DK201500602A1 - Date Setting Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A date setting device comprising a body member and one or more attachment structures for attaching the date setting device to an object is disclosed. The body member is provided with one or more display areas each having one or more settable display units. The body member is provided with setting members configured to set the display units independently of each other.

Description

Date Setting Device Field of invention

The present invention relates to a device for setting a date. More particularly, the invention relates to a device that can be attached to an object such as a bag or a box for indicating a date (e.g. the date at which the bag or box was stored in a refrigerator or in a freezer).

Prior art

Clamp devices for bags are widely known and used since they are capable of sealingly closing a bag in a fast, easy and user-friendly manner. When a bag with foodstuff is closed by means of a prior art damping device, the user cannot subsequently identify the date at which the foodstuff was stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Accordingly, a lot of food is wasted.

Thus, there is a need for a way to reduce or even eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used to set the date of which the bag was placed in the refrigerator or freezer in a fast, easy and user-friendly manner.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a device as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent sub claims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The date setting device according to the invention is a date setting device comprising a body member and one or more attachment structures for attaching the date setting device to an object, wherein the body member is provided with one or more display areas each having one or more settabie display unit, wherein the body member is provided with setting members configured to set the display units independently of each other,

Hereby, it is possible to provide a date setting device that can be used to set the date of objects such as plastic bags and boxes with foodstuff in order to indicate the date at which the object is stored or placed in the refrigerator or freezer in a fast, easy and user-friendly manner.

The date setting device according to the invention is a date setting device comprising a body member that may have any suitable geometric form. It may be advantageous that the body member is an elongated structure, The body member may be basically box-shaped.

The body member may be produced in any suitable materia! such as plastic, metai or wood by way of example, In a preferred embodiment, the body member is produced in plastic by injection moulding.

By having one or more attachment structures for attaching the date setting device to an object, it is possible to fix the date setting device to an object,

The body member is provided with one or more display areas each having one or more settabie display units, wherein the body member is provided with setting members configured to set the display units independently of each other,

Hereby, it is possible to set (change) the display units independently of each other e.g. when setting a date (e.g. October 15 2015).

It may be an advantage that the one or more display areas are configured to display four or more characters, preferably at least six characters.

Hereby, it is possible to set the date (e.g. May 20 2016), in a unique manner.

It may be advantageous that the one or more settable display units are shaped as disk-shaped wheels configured to be rotated about their longitudinal axis.

Hereby, the settable display units can be used for setting themselves. Accordingly, this solution is simple and can be compact, intuitive and user-friendly.

It may be beneficial that each of the disk-shaped wheels have a shaft, wherein the longitudinal axis of the disk-shaped wheel extends through the shaft, wherein the disk-shaped wheel is rotatably mounted to the body member of the date setting device by means of the shaft.

Hereby, it is possible to mount the disk-shaped wheels in corresponding grooves in the body member. Accordingly, a simple and robust date setting device can be provided.

It may be advantageous that each of the disk-shaped wheels are mounted in such a manner that the disk-shaped wheels are restricted from being rotated unless a predefined minimal force is exerted towards them.

Hereby, it is possible to prevent unintended rotation of the setting members. This can be achieved by mounting the shafts of the setting members by means of interference fit.

It may be beneficial that the body member comprises one or more setting members configured to set the display units for displaying different characters.

Hereby, it is possible to set the display units as desired.

It may be an advantage that the one or more setting are provided next to display units that the setting members are configured to set.

Hereby, a user-friendly and intuitive solution can be provided.

It may be an advantage that the setting members are configured to control/set the display units by mechanical means.

In one embodiment according to the invention, the setting members are configured to control/set the display units by electric means. The display units 40, 40' may be analogue or digital.

It may be advantageous that the display units are arranged in such a manner that they are visible from outside.

Hereby, a better access to the display units can be provided.

It may be beneficial that the body member is provided with one or more structures for receiving an elastic band, a wire or a string for securing the date setting device to an object.

Hereby the elastic band, a wire or a string (not shown) can be used to fix the date setting device to e.g. a bag, a packed lunch or a box with foodstuff.

The structure may be formed as a gap or a grove by way of example.

It may be an advantage that the body member is provided with a first structure and a second structure for receiving an elastic band, a wire or a string for securing the date setting device to an object.

Hereby, a reliable and secure attachment can be provided.

It may be beneficial that the structure is a groove or a gap.

