EP2313321B1 - Stackable container assembly with reciprocal locking of the stacked containers - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a matter of a container assembly with at least one stackable container (1) which has a first engaging structure (48) on its top side (19) and a second engaging structure (49) on its underside (18). The engaging structures (48, 49) are so matched to one another that, when two containers (1) are stacked together, they engage in one another in such a way that the containers are secured against shifting relative to one another at right-angles to the stacking direction and at the same time the upper container is prevented from lifting at least in certain areas. The first engaging structure (48) consists of engaging recesses (54) and the second engaging structure (49) of engaging projections (55). Feet (57) provided on the underside (18) of the container (1) are designed as elements of the second engaging structure (49) and are able to engage the first engaging structure (48) from the rear, to prevent lifting of the upper container at least in certain areas.

Description

The invention relates to a container arrangement, comprising at least two stackable containers, each having a first engagement structure arranged on its upper side and a second engagement structure arranged on its underside, wherein the two engagement structures are matched to one another in such a way that, in the stacked state of two containers, the first one above Engaging structure of the lower container and the underlying second engagement structure of the upper container engage each other such that the two containers are secured against displacement transversely to the stacking direction relative to each other and on the other by engaging behind in a locking region transverse to the stacking Hintergreifbestandteile the engagement structures a lifting of the upper Container of the lower container only partially preventing locking between the containers is present, such that the upper container to a Verriegelungsbere I have around höhenverschwenkbaren area, wherein on the containers at a distance from the locking area additionally at least one coupling device is arranged with which the höhenverschwenkbare region of the upper container can be fixed in a detachable manner inextricably on the lower container to a consisting of a plurality of interconnected containers container composite to obtain, wherein the first engagement structure of engagement recesses arranged on the upper side of the container and the second engagement structure of arranged on the underside of the container engagement projections and wherein the containers have on their underside a plurality of distributed arranged, downwardly projecting feet that belong to the second engagement structure and at least partially form their Hintergreifbestandteile by at least one stand as a Hintergreifbestandteil the second engagement structure forming locking stand is formed.

One from the DE 44 09 411 A1 known container assembly has a container designed as a packaging container, which is vertically stackable with its side-oriented opening with its like and also has means that allow for obtaining a uniformly manageable container composite coupling of each aufeinanderitzenden container. These coupling-enabling means include, inter alia, a first engagement structure arranged at the top consisting of two back hooks and two bolt-like protrusions arranged in the region of the front side. At the bottom of the container, a second engagement structure formed from recesses or recesses is formed, which is adapted to the components of the first engagement structure, that an upper container can be placed on a lower container in the context of a combined plug-pivot operation. The upper container is first applied obliquely until the second engagement structure has hooked or engaged behind the hooks of the first engagement structure, then the upper container is lowered in its front region, until there by the engagement of the projections transversely secured to the stacking direction fixation , The Hintergreifbestandteile consisting of the hooks and the associated recesses of the engagement structures cause a mutual vertical fixation of the container in the rear tank area. A corresponding fixation in the front container area by means of a plurality of additional coupling devices which have formed in the manner of rotating latches coupling means and which are also used to hold two of the container opening, laterally arranged lid walls to hold in the closed position, after they were superimposed by corresponding folding ,

A person using the container may easily be injured by the raised, exposed engagement structure located at the top of the container. Also, this raised first engagement structure obstructs the placement of other containers that do not have a correspondingly adapted second engagement structure. Another disadvantage is that the container when parking on uneven ground due to its smooth-surfaced underside can not be safely turned off and that possibly the lower container wall is pressed or damaged by unevenness of the ground.

From the EP 1 059 240 B1 A container arrangement is already known in which stackable containers are equipped with coupling devices which have rotating bars which allow a vertical coupling of stacked containers. The rotary latch are each rotatably mounted on a lower part of the container and can be rotated in a past the lid arranged above passing coupling position in which they each engage behind an anchoring projection of the lower part arranged above. On its underside, the containers are provided with raised feet that can dip into engaging recesses formed on the top of the container to immovably fix the stacked containers transversely to the stacking direction. The feet do not participate in the vertical coupling of the containers.

A similar container arrangement discloses the EP 0 555 533 B1 in which, however, the coupling means of the coupling means serving for the vertical linking are designed as locking tabs pivotably mounted on the lower part of the container.

From the US 2009/139892 A1 a container system is known, which consists of stackable containers, each having at the top over a plurality of grooves and at the bottom over a plurality of projections. By relative rotation or displacement, stacking containers can be coupled together by engaging the grooves and projections with each other.

The US 5 606 820 A discloses a container assembly of the type mentioned, in which a plurality of containers are coupled together. The containers to be coupled have interlocking engagement structures disposed at the top and bottom of the rear side, which are formed in the form of bolts and hook-like projections. At the front of the container there is an additional locking means for releasably coupling the containers together.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a container arrangement in which the stackable container has cost-feasible measures that favor safe vertical coupling of stacked containers and also a safe parking of the container on a substrate.

To achieve this object, it is provided that at least one further stand is arranged spaced from the locking stand in the höhenverschwenkbaren area of the container and forms a non-vertical locking serving pure support base by taking place within an engagement recess transverse to the stacking direction support a displacement protection of aufeinander sitting container causes.

Since the first engagement structure arranged on the upper side of the containers consists of recesses, the risk of injury when handling the containers is considerably reduced due to the lack of upwardly projecting sharp-edged protrusions. In addition, can be easily parked on the containers not equipped with a complementary engagement structure more containers without damaging the first engagement structure or even be damaged. The engagement projections cooperating with the engagement recesses are part of the arranged on the underside of the container second engagement structure and therefore in the usual handling of the container facing away from the user, so that there is no longer a risk of injury. Feet on the bottom of the container allow safe parking even on uneven ground and no risk of damage to the lower container wall, wherein one or more of the feet directly themselves form a Hintergreifbestandteil the second engagement structure, which cooperates with the first engagement structure. So there is a double function of one or more feet before, in addition to the Abstellfunktion on a substrate and the displacement protection in the stacked state also cause a local mutual locking aufeinander sitting container in the stacking direction.

Due to the engaging elements of the engagement structures only a portion of the attached container is locked in the stacking direction. Around the locking area defined thereby, the upper container can then be pivoted in the height direction during attachment or detachment. In order to lock the stacked containers wholly unabhebbar each other, at least one additional coupling device is present, which is effective between the relatively pivotable portions of the container in a detachable manner, so that the actuation of the at least one coupling device, the vertical coupling is finally completed or canceled can be.

