DE29800896U1 - Cases for figures and surface elements - Google Patents

Description

Annemarie Simmer1 G 198

Vandaliastr. 7 19.01.98

96215 Lichtenfels ' '

Case for figures and surface elements

The invention relates to a case for figures and surface elements for visualizing, reflecting and processing intra- and/or interpersonal problem situations.

Cases with figures and a surface element of the generic type are known. In one embodiment (called "family board"), compartments are cut out in a foam insert into which contour-adjusted wooden figures of different heights, shapes and colors are inserted, which can represent different people. This case is designed as a rectangular container and has a slide-out cover above the figure arrangement, which can be used as a surface element. In other cases, the figures are placed in compartments in the base. Surface elements are either not present at all or at most one of them.

Such visualization, reflection and processing tools are used by consultants, supervisors, coaches, human resource developers, trainers and psychologists as part of educational, psychological or therapeutic methods. The tools enable the support of individual people's change work during consultation, supervision, coaching or therapy.

The tools are a useful intervention aid in team development processes, team coaching and team supervision. The method can also be used to support organizational development as well as in training and seminar work. They can also be used by one person alone for self-reflection or entertainment.

For the purposes of the invention, intrapersonal problems are understood to be conflicts or difficulties within a person:

Individual thoughts, parts of a problem, wishes, abilities, etc. can be expressed and set up using different figures. He then places these figures on different stands and relates them to one another, for example by having them look at each other or turn away from each other and placing them on the honeycomb-shaped wooden islands (the surface elements). For example, he could use one island as a symbol for a terrible situation, another for a desired situation. Furthermore, the wooden islands could symbolize the future - present - past or professional - private contexts. Specific problems that can be represented are, for example, decision-making situations, unclear or incompatible goals or any kind of dissatisfaction.

The invention defines interpersonal problems as problems between or of several people: · . .

. The figures are suitable for illustrating the perceived roles or functions of individual people who are involved in or affected by the problem. For example, you could re-enact the conflicts or.

imagine the situation that arises when departments of an industrial company merge. The wooden islands can represent the individual departments or groups. They can also be used to illustrate future, present and past situations (see above paragraph), to which the people can then be assigned.

The known means, which use abstract figures in the form of carved wooden figures, only allow for limited visualization. In addition, a simple change of individual figures that can be classified hierarchically is not possible. In addition, the known means either have no surface element to be able to place the figures in context, or at most have one surface element that cannot be varied in terms of size, color and shape. In one version (the "family board"), this surface element is very bulky and therefore makes transport difficult. Furthermore, only a few characters can be visualized.

The invention is based on the task of avoiding the disadvantages of the known visualization systems using a suitcase with specific contents and of creating the conditions that allow a large number of characters in combination with different, variable hierarchical structures and several variable contexts to be visualized in a simple manner in a system of the type in question. In addition, a clear arrangement of the figures and the other means of visualization should be made possible in a professional manner.

The invention solves the problem by designing the case according to claim 1.

Advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in detail in the subclaims in a self-explanatory manner.

The essence of the invention is to provide a known case, e.g. an aluminum case, with compartments, holders and/or holding devices in order to be able to attach or securely store the means required for visualization, such as a relationship table and figures, so that all the means available are visible when the case is opened. Of course, several similar surface elements can form a relationship table or several adjacent relationship tables.

This makes it much easier to combine different individual finger figures, stands of different heights and honeycomb-like wooden islands for the visualization, reflection and processing of problems.

Due to the special design of the figures, which consist of finger figures
as used in puppet theatres, in conjunction with stands that contain different lengths of rods in a hierarchical arrangement.
It is possible to have a variety of
characters and properties for visualization. It is given to the person who works with the invention,
a large and (due to the doll-like and detailed design of the dolls) attractive selection for visualization
The individual honeycomb-shaped

Wooden islands can be used in a variety of contexts
symbolize and also relate to each other, for example, through distance or proximity. The scope of application
of a suitcase according to the invention is therefore significantly
larger than conventional systems. At the same time

The user immediately sees at a glance all available
Finger figures, stands, and wooden islands that make up the system.

