DE202022002212U1 - Stackable, nestable reusable container - Google Patents

Abstract

Stackable, nestable reusable container consisting of a rigid box (1) with an integrated compartment (4) for placing and positioning containers (5), which can be closed tightly with a lid, characterized in that the reusable container has at least two identical boxes (1) can be stacked when the containers (5) are full and can be nested when the containers (5) are empty.

Description

The innovation relates to a stackable, nestable reusable container according to the preamble of claim 1.

Beverages are mainly bottled. The bottles are usually made of plastic or glass and taper in the upper area towards the bottleneck. To safely accommodate the bottles, especially during transport and storage, they are often placed in plastic crates. Both crates and bottles often represent a reusable variant. The crates are stacked next to and on top of each other during storage or transport. A main problem is that the box is not tightly packed and therefore there is a lot of free space. Especially when the bottles are empty, only little available volume on the loading area is used.

According to WO 2012/010232 A1 a partial solution for reducing the space required for bottle-free crates is known. By integrating a rotary stacker, bottle-free crates are stacked on top of each other and full crates on top of each other.

According to DE 20 2014 104 940 U1 Another solution is known to reduce the crate volume in bottleless transport. This is done by arranging the empty boxes crosswise and overhead.

DE 10 2019 100 684 B9 represents a solution for a space-saving result in the full state of a crate. The space between the individual bottles is filled by the bottle necks of the lower bottles in the stacked state, so that there is a height reduction in the bottle neck dimension.

The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the problem of creating a space-saving reusable container consisting of a box (1) and a cylindrical container (5) that ensures effective use of volume in storage and transport. This is realized both when the containers (5) are full and when they are empty.

This problem is solved with the features listed in claim 1 for protection.

The invention enables a bottomless box (1) which encloses the containers (5) to be nested when the containers are empty and stackable when they are full.

The box (1) has a peripheral box edge (2). There are strip-shaped indentations (3) on the walls of the box. These are arranged asymmetrically. Through a 180° rotation, the indentations (3) interact in such a way that they modify the box (1) from stackable to nestable. The course of the side walls is slightly conical.

The invention solves the need for stacking and nesting in a box (1) by means of rotary stacking elements.

The box (1) and compartment (4) are made of rigid plastic.

The crate (1) is dimensioned in such a way that it corresponds to the conventional reusable crate dimensions. The dimensions for this are 300×400 mm. The height can differ depending on the height of the container (5). The dimensions ensure effective palletizing on the Euro pallet.

The compartment (4) is designed in such a way that it reproduces the cross section of the containers (5). The diameter differs only minimally from the diameter of the containers (5), so that the containers (5) are securely positioned in the compartment (4).

The compartment (4) is characterized by four vertical webs (7) and an annular base with round recesses (8).

The compartment (4) is fixed to the box (1) by a mechanism. As a result, the box (1) acts as a standard storage that can contain different compartments (4) and containers (5). As a result, the same box (1) can be used for different volumes of the filling material.

The invention contains round, cylindrical containers (5) which contain the contents.

The containers (5) are fixed in the crate (1) with the aid of a compartment (4) consisting of webs (7) which simulate the cross-section of the bottles.

The nestability of the empty containers (5) is guaranteed by a cylindrical shape. A stacking edge (10) is integrated in the middle of the containers (5). This prevents tilting when stacking one inside the other. The lid must no longer be on the container (5) when it is stacked one inside the other.

The diameter of the top rim of the container is larger than the diameter of the bottom. The change in diameter is realized by integrating a stacking edge (10). In the nesting arrangement, the stacking edge (10) of the upper bin (5) sits on the rim of the lower bin (5).

The containers (5) can be made of metal, glass, plastic or other materials.

The container (5) has a thread at the top edge. The lid has a matching thread. The container (5) is tightly closed by a seal between the upper edge and the lid.

In process steps such as cleaning or filling, the containers (5) increasingly bump into each other because the box (1) no longer provides protection. This produces abrasion on the containers (5). A projection for the impact protection (11) on the container (5) must therefore be integrated to protect against wear and tear on the entire glass.

The invention provides volumes of 330 ml, 500 ml, 700 ml and 1000 ml for the containers (5). Further volumes for other filling goods are planned.

The lid is resealable. A label connecting the container (5) and the lid must be attached to guarantee the tamper-evident closure. The container (5) can only be opened by destroying the label.

The lid consists of a thread, a seal (12) and a rigid lid top (13).

The lid can represent a one-way alternative, but according to a further development of the invention it should be transformed into a multi-way variant.

The invention is suitable for all beverage sectors and can also be adapted in the non-beverage sector, for example for glass jars.

