DE102010002530A1 - Beverage crate for accommodating beverage bottles, has base part and multiple side walls connected with base part, where side walls form circulating frame - Google Patents

Abstract

The beverage crate (1) has a base part (3) and multiple side walls (5,6) connected with the base part, where the side walls form a circulating frame (4). The side walls are movably arranged opposite to the base part such that the height of the beverage crate is reduced by moving the side walls. The side walls are indirectly and detachably connected with a base section in each condition.

Description

The invention relates to a crate with a bottom part and with a plurality of connected to the bottom part, a peripheral frame forming side walls.

Such beverage crates, in which a plurality of beverage bottles can be accommodated, are known in various variations from the prior art. Purely by way of example is in this context on the DE 201 05 567 U1 and the DE 20 2004 000 802 U1 directed.

These crates are known to be deposited, with the deposit for the box and the bottles contained therein must be paid separately. For this reason, the empty bottles, whether glass or plastic refillable bottles or mainly disposable plastic bottles, are increasingly returned, or even discarded, independently of the empty box, thereby not returning to the original dealer. As a result, at the beverage dealers empty boxes that must be sent to the bottler. Furthermore, the reverse case may occur, namely that the beverage dealer has too many empty bottles, so that the beverage bottler must send him empty boxes to ensure a logistics-adequate return of the bottles to the bottler.

With the previously known crates, a great deal of space is consumed in the transport of the same when there are no bottles in the boxes, resulting in a very high number of transport operations with all the disadvantages associated therewith.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beverage crate serving to hold beverage bottles, which can be brought into a condition without bottles placed therein requiring less space than in the condition in which bottles are in the crate.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features mentioned in claim 1.

The beverage crate according to the invention allows by moving the side walls relative to the bottom part of a reduction in the height of the crate in the state in which there are no bottles within it, so that the volume of the crate significantly reduced and greatly reduces the logistics, storage and transport costs can be. This reduction in the volume of the crate according to the invention is advantageous not only during transport, but also during the intermediate storage of the crates.

The fact that the side walls are at least indirectly inseparably connected to the bottom portion in each state, an intentional or unintentional destruction of the crate according to the invention is prevented. Rather, it ensures that the box is always complete and ready for use. As a result, the crate according to the invention, if it is at least partially filled with full or empties, be handled as previously known boxes.

A particular advantage of the invention consists in the fact that the bottom part is completely preserved and several of the crates according to the invention even in their folded state still problem-free and especially with unfolded boxes that may even contain bottles, can be stacked.

In a very advantageous development of the invention it can be provided that first, substantially parallel side walls are mounted displaceably in the direction of the bottom part in guides of second, substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the first side walls arranged second side walls. In this case, the first side walls can be moved and fold over the second side walls, whereby a significant reduction in the height of the crate according to the invention can be achieved in its folded state. A particular advantage of this solution is also that the basic size of the crate, so its length and width, does not change in the folded state.

In order to ensure a secure connection of the first side walls with the second side walls and thereby allow easy displacement of the second side walls, may be provided in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention that the first side walls have projections which formed in the grooves formed as the guides engage second side walls.

Further, if it is provided that the second side walls are connected to the bottom part by means of at least one hinge and can be folded inwards onto the bottom part, a simple folding over of the second side walls is possible without questioning the insolubility of the side walls with the bottom section got to.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention can be provided that the second side walls in the region of the guides have respective recesses which provide a passage for the projections of the first side walls in the voltage applied to the bottom part state of the first side walls and allow folding of the second side walls on the bottom part. This allows the second side walls to be folded even when the upper edge of the first side walls is in its downwardly displaced state above the at least one hinge with which the second side walls are connected to the bottom part.

An alternative embodiment to the above-described displacement of the first side walls may consist in that first, substantially parallel side walls are movably mounted on the bottom part via respective joints and can be folded outwards. With such a solution, only a smaller reduction of the height of the beverage crate according to the invention in its folded state may possibly be achieved, but this is an even simpler solution in terms of operation, since the volume reduction in a manner understandable to the user by simple Folding can be done.

