U.S. patent application number 10/469676 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-22 for decoration module, especially for cupboards and cosmetic items.
Invention is credited to Brinkmann, Wolfgang, Von Der Burg, Bruno.
Application Number | 20040075374 10/469676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7681528 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040075374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Von Der Burg, Bruno ; et
al. |
April 22, 2004 |
Decoration module, especially for cupboards and cosmetic items
Abstract
The invention relates to a decoration module (10), especially
for cupboards and cosmetic items, having a rectangular, box-type
form and comprising a bottom (11), a rear wall (12), a cover (14),
lateral flanges (13) and a device (27) for displacing a front plate
(15) for opening and closing the decoration module (10). Said
bottom (11) receives a retractable thrust plate (17) which is
connected to the upper edge (25) of the front plate (15) by means
of at least one traction/thrust element (28). The device (27)
receives the front plate (15) in such a way that said plate can be
displaced in a controlled manner beneath the cover (14) in relation
to the thrust plate (17).
Inventors: |
Von Der Burg, Bruno;
(Hamburg, DE) ; Brinkmann, Wolfgang; (Nusse,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM COLLARD
COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Family ID: |
7681528 |
Appl. No.: |
10/469676 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
September 24, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE01/03724 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/257.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/257.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 047/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 14, 2001 |
DE |
101-18-522.7 |
Claims
1. A decoration module in particular for cupboards and for cosmetic
articles having a rectangular, box-like shape and comprising a
bottom, a rear wall, a cover, lateral flanges, and a device for
displacing a front plate for opening and closing the decoration
module, characterized in that the bottom (11) supports a thrust
plate (17) that can be pulled out, said thrust plate being
connected via one or more traction/thrust elements (28) with the
upper edge (25) of the front plate (15); and that the device (27)
movably supports the front plate (15) in relation to the thrust
plate (17) beneath the cover (14) in a controlled manner.
2. The decoration module according to claim 1, characterized in
that the one or more traction/thrust elements (28) are realized in
the form of a belt and are quasi not elongated/compressed in the
tensile direction and in the pressure direction, and are quasi
permanently capable of bending in any desired manner in the
direction of their narrow edges.
3. The decoration module according to claim 2, characterized in
that the device (17) comprises a guide groove (29) on each of the
inner surfaces of the flanges, said guide groove extending through
in a U-shaped form from the upper via the rear to the lower edges
of each flange (13), whereby the rectangular transitions to the
rear back wall (12) are extending rounded off with a large
radius.
4. The decoration module according to claim 3, characterized in
that rail-like, inner molded components (33) integrated in the
flanges (13) or mounted on the latter, and rounded inner and outer
molded components (30, 32) are forming the guide grooves (29), the
latter receiving the lateral edges of the traction/thrust elements
(28) of the thrust plate (17) and the front plate (15) in a
movable, guiding manner with tensile and pressure stability.
5. The decoration module according to claim 4, characterized in
that the traction/thrust elements (28) are arranged with the one
end section on the lateral edges of the thrust plate (17), and with
the other end section on the upper edge (25) of the front plate
(15), in a fixed manner but with horizontal pivoting capability, or
accordingly via a hinge section (26) on the front plate (15).
6. The decoration module according to claim 5, characterized in
that the guide grooves (29) are formed by a gap each between the
rail-like molded components (33) and the cover (14), the rear wall
(12) and the bottom (11), and between the rounded inner and outer
molded components (30, 32); and that the upper frontal end sections
of the rail-like, molded components (33) are inclined downwards by
a few degrees or extend in a rounded-off manner.
7. The decoration module according to claim 6, characterized in
that the traction/thrust elements (28) have such a length between
the thrust plate (17) and the front plate (15) that with the thrust
plate (17) pushed in, the front plate (15) is tilted downwards at a
right angle and closes the module (10).
8. The decoration module according to claim 7, characterized in
that the depth of the flanges (13) corresponds with the
longitudinal expanse of the thrust plate (17) and the radius of the
outer, rounded molded components (32); and that the distance of
displacement of the thrust plate (17) causes the front plate (15)
to be completely retracted beneath the cover (14).
9. The decoration module according to claim 8, characterized in
that the thrust plate (17) has a center set-up surface (18) with
arresting means (19) for decoration elements (20), and a
trough-like tray (22) on the frontal, outer edge (21), said tray
protruding downwards, for receiving other decoration elements
(24).
10. The decoration module according to one or more of the preceding
claims, characterized in that on its outermost frontal edge, the
tray (22) is molded to form a handle, and that the frontal edge of
the thrust plate (17) has a lower fixed section (16) of a divided
front plate (15).
