U.S. patent application number 15/047889 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for content receiving device, opening/closing mechanism, and container mechanism comprising the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hyeon Soo Park. Invention is credited to Hyeon Soo Park.
Application Number | 20160159555 15/047889 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52586924 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160159555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Hyeon Soo |
June 9, 2016 |
CONTENT RECEIVING DEVICE, OPENING/CLOSING MECHANISM, AND CONTAINER
MECHANISM COMPRISING THE SAME
Abstract
The present invention relates to a content receiving device, an
opening/closing mechanism, and a container mechanism comprising the
same, the content receiving device comprising: a housing which
opens to both sides applied to a container body; and an operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content provided on the
housing to move and guide contents, wherein the operating mechanism
has an opening formed to communicate with a storage portion of the
container body such that contents of the storage portion are moved.
The present invention not only secures a content passage space, but
also adjusts the passage space and a receiving space, thereby
limiting reception of contents; passage of the demand amount of
contents is stably induced within a predetermined range; and
contents are prevented from remaining more than is needed, together
with interlocked limitation of the content receiving space, such
that the amount of received contents is adjusted.
Inventors: |
Park; Hyeon Soo; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Park; Hyeon Soo |
Seoul |
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KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
52586924 |
Appl. No.: |
15/047889 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/KR2014/007895 |
Aug 25, 2014 |
|
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15047889 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
221/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/049 20130101;
B65D 83/0427 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/04 20060101
B65D083/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 27, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0101423 |
Dec 2, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0148836 |
Jan 29, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0011721 |
Mar 11, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0028638 |
Aug 22, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0109813 |
Claims
1. A content receiving device comprising: an operating mechanism
for controlling passage of content configured to guide movement of
content, wherein the operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content comprises a content passage unit allowing the content to
move therethrough.
2. The content receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the
content is moved through the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content by deformation of the content passage unit.
3. The content receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content prevents a
demand amount of the content transferred from a storage portion to
the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content from
returning to the storage portion.
4. The content receiving device according to claim 2, further
comprising a receiving portion configured to receive the content
passed through the content passage unit, wherein the receiving
portion is configured to receive the content passed through the
content passage unit while to prevent an excess of the content
exceeding a demand amount from remaining in the receiving
portion.
5. The content receiving device according to claim 4, wherein the
receiving portion comprises at least one of an upper resistance
plate disposed at an upper portion in a content passage direction
and a side resistance plate disposed at a side portion
perpendicular to the content passage direction to resist the
content having passed through the content passage unit, allows the
content to contact at least one of the upper resistance plate and
the side resistance plate, and restricts a remaining amount of the
content to a demand amount therein.
6. The content receiving device according to claim 4, wherein the
receiving portion comprises a partition member for partitioning a
space of the receiving portion and for restricting an amount of the
content to be received by the receiving portion by adjusting a
content receiving space of the receiving portion partitioned by the
partition member.
7. The content receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content comprises an
opening through which the content passes and a stationary member
connected to the content passage unit.
8. The content receiving device according to claim 7, wherein the
content passage unit comprises one or more opening members, one
side of the opening member is secured to the stationary member, and
the other side of the opening member is a deformable free end side,
wherein the opening member defines a passage space formed at a
portion thereof such that the content passes through the passage
space.
9. The content receiving device according to claim 7, wherein the
content passes through the opening by deformation of the content
passage unit, wherein the content passage unit comprises an opening
member movably connected to the stationary member so as to allow
the content to pass therethrough the opening.
10. The content receiving device according to claim 7, wherein the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content opens or
closes at least a portion of the opening by deformation of the
content passage unit.
11. The content receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the
content passage unit disposed in the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content guides the content of a demand
amount to pass through the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content.
12. The content receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the
content passage unit is deformed to guide passage of the content by
the weight of the content passage unit or compressive force of the
content.
13. The content receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the
content passage unit is deformed by movement of at least one member
of the content passage unit.
14. The content receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the
content passage unit comprises an opening member movably disposed
in the direction of content passage so as to allow the content to
pass through the opening.
15. The content receiving device according to claim 14, wherein the
content passage unit comprises a movement securing portion to which
the opening member or a moving member connected to the opening
member is movably connected.
16. The content receiving device according to claim 14, wherein the
opening is opened to form a passage space for the content when the
opening member is pushed by a weight of the content, when the
housing is shaken, or when the opening member is opened by a weight
thereof.
17. The content receiving device according to claim 14, wherein the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content comprises
stationary member forming the opening to allow only a demand amount
of the content to pass through the opening.
18. The content receiving device according to claim 14, wherein the
opening member is provided singularly or in plural.
19. The content receiving device according to claim 14, wherein the
content passage unit further comprises a blocking plate for closing
at least a part of the opening in association with the opening
member so as to prevent the content from passing through the
opening portion.
20. The content receiving device according to claim 19, wherein the
blocking plate prevents an excess of the content from passing
therethrough by rotational movement of the blocking plate.
21. The content receiving device according to claim 19, wherein the
blocking plate closes at least a portion of the opening in
association with the opening member to prevent an excess of the
content exceeding a demand amount to pass through the opening.
22. The content receiving device according to claim 14, wherein the
content passage unit allows the content to pass through the content
passage unit by rotational movement of the content passage
unit.
23. The content receiving device according to claim 14, wherein the
opening member is rotatably provided to the content passage
unit.
24. The content receiving device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a housing of a container body of the container
mechanism wherein the housing comprises a temporary receiving
portion in which the content is on standby for withdrawal, wherein
the storage portion partially communicates with the temporary
receiving portion through the opening formed in the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content, and the content in
the storage portion is moved to the temporary receiving portion
through the operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content.
25. The content receiving device according to claim 1, further
comprising: an inflow guide member configured to guide the content
to move towards the operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content wherein the inflow guide member forms a guide opening that
opens toward the operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content and an inclined surface along at least a portion of an edge
of the guide opening.
26. The content receiving device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a content guide member for guiding the content to move
to a portion at which a user can easily obtain the content having
passed through the content passage unit, and the content guide
member is formed with an inflow portion into which the content
having passed through the content passage unit flows, and has an
inclined surface having an inclination gradually increasing from
the inflow portion to an edge thereof.
27. The content receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the
content passing through the content passage unit is at least one of
solid, powder and liquid phases.
28. An opening and closing mechanism applied to a container body,
comprising: a temporary receiving portion in which a content is on
standby for withdrawal; a body having the temporary receiving
portion; and an operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content formed with an opening such that a storage portion of the
container body at least partially communicates with the temporary
receiving portion through the opening to allow the content to be
moved from the storage portion to the temporary receiving
portion.
29. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 28,
wherein the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
prevents a demand amount of the content having moved to the
temporary receiving portion therethrough from moving into the
storage portion.
30. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 28,
wherein the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
comprises a content passage unit for allowing the content to pass
through the opening, and the content of the storage portion is
allowed to move an opening and closing mechanism by deformation of
the content passage unit.
31. A container mechanism comprising: a content receiving device
provided to an open side of a storage portion for storing content
and guiding the content to be received in the content receiving
device, the content receiving device comprising: a housing open
towards at least one side thereof; and an operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content disposed inside the housing and
guiding the content to be received therein, wherein the housing
comprises a temporary receiving portion in which the content is on
standby, and wherein the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content is formed with an opening through which the
storage portion at least partially communicates with the temporary
receiving portion through the opening to allow the content to be
moved from the storage portion to the temporary receiving portion,
and comprises a content passage unit through which the content
passes.
32. The container mechanism according to claim 31, wherein the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content allows the
content in the storage portion to move into the temporary receiving
portion by deformation of the content passage unit.
33. The container mechanism according to claim 32, wherein the
temporary receiving portion comprises a receiving portion
configured to receive only a demand amount of the content passed
through the opening, and wherein the receiving portion comprises at
least one of an upper resistance plate disposed at an upper portion
in a content passage direction and a side resistance plate disposed
at a side portion perpendicular to the content passage direction to
resist the content having passed through the opening, allows the
content to contact at least one of the upper resistance plate and
the side resistance plate, and restricts a remaining amount of the
content after passing through the opening to a preset amount.
34. A container mechanism comprising: a content receiving device
provided to a container body configured to receive content and to
guide passage of the content; and a housing at least partially open
towards at least one side thereof, wherein the content receiving
device comprises an operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content configured to guide movement of the content, the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content comprising a content
passage unit configured to allow the content to move
therethrough
35. The container mechanism according to claim 34, wherein the
content passage unit comprises a variable operation plate movably
disposed and moving to allow the content to pass therethrough.
36. The container mechanism according to claim 35, wherein the
content passage unit comprises a blocking plate closing the opening
in association with the opening member to prevent the content from
passing through the opening portion.
37. The container mechanism according to claim 34, wherein the
content is allowed to move by deformation of the content passage
unit.
38. The container mechanism according to claim 37, wherein the
content passage unit is deformed to guide passage of the content by
the weight of the content passage unit or compressive force of the
content
39. The container mechanism according to claim 37, further
comprising an opening member comprises an opening member that is
movable so as to allow the content to pass through the opening,
wherein the opening member allows passage of the content
therethrough in a state that the content passage unit does not
contact or is resisted by an opening and closing mechanism, a
cover, a member connected to the opening and closing mechanism, or
a member connected to the cover at a side of the content passage
unit of the housing provided with the content passage unit.
40. The container mechanism according to claim 37, further
comprising an opening member comprises an opening member that is
movable so as to allow the content to pass through the opening,
wherein the opening member allows passage of the content
therethrough in a state that the housing provided with the content
passage unit is open in a content passage direction of the content
passage unit.
41. The container mechanism according to claim 37, further
comprising an opening member comprises an opening member that is
movable so as to allow the content to pass through the opening,
wherein the content passage unit allows the content to pass
therethrough only by operation of tilting, overturning or shaking
the housing provided with the content passage unit
42. The container mechanism according to claim 37, further
comprising: an opening member comprises an opening member that is
movable so as to allow the content to pass through the opening,
wherein the opening member; a receiving portion receiving the
content having passed through the content passage unit, wherein the
receiving portion receives the content having passed through the
content passage unit while preventing an excess of the content
exceeding a demand amount from remaining therein.
43. A container mechanism comprising: an opening and closing
mechanism provided to a container body and opening or closing the
container body, the opening and closing mechanism comprising: a
temporary receiving portion in which content is on standby for
withdrawal; and an operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content guiding movement of content, wherein the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content is formed with an
opening such that a storage portion of the container body at least
partially communicates with the opening to allow the content to be
moved from the storage portion to the temporary receiving
portion.
44. The container mechanism according to claim 43, wherein the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content comprises a
content passage unit allowing the content to pass through the
opening portion, and the content of the storage portion is allowed
to move by deformation of the content passage unit.
45. A container mechanism including a housing that allows a content
to pass therethrough as needed, the container mechanism comprising:
a content passage unit configured to guide passage of a demand
amount of the content, wherein the content passage unit forms a
passage space through opening or closing by rotation thereof such
that the content passes to an outside of the housing through the
passage space, comprises an opening member and a movement securing
portion to which the opening member is rotatably connected, and
guides passage of the content upon formation of the passage space
by rotation of the opening member
46. The container mechanism according to claim 45, wherein the
opening member has one side contacting and secured to the movement
securing portion, and is movable at the other side thereof such
that the opening member is opened or closed by rotation thereof,
and the content passage unit forms the passage space to allow the
content to pass therethrough
47. The container mechanism according to claim 45, wherein the
opening member allows passage of the content therethrough by
formation of the passage space through movement of a free end
thereof.
48. A passage device comprising: an operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content configured to guide movement of
content and provided to a housing that opens towards at least one
side thereof wherein the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content comprises a content passage unit configured to
be opened or closed by rotation thereof to guide the content to
exit the housing, wherein the content passage unit comprises an
opening member configured to move and to open in the direction of
content passage and a movement securing portion configured to
rotatably securing the opening member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT International
Application S/N PCT/KR2014/007895 filed on Aug. 25, 2014, which
claims priority to Korean Patent Application S/N KR10-2013-0101423
filed on Aug. 27, 2013, Korean Patent Application S/N
KR10-2013-0148836 filed on Dec. 2, 2013, Korean Patent Application
S/N KR10-2014-0011721 filed on Jan. 29, 2014, Korean Patent
Application S/N KR10-2014-0028638 filed on Mar. 11, 2014, and
Korean Patent Application S/N KR10-2014-0109813 filed on Aug. 22,
2014, each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a content receiving device,
an opening and closing mechanism and a container including the
same, and more particularly, to a content receiving device that can
secure a passage space for content while changing the passage space
to guide stable passage of a demand amount of the content and can
prevent additional reception of the content exceeding the demand
amount by regulating the passage space and a reception space in
association with passage of the content through the passage space,
an opening and closing mechanism, and a container including the
same.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, a container mechanism storing solid, powder or
liquid content includes a container body having male threads formed
on an outer circumference of an upper portion thereof, and an
opening and closing mechanism (that is, a stopper cap) having
female threads formed on an inner circumference thereof and
engaging with the container body to keep the container sealed.
[0006] In the related art, various kinds of opening and closing
mechanisms having various shapes have been used for various
purposes.
[0007] An opening and closing mechanism for containers generally
comprises a cap having a flat upper surface and is formed with fine
protrusions on an outer circumferential surface thereof such that
the opening and closing mechanism can be gripped and rotated by a
user when opening the cap.