It can be provided that substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular to the first side walls arranged second side walls are inwardly hinged on the bottom part, which are connected by means of at least one hinge to the bottom part. As a result, a simple folding of the second side walls is possible without the insolubility of the side walls must be questioned with the bottom portion. Furthermore, such a development continues the folding concept of the first side walls, so that the user can bring the entire beverage crate from its normal to its folded position with substantially the same or at least very similar movements.

In order to prevent accidental movement of individual parts of the beverage crate according to the invention in the direction of the folded state, can be provided in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention that first, substantially parallel side walls by means of respective locking means detachable with second, substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to connected to the first side walls arranged second side walls are connected.

A very easily implementable embodiment of the invention results when the locking means comprise a locking element arranged in the second side walls, which engages in a recess of the first side walls.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in principle with reference to the drawings.

It shows:

1 a first embodiment of the beverage crate according to the invention in a first state;

2 the crate 1 in a second state;

3 the crate 1 in a third state;

4 the crate 1 in a fourth state;

5 several in the state according to 4 located, stacked beverage crates;

6 an enlarged view of a locking device of the first embodiment of the beverage crate according to the invention;

7 a second embodiment of the beverage crate according to the invention in a first state;

8th the crate 7 in a second state;

9 the crate 7 in a third state;

10 the crate 7 in a fourth state;

11 the crate 7 in a fifth state;

12 the crate 7 in a sixth state;

13 the crate 7 in a seventh state;

14 several in the state according to 13 located, stacked beverage crates; and

15 an enlarged view of an exemplified joint for connecting one of the side walls with the bottom part in the second embodiment of the beverage crate according to the invention.

1 shows a crate 1 for holding beverage bottles, which are not shown in the figures. As usual, these can be both empty and full bottles. To subdivide the crate 1 as well as for secure mounting of the beverage bottles serves a variety of separating elements 2 that from a bottom part 3 protrude upwards. The separating elements 2 can be formed in a conventional manner, which is why not be discussed in more detail below the same.

In all figures is a certain size of the crate 1 shown, in which a certain number of bottles of a certain size can be included. However, the invention described below is not limited to a particular size or shape of the beverage crate 1 or restricted to a certain size, shape or number of bottles. In case of a deviation from the illustrated shape of the crate 1 Certain adjustments must be made, some of which are explained in more detail and / or which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

With the bottom part 3 is a surrounding frame 4 connected in the present case by a total of four side walls 5 . 6 is formed. The frame 4 is rectangular in the present case, so that two first side walls 5 are arranged at a certain distance parallel to each other, and that two second side walls 6 also substantially parallel to each other and each substantially perpendicular to the first side walls 5 are arranged.

As will be described in more detail below, the sidewalls are 5 and 6 opposite the bottom part 3 movably arranged, reducing the height of the crate 1 by moving the sidewalls 5 and 6 is reducible. In this way, the volume of the crate 1 can be significantly reduced and, if not filled with empty beverage bottles, can be carried in a smaller footprint. Here are the side walls 5 and 6 nevertheless at least indirectly insoluble in each state with the bottom part 3 connected, so that the crate 1 can not be dismantled except by the effects of violence and always a completeness of the same is guaranteed.

In the in the 1 to 5 illustrated embodiment of the crate 1 are the first side walls 5 from one in 1 shown upper position in an in 2 illustrated lower position in the direction of the bottom part 3 slidably arranged in the vertical direction. For this purpose, the second side walls 6 in the present case respective guides 7 on, which are formed in the present case as grooves, in which projections, not shown, of the first side walls 5 intervention. Around the first side walls 5 to be able to push down completely, the guides sit down 7 in the bottom part 3 continued. Of course, the most diverse other, not shown embodiments of the guides 7 possible, which differ from the illustrated embodiment. In this embodiment, the side walls 5 in its upper position only indirectly, namely on the second side walls 6 , but insoluble with the bottom part 3 connected.

