CA2307609A1 - Stackable container - Google Patents
Stackable container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2307609A1 CA2307609A1 CA002307609A CA2307609A CA2307609A1 CA 2307609 A1 CA2307609 A1 CA 2307609A1 CA 002307609 A CA002307609 A CA 002307609A CA 2307609 A CA2307609 A CA 2307609A CA 2307609 A1 CA2307609 A1 CA 2307609A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- container
- base shell
- stackable container
- stackable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
- A47G19/23—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service of stackable type
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- Stackable Containers (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a stackable container, especially for storing and transporting food rations for flight passengers, comprising a base shell (3) and a cover (5) which can be placed on the base shell and removed therefrom (3). The invention also includes joints and fasteners (13, 15) which can be used to fasten the base shell (3) to the cover (5) of an identical container located thereunder. The invention further relates to a method for using the stackable container.
Description
Bremer Design GmbH
Am Wall 209, 28195 Bremen Stackable Container Amended description The invention relates to a stackable container, in particular for the storage and transport of food rations for airplane passengers, comprising a base shell and a cover that can be placed onto the base shell and can be removed therefrom. The invention further relates to a method for the use of the stackable container.
Stackable containers of this type are known, in which the base shell is formed by a tray, onto which a cover can be placed. The cover protects any transported goods from adverse environmental conditions. Such containers are widely used for transporting food servings, which, due to the cover, stay hot longer and do not dry out as quickly.
A stackable container of the above type is known, for example from DE 39 04 053 Al, possessing a first socket connector for a locking attachment of the cover to the base shell. In REPLACEMENT PAGE
Am Wall 209, 28195 Bremen Stackable Container Amended description The invention relates to a stackable container, in particular for the storage and transport of food rations for airplane passengers, comprising a base shell and a cover that can be placed onto the base shell and can be removed therefrom. The invention further relates to a method for the use of the stackable container.
Stackable containers of this type are known, in which the base shell is formed by a tray, onto which a cover can be placed. The cover protects any transported goods from adverse environmental conditions. Such containers are widely used for transporting food servings, which, due to the cover, stay hot longer and do not dry out as quickly.
A stackable container of the above type is known, for example from DE 39 04 053 Al, possessing a first socket connector for a locking attachment of the cover to the base shell. In REPLACEMENT PAGE
addition, a second socket connector is provided for a locking attachment of the base shell to the cover of the container located underneath, so that, with the interposition of a cover, the base shells stacked on top of one another can form a stable unit. Since the first and second socket connectors are compatible, it can alternatively be envisioned to connect the base shells to each other to form a stack, without the need for any covers.
Hereby, a reoccurring problem is the storing of the cover once it has been removed from the tray This inadequacy is especially apparent when a large number of containers are opened and handed out at almost the same time, as for example is the case during distribution of food to airplane passengers.
The objective of the present invention is to further develop a stackable container of the above-mentioned type in such a way that the containers can be easily opened when they are removed from a stack, and one always obtains a fixed, predetermined unit of one base tray and one cover The invention meets this objective for a stackable container of the initially mentioned type by providing fastening means on the container for connecting the base shell to the cover of an identical container, so that when the base shell is lifted the cover of the container underneath is lifted as well.
According to this invention's method, the transported items are arranged on a base shell, the cover is placed onto the base shell, several containers are arranged in a stack by fastening the base shell to the cover of the respective container situated underneath, the upper cover of a stack is removed from its base shell, and then the uppermost, already opened base shell, together with the cover of the container situated immediately underneath, is removed from the stack and handed out for use.
The invention's particular advantage is that, during or after the opening of the container, a cover can be fastened to a base shell in a space saving manner. If the container is handled individually, then the cover can, after its removal, be pushed under the base shell and be fastened to it. In this manner, during and after opening the container, the cover is stored with a minimum use of REPLACEMENT PAGE
-2a-space. Such an arrangement of base shell and cover has the advantage that, even in its open state, the container is a manageable unit. Furthermore, in both its closed as well as in its opened state, the container utilizes the same footprint area, since in both cases the base shell and the cover are situated on top of each other. These two features significantly contribute to the fact that the container can be handled easily and can be used with a minimum use of space. When stacking this invention's container, in particular when using this invention's method, it is also possible to fasten a container's base shell to the cover of the container immediately underneath, and then to remove it from the stack as a unit. When an opened container is removed from the stack, the following container is opened simultaneously, without any additional steps of removing or storing its cover. Thus the space-saving connecting of the base shell with a cover underneath is made possible without an additional operation. ...