[0008] It should be understood that the above description is
provided for understanding the background of the invention and is
not a description of a well-known conventional technique in the art
to which the present invention pertains.
[0009] One example of an opening and closing mechanism for
containers is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No.
20-0360697 (entitled "Triple container with lid").
[0010] Such a typical container provides user inconvenience because
the content can be spilled out in a lump when the container is
tilted by a user to take out the content by one or in a desired
amount from the container.
[0011] In the case where only a small amount of the content remains
in the container, it is necessary for a user to carefully take out
the content placed at a lower side of the container by tilting the
container, or it is difficult for a user to grip the content with a
hand.
[0012] Recent containers are configured to allow a user to take
content out piece by piece. A pump-type container includes a shaft
supporting the content, and a container body that is formed at an
upper portion thereof with an outlet port and can be moved upwards
or downwards such that the content can be lifted and partially
supplied through the outlet port by the shaft. Such a container has
some problems in that the entirety of the container body including
a lid must be lifted upwards as much as possible and then lowered,
thereby providing a long operation distance, and in that the
entirety of the content must be lifted and then lowered.
[0013] In addition, such a typical container can receive various
foods, medicines, or articles, and an opening and closing mechanism
provided to the container has a simple function of opening and
closing the container without any particular function. Moreover,
since it is necessary to open the opening and closing mechanism
when taking out a demand amount of content from the container, the
entirety of the content received in the container can be easily
contaminated by external contaminants, or easily oxidized through
contact with air.
[0014] Moreover, when a user wants to take a demand amount of
content out of the typical container, the user must put their
fingers into the container, or must pour some amount of the content
over the palm by tilting the container and return the remaining
amount of content left on the palm to the container, whereby the
content can be easily exposed to external contaminants.
[0015] Therefore, there is a need for an improved technique capable
of overcoming such problems in the art.
[0016] The present invention has been conceived to solve such
problems in the art and one aspect of the present invention is to
provide a content receiving device that can secure a passage space
for content while changing the passage space to guide stable
passage of a demand amount of the content, an opening and closing
mechanism, and a container mechanism including the same.
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
content receiving device that can secure a passage space for
content and can close the passage space in association with passage
of a demand amount of the content in order to prevent the excessive
content from passing through the passage space, an opening and
closing mechanism, and a container mechanism including the
same.
[0018] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a
content receiving device that can prevent content from being
spilled out in a lump when a user tilts a container to remove
content therefrom, an opening and closing mechanism, and a
container mechanism including the same.
[0019] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
content receiving device that includes a content passage unit
allowing a solid, powder or liquid content to be discharged in a
demand amount from a container while opening or closing a content
passage side of the container to enable stable passage of the
solid, powder or liquid content in a demand amount to pass
therethrough, an opening and closing mechanism, and a container
mechanism including the same.
[0020] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
content receiving device that restricts a movement angle of a
content passage unit that opens a content passage side of a
container in order to improve opening/closing response, an opening
and closing mechanism, and a container mechanism including the
same.
[0021] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
receiving portion that includes a receiving portion provided
separately from a content passage unit and preventing content
having passed through the content passage unit from being
excessively introduced into a standby space to allow a desired
amount of the content to remain in the standby space, an opening
and closing mechanism, and a container mechanism including the
same.
[0022] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
content receiving device that can secure a passage space for
content by changing the passage space, can guide stable reception
of a desired amount of the content by preventing an excessive
content from entering the content receiving device, and can
regulate the amount of the content passing through the passage
space, an opening and closing mechanism, and a container mechanism
including the same.
[0023] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
content receiving device that provides a content standby space to
an opening and closing mechanism of a container mechanism such that
content having a solid, powder or liquid phase can be separately
stored therein, an opening and closing mechanism, and a container
mechanism including the same.
[0024] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
content receiving device that provides a content standby space
having a separate opening to an opening and closing mechanism such
that content can be withdrawn from the content standby space
through the separate opening, thereby preventing the whole content
from being exposed to external contaminants or air and from being
easily oxidized through contact therewith, an opening and closing
mechanism, and a container mechanism including the same.
[0025] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
content receiving device that can receive content in partitioned
spaces such that a user can easily obtain a demand amount of the
content in a preset period of time, and allows a plurality of users
to obtain the content through each of opening and closing
mechanisms provided to several positions or opposite sides of a
container mechanism in order to facilitate hygiene management and
withdrawal of a desired amount of content, an opening and closing
mechanism, and a container mechanism including the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
content receiving device includes an operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content for guiding movement of content,
wherein the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
includes a content passage unit allowing the content to move
therethrough.
[0027] The content may be allowed to move by deformation of the
content passage unit.
[0028] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may prevent a demand amount of the content having moved from a
storage portion storing the content to the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content from returning to the storage
portion.
[0029] The content receiving device may further include: a
receiving portion configured to receive the content having passed
through the content passage unit, wherein the receiving portion is
configured to receive the content having passed through the content
passage unit while preventing an excess of the content exceeding a
demand amount from remaining therein.
[0030] The receiving portion may include at least one of an upper
resistance plate disposed at an upper portion in a content passage
direction and a side resistance plate disposed at a side portion
perpendicular to the content passage direction to resist the
content having passed through the content passage unit, may allow
the content to contact at least one of the upper resistance plate
and the side resistance plate, and may restrict a remaining amount
of the content to a demand amount therein.
[0031] The receiving portion may include a partition member
partitioning a space of the receiving portion and restricting an
amount of the content to be received by the receiving portion by
adjusting a content receiving space of the receiving portion
partitioned thereby.
[0032] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may include a blocking plate provided to an opening for blocking
movement of the content, wherein the blocking plate blocks the
content from moving into the storage portion upon opening of the
opening, or prevents the content from moving towards a portion
excluding a content receiving space after passing through the
content passage unit.
[0033] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may further include a stationary member including an opening
through which the content passes, and connected to the content
passage unit.
[0034] The content passage unit may include a variable operation
plate movably disposed to allow the content to pass
therethrough.
[0035] The content passage unit may include a movement securing
portion to which the opening member or a moving member connected to
the opening member is movably connected.
[0036] A pivot angle of the moving member connected to the movement
securing portion may be restricted by at least one of a stopper
provided to the movement securing portion and a cover provided to
the housing.
[0037] The content receiving device may further include a housing
applied to a container body of the container mechanism, and the
housing may include a temporary receiving portion in which the
content is on standby for withdrawal, wherein the storage portion
may partially communicate with the temporary receiving portion
through the opening formed in the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content, and the content in the storage
portion may be moved to the temporary receiving portion through the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content.
[0038] The content receiving device may further include: a
receiving portion configured to receive the content having passed
through the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content,
wherein the receiving portion may be configured to receive the
content having passed through the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content while preventing an excess of the
content exceeding a demand amount from remaining therein.
[0039] The receiving portion may include at least one of an upper
resistance plate disposed at an upper portion in a content passage
direction and a side resistance plate disposed at a side portion
perpendicular to the content passage direction to resist the
content having passed through the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content, may allow the content to contact at
least one of the upper resistance plate and the side resistance
plate, and may restrict a remaining amount of the content to a
demand amount therein.
[0040] The content passage unit may include a single or multiple
variable operation plates, one side of which is secured to the
stationary member and the other side of which is a deformable free
end side, wherein the variable operation plate defines a passage
space formed at a portion thereof such that the content passes
through the passage space.
[0041] The temporary receiving portion may allow the content to be
on standby therein for withdrawal from the content receiving device
applied to the container body, and the content in the storage
portion of the container body may be moved into the temporary
receiving portion.
[0042] The opening may be opened to form a passage space for the
content when the opening member is pushed by a weight of the
content, when the housing is shaken, or when the opening member is
opened by a weight thereof.
[0043] The stationary member may be connected to the opening member
allowing the content to pass through the opening or to the moving
member movably connected to the opening member.
[0044] The moving member may be integrally formed with the opening
member or releasably coupled thereto.
[0045] The moving member may connect the opening member to the
movement securing portion to allow the opening member to be moved
in a direction of gravity and a compressing direction of the
content.
[0046] The opening member may be secured at one side thereof to a
stationary member and the other side of the opening member may not
be secured to open or close the opening member through movement of
the opening member.
[0047] The housing may be provided with a cover receiving the
content, and the temporary receiving portion may be disposed under
the cover.
[0048] The receiving portion may include an inflow member allowing
the content to move into the receiving portion while preventing the
content from moving towards a portion excluding the receiving
portion.
[0049] An upper surface of the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content may support the content, and the content
received in the receiving portion may be concentrically collected
in an interior region of a retention jaw formed on the upper
surface.
[0050] The receiving portion may include a protrusion secured to an
inner surface thereof and resisting the content passing through the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content to prevent
the content from deviating from a receiving space.
[0051] The receiving portion may be a demand amount receiving unit
disposed in a content passage direction of the operating mechanism
for controlling passage of content and guiding a demand amount of
the content corresponding to a demand amount to be received
therein.
[0052] The content passage unit may be demand amount disposed in
the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content and
guides a demand amount of the content corresponding to a demand
amount to pass therethrough.
[0053] The content receiving device may further include: a cover
releasably coupled to the housing and receiving the content
supplied from the content receiving device.
[0054] The opening member may be provided singularly or in
plural.
[0055] The content passage unit further includes a blocking plate
for closing the opening member in association with the opening
member to prevent the content from passing through the opening
portion.
[0056] The moving member may further include a guide plate on a
circumferential surface between the opening member and the blocking
plate, wherein the guide member restricts the content before the
content is moved to the opening member, and the content compresses
the guide plate to open the opening member to improve passage
response, wherein the stationary member is provided with a side
plate at an entrance side of the opening member, and the side plate
guides the content to move towards the opening member along the
blocking plate, wherein an inner side of the opening member or the
side plate is provided with a support block to maintain the opening
member in a state of blocking the opening member, and wherein the
blocking plate is provided with a support member contacting the
stationary member to maintain the opening member in a closed
state.
[0057] The content receiving device may further include: a passage
frame connected to the opening member and having an opening open at
a central portion thereof.
[0058] The opening member may have a free end movably connected to
the passage frame and may be formed with a passage space
corresponding to the opening.
[0059] A variable operation plate composed of the opening member
may have an inclined surface to guide the content to move towards
the passage frame including the passage space along an inclination
trace upon movement of the opening member.
[0060] The opening member may include a shielding member protruding
from the free end thereof towards one of an upper portion, a lower
portion and an inner portion of the opening of the passage frame
such that the passage space is formed to allow the content to pass
therethrough as the shielding member is shortened by movement of
the opening member, and at least one of the free end and an opening
guide member connected to the opening member and the passage frame
is moved until a restriction plane of the free end or the opening
guide member is brought into contact with the stationary member
upon movement of the free end or the opening guide member such that
the passage space is restricted to a predetermined size while
adjusting motion of the opening member.
[0061] The movement securing portion may be connected to the
stationary member to be secured to one of an upper edge, a
circumferential surface, an inner surface, and a lower edge of the
stationary member.
[0062] The content receiving device may further include an inflow
guide member guiding the content to move towards the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content, wherein the inflow
guide member has a guide opening formed to face the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content and an inclined
surface formed along at least a portion of an edge of the guide
opening.
[0063] The opening member may be connected to a restoration member
configured to open the opening to allow the content having passed
through the opening to return and close the opening.
[0064] The content receiving device may further include a content
guide member guiding the content to move to a portion at which a
user can easily obtain the content having passed through the
content passage unit, and the content guide member may be formed
with an inflow portion into which the content having passed through
the content passage unit flows, and may have an inclined surface
having an inclination gradually increasing from the inflow portion
to an edge thereof.
[0065] The cavity may be divided into a storage portion in which
the content is stored, and a temporary receiving portion in which
the content received from the storage portion is on standby for
withdrawal.
[0066] The content passage unit may be deformed to guide passage of
the content by the weight of the content passage unit or
compressive force of the content.
[0067] The content passage unit may allow passage of the content
therethrough by rotational deformation thereof.
[0068] The content passage unit may prevent an excess of the
content from passing therethrough by rotational deformation
thereof.
[0069] Deformation of the content passage unit may be realized by
movement of at least one member included in the content passage
unit.
[0070] The content passing through the content passage unit may
have at least one of solid, powder and liquid phases.
[0071] The opening member may be rotatably provided to the content
passage unit.
[0072] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may open or close at least a portion of the opening by deformation
of the content passage unit.
[0073] The blocking plate may close at least a portion of the
opening in association with the opening member to allow an excess
of the content exceeding a demand amount to pass through the
opening.
[0074] The content passage unit may allow passage of the content
therethrough, with the cover or an opening and closing mechanism
capable of opening or closing the housing opened at a side of the
content passage unit of the housing provided with the content
passage unit.
[0075] The content passage unit may allow passage of the content
therethrough in a state that the content passage unit does not
contact or is not resisted by an opening and closing mechanism of
the housing provided with the content passage unit or a member
connected to the opening and closing mechanism.
[0076] The content passage unit may allow passage of the content
therethrough in a state that the housing provided with the content
passage unit is open in a content passage direction of the content
passage unit.
[0077] The content passage unit may allow the content to pass
therethrough only by operation of tilting or shaking the housing
provided with the content passage unit.
[0078] The content passage unit may allow the content to pass
therethrough upon rotational deformation thereof.
[0079] The content passage unit may prevent an excess of the
content exceeding a demand amount from passing therethrough upon
rotational deformation thereof.
[0080] Rotational deformation of the content passage unit may be
achieved only by operation of tilting, overturning or shaking the
content passage unit.