Furthermore, the second engagement structure has a plurality of feet, one or more of these feet form a locking stand and at least one other stand a support stand. The locking pedestal functions as an undercut component with locking function in the stacking direction, while the support pedestal does not effect such locking and serves to provide support transverse to the stacking direction so that the stacking containers are relatively secure against displacement. Of course, the at least one locking stand can additionally exercise such a support function serving to prevent displacement.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Preferably, the second engagement structure includes at least two spaced-apart locking feet, which in the stacked state of two containers in each case a separate or in a jointly associated engagement recess the locking mechanism can engage the first engagement structure. An advantage in this context is the realization of an additional locking bar, which also forms a Hintergreifbestandteil and extending between the two locking feet, whereby they can interlock intervene in an engagement recess of the first engagement contour. By this measure, the vertical force to be transmitted by the cooperating engagement structures on a relatively large area distributed, which increases the specific stress and thus the wear resistance. The locking bar may be integrally formed with the two locking feet and conveniently has a lower height than these locking feet so that selbige continue to be deducted selectively on a substrate.

Each locking stand has for engaging behind the first engagement structure advantageously via a wedge-shaped profiled rear gripping portion, which is in particular oriented so that it points away from the at least one additional existing support base. However, an opposite orientation would also be conceivable.

To cooperate with the locking feet, the first engagement contour conveniently has at least one locking engagement recess which has an undercut cross-section due to the fact that a rearward engagement projection oriented at right angles to the stacking direction is disposed at its edge from one into the locking engagement recess immersed locking stand can be locked behind.

The locking engagement recess may be readily adapted to be associated with its associated one Hintergreifvorsprung all locking feet and a possibly existing locking bar can interact. In this way it is possible to realize at least one locking engagement recess having a preferably elongated shape, which acts in the manner of a stiffening bead and gives the container wall a high structural rigidity.

The supporting-supporting depressions serving to receive the supporting feet are laterally expediently equipped with an oblique sliding surface which supports the immersion process of the associated supporting pedestal and thus assumes a centering function when two containers are placed on one another. Corresponding sliding surfaces can also be assigned to the at least one locking engagement recess if required.

It is advantageous if each container has a handle that is accessible from the top for easy transport. This carrying handle can conveniently be pivoted into a non-use position on the top of the container, so that it sunk into a receiving recess of the container comes to rest. In this way, the stacking of the container is not affected by the carrying handle and no special shape at the bottom of the container is required. It is particularly advantageous in this context if the receiving recess is simultaneously formed as an engagement recess of the first engagement structure and expediently forms a locking engagement recess with which the Hintergreifbestandteile the second engagement contour can interlock.

At least one locking engagement recess may be provided with dimensions such that it also forms a recessed grip useful for carrying the container, independently of any additional pivotal carrying handle. The recessed grip is used in particular when the container is to be worn individually and has a low height, comparable to the dimensions of a briefcase, so that it can be transported in a vertical orientation, in which the handle equipped with the recessed top of the container sideways is.

As a mental pivot axis for the relative pivoting of two containers to be coupled is used by the intervention of acting as Hintergreifbestandteile feet and the associated first engagement contour defined locking area. Appropriately, one will make the arrangement here so that the pivot axis is parallel to the back of the container, and in particular is also arranged so that it is seen in plan view of the container off-center, that is placed closer to the back. The height-swiveling Area is thus the front area of the container.

In an expedient embodiment, the stackable container has a box-shaped or cup-shaped lower part having an opening and a cover associated with the opening of this lower part, which is movable relative to the lower part for selectively releasing or closing the opening of the lower part. The lid can in principle be designed without permanent connection to the lower part, so that it can be completely removed when not in use. Convenient, however, is a design in which the lid is pivotally mounted on the lower part, wherein the pivot bearing is advantageously carried out in the region of the back. The first engagement structure is expediently located at the top of the lid and the second engagement structure at the bottom of the base.

Even with existing from a lower part and a lid containers, the engagement structures may be formed so that they lock the aufeinanderitzenden container only partially and another area of the upper container is in principle höhenverschwenkbar relative to the lower region. The present in this case for coupling the höhenverschwenkbaren areas of the container at least one coupling device here expediently has a lid on the container movably mounted coupling means which is movable relative to the lid in a coupling position in which it to obtain the interconnected container composite simultaneously with the lower parts of the lower and the upper container is in coupling engagement.

Such a design has the advantage that the mobility of the coupling means ensuring storage are relieved when manufactured coupling engagement, because by the coupling engagement, the two lower parts of the container to be coupled to each other are connected directly by the coupling means. The storage means are therefore not or only insignificantly stressed by the transferred between the coupled containers carrying capacity and require no special reinforcement, so that they can be produced inexpensively.

The coupling means is expediently designed as a rotatably mounted on the lid rotary latch, which is in the coupling position with the lower part arranged anchoring means in coupling engagement. With a simple rotational movement, parts of the two containers sitting on top of one another can thus be coupled together or decoupled from one another very quickly and, if required, at the same time.

The anchoring means of the lower part are expediently subdivided into first anchoring means closer to the cover and second anchoring means located closer to the underside. If two containers equipped with a matching coupling device are in contact with one another, a locking with the first anchoring means of the lower lower part and the second anchoring means of the upper lower part can thus be effected by turning the rotary latch arranged on the lower cover. An advantage of the splitting of the anchoring means is that they can be mounted in any vertical spread on the base and thus regardless of the height dimensions of the lower part a problem-free locking of multiple containers is possible, including a lock between containers of different heights.

For cooperation with the anchoring means the rotary latch is equipped with adapted locking structures. Both the anchoring means and the locking structures are suitably designed arcuate, so that they can be very easily brought into and out of engagement by turning the rotary latch and at the same time made in a coupling engagement due to the curved surface a large distribution of the loads to be transferred, which is the specific Load of individual components keeps extremely low. Preferably, the anchoring means are formed as projections and the locking structures as components of groove-like depressions, but also a reverse arrangement is possible.

The at least one coupling device is expediently located on an end face of the container oriented at right angles to the direction of stacking of the container, which is the front side, when the engagement structures are designed such that the associated locking region lies in the vicinity of the rear side of the container.