REPLACEMENT PAGE
Hereby, a reoccurring problem is the storing of the cover once it has been removed from the tray This inadequacy is especially apparent when a large number of containers are opened and handed out at almost the same time, as for example is the case during distribution of food to airplane passengers.
The objective of the present invention is to further develop a stackable container of the above-mentioned type in such a way that the containers can be easily opened when they are removed from a stack, and one always obtains a fixed, predetermined unit of one base tray and one cover The invention meets this objective for a stackable container of the initially mentioned type by providing fastening means on the container for connecting the base shell to the cover of an identical container, so that when the base shell is lifted the cover of the container underneath is lifted as well.
According to this invention's method, the transported items are arranged on a base shell, the cover is placed onto the base shell, several containers are arranged in a stack by fastening the base shell to the cover of the respective container situated underneath, the upper cover of a stack is removed from its base shell, and then the uppermost, already opened base shell, together with the cover of the container situated immediately underneath, is removed from the stack and handed out for use.
The invention's particular advantage is that, during or after the opening of the container, a cover can be fastened to a base shell in a space saving manner. If the container is handled individually, then the cover can, after its removal, be pushed under the base shell and be fastened to it. In this manner, during and after opening the container, the cover is stored with a minimum use of REPLACEMENT PAGE
-2a-space. Such an arrangement of base shell and cover has the advantage that, even in its open state, the container is a manageable unit. Furthermore, in both its closed as well as in its opened state, the container utilizes the same footprint area, since in both cases the base shell and the cover are situated on top of each other. These two features significantly contribute to the fact that the container can be handled easily and can be used with a minimum use of space. When stacking this invention's container, in particular when using this invention's method, it is also possible to fasten a container's base shell to the cover of the container immediately underneath, and then to remove it from the stack as a unit. When an opened container is removed from the stack, the following container is opened simultaneously, without any additional steps of removing or storing its cover. Thus the space-saving connecting of the base shell with a cover underneath is made possible without an additional operation. ...
REPLACEMENT PAGE
In a preferred embodiment of the stackable container, the fastening means form a detachable connection between the base shell and the cover. Because of this, the container, after it has been opened or used, can be separated into a base shell and a cover and can then be used again as an individual closed container. This creates the option to arrange base shells and covers in a stack as units or in alternating order.
In an alternate embodiment, the fastening means between the base shell and the cover consist of adhesive elements, which quickly and securely connect adjacent components.
In a preferred embodiment of the stackable container, the base shell possesses an essentially flat base section and a circumferential side wall. The flat base section provides for good stability of transported items that may be placed on the base shell, while the side wall on one hand protects the transported items, and on the other hand prevents the spilling of liquids from the container.
In addition to the mechanical protection, the combination of a base shell with a cover creates a space that is insulated from the surrounding atmosphere. In this protected space the transported items can be stored at cool temperatures without suffering damage.
In an advantageous further development of the stackable container, the fastening means on the base section of the base shell and on the cover contain interlocking complementary fastening elements to implement a positive connection. This type of connection has the advantage that the base shell and the cover of the container underneath can be fastened to each other easily and detachably when they are placed upon each other. Hereby one can envision resilient or latching fastening elements, that automatically engage the base shell when it is placed onto the cover, or fastening elements, that after placing the base shell on the cover are engaged by the user by means of suitable locking elements.
It is especially favorable if the fastening means of the stackable container contain connector grooves and corresponding, complementary connector edges on the base shell and the cover, respectively. The base shell of a container and the cover of the container located underneath can then be coupled in a simple manner by sliding the edges into the corresponding grooves.
In an alternate embodiment, the fastening means between the base shell and the cover consist of adhesive elements, which quickly and securely connect adjacent components.
In a preferred embodiment of the stackable container, the base shell possesses an essentially flat base section and a circumferential side wall. The flat base section provides for good stability of transported items that may be placed on the base shell, while the side wall on one hand protects the transported items, and on the other hand prevents the spilling of liquids from the container.
