EP1043241B1 - Locking system for stackable containers and stackable containers system - Google Patents

Abstract

Prior to an assembly line process, components are held in stacked plastic crates which are subsequently separated for indivi presentation. During the stacked holding stage, each crate is secured to the crate above and below by a plastic clip frame. The approx. rectangular frame has a pronged clip (7) at the base and a U-shaped bracket (18) at the top.

Description

The present invention relates to a locking system for stacking boxes and a stacking box system with several stacking boxes stacked on top of each other, each stacking box has a locking system.

It is known to build components, especially individual components, which later become a unit to be assembled on an assembly line, in various stacking boxes above it can also have multiple subdivisions, then sort them to stack on a pallet. These pallets can then be made available at the assembly point be so that the individual components, clearly visible, from the stacking boxes can be removed.

Of course, such stacking boxes, especially on euro pallets, are also used for transportation of other goods stacked.

The stacking boxes, arranged on such Euro pallets, must be fixed for transport to prevent slipping. It is common for this to be the stacking boxes to be fixed to the pallet with straps, or including the stacking boxes to wrap the pallet itself with so-called shrink films. These measures are time-consuming and material-intensive packaging steps, which also result in the pallets must be freed from this packaging material at the installation site; on such packaging material must also be disposed of. Especially in connection with such straps a problem arises in that the Stacking boxes deformed and damaged on the edges over which these tapes are guided can be. For this reason too, it is common to stack those on a pallet Stacking boxes on the top with a cover to cover the one in the the top layer of the stacking boxes and closes, the other one Edge protection guaranteed. Additional pallets can be placed on these covers stacked on top of each other.

A locking system for stacking boxes is also known from US 4,887,724 A.

Based on the above-mentioned prior art and the related Problem, the present invention is based on the object System, in particular a locking system, in which the above in Disadvantages described in the prior art do not occur and in particular the complex Packaging material as described above is not required.

This task is solved with a locking system for stacking boxes, in which individual, plate-shaped elements are provided, with two such plate-shaped elements Elements two opposite sides of a stacking box, attachable to this, are assignable, characterized in that each element on its upper and lower side locking parts has that with locking parts of elements that one over and / or stacking boxes stacked below can be assigned, engaging in them, locked are.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a stacking box system with several stacked one above the other Stacking boxes, each stacking box having a locking system, such as it is specified above, so that the individual stacking boxes are locked together are.

The locking system for stacking boxes according to the invention thus consists of individual, plate-shaped elements which, preferably on the end faces of in the base rectangular stacking boxes, i.e. on the narrow side, i.e. she are screwed there or otherwise firmly connected to the stacking box. These individual, plate-shaped elements each have on the upper side and bottom side, i.e. then in the area of the bottom of the stacking box and in the area of the upper edge of the stacking box, locking elements, each with below or stacking boxes above, which are also such plate-shaped elements with locking parts have locked. The individual stacking boxes can thus are stacked on top of each other and at the same time become firm with the interlocking ones Locking parts fixed against each other, so that loosening or slipping does not is possible. At the same time it is of course possible to stack such boxes in the form of a stack to transport without the stack falling apart, even if the Stack is not taken in the area of the bottom stack box. With such a locking system are no additional packaging materials for shipping such stacking boxes required, especially not those that are disposed of after unpacking Need to become.

Such a locking system preferably has locking parts in the form of hook elements on that in corresponding counterparts of each above or below intervene in the stacked stacking box, for which purpose, for example, also tabs or hooks can be provided, or, which is preferred, openings into which such hook elements intervention.

Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the individual hook elements can be in pairs assigned to the top or bottom of the element.

For easy and uncomplicated loosening of the individual hook elements from their engagement to enable with the locking parts of the other element, in particular an actuating device should also be used without having to use special tools be integrated into the plate-shaped element, when actuated, the hook elements are releasable from their engagement with the locking parts of the other element. As a particularly simple, constructive measure to such an actuator to build up, a connecting part has proven that the respective hook elements Pair couples with each other, so that with the application of a compressive force or tensile force the two hook elements released from their engagement at the same time on the connecting part become. After this connection part is released again, these hook elements can then return to their starting position, i.e. in the position in which they lock into the connecting parts of the other plate-shaped element can insert.