The at least one coupling device can advantageously have a multiple functionality. In this context, it is possible to form them so that the movable coupling means is movable except in the coupling position at least in a closed position in which it is decoupled from a seated on the associated container container, while still a lock between the lid and the lower part of the container in question produces. In this way, the lid of the container is locked in the Absteckstellung and the container can be handled individually, without coupled further container. In the closed position of the coupling means it is too it is possible to place another container on the container without hindrance or to remove it from the container.

If the coupling means is designed as a rotary latch, its rotational position assumed in the coupling position deviates from that in the closed position. In this context, it is advantageous if offset on the rotary latch in the rotational direction locking structures are arranged, which are in the coupling position and in the closed position, each with the same arranged on the lower part anchoring means in coupling engagement. Thus, the realization of different purposes anchoring means is unnecessary.

The mutual offset of the locking structures in the direction of rotation is in particular so great that the rotary latch is rotatable in at least one open position in which the anchoring means arranged on the lower part lie between the mutually offset locking structures, so that the coupling engagement is canceled. In this position, the lid can then lift off the base. At the same time, the conditions may be such that an upper container possibly seated on the container is then decoupled and can be removed. As far as the container coupling function is concerned, the closed position thus has the same effect as the open position.

As a further functionality, the at least one coupling device can provide the opportunity to spend the movable coupling means in a position called Halbkoppelstellung, in which, although the coupling engagement is still given with an upper container arranged above, the lock with the arranged below the lid lower part, however is. You can thus the Lift the lid without having to remove the upper container, with the upper container still fixed to the lid.

The containers of the container arrangement may differ from each other in particular in their height dimensions, but be equipped with mutually similar engagement structures and coupling devices, so that they can be stacked in any order and releasably coupled together to obtain a container composite.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Behälters der erfindungsgemäßen Behälteranordnung im geschlossenen Zustand,

Figur 2

den Behälter aus Figur 1 mit in eine Offenstellung verschwenktem Deckel,

Figur 3

eine Unteransicht des Behälters mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil III aus Figur 1,

Figur 4

eine Schrägansicht des Behälters auf dessen Unterseite,

Figur 5

eine aus zwei aufeinandergestapelten Behältern bestehende Behälteranordnung, zu einem Behälterverbund zusammengekoppelt,

Figur 6

eine Vorderansicht der Anordnung aus Figur 5 mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil VI,

Figur 7

eine Draufsicht auf die Behälteranordnung aus Figur 5 mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil VII,

Figur 8

eine Seitenansicht der Anordnung aus Figur 5 mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil VIII,

Figur 9

die Behälteranordnung aus Figur 5 aus einem anderen Blickwinkel und im entfernten Zustand des Kopplungsmittels einer Kopplungseinrichtung,

Figur 10

die Behälteranordnung aus Figur 5 in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht im Zustand des Aufsetzens eines oberen Behälters auf einen unteren Behälter,

Figur 11

einen Querschnitt durch die Behälteranordnung gemäß Schnittlinie XI-XI im aus Figuren 5 und 6 Bereich der miteinander in Eingriff stehenden Eingriffsstrukturen,

Figur 12

eine Einzeldarstellung eines Kopplungsmittels in einer Rückansicht mit Blickrichtung gemäß Pfeil XII aus Figur 9,

Figur 13

den in Figuren 5 und 6 umrahmten Ausschnitt A eines Behälterverbundes in der Koppelstellung des Kopplungsmittels in einem Schnitt gemäß Schnittlinie XIII-XIII aus Figuren 5 und 14,

Figur 14

die Anordnung aus Figur 13 in einem Schnitt gemäß Schnittlinie XIV-XIV,

Figur 15

den Ausschnitt A der Figuren 5 und 6 in der gleichen Schnittdarstellung wie Figur 13 bei in die Schließstellung bewegtem Kopplungsmittel und im Schnitt gemäß Schnittlinie XV-XV aus Figur 16,

Figur 16

die Anordnung aus Figur 15 im Schnitt gemäß Schnittlinie XVI-XVI,

Figur 17

den Ausschnitt A aus Figuren 5 und 6 in einer mit Figuren 13 und 15 vergleichbaren Darstellung, wobei das Kopplungsmittel in der Offenstellung gezeigt ist,

Figur 18

den Ausschnitt A aus Figuren 5 und 6 in einer den Figuren 13 und 15 entsprechenden Darstellungsweise, wobei das Kopplungsmittel in der Halbkoppelstellung gezeigt ist, und

Figur 19

die Behälteranordnung aus Figur 5 in einer Offenstellung des unteren Behälters bei gleichzeitig mit dem Deckel des unteren Behälters gekoppeltem oberem Behälter.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this show:

FIG. 1

a perspective view of a container of the container assembly according to the invention in the closed state,

FIG. 2

the container off FIG. 1 with lid pivoted into an open position,

FIG. 3

a bottom view of the container as viewed from arrow III FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4

an oblique view of the container on its underside,

FIG. 5

a container arrangement consisting of two containers stacked on top of one another, coupled together to form a container composite,

FIG. 6

a front view of the arrangement FIG. 5 looking in accordance with arrow VI,

FIG. 7

a plan view of the container assembly FIG. 5 looking in the direction of arrow VII,

FIG. 8

a side view of the arrangement FIG. 5 looking in the direction of arrow VIII,

FIG. 9

the container assembly FIG. 5 from a different angle and in the remote state of the coupling means of a coupling device,

FIG. 10

the container assembly FIG. 5 in a perspective side view in the state of placing an upper container on a lower container,

FIG. 11

a cross section through the container assembly according to section line XI-XI in FIGS. 5 and 6 Area of meshing engagement structures,

FIG. 12

a single representation of a coupling means in a rear view looking in accordance with arrow XII FIG. 9 .

FIG. 13

the in FIGS. 5 and 6 framed section A of a container composite in the coupling position of the coupling agent in a section according to section line XIII-XIII Figures 5 and 14 .

FIG. 14

the arrangement FIG. 13 in a section according to section line XIV-XIV,

FIG. 15

the section A of FIGS. 5 and 6 in the same sectional view as FIG. 13 in the Closed position moving coupling means and in section according to section line XV-XV FIG. 16 .

FIG. 16

the arrangement FIG. 15 in section according to section line XVI-XVI,

FIG. 17

the section A from FIGS. 5 and 6 in one with FIGS. 13 and 15 comparable illustration, wherein the coupling means is shown in the open position,

FIG. 18

the section A from FIGS. 5 and 6 in a the FIGS. 13 and 15 corresponding representation, wherein the coupling means is shown in the half-coupling position, and

FIG. 19

the container assembly FIG. 5 in an open position of the lower container with simultaneously coupled with the lid of the lower container upper container.