[0081] Rotational deformation of the content passage unit may be
achieved by the weight of the content compressing the content
passage unit.
[0082] Deformation of the content passage unit may be realized by
movement of at least one member included in the content passage
unit.
[0083] The content passing through the content passage unit may
have at least one of solid, powder and liquid phases.
[0084] The opening member may be rotatably provided to the content
passage unit.
[0085] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may open or close at least a portion of the opening by deformation
of the content passage unit.
[0086] The content receiving device may further include a receiving
portion for receiving the content having passed through the content
passage unit, wherein the receiving portion receives the content
having passed through the content passage unit while preventing an
excess of the content exceeding a demand amount from remaining
therein.
[0087] The blocking plate may close at least a portion of the
opening in association with the opening member to prevent an excess
of the content exceeding a demand amount from passing through the
opening.
[0088] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
an opening and closing mechanism applied to a container body may
include: a temporary receiving portion in which a content is on
standby for withdrawal; a body having the temporary receiving
portion; and an operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content formed with an opening such that a storage portion of the
container body at least partially communicates with the temporary
receiving portion through the opening to allow the content to be
moved from the storage portion to the temporary receiving
portion.
[0089] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may prevent a demand amount of the content having moved to the
temporary receiving portion therethrough from moving into the
storage portion.
[0090] The opening and closing mechanism may further include: a
receiving portion receiving the content having passed through the
content passage unit, wherein the receiving portion is configured
to allow the content having passed through the content passage unit
to remain in a restricted amount in the receiving portion.
[0091] The receiving portion may include at least one of an upper
resistance plate disposed at an upper portion in a content passage
direction and a side resistance plate disposed at a side portion
perpendicular to the content passage direction to resist the
content having passed through the content passage unit, may allow
the content to contact at least one of the upper resistance plate
and the side resistance plate, and may restrict a remaining amount
of the content to a demand amount therein.
[0092] The receiving portion may include a partition member
partitioning a space of the receiving portion and restricting an
amount of the content to be received by the receiving portion by
adjusting a content receiving space of the receiving portion
partitioned thereby.
[0093] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may include a blocking plate provided to the opening and blocking
movement of the content, wherein the blocking plate blocks the
content from moving into the storage portion upon opening of the
opening, or prevents the content from moving towards a portion
excluding a content receiving space after passing through the
content passage unit.
[0094] The opening and closing mechanism may be formed with an
opening through which the content is taken out of the temporary
receiving portion.
[0095] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may be releasably connected to the body of the opening and closing
mechanism.
[0096] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may be formed with an opening protruding to a predetermined
height.
[0097] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may include a content passage unit allowing the content to pass
through the opening, and the content of the storage portion may be
allowed to move opening and closing mechanism by deformation of the
content passage unit.
[0098] The content passage unit may include a variable operation
plate, one side of which is secured to the stationary member and
the other side of which is a deformable free end, wherein the
variable operation plate has a passage space formed at a portion
thereof such that the content passes through the passage space.
[0099] The content may pass through the passage space widened by
deformation of the free end of the variable operation plate.
[0100] The content passage unit may include a variable operation
plate opened through movement.
[0101] The opening member may be provided singularly or in
plural.
[0102] The content passage unit may be demand amount disposed in
the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content and
guide a demand amount of the content corresponding to a demand
amount to pass therethrough.
[0103] The variable operation plate may include a variable
operation plate directly or indirectly connected to the stationary
member and may guide the content to pass therethrough depending on
opening or closing of the opening through movement of the opening
member.
[0104] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, a container mechanism may include: a content receiving
device provided to an open side of a storage portion for storing
content and guiding the content to be received in the content
receiving device, wherein the content receiving device includes: a
housing open towards at least one side thereof; and an operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content disposed inside the
housing and guiding the content to be received therein, wherein the
housing may include a temporary receiving portion in which the
content is on standby, the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content is formed with an opening through which the
storage portion at least partially communicates with the temporary
receiving portion through the opening to allow the content to be
moved from the storage portion to the temporary receiving portion,
and may include a content passage unit through which the content
passes.
[0105] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may allow the content in the storage portion to move into the
temporary receiving portion by deformation of the content passage
unit.
[0106] The temporary receiving portion may include a receiving
portion configured to receive a demand amount of the content having
passed through the opening, and the receiving portion may include
at least one of an upper resistance plate disposed at an upper
portion in a content passage direction and a side resistance plate
disposed at a side portion perpendicular to the content passage
direction to resist the content having passed through the opening,
may allow the content to contact at least one of the upper
resistance plate and the side resistance plate, and may restrict a
remaining amount of the content to a demand amount after passing
through the opening.
[0107] The receiving portion may include: a partition member
partitioning a space of the receiving portion and restricting an
amount of the content to be received by the receiving portion; a
blocking plate preventing the content from moving towards a portion
excluding the receiving portion when the content having passed
through the opening moves towards the temporary receiving portion;
and an inflow member allowing the content to move into the
receiving portion while preventing the content from moving towards
a portion excluding the receiving portion.
[0108] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may include a stationary member opening or closing the opening, may
guide the content to be received depending on opening or closing of
the opening through movement of the opening member.
[0109] The content receiving device may be applied to the container
body and may include the temporary receiving portion in which the
content is on standby for withdrawal and the operating mechanism
for controlling passage of content having the content passage
unit.
[0110] The housing may be releasably coupled to the storage portion
or integrally formed with the storage portion.
[0111] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a container mechanism includes: a content receiving
device provided to a container body configured to receive content
and guiding passage of the content; and a housing at least
partially open towards at least one side thereof, wherein the
content receiving device includes an operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content guiding movement of the content, and
the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content includes
a content passage unit allowing the content to move
therethrough.
[0112] The content may be allowed to move by deformation of the
content passage unit.
[0113] The content passage unit may include a variable operation
plate movably disposed and moving to allow the content to pass
therethrough.
[0114] The content passage unit may be deformed to guide passage of
the content by the weight of the content passage unit or
compressive force of the content.
[0115] The content passage unit may allow passage of the content
therethrough in a state that the content passage unit does not
contact or is resisted by an opening and closing mechanism, a
cover, a member connected to the opening and closing mechanism, or
a member connected to the cover at a side of the content passage
unit of the housing provided with the content passage unit.
[0116] The content passage unit may allow passage of the content
therethrough, with the cover or an opening and closing mechanism
capable of opening or closing the housing opened at a side of the
content passage unit of the housing provided with the content
passage unit.
[0117] The content passage unit may allow passage of the content
therethrough in a state that the housing provided with the content
passage unit is open in a content passage direction of the content
passage unit.
[0118] The content passage unit may allow the content to pass
therethrough only by operation of tilting, overturning or shaking
the housing provided with the content passage unit.
[0119] Deformation of the content passage unit may be realized by
movement of at least one member included in the content passage
unit.
[0120] The content passing through the content passage unit may
have at least one of solid, powder and liquid phases.
[0121] The content receiving device may further include a receiving
portion receiving the content having passed through the content
passage unit, wherein the receiving portion receives the content
having passed through the content passage unit while preventing an
excess of the content exceeding a demand amount from remaining
therein.
[0122] The content passage unit may include a blocking plate
closing the opening in association with the opening member to
prevent the content from passing through the opening portion.
[0123] The blocking plate may close at least a portion of the
opening in association with the opening member to prevent an excess
of the content exceeding a demand amount from passing through the
opening.
[0124] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a container mechanism includes: an opening and closing
mechanism provided to a container body and opening or closing the
container body, wherein the opening and closing mechanism includes
a temporary receiving portion in which content is on standby for
withdrawal, and an operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content guiding movement of the content, and the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content is formed with an
opening such that a storage portion of the container body at least
partially communicates with the opening to allow the content to be
moved from the storage portion to the temporary receiving
portion.
[0125] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may include a content passage unit allowing the content to pass
through the opening portion, and the content of the storage portion
may be allowed to move by deformation of the content passage
unit.
[0126] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
may partition the temporary receiving portion from the storage
portion.
[0127] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a container mechanism configured to store content in an
interior space of a housing while allowing the content to pass
therethrough as needed, include: a content passage unit provided to
the housing and guiding passage of a demand amount of the content,
wherein the content passage unit forms a passage space through
opening or closing by rotation thereof such that the content passes
to an outside of the housing through the passage space, includes a
variable operation plate and a movement securing portion to which
the opening member is rotatably connected, and guides passage of
the content upon formation of the passage space by rotation of the
opening member.
[0128] The opening member may have one side contacting and secured
to the movement securing portion, and be movable at the other side
thereof such that the opening member is opened or closed by
rotation thereof; and the content passage unit may form the passage
space to allow the content to pass therethrough.
[0129] The opening member may allow passage of the content
therethrough by formation of the passage space through movement of
a free end thereof.
[0130] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a passage device includes: a content passage unit
configured to guide passage of a demand amount of content, wherein
the content passage unit is opened or closed by rotation thereof to
form a passage space through which the content passes, includes a
variable operation plate and a movement securing portion to which
the opening member is rotatably connected, and guides passage of
the content upon formation of the passage space by rotation of the
opening member.
[0131] The opening member may have one side contacting and secured
to the movement securing portion, and be movable at the other side
thereof such that the opening member is opened or closed by
rotation thereof; and the opening member may allow passage of the
content therethrough by formation of the passage space through
movement of a free end thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0132] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container mechanism
including a content receiving device according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0133] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0134] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the container mechanism
including the content receiving device according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0135] FIG. 4 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the
container mechanism including the content receiving device
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0136] FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 are side sectional views of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
first embodiment of the present invention in use.
[0137] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to a
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0138] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are side sectional views of a container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
second embodiment of the present invention in use.
[0139] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a container mechanism
including a content receiving device according to a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0140] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
third embodiment of the present invention.
[0141] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the content
receiving device according to the third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0142] FIG. 14 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the content
receiving device according to the third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0143] FIG. 15 is a sectional exploded perspective view of the
content receiving device according to the third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0144] FIG. 16 to FIG. 18 are side sectional views of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
third embodiment of the present invention in use.
[0145] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are perspective views of a content
receiving device according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0146] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a content
receiving device according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0147] FIG. 22 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the content
receiving device according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0148] FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are side sectional view of the content
receiving device according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention in use.
[0149] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0150] FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of an operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0151] FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of the container mechanism
including the content receiving device according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0152] FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are side sectional views of the
container mechanism including the content receiving device
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in
use.
[0153] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0154] FIG. 31 is a side sectional view of the container mechanism
including the content receiving device according to the seventh
embodiment of the present invention.
[0155] FIG. 32 is a plan view of an operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content according to the seventh embodiment
of the present invention.
[0156] FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content according to the
seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0157] FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are side sectional views of the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content according to
the seventh embodiment of the present invention in use.
[0158] FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to an
eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0159] FIG. 37 is a longitudinal sectional view of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0160] FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to a ninth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0161] FIG. 39 is a longitudinal sectional view of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0162] FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0163] FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the content
receiving device according to the ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0164] FIG. 42 is a side sectional view of the content receiving
device according to the ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0165] FIG. 43 is a longitudinal sectional view of container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0166] FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 are side sectional views of a content
receiving device according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0167] FIG. 46 is a configurational view of a container mechanism
including the content receiving device according to the tenth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0168] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It
should be noted that the drawings are not to precise scale and may
be exaggerated in thickness of lines or size of components for
descriptive convenience and clarity only. In addition, the terms
used herein are defined by taking functions of the present
invention into account and can be changed according to user or
operator custom or intention. Therefore, definition of the terms
should be made according to the overall disclosure set forth
herein.
[0169] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container mechanism
including a content receiving device according to a first
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded
perspective view of the container mechanism including the content
receiving device according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0170] FIG. 4 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the
container mechanism including the content receiving device
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 are side sectional views of the container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
first embodiment of the present invention in use.
[0171] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to the
second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 and FIG. 10
are side sectional views of container mechanism including the
content receiving device according to the second embodiment of the
present invention in use.
[0172] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a container mechanism
including a content receiving device according to a third
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is an exploded
perspective view of the container mechanism including the content
receiving device according to the third embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the
content receiving device according to the third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0173] FIG. 14 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the content
receiving device according to the third embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 15 is a sectional exploded perspective view of the
content receiving device according to the third embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 16 to FIG. 18 are side sectional views
of the container mechanism including the content receiving device
according to the third embodiment of the present invention in
use.
[0174] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are perspective views of a content
receiving device according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0175] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a content
receiving device according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 22 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the
content receiving device according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are side sectional views
of the content receiving device according to the fifth embodiment
of the present invention in use.
[0176] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a bottom
perspective view of an operating mechanism for controlling passage
of content of the container mechanism including the content
receiving device according to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0177] FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of the container mechanism
including the content receiving device according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are
side sectional views of the container mechanism including the
content receiving device according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention in use.
[0178] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 31 is a side
sectional view of the container mechanism including the content
receiving device according to the seventh embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 32 is a plan view of an operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content according to the seventh embodiment
of the present invention.
[0179] FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content according to the
seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 34 and FIG.
35 are side sectional views of the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content according to the seventh embodiment
of the present invention in use.
