in which the retention frame 4 comprises a guard portion 7 which is configured such that it overlies the pair of edges 5 and 6 when the retention frame 4 retains the resilient cover 3 on the external surface 2.

(10) The container section 1 forms one half of a clutch bag 8, which comprises first container section 1, and second container section 9 which is substantially the same, and the same reference numerals are therefore used in each case. (For ease of explanation the following description refers interchangeably to the two container sections 1 and 9, as some features are better seen on one that the other, but as the two container sections 1 and 9 are substantially the same this description can be understood to refer to a single kind of construction.) The two container sections 1 and 9 are connected together by hinges 10 and 11, and as is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2, they can be arranged in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, in a conventional way for a clutch bag.

(11) The shape of the external surfaces 2 of the container sections 1 and 9 are most easily understood by referring to the second container section 9 as shown in FIG. 1. The external surface of the container section 9 is not visible because it is covered by the resilient cover 3, however, the underlying shape can be appreciated. The external surface 2 is basically a rectangular shape with rounded edges and corners. It comprises a rectangular panel, as indicated by hashed box 12, with a flange portion 13 extending normally from a periphery 14 thereof. As the panel 12 is rectangular, the flange portion 13 comprises four sides, two of which 15 and 16 are visible in FIG. 1, and the undersides 17 and 18 of the other two of which are visible in FIG. 2. A first curved portion 19 extends between the panel 12 and the flange portion 13, around the whole periphery 14 of the panel 12. Further, disposed between each adjoining side 15, 16 of the flange portion 13 are four second curved portions, three of which 20, 21 and 22 are visible in FIG. 1, and the underside 23 of the other one of which is visible in FIG. 2. The first curved portion 19 and the second curved portions 20, 21 and 22 merge together at the corners 24, 25, 26 and 27 of the external surface 2.

(12) As is clear from the Figures, the first and second curved portions 19, 20, 21 and 22 give the external surface 2 a more user friendly and ergonomic shape.

(13) Referring to FIG. 3, this shows the resilient cover 3 laid out flat, with its outward facing side shown (i.e. from the same side as the resilient cover 3 visible on the second container section 9 as shown in FIG. 1, but from the opposite side to resilient cover 3 shown in exploded isolation in FIG. 2). The resilient cover 3 comprises a piece of flexible material which is for decorating the external surface 2. It is shown in FIG. 3 as blank, but it will be appreciated that it could carry any surface decoration or colour, or it could be constructed from a material with a desired finish, for example leather.

(14) The resilient cover 3 comprises a central rectangular section, as indicated by hashed box 28, which corresponds in size and shape with panel 12, and a first set of extension portions 29, 30, 31 and 32 which extend from the central section 28. Each of the first set of extension portions 29-32 covers a substantial part of side 15, 16 (17 and 18) respectively of the flange portion 13 when the retention frame 4 retains the resilient cover 3 on the external surface 2, as shown in FIG. 1. The resilient cover 3 further comprises a second set of extension portions 33, 34, 35 and 36, each of which covers one of the second curved portions 20, 21 and 22 when the retention frame 4 retains the resilient cover 3 on the external surface 2, as shown in FIG. 1.

(15) As a result of this shape, the resilient cover 3 comprises eight pairs of edges, 5 and 6, 37 and 38, 39 and 40, 41 and 42, 43 and 44, 45 and 46, 47 and 48 and 49 and 50. As is clear from FIG. 3, the edges 5, 6, 37-50 in each respective pair of edges are edges of the outline shape of the resilient cover 3 which are adjacent to one another, and in the case of each pair, they are angularly displaced from one another when the resilient cover 3 is arranged flat. The edges 5, 6, 37-50 in each respective pair comprise one edge of one of the first set of extension portions 29-32 and an adjoining edge of one of the second set of extension portions 33-36.

(16) Referring to edges 5 and 6, at the corner 51 where they meet, there is provided a small substantially annular wasted section 52. This is provided to assist the resilient cover 3 in achieving the three dimensional shape as shown in FIG. 1 without any ridge being formed where the material is compressed at the corner 51. Similar annular wasted sections are provided at the corners where the other pairs of edges 37-50 meet.

(17) Referring to FIG. 4, this shows the retention frame 4 in isolation (from the same side as the retention frame 4 visible on the second container section 9 as shown in FIG. 1, but from the opposite side to retention frame 4 shown in exploded isolation in FIG. 2). The retention frame 4 comprises a rectangular base 53, and four guard portions 7, 54, 55 and 56. Each of these comprises a curved arm, which extends both upwardly and inwardly of the base 53. Referring to arm 7, it comprises opposite first and second ends 57 and 58 which are connected to the base 53, so there is defined an opening 59. The arm 7 is shaped such that it substantially corresponds in shape to the three dimensional shape formed by adjacent pairs of edges 49 and 50 and 5 and 6 of the resilient cover 3 at corner 24, over which arm 7 lies when the retention frame 4 retains the resilient cover 3 on the external surface 2, as shown in FIG. 1. Guard portions 54, 55 and 56 have the same structure, and when the retention frame 4 retains the resilient cover 3 on the external surface 2, guard portion 54 overlies adjacent pairs of edges 37 and 38 and 39 and 40 at corner 25, guard portion 55 overlies adjacent pairs of edges 41 and 42 and 43 and 44 at corner 26, and guard portion 56 overlies adjacent pairs of edges 45 and 46 and 47 and 48 at corner 27.