The container assembly consists of in FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrated containers 1, which are adapted to take place in a particular vertical stacking direction 2 successive stacking a plurality of containers 1 of their kind one example FIGS. 5 to 10 To obtain apparent from several aufeinanderitzenden containers 1 container arrangement.

The containers 1 are also equipped with at least one coupling device 3 as well as with a Eingriffseinrichtun 4, which make it possible to releasably coupling together abgegenende container such that the container assembly consisting of a plurality of contiguous containers 1 Container composite forms, which can be handled as a unit and in particular transported.

The container 1 is expediently designed essentially cuboid. Inside it has a receiving space 5 for receiving any objects. Its body 6 is expediently subdivided into a box-shaped or dish-shaped lower part 7 and a lid 8 associated with the opening 12 of the lower part 7, which in turn may also be constructed in a box-shaped or cup-shaped manner.

In the normal position of use of the container 1, the lower part 7 is below and the lid 8 is arranged above. The present description refers to this normal position of use.

The lid 8 may with respect to the lower part 7, for example, from FIGS. 1 and 5 assume apparent covering position. It sits here completely on the edge of the lower part 7 and closes the opening 12, so that the receiving space 5 is covered inaccessible.

On the other hand, the lid 8 in an example of Figures 2 and 19 apparent open position be moved away from the lower part 7 to expose the opening 12 and the receiving space 5 accessible.

In principle, no firmly connected connection is required between the lower part 7 and the cover 8, which would make it possible to completely detach the cover 8 from the lower part 7 in order to obtain an open position. However, it is expedient to fix the two components together so that they represent a coherent assembly even in the open position of the lid 8. By way of example, this is done by a pivotable mounting of the lid 8 on the lower part. 7 by hinge means 13 which define a cover pivot axis 14 about which the lid 8 for opening and closing the container 1 according to double arrow 15 in the height direction of the container 1 is pivotable.

Relative to the normal position of use, the container 1 has on the outside a front end face 16a, an opposite rear end face 16b and two also opposite, between the front and the rear end face 16a, 16b extending lateral end faces 16c, 16d. These end faces 16a-16d are part of a frame-shaped peripheral wall 17, which is divided in the embodiment in a belonging to the lower part 7 peripheral wall portion 17a and a lid 8 belonging upper peripheral wall portion 17b. When the container 1 is closed, the two peripheral wall sections 17a, 17b are expediently flush with one another.

In addition, the container 1 has on the outside a lower outer surface referred to as lower side 18 and an upper outer surface designated as upper side 19. The bottom 18 is part of a lower part 7 belonging to the bottom wall 22, the top 19 is part of a cover 8 belonging to the ceiling wall 23. The bottom wall 22 and the ceiling wall 23 extend in the normal position of use in each case in a horizontal plane, with the height direction of the Container 1 coinciding stacking direction 2 is oriented at right angles thereto.

Are how out FIGS. 5 to 19 it can be seen, two containers 1 stacked on one another, the lid 8 of the currently lower container 1 is in the stacking direction 2 between the lower part 7 of the lower container 1 and the lower part 7 of the upper container arranged above 1. The arrangement is in particular made such that the upper container 1 rests with its bottom wall 22 directly on the top wall 23 of the cover 8 arranged underneath.

The hinge means 13 are expediently arranged so that the lid pivot axis 14 is associated with the rear end face 16b. To open the container 1, the lid 8 can therefore be swung up in the region of its front.

As far as the terms "front" and "back" are used in the following, those sides of the container 1 are meant, on which the front end face 16a and the rear end face 16b is located. In the following, "transverse direction 24" denotes a direction which is aligned at right angles to the stacking direction 2 and at the same time parallel to the front and rear end faces 16a, 16b. A direction perpendicular to the transverse direction 24 is referred to as the depth direction 25.

The coupling device 3 allows releasably linking a lower container 1 with an upper container 1 currently seated thereon FIG. 7 indicated by dash-dotted lines, could in principle be arranged at several or even on all end faces 16a - 16d of the container 1 in each case at least one coupling device 3. Due to the additional presence of the engagement device 4 is limited in the embodiment, the arrangement of the coupling device 3 on only the front end surface 16a, preferably only a single coupling device 3 is provided, the center of the transverse direction 24, so placed in the center of the front end face 16a is. The handling is thereby greatly simplified.

A multiple arrangement of in particular independently operable coupling means 3 is particularly recommended when the load to be transmitted by the coupling process is very high and should be selectively distributed to several locations.

The coupling device 3 has a mounted on the lid 8 and movable relative to the lid 8 coupling means 26, which in one in the lower half of the FIGS. 5 and 6 as well as the FIGS. 13 and 14 apparent coupling position is movable, in which it is simultaneously with the lower parts 7 both aufeinanderitzender container 1 in such coupling engagement, that the two lower parts 7 in the stacking direction 2 can not be moved relative to each other. The coupling means 26 prevents the lifting of the upper container, in the opposite direction, the fixation is carried out by the mutual direct vertical support of the container 1 with each other.

In principle, one could imagine the coupling means 26 as an element with any suitable degrees of freedom of movement. Particularly useful, however, an embodiment is considered as a rotary latch 27, as is the case with the embodiment. The FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of the rotary latch 27 in a rear view.

The rotary latch 27 is expediently mounted rotatably on the front end face 16a of the cover 8, wherein the rotational axis 29 defined by associated pivot bearing means 28 extends in particular at right angles to the front end face 16a. In the exemplary embodiment, the pivot bearing means 28 consist of a forward projecting from the front end face 16a of the lid 8, for example, pipe socket-shaped formed bearing pin 32 and one in which preferably integrally and in particular as a plastic material rotary latch 27 formed bearing recess 33, with the rotary latch 27 is rotatably mounted on the bearing pin 32. The axial fixation can be effected by any securing means, locking means 34 (for example) serve this purpose. FIGS. 14 and 16 ).

As in FIGS. 13, 15 . 17 and 18 indicated, the pivot bearing means 28 may be provided with indexing means 35, which cause the rotary latch 27 is fixed in various preferred positions so non-rotatable with respect to the lid 8, that it can be further rotated only by slightly increased force. It may be, for example, locking means here. Also indexing means 35 of the type, which are based on a locking principle and make an active unlocking with the finger of a hand necessary, would be conceivable.