[0180] FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to an
eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 37 is a
longitudinal sectional view of the container mechanism including
the content receiving device according to the eighth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0181] FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of a container
mechanism including a content receiving device according to a ninth
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 39 is a longitudinal
sectional view of the container mechanism including the content
receiving device according to the ninth embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of the
container mechanism including the content receiving device
according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention
[0182] FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the content
receiving device according to the ninth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 42 is a side sectional view of the content
receiving device according to the ninth embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 43 is a longitudinal sectional view of a
container mechanism including the content receiving device
according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0183] FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 are side sectional views of a content
receiving device according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 46 is a configurational view of a container
mechanism including the content receiving device according to the
tenth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0184] Herein, the term "upper portion (upper side)" will refer to
a side of opening or closing an opening and closing mechanism when
a container mechanism is directed upward, and the term "front side"
will refer to a side of opening or closing the opening and closing
mechanism when the container mechanism is tilted.
[0185] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, a container mechanism 1
including a content receiving device 100 according to a first
embodiment of the invention includes a storage portion 113, a
housing 110, and an operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content 120.
[0186] The storage portion 113 serves to receive and store content.
The storage portion 113 is open at one side thereof, through which
the content is received or passes. Obviously, the storage portion
113 may have various shapes and may be formed of various
materials.
[0187] The housing 110 is provided to a passage side of the storage
portion 113 in which the content is received. That is, a lower side
of the housing 110 is connected to the storage portion 113. Here,
the content may be a solid, powder, or liquid.
[0188] Particularly, the housing 110 may be releasably coupled to a
content passage side of the storage portion 113 or may be
integrally formed with the storage portion 113. For convenience of
description, the housing 110 is illustrated as being releasably
coupled to the storage portion 113. In this case, the housing 110
may be releasably coupled to the storage portion 113 by screw
fastening. Obviously, the housing 110 may have various shapes and
may be formed of various materials.
[0189] The housing 110 is provided with a cavity 121a that is open
at opposite sides thereof.
[0190] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 is disposed inside the housing 110 to guide the content
received in the storage portion 113 to be moved by a demand amount
or demanded quantity. As used herein, the term "demand amount"
means the same number or amount, and the number or amount within
allowable error limits. The term "demand amount" refers to an
amount (number) that a user demands and is included in the meaning
of the "demand amount".
[0191] The housing 110 is provided at an upper side thereof with a
cover 30. The cover 30 receives the content that is moved by a
demand amount through the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content 120. The cover 30 is releasably coupled to the
housing 110.
[0192] The housing 110 may act as an opening and closing mechanism
110 for opening or closing the storage portion 113 of a container
body, and may be provided to a content passage side of the separate
storage portion 113 to be releasably coupled to the content passage
side.
[0193] The opening and closing mechanism 110 is formed to have the
storage portion 113 inside the opening and closing mechanism 110,
and the cover 30 is fastened to an upper end of the opening and
closing mechanism 110 to act as an opening and closing mechanism
cap 30. The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 is provided with a content passage unit 123 and may be disposed
inside the opening and closing mechanism 110 or inside the storage
portion 113.
[0194] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 includes a stationary member 121 and the content passage unit
123.
[0195] The stationary member 121 is disposed on an inner surface of
the cavity 121a of the housing 110. With this structure, the
stationary member 121 divides the interior of the housing 110,
particularly, the cavity 121a. That is, the cavity 121a of the
housing 110 is divided by the stationary member 121. In other
words, the cavity 121a is divided into the storage portion 113 in
which the content is stored, and a temporary receiving portion 115
in which a demand amount of the content having passed through the
storage portion 113 is on standby for withdrawal. The storage
portion 113 is open towards the storage portion 113 and the
temporary receiving portion 115 is open towards the cover 30.
[0196] The stationary member 121 may be disposed inside the cavity
121a, without being limited thereto.
[0197] The stationary member 121 is formed with an opening 122. The
opening 122 connects the temporary receiving portion 115 of the
housing 110 to the storage portion 113 thereof such that the
content can be withdrawn therethrough. Here, the number and
diameter of the opening 122 are not particularly limited.
[0198] The opening 122 may have various shapes, for example, a
circular shape or a polygonal shape in plan view. For convenience
of description, the opening is illustrated as having a rectangular
shape.
[0199] The stationary member 121 may be integrally formed with the
housing 110 or may be releasably coupled thereto. The stationary
member 121 may have various shapes.
[0200] The content passage unit 123 serves to guide passage of a
demand amount of the content through the opening 122. That is, the
content passage unit 123 adjoins the opening 122 to allow a demand
amount of the content to pass through the opening 122.
[0201] The content passage unit 123 includes opening members 124,
moving members 125, movement securing portions 125a, blocking
plates 127, and guide plates 102.
[0202] Each of the moving members 125 movably connects the opening
member 124 to the movement securing portion 125a. The moving member
125 is movably connected to the stationary member 121 and coupled
to the opening member 124 to move together with the opening member
124.
[0203] The moving member 125 may be integrally formed with the
opening member 124 or may be releasably coupled to the opening
member 124.
[0204] The movement securing portion 125a is provided to the
stationary member 121. Particularly, the movement securing portion
125a is provided to the stationary member 121 at a side of the
opening 122.
[0205] The movement securing portion 125a connects the moving
member 125 to the stationary member 121 such that the moving member
125 can be moved about the movement securing portion 125a. Thus,
the moving members 125 are moved in association with operation of
the opening members 124 to open or close the opening 122 by the
weight or compression of the content. For convenience of
description, although the moving members 125 may have various
shapes, the moving members 125 are illustrated as having a
cylindrical shape in this embodiment.
[0206] The opening member 124 serves to open the opening 122 and
may be provided singularly or in plural. That is, the opening
members 124 are moved with respect to each other at opposite sides
of the opening 122 to open a central region of the opening 122. In
other words, when free ends 124a of the opening members 124 are
pushed by the weight of the content, or moved by the weight of the
opening members 124 upon shaking of the housing 110, the opening
122 is open to form a passage space 112c.
[0207] In addition, in the structure wherein the content passage
unit includes a pair of opening members 124 and a pair of moving
members 125, upon opening of the opening members 124, the content
can be pushed in a lump into a side space defined along an edge of
the opening 122, at which the moving members 125 are not disposed,
or can pass through the side space after being pushed into the side
space.
[0208] Accordingly, side plates 104 may be provided to an entrance
side of the opening 122, at which the moving members 125 are not
disposed. The side plates 104 serve to prevent the content from
being pushed in a lump into the side space defined along the edge
of the opening 122 between the moving members 125 and the opening
122, or from passing through the side space after being pushed into
the side space. That is, the side plates 104 serve to guide the
content to flow towards the opening members 124 along the blocking
plates 127 instead of being separated therefrom.
[0209] The side plates 104 may be integrally formed with the
stationary member 121 at the entrance side of the opening 122, or
may be releasably connected to the stationary member 121.
Obviously, the side plates 104 may have various shapes and may be
formed of various materials. In addition, the number and size of
the side plates 104 are not particularly limited. For convenience
of description, the content passage unit will be described as
including a pair of side plates 104 facing each other.
[0210] Particularly, the movement securing portions 125a may be
integrally formed with the stationary member 121 at one side of the
opening 122, or may be releasably coupled to the stationary member
121. Obviously, the side plates 104 may have various shapes and may
be formed of various materials. In addition, the number and size of
the side plates 104 are not particularly limited. For convenience
of description, the content passage unit will be described as
including a pair of side plates 104 facing each other.
[0211] Particularly, the moving members 125 may be movably
connected to the stationary member 121 or to the side plates 104.
For convenience of description, the moving members 125 may be
rotatably connected to the side plates 104. One of the side plates
104 is provided with a pair of movement securing portions 125a.
Each of the movement securing portions 125a is axially inserted at
one end thereof into the corresponding moving member 125 such that
the moving members 125 can be moved. In addition, each of the
movement securing portions 125a is held at the other side thereof
by the other side plate 104. With this structure, the moving
members 125 and the opening members 124 are moved around the
corresponding movement securing portions 125a. As a result, the
opening members 124 open or close the opening 122.
[0212] In addition, each of the movement securing portions 125a may
be provided to the moving member 125 so as to be axially inserted
into the side plate 104.
[0213] On the other hand, in an initial state in which the
container mechanism 1 is directed upward or content remains
therein, it is necessary for the opening members 124 to maintain a
state of blocking the opening 122. That is, it is necessary for the
pair of opening members 124 to be flush with each other. In order
to stop movement of the opening members 124, support blocks 302 are
disposed at lower sides of the opening members 124 so as to support
the opening members 124, respectively. The support blocks 302 serve
to prevent unintentional rotation of the opening members 124 in a
downward direction in the initial state of the container mechanism
1 by supporting the opening members 124. The support blocks 302
protrude from the side plate 104.
[0214] When the container mechanism 1 is tilted or directed
downward to allow the content to move out of the container
mechanism 1, the opening members 124 are pushed to open the opening
122. In the case where the opening members 124 are excessively
pushed, the opening members 124 fail to return to an initial state
or do not rapidly return to the initial state when the container
mechanism 1 is directed upward to return to the initial state.
Thus, each of the opening members 124 is required to have a limited
pivot angle for opening the opening 122. That is, the moving
members 125 have a restricted pivot degree in order to allow the
opening 122 to be open through the opening members 124. Thus, each
of the moving members 125 is provided at a circumferential surface
thereof with a restoration member 304. When the restoration members
304 are brought into contact with an upper side of the stationary
member 121, the moving members 125 are pivoted to push the opening
members 124 such that the opening 122 is opened. The restoration
members 304 are resiliently bent and thus act as buffering members
by resisting the stationary member 121 when the opening 122 is
opened by the weight of the opening members 124 or by the content
pushing the opening members 124. Furthermore, the restoration
members 304 have resilient restoration force, thereby improving
reclosing response of the opening members 124. Obviously, the
number, shape and material of the restoration members 304 may be
changed in various ways, and the restoration members 304 may be
integrally formed with the moving members 125.
[0215] The blocking plates 127 are disposed adjacent the opening
members 124. Thus, the blocking plates 127 are moved in association
with the corresponding opening members 124.
[0216] The blocking plates 127 are disposed on a circumferential
surface of the moving member 125. When the opening members 124
close the opening 122, the blocking plates 127 are maintained in an
open state to allow the content to flow towards the opening members
124. On the contrary, when the opening members 124 open the opening
122, the blocking plates 127 serve to block the opening 122 in
order to prevent the content from additionally flowing into the
opening 122. Obviously, the blocking plates 127 may be integrally
formed with the moving members 125, and may be formed in various
sizes and shapes.
[0217] Further, each of the moving members 125 may be provided with
the guide plate 102. The guide plate 102 is disposed between the
opening member 124 and the blocking plate 127 along the
circumferential surface of each of the moving members 125. A length
L2 of the guide plates 102 is shorter than a length L1 of the
opening member 124 (L1>L2). Thus, upon tilting the storage
portion 113 with the opening members 124 closing the opening 122,
the guide plates 102 are moved by compressive force or bumping
force of the content, thereby improving opening response of the
opening members 124. In addition, the guide plates 102 facing each
other allow a small amount of the content to flow towards the
opening members 124 after passing therethrough, so that a demand
amount of the content can be supplied from the container.
[0218] The storage portion 113 or the interior of the housing 110
is provided with an inflow guide member 130. For convenience of
description, the inflow guide member 130 has a plate shape and is
disposed inside the housing 110. The inflow guide member 130 has a
guide opening 132 corresponding to the opening 122. Particularly,
the inflow guide member 130 serves to guide the content within the
storage portion 113 to be concentrically moved into a space between
the blocking plates 127 directed perpendicularly along an
inclination trace when the storage portion 113 is tilted to allow
passage of the content.
[0219] The inflow guide member 130 is provided with a rim member
136 extending along the periphery thereof. The rim member 136 is
fitted over an upper circumferential surface of the storage portion
113. That is, the rim member 136 is assembled to the upper
circumferential surface of the storage portion 113. Obviously, the
rim member 136 may be screwed to the storage portion 113.
Accordingly, the rim member 136 is releasably coupled to the
storage portion 113, whereby the storage portion 113 facilitates
replenishment of the content after removal of the rim member 136.
Further, a lower side of the housing 110 is fitted over an outer
circumferential surface of the rim member 136. With this structure,
the inflow guide member 130 is disposed inside the housing 110.
[0220] Furthermore, the inflow guide member 130 has an inclined
surface 134 to allow the content received in the storage portion
113 to be collected in a guide opening 132. Further, the inflow
guide member 130 is separated a predetermined distance from the
blocking plates 127 in order to prevent interference with rotation
of the blocking plates 127. The inflow guide member 130 is disposed
adjacent the blocking plates 127 such that the content having
passed through the guide opening 132 passes through the opening 122
while the opening 122 is not blocked by the blocking plates 127,
and such that the content is prevented from passing through the
guide opening 132 while the blocking plates 127 are pivoted to
block the opening 122. That is, the inflow guide member 130 is
disposed adjacent the blocking plates 127 and the side plates 104,
which are directed perpendicularly, to prevent the content from
moving into a space between the inflow guide member 130 and the
stationary member 121 instead of passing through the opening
122.
[0221] The housing 110 is provided with a cover 30 to prevent the
content having passed through the opening 122 of the stationary
member 121 from flowing out of the container mechanism. After
opening the cover 30, a user takes out the content, which has
flowed into the space of the temporary receiving portion 115 by the
cover 30. The cover 30 is provided to the housing 110 in various
ways. The cover 30 may be hinged to the housing 110, or may be
completely separated from the housing 110. Obviously, the cover 30
may have various shapes.
[0222] Next, operation of the container mechanism 1 including the
content receiving device 100 according to the first embodiment of
the invention will be described.