To allow sufficient movement of the hook elements, also with a high degree of flexibility, the hook elements can have a flexible arm that attaches to one side is connected to the base body of the plate-shaped element, while there is a corresponding locking part at the other, free end.

A hook projection should be provided for the hook elements, if necessary with a corresponding inclined surface, which then the hook projection in its locking position leads. Furthermore, especially in connection with the connecting part, the Hook projections of a pair of hook elements away from each other to the outside of the Elements be directed so that then, by actuating the connecting part, the two Hook projections can be easily released.

Under certain circumstances, high forces can act on the plate-shaped element, in particular when large stacks are to be formed from individual stacking boxes, these have to be built very stable; such plate-shaped elements should, however have a low weight at the same time. For this reason, it is an H shape to prefer such a plate-shaped element with a cross bar and four free End up. In such an H-shaped configuration the element can be attached to the four free ends of the respective locking parts are provided. Especially in connection with hook projections as explained above, two of the four free ends of the H-shaped element have locking parts in the form of openings into which then engage these hook elements. Hook elements attached to the aforementioned flexible arms are arranged, can then attack the crossbar, so that this respective flexible arms between the two legs of this H-shape are protected.

Furthermore, in connection with an H-shaped element, the connecting part, the serves to release the hook elements as an actuating device from their engagement, on the one hand, be arranged in the area of the free ends of the flexible arms, above in addition, the connecting part should run approximately parallel to the crossbar. To a locking Intervention can support if a connecting bridge as an actuator is provided, this crossbar be arched so that it then, when it is not operated, exerts pressure on the hook elements so that they be pushed apart.

The plate-shaped elements, as they are described, can be used as plastic injection molded parts getting produced.

In order to integrate such plate-shaped elements in stacking boxes, they can be used for one on the outside of two opposite side walls of such a stacking box be arranged flat; but there is also the possibility of stacking boxes to be used, which have a trough running vertically in the side wall, in the then such a plate-shaped element can be inserted so that it does not have the Protrudes the outer surface of such a stacking box.

As already described above, in connection with such locking systems Stacking box systems can be built by stacking multiple stacking boxes be stacked. The bottom stacking box can then, with its locking parts, with which he usually locks on a different stacking box will be locked on a pallet, for which purpose corresponding on the pallet Locking parts must be formed in which the locking parts hook. In addition, the uppermost stacking box of a stack can be covered are covered, this cover on at least part of the locking elements the top stacking box is locked. It is therefore for attachment a stack on a pallet and for attaching a cover to the stack Stacking no separate packaging and assembly parts required above that should also be handled as individual parts; rather, with the locking system, as described, a self-contained system is formed, i.e. the respective locking parts and elements are assigned to the stacking boxes, on the other hand, suitable pallets and covers are provided.

It can be seen that on a pallet, for example a so-called euro pallet, several stacks of stacking boxes of the same number can be arranged side by side can, the stacking boxes of a respective stack being locked together. The bottom stacking boxes are then locked with the pallet, while all overhead stacking boxes of each stack covered with a common cover be, for example, a field of two by six stacking box stacks, so that this common cover an additional backup of each stack in forms a network. In addition, such a cover can form a stable support, to place another pallet on top of it to form large pallet stacks.

In order to make the locking system even more variable, the respective ones are preferred plate-shaped elements that are assigned to one side of a stacking box composed at least two element parts, the one element part the has upper locking parts and the other element part the lower locking parts having. Due to the two-part construction of the respective plate-shaped Elements, the distance between the two element parts can be changed, around the upper and lower locking parts of different height stacking boxes adapt. The two element parts are then, in the adjusted overall height, locked against each other.

For locking the two element parts against each other, projections and Depressions are provided in a predetermined grid or pitch are arranged. Through different positions of the projections and depressions to each other, the height of the plate-shaped can, according to the grid specification Elements are changed.

In a simple design, which is also a finely graded change the height of the plate-shaped element allows the projections and depressions by respective racks or gears, which are designed in the form of a rack are formed.