In addition to the mechanical protection, the combination of a base shell with a cover creates a space that is insulated from the surrounding atmosphere. In this protected space the transported items can be stored at cool temperatures without suffering damage.
In an advantageous further development of the stackable container, the fastening means on the base section of the base shell and on the cover contain interlocking complementary fastening elements to implement a positive connection. This type of connection has the advantage that the base shell and the cover of the container underneath can be fastened to each other easily and detachably when they are placed upon each other. Hereby one can envision resilient or latching fastening elements, that automatically engage the base shell when it is placed onto the cover, or fastening elements, that after placing the base shell on the cover are engaged by the user by means of suitable locking elements.
It is especially favorable if the fastening means of the stackable container contain connector grooves and corresponding, complementary connector edges on the base shell and the cover, respectively. The base shell of a container and the cover of the container located underneath can then be coupled in a simple manner by sliding the edges into the corresponding grooves.
In a preferred embodiment, the stackable container includes locking means that the user can set to a locked position and in this position prevent a separation of the base shell from the cover. As a result of this, the base shell is fixed with respect to the cover and can not detach itself on its own. The user has to release the lock before the base shell and the cover can be separated.
In a practical fi~rther development, the stackable container contains a handle element for manipulating the locking means to allow the user the simple operation of the locking means.
The handle element is conveniently located at a position that is easily accessible to the user.
In a preferred embodiment of the stackable container the fastening means are designed in such a way that they can be engaged and disengaged by sliding them in plane that is essentially parallel to the base section. Thereby, the stackable containers can be stacked in a simple manner in standardized trolleys, by inserting or removing the containers in a drawer-like fashion.
In a practical fi~rther development of the stackable container, the handle element is integrated with the locking means to simplify the form of the container. This also enables the user to activate the locking means and to move the container with only a single operation.
It is especially preferred if the handle element of the stackable container is attached to the base shell or to the cover, and if, in its locked position, it can enter into positive or non-positive engagement with the adjacent cover or base shell. In this manner, the handle element can connect the two adjacent components. After locking a cover to a corresponding base shell, a closed container can be taken from the stack, whereas after locking a cover to the base shell of a container situated above, an opened container can be taken from the stack.
In a practical fi~rther development, the stackable container contains a handle element for manipulating the locking means to allow the user the simple operation of the locking means.
The handle element is conveniently located at a position that is easily accessible to the user.
In a preferred embodiment of the stackable container the fastening means are designed in such a way that they can be engaged and disengaged by sliding them in plane that is essentially parallel to the base section. Thereby, the stackable containers can be stacked in a simple manner in standardized trolleys, by inserting or removing the containers in a drawer-like fashion.
In a practical fi~rther development of the stackable container, the handle element is integrated with the locking means to simplify the form of the container. This also enables the user to activate the locking means and to move the container with only a single operation.
It is especially preferred if the handle element of the stackable container is attached to the base shell or to the cover, and if, in its locked position, it can enter into positive or non-positive engagement with the adjacent cover or base shell. In this manner, the handle element can connect the two adjacent components. After locking a cover to a corresponding base shell, a closed container can be taken from the stack, whereas after locking a cover to the base shell of a container situated above, an opened container can be taken from the stack.
In a further practical development of the stackable container, the handle element is preloaded into the desired locking position, so that the lock of the connection can not open spontaneously It is especially practical if the handle element of the stackable container can be preloaded into two opposing locking positions that are separated by a dead point. This ensures that there is always a locked connection, either with the container above or the one underneath. As a result of this, a stack either separates into a set of closed or of open containers.
It is especially preferred if the height and width of the stackable container approximately correspond to the separation of the tray guides and the width of a trolley, respectively, and if the containers are equipped with appropriate indentations in the region of the tray guides. This allows the stacking of the container in the well-established trolleys that are used especially for the transport of containers in the passenger compartments of airplanes.