Such a case is to be considered a closed system in the sense of the invention, according to which not only the case itself, but also in particular the means specified form a unit in order to enable an extended visualization of intra- and/or interpersonal problem-

15' positions to be possible.

The design of a holding device for the stands has proven to be particularly advantageous. This is fitted in the lid and is designed in such a way that the stands can be easily inserted with their feet and the rods run parallel to the lid. The holding devices formed with the angle rails can be transverse or pivot axis parallel arrangements that only have a front overlap angle and are thus attached to a stand support, or they can be U-shaped holding devices with angle rails on both sides, in which a stand foot to be inserted is then inserted laterally into an opening to be formed on the stand support and pushed into the guide rail thus formed. The finger figures can already be attached to the rods.

In addition to the different figures that represent the different characters, the surface elements can also have different shapes or different colors. The invention can also be used on stands with round, oval or rectangular feet. However, it is advisable to choose a square basic shape to enable easier handling when inserting.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

The drawings show:
15

FIG 1 in simplified perspective view

an unfolded suitcase according to the invention,

FIG 2 an insert,

FIG 3 a section through a cover with two variants of holding devices for fastening
.of stands with finger figures and

FIG 4 a variant of holding devices according to
FIG.3 in the lid of a suitcase.

In the embodiment in Figure 1, a case designed according to the invention is shown, which consists of a base part 1 with fixed side walls. A lid 2 is hinged to this base part by means of hinges, which also has surrounding side walls. In the base part 1, compartments 3, 4, 5 are separated by partitions 32, 33.

In compartment 3, for example, several surface elements are stacked as relationship tables. These can be designed as hexagonal surface elements, for example. In compartments 4 and 5, for example, stands and/or finger figures are stored.

As can also be seen, the height of the partition walls 32, 33 is lower than the height of the side walls of the case, so that in the remaining space either an insert 18 according to Figure 2 can be inserted or a foam intermediate layer can be inserted to prevent the figures and/or the surface elements from falling out when the case is carried using the case handle 17.

The insert 18 is a box-shaped insert with compartments 19, 20, 21, which are formed by the partition walls 34 and 35. Additional finger figures, stands with horizontally arranged rods and other surface elements can be stored in this insert. A holding device ■ running transversely and thus parallel to the pivot axis is provided in the lid 2. This holding device consists of a stand support 8, to which an angle rail 7 is attached at the front so that a gap is created between the upper pivot leg and the stand support 8. This gap is high enough that the foot 10 of the stand 9 can be pushed under. For this purpose, the stand must be placed in the position shown and then inserted from the back to the front under the upper longitudinal leg of the angle rail 7 and folded down at the back. The rod 11 of the stand then stands upwards parallel to the lid wall. In case a finger figure is placed on it,

is inserted, all figures can be removed and inserted individually when a large number of stands are inserted. Furthermore, the existing figures are clearly visible. To make insertion easier, the base 10 has beveled surfaces 12 all around the upper edges, so that with a square basic shape it can be easily inserted under the upper longitudinal leg of the angle rail 7.

Since there is no rear locking mechanism in this design, if the lid 2 were to be folded down, the stands would fold forward due to the weight of the rods and could possibly fall out of the stand if the upper longitudinal leg did not overlap much. To prevent this, two elastic bands 13 and 15 are attached to the side walls of the lid, which - as is well known with suitcases - can be connected to one another using hooking eyes 14 and 16 and thus prevent the rods 11 from falling down when the lid is closed.

A compartment 6 is provided beneath the stand support 8, into which visualization elements can also be inserted or clamped. Additional elastic bands can also be provided for this purpose to hold them in place.