[0223] Referring to FIG. 5, when a user tilts or overturns the
storage portion 113 of the container mechanism, the content
received within the storage portion 113 passes through the guide
opening 132 along the inclined surface 134 of the inflow guide
member 130 of the housing 110 and reaches the guide plates 102 and
the opening members 124.
[0224] At this time, the opening members 124 are in a state of
blocking the opening 122 of the stationary member 121, the blocking
plates 127 are in a state of opening the opening 122, and each of
the guide plates 102 is disposed between the opening member 124 and
the blocking plate 127.
[0225] Only a demand amount (or number) of the content is allowed
to move towards the opening members 124 through the guide plates
102 separated from each other while colliding with or compressing
the guide plates 102. Particularly, since the content first
compresses the guide plates 102, the opening members 124 have
improved opening response.
[0226] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0227] Referring to FIG. 6, when a demand amount of the content
compresses the guide plates 102 and the opening members 124, the
opening members 124 are pushed to open the opening 122.
[0228] Here, while the restoration members 304 resiliently resist
the stationary member 121, the moving members 125 are pivoted in
one direction and the opening members 124 open the opening 122.
[0229] Particularly, after the blocking plates 127 are opened to
receive the content, the opening members 124 open the opening 122
in association with operation of closing the blocking plates 127.
As a result, the container mechanism prevents an additional amount
of the content from passing through the opening 122.
[0230] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0231] Referring to FIG. 7, when the storage portion 113 is
returned to an initial state, the blocking plates 127 are returned
from a state of blocking the opening 122 to an initial state by the
weight thereof. Even though the storage portion 113 is not directed
upward by a user, the opening members 124 are returned to an
initial position while being rotated together with the moving
members 125 in the other direction by resilient restoration of the
restoration members 304. Particularly, the moving members 125 are
moved in the other direction until the opening members 124 are
brought into contact with the support block 302. Obviously, the
configuration and shape of the restoration member 304 enabling
resilient restoration can be realized in various ways.
[0232] Thereafter, a user opens the cover 30 and takes the content
from the container mechanism. Obviously, when the content passes
through the opening 122 in a state that the cover 30 is removed or
open, the content can be discharged outside.
[0233] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0234] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a container mechanism 1
including a content receiving device 100 according to a second
embodiment of the invention includes a storage portion 113, a
housing 110, and an operating mechanism for controlling passage of
content 120.
[0235] Detailed descriptions of the storage portion 113 and the
housing 110 are the same as those described above and will be
omitted herein.
[0236] The housing 110 may be provided at one side thereof with a
cover 30 to open or close the housing 110, or may be provided only
with a receiving portion 181 without the cover 30 to be formed in a
non-closed state. The cover 30 is provided to open or close the
open side of the housing 110 and may be formed in various
shapes.
[0237] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 includes a stationary member 121 and a content passage unit
123, as described above.
[0238] Particularly, the content passage unit 123 of the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content 120 is opened by
movement to guide a content to move out of the storage portion
113.
[0239] The content receiving device 100 includes a receiving
portion 141 separate from the content passage unit 123. The
receiving portion 141 prevents an excess of the content having
passed through the content passage unit 123 from moving into a
temporary receiving portion 115 such that a desired amount of the
content can remain.
[0240] The housing 110 may act as an opening and closing mechanism
110 and is releasably coupled to the content passage side of the
storage portion 113 to open or close the storage portion 113 of the
container body.
[0241] The opening and closing mechanism 110 is formed to have the
temporary receiving portion 115 inside the opening and closing
mechanism 110 to receive a divided amount of the content in the
container mechanism 1 to be used by a user.
[0242] The cover 30 acts as an opening and closing mechanism cap 30
coupled to an upper end of the opening and closing mechanism 110.
The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content 120
provided with the content passage unit 123 may be disposed inside
the opening and closing mechanism 110 or inside the storage portion
113.
[0243] The receiving portion 181 includes an upper resistance plate
182 and a side resistance plate 183, and may further include a
partition member 184, a blocking plate 185, an inflow member 186, a
retention jaw 188 and a temporary retention portion 188 as in a
fifth embodiment of the invention.
[0244] The content is brought into contact with one of the upper
resistance plate 182 and the side resistance plate 183 provided to
the receiving portion 181 and suppresses a residual amount of the
content having passed through the opening 122.
[0245] The upper resistance plate 182 may be provided to the
housing 110, and the side resistance plate 183 may be provided to
the housing 110, the upper resistance plate 182, the stationary
member 121, or the cover 30.
[0246] Particularly, the side resistance plate 183 may be formed on
a surface of the stationary member 121 facing in a content passage
direction. Alternatively, when the housing is provided with the
cover 30, the side resistance plate 183 may be provided to the
cover 30 to be moved together with the cover 30 in order to prevent
interference with the content when a user takes out the content
after opening the cover 30.
[0247] Obviously, the upper resistance plate 182 and the side
resistance plate 183 may be placed in the content passage direction
and in a direction perpendicular thereto, and may have various
shapes.
[0248] The content passage unit 123 includes opening members 124,
moving members 125, movement securing portions 125a, blocking
plates 127, and guide plates 102, as described above.
[0249] In addition, an inflow guide member 130 is disposed inside
the storage portion 113 or the housing 110. For convenience of
description, the inflow guide member 130 will be illustrated as
having a plate shape and being disposed inside the housing 110. The
inflow guide member 130 has an inclined surface 134 to allow the
content received in the storage portion 113 to be collected in the
guide opening 132. The inflow guide member 130 is separated from
the blocking plates 127 in order to prevent interference with
rotation of the blocking plates 127. Further, the inflow guide
member 130 is disposed adjacent the blocking plates 127 such that
the content having passed through the guide opening 132 passes
through the opening 122 when the opening 122 is not blocked by the
blocking plates 127, and such that the content is prevented from
passing through the guide opening 132 when the blocking plates 127
are pivoted to close the opening 122. That is, the inflow guide
member 130 is disposed adjacent the blocking plates 127 and the
side plate 104, which are directed perpendicularly, to prevent the
content from moving into a space between the inflow guide member
130 and the stationary member 121 instead of passing through the
opening 122.
[0250] On the other hand, in an initial state in which the
container mechanism 1 is directed upward or the content remains
therein, it is necessary for the opening members 124 to maintain a
state of blocking the opening 122. That is, it is necessary for the
pair of opening members 124 to be flush with each other. To this
end, support blocks 302 are formed inside the side plate 104 or the
opening 122 to be disposed at lower sides of the opening members
124 so as to support the opening members 124, respectively. The
support blocks 302 serve to prevent unintentional movement of the
opening members 124 in a downward direction in the initial state of
the container mechanism 1 by supporting the opening members 124.
The support blocks 302 protrude from the side plate 104.
[0251] When the container mechanism 1 is tilted or directed
downward to allow the content to move out of the container
mechanism 1, the opening members 124 are pushed to open the opening
122. In the case where the opening members 124 are excessively
pushed, the opening members 124 fail to return to an initial state
or do not rapidly return to the initial state when the container
mechanism 1 is returned to the initial state. Thus, each of the
opening members 124 has a limited pivot angle for opening the
opening 122. That is, the size of the opening 122 is adjusted to
allow the opening members 124 to be pushed while moving within an
acute angle range with respect to the stationary member 121. In
other words, the opening members 124 are moved by an acute angle
from the support blocks 302 to open the opening 122, and then
contact a portion of the stationary member 121 corresponding to an
edge of the opening 122 to be stopped by the stationary member
121.
[0252] Accordingly, the blocking plates 127 can be rapidly returned
from the state of blocking the opening 122 to the initial state by
the weight thereof when the storage portion 113 is directed upward
to return to the initial state. Particularly, the moving members
125 are pivoted until the opening members 124 reach the support
block 302.
[0253] Particularly, when a user tilts or overturns the storage
portion 113, the content moves (flows) into the temporary receiving
portion 115 after passing through a passage space 112c of the
stationary member 121. Since the temporary receiving portion 115
has a wider inner space than the passage space 112c, a large amount
of the content can flow into the temporary receiving portion 115.
In order to prevent such a phenomenon, the temporary receiving
portion 115 is provided with a receiving portion 181 corresponding
to the passage space 112c.
[0254] The receiving portion 181 is open towards the passage space
112c such that the content having passed through the passage space
112c can mainly flow into the receiving portion 181. Accordingly,
the content is prevented from flowing in an excessive amount by a
narrowed inner space of the receiving portion 181. Obviously, the
receiving portion 181 may have various shapes.
[0255] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0256] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 15, a container mechanism 1
including a content receiving device according to a third
embodiment of the present invention 100 includes a storage portion
113, a housing 110, and an operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content 120.
[0257] Detailed descriptions of the storage portion 113 and the
housing 110 are the same as those described above and will be
omitted herein.
[0258] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 includes a stationary member 121 and a content passage unit
123. The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content 120
may be formed on a circumferential surface of the housing 110, that
is, on an inner surface of a cavity 121a.
[0259] The stationary member 121 is disposed on an inner surface of
the cavity 121a of the housing 110. With this structure, the
stationary member 121 divides the interior of the housing 110,
particularly, the cavity 121a. The stationary member 121 is formed
with an opening 122, which is provided with the operating mechanism
for controlling passage of content 120. Here, the number and
diameter of the opening 122 are not particularly limited.
[0260] Particularly, the stationary member 121 may constitute an
inner wall of the housing 110 or may be integrally formed with the
housing or releasably coupled thereto. The stationary member 121
may have various shapes.
[0261] Further, the content passage unit 123 is provided to the
opening 122 and serves to guide passage of a demand amount of the
content through the opening 122 by the weight thereof or
compression of the content. Here, the content may have a solid,
powder or liquid phase.
[0262] The content passage unit 123 includes a variable operation
plate 124, a moving member 125, a movement securing portion 125a,
and a blocking plate 127.
[0263] The opening member 124 is provided singularly or in plural
on an inner surface of the opening 122 or along an edge of the
opening 122. In an initial state wherein the storage portion 113 is
directed upward, the opening members 124 serve to prevent
unintentional passage of the content or entrance of foreign matter
from the outside by closing the opening 122. Furthermore, when the
storage portion 113 is tilted or overturned to be directed
downward, the opening members 124 are pushed by the weight thereof
or compression of the content to open the opening 122 such that the
content can pass through the opening 122. Here, the content is
passed by a demand amount through the opening 122.
[0264] Preferably, the opening member 124 is provided singularly or
in plural along the edge of the opening 122 so as to be pushed by
the weight thereof or compression of the content to allow the
content to pass through the opening 122. The opening members 124
may have various shapes. For convenience of description, the
opening members 124 are illustrated as having a trigonal shape.
Obviously, the number and material of the opening members 124 are
not particularly limited.
[0265] The movement securing portion 125a is connected to the
moving member 125 to connect each of the opening members 124 to the
corresponding stationary member 121 such that each of the opening
members 124 can be moved. Alternatively, the movement securing
portion 126 is connected to each of the opening members 124
integrally formed with the corresponding moving member 125 to
connect each of the opening members 124 to the corresponding
stationary member 121 such that each of the opening members 124 can
be moved.
[0266] For example, the stationary member 121 is provided on an
upper surface thereof with the movement securing portions 125a
along the edge of the opening 122. As used herein, the term "upper
surface" refers to a surface of the stationary member 121 facing
upwards when the storage portion 113 is directed upwards when not
in use.
[0267] The moving members 125 are respectively connected to the
corresponding movement securing portions 125a disposed on upper
surfaces of the opening members 124 closing the opening 122. Thus,
the opening members 124 are moved along the moving members 125.
Obviously, the moving members 125 and the movement securing
portions 125a may have various shapes. Furthermore, the moving
members 125 may be integrally formed with the opening members 124
or may be releasably connected to the opening members 124.
Likewise, the movement securing portions 125a may be releasably
connected to the stationary members 121 or may be integrally formed
with the stationary members 121.
[0268] Further, the blocking plates 127 are provided to the opening
members 124, respectively. Thus, each of the blocking plates 127 is
moved in association with the corresponding opening member 124.
[0269] Particularly, when the opening members 124 close the opening
122, the blocking plates 127 open the opening 122. On the contrary,
when the opening members 124 open the opening 122, the blocking
plates 127 close the opening 122.
[0270] After the blocking plates 127 are opened to allow the
content to move towards the opening members 124, the opening
members 124 are opened in association with operation of closing the
blocking plates 127, thereby allowing the content moved towards the
opening members 124 to pass therethrough.
[0271] Preferably, the opening members 124 and the blocking plates
127 provided in one-to-one correspondence are integrally formed
with each other. Further, since the blocking plates 127 can close
the opening 122 so as to prevent passage of the content
therethrough, the number of blocking plates 127 may be less than
the number of opening members 124.
[0272] Accordingly, when a demand amount (number) of the content
compresses the opening member 124, the opening members 124 are
pushed to open the opening 122. In association with this operation
of the opening members, the blocking plates 127 close the opening
122. As a result, only a demand amount of the content is allowed to
pass through the opening 122 each time.
[0273] The content having passed through the opening 122 is
received in the cover 30. Furthermore, when the storage portion 113
is directed upward so as not to be used, the opening members 124
are pivoted to close the opening 122 by the weights of the opening
members 124 and the blocking plates 127. Thus, the content received
in the cover 30 is prevented from moving into the storage portion
113.