In a preferred embodiment, the container possesses an essentially rectangular base area to achieve a good conformity to the space that is available in the trolleys and on an airplane's folding tables If the release of the base shell and the cover occurs by sliding of the fastening means, then it is sufficient if the locking means prevent this sliding movement. Then it is especially practical if the container's locking means are located on a front section of the circumferential side wall of the base shell or the cover. This front section extends essentially at right angle to the sliding direction of the fastening means. Since both the fastening of the base shell to the corresponding cover, and the fastening of the base shell to the cover underneath are achieved in the same manner, the same front section can lock either of the two connections.
Practical further developments of the invention are characterized by the features of the subclaims. In the following, examples of the invention are illustrated by figures:
It is especially preferred if the height and width of the stackable container approximately correspond to the separation of the tray guides and the width of a trolley, respectively, and if the containers are equipped with appropriate indentations in the region of the tray guides. This allows the stacking of the container in the well-established trolleys that are used especially for the transport of containers in the passenger compartments of airplanes.
In a preferred embodiment, the container possesses an essentially rectangular base area to achieve a good conformity to the space that is available in the trolleys and on an airplane's folding tables If the release of the base shell and the cover occurs by sliding of the fastening means, then it is sufficient if the locking means prevent this sliding movement. Then it is especially practical if the container's locking means are located on a front section of the circumferential side wall of the base shell or the cover. This front section extends essentially at right angle to the sliding direction of the fastening means. Since both the fastening of the base shell to the corresponding cover, and the fastening of the base shell to the cover underneath are achieved in the same manner, the same front section can lock either of the two connections.
Practical further developments of the invention are characterized by the features of the subclaims. In the following, examples of the invention are illustrated by figures:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the invention's container in a closed state.
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a base shell and, at a distance, of a lower and upper cover.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a base shell and, at a distance, of a lower and upper cover, including the actuating path of the locking means.
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a stack of containers as in Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a stack as in Fig. 4 with an opened uppermost container and engaged locking means.
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a stack as in Fig. S with the upper container partially removed.
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a trolley.
Fig. 1 shows a closed stackable container 1 with a base shell 3 and a cover 5.
At the lower surface of base shell 3, the container 1 possesses a shallow connector groove 13 in the longitudinal direction, which extends nearly along the entire width of container 1. The connector groove is laterally bordered by groove walls that rest on the base area of the connector groove. The groove walls form a narrow angle with the base area, defining undercuts, into which a corresponding complementary connector edge 15, provided on the exterior surface of cover 5, can engage. Thus, the base shell 3 and the cover 5 can be fastened to each other by the fastening means 13 and 15 by pushing the connector edge 15 and the connector groove 13 into each other along the longitudinal direction. In this position the connector edge 15 is engaged to the corresponding undercuts, so that base shell 3 can not be upwardly removed from the cover 5 that is located beneath it.
As seen in Fig. 2, the base shell 3 contains an essentially flat base section 9, which can be smooth or can be equipped with a surface structure. The base section 9 is laterally bordered by a circumferential side wall 11. On the upper edges of two of its longitudinal sections 12, the side wall 11 is equipped with coupling elements 29, using which the base shell 3 and the cover 5 of the corresponding container 1 can be connected. The lower surface of cover 5 contains complementary groove-like fastening elements 29, into which the coupling elements 29 can be inserted and can be shifted in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, hereby it is sufficient if the coupling elements 29 only cover a partial section of the circumferential side wall 11.
In a front section 24 of the base shell 3 and of the cover S, an edge strip 25 with locking means 17 is provided, which, in its locked position, prevents the base shell from detaching itself 3 from the connected cover 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the base shell 3 possesses on its face an edge strip 25 that on both sides joins the side wall 11 of base shell 3, and in an intermediate middle section extends with a concave curvature to approximately the level of the base section 9 of base shell 3. In its middle section the edge strip 25 contains an essentially trapezoidal opening 18, which is open towards the front section 24, and which is tapered towards the front section 24. The opening 18 forms part of the locking means 17 between the base shell 3 and the cover S, and complementary locking means can engage into it. On its front section 24, the cover 5 possesses a flexible edge strip 25 carrying the complementary locking means 17.
To allow the edge strip 25 to move essentially in a vertical direction, it is connected to the cover only on the outer sections of front section 24. The flexible edge strip 25 can assume an upper and a lower stable position. Stable in the sense, that a force must be applied to move the flexible edge strip 25 from one of its stable positions, before it automatically snaps into the second, opposite stable position, after passing through a dead center point. Hereby the movement of the flexible edge strip 25 is limited to an essentially vertical movement between the two stable positions, compare bottom of Fig. 3.