The reusable container can be used as a standard box between different pool participants. For this purpose, a uniform size and color of container (5) and box (1) must be selected. Customization options can be implemented using detachable labels or washable printing ink.

All elements of the reusable container are coded for individual traceability. For the time being, this is realized by 2D codes on the individual components. According to a further development of the invention, this can also be transformed into a transmitter-receiver system.

According to a development of the invention, it is intended to integrate a resealable opening in the lid in order to guarantee easier drinking and better dosing or to release a vacuum for opening.

According to a development of the invention, the compartment (4) is designed in such a way that it can be modified into four individual carriers. This reduces the transport load for the consumer.

According to a further development of the invention, the crate (1) should have a hinged opening on one of the vertical walls, which makes it easier to remove the containers (5) from the shelf.

According to a development of the invention, the crate (1) can also be folded when there is no container. This achieves a further volume reduction in the containerless state.

• 1 Querschnitt von zwei Kisten im genesteten Zustand mit leeren Behältnissen ohne Deckel
• 2 Querschnitt von zwei Kisten im gestapelten Zustand mit vollen Behältnissen mit Deckel
• 3 perspektivische Draufsicht auf die leere Kiste
• 4 perspektivische Draufsicht auf das Gefache
• 5 perspektivische Draufsicht auf die Kiste mit Gefache
• 6 Frontalansicht des Behältnisses mit Deckelvariante A
• 7 Frontalansicht des Behältnisses mit Deckelvariante B
• 8 Frontalansicht des Behältnisses mit Deckelvariante C
• 9 perspektivische Draufsicht auf die Kiste mit vollen Behältnissen mit Deckel
• 10 perspektivische Draufsicht auf die Kiste mit leeren Behältnissen ohne Deckel
• 11 perspektivische Draufsicht auf zwei ineinander genestete Kiste mit leeren Behältnissen ohne Deckel

The new feature is explained below using illustrative drawings. Further features and advantages of the innovation that are essential to the invention emerge from the drawings and their description.

• 1 Cross-section of two nested boxes with empty containers without lids
• 2 Cross-section of two stacked boxes with full containers with lids
• 3 top perspective view of the empty box
• 4 perspective top view of the compartment
• 5 perspective top view of the box with compartments
• 6 Front view of the container with lid variant A
• 7 Front view of the container with lid variant B
• 8th Front view of the container with lid variant C
• 9 Perspective top view of the box with full containers with a lid
• 10 Perspective top view of the box with empty containers without a lid
• 11 Perspective top view of two nested boxes with empty containers without lids

1 shows a cross section of the reusable container in nested form. The upper box (1) slides into the indentations (3) of the lower box (1). The peripheral edge of the box (2) of the upper box (1) is on the top edge of the bottom crate (1). As a result, the boxes (1) can be nested.

The upper containers (5) are inserted one into the other up to the stacking edge (10) in the lower containers (5). The stacking edge (10) of the upper container (5) lies on the edge of the lower container (5), with the containers (5) not touching. The compartment (4) made of plastic is located between the two containers (5). The containers (5) are in the empty state.

2 shows a cross section of the reusable container in stacked form. By turning 180 degrees, the indentations for the stacking and stacking function (3) of the stacking and stacking container (3) are arranged asymmetrically to one another, so that the upper crate (1) is on the indentations (3) of the lower crate (1). This guarantees stackability. The exact function of the reusable container is explained below by describing the individual components.

3 : The box (1) consists of four side walls and has no bottom. A total of four rotary stacking elements are integrated in the box (1). These represent indentations (3) in the interior of the box (1). When looking at the box (1) from the outside, you can see these as indentations (3) on the box wall. The indentations (3) and the conical shape of the box (1) allow the boxes to be stacked one inside the other.
The rotary stacking elements have a horizontal web (7) at their upper edge. The crate (1) stands on this web (7) when full and can therefore be stacked.
Two of the indentations for the rotary stacking function (3) are arranged opposite one another at the corners of the long side of the box (1). The indentations (3) represent a tapered rib that is connected to both a long and a short side of the box (1). On the opposite side of the long side of the box (1), the two other indentations (3) are arranged. These represent conical columns. The indentations (3) are not in the same position in the transverse axis of the box (1) and are arranged asymmetrically.
The dimensions of the box are 400 x 300 mm. These dimensions can be found on the upper edge of the box (2). Due to a conical course of the box (1), it tapers down and the dimensions decrease in the lower area.
The crate (1) for this embodiment includes a container (5) with a volume of 500 ml. The height dimensions of the crate (1) are adjusted to the height of the container (5). This results in a box height of 18.5 cm. The container (5) takes up 16.5 cm. The remaining 2cm offer free space.