The rotary latch 27 has on its the body 6 facing the rear side 36 over several FIG. 12 apparent locking structures 37 which are arranged at a radial distance from the axis of rotation 29, wherein this radial distance is expediently the same for all locking structures 37. These locking structures 37 are distributed in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 29 and arranged at a distance from each other, but are preferably located on a common circular arc 38, the center of which lies on the axis of rotation 29.

Preferably, the locking structures 37 comprise at least three locking structures hereinafter referred to as first, second and third locking structures 37a, 37b, 37c, of which the first and second locking structures 37a, 37b are preferably diametrically opposed with respect to the axis of rotation 29, that is, on each other opposite sides of the axis of rotation 29 are arranged. The circumferential offset of the first and second locking structures 37a, 37b with respect to the axis of rotation 29 is thus at least substantially 180 °. The third locking structure 37c is arranged offset by 90 ° to the two aforementioned locking structures 37a, 37b.

The rotary latch 27 is particularly handy when it is formed as shown T-shaped, in particular with three substantially equal length latch arms 42 which extend from the bearing recess 33 having locking center radially outward. Conveniently, each locking arm 42 is provided with one of the locking structures 37a, 37b, 37c. Between the locking arm 42 having the third locking structure 37c and each of the two other locking arms 42, it is expedient to gap a gap 43 whose determination will be explained below.

Preferably, the locking structures 37 consist of the radially outer, the rotation axis 29 facing outer recess flanks depending on a groove-like recess 44 which is formed in the back of the body of the rotary latch 27. Each recess 44 expediently has an arcuate extent along the circular arc 38. The outer locking flanks acting as locking structures 37 accordingly have an arcuate shape with arc centers lying on the axis of rotation 29.

If the rotary latch 27 is rotated about the rotation axis 29 according to the double arrow 45, the latch arms 42 pivot about the rotation axis 29, wherein a latch arm 42 projecting upwards or downwards in the stacking direction 2 protrudes beyond the cover 8 in the corresponding direction. So it is the distance of the locking structures 37 of the rotation axis 29 larger as the distance between the rotation axis 29 and the top and bottom of the lid. 8

The coupling device 3 has as further components via first and second anchoring means 46, 47, which are arranged on the front end face 16a of that lower part 7, to which also the rotary latch 27 bearing cover 8 belongs. The two anchoring means 46, 47 are preferably arranged in the stacking direction 2 at a distance below the cover 8, wherein they are suitably aligned in the stacking direction 2 and in particular spaced from each other such that the first anchoring means 26 are placed closer to the lid 8 than the second anchoring means 47th

As complementary elements to the groove-like depressions 44, the anchoring means 46, 47 in the exemplary embodiment are each formed by an in particular circular arc-shaped projection. The thus arcuate first anchoring means 46 are arranged on the lower part 7 such that their curvature corresponds to that of the circular arc 38 and they are arranged on exactly this circular arc 38.

The curvature of the second anchoring means 47 is opposite to that of the first anchoring means 46. Thus, the convex surfaces of the two anchoring means 46, 47 face. The curvature of the second anchoring means 47 is the same as that of the first anchoring means 46, the second anchoring means 47 being placed spaced from the axis of rotation 29 so that the distance between the second anchoring means 47 of an upper container 1 and the axis of rotation of the container 1 below it is equal is like the distance between the rotation axis 29 and the first anchoring means 46.

Thus, when two containers 1 are seated, the first anchoring means 46 of the lower container 1 and the second anchoring means 47 of the upper container 1 lie together on the circular arc 38 (see FIG. 13 ).

It would also be a reverse arrangement possible to the effect that the anchoring means 46, 47 are formed as groove-like depressions, can engage in the anchoring structures formed by projections 37 of the rotary latch 27.

In principle, it would also be possible to form the first and second anchoring means 46, 47 in one unit.

When two containers 1 aufsitzitzen, the rotary latch 27 of the lower container 1 in the off FIGS. 5, 6 . 13 and 14 in which the first locking structure 37a is in coupling engagement with the first locking means 46 of the lower lower part 7, and at the same time a coupling engagement between the second locking structure 37b arranged on the upwardly projecting locking arm 42 and the second anchoring means 47 of the upper lower part 7. A rotated by 180 ° rotational position of the rotary latch 27 brings the same result, here are only the first and second locking structures 37a, 37b interchanged with respect to their interaction with the two anchoring means 46, 47.

In the coupling position, the anchoring means 46, 47 are overlapped by the first and second locking structures 37a, 37b in the opposite directions with respect to the stacking direction 2, so that the lower parts 7 in the stacking direction 2 can no longer be removed from each other. The lid 8 of the lower container In this case, 1 can be clamped between the lower parts 7 flanking it above and below.

Except in the coupling position of the rotary latch 27 can be positioned in other, each fulfilling a specific function rotary positions. The positioning is expediently supported by the indexing means 35. Another such rotational position is, for example, from FIGS. 1 . 15 and 16 apparent closed position, which also still in the rotary latch of in FIGS. 5 to 10 overhead container 1 is present. The closed position differs from the coupling position by a 90 ° rotated position, so that the first and second locking structures 37a, 37b come to rest without effect in the region of the front end face 16a of the lid 8 and only the third locking structure 37c is effective, the is located at a latching arm 42 projecting downwards in the closed position. This third locking structure 37c is in coupling engagement with the first anchoring means 46, so that the lid 8 is locked in an undetachable manner with respect to the lower part 7. The effective between the lid 8 and the lower part 7 locking force is transmitted here by the lid 8 through the mediation of the pivot bearing means 28, but this is not problematic because it is only a closing force, which is relatively low and the pivot bearing means 28 only little stressed.

The design of the rotary latch 27 is selected such that in the closed position it does not project into the region in which the second anchoring means 47 of a further, upper container 1 possibly placed on this container is located. Particularly advantageous is a pertinent structure that the rotary latch 27 in the closed position not at all or only slightly protrudes beyond the top 19 of the lid 8.

When taking the closed position of the rotary latch 27 can be placed on the associated container 1 at any time another container 1 and unhindered removed again.

The closed position of the rotary latch 27 can therefore be used to decouple the container composite. In addition, it serves to lock the cover 8 of a container 1 to be used singly with respect to the lower part 7, so that the cover 8 is secured in the covering position. Such a condition goes out FIG. 1 out.

Clearly cooperate the locking structures 37 of the rotary latch 27 both in the coupling position and in the closed position with always the same, first anchoring means 46 of the lower base 7. The design effort is therefore relatively low.