_g_ In its middle section, the flexible edge strip 25 possesses an essentially trapezoidal region 20 of increased thickness on both sides, the size and position of which is such that it can engage into the opening 18 of an adjacent, connected base shell to form the complementary locking means 17. It is intended that the over-thick region 20 of the flexible edge strip 25 not only serves as locking mechanism, but also as handle 19 to operate the locking means 17 and to move the containers 1.
The base shell 3 and the cover 5 can be combined in different ways. Fastening the base shell 3 to the appropriate cover 5 results in a container 1 that is closed on all sides, see Fig. 1. In this arrangement the flexible edge strip 25 of cover 5 is in its lower stable position, in which the trapezoidal over-thick region 20 engages into the opening 18 of the base shell 3 and locks both together. A container 1 closed in this manner can be transported individually or can be arranged in a stack by connecting it to other containers 1, compare Fig. 4.
It is also possible to create a unit of a base shell 3 and a cover 5 in which the base shell 3 is fastened to the cover 5 located underneath. In this configuration - i.e. open -the unit can then be removed from a stack, compare Figs. 5 and 6. In this arrangement the cover's flexible edge strip 25 is brought into the upper stable position, so that the over-thick region 20 of the flexible edge strip 25 engages into the opening 18 of the edge strip 25 of the connected base shell 3, and locks both together.
By fastening the base shell to the next lower cover 5 it is possible to form a stack that can be moved securely without any need for further stabilizing means. But the containers 1 are also suitable to be transported in a conventional trolley 21 with tray guides 27 of Fig. 7. For this purpose, the container 1 is dimensioned in such a way that its height corresponds to the vertical distance of two neighboring tray guides 27, and its width corresponds to the inside clearance of the trolley 21. The cover 5 of a container 1 is slightly flattened towards its longitudinal sides, so that, together with the base shell 3 located above, they from indentations 23 in which the tray guides of the trolley can be located.
Using this invention's container 1 it is possible to implement an operating method that is especially suited for providing food to airplane passengers. All components of a meal and all utensils that are needed by a passenger for the consumption of a meal are arranged on the base shell 3 of container 1. Subsequently, the container 1 is closed by means of a cover 5; it is then locked, and refrigerated for further transport. Hereby the closed container 1 protects the food from harmful environmental effects. This protection also makes it possible to store the meal at temperatures below the freezing point without the food drying out. The closed containers can be transported to an airplane either individually or combined into stacks. Due to the good food protection it is possible to store the container 1 with the food in a plane's cargo bay, which might be at very low temperatures. In this intended use, an automatic transport system then transports the containers 1 during the flight from the cargo bay into the passenger area, where they are received by the flight personnel. On this route the meal is brought to a temperature suitable for consumption. Several different methods are suitable for this, for example, it is possible to partially heat the main course by induction.
Subsequently, the stacked containers 1 are placed onto a rolling base or are placed into a trolley 21. To be able to offer the passengers an open container 1 containing food, one at first unlocks and removes the cover 5 of the container 1 that is uppermost in the stack, compare Fig. 5.
Subsequently, the cover 5 located underneath the opened base shell 3 is unlocked from its corresponding base shell 3 by means of handle 19 and is fastened to the opened base shell 3. As a next step, the created combination of cover 5 and base shell 3 is taken from the stack, compare Fig. 6. The food is served to the passenger in an already opened container 1.
The following container 1 in the stack is also open, and can be served to the next passenger in the same manner. After consumption of the meal the stack is recreated in the opposite sequence, creating a stack of closed containers 1. Subsequently, the closed containers 1 can be handed over to the automatic conveyer system and can be transported to the plane's cargo bay.
List of reference symbols 1 Stackable container 3 Base shell Cover 9 Base section 11 Circumferential side wall 12 Longitudinal section 13 Connector groove Connector edge 17 Locking means 18 Opening 19 Handle element Over-thick region 21 Trolley 23 Indentations 24 Front section Edge strip 27 Tray guide 29 Fastening elements
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a base shell and, at a distance, of a lower and upper cover.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a base shell and, at a distance, of a lower and upper cover, including the actuating path of the locking means.
