EP1632361B1 - Carrying pencil pot - Google Patents

Abstract

The pot has a hollow cylindrical body (2) with a gusset type deformable structure having superimposed circular rings (7). The structure has several stable unfolded/compressed position, in which an upper opening (6) of the pot is inclined. Pencils in the pot are spaced from each other inside a distributing cone in gusset`s partially unfolded/compressed position. A cap (5) closes the opening (6) to form a closed case for the pencils.

Description

The present invention relates, in general, to stationery and office items, for professional, school or domestic use. This invention relates more particularly to a pencil pot, that is to say a receptacle which is intended to be placed on a desk, and which is intended to receive pencils or pens, or other stationery, in order to put them conveniently available to their user, while providing some storage of such items.

A pencil pot is, traditionally, a simple rigid receptacle, open at its upper part. Such pencil pots, fixed structure, offer no modularity or flexibility to improve ergonomics or practicality, made however desirable because of the uses and different users of these pots.

In addition, existing pencil pots are only designed as fixed fixtures, which remain on a desk. They are absolutely not intended to be moved and transported at the same time as the pencils they receive, for example between the home and the workplace of the user. To carry his pencils, the user must have a case or a kit, which is an independent accessory pencil pot; thus, when the user arrives at his place of work, he must put the pencils back in their pot. The manipulations to be performed are therefore tedious, and they require two separate products, namely on the one hand the pencil pot, and on the other hand the case or the transport kit.

It is also clear that the traditional pencil pots, open at their upper part, have no means of closure proper to provide some protection of the items placed in these pots, when they are not used.

The document DE 72 29 791 U A pencil pot has a pedestal, a flexible rod and an upper receptacle which is tiltable by the flexible rod. However, such a pot has no means of closure that would turn it into a carrying case. In addition, it can receive only a limited number of pencils or other similar articles, and its stability in "standing" position appears low.

The document DE 89 01 093 U discloses a receptacle for brushes, which has a rigid cylindrical body in which are inserted tubes provided with a bent portion, foldable, extended by a rigid outer tubular member individually receiving the handle of a brush. All This receptacle is accommodable under a cylindrical case, and does not itself constitute a carrying case.

The documents US 2003/160055 A and DE 200 08649 U describe containers for beverages or food products, whose side wall has helical formations with multiple turns, so that this side wall can be "compacted" at a low height. Such containers are not suitable for use as pencil pots. In the case of the document US 2003/160055 A the container can not be brought into stable intermediate positions. In the case of the document DE 200 08649 U a stable intermediate position can only be obtained by means of a closure lid provided with claws, which however prohibits access to the interior of the container.

The present invention aims to avoid all the disadvantages described above, by providing a single product that can be used both as a pencil pot and as a means of transporting and protecting pencils, this product being furthermore designed so as to improve its conditions of use. in its function of pencil pot.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a pencil pot according to claim 1.

In a preferred embodiment of this pencil pot forming a carrying case, the structure of the bellow type of its body has not only two extreme stable positions, respectively deployed and compressed, but also a multiplicity of intermediate stable positions, in particular obtained by deploying only some of the annular elements of the bellows, as well as inclined stable positions obtained by curving the bellows structure so as to bring the upper opening of the aforementioned body in a plane inclined to the horizontal, the base remaining on a horizontal surface.

The non-permanent closing means of the open end of the body of the pencil pot may be constituted by a removable cap, adaptable to a rigid ring mounted around the upper end portion of the bellows structure.

Overall, we obtain a pencil pot which, on the one hand, can be easily adjustable in height and also in inclination, to allow easy manual gripping of the pencils placed in this pot, and secondly, in the extended and closed position, fully protects the rods and then becomes a carrying case for these rods, replacing a kit or the like.

More particularly, the body of this pencil pot, consisting of a bellows, can be deployed or compress, or else deform differently by curvature, depending on the desired use. In the open state, the pencil pot can be brought into a higher or lower configuration, adapted to the length of the pencils or other items to be stored, while making them accessible by their upper part which protrudes above the pencil. upper opening of the pot. The inclination of the upper part of the pencil pot, so its upper opening, allows even easier access to the pencils.

It will be noted that the deformable structure of the bellows type possesses not only extreme stable positions, respectively extended and compressed, but also preferably a multiplicity of stable intermediate positions, which can be obtained by deploying only some of the successive annular elements of the bellows, which allows to precisely adjust the height of the body of the pencil pot. In addition, the inclination of the upper part of said body can be obtained in any more or less deployed or compressed position of the bellows, this inclination being itself modifiable, which further multiplies the possible configurations for the pencil pot object of the invention, and allows the user to choose the optimal position for taking pencils, depending on the conditions of use. In particular, in a compressed or partially deployed position of the bellows, the rods arranged in the pot deviate from each other, inside a "dispersion cone", which greatly facilitates their grip. In addition, in the deployed position of the pencil pot, it is sufficient for the user to put in place the cap or other closure means to form a carrying case and protection of the rods, without the need to manipulate these rods.