In Figure 3, a holding device is shown in the upper section, as is the subject of Figure 1. The holding device consists of a stand support 8 extending over the entire width of the cover, to the front end of which the angle rail 7 is attached, with a first leg 23 being firmly attached to the stand support 8 and the upper longitudinal leg 22 over a part

* &idigr; I ! I *» Jt *.«*

the surface of the foot 10. The beveled surfaces 12 make it easier to insert it into the U-shaped receptacle thus formed. The stand support 8 also has a rear fastening wall 25 which is fastened to the case lid by means of a rivet 24. The rod 11 protrudes upwards from the level of the foot 10. A finger figure 26 is attached to the rod, which can also be covered by items of clothing 34, for example. A second variant of the holder is shown in the lower area of the lid. This consists of angle rails attached to the front and back of the side wall or a stand support, the second legs 22 of which run towards each other and form an opening. The distance between the vertical legs and the distance of the overlapping legs 22 to the support surface is selected so that a foot 10 of a stand can be moved into it. The fastening is also carried out using a rivet. This can be a guide rail made of sheet metal. In the introduction area - this can be on the side, but also at any point on the transverse rail - the second legs 22 are cut free by the width of the foot 10, so that it can be inserted and then moved sideways. To prevent displacement within the rail, plugs, For example, foam plugs, can be provided for lateral securing. In this design, it is not necessary to provide elastic bands as per Figure 1 in addition to the tilt protection. Due to the U-shaped bearings within the guide rail, the rods cannot tip out of the case, even lying down, when the lid 2 is closed. The pivot axis 28, which is formed by a hinge, is also shown, around which the lid 2 can be tilted onto the

Base part 1 is foldable. The locking elements for attaching the lid to the base part and for closing it are not shown and are well known from suitcases.
- ■

Figure 4 shows a variant of the fastening. The variant consists in the rods 11 running perpendicularly to the cover wall and not parallel to it as shown in Figure 3. To fix the foot 10, angle rails 7 are again provided above and below the foot 10 in the upper embodiment. In this case, Z-shaped bent sheet metal rails that are held in place by means of rivets. The first legs 23 form the opening gap, while the second legs 22 reach over the edge of the foot so that the entire stand is secured therein. To enable insertion, identical openings are provided in the second longitudinal legs 22 or a lateral insertion gap. This embodiment can of course also be made in the base part 1. The representation in the lid according to Figure 4 can therefore also be implemented in the base part. In this case, the rods 11 would protrude upwards from the base surface. The second embodiment, which can be used on any individual stand as well as on a series of stands or can also be used to fix a surface element, is also shown in the lid. In this embodiment, locking spring elements 29 are attached to the lid 2 at a distance from one another by means of rivets 31 and have upper locking arc sections 30 which extend over the edges of the pressed-in foot of a stand and fix it in position.' Furthermore, it can be seen from the illustration that the rod 11 is longer than the rod 11 of the upper

Execution. This is intended to symbolize that, in relation to the length, certain hierarchies can be established between the individual figures. The lid 2 is also connected to the base part 1 by means of a hinge 28.
■

The illustration shows that in such a case designed according to the invention, the elements and figures required for visualization can be stored in an orderly manner, that when the lid is opened, the figures, but also part of the stands, as well as their lengths or stand/figure lengths are always visible, thus allowing easier handling and hierarchical assignment when using the stands and figures.

Suitcases in the sense of the invention are of course
also boxes or solid cardboard boxes containing essentially
the same basic functions, regardless of whether they have a carrying handle or not.

Claims (19)