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a stack of containers as in Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a stack as in Fig. 4 with an opened uppermost container and engaged locking means.
Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a stack as in Fig. S with the upper container partially removed.
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a trolley.
Fig. 1 shows a closed stackable container 1 with a base shell 3 and a cover 5.
At the lower surface of base shell 3, the container 1 possesses a shallow connector groove 13 in the longitudinal direction, which extends nearly along the entire width of container 1. The connector groove is laterally bordered by groove walls that rest on the base area of the connector groove. The groove walls form a narrow angle with the base area, defining undercuts, into which a corresponding complementary connector edge 15, provided on the exterior surface of cover 5, can engage. Thus, the base shell 3 and the cover 5 can be fastened to each other by the fastening means 13 and 15 by pushing the connector edge 15 and the connector groove 13 into each other along the longitudinal direction. In this position the connector edge 15 is engaged to the corresponding undercuts, so that base shell 3 can not be upwardly removed from the cover 5 that is located beneath it.
As seen in Fig. 2, the base shell 3 contains an essentially flat base section 9, which can be smooth or can be equipped with a surface structure. The base section 9 is laterally bordered by a circumferential side wall 11. On the upper edges of two of its longitudinal sections 12, the side wall 11 is equipped with coupling elements 29, using which the base shell 3 and the cover 5 of the corresponding container 1 can be connected. The lower surface of cover 5 contains complementary groove-like fastening elements 29, into which the coupling elements 29 can be inserted and can be shifted in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, hereby it is sufficient if the coupling elements 29 only cover a partial section of the circumferential side wall 11.
In a front section 24 of the base shell 3 and of the cover S, an edge strip 25 with locking means 17 is provided, which, in its locked position, prevents the base shell from detaching itself 3 from the connected cover 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the base shell 3 possesses on its face an edge strip 25 that on both sides joins the side wall 11 of base shell 3, and in an intermediate middle section extends with a concave curvature to approximately the level of the base section 9 of base shell 3. In its middle section the edge strip 25 contains an essentially trapezoidal opening 18, which is open towards the front section 24, and which is tapered towards the front section 24. The opening 18 forms part of the locking means 17 between the base shell 3 and the cover S, and complementary locking means can engage into it. On its front section 24, the cover 5 possesses a flexible edge strip 25 carrying the complementary locking means 17.
To allow the edge strip 25 to move essentially in a vertical direction, it is connected to the cover only on the outer sections of front section 24. The flexible edge strip 25 can assume an upper and a lower stable position. Stable in the sense, that a force must be applied to move the flexible edge strip 25 from one of its stable positions, before it automatically snaps into the second, opposite stable position, after passing through a dead center point. Hereby the movement of the flexible edge strip 25 is limited to an essentially vertical movement between the two stable positions, compare bottom of Fig. 3.
_g_ In its middle section, the flexible edge strip 25 possesses an essentially trapezoidal region 20 of increased thickness on both sides, the size and position of which is such that it can engage into the opening 18 of an adjacent, connected base shell to form the complementary locking means 17. It is intended that the over-thick region 20 of the flexible edge strip 25 not only serves as locking mechanism, but also as handle 19 to operate the locking means 17 and to move the containers 1.
The base shell 3 and the cover 5 can be combined in different ways. Fastening the base shell 3 to the appropriate cover 5 results in a container 1 that is closed on all sides, see Fig. 1. In this arrangement the flexible edge strip 25 of cover 5 is in its lower stable position, in which the trapezoidal over-thick region 20 engages into the opening 18 of the base shell 3 and locks both together. A container 1 closed in this manner can be transported individually or can be arranged in a stack by connecting it to other containers 1, compare Fig. 4.
It is also possible to create a unit of a base shell 3 and a cover 5 in which the base shell 3 is fastened to the cover 5 located underneath. In this configuration - i.e. open -the unit can then be removed from a stack, compare Figs. 5 and 6. In this arrangement the cover's flexible edge strip 25 is brought into the upper stable position, so that the over-thick region 20 of the flexible edge strip 25 engages into the opening 18 of the edge strip 25 of the connected base shell 3, and locks both together.