Another functional position of the rotary latch 27 is shown in Figures 2 and 17. This is an open position in which the lock between the lid 8 and lower part 7 is released, so that the lid 8 can be swung up to open the container 1 according to arrow 15. Conveniently, this open position, as well as the above-described closed position, simultaneously forms a release position with respect to the seated on the container 1 upper container, with respect to the locking engagement of the rotary latch 27 is canceled both in the open position and in the closed position.

In the open position, the above-mentioned, between adjacent locking structures 37 obtained gaps 43 their meaning. The width of these gaps 43 is at least as great as the width of the first anchoring means 46, wherein the rotary latch 27 is positioned in the open position such that the gap 43 comes to lie in the region of the first anchoring means 46. In other words, the first anchoring means 46 are thus arranged in the gap 43, which is large enough to allow the lid 8 to pivot upwardly without this being hindered by the first anchoring means 46. The first anchoring means 46 are in the open position so completely out of coupling engagement with any locking structures 37th

Due to the preferred symmetrical structure of the rotary latch 27, this can be positioned alternatively two open positions, which are achieved starting from the closed position by turning the rotary latch 27 in one or the other direction, wherein the angle of rotation is preferably 45 °. If only one open position is provided, one of the gaps 43 can be omitted.

Finally, the rotary latch 27 can also be in a FIG. 18 spend apparent functional position, which is referred to as half-coupling position, because although the coupling engagement is canceled with the cover 8 belonging to the lower part 7, but not the coupling engagement with the lower part 7 of sitting on the lower container 1 upper container 1. The half-coupling position is also again in FIG. 19 in which belonging to the lower container 1 rotary latch 27 can be seen.

The Halbkoppelstellung is a rotated in the embodiment by 90 ° with respect to the coupling position rotational position. The locking arm 42 equipped with the third locking structures 37c protrudes upward, in front of the front end face 16a of the lower part 7 of the upper container 1. There is the third locking structure 37c with the second anchoring means 47 in locking engagement. With respect to the first anchoring means 46, the locking engagement is canceled, the first and second locking structures 37a, 37b are in the same position as in the closed position according to FIG FIG. 15 , only reversed in their orientation.

In the half-coupling position of the not locked to the lower part of the lower container 1 lid 8 according to FIG. 19 be swung up, together with the at least one arranged on this cover 8 further container 1, which is further locked in the same manner on the swing-up lid 8, as in the case of a coupling position. The container composite is therefore not repealed and still allows the lower container 1 to open the receiving space 5 open.

It is understood that the shape of the rotary bolt 27 may differ from that shown, in particular it would be possible to provide additional wall structures which cover the gaps 41 towards the front, so that the rotary latch 27 has a rather uniform outer contour, for example comparable to the shape of a circle segment.

The additionally provided engagement device 4 includes a arranged on the upper side 19 of the container 1 first engagement structure 48 and disposed on the underside 18 of the container 1 second engagement structure 49. In the embodiment, the first engagement structure 48 is located on the outside of the top wall 23 of the lid 8 and second engagement structure 49 on the outside of the bottom wall 22 of the lower part 7. The two engagement structures 48, 49 are matched to one another, that in the stacked state of two containers 1, the upwardly facing first engagement structure 48 of the lower container 1 and the downwardly facing second engagement structure 49 of the upper container 1 engage with each other. This mutual engagement has the effect that the stacked containers 1 are mutually supported transversely to the stacking direction 2 and can not be displaced relative to one another. On the other hand, the engagement structures 48, 49 are at least partially engaged transversely to the stacking direction in such a way that there is an effective locking in the stacking direction, which is at least a directly vertical upward lifting at least a certain portion of the upper container 1 from the lower container 1 prevented.

Specifically, the engagement structures 48, 49 are preferably designed so that they prevent lifting of the rear portion 52 of the upper container 1, however, allow lifting of the front portion 53 of the upper container 1. This circumstance will be out FIG. 10 clear. Thus, the front portion 53 is inadvertently locked to the lower container 1 and thus the entire upper container 1 enters into a stable connection with the lower container 1, the already explained in detail at least one coupling device 3 is present. This coupling device 3, which is expediently located in the region of the front end face 16a, holds in the already explained manner when taking the coupling position, the upper lower part 7 and the lower lower part 7 with the interposition of the lower lid 8 firmly together.

If there were no coupling device 3, a corresponding configuration of the first and second engagement structures 48, 49 could also ensure that, in the stacked state of two containers, the upper container 1 in its entirety can not be lifted directly in the stacking direction 2 upwards. In the combination of the engagement device 4 and the coupling device 3, however, there are advantages in terms of handling.

The first engagement structure 48 consists of a plurality of formed on the top side 19 of the lid 8, distributed over the cover surface engaging grooves 54. The second engagement structure 49 consists of several, suitably arranged in the same distribution as the engagement recesses 54 engaging projections 55, the down over the expediently at least flat outer base 56 of the bottom wall 22 protrude.

Several of these engaging projections 55 form feet 57, which are expediently distributed over the underside 18 selectively, wherein the embodiment has a total of four such feet 57, which are placed in the corner areas of the outer base 56 of the bottom wall 22, but in this case to the end faces 16a. 16d each maintain a certain distance.

Each container 1 can be parked stable on single use with the help of the feet 57 on a ground. The same applies to the use of a container 1 as a lower container of a stacked container arrangement. The feet 57 are suitably integrally formed with the body 6, but could also be at least partially releasably secured, if necessary, to allow replacement in the event of wear.

Under the engagement recesses 54 are two pieces 54a, which are arranged in the two front corner regions of the preferably rectangular top 19. A comparable one Arrangement would also for the rear feet 57 associated engagement recesses possible, however, an advantageous variant was chosen in the embodiment in which a single rear engagement recess 54b is present, which has such dimensions that they can simultaneously engage both rear feet 57.

As in particular from FIGS. 1 . 7 and 9 As can be seen, the rear engagement recess 54b may have an elongated shape with a longitudinal extent extending in the transverse direction 24 and extending parallel to the rear end face 16b. The front engaging recesses 54a, however, are like the associated front feet 57 of punctiform shape and have, for example, a square plan.

The two front legs form a pure support feet 57a having a complementary plan shape with respect to the front engaging recesses 54a so as to bear against the inner side walls of the front engaging recesses 54a in the state inserted in the front engaging recesses 54a, thereby perpendicularly fitting the fitted container 1 to the stacking direction 2 can not be moved on the lower container 1. The structuring of the supporting feet 57a and the front engaging recesses 54a, however, is such that there is no locking in the stacking direction 2, so that the front portion 53 of the upper container 1 can be raised at any time when the coupling means 26 is in the release position.