[0274] On the other hand, when opening the opening 122, the opening
members 124 and the blocking plates 127 are directed perpendicular
or at an acute angle with respect to the surface of the stationary
member 121. As a result, closing response of each of the opening
members 124 and the blocking plates 127 in a state of opening the
opening 122 can be improved.
[0275] For example, in order to restrict an opening angle of the
opening members 124 when opening the opening members 124, each of
the movement securing portions 125a is provided with a stopper 129.
The stopper 129 protrudes from the movement securing portion 125a
to restrict a movement angle of the moving member 125 connected to
the opening member 124. Obviously, the stopper 129 may have various
shapes.
[0276] Furthermore, in order to restrict an opening angle of the
blocking plates 127 when the blocking plates 127 are open, each of
the blocking plates 127 is provided with a support member 128,
which adjoins the stationary member 121 when the opening 122 is
open. The support members 128 serve to prevent the blocking plates
127 from being excessively pushed beyond a certain angle. Since the
opening members 124 are integrally formed with the blocking plates
127, the support members 128 also serve to maintain the opening
members 124 in a closed state. Obviously, the support members 128
may have various shapes.
[0277] On the other hand, the inflow guide member 130 serves to
guide the content within the storage portion 113 to be
concentrically moved into a space between the blocking plates 127
directed perpendicularly along an inclination trace when the
storage portion 113 is tilted.
[0278] Thus, the inflow guide member 130 is disposed inside the
housing 110 and formed with a guide opening 132. In this case, the
guide opening 132 is formed in the inflow guide member 130 so as to
match with the opening 122. Furthermore, the inflow guide member
130 is formed with an inclined surface 134 along an edge of the
guide opening 132. Particularly, the inclined surface 134 is formed
on the inflow guide member 130 along the edge of the guide opening
132. The inclined surface 134 may be a flat surface or a curved
surface.
[0279] The inclined surface 134 serves to guide the content to move
towards the content passage unit 123 when the storage portion 113
is tilted.
[0280] Obviously, the inflow guide member 130 may be integrally
formed with the stationary member 121 or with the housing 110, or
may be releasably fitted in the housing 110.
[0281] Next, operation of the container mechanism 1 including the
content receiving device 100 according to the third embodiment of
the present invention will be described.
[0282] Referring to FIG. 16, when a user tilts or overturns the
storage portion 113 of the container mechanism, the content
received within the storage portion 113 passes through the guide
opening 132 along the inclined surface 134 of the inflow guide
member 130 of the housing 110 and reaches the opening members
124.
[0283] At this time, the opening members 124 are in a state of
blocking the opening 122 of the stationary member 121, and the
blocking plates 127 are in a state of opening the opening 122.
[0284] A demand amount of the content is allowed to move towards
the opening members 124.
[0285] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0286] Referring to FIG. 17, when a demand amount of the content
compresses the opening members 124, the opening members 124 are
pushed to open the opening 122 and the passage space 112c is
secured.
[0287] At this time, the moving members 125 are pivoted in one
direction until the stoppers 129 contact the stationary member 121,
and the opening members 124 open the opening 122.
[0288] Particularly, after the blocking plates 127 are opened to
receive the content, the blocking plates 127 are closed in
association with operation of the opening members 124 to open the
opening 122. As a result, the container mechanism prevents an
additional amount of the content from passing through the opening
122.
[0289] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0290] Referring to FIG. 18, the blocking plates 127 close the
opening 122 in association with the opening members 124.
[0291] As a result, the content is not additionally moved into the
opening 122. In addition, the content having passed through the
opening 122 is received in the cover 30.
[0292] Then, when the storage portion 113 is returned to an initial
state, the blocking plates 127 are returned from a state of
blocking the opening 122 to an initial state by the weight thereof.
Then, the opening members 124 are returned to an initial position
while being rotated together with the moving members 125 in the
other direction by resilient restoration of the restoration members
304. Particularly, the moving members 125 are pivoted in the other
direction until the opening members 124 are brought into contact
with the support block 302.
[0293] Then, a user opens the cover 30 and takes the content from
the container mechanism.
[0294] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0295] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a content receiving device
according to a fourth embodiment of the invention includes a
stationary member 121.
[0296] Particularly, the stationary member 121 is provided with
opening members 124, which are resiliently pushed in a content
passage direction to allow content to pass therethrough.
[0297] Moving members 125 are disposed at an edge of an opening 122
of the opening members 124 to connect the corresponding opening
members 124 to the stationary member 121 such that the opening
members 124 can be moved thereby, and may be integrally formed with
the opening members 124.
[0298] A movement securing portion 125a defines an edge of the
opening 122 of the stationary member 121, and the opening members
124 may be resiliently pushed about the moving members 125, each of
which corresponds to one end of the opening member 124 and is
secured to the edge of the opening 122 corresponding to the
movement securing portion 125a. The opening members 124 are pushed
in the direction of gravity or in a compressing direction of the
content when the housing 110 is directed downward or tilted.
[0299] The opening members 124 are resiliently pushed about the
movement securing portion 125a. Here, the movement securing portion
125a may be realized in various ways, for example, by a folding
line or a finishing line formed at a connection side of the
stationary member 121 of the moving members 125 or by an outer
circumference at which a cutting line of the opening member 124 is
finished.
[0300] The number and the shape of the opening members 124 are not
particularly limited.
[0301] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24, a container mechanism 1
including a content receiving device 100 according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention includes a storage portion 113,
a housing 110, a receiving portion 181, and an operating mechanism
for controlling passage of content 120.
[0302] Detailed descriptions of the housing 110 and the operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content 120 are the same as
those described above and will be omitted herein.
[0303] The housing 110 may be provided at one side thereof with a
cover 30 to open or close the housing 110, or may be provided only
with a receiving portion 181 without the cover 30 to be formed in a
non-closed state. The cover 30 is provided to open or close the
open side of the housing 110 and may be formed in various
shapes.
[0304] Particularly, the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content 120 includes a content passage unit 123, which
is opened or closed by rotation and guides a content to move out of
the storage portion 113.
[0305] The content receiving device 100 includes the receiving
portion 181 separate from the content passage unit 123. The
receiving portion 181 prevents an excess of the content having
passed through the content passage unit 123 from moving into a
temporary receiving portion 115 such that a desired amount of the
content can remain therein.
[0306] The housing 110 may act as an opening and closing mechanism
110 and is releasably coupled to the content passage side of the
storage portion 113 to open or close the storage portion 113 of the
container body.
[0307] The opening and closing mechanism 110 is formed to have the
temporary receiving portion 115 inside the opening and closing
mechanism 110 to receive a divided amount of the content in the
container mechanism 1 to be used by a user.
[0308] The cover 30 acts as an opening and closing mechanism cap 30
coupled to an upper end of the opening and closing mechanism 110.
The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content 120
provided with the content passage unit 123 may be disposed inside
the opening and closing mechanism 110 or inside the storage portion
113.
[0309] The receiving portion 181 includes an upper resistance plate
182, a side resistance plate 183, a partition member 184, a
blocking plate 185, an inflow member 186, a retention jaw 188, and
a temporary retention portion 188.
[0310] The content is brought into contact with one of the upper
resistance plate 182 and the side resistance plate 183 provided to
the receiving portion 181 and restricts a residual amount of the
content having passed through the opening 122.
[0311] The upper resistance plate 182 may be provided to the
housing 110, and the side resistance plate 183 may be provided to
the housing 110, the upper resistance plate 182, the stationary
member 121, or the cover 30.
[0312] Particularly, the side resistance plate 183 may be formed on
a surface of the stationary member 121 facing in a content passage
direction. Alternatively, when the housing is provided with the
cover 30, the side resistance plate 183 may be provided to the
cover 30 to be moved together with the cover 30 in order to prevent
interference with the content when a user takes the content out
after opening the cover 30.
[0313] Obviously, the upper resistance plate 182 and the side
resistance plate 183 may be placed at an upper portion in the
content passage direction and at a side portion perpendicular to
the content passage direction, and may have various shapes.
[0314] The partition member 184 partitions the space of the
receiving portion 181 to restrict a remaining amount of the
content, which will pass through the opening 122.
[0315] The partition member 184 serves to restrict the amount of
the content to be received by the receiving portion 181 by
adjusting a substantial content receiving space of the receiving
portion 181 partitioned thereby. The partition member 184 may be
formed on a side of the cover 30 to face the stationary member 121,
and may be changed in various ways to divide the receiving
portion.
[0316] The blocking plates 185 protrude from an upper surface of
the stationary member 121. Specifically, the blocking plates 185
protrude from the surface of the stationary member 121 directed in
the content passage direction. The blocking plates 185 serve to
prevent the content from moving towards a portion excluding the
receiving portion 181 after passing through the opening.
[0317] The temporary retention portion 188 corresponds to a portion
of the temporary receiving portion 115.
[0318] The receiving portion 181 includes the inflow member
186.
[0319] The inflow member 186 is provided to the receiving portion
181 to guide the content having passed through the opening to move
into the receiving portion 181 while preventing the content from
moving towards other portions excluding the receiving portion. The
inflow member 186 protrudes from the cover 30 so as to be separated
from the partition member 184. Obviously, the inflow member 186 may
have various shapes.
[0320] An upper surface of the stationary member 121, that is, a
surface of the stationary member 121 facing the cover 30, serves to
support the content, and the retention jaw 188 formed on the upper
surface of the stationary member 121 serves to collect the content
into the temporary retention portion 188. The content within the
temporary receiving portion 115 is on standby for withdrawal.
[0321] The retention jaw 188 protrudes towards the cover along an
edge of the opening 122 of the stationary member 121. Obviously,
the retention jaw 188 may have various shapes.
[0322] In this embodiment, the content passage unit 123 includes a
variable operation plate 124 and a moving member 125.
[0323] The opening member 124 serves to open the opening 122 of the
stationary member 121.
[0324] When the housing 110 is tilted, the opening member 124 opens
the opening 122 by the weight thereof or by compression of the
content. Conversely, when the housing 110 is directed upward, the
opening member 124 closes the opening 122 by the weight
thereof.
[0325] The moving member 125 allows the opening member 124 to be
pivoted inside the opening 122. The moving member 125 may have
various shapes.
[0326] Further, the content passage unit 123 includes a stopper 129
to allow the opening member 124 to maintain a state of closing the
opening 122, with the housing 110 directed upward.
[0327] That is, the opening member 124 is pivoted about the moving
member 125 in one direction by the weight thereof or by compression
of the content to open the opening 122.
[0328] On the other hand, the opening member 124 is pivoted about
the moving member 125 in the other direction by the weight thereof
or by compression of the content to close the opening 122. At this
time, the stopper 129 is brought into contact with the surface of
the stationary member 121, thereby preventing the opening member
124 from being further rotated in the other direction.
[0329] Referring to FIGS. 25 to 29, a container mechanism 1
including a content receiving device 100 according to a sixth
embodiment of the invention includes an operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content 120, an operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content housing 250, and a housing 110.
[0330] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 includes a content passage unit 123 and a stationary member
253.
[0331] The housing 110 releasably coupled to the storage portion
113 is the same as the housing described above and thus a detailed
description thereof will be omitted herein.
[0332] The content passage unit 123 is disposed inside the housing
110 and serves to guide content received in the storage portion 113
to be moved by a demand amount.
[0333] The housing 110 is provided at an upper side thereof with a
cover 30. The cover 30 receives the content that is moved by a
demand amount through the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content 120. The cover 30 is releasably coupled to the
housing 110.
[0334] Particularly, the content passage unit 123 includes opening
members 242, moving members 245, a movement securing portion 252,
and a passage frame 258.
[0335] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
housing 250 is disposed on a circumferential surface at an open
side of the housing 110. The operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content housing 250 has a ring shape. The operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content housing 250 is
releasably coupled to the housing 110 to be easily replaced by a
new operating mechanism for controlling passage of content housing,
and may have various shapes and be formed of various materials. The
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content housing 250
is mounted on an outer side of the storage portion 113 and the
housing 110 covers the operating mechanism for controlling passage
of content housing 250.
[0336] The passage frame 258 is connected to the opening members
242 and has an opening 251, which is open at a central portion
thereof. Each of the opening members 242 has a free end 242a
movably connected to the passage frame 258, and is formed with a
passage space 112c for the content corresponding to the opening
251.
[0337] Each of the moving members 245 supports the corresponding
opening member 242 and is provided at one side thereof with a latch
member 254.
[0338] Each of the latch members 254 is latched to the movement
securing portion 252 and acts as a pivot joint upon rotation of the
opening members 242. That is, the latch member 254 is provided to
one side of each of the moving members 245 to be latched to the
movement securing portion 252 while hingedly coupling the
corresponding opening member 242, which is moved in the direction
of gravity or in the compressing direction of the content. The
latch member 254 may be integrally formed with or releasably
coupled to each of the moving members 245 and may have various
shapes.
[0339] Further, the movement securing portion 252 is connected to
the stationary member 253. Although the movement securing portion
252 may have various shapes, the movement securing portion 252 is
illustrated as having a ring shape in this embodiment, for
convenience of description.
[0340] The movement securing portion 252 may be connected to the
stationary member 253 in various ways. For example, the movement
securing portion 252 may be connected to the stationary member 253,
which is composed of connection ribs arranged at constant intervals
in the circumferential direction. The movement securing portion 252
is fixedly connected to the stationary member 253. Obviously, the
movement securing portion 252 may be formed of various
materials.
[0341] The movement securing portion 252 may be secured to one of
an upper edge, a circumferential surface, an inner surface and a
lower edge of the stationary member 253.