In one embodiment according to the invention, the body member comprises grooves for receiving the shaft of a setting member.

It may be an advantage that the groove extends basically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body member.

It may be an advantage the groove has a basically rectangular cross-section.

It may be beneficial that the date setting device comprises a first body member rotatably attached to a second body member, wherein the first body member is configured to engage with the second body member and hereby attach the first body member to the second body member.

Hereby, the date setting device can be used as a combined closing and sealing member for sealingly closing e.g. a plastic bag containing foodstuff for storage in the refrigerator or freezer.

It may be advantageous that the first body member comprises a first portion in which one or more display areas are provided, wherein a locking pin is provided in the distai end of the first body member, wherein the second body member comprises a receiving member provided with an aperture configured to engagingly receive the locking pin.

Hereby the distal portion of the first body member and the second body member can constitute the locking structure for seaiingly locking the date setting device. Accordingly, the date setting device can be locked in a secure, effective and user-friendly manner.

It may be beneficial that the first body member comprises a second portion comprising a wall portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first body member, wherein the second body member comprises a structure adapted to receive the wail portion.

Hereby, a robust and strong construction can be achieved. The wall portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first body member can reinforce the date setting device.

It may be advantageous that the body member is a basically boxshaped body member.

Hereby, the body member is easy to handle and provide with the display areas and settable display units next to each other for facilitating the user-friendliness of the date setting device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the date setting device comprises only one body member.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1A shows a schematic perspective top view of a date setting device according to the invention;

Fig. IB shows a perspective view of a setting member according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a ciose-up perspective end view of a date setting device according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective top view of another date setting device according to the invention;

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a date setting device according to the invention in an open configuration;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective top view of a further date setting device according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a date setting device according to the invention in an open configuration Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of a date setting device according to the invention in a dosed configuration;

Fig. 7B shows a perspective view of the date setting device shown in Fig. 7A in an open configuration;

Fig. 7C shows a perspective view of another date setting device according to the invention;

Fig. 7D shows a date setting device according to the invention seaiingiy dosing a bag and

Fig. 8 shows three date setting devices according to the invention attached to three boxes by means of elastic bands.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a date setting device 2 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective top view of a date setting device 2 according to the invention. The date setting device 2 comprises a top body member 10 attached to a Sower body member 12, The body members 10, 12 are basically box-shaped. A groove 14 is provided between the top body member 10 and the lower body member 12. The groove 14 is configured to receive an elastic band, a wire or a string (not shown) for securing the date setting device 2 to e.g. a bag, a packed lunch or a box with foodstuff.

The top body member 10 of the date setting device 2 is provided with a first display area I, a second display area II and a third display area III each configured to display two digits. The display areas I, II, III may display the date given by, year, month and day by way of example.

It is, however, possible to use letters (for indicating the content of a box) or predefined display units with the name of the months, such as

May or April.

The first display area I comprises a first setting member 4 and a second setting member 4' rotatably attached into mounting spaces provided in the top body member 10. Likewise, the second display area II comprises a first setting member 6 and a second setting member 6? rotatably attached into mounting spaces provided in the top body member 10 whereas the third display area III comprises a first setting member 8 and a second setting member 8' rotatably attached into mounting spaces provided in the top body member 10.

The setting members 4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8' are formed as disk-shaped wheels configured to be rotated about their longitudinal axis extending through a shaft by means of which they are rotatably mounted to the top body member 10 of the date setting device 2.

The setting members 4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8' are mounted in such a manner that the setting members 4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8' cannot move unless a certain force is exerted towards them (in order to prevent unintended rotation of the setting members 4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8'). This can be achieved by mounting the shafts (see Fig. IB) of the setting members by means of interference fit.

Fig. IB illustrates a schematic perspective view of the structure of a setting member 4 and its shaft 50. No numbers or letters are, however, shown in Fig, IB.

It can be seen that the shaft 50 extends along the longitudinal axis X of the setting member 4.

Fig. 2 illustrates a close-up perspective end view of a date setting device 2 according to the invention. The date setting device 2 comprises a top body member 10 attached to a lower body member 12. A gap 14 is provided between the top body member 10 and the lower body member 12. The gap 14 is adapted to receive an elastic band, a wire or a string (not shown) for attaching the date setting device 2 to an object such as a bag, a packed lunch or a box with foodstuff. A number of mounting spaces 20 are provided in the top body member 10 of the date setting device 2. Each mounting space 20 is configured to receive a setting member and its shaft as illustrated in Fig. IB. Each mounting space 20 comprises a first groove 18 and a second groove 18' extending basically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the body member 10. Both the first groove 18 and the second groove 18' have a rectangular cross section.