11. The decoration module according to one or more of the preceding
claims, characterized in that the front plate (15) is made of clear
or transparent material and is forming an advertising surface; and
that the components of the device (17) capable of moving in
relation to one another are made of material capable of sliding, or
are provided with a surface capable of sliding.
Description
DESCRIPTION
[0001] The invention relates to a decoration module in particular
for cupboards and for cosmetic items. The module has a rectangular,
box-like shape and is comprised of a bottom, a rear wall, a cover,
lateral flanges and a device for displacing a front plate for
opening and closing the decoration module.
[0002] Such decoration modules are known in many different forms.
In the following, they are briefly referred to just as modules.
Such modules serve in particular manufacturers of cosmetics as
sales display items and/or as advertising carriers that are
specially adapted to the product and used for offering the
customers and final consumers, for example cosmetic items. Such
modules are frequently required also because cosmetic articles such
as, for example lipsticks, eye pencils, nail lacquers etc. have
extremely small dimensions, and it is deemed desirable that such
items are individually offered in a high-quality form because of
their spiritual/actual value. Such articles had to be otherwise
offered from large sales containers. In connection with cosmetic
articles, a direct color comparison is often required as well, for
example in connection with items such as lipsticks. This is easily
possible with corresponding decoration modules that overtly display
a number of variations of an item, one arranged next to the other,
or also alternatives thereof. Furthermore, all kinds of different
products of a cosmetic line are offered one next to the other via
corresponding modules.
[0003] Such modules consequently serve the purpose of presenting in
a high-quality manner products that are spiritually and also in
fact valuable and of high quality; they permit a good overview of
the entire collection or also of all kinds of different products
from one or an alternative collection, and, furthermore, offer the
availability of advertising surfaces that are located close to the
products.
[0004] Even though such modules are employed in many different
ways, for example in the displays of cosmetic sales outlets and
pharmacies, they are used in the field of medical and
pharmaceutical products as well, where, for example, a great number
of medications have to be accessible for quick and targeted
access.
[0005] Moreover, such modules are often designed in such a way that
they can be closed in order to prevent, for example any soiling of
their contents. They are often arranged also in multitudes next to
each other, or one on top of the other in cupboards, and therefore
offer the possibility of appropriate storage with easy access at
the same time.
[0006] As the rule, the access is, in this connection, supported by
a transparent front plate and a sliding plate, which permits a
quick overview of the products of the module, and at the same time
also access to their rear area.
[0007] This results in an effect that is desired particularly in
the field of products in the form of highly valued cosmetic
articles, and which also stimulating sales as well. Such an effect
is obviously constituting a special inducement if a product is not
readily accessible to a customer. This raises the interest in the
product. It has been found that it is particularly useful if such
modules are combined with a device that moves or opens and closes
the front plate depending on the movement of the sliding plate. The
front plate, which can be secured in the form of a flap or a door
that is, however, displaceable vertically as well.
[0008] For example, a mechanism is known that pushes the front
plate up when the thrust plate is pulled out, so that the contents
of the module can be freely accessed. However, the drawback of this
mechanism is that the module is extremely bulky when the front wall
is open and can get easily damaged in particular if a plurality of
modules stacked one on top of the other have to be coordinated with
each other, because the front plate in the pushed-up position
automatically blocks the access to the module arranged on top of
if, which, under certain circumstances, has to be arranged also
offset in relation to said module. Furthermore, thrust and lift
movements are directly proportional to each other, which has a less
attractive and rather simple effect.
[0009] Furthermore, these modules are constructed in a manner
requiring technically expenditure, as a rule, in order to be stable
and functional in a robust manner at the same time. Therefore, such
modules of the type as known in the prior art are little suited to
resolve the problem of the present invention in a satisfactory
manner.
[0010] The problem of the present invention is to provide a
decoration module in particular for cupboards and for cosmetic
articles that is realized with a robust and simple construction;
whose front plate can be opened in a superior manner, and which, in
the opened condition, will not impair any neighboring modules, and
which will also make available a decoration surface that can be
accessed without any hindrance.
[0011] The present problem is resolved according to the invention
in that the bottom supports a thrust plate that can be pulled out
and is connected with the top edge of the front plate via one or
more traction/thrust elements; and that the device receives the
front plate in such a way that it can be displaced in a controlled
manner beneath the cover in relation to the thrust plate.