In contrast, the rear feet 57 cooperating with the preferably single rear engagement recess 54b are designed as locking feet 57b. Their special feature in that they function as undergrip components of the second engagement structure 49, which are capable of engaging behind the locking engaging recess 54b in the transverse direction to the stacking direction 2, so that there is a locking engagement preventing relative movement in the stacking direction 2. Hereinafter, the rear engagement recess 54b is also referred to as a locking engagement recess.

If each locking stand 57b has its own engagement recess 54, it is also designed as a locking engagement recess.

Their function as a locking engagement recess 54b receives the rear engagement recess, in particular by realization with an undercut cross-section, for which FIG. 11 an embodiment shows. The otherwise upwardly open locking engagement recess 54b has at least at its rear end face 16b adjacent edge region in the depth direction 25 forwardly projecting, preferably rib-shaped rear engagement projection 58, which results in that the locking engagement recess 54b has an opening cross-section is less than the base area of the recess bottom.

Each locking stand 57b has on the rear end face 16b facing rear side over a suitably wedge-shaped profiled rear gripping portion 62, so that in the transition region to the outer base 56 of the bottom wall 22 results in a gap having a complementary to the Hintergreifvorsprung 58 cross-section ( FIG. 11 ).

The dimensions of the opening of the lock engagement recess 54b are larger in the depth direction 25 than those of each lock stand 57b. The latter can thus be easily inserted from above into the locking engagement recess 54b.

To set up an upper container 1 on a lower container 1, the upper container 1 according to FIG. 10 in an inclined position and with the downwardly inclined rear portion 52 ahead of the top 19 of the lower container 1, the locking feet 57b dipping into the locking engagement recess 54b. At the same time or subsequently, the upper container 1 is pushed or pushed backwards in accordance with arrow 63, so that the rear engagement sections 62 engage in locking engagement with the at least one rear engagement projection 58. The area in which this locking engagement takes place may be referred to as the locking area 64.

In a further step, the front portion 53 of the upper container 1 is pivoted downward in accordance with arrow 65, wherein the engaging in the locking portion 64 structures in their course in FIG. 7 sketched pivot axis 66 define for the said pivoting operation.

As the front portion 53 pivots toward the top 19 of the lower container 1, the support feet 57a dip into the associated front engagement recesses 54a and ultimately complete the engagement of the engagement structures 48, 49.

The rear portion 52 of the upper case 1 is engaged by the locking engagement between the lock upstands 57b and the lock engagement recess 54b secured vertical lift. The corresponding vertical securing of the front region 53 takes place by turning the coupling means 26 into the coupling position.

The insertion of the supporting feet 57a into the front engaging recesses 54a may be facilitated by forming the side wall of the front engaging recesses 54a at least partially as an inclined sliding surface 67. The front engagement recesses 54a thus have a larger cross-section in the region of their opening than on the bottom surface, wherein this cross-sectional difference is bridged by the oblique sliding surfaces 67. There is thus an automatic centering when placing the upper container instead.

Out FIG. 4 It can be seen that an additional locking strip 68 can extend between the two spaced in the transverse direction 24 spaced locking feet 57b, which also has a rear engagement portion 62 comparable to that of the locking feet 57b and which expediently the entire space between the two locking Feet 57b bridged. This locking bar 68 also forms an engagement component of the second engagement structure 49, which is effective in addition to the locking feet 57b and which increases the length of the locking contact, so that a greater carrying capacity is achieved.

The measured in the stacking direction 2 height of the locking bar 68 is suitably lower than that of the locking feet 57 b, so that the latter project beyond the locking bar 68 downwards. However, it is advantageous if the locking strip 68 is formed integrally with the locking feet 57b. she may in particular in the same manner as the feet 57 integrally connected to the body of the lower part 7.

Another than the existing in the embodiment number of feet 57 is readily possible. For example, a single strip-shaped locking base 57b could be present on the back side, ie comparable to an arrangement in which the locking strip 68 has the same height as the locking feet 57b.

In order to be able to transport the container 1 or the container composite easily, the container 1 expediently has a carrying handle 72 on its upper side. Conveniently, this carrying handle 72 is arranged on the lid. In addition, it is advantageously designed so that it can either take a apparent from the drawing, pivoted to the top 19 zoom in non-use position or in FIG. 6 indicated, pivoted upward and thus upwardly beyond the top 19 protruding position of use. It is preferably a bow-shaped carrying handle 72 with a U-shaped design.

So that the carrying handle 72 does not interfere with the stacking process of the container 1, an upwardly open receiving recess 73 is formed in the upper side 19 of the lid 8, in which the carrying handle 72 engages sunk in the non-use position. In this case, it is advantageous if this receiving recess 73 is formed directly by the correspondingly large locking engagement recess 54b.

The said locking engagement recess 54b forms in the embodiment at the same time an open at the top 19 recessed grip 74. This opens up the possibility of a to transport individual containers in a respect to the normal position of use rotated by 90 ° upright alignment comparable to a briefcase and thereby engage with one hand from above into the recessed grip 74, wherein the Hintergreifvorsprung 58 can engage around with the fingers, so that a safe transport is possible.

Notwithstanding the embodiment, the locking feet 54b could also be formed so that their HintergreifAbschnitt 62 is oriented towards the front. In this case, the rear engagement projection 58 would also be located on the edge region of at least one locking engagement depression 54b that is closer to the front end surface 16 and point to the rear.

In the embodiment, the entire load capacity between two vertically coupled containers 1 is transmitted via a three-point coupling. The three coupling points consist of the interlocking measures in the area of the two locking feet 75b and the rotary bolt 27 arranged at a distance from the locking area 64. In addition, a certain surface force can also be transmitted by the locking strip 68.

It is readily possible to realize containers 1 of different heights, which have the same coupling devices 3 and engagement devices 4 as the container 1 explained above. In this way, containers 1 differing in size can easily be stacked in any order and combined to form a container composite become.

The combined presence of the engagement device 4 and the at least one coupling device 3 is particular advantageous, however, the container may in principle be equipped with at least one deviating from the type described coupling device.