So that the plate-shaped elements, composed of at least two element parts, high forces in the direction of the locking parts, i.e. at the height of the stacking boxes seen, can record without the locking parts disengaging, the projections and depressions should come from the direction perpendicular to the plane of the plate Elements or the element parts can be brought into engagement with one another. Thereby it is possible to align the recesses and protrusions with tight tolerances adjust so that a tight fit is guaranteed.

The two element parts can be positioned relative to one another in which the Interlock recesses and projections, finally with the attachment of the plate-shaped element can be fixed on the side of a stacking box.

It should be noted that the plate-shaped elements do not consist of only two element parts can be built to change the height, but also from three or more parts if this is necessary for design reasons. For example the plate-shaped element can consist of a central support element attached to its top and bottom each have an adjustable, additional element that the wear respective locking parts, in an adjustable arrangement.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines plattenförmigen Elements einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Figur 2

eine Draufsicht auf das plattenförmige Element der Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Schnittlinie III-III in Figur 2,

Figur 4

eine Ansicht in Richtung der Schnittlinie IV-IV in Figur 2,

Figur 5

zwei plattenförmige Elemente, wie sie in den Figuren 1 bis 4 dargestellt sind, miteinander verbunden,

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht von zwei auf einer Palette angeordneten Stapeln aus Stapelkästen, die mit einer gemeinsamen Abdeckung abgedeckt sind,

Figur 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines plattenförmigen Elements einer zweiten Ausführungsform, das aus zwei Elemententeilen aufgebaut ist, die in ihrer Zuordnung zueinander veränderbar sind, und zwar von der Rückseite aus gesehen,

Figur 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Elements der Figur 7 von der Vorderseite aus gesehen,

Figur 9

das eine, obere Elemententeil der zweiten Ausführungsform, wie sie in den Figuren 7 und 8 dargestellt ist, in einer Draufsicht, und

Figur 10

das untere Elemententeil der zweiten Ausführungsform, in einer Draufsicht.

Further details and features of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. In the drawing shows

Figure 1

2 shows a perspective view of a plate-shaped element of a first embodiment,

Figure 2

2 shows a plan view of the plate-shaped element in FIG. 1,

Figure 3

3 shows a sectional view along the sectional line III-III in FIG. 2,

Figure 4

2 shows a view in the direction of the section line IV-IV in FIG. 2,

Figure 5

two plate-shaped elements, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, connected to one another,

Figure 6

2 shows a perspective view of two stacks of stacking boxes arranged on a pallet and covered with a common cover,

Figure 7

2 shows a perspective view of a plate-shaped element of a second embodiment, which is constructed from two element parts which can be changed in their assignment to one another, namely seen from the rear,

Figure 8

7 shows a perspective view of the element of FIG. 7 seen from the front,

Figure 9

the one, upper element part of the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, in a plan view, and

Figure 10

the lower element part of the second embodiment, in a plan view.

The locking system for stacking boxes comprises individual, plate-shaped elements 1, as shown in particular in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, which show a first embodiment are seen.

These plate-shaped elements 1 have, in the side view, as shown in FIG see is an H-shape with a cross part 2 and four free ends 3. The plate-shaped Elements 1 are manufactured as plastic injection molded parts. They have an outer plate 4, as can be seen in particular in Figures 3 and 4, from which stiffening ribs 5 extend vertically. Horizontal and vertical stiffening ribs are provided, which are assembled into a honeycomb structure. The upper, free ends 3 of the plate-shaped element 1 are shorter compared to the lower, free ends 3. Between the lower, free ends 3 of the plate-shaped element 1 there are two Locking parts in the form of flexible arms 6 are available, the ends of which are hook elements 7 are formed with hook projections 8. These hook elements 7 are over the end face 9 of the lower, free ends 3 in front. The flexible arms 6 are on the cross member 2 fastened, the rod-shaped, in the transition area towards the fastening point, flexible arm 6 is formed with a thinned area 10, thereby giving flexibility and increase mobility of these flexible arms 6. This pair of flexible arms 6 or the corresponding hook elements 7 is with a web-shaped connecting part 11 connected. The connecting part 11 is inwards, i.e. to the cross part 2 of the plate-shaped Elements 1 back, slightly arched; moreover, are comparable to the diluted Areas 10 of the flexible arms 6, in the transition area between the connecting part 11 and the flexible arms 6, thinned, flexible regions 12 are formed. This about Connecting part 11 running parallel to the cross part 2 serves the hook elements 7 with the hook projections 8 to move by when this connecting part 11 is pulled in the direction of arrow 13 with one hand to move the flexible arms 6 towards one another, so that the hook projections 8 move in the direction of the arrows 14.