Protection claims &Iacgr;. Suitcase' for figures and surface elements, for visualization,. Reflection and processing of intra- and/or interpersonal problem situations, thereby ge k e &eegr;&eegr;&zgr; e ic h &eegr; e t , that the case has a base part (1) and a lid (2), each with surrounding fixed side walls and that at least in the base part (1) there are compartments (3, 4, 5, 6), holders and/or holding devices (7, 8) for - at least one removable surface element, - at least two removable finger figures (26, 27) , - at least two removable stands (9) are provided for each finger figure (26, 27), whereby the stand consists of a foot (10) and a rod (11) protruding from the plane of the foot, onto which the finger figure (26, 27) can be placed. 2. Case according to claim 1, characterized in that the base part (1) has compartments (3, 4, 5) accessible from above for _■'.·■ .- at least one removable surface element, - at least one stand (9) with a certain length of the rod (11) and ; - has at least one compartment for at least one finger figure (26, 27). . ■ 3 . Case according to claim 2, characterized in that the height of the inserted boundary walls forming the compartments (3, 4, 5) is lower than the height of the side walls of the base part (1) and that a foam can be placed on the upper edges of the partition walls (32, 33) as a hold-down device or an insert (18) with additional compartments (19, 20, 21) for other surface elements, finger figures, and/or stands can be set up. 5 4. Case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pair of angle rails (7) are provided on the bottom of the bottom part (1) in a mirror image and parallel manner, the first longitudinal legs (23) of which protrude vertically from the bottom and the second longitudinal legs (22) of which are arranged parallel to the bottom, facing each other, forming a guide slot (36) and the first longitudinal legs (23) of which are arranged at a clear distance from each other which corresponds to the width of the insertable feet (10) of the stands (9) and the height of which to the bottom wall corresponds to the height of the feet (10) of the stands (9) and which, with the second longitudinal legs (22), overlap the stand feet which can be moved therein on both sides, with the rod (11) protruding from the guide slot (36). 5. Case according to claim 4, characterized in that the angle rails (7) run in the direction of the side wall opposite that to which the case handle (17) is attached, and that the angle rails (7) end at a distance from the side wall with the case handle (17) or in front of a transverse partition wall (33) such that the foot (10) of a stand (9) can be inserted unhindered into the gap formed by the angle rails (7), the other ends of the angle rails (7) ending in front of a partition wall (33) or the side wall opposite the side wall to which the case handle (17) is attached. ■■' . 6. Case according to claim 1, characterized in that on the bottom of the base part (1) upwardly projecting locking springs (29, 30) are provided on the inside, which engage over the foot (10) of the stand (9) and/or the edges of the surface element in a locking manner when inserted. 7. Case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the inside of the lid, as a holding device, guide rails with at least one L-shaped angle rail (7) are provided, one of whose longitudinal legs (22) engages behind the foot (10) of an inserted stand (9), the second longitudinal leg (23) having a height that corresponds to that of the foot (10) and protrudes vertically from the plane of the base, or is provided at the end of a stand support (8) attached vertically to the inside of the base, which has a height that corresponds at least to the depth of the foot (10). · . . 8. Case according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one pair of angle rails (7) is provided on the stand support (8) in a mirror image and parallel manner, the first longitudinal legs (23) of which protrude vertically from the stand support (8) and the second longitudinal legs (22) of which form a guide slot parallel to the stand support (8) and facing each other, and the first longitudinal legs (23) of which are arranged at a clear distance from each other that corresponds to the depth of the insertable feet (10) of the stands (9) and the height of which to the stand support (8) corresponds to the height of the feet (10) of the stands (9) and which, with the second longitudinal legs (22), support the stand feet that can be moved therein on both sides in the canal. ten area, whereby the rod (11) of each inserted stand (9) runs from the guide slot parallel to the inside of the lid. 9. Case according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the angle rails (7) are provided parallel to the pivot axis (28) in the lid (2). 10. Case according to claim ₁ 18 or 9, characterized in that the angle rails (7) extend substantially over the entire width of the lid (2). 11. Case according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the front, opposite side walls of the case lid (2) has an elastic band (13, 15; 14, 16) attached to it, which band spans the rods (11) of the stands and/or the finger figures (26, 27) placed thereon and can be fastened to the other side wall or, in the case of a two-part design, the closures are connected to one another. 12. Case according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the holding devices formed in a U-shape from the angle rails (7) end on one side to a side wall of the lid (2) or a partition wall at a distance which corresponds at least to the width of the foot (10). 13..Case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feet (10) of the stands (9) are chamfered at the upper edges (12). 14. Case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle rails (7) and/or stand supports (8) are made of sheet metal or are made of wood or plastic. 5 15. Case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner sides of the base part (1) and/or the lid (2) have clamping grooves running perpendicular to the base or lid for receiving movable partition walls (32, 33). 16. Case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface elements are board templates with a polygonal surface. ·■ ' ·· - 17. Case according to claim 16, characterized in that the board templates are hexagonal in shape. . . '·.■■. 18. Suitcase according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that they are uniform but have different colors. 19. Case according to~ one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rods (11) of the stands (9) have different lengths. 2.0. Case according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that on the side walls of the lid (2) opposite holders are provided for the detachable accommodation of a retaining rod for the figures and/or stands provided transversely in the lid and parallel to the angle rail. ■ ' ' " . .