By fastening the base shell to the next lower cover 5 it is possible to form a stack that can be moved securely without any need for further stabilizing means. But the containers 1 are also suitable to be transported in a conventional trolley 21 with tray guides 27 of Fig. 7. For this purpose, the container 1 is dimensioned in such a way that its height corresponds to the vertical distance of two neighboring tray guides 27, and its width corresponds to the inside clearance of the trolley 21. The cover 5 of a container 1 is slightly flattened towards its longitudinal sides, so that, together with the base shell 3 located above, they from indentations 23 in which the tray guides of the trolley can be located.
Using this invention's container 1 it is possible to implement an operating method that is especially suited for providing food to airplane passengers. All components of a meal and all utensils that are needed by a passenger for the consumption of a meal are arranged on the base shell 3 of container 1. Subsequently, the container 1 is closed by means of a cover 5; it is then locked, and refrigerated for further transport. Hereby the closed container 1 protects the food from harmful environmental effects. This protection also makes it possible to store the meal at temperatures below the freezing point without the food drying out. The closed containers can be transported to an airplane either individually or combined into stacks. Due to the good food protection it is possible to store the container 1 with the food in a plane's cargo bay, which might be at very low temperatures. In this intended use, an automatic transport system then transports the containers 1 during the flight from the cargo bay into the passenger area, where they are received by the flight personnel. On this route the meal is brought to a temperature suitable for consumption. Several different methods are suitable for this, for example, it is possible to partially heat the main course by induction.
Subsequently, the stacked containers 1 are placed onto a rolling base or are placed into a trolley 21. To be able to offer the passengers an open container 1 containing food, one at first unlocks and removes the cover 5 of the container 1 that is uppermost in the stack, compare Fig. 5.
Subsequently, the cover 5 located underneath the opened base shell 3 is unlocked from its corresponding base shell 3 by means of handle 19 and is fastened to the opened base shell 3. As a next step, the created combination of cover 5 and base shell 3 is taken from the stack, compare Fig. 6. The food is served to the passenger in an already opened container 1.
The following container 1 in the stack is also open, and can be served to the next passenger in the same manner. After consumption of the meal the stack is recreated in the opposite sequence, creating a stack of closed containers 1. Subsequently, the closed containers 1 can be handed over to the automatic conveyer system and can be transported to the plane's cargo bay.
List of reference symbols 1 Stackable container 3 Base shell Cover 9 Base section 11 Circumferential side wall 12 Longitudinal section 13 Connector groove Connector edge 17 Locking means 18 Opening 19 Handle element Over-thick region 21 Trolley 23 Indentations 24 Front section Edge strip 27 Tray guide 29 Fastening elements
Claims (19)
1. Stackable container, in particular for the storage and the transport of meal rations for airplane passengers, comprising a base shell (3), and a cover (5) that can be placed onto and removed from the base shell (3), whereby the container (1) possesses fastening means (13, 15) to connect the base shell (3) to the cover (5) of an identical container (1) located underneath, in such a manner, that when the base shell (3) is removed the cover (5) of the container (1) underneath is removed as well.
2. Stackable container of claim 1 wherein the fastening means (13, 15) form a detachable connection between the base shell (3) and the cover (5).
3. Stackable container of one of the previous claims wherein the fastening means (13, 15) between the base shell (3) and the cover (5) contain adhesive elements.
4. Stackable container of one of the previous claims wherein the fastening means (13, 15) create a positive or a non-positive connection between the base shell (3) and the cover (5) of a container (1) located underneath.
5. Stackable container of one of the previous claims wherein the base shell (3) possesses an essentially flat base section (9) and, attached thereto, a circumferential side wall (11).
6. Stackable container of claim 5 wherein the fastening means (13, 15) at the base section (9) of the base shell (3) and on the cover (5) include interlocking, complementary fastening means (13, 15).
7. Stackable container of claim 6 wherein the fastening means (13, 15) contain connector grooves (13) and corresponding complementary connector edges (15) on the base shell (3) and on the cover (5), respectively.
8. Stackable container of one of the previous claims containing locking means (17) to prevent the base shell (3) from detaching itself from the cover (5) in their locked position.