(18) Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the base 53 of the retention frame 4 comprises a socket 60. This socket 60 extends around the whole of the base 53. Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the external surface 2 comprises a lip 61, and again this extends around the whole of a periphery 62 of the external surface 2. Referring to FIG. 7, this shows how when the resilient cover 3 is applied to the external surface 2, the socket 60 can be placed onto the lip 61, and is affixed thereto by a releasable friction fit.

(19) The container section 1 of the first aspect of the invention operates as follows. The user places the resilient cover 3 on the external surface 2, with the central section 28 aligned with the panel 12, and folds the eight extension portions 29-36 down against the sides 15, 16 and the second curved portions 20-22 accordingly. This makes the resilient cover 3 assume a three dimensional shape corresponding to the external surface 2, in which each of the pairs of edges 5, 6 and 37-50 are moved into a position in which they are adjacent to one another. As is clear from FIG. 2, in this position the other eight edges of the resilient cover 3 collectively assume a rectangular shape with curved corners 63, which corresponds to the shape of the lip 61, and those edges are disposed within the lip 61, as shown in FIG. 7.

(20) The retention frame 4 is then placed over the resilient cover 3, and the socket 60 is fitted over the lip 61, to releasably friction fit the retention frame 4 in place on the external surface 2, and retain the resilient cover 3 thereon, as shown in FIG. 1.

(21) The guard portion 7 overlies the adjacent pairs of edges 49 and 50 and 5 and 6 at corner 24, guard portion 54 overlies adjacent pairs of edges 37 and 38 and 39 and 40 at corner 25, guard portion 55 overlies adjacent pairs of edges 41 and 42 and 43 and 44 at corner 26, and guard portion 56 overlies adjacent pairs of edges 45 and 46 and 47 and 48 at corner 27. Therefore, all the edges 5, 6, 37-50 of the resilient cover 3 are covered over and protected. As such, the portions of the resilient cover 3 which are visible are continuous, and not interrupted by any gaps.

(22) It will be appreciated that the resilient cover 3 can be one of a plurality of identically shaped resilient covers 3 which have different surface colours or patterns, or which are made from different decorative materials. Therefore, in order to change the appearance of the container section 1 the user can remove the retention frame 4, by forcing the socket 60 away from the lip 61 against the retention force of the friction fit, remove the resilient cover 3, and replace it with another one, which can be fitted in the same manner described above.

(23) This system allows a user to easily create their own resilient covers 3 out of materials which would suit a desired outfit. It is simply necessary for them to cut a suitable template of material in the shape as illustrated in FIG. 3. Such a template of material can be used on its own, but it is also possible to provide backings in the same shape as the resilient cover 3, to which desired pieces of material can be adhered. This results in a more sturdy and long lasting composite resilient cover. This system also allows for the sale of manufactured material templates, and/or backings to which material can be adhered, either individually, or in packs.

(24) It will also be appreciated that the retention frame 4 can also be one or a plurality of identically shaped retention frames 4 which have different surface colours, patterns or finishes. Therefore, in order to change the appearance of the container section 1 even more, the user can remove the retention frame 4 and replace it with another of a different appearance. This allows for an even greater degree of flexibility in customisation of the appearance of the container section 1. Further, this system also allows for the sale of replacement retention frames, either individually, or in packs.

(25) The second aspect of the present invention is a container comprising two container sections according to the first aspect of the present invention. It will be appreciated how clutch bag 8 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises such a container, and it therefore provides full support for the second aspect of the present invention.

(26) The container section 1 and the second container section 9 are the same, so it is possible for a user to change the resilient cover 3 and/or the retention frame 4 in both cases as outlined above. This allows the user to use the same kind of resilient cover 3 and retention frame 4 on both sides, in order to create a single pattern, colour or material bag, but it also allows them to have a clutch bag with differently decorated sides, if desired.

(27) The two container sections 1 and 9 are connected together by hinges 10 and 11, so they can be arranged in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1, and in an open configuration as shown in FIG. 2. A known mechanism, for example magnets (not shown) is provided to close the clutch bag 8 in the closed configuration.

(28) The container section 1 and clutch bag 8 can be altered without departing from the scope of claim 1. For example, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the external surface is another shape, including a sphere, a part of a sphere, a cylinder, a part of a cylinder, a cube, a pyramid, and any kind of prism shape. With these embodiments the resilient cover is shaped accordingly.

(29) In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the external surface and/or the resilient cover is provided with a high friction or adhesive surface, to assist in the placement or securing of the resilient cover on the external surface.

(30) In other alternative embodiments (not shown) instead of the socket and lip arrangement of first connection means and second connection means, the base of the retention frame simply fits into a trough provided at the periphery of the external surface of the container section, and it is retained therein by one or more retention members, such as removable retention clips, or spring loaded ball latches.

(31) Therefore, the present invention provides a decorable convex container section, or a container comprising two such container sections, in which any joins in the overlying material are covered. This provides protection from damage, and also achieves a new aesthetic finish. The invention also provides a clutch bag with readily interchangeable surface coverings, which allows it to be used repeatedly with different outfits.