[0012] It has been surprisingly found that the problem posed is
completely resolved with the help of a combination of the simplest
type of means. The front plate even may be structured in two parts
with an upper section and a lower section, whereby the lower
section is arranged on a thrust plate in a fixed manner that
comprises a tray as the decoration surface that is cantilevered
downwards and located in the front. Via the traction/thrust
elements, which are guided in the module laterally in a manner
similar to the door of a lamella-type cupboard, the thrust plate
and the front plate are connected with each other, whereby the
connection with the front plate is of the pivot-mounted type.
Pulling out the thrust plate then causes the front plate to pivot
via a bevel inwards beneath the cover of the decoration module in a
simple and slow, nonlinear proportional manner, among other things.
Even neighboring modules will not be obstructed in any way by such
a movement.
[0013] Provision is made in a beneficial manner that the one or
more traction/thrust elements are realized in the form of belts
that quasi are not elongated/compressed in the direction of
traction and direction of thrust. Such belts can be permanently
bent in any desired way in the direction of their narrow edges. A
guide covering the entire surface area, i.e. from one flange to the
other, can be dispensed with in this way, so that one center
traction/thrust element, or also two lateral traction/thrust
elements suffice for assuring stable and safe guidance in
particular also against any canting of the front plate.
Furthermore, the front plate can be directly coupled with the
thrust plate and, because of the extremely low
elongation/compression, combined with the lowest possible space
requirements at the same time, the traction/thrust elements can be
reversed due to their good bending property.
[0014] Provision is advantageously made that the device comprises a
guide groove on each of the inner surfaces of the flanges that is
extending through in the form of a "U" from the upper via the rear
edge to the lower edge of each flange, whereby the right-angled
transitions to the rear wall are extending rounded off with a large
radius. Owing to this displacement of the guidance of the
traction/thrust elements to the outer edge of the flanges, if
possible, the smooth mobility obtained because of large lever arms
is supported, and the construction expenditure is reduced at the
same time, because the walls etc., which are disposed adjacent to
the rail-like sections of the guide groove, can be directly used,
as it is explained in detail farther below. Only the reversals to
the back wall are to be designed rounded off, if possible with a
reasonably large radius that will further support smooth
mobility.
[0015] According to a beneficial embodiment, provision is made that
the guide grooves are formed by rail-like inner and outer molded
components that are integrated in the flanges or mounted on the
latter. These molded components receive the lateral edges of the
traction/thrust elements of the thrust plate and the front plate in
a movable, guiding manner, with stability versus tension and
pressure. This permits the application of modern injection molding
and casting methods, and single- or multi-component flanges, with
molded components mounted thereon or integrated therein, can form
the guide rails. The molded components that are disposed on the
inside and outside with respect to the traction/thrust elements
therefore, can be produced directly in one single production step,
and even jointly with the flanges. In this way, the depth of the
grooves can be beneficially adapted to the belt width of the
traction/thrust elements, and also receive the corresponding
lateral sections of the thrust and the front plates with the
respective depth.
[0016] Furthermore, provision is preferably made that the
traction/thrust elements are arranged with their one end section on
the lateral edges of the thrust plate, and with their other end
section on the upper edge of the front plate in a fixed manner, and
horizontally secured there in a pivot-mounted manner, or
correspondingly mounted there via a hinge section on the front
plate. It is possible in this way to obtain a permanently fixed
connection of the traction/thrust elements with the front plate and
the thrust plate that is not subjected to any buckling movements,
so that also no fatigue of the material has to be feared to occur
in said area. This benefit is especially supported by the hinge
section that can be directly connected with the upper edge of the
front plate in a constructively simple, but also in a
conventionally high-quality manner similar to a piano belt, or in a
pivot-mounted manner via a separate hinge element.
[0017] Furthermore, provision is beneficially made that the guide
grooves each are forming a gap between the rail-like molded
components and the cover, the back wall and the bottom, and between
the rounded inner and outer molded parts, and that the upper, front
end sections of the rail-like molded components are extending with
a downward inclination by a few degrees. As already stated above,
in this way, it is possible to directly use in the area of the
rail-like molded components the adjacent elements as the outer
molded components. The space available in terms of construction is
exploited in this way in the best possible manner, and smooth
mobility is supported. In order to effect a lifting or threading-in
movement of the front plate in the guide grooves, it was
surprisingly found that an end section of the respective rail-like
guide grooves that is extending in a beveled or rounded manner, is
particularly advantageous and simple at the same time. This
supports a smooth and nonlinear movement of the front plate. The
width of the gap remains substantially the same.