Note that the bellows structure body with multiple stable positions is achievable according to techniques known per se, already used for example for drinking straws, disposable bottles, spouts of oil cans, etc.. In particular, it concerns bellows made in one piece, made of synthetic material such as polypropylene, the bellows comprising a series of rings of symmetrical or asymmetrical triangular profile, which allows, in a compressed position, a fitting and a locking of each ring in the next ring. Such a structure allows a large amplitude between the two extreme positions, respectively deployed and compressed, and thus contributes to achieving the goal, which is to have a pencil pot with a high degree of modularity.

However, since such a bellows can be subject to a "memory" phenomenon in the event of extended holding in the extended position, it is advantageously provided in an improved embodiment of the invention that the pencil pot has a portion low and an upper part, in particular a base and an upper ring, provided with complementary interlocking means in compressed position of the bellows. These locking means may in particular take the form of openings in the side wall of the base, and complementary bosses of these openings, formed laterally on the upper ring, the bosses of the ring being adapted to be engaged elastically and in a non-rigid manner. permanent in the corresponding openings of the base. It will also be noted that such locking means stiffen the pencil pot in a compressed position.

• Figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale d'un pot à crayons conforme à la présente invention, avec son soufflet à l'état déployé ;
• Figure 2 est une autre vue en en coupe verticale d'un pot à crayons de la figure 1, avec son soufflet à l'état comprimé ;
• Figure 3 est une vue de côté et en coupe partielle de ce pot à crayons avec son soufflet courbé de manière à incliner l'extrémité supérieure ouverte ;
• Figure 4 montre, en perspective, une deuxième forme d'exécution du pot à crayons selon l'invention, à l'état déployé et fermé ;
• Figure 5 est une vue en perspective du pot à crayons de la figure 4, à l'état comprimé et ouvert.

The invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the schematically appended drawing showing, by way of examples, two embodiments of this pencil pot forming a carrying case:

• Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a pencil pot according to the present invention, with its bellows in the expanded state;
• Figure 2 is another vertical sectional view of a pencil pot from the figure 1 , with its bellows in the compressed state;
• Figure 3 is a side view in partial section of this pencil pot with its bellows bent so as to tilt the open upper end;
• Figure 4 shows, in perspective, a second embodiment of the pencil pot according to the invention, in the expanded and closed state;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pencil pot of the figure 4 , in the compressed and open state.

• d'un corps 2 évidé de forme générale cylindrique, à structure déformable du genre soufflet;
• d'un fond inférieur 3 fermé de ce corps 2, et incorporé à un socle 4;
• d'un bouchon 5 amovible, prévu pour la fermeture non permanente de l'ouverture supérieure 6 du corps 2.

Referring in particular to the figure 1 , the pencil pot consists, in a general way:

• a hollow body 2 of cylindrical general shape, deformable structure of the bellows type;
• a closed bottom bottom 3 of the body 2, and incorporated in a base 4;
• a removable cap 5, provided for the non-permanent closure of the upper opening 6 of the body 2.

All of these elements can be made of synthetic material, injected or blown.

More particularly, the bellows structure of the body 2 comprises a series of circular rings 7 superimposed, each ring 7 having a symmetrical or asymmetrical triangular profile, resulting from an upper frustoconical face and a lower frustoconical face.

The base 4 is formed by a rigid ring, inserted around the lower ring 8, of particular configuration (with a rounded profile), of the bellows structure.

Another rigid ring 9 is mounted around the upper ring of the bellows structure, the ring 9 defining the upper opening 6, of circular shape, of the body 2.

The cap 5 fits on the upper ring 9 of the body 2, this by simple interlocking, by screwing or by a bayonet device.

In a first stable position shown on the figure 1 , the bellows structure of the body 2 is deployed vertically, along the axis A, and thus has its maximum height, so that said body 2 has its minimum volume. The pot can thus receive one or more rods 10, of which only the upper end, projecting above the ring 9, is then accessible.

In a second stable position shown on the figure 2 , the bellows structure of the body 2 is compressed and thus has a minimum height, so that said body 2 provides its minimum volume. The rods 10, placed in the pot, are held at the level of the upper ring 9, in below the midpoint of their length, and they then tilt away from each other upwards, allowing a very easy grip of these rods 10.

In a manner not shown but easily conceivable, the bellows structure of the body 2 can also be partially deployed, that is to say that the pencil pot has an intermediate height between its maximum height mounted on the figure 1 , and its minimum height shown on the figure 2 . Such intermediate positions are in particular obtained, as stable positions, by deploying only some rings 7 of the bellows structure, while the other rings 7 remain compressed.

Moreover, in any more or less deployed position, the bellow structure of the body 2 can be curved, as illustrated by FIG. figure 3 . Thus, considering that the base 4 always rests on a horizontal surface, the upper part of the pencil pot and in particular its upper opening 6 takes an inclined position at a variable angle relative to the horizontal. The pot then forms a dispenser particularly adapted for the pencils 10.