The mounting spaces 20 shown in Fig. 2 are separated by a wall member 16 in which a groove 18 and a second groove 18' are provided.

Fig, 3 illustrates a schematic perspective top view of a date setting device 2 according to the invention. The date setting device 2 comprises a basically box-shaped body member 22. A first groove 24 is provided in the first end of the body member 22. A through bore 26 having a cylindrical shape and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the body member 22 is provided in the proximal end of the groove 24. A second groove 24' is provided in the opposite end of the body member 22. A cylindrical shaped through bore 26' extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the body member 22 is provided in the proximal end of the second groove 24'. The grooves 24, 24' and the bores 26, 26' are configured to receive an elastic band, a wire or a string (not shown) for securing the date setting device 2 to e.g. a bag, a packed lunch or a box with foodstuff.

The body member 22 comprises a first display area I, a second display area II and a third display area III each configured to display two digits (the numbers from 0 to 9). The display areas I, II, III can be used to display the date of which a box of foodstuff has been put into the refrigerator.

The first display area I comprises a first setting member 4 and a second setting member 4' rotatably attached into mounting spaces provided in the body member 22. Similarly, the second display area II comprises a first setting member 6 and a second setting member 6' rotatably attached into mounting spaces provided in the body member 22. The third display area III comprises a first setting member 8 and a second setting member 8' rotatabiy attached into mounting spaces provided in the body member 22.

The setting members 4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8' are disk-shaped wheels configured to be rotated about their longitudinal axis extending through their shaft (see Fig, IB). Hereby, the date can be set in terms of the year, month and day (e.g. 15-10-15 indicating the 15th October 2015). The shafts are adapted to be inserted into the grooves 18.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a date setting device 2 according to the invention in an open configuration. The date setting device 2 comprises a first body member 10 rotatably attached to a second body member 12. The first body member 10 has a longitudinal axis Y and is provided with a plurality of setting members 4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8' shaped as disk-shaped wheels rotatably mounted in groove structures in the first body member 10. The second body member 12 has a longitudinal axis Y'.

The first body member 10 comprises a iocking pin 28 configured to be received by a corresponding receiving member 30 provided with an aperture 35 for locking the first body member 10 and the second body member 12 to each other.

The first body member 10 comprises a wall portion 34 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the first body member 10. The second body member 12 is provided with a receiving space for receiving the wall portion 34. The receiving space is provided between a first wall structure 32 and a second wall structure 32'.

The first body member 10 and the second body member 12 of the date setting device 2 are adapted to be clamped against a bag for seaiingly dosing the bag. Hereby, it is possible to hermetically seal a bag e.g. comprising foodstuff for storage in a refrigerator or freezer. By setting the setting members 4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8', the user of the date setting device 2 can set the date of which the bag was placed in the refrigerator or freezer in a fast, easy and user-friendly manner.

Fig. 5 Miustrates a schematic perspective top view of a date setting device 2 according to the invention. The date setting device 2 comprises an essentially box-shaped body member 22 having a first groove 24 provided in the first end of the body member 22 and a second groove 24' provided in the opposite end of the body member 22. A through bore 26 having a cylindrical shape and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the body member 22 is provided in the proximal end of the groove 24. A second groove 24' is provided in the opposite end of the body member 22. A cylindrical^ shaped through bore 26' extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the body member 22 is provided in the proximal end of the second groove 24'.

The grooves 24, 24' and the bores 26, 26' can receive an elastic band, a wire or a string (not shown) for securing the date setting device 2 to e.g. a bag, a packed lunch or a box with foodstuff.

The body member 22 is provided with a first dispiay area I, a second display area II and a third dispiay area III each adapted to display characters such as numbers, letters or symbols (e.g. the numbers from 0 to 9). The display areas I, II, III may preferably be configured to display the date of which a box of foodstuff has been put into the refrigerator.