[0018] It has been found that it is particularly beneficial if the
traction/thrust elements have such a length between the thrust
plate and the front plate that, with the thrust plate pushed in,
the front plate will tilt down at a right angle and close the
module. This ensures in a simple manner that the front plate will
not protrude from the module even when it is in the tilted-down
state and impair any functional units disposed adjacent to it.
[0019] According to another special embodiment, provision is
beneficially made that the depth of the flanges is corresponding
with the longitudinal expanse of the thrust plate and the radius of
the outer, rounded molded components, and that the distance of the
displacement of the thrust plate effects complete retraction of the
front plate beneath the cover. In this way, it is assured that the
front plate is completely retracted and the mobility of the thrust
late is limited at the same time, which ensures a minimal depth of
the flanges that is functionally appropriate.
[0020] Furthermore, provision is advantageously made that the
thrust plate has a central surface with arresting elements for
setting up decoration elements, and a groove-like, downwardly
extending tray located on the outer front edge for receiving other
decoration elements. The decoration elements located in the
interior of the module are prevented from sliding out of place by
the arresting elements. Thus even multi-level constructions can be
realized that permit the cosmetic articles to be arranged in tiers.
In this way, also an outer decoration surface is provided in a
particularly beneficial manner that may receive, for example test
articles without having to open the module.
[0021] Provision is beneficially made that the tray is molded in
such a way that it is provided with a handle on its front edge, and
that the front edge of the thrust plate supports a lower, fixed
section of a divided front plate. In this way, it is possible to
accommodate in the tray not only cosmetic articles with small
vertical expanses, but even pencils with a high projection because
the respective lower section of the front plate is not swiveling
outwards and upwards, but remains in this position. The front edge
of the tray is knurled in the form of a handle that is particularly
simple and visually attractive. The dish protruding downwards,
furthermore, offers the benefit that decoration modules as defined
by the invention can be quasi inserted in any type of cupboards or
the like, and cover at the same time the drawer-type bottoms of
these shelves and convert these areas into decoration surfaces.
[0022] According to a special embodiment, furthermore, provision is
made that the front plate is manufactured from a clear or
transparent material, forming an advertising surface, and the
components of the device that can be moved in relation to each
other, are made of a material that is capable of sliding or has a
surface that is capable of sliding. This assures a smooth movement,
and the displayed cosmetic articles can be seen directly or
indirectly. Particularly the eye-catching front plate may carry
promotional inscriptions. The materials of all moving components
can be selected in such a manner that they are capable of sliding
particularly smoothly in relation to each other, and may be
realized in the form of single-piece components or also multi-link
components.
[0023] Other preferred embodiments of the invention are specified
in the dependent claims.
[0024] An exemplified embodiment is explained in the following with
greater detail with the help of a drawing, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective exploded representation
of a decoration module as defined by the invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic, sectional side view of a module as
defined by the invention in the closed state; and
[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view according to FIG. 2, with the module
being in the opened state.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective representation of a
decoration module 10 as defined by the invention, in which the
arrows "A" indicate how all of the individual components are
assembled. The decoration module 10 has a rectangular, box-like
shape and is comprised of a bottom 11, a rear wall 1, the lateral
flanges 13, a cover 14 as the upper limitation, and a front plate
15 that may be divided in two components, with a separate lower
front plate section 16. A thrust plate 17 is arranged in the
interior of the decoration module 10 above the bottom 11. This
thrust plate can be pulled from the module 10 and pushed back into
the module in the opposite direction as indicated by the double
arrow "B".
[0029] The thrust plate 17 is arranged directly above the bottom 11
and, on its central support surface 18, has the arresting means 19
for the decoration elements 20, which are thereby provided with a
fixed support in the thrust directions indicated by the double
arrow "B". The part of the double arrow "B" pointing in the
direction of extension is pointing toward the front and thus toward
the viewer or user of the decoration module 10. On the
corresponding front edge 21 of the thrust plate 17, a trough-like
tray 22 is provided for this purpose that is arranged aligned in an
orthogonal manner in relation thereto, with its bottom protruding
downwards. Its frontal edge is flanged so as to form a handle 23.
This tray 22, which is aligned downwards in relation to the bottom
11, serves for receiving the other decoration elements 24. In
accordance with the intended purpose, smaller items such as, for
example cosmetic articles can be displayed in the decoration
elements 20 and 24, which may be supports and stands.
[0030] Furthermore, the frontal arresting means 19 shown serves for
retaining in a fixed manner the lower front plate section 16
through an upper slit-like notch, said lower front plate section
having a maximal height corresponding with the articles in the
decoration elements 24.