In particular in the deployed position of the body bellows structure 2, as shown in FIG. figure 1 , the opening 6 is closable by the cap 5, so as to constitute a closed carrying case for the rods 10. The rods 10 and in particular their points are thus perfectly protected.

The Figures 4 and 5 , on which elements corresponding to those previously described are designated by the same reference numerals, illustrate another embodiment of pencil pot, respectively in the deployed and closed position, and in compressed and open position.

The base 4 of the pencil pot Figures 4 and 5 has, on its side wall, two oblong openings 11 diametrically opposite. In correspondence with the openings 11, the upper rigid ring 9 laterally has two bosses 12 diametrically opposed, the contour of each boss 12 corresponding to the shape of an opening 11.

In the deployed position of the bellow structure of the body 2 (see figure 4 ), the upper ring 9 is at a vertical distance from the base 4, and the openings 11 and bosses 12 are not involved. The pencil pot is here represented closed by a plug 5.

In the compressed position of the bellow structure of the body 2 (see figure 5 ), the two bosses 12 of the ring 9 are respectively engaged in the two corresponding openings 11 of the base 2, this engagement being authorized by the sufficient elasticity of the constituent material of the base 4 and the ring 9. The pencil pot is is thus locked in a compressed position, the ring 9 being close to the base 4. In this position, the pot being open as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 , the pencils 10 placed in the pot can deviate significantly, their grip being facilitated.

By manually pressing on the bosses 12 that appear through the openings 11, the user can easily separate the upper ring 9 from the base 4, and thus allow the return of the pencil pot in a more or less unfolded position (according to the figure 4 ).

Although reference has hitherto been made to pencils 10, as shown in the drawing, it goes without saying that the same "pencil pot" can also receive other writing and drawing instruments, such as that pens, markers, compasses, as well as other stationery such as scissors, small staplers, clips called paper clips, etc., the more or less important deployment of the bellows to adapt the pot to the length and the particular form of the instruments or articles which it is called to receive.

• en modifiant les formes de détail du pot à crayons, par exemple les formes de son socle ou de sa bague supérieure, ou encore le nombre des anneaux de sa structure en soufflet;
• en réalisant ce pot à crayons en toutes matières appropriées, pouvant être des matières transparentes ou translucides, ou au contraire opaques;
• en remplaçant le bouchon amovible du pot à crayons par tous moyens équivalents de fermeture non permanente, réalisés sous forme de moyens séparés ou intégrés au corps du pot à crayons ;
• en destinant ce pot à des instruments ou articles de toute nature, et pour tous usage : professionnel, scolaire, domestique ou autre.

It is not departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims:

• by modifying the forms of detail of the pencil pot, for example the shapes of its pedestal or its upper ring, or the number of rings of its bellows structure;
• by making this pencil pot in any suitable material, which may be transparent or translucent materials, or otherwise opaque;
• replacing the removable cap of the pencil pot by any equivalent means of non-permanent closure, made in the form of separate means or integrated into the body of the pencil pot;
• by destining this pot to instruments or articles of all kinds, and for all use: professional, school, domestic or other.

Claims (5)

1. A pencil pot, designed for receiving pencils, pens, and other stationary or office items, characterized in that it comprises a body (2) hollowed out for receiving multiple pencils (10), pens and so on, the body having a generally cylindrical shape, with a deformable bellows-like structure composed of stacked ring elements (7), having a plurality of stable positions, more or less deployed or compressed, provided at one end with a closed bottom (3) composing a base or being integrated into a base (4), adapted for resting on a plane surface, the pencil pot thereby being height and tilt adjustable, said body (2) having or receiving at the open opposite end (6) thereof non permanent closing means (5) enabling the pencil pot to become a protective carrying case.
2. The carrying case pencil pot according to claim 1. characterized in that the bellows-like structure of the body (2) does not only have two stable end positions, respectively deployed and compressed, but also multiple intermediate stable positions, namely obtained by deploying only some of the ring elements (7) of the bellows, so that the pencil pot has an intermediate height between the maximum height and minimum height thereof, as well as tilted stable positions obtained by curving the bellows structure so as to bring the upper opening (6) of the above-mentioned body (2) into a plane inclined to the horizontal, with the base (4) remaining in place on a horizontal surface.
3. The carrying case pencil pot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the non permanent closing means of the open end (6) of the body (2) thereof, provided for making a closed carrying case, are composed of a removable plug (5), which can be adapted on a rigid ring (9) mounted around the upper terminal part of the bellows-like structure.
4. The carrying case pencil pot according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a bottom part and a top part, in particular a base (4) and an upper ring (9) provided with complementary means (11, 12) for mutual locking in the compressed position of the bellows, with the pot being open.
5. The pencil pot according to all of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said means for locking the bellows in the compressed position are made as openings (11) arranged in the side wall of the base (4) and as bosses (12) complementary to these openings, formed laterally on the upper ring (9), the bosses (12) of the ring (9) being adapted to be elastically and non permanently engaged into the corresponding openings (11) of the base (4).

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