4 : The compartment (4) consists of a plate with round recesses. Four vertical webs (7) run downwards in the recesses, which converge horizontally in the shape of a cross.
The arrangement of the containers (5) is determined by the compartment (4) and is symmetrical. Only four containers (5) are arranged on the outer edge of the box (1). There are five containers (5) in each of the two middle rows. The central containers (5) partially occupy the empty space between the containers (5) placed on the edge. This saves free space in the box (1).
The recesses in the compartment (4) encompass the cross sections of the containers (5) up to the stacking edge (10). The upper part of the container (5) is therefore not enclosed by the compartment (4).

The compartment (4) can be found in the nestable state as an intermediate layer between the containers (5).

5 shows the integration of the compartment (4) in the box (1). The compartment (4) can be fixed to the box (1) and removed again. As a result, different containers (5) can be fixed to the same box (1).

6 shows the schematic structure of the container (5). The container (5) is designed in this embodiment for fillings of 500 ml and is made of glass. The container (5) is not filled to the top. This leaves an air space of 2 cm in the upper area of the container (5). This is needed for bottling and for easier drinkability.
The container (5) has a height of 16.5 cm and a diameter of 7.2 cm at the top. The lower part of the container (5) has a volume of 180 ml. The upper part has a volume of 320 ml including space for better filling and drinkability.
For the stability of the container (5) there is a reinforced container bottom (9).
The stacking edge (10) has a slightly conical shape.
In the nested position of the box (1), the stacking edge (10) lies on top of the lower container (5). The compartment (4) is located between these two containers (5). Additionally shows 6 a cover variant. The cover A (14) has an external thread (14.2). The external thread (14.2) comprises two turns. The container has a corresponding internal thread (14.1). The internal thread (14.1) serves to make it easier to drink, so that there is no notch in the mouth area of the container (5). There is a seal (12) made of an elastic material, for example, between the external thread (14.2) and the rigid upper part of the cover (13). silicone or PE.
During cleaning, after filling and sealing of the containers (5), the containers (5) collide. A projection for the impact protection (11) protects the container (5) from impacts in this process step. The projection (11) forms the widest point on the container (5). This is where material wear and tear occurs.

7 shows a variation of lid variant A. A protective cap for drinking is also integrated in lid B (15). The rigid upper lid part (13) has a recess on the edge down, which is put over the upper edge of the container (5). This indentation includes the area where the mouth is placed for drinking. This ensures hygienic protection of the drinking area.

8th shows cover C (16). There is an external thread on the container (16.1) and a matching internal thread on the lid (16.2). The cover C (16) again includes 2 turns. The seal (12) is placed in the middle of the cover.

9 shows the box (1) in full condition. By turning another crate (1), it could be stacked on the lower crate (1).

10 shows the box (1) with empty containers (5). The containers (5) are to be placed in the box 81) without a lid when the reusable container is returned.

11 shows a perspective view of two nested boxes (1). The boxes (1) are stacked one inside the other without rotation. The lower parts of the upper containers (5) are located in the upper areas of the lower containers (5).

Reference List

1

Box

2

Circumferential edge of the box

3

Indentations for rotary stack function

4

compartments

5

container

6

Contagion for compartments

7

web

8th

Ring-shaped bottom with round recess

9

container bottom

10

stack edge

11

Protrusion for shock protection

12

poetry

13

Rigid lid top

14

Lid A

14.1.

Internal thread on the container

14.2.

External thread on the lid

14.3.

Protective cap for drinking

15

Lid B

16

Lid C

16.1

External thread on the container

16.2

Internal thread on the lid

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• WO 2012010232 A1 [0003]
• DE 202014104940 U1 [0004]
• DE 102019100684 B9 [0005]

Claims (7)

Stackable, nestable reusable container consisting of a rigid box (1) with an integrated compartment (4) for the placement and positioning of containers (5), which can be closed tightly with a lid, characterized in that the reusable container has at least two identical boxes (1) can be stacked when the containers (5) are full and can be nested when the containers (5) are empty. Reusable containers according to claim 1 , characterized in that the box (1) consists of four vertically arranged walls and no floor. Reusable containers according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the crate (1) has rotary stacking elements, so that the crate (1) can be nested and stacked by rotating it through 180°. Reusable containers according to one of the above claims 1 - 3 , characterized in that the walls of the box (1) are slightly conical. Reusable containers according to one of the above claims 1 - 4 , characterized in that the containers (5) have a cylindrical shape and an integrated stacking edge (10) inside the container (5). Reusable containers according to one of the above claims 1 - 5 , characterized in that the compartment (4) consists of a horizontal plate with recesses, shown by webs (7) leading downwards, which simulates the cross-section of the containers (5). Reusable containers according to one of the above claims 1 - 6 , characterized in that the compartment (4) is firmly connected to the box (1) when full.

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