[0031] The front plate 15 or, if it is divided in two components,
the upper section of the divided plate closing the front, is
permanently connected at its upper edge 25--which is the rear edge
in FIG. 1--with a hinge element 26, or with a section of the
latter, in a manner such that it is capable of pivoting by
90.degree..
[0032] According to a device 27 that is substantially comprised of
the guide grooves 29, the hinge element 26 and the traction/thrust
elements 28 that are correspondingly secured thereon on both sides,
such traction/thrust elements being held in the guide grooves 29 on
the inner side of the flanges 13, it is possible to retract the
front plate 15 depending on the thrust.
[0033] The guide grooves 29 are first formed by the inner molded
components 30, 33, with the upper front end sections of said
components being bent off downwards by a few degrees. Owing to the
outer molded components 32 in the corners between the rear wall 12
and the cover 14, and between the rear wall 12 and the bottom 11,
it is now possible to guide the traction/thrust elements 28 in a
U-shaped track in such a manner that a movement of the thrust plate
17 as indicated by the arrow "B" is directly transmitted to the
front plate 15 or the hinge element 26. If the thrust plate 17 is
pushed in completely, the upper edge 25 of the front plate 15 will
be positioned directly beneath the front edge of the cover 14, so
that the force of gravity causes the front plate 15 to tilt
downwards and the latter will quasi automatically slowly close the
decoration module 10 in a controlled manner. In the reversed
direction, the front plate 15 is slowly lifted in a controlled
manner by the end sections 31 and brought into the position
shown.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional side view of a module 10
as defined by the invention and corresponding with the one of FIG.
1 in the closed state, thus with the thrust plate 17 pushed in, and
with the front plate 15 tilted into the closing position. Reference
is made therefore to the description of FIG. 1 in all other
respects. Visible in a particularly clear manner is the
supplementing cooperation between the lower front plate section 16
and the upper front plate section if the front plate 15 is divided
in two components, said sections being butt-jointed with each
other, whereby the front plate section 16 is retained on the thrust
plate 17 in an arresting means 19. It can be seen that the hinge
element 26 is realized with two hinge sections in a manner similar
to a piano belt, of which the one section is arranged inside on the
front plate 15 and the other on the traction/thrust elements 28. It
is obvious that the cover 14, the rear wall 12 and the bottom 11
have a special significance in the area of the straight-lined
sections of the guide groove 29. In said sections, the inner,
rail-like molded components 33, jointly with the outer edges of the
bottom 11, the rear wall 12 and the cover 14, are forming the guide
groove 29, with the latter forming at the same time the outer
molded components in said areas.
[0035] Within the area of the corners between the rear wall 12 and
the cover 14, as also the bottom 14, the triangular outer molded
components 32, and the inner, accordingly adapted molded components
30, are basically forming rounded-off sections of the guide groove
29, so that the belt-like traction/thrust elements 28 guided
therein in a sliding manner can be moved with particularly smooth
mobility. The rail-like, inner molded components 33, and the
rounded, molded components 30 can be beneficially realized in the
form of single-piece components with the rear wall 12, and form a
molded combination component 34 that, jointly with the other
rail-like, molded components 33, can be realized also as an
integral component of the flanges 13.
[0036] The tray 22 with the handle 23 and the decoration elements
24 is projecting downwards beyond the bottom 11, preferably by a
measure conforming to the bottom of a shelf or a cupboard. This
section of a cupboard, therefore, can not only be covered by also
employed as a useful section.
[0037] FIG. 3 shows a side view according to FIG. 2 in the opened
condition, for which reason reference is made to the description of
FIG. 2. By pulling out the thrust plate 17 in the direction
indicated by the arrow "B", for example by means of the handle 23,
the thrust plate 17 is first pulled--at the top--against the end
section 31 of the rail-like molded component 33 as indicated by the
arrow "C", which, when it is pulled further, is exerting a
torque--at the bottom sideways--for lifting the front plate 15 as
indicated by the arrow "C", so that the front plate 15 is finally
displaced into the position beneath the cover 14 shown.
[0038] All elements and especially also the components of the
device 27 can be preferably manufactured from plastic material. The
front plate 15, also with the section 16, can be preferably made of
a clear or also of a dyed transparent plastic, and may serve as an
advertising carrier.
[0039] The features of the invention disclosed in the above
description, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, as well as in the claims 1 to 11
can be essential both individually and in any desired combination
for the realization of the invention in its different
embodiments.
* * * * *