The plate-shaped elements 1, which are symmetrical to that shown in Figures 2 and 5 Middle level 15 are built, have in their middle, i.e. in the middle of the cross section 2, a mounting sleeve 16 with which it is attached to a side wall of a corresponding Stacking box 17 can be attached by a 16 through this mounting sleeve Screw is guided, which is then screwed to the side wall of the stacking box 17 becomes. With two on opposite side walls, preferably the narrow sides a stacking box 17 which is rectangular in plan view and fastened plate-shaped elements 2, the respective stacking boxes 17 can be stacked on top of one another and simultaneously with the locking elements in the form of the hook elements 7 and their hook projections 8 can be locked. For this purpose, at the upper, free ends 3, on the inside, Locking parts in the form of locking openings 18 which are assigned to the respective hook projections 8.

FIG. 5 shows two plate-shaped elements 1 which are arranged one above the other one lower and one upper, others stacked on the lower stacking box Stacking box are assigned. As can be seen from Figure 5, grab in the stacked Condition of the respective stacking boxes, the hook projections 8 at the ends of the flexible Arms 6 in the respective locking openings 18 of the plate-shaped element 1 of the stacking box stacked underneath and reach behind the opening edge, so that they are firmly locked together, particularly in the vertical direction. Relevant stacks with stacking boxes which have such interlocking plate-shaped elements 1, are assembled as one unit and can be transported in this way become. For better gripping of these stacking boxes, the cross part 2 is on its lower Side wall 19 provided with a trough or curvature, so that a corresponding Grip surface is formed.

If the respective stacking boxes 17 (see FIG. 6) are removed from the stack the connecting part 11 is gripped by hand and in the direction of the arrow 13 (see Figure 5) pulled, so that a force on the hook elements 7 in the direction of the two arrows 14 is exerted and the hook projections 8 out of engagement with the Lock openings 18 arrive. Then the appropriate stacking box 17 can be removed. After such a stacking box 17 has been removed, the connecting part 11 is released so that the flexible arms 6 with the hook elements 7 return to a position such as that shown in FIG. 2 or is shown in Figure 5.

As is clear from Figure 5 and the above description, is for unlocking the respective stacking boxes do not require a separate handling process, since with gripping the stacking box 17 to remove it from the stack at the same time the operating part 11 is accessible and can be operated.

As FIG. 6 shows, a pallet 20, which is a Euro pallet, can be used or can be a special other pallet, several in their format to the pallet adapted stacking boxes 17 are placed, the rectangular in Figure 6 Basic format of the pallet 20 by two the width and half the length of this pallet 20 corresponding stacking boxes is occupied as the lower stacking box level. Each of these piles from stacking boxes 17 comprises three stacking boxes 17. These three stacking boxes 17 of a stack are locked against each other with the plate-shaped elements 1, as shown in FIG 5 is shown. As can also be seen from FIG. 6, the plate-shaped elements are 1 integrated in a corresponding trough on the narrow side of the stacking boxes 17, that they do not protrude beyond the outside of the stacking boxes 17.

While the individual stacks from the stacking boxes 17 against each other with the plate-shaped Elements 1 are locked, the lower stacking box 17 of a stack locked to the pallet 20 by the hook elements 7, as can be seen in FIG. 5, into corresponding openings in the bottom of the pallet 20, which are not shown in detail in FIG are seen, intervene and lock there. Around the respective lower stacking box 17 from this lock when the individual stacking boxes 17 are removed from the pallet 20 to solve, the locking member 11 is also used to hook elements 7th to be released from their engagement, as described above with reference to FIG. 5.

Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 6 that the two upper stacking boxes 17 of the two stacks are covered with a plate-shaped cover 21, which is also a small, all-round Has edge 22 which surrounds the upper stacking boxes 17 all around. This plate-shaped cover 21 has four opening areas, which in Figure 6 with the reference numeral 23 are designated, in which approximately the plane of the plate-shaped cover 21 sliding bars are used. This slidable latch, being in each Opening area 23 two of these bolts can be used to move in the locking openings 18 at the upper, free ends 3 of the plate-shaped elements 1 (see in particular Figure 5) so that the plate-shaped cover 21 firmly connected to the plate-shaped elements 1 of the upper stacking boxes 17 are.

As can be seen from the description of the exemplary embodiment and how clearly the representation of Figure 6 shows, with the locking system according to the invention given an opportunity to have a variety of stacking boxes stacked in individual stacks are to be arranged on pallets and made available for dispatch in such a way that no separate Packaging materials, such as straps or shrink films, required are. These pallets can be made available to the customer immediately, then, with removal of the plate-shaped cover 21, which is in the stacking boxes 17 parts in stock.

It is understood that certain modifications and variations are made can. For example, only one hook projection can be on the underside of a plate-shaped element 8 are provided in a corresponding opening on the top engages a plate element below or above. These can also be hook-shaped Elements are provided on the top of the plate-shaped element 1, while the locking openings on the bottom are then formed have to. However, it is also apparent that the embodiment shown in its Construction is preferable because it offers certain advantages, as they are also given.

A modified embodiment of a plate-shaped element, according to a second embodiment, is shown in Figures 7 to 10.

As far as the second embodiment has elements and parts that those of the first Embodiment correspond, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, or in their function and mode of operation with the corresponding parts of the first embodiment are comparable, so are the same reference numerals in the two embodiments used. A description of such parts will be made with respect to the second Embodiment then not made again.

The plate-shaped element 1 of the second embodiment comprises a first element part 25, which is shown in a plan view in FIG. 9, and a second element part 26, which is shown in Figure 10 in a plan view. The first element part 25 has a U-shaped Structure with a cross member 27 and two legs 28; along the thighs 28 are also racks or gears 29, corresponding to racks, formed, specifically on the inside of the legs 28.

The structure of the second element part 26, which is shown in FIG. 10, corresponds to that lower area of the plate-shaped element 1 of Figure 1 with the respective hook elements 7 and the connecting part 11 to move the two hook elements. On a toothing 30 is also arranged on the outside of this second element part 26, in the manner of a rack, with gear elements facing outwards. The Teeth 29 of the first element part 25 and the teeth 29 of the second Element part 26 are arranged in their dimension and positioning so that they are in one another can be brought into engagement, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG show the back and the front. For this purpose, the second element part 26 of the FIG. 10 turned over from the position shown in FIG. 10 and from above, i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, into the toothing 29 of the first element part 25 of Figure 9 used. Due to a different positioning of the respective Toothings 29, 30 to each other, the distance between the hook elements 7 to the corresponding Counterparts on the first element part 25, which are also Hook, designated by reference numeral 31, acts in contrast to the locking openings 18 of the first embodiment.

According to the first embodiment, one is also in the second embodiment Fastening sleeve 16 is provided with which the first element part 25 on the outside of a stacking box can be attached, in a position shown in Figure 7 is. The first element part 25 then holds the underlying element in this position second element part 26, so that none for fixing the two element parts 25, 26 additional fasteners are necessary. If necessary, additional mounting sleeves could be used 16 at corresponding positions, for example in the area of the two Leg 28 of the first element part 25 are provided.

In the further mode of operation, the second embodiment corresponds to that in the figures 7 to 10, that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS to 6 is shown.