Due to the described mobility of the first side walls 5 in the vertical direction, the first side walls 5 only over a part of the height of the crate 1 , which is sufficient, however, in the in 1 Normal state displayed in the crate 1 safe to keep accommodated beverage bottles. Furthermore, in this state according to 1 by the distance of the first side walls 5 from the bottom part 3 a simple gripping of the crate 1 on the first side walls 5 possible. In this connection should be the connection between the first side walls 5 and the second side walls 6 about the guides 7 and the projections engaging in them are made so stable that the first side walls 5 not from the second side walls 6 break out or otherwise get out of the same.

If the first side walls 5 in the 2 shown, shifted down state, the second side walls 6 , as in 3 shown, inwards on the bottom part 3 be worked out. The completely folded state of the crate 1 , in which the volume of the same is minimal, shows 4 , Around this inward flaps of the second sidewalls 6 to enable, they are the same by means of at least one, in the present case by means of several hinges 8th with the bottom part 3 connected. The hinges 8th are in 1 . 2 and 3 shown only schematically and should be designed so that on the one hand, the flaps of the second side walls 6 opposite to and on the bottom part 3 possible and on the other hand, the above-described permanent connection between the second side walls 6 and the bottom part 3 is guaranteed. Of course, the most diverse other, not shown embodiments of the hinges 8th possible, which differ from the illustrated embodiment. Especially with relatively small crates 1 or if instead of the illustrated quills so-called Kreuzgefache as separating elements 2 are provided, may also be just a hinge 8th be provided.

The collapse of the second side walls 6 on the bottom part 3 is in the illustrated embodiment by recesses 9 the second side walls 6 allows, which are at such a height that they provide a passage for the in the guides during the folding process 7 engaging projections of the first side wall 5 in the at the bottom part 3 adjacent condition of the first side walls 5 Offer. In the 1 and 2 are the recesses 9 in the second side walls 6 to recognize.

To unintentionally move the first side walls 5 opposite the second side walls 6 to prevent and the crate 1 in her in 1 shown to hold normal state, are multiple locking devices 10 provided, which are the second side walls 6 with the first side walls 5 connect. As in the enlarged view of 6 can be seen, have the locking devices 10 in this embodiment, one in each of the second side walls 6 arranged locking element 11 which, in the locked state into a recess 12 the first side walls 5 intervenes. The locking element 11 can be shifted linearly in the direction indicated by "x" manually to the locking of the first side walls 5 on the second side walls 6 to solve and thus the first side walls 5 to move down. Conversely, by a linear displacement of the locking elements 11 against the direction "x" a secure connection of the first side walls 5 with the second side walls 6 getting produced. Of course, the most diverse other, not shown embodiments of the locking device 10 possible.

In 5 are several of the crates 1 shown in its folded state and it can be seen that, by the embodiment of the beverage crate described above 1 achieve a significant reduction in the height of the same. By a corresponding execution of the first side walls 5 and the bottom part 3 can the crates 1 however, they are stacked on each other even in the folded state.

In the present case, the first side walls 5 as the shorter and the second sidewalls 6 as the longer sidewalls of the crate 1 educated. In an embodiment not shown, however, this could also be the other way around, ie the longer side walls could be displaced and the shorter ones subsequently folded in. Furthermore, the principle described could also be in a crate 1 be used with a square or optionally also differently shaped frame.

In principle, the can be in the 1 to 5 illustrated embodiment in a variety of sizes of beverage crates 1 insert, whereby by an appropriate selection of the sliding, first side walls 5 and the hinged, second side walls 6 a lower or greater reduction in the height of the crate 1 can achieve. It should be avoided if possible, that the hinged, second side walls 6 be selected so that in their folded state over the surface of the bottom part 3 survive.