9. Stackable container of claim 8 with a handle element (19) for manipulating the locking means (17).
10. Stackable container of one of the previous claims wherein the fastening means (13, 15) are engaged or disengaged by sliding in a plane that is essentially parallel to the base section (9).
11. Stackable container of claims 9 or 10 wherein the handle element (19) is integrated with the locking means (17).
12. Stackable container of one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the handle element (19) is mounted on the base shell (3) or on the cover (5) and, in its locked position, is in positive or non-positive engagement with the adjacent covers (5) or base shells (3).
-3-~~~
-3-~~~
13. Stackable container of claim 12 wherein the handle element (19) is preloaded in the locked position.
14. Stackable container of claim 13 wherein the handle element (19) is preloaded in two opposing locked positions that are separated by a dead center point.
15. Stackable container of one of the previous claims wherein the cover (5) of a container (1) can be detachably connected to the base shell (3) of the corresponding container (1).
16. Stackable container of one of the previous claims wherein the height and the width of the container (1) approximately correspond to the distance between tray guides (27) and the width of the trolley (21), respectively, and appropriate indentations are provided (23) in the region of the tray guides.
17. Stackable container of one of the previous claims with an essentially rectangular footprint.
18. Stackable container of one of claims 8 to 17 wherein the locking means (17) are mounted on a front section (24) of the circumferential side wall (11) of the base shell (3) or of the cover (5), and the front section (24) extends essentially at right angles to the sliding direction of the fastening means (13, 15).
19. A method for the use of containers of one of the previous claims whereby the transported items are arranged on a base shell (3), the cover (5) is placed onto a base shell (3), several containers (1) are arranged in a stack by fastening the base shell (3) to a cover (5) of a container (1) situated underneath, the uppermost cover (5) of a stack is removed from the base shell (3), and each time the
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19747668.6 | 1997-10-29 | ||
| DE1997147668 DE19747668A1 (en) | 1997-10-29 | 1997-10-29 | Stackable container |
| PCT/EP1998/006845 WO1999021768A1 (en) | 1997-10-29 | 1998-10-28 | Stackable container |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2307609A1 true CA2307609A1 (en) | 1999-05-06 |
Family
ID=7846929
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002307609A Abandoned CA2307609A1 (en) | 1997-10-29 | 1998-10-28 | Stackable container |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1034113A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2001520967A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1297412A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1665099A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2307609A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19747668A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999021768A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE202008011452U1 (en) * | 2008-08-28 | 2009-12-31 | Dester Holding B.V. | Tray, in particular for catering purposes on board aircraft |
| US8683929B2 (en) * | 2011-09-05 | 2014-04-01 | Lifetime Products, Inc. | Table with nesting table top |
| JP2014164037A (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2014-09-08 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Container handling method, powder container, and image forming apparatus |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2428576A3 (en) * | 1978-05-18 | 1980-01-11 | Tissus Fantaisie Sa | Plastics box with separate lid latched to base - has locating ridge in lid to allow stacking |
| US4700842A (en) * | 1981-09-03 | 1987-10-20 | Dart Industries, Inc. | Stackable storage container |
| DE3904053A1 (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1990-08-23 | Dillinger Juergen Dipl Finanzw | Modular construction system |
| US5699925A (en) * | 1996-05-14 | 1997-12-23 | Petruzzi; Thomas G. | Interlocking stackable container storage system |
-
1997
- 1997-10-29 DE DE1997147668 patent/DE19747668A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1998
- 1998-10-28 WO PCT/EP1998/006845 patent/WO1999021768A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-10-28 EP EP98961109A patent/EP1034113A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-10-28 AU AU16650/99A patent/AU1665099A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-10-28 JP JP2000517885A patent/JP2001520967A/en active Pending
- 1998-10-28 CA CA002307609A patent/CA2307609A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-10-28 CN CN 98812461 patent/CN1297412A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1034113A1 (en) | 2000-09-13 |
| CN1297412A (en) | 2001-05-30 |
| DE19747668A1 (en) | 1999-05-06 |
| WO1999021768A1 (en) | 1999-05-06 |
| JP2001520967A (en) | 2001-11-06 |
| AU1665099A (en) | 1999-05-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |