EP1018471A1 - Foldable container - Google Patents

Abstract

The cardboard container (2) is closed by a lid (38, 40) with carrying handle (42, 44) and has on at least one and possibly both sides a holder (84,86) to take a drinks carton. The container has a rectangular outline with four side walls with the two drinks holders lying on a common axis, with the carrying handle likewise lying with its longitudinal axis on the same axis.

Description

The invention relates to a foldable from a blank Flat material, in particular containers that can be folded from cardboard with a bottom and hinged to it in one piece and upstanding side walls, as well as the container closing lid with a handle for the Container.

Containers or folding boxes of the type in question among other things in fast food restaurants, street vending restaurants or so-called drive-in restaurants used to transport the meal ordered by the customer to be able to pack. Another location of such Containers are snack sales e.g. at sporting or musical events, Train restaurants or generally speaking so-called take-away restaurants. Since such restaurants in the Most of the cases are based on the self-service principle, must the customer or guest when ordering a meal and it has been packed in the container whenever he has one or more additional drinks, for example a soft drink in a mug or ordered coffee in a mug, both with the container the food as well as the cup or cups with the Place drinks on a tray for the entire order to be able to transport in one go. Here it can be in the crowds most common in such restaurants Occasionally occur that the or the beverage cups fall over and spill their contents. Would the guest like the food ordered in the fast food restaurant? together with the drinks not in the restaurant, but instead For example, to consume at home, he must take the container with him the foodstuffs contained herein and the one or more, if any beverage cup closed with a lid carry out of the restaurant to his vehicle. To unlock the vehicle door and its opening must then in usually either the container or must the Beverage cups are first placed on the floor to have a free hand. This is cumbersome and sometimes unsanitary.

In contrast, the present invention Task made a container of the type in question To be designed so that its functionality continues is increased, in particular not only for transport of food, but also of, for example, in cups bottled drinks is suitable.

The present invention proposes to achieve this object according to claim 1 before that at least on a side wall the container has a holding device for a drinking vessel, in particular a drinking cup is arranged.

The subject of the present invention is thus possible both solid foods, for example Sandwiches, hamburgers, French fries, baked goods (Cakes etc.) or the like inside the container transport and at the same time at least one drinking vessel, for example a drinking cup with a soft drink, To attach coffee or the like to the outside of the container, so that both food and drinks and the same container can be transported. By the attachment or arrangement of the drinking vessel on the outside the container will also be more advantageous Way ensured that in the event of any escaping drink the food or dishes of the drink are not be wetted or moistened as would be the case when the drinking vessel along with the food inside a common container would be transported. It also ensures that the drink and the Food inside the container is thermally separated from one another are separated so that the container is still warm Can accommodate food and still include cold drinks and the same container can be transported.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of subclaims.

The container preferably has a rectangular or square shape Floor plan with four side walls, with two opposite side walls each have a holding device is arranged. The two are particularly preferably located here Holding devices on a common axis, by which also runs the axis of the handle, so that when Carrying the container with suspended in the holding devices Carrying the containers in a comfortable way is because it is along the length of the handle is burdened and thus balanced.

The at least one holding device is preferably in one piece formed on the side wall. It has shown, that even small-area tabs are sufficiently high Have tear resistance to using a slightly conical cup a volume of about 0.5 1 with ease on the container to be able to wear. In the case of two holding devices these also in one piece on the opposite Sidewalls trained. This results in manufacturing technology Advantages because of the cutting or punching process of the flat material then the holding devices in can be trained with a train.

Each holding device is preferably by one semicircular cut in one from the side wall outgoing tongue formed. This also has manufacturing technology Advantages and allows a quick and rational Making both the blank from the foldable Flat material for the container, as well as the holding device or the holding devices.

According to a further preferred embodiment forms after the semicircular cut for manufacture the at least one holding device remaining Rest of the tongue a retaining tongue with which the lid of the Container is closable. Thus, in one operation, i.e. by performing the substantially semicircular Cut both the holder and also formed a retaining tongue for closing the lid become.

Is on at least one of the remaining side walls at least one additional holding device can be attached, can with the container according to the invention more than two drinking vessels can be transported.

The additional holding device preferably consists of a strip of foldable flat material attached to a plurality of fold lines in polygonal ring shape is bendable and with its two free ends in a slot in the side wall insertable and there by means of retaining projections is positively lockable. This represents a special one Design that can be produced economically and inexpensively the additional holding device. The attachment via the slot and the positive anchoring or locking is structurally simple and yet reliable.

Further details, aspects and advantages of the present Invention result from the following description one as purely illustrative and not restrictive embodiment to be understood with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Außenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters mit zwei hieran angeordneten Trinkgefäßen in Form von Trinkbechern;

Fig. 2 eine Fig. 1 entsprechende Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters, jedoch in einer modifizierten Abwandlung hiervon mit einer Befestigungsmöglichkeit einer Haltevorrichtung an einer weiteren Seitenwand;

Fig. 3 eine Fig. 2 entsprechende Darstellung zur Veranschaulichung, wie insgesamt vier Trinkgefäße an dem erfindungsgemäßen Behälter anordenbar sind; und

Fig. 4 eine Draufsicht auf eine Abwicklung oder ausgebreitete flächige Darstellung des Flachmaterials, aus welchem der erfindungsgemäße Behälter falt- oder formbar ist.

It shows:

Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a container according to the invention with two drinking vessels arranged thereon in the form of drinking cups.

2 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 1 of a container according to the invention, but in a modified modification thereof with the possibility of fastening a holding device to a further side wall;

3 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 2 to illustrate how a total of four drinking vessels can be arranged on the container according to the invention; and

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a development or spread out flat representation of the flat material from which the container according to the invention can be folded or shaped.

One in the drawing with the reference number 2 designated container according to the invention has the example 1 structure with a rectangular shape or square plan, with one in the Drawing invisible floor, as well as a total of four the floor articulated in one piece and standing up Side walls, of which the side walls 4 and 6 in FIG. 1 are visible. As best seen in Fig. 4, are the four side walls and is the bottom of a single one Blank 8 made of foldable flat material, in particular cardboard manufactured. The blank 8 consists essentially of the visible in Fig. 1 side walls 4 and 6, and the adjoining further side walls 10 and 12. Here are the side walls 6 and 10 by a fold line 14, the side walls 10 and 12 are by a fold line 16 and are the side walls 12 and 4 by a fold line 18th connected in one piece. The fold lines 14, 16 and 18 are made in a known manner by indentations, perforations or other material weaknesses in the material of the Cutting 8 produces and serve the individual side walls 6, 10, 12 and 4 are substantially perpendicular to each other turn to the container 2 with the rectangular or to form a square plan.

The side wall 6 has at its outer free edge an adhesive tab 20, which after mutual bending the side walls 6, 10, 12 and 4 to each other with the outer free edge of the side wall 4 is glued to the Form container 2. Point at their lower ends in Fig. 4 the side walls 6, 10, 12 and 4 approximately triangular Projections or tabs 22a to 22d, each of the Tabs 22a and 22c an additional, also in has essentially triangular approach 24 or 26. The tab 22a is with the side wall 6 over a fold line 28, the tab 22b with the side wall 10 over a fold line 30, the tab 22c with the side wall 12 over a Fold line 32 and the flap 22d with the side wall 4 over a fold line 34 connected. The fold lines 28, 30, 32 and 34 are like the fold lines 14, 16 and 18 due to targeted material weakening, for example rolled-in depressions, Perforations or the like are formed. In the assembled Condition of the side walls 6, 10, 12 and 4, wherein the adhesive tab 20 on the side wall 6 with the free edge the side wall 4 is glued, the tabs 22a to 22d the bottom of the container 2, the lugs 24 and 26 together with rounded protrusions 36 and 38 on the tabs 22a and 22c ensure that the individual tabs 22a to 22d in self-locking and under load interlocking connection or a holding engagement are, so that when filling the container 2 through do not break through the flaps 22a to 22d formed bottom can.

The side walls face opposite the tabs 22b and 22d 10 and 4 according to FIG. 4 extensions formed in one piece on, which in the case of the side wall 10 as a cover part 38 and in the case of the side wall 4 as a cover part 40 serve. The formation of the cover parts 38 and 40 to the Side panels 10 and 4 are made without any fold lines, so that the cover parts 38 and 40 according to FIGS up to 3 without a sharp bend, but in a rounded contour lay inwards over the upper free opening of container 2 to let.

The outer free ends of the cover parts 38 and 40 come up here in the immediate vicinity of each other, so that two handle parts formed on the cover parts 38 and 40 42 and 44 along two fold lines 46 and 48 in essentially folded up by 90 ° vertically upwards can be and come to rest against each other, as if Figures 1 to 3 emerges.

The two handle parts 42 and 44 each have one Handle opening 50 and 52, which when adjacent Handle parts 42 and 44 are substantially aligned and a common one Form handle opening 54 (Fig. 1 to 3). In addition the grip opening 50 in the grip part 42 also has a tab 56 which, when grip parts 42 and 44 struck 180 ° into the adjacent handle opening 52 can be so that the two handle parts 42 and 44, and thus the two cover parts 38 and 40 with each other are connected.

In addition, the two handle parts 42 and 44 each have two recesses or notches 58 and 60 on the edge on. These recesses or notches 58 and 60 are also aligned with adjacent handle parts 42 and 44 essentially with each other and serve for additional fastening or to keep the two additionally closed Lid parts 38 and 40 formed lid of the container 2, as well as continue to receive and support over holding devices to be described below for Drinking vessels applied to the container 2 forces.

The two side walls 6 and 12 face the Tabs 22a and 22c approximately semicircular projections or tongues 62 and 64. Essentially parallel to the outer contour of each protrusion or tongue 62 or 64, a cut 66 or 68 runs out of the projections 62 and 64 each have another inside Projection or another internal tongue 70 or 72 separates out. The projection 70 has a punched-out opening 74 and the projection 72 has a punched-out opening 76 on.

The projections or tongues 62 and 64 are with the side walls 6 or 12 connected via fold lines 78 or 80. Furthermore, the adhesive tab 20 is still over a fold line 82 integrally formed on the side wall 6.

To assemble the container, the side walls 10 and 12 approximately 180 degrees to each other along the fold line 16 kinked and then the adhesive tab 20 is along the fold line 82 kinked or angled and on the free edge of the side wall 4 glued. The educated one The body is then folded so that the side wall 6 with their later inner wall or inside on the inner wall or inside of the side wall 10 comes to rest and the side wall 4 with its later inner wall or inside on the later inside wall or inside of the side wall 12 comes to rest. At the same time, the tabs 22a to 22d inward into the container so collapsed 2 struck. The folded container 2 can in this Shape can be stored and transported in an extremely space-saving manner. To unfold the container 2, the individual Sidewalls 6, 10, 12 and 4 in an angular position of approximately Brought 90 ° to each other, the projections 36 and the triangular lugs 24 and 26 on the tabs 22a and 22c interact with each other and with the tabs 22b and 22d ensure in a manner known per se that the bottom of the container 2 forms almost automatically and against internal stresses locked or secured. The cover parts 38 and 40, as well as the projections or tongues 62 and 64 are essentially aligned with the levels of the side walls 6, 10, 12 and 4 upwards, so that the inside of the container 2 is free is accessible.

After filling the container 2 with the desired goods, for example, food or groceries, first the cover parts 38 after 40 with simultaneous bending the handle parts 42 and 44 along the fold lines 46 and 48 moved towards each other until they are approximately as shown in FIG. 1 are essentially aligned and the common Form the handle opening 54, after which the tab 56 is struck through this handle opening 54 and the two cover parts 38 and 40 are connected to one another and cover the free opening of the container 2. Below the projections 70 and 72 along the cuts 66 and 68 separated from the projections 62 and 64, after which the approximately semi-ring-shaped, remaining outer sections the projections 62 and 64 approximately as shown in FIG. 1 to the outside protruding from the container 2 along the fold lines 78 and 80 are folded and the inner protrusions 70 and 72, respectively folded inwards and with their openings 74 and 76 over the recesses or notches 58 and 60 are placed. As a result, the handle parts 42 and 44 due to the bracket through the openings 74 and 76 finally with each other connected so that the formed by the cover parts 38 and 40 Lid of the container 2 securely in the closed state is held.

The outer edge or partial sections knocked out the projections 62 and 64 form holding devices 84 and 86, which - provided correct dimensioning - For holding one or two drinking vessels, for example Drinking cups 88 and 90 in the one from FIGS to 3 resulting manner. The one in gastronomy usually used disposable drinking cups on the one hand a ribbed or corrugated outer surface, as well a bead-like protruding, revolving upper Edge and a slight taper towards the cup bottom. These three design features make the cups 88 and 90 securely held by the brackets 84 and 86. That of the filled cups 88 and 90 onto the holding devices 84 and 86 tractive forces become one essential part about the inner protrusions or tabs 70 and 72 or their suspension on the recesses 58 and 60 transferred to the handle parts 42 and 44, so that there is practically no risk that the filled cups 88 and 90 the holding devices 84 and 86 in the area of the Fold lines 78 and 80 can damage.

At the same time there are 2 inside the container Food from cold or hot drinks separated in cups 88 and 90 and thus in front of them Protect drinks, even when bumped, swings or the like liquid should leak. Reinforced this is also shown by the projections or tongues 70 or 72, which shield the inside of the container 2, because between the top free edge of cup 88 or 90 and the interior of the container 2.

Because the two cover parts 38 and 40 are not articulated by a fold line on the side walls 10 and 4 are, these cover parts 38 and 40 due to the inherent material Elasticity striving from the closed 1 up again in a with the side walls 10 and 4 substantially in alignment to get back. As a result, the handle parts 42 and 44 biased upward so that openings 74 and 76 held securely in the recesses or notches 58 and 60 are and an unwanted opening of the lid parts 38 and 40, for example when the container 2 is turned off is safely avoided.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the Attach a maximum of two drinking containers to container 2, namely one by means of the holding device 84 on the side wall 12 and one by means of the holding device 86 on the Sidewall 6. Figures 2 and 3 show a modification of the container 2 according to the invention, wherein in FIGS and 3 identical or corresponding parts or sections to Figures 1 and 4 with the same reference numerals have been provided; another detailed description this does not take place.

In the modification or modification according to FIGS. 2 and 3 is the container 2 for attachment according to the invention or a total of four drinking vessels or cups 88, 90, 92 and 94. The cups 88 and 90 are located analogous to the embodiment of FIG. 1 the opposite side walls 12 and 6, and the additional cups 92 and 94 are on opposite sides remaining side walls 10 and 4 attached.

According to FIGS. 2 to 4, this has at least one of the two side walls 4 and 10, but preferably both a slot 96 and 98 respectively. Each of the slots 96 or 98 is at its upper and lower ends by a short transverse slot 100 limits the tearing or tearing of the material prevented. The slot 96 and 98, respectively serves to receive a retaining tab 102, which is shown in FIG. 4 also in the developed or expanded form is shown. The holding tab 102 has a plurality of fold lines 104 which allow the retaining tab 102 the polygonal exterior shown in FIG. 3 is awarded. The holding tab 102 has two ends widened end pieces 106 and 108 with two short nose-like Projections 110 and two opposite longer ones nose-like projections 112.

After punching out or cutting out the holding tab 102 from the flat material, this becomes along the plurality of fold lines 104 into the polygonal one shown in FIG. 3 or - depending on the number of fold lines 104 - curved approximately round shape, so that the two end pieces 106 and 108 come together. Then the End pieces 106 and 108 inserted into slots 96 and 98, the longer protrusions 112 above, i.e. in the direction the cover parts 38 and 40 come to rest. After that Insert or insert the end pieces 106 and 108 the protrusions 110 and 112 the material of the side walls 4 or 10, so that the retaining tabs 102 in securely the slots 96 and / or 98 are held and due to the relatively large vertical extension of the projections 112 both by levering out of slots 96 or 98 are hindered, as well as are able to do so through the record another cup 92 or 94 initiated moment.

Since the cover parts 38 and 40 - as already above mentioned - without any fold line in one piece on the side walls 10 and 4 are formed by the additional Weight of those that can be hooked into the retaining tabs 102 Cup 92 and 94 no uncontrolled deformation of the container 2 along any fold lines, but the loads are over the cover parts 38 and 40 in the area the handle parts 42 and 44 transferred and there from the by means of projections held in the recesses 58 and 60 70 and 72 added, which through their openings 74 and 76 anchored in the recesses or notches 58 and 60 are.

It is accordingly with the container 2 according to the invention possible, on the one hand, 2 foods inside the container, for example hamburgers and / or sandwiches and / or To transport chips or the like and at the same time on the outer circumference of the container 2 in the illustrated Embodiment up to four cups with soft drinks, To transport coffee, tea or the like. The inside of the container 2 Food or groceries are here before spilling out or splashing liquids from the cups through the protrusions or tongues 70 and 72 on the side walls 6 and 12 and through the cover parts 38 and 40 to the Side walls 10 and 4 protected. Otherwise, the cups 88 to 94 - as in e.g. Fast food restaurants common is closed by a lid. Nevertheless in any case a separation of warm food from cold soft drinks or cold or cool foods (e.g. ice) of warm drinks, e.g. coffee or tea. By hanging the protrusions or tabs 70 and 72 on the recesses 58 and 60 of the handle parts 42 and 44 both reliably close the Container 2 via the positively connected Cover parts 38 and 40, as well as effective absorption of via the cups 88 to 94 to the material of the container 2 initiated forces, so that there is no danger that one the cup 88 to 94 by tearing material or the like falls to the ground.