Claims (28)

1. Locking system for stacking boxes wherein individual plate-shaped elements are provided, wherein two such plate-shaped elements (1; 25, 26) each are assigned such that they can be attached to two opposite sides of a stacking box (17), characterized in that each element (1; 25, 26) comprises locking components (6, 7, 8; 18; 31) at its top and bottom side, that can be locked in an engaging manner to locking components (6, 7, 8; 18; 31) of elements (1; 25, 26) which are assigned to a stacking box (17) stacked above or below.
2. Locking system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the locking components include hook elements (7, 8; 31).
3. Locking system as set forth in claims 2, characterized in that the hook elements (6, 7, 8; 31) are assigned in pairs to the upper and lower side of the element (1).
4. Locking system as set forth in one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hook elements (6, 7, 8) can be released from their engagement with the locking components (18; 31) of the other element (1; 25, 26) by means of an actuation device (11).
5. Locking system as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that the respective hook elements (6, 7, 8) of a pair are connected by a connecting component (11) that releases the two hook elements (7, 8) simultaneously from their engagement by exerting a pull force.
6. Locking system as set forth in one of the claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the hook elements (6, 7, 8) comprise flexible arms (6).
7. Locking system as set forth in one of the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that each hook element (6, 7, 8) comprises a hook projection (8).
8. Locking system as set forth in claims 3 and 7, characterized in that the hook projections (8) of a hook element pair (6, 7, 8) are facing away from each other towards the outside of element (1).
9. Locking system as set forth in one of the claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the plate-shaped element (1) has an H-shape with a cross bar (2) and four free ends (3).
10. Locking system as set forth in claim 9, characterized in that locking components in the form of openings (18) for engaging the hook elements are designed at two of the four free ends (3) of the H-shaped element (1).
11. Locking system as set forth in claims 7 and 9, characterized in that the flexible arms (6) of the hook elements (6, 7, 8) engage at the cross bar.
12. Locking system as set forth in claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the connecting component is arranged in the area of the free ends of the flexible arms (6).
13. Locking system as set forth in claims 9 and 11, characterized in that the connecting component (11) runs about parallel to the cross bar (2).
14. Locking system as set forth in claim 13, characterized in that the connecting component (11) is curved in a bow shape towards the cross bar (2).
15. Locking system as set forth in one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the plate-shaped element (1) is built of flat elements with reinforcing fins (5).
16. Locking system as set forth in one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the plate-shaped element (1) is a synthetic injection mold component.
17. Locking system as set forth in one of the claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the plate-shaped element (1) is assigned to a cavity in the sidewall of a stacking box (17).
18. Locking system as set forth in claim 17, characterized in that the element (1) is flush with the outside of the sidewall.
19. Locking system as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that each plate-shaped element (1) is comprised of at least two element components (25, 26), where the one element component (25) comprises the upper locking components (31) and the other element component (26) comprises the lower locking components (7), and wherein the distance between the upper and the lower locking components (31, 7) can be adjusted through different positioning of the two element components (25, 26) to one another and wherein the element components (25, 26) can be secured in the respective positions.
20. Locking system as set forth in claim 19, characterized in that the two element components (25, 26) exhibit protrusions and recesses (29, 30) that are assigned to each other, engage in one another and are arranged in an array and can engage in one another in different positions.
21. Locking system as set forth in claim 20, characterized in that the protrusions and recesses that engage in one another are built by respective toothed racks (29, 30).
22. Locking system as set forth in claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the protrusions and recesses (29, 30) can be engaged in one another from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the plate-shaped element or the element components (25, 26).
23. Locking system as set forth in one of the claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the two element components (25, 26) are secured to one another with the attachment of the plate-shaped element (1) on the side of the stacking box (17).
24. Stacking box system with several stacking boxes stacked on top of one another, wherein each stacking box (17) comprises a locking system as set forth in one of the claims 1 to 24 such that the individual stacking boxes can be locked to one another.
25. Stacking box system as set forth in claim 24, characterized in that the respective bottom stacking box (17) is locked to a palette (20) using its locking system.
26. Stacking box system as set forth in claim 25, characterized in that the respective stacking box (17) on the top is covered with a covering (21), wherein this covering (21) is locked to at least one part of the locking elements (18) of the top most stacking box.
27. Stacking box system as set forth in claim 26, characterized in that the covering (21) exhibits movable latches (24) that engage in the locking elements (18).
28. Stacking box system as set forth in claim 27, characterized in that several stacks made up of the same number of stacking boxes (17) are arranged next to one another, wherein the top most stacking boxes (17) are covered by a common covering (21) and are secured against each other by the covering (21).

Images