Claims (16)

1. Container assembly with at least two stackable containers (1), each provided with a first engaging structure (48) on their top (19) and a second engaging structure (49) on their bottom (18), wherein the two engaging structures (48, 49) are so geared to one another that, with two containers stacked one on top of the other, the first engaging structure (48) placed on top of the lower container (1) and the second engaging structure (49) placed below of the upper container (1) engage in one another in such a way that the two containers (1) are on the one hand secured against movement relative to one another at right-angles to the stacking direction (2), while on the other hand rear-engaging elements (62, 58) of the engaging structures (48, 49) engaging themselves behind in a locking area (64) at right-angles to the stacking direction (2) provide locking between the containers (1) preventing lifting of the upper container (1) from the lower container (1) only in certain areas, in such a way that the upper container (1) has an area (53) which may be swivelled upwards around the locking area (64), wherein there is provided on the containers (1) with clearance from the locking area (64) at least one connecting device (3) with which the upwards-swivelling area (53) of the upper container (1) may be fixed releasably to the lower container (1) so that it cannot be lifted, in order to obtain a container unit comprised of several interconnected containers (1), wherein the first engaging structure (48) comprises engaging recesses (54) located on the top (19) of the containers (1), and the second engaging structure (49) comprises engaging projections (55) provided on the bottom (18) of the containers (1), and wherein the containers (1) have on their bottom (18) several distributed, downwards-projecting feet (57) which belong to the second engaging structure (49) and form at least in part its rear-engaging elements (62), in that at least one foot (57) is designed as a locking foot (57b) forming a rear-engaging element (62) of the second engaging structure (49), characterised in that at least one further foot (57) is located at a distance from the locking foot (57b) in the upwards-swivelling area (53) of the container (1) and forms a pure support foot (57a) not used for vertical locking and which, through support effected within an engaging recess (54) at right-angles to the stacking direction (2), generates prevention of movement of the container (2) resting on top.
2. Container assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the second engaging structure (49) has two locking feet (57b), each forming a rear-engaging element and spaced apart from one another.
3. Container assembly according to claim 2, characterised in that there extends between the two locking feet (57b) a locking strip (68) of the second engaging structure (49), which is also in locking engagement with the rear-engaging elements of the first engaging structure (48) when two containers (1) are stacked together, and which is expediently integral with the two locking feet (57b), which expediently extend downwards beyond it.
4. Container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the locking foot or feet (57b) has or have, for engaging behind the first engaging structure (48), a wedge-profiled rear-engaging section (62) which expediently faces away from the support foot or feet (57a).
5. Container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the first engaging structure (48), for interaction with the locking feet (57b), has at least one locking engaging recess (54b) with an undercut cross-section, on the edge of which is provided a rear-engaging projection (58) which may be engaged from behind by a locking foot (57b) dipping into the locking engaging recess (54b).
6. Container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the side wall of at least one engaging recess (54, 54a) serving for the location of a support foot (57a) is at least partly designed as an oblique sliding surface (67) to support the dipping process of the support foot (57a).
7. Container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least one engaging recess (54) of the first engaging structure (48) is designed to hold simultaneously two locking feet (57b) acting as rear-engaging elements and spaced apart from one another.
8. Container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that there is provided on the top (19) of the container (1) a carrying handle (72) which may be swivelled relative to the body (6) of the container (1) and which in a not-in-use position may be swivelled into a locating recess (73) on the top (19) of the container (1), wherein expediently this locating recess (73) is formed directly by one engaging recess (54, 54b) of the first engaging structure (48), expediently by a locking engaging recess (54b) forming the rear-engaging elements (58) of the first engaging structure (48).
9. Container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that at least one engaging recess (54), expediently a locking engaging recess (54b) forming the rear-engaging elements (58) of the first engaging structure (48), simultaneously forms a handgrip recess (74) which may be used to carry the container (1).
10. Container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the engaging structures (48, 49) are so designed that it is possible to execute positioning of an upper container (1) on a lower container (1) to obtain the locking effected by the engaging structures (48, 49) in the stacking direction (2) by placing the upper container (1) in an inclined position relative to the lower container (1) until there is mutual engagement of the engaging structures (48, 49), with subsequent swivelling of the upper container (1) on to the lower container (1) around a pivot axis (66) defined by the rear-engaging engaging structures (48, 49).
11. Container assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the container (1) has a box- or bowl-shaped bottom part (7) with an opening (12), and a lid (8) assigned to the opening (12) of the bottom part (7) and movable relative to the bottom part (7) for the alternate opening or closing of the opening (12), wherein the first engaging structure (48) is expediently provided on the top of the lid (8) and the second engaging structure (49) on the bottom of the bottom part (7).
12. Container assembly according to claim 11, characterised in that the connecting device or devices (3) has or have connecting means (26) mounted movably on the lid (8) of the container (1) and movable relative to the lid (8) into a connecting position, in which they are simultaneously in connecting engagement with the bottom parts (7) of the lower and upper container (1), to create the container unit.
13. Container assembly according to claim 12, characterised in that the movable connecting means (26) of at least one connecting device (3) are movable into a closed position varying from the connecting position, and in which they are uncoupled from an upper container (1) mounted via the assigned lid (8) and simultaneously in connecting engagement with the bottom part (7) located below the lid (8) in such a way that the lid (8) is locked in a covering position closing the opening (12) of the bottom part (7), and relative to the bottom part (7).
14. Container assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the movable connecting means (26) of at least one connecting device (3) is movable into a semi-connected position in which it is in connecting engagement with the bottom part (7) of an upper container (1) mounted above the assigned lid (8), and is simultaneously uncoupled from the bottom part (7) located below the lid (8), so that it is possible to lift the lid (8) together with the container (1) mounted over the lid (8) from the bottom part (7) located below the lid (8).
15. Container assembly according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that the movable connecting means (26) of at least one connecting device (3) is in the form of a rotating locking bolt (27) mounted rotatably on the lid (8) and anchoring means (46, 47) provided on the bottom part (7) for interaction with the rotating locking bolt (27) are arranged so that the rotating locking bolt (27) of a lower of two stacked containers (1), on assuming the connecting position, is in simultaneous connecting engagement with the anchoring means (46, 47) of the bottom parts (7) of both containers (1).
16. Container assembly according to any of claims 11 to 15, characterised in that the lid (8) is mounted, with clearance from the front end face (16a) of the container (1), so as to be capable of pivoting on the bottom part (7) in such a way that, with the connecting means (26) of the connecting device or devices (3) moved into an open position, it may be swivelled up from the bottom part (7) in the front section, wherein expediently only a single connecting device (3) is provided, mounted on a front end face (16a) of the container (1) in the centre of its width.

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