The first display area I comprises a first display unit 40 and a second display unit 40' mounted in a first mounting space provided in the body member 22. Similarly, the second display area II comprises a first display unit 40 and a second display unit 40' mounted in a second mounting space provided in the body member 22, whereas the third display area III comprises a first display unit 40 and a second display unit 40' mounted in a third mounting space provided in the body member 22. A first setting member 36 and a second setting member 36' are provided next to each display unit 40, 40'. The setting members 36, 36' are configured to set the display units 40, 40' and hereby let them display different characters (letters, numbers and symbols). The setting members 36, 36' may be operated by being pushed. The setting members 36, 36' may be configured to control/set the display units 40, 40' by mechanical means and/or by electric means. The display units 40, 40' may be analogue or digital.

Hereby, it is possible to set the date in terms of the year, month and day (e.g. 15-10-15 indicating the 15th October 2015).

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a date setting device 2 according to the invention in an open configuration. The date setting device 2 comprises an essentially box-shaped top body member 10 rotatably attached to an essentially box-shaped lower body member 12.

The top body member 10 has a longitudinal axis Y', whiie the lower body member 12 has a longitudinal axis Y.

The top body member 10 is provided with a first display area I, a second display area II and a third display area III each adapted to display characters such as numbers, letters or symbols (e.g. the numbers from 0 to 9). The display areas I, II, III may preferably be configured to display the date of which a box of foodstuff has been put into the refrigerator or freezer.

Each display area is provided with a first display unit 40 and a second display unit 40' mounted in a mounting space provided in the top body member 10. A first setting member 36 and a second setting member 36' are arranged adjacent to each display unit 40, 40'. The setting members 36, 36' are adapted to set the display units 40, 40' in order to display different characters (letters, numbers and symbols) by pushing or touching the setting members 36, 36'. The setting members 36, 36' may be configured to control/set the display units 40, 40' by mechanical means and/or by electric means. The display units 40, 40' may be analogue or digital.

In Fig. 6, the display units 40, 40' are indicating the date October 10 2015.

The lower body member 12 comprises a locking structure 38 having a first locking portion 42, a second locking portion 42' and a gap 48 extending there between. The locking portions 42, 42' are provided with a surface structure 46 facilitating the grip of the locking structure 38 when attached to the corresponding receiving member 44 provided in the backside of the top body member 10.

The first body member 10 and the second body member 12 of the date setting device 2 are adapted to be clamped against a bag (not shown) for seaiingly dosing the bag. Thus, by means of the date setting device 2, it is possible to hermetically seal a bag e.g. comprising foodstuff for storage in a refrigerator or freezer. By setting the display units 40, 40', the user of the date setting device 2 can set the date of which the bag was placed in the refrigerator or freezer in a fast, easy and user-friendly manner. When the date setting device 2 is dosed, the longitudinal axis Y' of first body member 10 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of second body member 12 and the locking structure 38 is received by the receiving member 44.

Fig. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a date setting device 2 according to the invention in a closed configuration. The date setting device 2 is shown in an open configuration in Fig. 7B.

The date setting device 2 comprises a first body member 10 and a second body member 12 rotatably attached to the first body member 10. A locking pin 28 is provided in the distal end of the first body member 10, whereas a corresponding receiving member 30 provided with an aperture 28 (for engagenly receiving the locking pin 28) is provided. The first body member 10 comprises a first display area I, a second display area II and a third display area III each configured to display two digits. The display areas I, II, III may display the date given by, year, month and day by way of example.

The first display area I comprises a first setting member 4 and a second setting member 4' rotatably attached into mounting spaces provided in the first body member 10. The second display area H comprises a first setting member 6 and a second setting member 6' rotatably attached into mounting spaces provided in the first body member 10. The third display area III comprises a first setting member 8 and a second setting member 8' rotatably attached into mounting spaces provided in the first body member 10.

The setting members 4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8' are provided as disk-shaped wheels configured to be rotated about their longitudinal axis extending through a shaft by means of which they are rotatably mounted to the first body member 10 of the date setting device 2.

Fig. 7C illustrates a perspective view of another date setting device 2 according to the invention. The date setting device 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 7 A and in Fig. 7B, however, the first body member 10 is provided with a label 54 to write down a message (e.g. the content of a box to which the date setting device 2 is attached) by means of drawing ink, a ball pen or another writing tool.

Fig. 7D illustrates a date setting device 2 according to the invention seaiingly dosing a bag 52. The date setting device 2 corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 7A and in Fig. 7B. The date setting device 2 is dosed and thus the locking pin of the first body member 10 has ben engagenly received within the aperture of the receiving member 30.