In the folded state is the invention Container 2 can be transported and stored to save space. The necessary cuts, contours and fold lines can cut the blank 8 in a known manner by or combined working punching, cutting and embossing machines be awarded. The assembly or installation the container 2 can be done very quickly because the bottom of the container 2 through the tabs 22a to 22d quasi is self-educating and self-sustaining. To the The entire container is ready to be filled or loaded Opening cross-section largely unobstructed available, because of the missing fold lines the cover parts 38 and 40 initially essentially with the levels of the side walls 10 and 4 are aligned, i.e. essentially vertically protrude upwards. By hanging the on the side walls 6 and 12 formed projections or tongues 70 and 72 on the recesses 58 and 60 of the handle parts 42 and 44 cover parts 38 and 40 become essentially immovable connected to each other and thus close the container 2. In addition, this can in the embodiment 1 initiated via the drinking cups 88 and 90, forces applied to the brackets 84 and 86 additionally included and in the combined handle be transmitted. In the embodiment according to the figures 2 and 3 also become those by the additional cup 92 and 94 applied forces by the form fit between your grip part, formed from the individual grip parts 42 and 44, and the openings 74 and 76 of the protrusions 70 and 72 recorded and distributed.

Apart from the fact that no temperature transfer from warm food on cold drinks in the outside of the container 2 attached cups or vice versa of warm or hot drinks from the outside of the container cold or cool food located inside the container 2 is carried out by 90 ° to each other spaced arrangement according to FIG. 3 or by the order 1 arrangement spaced apart from one another according to FIG. 1, that there are different ones in the cups Drinks (hot and cold) a reciprocal or mutual Can carry out temperature transfer.

It is understood that the foregoing description an embodiment or a modification thereof as is purely illustrative and not restrictive. Within the scope of the present invention, a plurality of Modifications or modifications possible, especially what the shape and design of the container 2, the holding device 84 and 86 or the retaining tabs 102, and their Number concerns. A corresponding size of the container 2 provided, for example, a plurality of Slots 96 or 98 are provided in parallel next to one another, so that on the side walls 10 and 4 for example two or three cups taken up next to each other or can be held.

In addition, the shape of the container according to the invention not on the one described above and in the drawing shown shape with the rectangular or square Limited floor plan; a corresponding modification other container shapes are also required conceivable, for example those with triangular or polygonal floor plan.

Claims (8)

Flat material sheet foldable from a blank (8), in particular cardboard, foldable container (2) with a bottom and attached to it in one piece and standing up Side walls (4, 6, 10, 12), and a container (2) closing lid (38, 40) with a handle (42, 44) for the container (2), characterized in that at least a holding device on a side wall (6, 12) (84, 86) for a drinking vessel, in particular a drinking cup (88, 90) is arranged. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a rectangular plan with four side walls (4, 6, 10, 12), with two opposite side walls (6, 12) a holding device (84, 86) each is. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the two holding devices (84, 86) on a common Axis or line lie with the handle (42, 44) with its longitudinal axis essentially likewise lies on this axis or line. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized characterized in that the holding device (84, 86) or the Holding devices in one piece on the side wall (6, 12) is formed or in one piece on the opposite Side walls are formed. Container according to claim 4, characterized in that each holding device (84, 86) by an essentially semicircular section (66, 68) in one of the Side wall (6, 12) outgoing tongue (62, 64) is formed. Container according to claim 5, characterized in that the one remaining after the semicircular cut Rest of the tongue (62, 64) forms a retaining tongue (70, 72), with which the lid (38, 40) of the container (2) can be closed is. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the remaining Side walls (4, 10) at least one additional Holding device (102) can be attached. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the additional holding device (102) from a strip foldable flat material, which on a A plurality of fold lines (104) bendable in a polygonal ring shape and with its two free ends (106, 108) in a slot (96, 98) in the side wall (4, 10) can be inserted and there positively by means of holding projections (110, 112) can be locked.

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