In the 7 to 14 is a second embodiment of the crate 1 represented in which similar or identical parts with the same reference numerals as in the embodiment according to the 1 to 6 are designated. Also in this embodiment, the side walls 5 and 6 opposite the bottom part 3 so movably arranged that by moving the side walls 5 and 6 the height of the crate 1 from the in 7 represented normal state in a in 13 shown collapsed state can be reduced. Also in the second embodiment, the side walls 5 and 6 in each state insoluble with the bottom part 3 connected.

As in 7 it can be seen, are the first side walls 5 via respective joints 13 at the bottom part 3 movably mounted and, as in 9 and in particular in 11 is recognizable, outwardly on the vertically extending portion of the bottom part 3 foldable. The joints 13 are in the present case on the outside of the crate 1 However, it would also be possible to have these on the inside of the first side walls 5 to install.

In a similar manner to the first embodiment, the second side walls are 6 again by means of the hinges 8th , in the general case of at least one hinge 8th , with the bottom part 3 connected and inwards on the bottom part 3 foldable, as in the 12 and 13 can be seen. This also results in this embodiment, a completely folded state of the crate 1 , in the 13 is shown. In the second embodiment of the crate 1 a lesser reduction of the height is achievable, but it is nevertheless, as in 14 to recognize, possible, the crates 1 stack each other in their folded state.

The locking devices 10 in the second embodiment are similar to those formed according to the first embodiment, wherein also a locking element 11 in a recess 12 the first side wall 5 intervenes. However, the opening and closing of the locking devices takes place 10 not as in the first embodiment by linear sliding of the locking element 11 but by turning it. In this connection, the locking device used in the second embodiment could 10 also in the first embodiment of the crate 1 be used and vice versa.

A purely exemplary embodiment of the joint 13 is in 15 shown in more detail. It encloses one on the first side wall 5 attached, provided with an elongated recess retaining element 14 one on the bottom part 3 mounted rod 15 , Of course, the joint can 13 be executed in other ways.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20105567 U1 [0002]
• DE 202004000802 U1 [0002]

Claims (9)

A crate with a bottom part and with a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom part and forming a peripheral frame, characterized in that the side walls ( 5 . 6 ) opposite the bottom part ( 3 ) are arranged so movable that the height of the crate ( 1 ) by moving the side walls ( 5 . 6 ) is reducible, the side walls ( 5 . 6 ) in each state at least indirectly insoluble with the bottom portion ( 3 ) are connected. Beverage crate according to claim 1, characterized in that first, substantially parallel side walls ( 5 ) in guided tours ( 7 ) of second, substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the first side walls ( 5 ) arranged second side walls ( 6 ) towards the bottom part ( 3 ) are mounted displaceably. Beverage crate according to claim 2, characterized in that the first side walls ( 5 ) Have projections which in the grooves formed as grooves ( 7 ) of the second side walls ( 6 ) intervene. Crate according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the second side walls ( 6 ) by means of at least one hinge ( 8th ) with the bottom part ( 3 ) and inwardly on the bottom part ( 3 ) are foldable. Beverage crate according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the second side walls ( 6 ) in the field of guides ( 7 ) respective recesses ( 9 ) having a passage for the projections of the first side walls ( 5 ) in which at the bottom part ( 3 ) adjacent state of the first side walls ( 5 ) and folding in the second side walls ( 6 ) on the bottom part ( 3 ) enable. Beverage crate according to claim 1, characterized in that first, substantially parallel side walls ( 5 ) via respective joints ( 13 ) at the bottom part ( 3 ) are movably mounted and hinged outwards. Beverage crate according to claim 6, characterized in that substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular to the first side walls ( 5 ) arranged second side walls ( 6 ), which by means of at least one hinge ( 8th ) with the bottom part ( 3 ), inwardly on the bottom part ( 3 ) are foldable. Crate according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that first, substantially parallel side walls ( 5 ) by means of respective locking devices ( 10 ) detachably with second, substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the first side walls ( 5 ) arranged second side walls ( 6 ) are connected. Beverage crate according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking devices ( 10 ) in the second side walls ( 6 ) arranged locking element ( 11 ), which in a recess ( 12 ) of the first side walls ( 5 ) intervenes.

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