[0342] Particularly, the opening member 242 may be provided
singularly or in plural and connected to the movement securing
portion 252 to form the passage space 112c, thereby securing a
space through which a demand amount of the content can pass.
[0343] That is, each of the moving members 245 connected to the
opening members 242 is movably connected at one side thereof to the
movement securing portion 252. Thus, when the housing 110 is shaken
to supply the content, the opening members 242 are widened at the
other sides thereof with respect to each other to form the passage
space 112c. Accordingly, the content is allowed to pass through the
passage space 112c from the storage portion 113 of the housing 110.
For convenience of description, the content passage unit is
illustrated as including the plural opening members 242 separated
from each other.
[0344] In addition, the other sides of the opening members 242 are
interlocked with each other in order to adjust an open degree of
the passage space 112c. This structure is provided to prevent the
opening members 242 from being excessively pushed and returned to
an initial position, and to guide passage of a demand amount of the
content through adjustment of the open degree of the passage space
112c.
[0345] To this end, the content passage unit 123 includes opening
guide members 256 and the passage frame 258.
[0346] The opening guide member 256 is provided to the other side
of each of the moving members 245. Obviously, the opening guide
member 256 may have various shapes and may be integrally formed
with or releasably connected to each of the moving members 245.
Further, the opening guide member 256 may be integrally formed with
the moving member 245 to be coupled to the opening member 242.
[0347] The opening member 242 may be integrally formed with the
moving member 245.
[0348] The passage frame 258 is formed to allow each of the opening
guide members 256 to be latched thereto. With this structure, the
passage frame 258 is moved while adjoining the opening guide
members 256 upon rotation of the opening members 242. That is,
while the opening members 242 are moved from an initial state to
form the passage space 112c, the opening guide members 256 are
moved from a position `a` to a position `b` along the passage frame
258 (see FIG. 28). As a result, the opening members 242 are widened
at the other sides thereof with respect to each other. Accordingly,
the passage frame 258 can form the passage space 112c for passage
of the content by adjusting a rotated degree of each of the opening
members 242.
[0349] Each of the opening members 242 is provided with a shielding
member 146 inside the passage space 112c.
[0350] Furthermore, when the opening members 242 are returned to an
initial state after being opened to form the passage space 112c, it
is necessary for each of the opening members 242 to be returned to
a closing position corresponding to the initial state while
maintaining the passage space 112c for rapid opening. At this time,
the passage space 112c has a size preventing unintentional passage
of content therethrough. Thus, the passage frame 258 serves to
maintain a closing position restoration force of each of the
opening members 242.
[0351] Although the passage frame 258 may have various shapes, the
passage frame 258 is illustrated as having a ring shape in this
embodiment, for convenience of description. The passage frame 258
and the opening guide member 256 are interlocked with each
other.
[0352] Each of the opening members 242 may be formed with a
protrusion 244 at an edge thereof near the passage space 112c in
order to improve rotation response by the weight thereof in a state
of being interlocked with the passage frame 258. That is, when the
housing 110 is directed upward to be returned to an initial state,
the protrusions 244 act as weights for improving response to an
operation of returning the opening members 242 to an initial state
thereof. Obviously, the protrusion 244 may have various shapes.
[0353] The content having passed through the passage space 112c
having a sufficient size is stored in the temporary receiving
portion 115 instead of being discharged outside.
[0354] The content guide member 260 is disposed near the opening
members 242 inside the housing 110 so as not to contact the opening
members 242 while securing a sufficient size of the passage space
112c. This structure is provided to prevent interference with
movement of the opening members 242 by the content guide member 260
and to prevent the content having passed through the passage space
112c from leaking to a space between the opening members 242 and
the content guide member 260 through an inflow portion 262.
[0355] Particularly, a surface of the content guide member 260 has
a gentle inclination from the inflow portion 262 to the center of
the content guide member 260. More specifically, the surface of the
content guide member 260 facing the cover 30 is inclined to have a
height gradually decreasing from the inflow portion 262 to the
center of the content guide member 260. This structure is provided
to allow the content having passed through the passage space to be
placed at the center of the content guide member 260 near the
inflow portion 262 such that a user can easily pick up the content
when the storage portion 113 is directed upward to be returned to
an initial state.
[0356] Next, operation of the container mechanism 1 including the
content receiving device 100 according to the sixth embodiment of
the invention will be described.
[0357] Referring to FIG. 28, when a user tilts or overturns the
storage portion 113 of the container mechanism, the content
received within the storage portion 113 pushes the opening members
242 in a content passage direction while moving along the inclined
surfaces of the opening members 242. At this time, the opening
members 242 are rapidly widened by the weight of the protrusions
244.
[0358] As a result, the passage space 112c for passage of the
content can be sufficiently secured.
[0359] The content falls onto the cover 30 after passing through
the passage space 112c and the opening members 242.
[0360] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0361] Referring to FIG. 29, when the storage portion 113 is
directed upward to be returned to an initial state, the opening
members 242 widened with respect to each other are rapidly narrowed
with respect to each other by the weight of the protrusions 244,
thereby narrowing the passage space 112c. As a result, the content
is prevented from unintentionally passing through the passage space
112c.
[0362] Then, a user opens the cover 30 and takes the content out of
the container mechanism.
[0363] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0364] Referring to FIGS. 30 to 35, a container mechanism 1
according to a seventh embodiment of the invention has a function
of supplying a demand amount of content and includes a housing 110
and an operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120.
[0365] In this embodiment, the housing 110 is integrally formed
with the storage portion of the other embodiments. However, the
housing may be releasably coupled to the storage portion (for
example, by thread coupling, interference fitting, and the like),
and this structure provides an advantage in that these components
can be separately prepared.
[0366] For convenience of description, the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content 120 will be illustrated as being
provided to the housing 110.
[0367] The housing 110 may have a closable bottom or
circumferential surface to fill the housing with the content, or
may have a snap structure.
[0368] Particularly, the housing 110 may be provided to a content
passage side of a separate storage portion. The housing 110 may be
releasably coupled to the content passage side of the storage
portion, or may be integrally formed with the storage portion.
Obviously, the housing 110 may have various outer shapes and may be
formed of various materials.
[0369] The housing 110 is provided with a cavity 121a that is open
at opposite sides thereof.
[0370] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 is disposed inside the housing 110 to guide the content
received in the housing 110 or in the storage portion 113 to be
moved by a demand amount. The cover 30 is releasably coupled to the
housing 110.
[0371] The housing 110 may act as an opening and closing mechanism
110 for opening or closing the separate storage portion 113, and
may be provided to a content passage side of the separate storage
portion 113 to be releasably coupled to the content passage
side.
[0372] The opening and closing mechanism 110 is formed to have the
storage portion 113 inside the opening and closing mechanism 110,
and the cover 30 is fastened to an upper end of the opening and
closing mechanism 110 to act as an opening and closing mechanism
cap 30. The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 is provided with a content passage unit 123 and may be disposed
inside the opening and closing mechanism 110 or inside the storage
portion 113.
[0373] The operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 includes a stationary member 121 and the content passage unit
123.
[0374] The stationary member 121 is disposed on an inner surface of
the cavity 121a of the housing 110. With this structure, the
stationary member 121 divides the interior of the housing 110,
particularly, the cavity 121a. That is, the cavity 121a of the
housing 110 is divided by the stationary member 121. In other
words, the cavity 121a is divided into the storage portion 113 in
which the content is stored, and a temporary receiving portion 115
in which a demand amount of the content having passed through the
storage portion 113 is on standby. The storage portion 113 is open
towards the storage portion 113 and the temporary receiving portion
115 is open towards the cover 30.
[0375] The stationary member 121 is disposed inside the cavity
121a, without being limited thereto.
[0376] The stationary member 121 is formed with an opening 122. The
opening 122 connects the temporary receiving portion 115 of the
housing 110 to the storage portion 113 thereof such that the
content can be withdrawn therethrough. Here, the number and
diameter of the opening 122 are not particularly limited.
[0377] The stationary member 121 may be integrally formed with the
housing 110 or may be releasably coupled thereto. The stationary
member 121 may have various shapes.
[0378] The stationary member 121 is formed integrally with the
housing 110 as an inner wall of the housing 110 adjoining the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content 120.
[0379] The content passage unit 123 serves to guide passage of a
demand amount of the content through the opening 122. In this
embodiment, the content passage unit 123 is disposed inside the
opening 122, which is an overall open space of the inner wall of
the housing 110, to allow a demand amount of the content to pass
through the opening 122.
[0380] The content passage unit 123 includes opening member 142,
moving members 143, a movement securing portion 125a, and a passage
frame 258. The movement securing portion 125a includes a connection
via-hole 164 and latch protrusions 166.
[0381] The movement securing portion 125a is connected to the
stationary member 121. Particularly, the movement securing portion
125a is connected to the stationary member 121 at a side of the
opening 122. Although the movement securing portion 125a may have
various shapes, the movement securing portion 125a is illustrated
as having a ring shape in this embodiment for convenience of
description.
[0382] The movement securing portion 125a connects the opening
members 142 such that the opening members 142 can be moved.
[0383] The movement securing portion 125a may be integrally formed
with the stationary member 121 or may be integrally formed with the
inner wall of the housing 110.
[0384] The opening members 142 are disposed on an inner surface of
the opening 122 or along an edge of the opening 122. In an initial
state wherein the storage portion 113 is directed upward, the
opening members 124 serve to prevent unintentional passage of the
content or entrance of foreign matter from the outside by closing
the opening 122. Furthermore, when the storage portion 113 is
tilted or overturned to be directed downward, the opening members
124 are pushed by the weight thereof or compression of the content
to secure a passage space 112c such that the content can pass
through the passage space 112c. Here, the content is passed by a
demand amount through the passage space 112c defined in the opening
122.
[0385] The opening members 142 are provided to the movement
securing portion 125a so as to form the passage space 112c.
Particularly, the opening member 142 may be provided singularly or
in plural and connected to the movement securing portion 252 to
form the passage space 112c, thereby securing a space through which
a demand amount of the content can pass.
[0386] That is, each of the moving members 143 connected to the
opening members 242 is movably connected at one side thereof to the
movement securing portion 252. Thus, when the housing 110 is shaken
to allow passage of the content, the opening members 242 are
widened at the other side thereof with respect to each other to
form the passage space 112c. Accordingly, the content passes
through the passage space 112c from the storage portion 113 of the
housing 110. For convenience of description, the content passage
unit is illustrated as including the plural opening members 242
separated from each other.
[0387] The opening members 142 are disposed on the inner surface of
the opening 122 or along the edge of the opening 122. In an initial
state wherein the storage portion 113 is directed upward, the
opening members 124 serve to prevent unintentional passage of the
content or entrance of foreign matter from the outside by closing
the opening 122. Furthermore, when the storage portion 113 is
tilted or overturned to be directed downward, the opening members
124 are pushed by the weight thereof or compression of the content
to secure a passage space 112c such that the content can pass
through the passage space 112c. Here, the content is passed by a
demand amount through the passage space 112c defined in the opening
122.
[0388] The opening members 142 are provided to the movement
securing portion 125a so as to form the passage space 112c.
Particularly, the opening member 142 may be provided singularly or
in plural and connected to the movement securing portion 252 to
form the passage space 112c, thereby securing a space through which
a demand amount of the content can pass.
[0389] That is, each of the moving members 143 connected to the
opening members 242 is movably connected at one side thereof to the
movement securing portion 252. Thus, when the housing 110 is shaken
to allow passage of the content, the opening members 242 are
widened at the other side thereof with respect to each other to
form the passage space 112c. Accordingly, the content passes
through the passage space 112c from the storage portion 113 of the
housing 110. For convenience of description, the content passage
unit is illustrated as including the plural opening members 242
separated from each other.
[0390] Each of the opening members 142 may be integrally formed
with the corresponding moving member 143.
[0391] In this embodiment, the opening member 142 is integrally
formed with the moving member 143 as a single component, and the
opening member 142 and the moving member 143 are movably connected
as the single component to the movement securing portion 125a.
[0392] The movement securing portion 125a is connected to the
stationary member 121. Particularly, the movement securing portion
125a is connected to the stationary member 121 at a side of the
opening 122. Although the movement securing portion 125a may have
various shapes, the movement securing portion 125a is illustrated
as having a ring shape in this embodiment for convenience of
description.
[0393] The movement securing portion 125a connects the opening
members 142 such that the opening members 142 can be moved.
[0394] The movement securing portion 125a may be integrally formed
with the stationary member 121 or may be integrally formed with the
inner wall of the housing 11.
[0395] Upon opening of the opening members 142, a variable
operation plate 140 composed of the opening members 142 acts as an
inflow guide member and guides the content within the housing 110
to be concentrically moved towards the passage space 112c of the
passage frame 258 along an inclination trace when the storage
portion 113 is tilted.
[0396] The content passage unit 123 includes the variable operation
plate 140 composed of the opening members 142, which are secured at
one side thereof to the stationary member 121 corresponding to the
inner wall of the housing 110 and are moved at the other side
thereof and arranged adjacent to each other to form the passage
space 112c, which prevents the content from falling into the
passage space while allowing the content to pass through a certain
portion thereof.
[0397] As the non-fixed sides of the opening members 142 are moved
inside the housing 110, the passage space 112c is widened to allow
content to pass therethrough.
[0398] When the housing 110 is tilted or shaken by a user, the
non-fixed sides of the opening members 142 may be moved by the
weight of the opening members 142 or by compression of the
content.
[0399] The passage frame 258 is connected to the opening members
142 and has an opening 251, the center of which is open. The
opening members 142 are movably connected at free ends 242a thereof
to the passage frame 258 and the passage space 112c for the content
is formed corresponding to the opening 251.
[0400] Each of the opening members 142 is provided with a shielding
member 146 inside the passage space 112c.
[0401] Here, the content passes through the passage space 112c
inside the opening 251 as the length of the shielding member 146 is
reduced due to deformation of the opening member 142.
[0402] In addition, the shielding member 146 of the opening member
142 is formed with a protrusion hook 144, which prevents the
opening member 142 from being separated from a connection hole 154
formed in the passage frame 258.
[0403] A distal end of the shielding member 146 is formed of a
resilient material such as urethane or silicone to resist passage
of the content through the passage space 112c, thereby assisting in
passage of a demand amount of the content.
[0404] On the other hand, a body 151 of the passage frame 258 is
preferably formed with the connection hole 153, to which the distal
end of each of the opening members 142 is latched while passing
through the connection hole so as not to be separated therefrom,
such that the opening members 142 can freely slide in the
connection hole upon deformation thereof.
[0405] A body 162 of the movement securing portion 125a includes
the connection via-hole 164 formed along the circumference thereof
such that the distal end of the opening member 142 is latched
thereto while passing therethrough so as not to be separated
therefrom.
[0406] The body 162 of the movement securing portion 125a further
includes a plurality of latch protrusions 166 formed along an outer
circumference thereof to secure the body 162 to the inner wall of
the housing 110 of the container mechanism 1.
[0407] The passage space 112c is further provided with a guide rod
170, which penetrates the passage frame 258 and is secured at one
end thereof to a bottom surface of the housing 110 to guide
variable movement of the passage frame 258.
[0408] The guide rod 170 includes a protruding portion 172, which
is formed to support a lower side of the passage frame 258.
[0409] As the non-fixed sides of the opening members 142 are moved
towards the temporary receiving portion 115 of the housing 110, the
passage space 112c is widened to allow passage of the content
therethrough.
[0410] In other words, as soon as the container mechanism 1 is
shaken in a front direction by a user, the passage frame 258
advances in the front direction and the distal ends of the opening
members 142, which have blocked the passage space of the passage
frame 258, approach an outer diameter of the passage frame 258 to
open an inner diameter of the passage frame 258 such that the
content passes through the passage space 112c.
[0411] Particularly, each of the opening members 142 includes the
shielding member 146 protruding towards one of an upper portion, a
lower portion and an inner portion of the passage frame 258.
Accordingly, as the length of the shielding member 146 is reduced
by movement of the opening members 142, the content passes through
the passage space 112c.
[0412] At this time, the opening members 142 may be directly
connected to the passage frame 258. Alternatively, although not
shown in the drawings, the opening members 142 may be indirectly
connected to the passage frame 258 through a separate
opening/closing guide.
[0413] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0414] Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, a container mechanism
according to an eighth embodiment of the invention includes an
opening and closing mechanism 105 and a container body 200 opened
or closed by the opening and closing mechanism 105.
[0415] In this embodiment, the opening and closing mechanism 105 is
applied to the container mechanism 1 and forms a temporary
receiving portion 115. The temporary receiving portion 115 is
formed within the opening and closing mechanism 105 and is used as
a temporary receiving space separate from the container body 200.
To this end, the opening and closing mechanism 105 includes a
housing in which the temporary receiving portion 115 is formed, and
an operating mechanism for controlling passage of content 120.
[0416] A content separately received within the temporary receiving
portion 115 can be taken out through an opening formed in the
opening and closing mechanism 105. The container mechanism
according to this embodiment is configured to allow the content
received in the container body 200 to be put into the temporary
receiving portion 115 through the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content 120. That is, a storage portion 113
and the temporary receiving portion 115 are partially communicated
with each other through the operating mechanism for controlling
passage of content 120 to allow the content in the storage portion
113 to be moved into the temporary receiving portion 115. Further,
the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content 120 may
be formed to prevent the content having moved into the temporary
receiving portion 115 from being moved into the storage portion
113.
[0417] The opening and closing mechanism 105 is formed to have the
temporary receiving portion 115 to receive a divided amount of the
content in the container body 200 to be used by a user.
[0418] The opening and closing mechanism 105 is formed with an
upper thread portion 111 on an upper outer circumference thereof
and a lower thread portion 112 on a lower outer circumference
thereof for screw coupling.
[0419] The opening and closing mechanism 105 includes a housing 110
formed to have the temporary receiving portion 115 defined to store
content therein, a cover 30 fastened to an upper end of the housing
110, and the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 defining a boundary between the temporary receiving portion 115
and the storage portion 113, which corresponds to a storage space
of the container body 200, so as to form the temporary receiving
portion 115 of the housing 110.
[0420] The container body 200 is formed on an upper outer
circumferential surface thereof with a thread portion 201 through
which the opening and closing mechanism 105 opens or closes the
container body 200, and includes a sealed bottom 202 and defines
the storage portion 113 which stores the content therein. Coupling
between the container body 200 and the opening and closing
mechanism 105 may be realized by various methods, such as screw
coupling, fitting, and the like.
[0421] With the aforementioned structure, the opening and closing
mechanism allows the content of the container body to be separately
stored by a demand amount in the content standby space of the
opening and closing mechanism, thereby preventing the entirety of
the content in the container body from being easily exposed to
contaminants or from being easily oxidized through contact with air
while allowing only a demand amount of the content to be easily
used.
[0422] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0423] Referring to FIGS. 38 to 39, a container mechanism 1
according to a ninth embodiment of the invention includes an
opening and closing mechanism 105 and a container body 200 opened
or closed by the opening and closing mechanism 105.
[0424] The container mechanism 1 according to this embodiment is
the same as the container mechanism according to the first
embodiment in that both container mechanisms include the opening
and closing mechanism 105, and the same components will be
indicated by the same reference numerals and detailed description
thereof will be omitted.
[0425] The opening and closing mechanism 105 includes a housing 110
formed to have a temporary receiving portion 115 therein, a cover
30 fastened to an upper end of the housing 110, and an operating
mechanism for controlling passage of content 120 defining a
boundary between the temporary receiving portion 115 and a storage
space of a container body 200 so as to form the temporary receiving
portion 115 of the housing 110, wherein the operating mechanism for
controlling passage of content 120 has an opening 141, which
protrudes to a predetermined height.
[0426] Content received in the container body 200 can be moved from
the storage portion 113 of the container body 200 to the temporary
receiving portion 115, which corresponds to a storage portion of
the housing 110, through the opening 141.
[0427] When the container mechanism is significantly tilted or
shaken, the content received in the storage portion 113 is moved
into the temporary receiving portion 115, which corresponds to the
storage portion of the housing 110. Once the content is moved into
the temporary receiving portion 115, the opening 141 having a
predetermined height prevents the content from returning to the
container body 200 through the opening 141 in daily use, and
prevents the content in the storage portion 113 from being taken
out when the container is tilted to take the content out of the
opening and closing mechanism 105.
[0428] Particularly, referring to FIG. 40 to FIG. 43, a container
mechanism 1 according to the present invention includes an opening
and closing mechanism 105 and a container body 200 opened or closed
by the opening and closing mechanism 105.
[0429] The opening and closing mechanism 105 includes a housing 110
formed to have a temporary receiving portion 115 defined to store
content therein, a cover 30 fastened to an upper end of the housing
110, and a deformable content passage unit defining a boundary
between the temporary receiving portion 115 and a storage space of
the container body 200 so as to form the temporary receiving
portion 115 of the housing 110, wherein the content of the
container body 200 is allowed to move into the opening and closing
mechanism 105 through deformation of the content passage unit.
[0430] On the other hand, unlike the structure wherein the content
of the container body 200 is allowed to move into the opening and
closing mechanism 105 through deformation of the content passage
unit, a receiving portion may be disposed within the opening and
closing mechanism 105 as in the second and fifth embodiments such
that a demand amount of the content is moved from the container
body 200 into the opening and closing mechanism 105 and remains
therein.
[0431] The content passage unit includes a variable operation plate
140 composed of the opening members 142, which are secured at one
side thereof to the stationary member 121 and are deformable at the
other side thereof and arranged adjacent to each other to form a
passage space 112c, which prevents the content from falling into
the passage space while allowing the content to pass through a
certain portion thereof, and a passage frame 258 having a loop
shape and formed with an opening 251 open at the center
thereof.
[0432] In addition, each of the opening members 142 is connected at
the other side thereof, which is a free end of the opening member,
to the passage frame 258 to form the passage space 112c in the
opening 251 and is provided with a shielding member 146 inside the
opening 251, and the content passes through the passage space 112c
inside the opening 251 as the length of the shielding member 146
disposed within the opening 251 of the passage frame 258 is reduced
due to deformation of the opening member 142.
[0433] In other words, the free end of each of the opening members
142 is connected to the passage frame 258; the passage space 112c
for the content is formed in the opening 251; and, upon movement of
the opening members 142, the variable operation plate 140 composed
of the opening members 142 forms an inclined surface to guide the
content to move towards a portion of the passage frame 258 having
the passage space along an inclination trace. The opening member
142 includes the shielding member 146 facing the interior of the
opening 251, and the content is allowed to pass through the opening
251 as the length of the shielding member 146 inside the passage
frame 258 is reduced due to movement of the opening member 142.
[0434] In addition, the other side of the opening member 142, that
is, the free end 242a of the opening member 142, is deformed by the
weight thereof when the container body 200 is shaken or tilted by a
user, and a free end 242a of the shielding member 146 is formed of
a resilient material such as urethane or silicone and is configured
to resist passage of the content through the passage space 112c,
thereby assisting in passage of a demand amount of the content.
[0435] Further, a body 151 of the passage frame 258 may be formed
with a connection hole 153, to which the distal end of each of the
opening members 142 is latched while passing through the connection
hole so as not to be separated therefrom, such that the opening
members 142 can be freely slid in the connection hole upon
deformation thereof, and the shielding member 146 of each of the
opening members 142 may be further formed with a protrusion hook
which prevents the opening member 142 from being separated from the
connection hole 153 formed in the passage frame 258.
[0436] The passage frame 258 may have various shapes such as a
rectangular shape, an octagonal shape as well as a circular loop
shape. Further, the passage frame 258 may be suitably formed of a
metal or synthetic resin so long as the material of the passage
frame can be moved by the weight thereof.
[0437] On the other hand, the opening and closing mechanism 105 may
further include a holding fixture 160 formed along a circumference
thereof with connection via-holes 164 to which the distal ends of
the opening members 142 are latched so as not to be separated
therefrom, and having the circumference secured to an inner wall of
the container body 200 such that the opening members 142 are
secured to a circumferential inner wall of a partition or the inner
wall of the container body 200; and a plurality of latch
protrusions 166 formed along an outer circumference of the holding
fixture 160 to secure the holding fixture 160 to the inner wall of
the container body 200. As the free ends of the opening members 142
are deformed towards the temporary receiving portion 115 of the
opening and closing mechanism 105, the passage space 112c is
widened to allow passage of the content therethrough. In other
words, as soon as the container mechanism is shaken in a front or
rear direction by a user, the passage frame 258 in the container
mechanism advances in the front direction and the distal ends of
the opening members 142, which have blocked the opening 251 of the
passage frame 258, approach an outer diameter of the passage frame
258 to open an inner diameter of the passage frame 258 such that
the content is discharged through the opening 251 of the passage
frame 258 by inertia of shaking operation. When a user becomes
accustomed to shaking of the container, the container allows only a
demand amount of the content to be easily discharged by adjusting
shaking force and time of a user.
[0438] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0439] As shown in FIG. 44 to FIG. 46, in a container mechanism
including an opening and closing mechanism 105 according to a tenth
embodiment of the present invention, a lower portion of the opening
and closing mechanism 105 may extend into a container body 200 to
form a portion or the entirety of a temporary receiving space
inside the container body. In addition, as shown in FIG. 45, the
operating mechanism for controlling passage of content 120 may be
releasably coupled to the container body 200, and as shown in FIG.
46, two or more opening and closing mechanisms 105 may be coupled
to upper and lower portions of the container body 200, or a
plurality of opening and closing mechanisms 105 may be
consecutively coupled to the container body.
[0440] As shown in FIG. 44, when a portion or the entirety of the
temporary receiving space is formed inside the container body 200,
the container improves utility of the temporary receiving space,
and when the operating mechanism for controlling passage of content
120 is configured to be detachable, it is possible to select a
suitable operating mechanism for controlling passage of content 120
depending on the kind of content and to facilitate cleaning of the
temporary receiving portion.
[0441] Undescribed reference numerals are the same as those
described above and detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0442] Although some embodiments have been disclosed above, it
should be understood that these embodiments are given by way of
illustration only, and that various modifications, variations, and
alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present
invention should be limited only by the accompanying claims.
[0443] According to embodiments of the invention, the content
receiving device, the opening and closing mechanism, and the
container mechanism including the same include a content passage
unit to block a content passage side of the container mechanism
while allowing a demand amount of content having a solid, powder or
liquid phase to be discharged from the container mechanism.
[0444] The present invention can improve opening/closing response
by restricting a movement angle of the content passage unit opening
a content passage side of the container mechanism.
[0445] The present invention can stably guide passage of the demand
amount of the content by securing a passage space while changing
the passage space.
[0446] The present invention can close the passage space in
association with passage of the demand amount of the content to
prevent the content from passing through the passage space.
* * * * *