Fig. 8 illustrates three date setting devices 2 according to the invention attached to three boxes 50, 50', 58" by means of elastic bands 56, 56', 56". A first date setting devices 2 is arranged on the lid 60 of a first box 58 and the date setting devices 2 is attached to the box 58 by means of a first elastic band 56. A second date setting devices 2 is arranged on the Sid 60' of a second box 58' wherein the date setting devices 2 is attached to the box 58' by means of a second elastic band 56'. Likewise, the third date setting devices 2 is arranged on the iid 60" of a third box 58". The date setting devices 2 is attached to the box 58" by means of a third elastic band 56".

List of reference numerals 2 Date setting device 4, 4' Setting member 6, 6' Setting member 8, 8' Setting member 10 Body member 12 Body member 14 Gap 16 Wall member 18, 18' Groove 20 Mounting space 22 Body member 24, 24' Groove 26, 26' Bore 28 Locking pin 30 Receiving member 32, 32' Wall structure 34 Wall portion 35 Aperture 36, 36' Setting member 38 Locking structure 40, 40' Display unit 42, 42' Locking portion 44 Receiving member 46 Surface structure 48 Gap 50 Shaft 52 Bag 54 Label 56, 56', 56" Elastic band 58, 58', 58" Box 60, 60', 60" Lid I Display area II Display area III Display area X, Y, Y' Longitudinal axis

Claims (15)

1. A date setting device (2) comprising a body member (10, 12, 22) and one or more attachment structures (14, 24, 24?, 26, 26', 28, 30, 35) for attaching the date setting device (2) to an object, characterised in that the body member (10, 12, 22) is provided with one or more display areas (I, II, III) each having one or more settable display units (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8', 40, 40'), wherein the body member (10, 12, 22) is provided with setting members (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8', 36, 36') configured to set the display units (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8', 40, 40') independently of each other.

2. A date setting device (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that the one or more display areas (I, II, III) are configured to display four or more characters, preferably at least six characters.

3. A date setting device (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the one or more settable display units (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8') are shaped as disk-shaped wheels (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8') configured to be rotated about their longitudinal axis (X).

4. A date setting device (2) according to claim 3, characterised in that each of the disk-shaped wheels have a shaft (50), wherein the longitudinal axis (X) of a disk-shaped wheel (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8') extends through the shaft (50), wherein the disk-shaped wheel (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8') is rotatably mounted to the body member (10, 12, 22) of the date setting device (2) by means of the shaft (50).

5. A date setting device (2) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterised in that each of the disk-shaped wheels (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8') are mounted in such a manner that the disk-shaped wheels (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8') are restricted from being rotated unless a predefined minimal force is exerted towards them.

6. A date setting device (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the body member (10, 12, 22) comprises one or more setting members (36, 36') configured to set the display units (40, 40') for displaying different characters.

7. A date setting device (2) according to claim 6, characterised in that the one or more setting members (36, 36') are provided next to display units (40, 40') that the setting members (36, 36') are configured to set.

8. A date setting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the display units (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8', 40, 40') are arranged in such a manner that they are visible from outside.

9. A date setting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body member (10, 12, 22) is provided with one or more structure (14, 24, 24', 26, 26') for receiving an elastic band, a wire or a string for securing the date setting device (2) to an object.

10. A date setting device (2) according to claim 9, characterised in that the body member (10, 12, 22) is provided with a first structure (24, 26) and a second structure (24', 26') for receiving an elastic band, a wire or a string for securing the date setting device (2) to an object.

11. A date setting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body member (10, 12, 22) comprises grooves (18, 18') for receiving the shaft (50) of a setting member (4, 4', 6, 6', 8, 8').

12. A date setting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the date setting device (2) comprises a first body member (10) rotatably attached to a second body member (12), wherein the first body member (10) is configured to engage with the second body member (12) and hereby attach the first body member (10) to the second body member (12).

13. A date setting device (2) according to claim 12, characterised in that the first body member (10) comprises a first portion in which one or more display areas (I, II, III) are provided, wherein a locking pin (28) is provided in the distal end of the first body member (10), wherein the second body member (12) comprises a receiving member (30) provided with an aperture (35) configured to engagingly receive the locking pin (28).

14. A date setting device (2) according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterised in that the first body member (10) comprises a second portion comprising a wail portion (34) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the first body member (10), wherein the second body member (12) comprises a structure (32, 32') adapted to receive the wall portion (34).

15. A date setting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body member (10, 12, 22) is a basically boxshaped body member.