EP2397416B1 - Collapsible transport and storage container - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to transport and storage containers with a rectangular bottom, with four side walls which are adjustable between an erect useful position and a flat empty position, wherein two opposing first side walls each have two wall sections and accordion-like collapsible at a central horizontal pivot axis, wherein two opposing second side walls are pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis, wherein in each case the first wall portion of the first side walls in view has a U-shape with two vertical U-legs in use position and wherein in each case the second wall portion of the first side walls a the surface between the U Has legs in Nutzstellung filling shape.

Foldable transport and storage containers are increasingly being used as reusable containers rather than disposable packaging, inter alia for storing and / or transporting fruits and vegetables. In principle, all other types of goods can be transported and stored.

A transport and storage container of the type mentioned is from the US 5,467,885 A known. In this container, a side wall has a wall portion hinged about a horizontal axis relative to the remainder of the side wall and spaced from the bottom edge and side edges of the side wall. The side wall without the hinged wall part has so here in view a U-shape. All side walls end at their upper edge. A connection of the side walls together only in their erected state via in and disengageable connecting elements on the lateral side wall edges. The stability of this container is limited by erected side walls.

From the EP 0 786 412 A1 collapsible transport and storage containers are known in which in the empty state, an upper part of a side wall are pivotable about pivot axes aligned parallel to edges of the floor inwards and toward the bottom. Thus, for space-saving storage, the total volume of the empty container can be reduced.

Furthermore, the disclosure DE 10 2006 040 864 B3 a collapsible transport and storage container in which two opposing side walls are guided pivotally in guides on the other side walls.

In all known transport and storage containers, it is customary that these are designed to be stackable. It is necessary for a secure stacking of a larger number of containers and / or heavily loaded containers sufficient capacity of the container in the vertical direction. In addition, there is the problem that a filling and emptying of several stacked containers only the top container is possible, regardless of whether this has a separate or additional lid or not, because the top-side removal opening of the container in the stack is in each case by the above arranged container completely covered.

For the present invention is therefore based on this prior art, the task of creating transport and storage container of the type mentioned, which allow a secure stacking of a larger number of containers and / or heavily loaded containers and in the empty state can be stowed away to save space. In addition, the containers should be designed so that they can be loaded and unloaded even when stacked

A first solution to this problem is achieved according to the invention in a transport and storage container of the type mentioned above in that the transport and storage container has an upper-side frame or cover and that the two first wall sections have upwardly pointing U-legs and parallel to the ground lower pivot axis are pivotally hinged to the ground and that the two second wall portions are hinged to a frame or lid parallel upper pivot axis on the frame or lid pivotally.

A second solution of this object is achieved according to the invention in a transport and storage container of the type mentioned in that the transport and storage container has an upper-side frame or lid and that the two first wall sections have downwardly pointing U-legs and one to the frame or Cover parallel upper pivot axis are pivotally hinged to the frame or lid and that the two second wall portions are hinged pivotally about a bottom parallel to the bottom pivot axis at the bottom.

A third solution of this object is achieved according to the invention in a transport and storage container of the type mentioned in that the transport and storage container has an upper-side frame or lid and that has a first wall portion upwardly facing U-legs and parallel to the ground lower pivot axis is pivotally hinged to the ground and the associated second wall portion is hinged to a frame or cover parallel upper pivot axis on the frame or lid pivotally and that the other first wall portion downwardly facing U-legs and has a parallel to the frame or lid top Pivot axis on the frame or lid is pivotally articulated and the associated second wall portion is articulated pivotably about a bottom parallel to the bottom pivot axis at the bottom.

With transport and storage containers designed in this way, first side walls of the container, which are essentially parallelepiped in the erected state, are opposite one another in an accordion-like manner. For this purpose, in each case a pivot axis is provided in the two first side walls, in order to pivot at least two sections of each first side wall relative to each other or to fold together and unfold. The sections are each pivotally mounted on the underside of the bottom of the container and the upper side of the frame or lid. In a classic folding container, the two first side walls are generally folded over their entire length, whereas now in the container according to the invention, the two first side walls are folded only in a central part. The second wall portion of these first side walls, which form either the longitudinal side or the front side of the container, is in an upright use position substantially flush and full surface within the first, U-shaped Wall section engaged. As a result, the stack load capacity of the container increases considerably, since the wall portions are not weakened at the corners of the container by a fold. Preferably, the longer side walls are foldable and the shorter side walls formed foldable; In principle, the arrangement can be designed in this regard also vice versa. It can be configured differently according to the independent claims 1 to 3, the first and second wall sections.

In a first embodiment according to claim 1, it is provided that the two first wall sections have upwardly pointing U-legs and are pivotably hinged to the bottom parallel to the bottom pivot axis at the bottom and that the two second wall sections about a frame or cover parallel upper pivot axis are pivoted on the frame or lid.

An alternative embodiment according to claim 2 provides that the two first wall sections have downwardly pointing U-legs and are hinged to a frame or cover parallel upper pivot axis on the frame or lid pivotally and that the two second wall sections parallel to the ground lower pivot axis are articulated pivotally on the ground. In the two aforementioned embodiments, the first side walls are mirror-symmetrical.

Alternatively, according to claim 3, an asymmetrical arrangement is possible. Here, it is provided that the U-leg has a first wall section pointing upwards and is pivoted to the bottom parallel to the bottom pivot axis and the associated second wall portion is hinged about a frame or cover parallel upper pivot axis on the frame or lid pivotally and that the other first wall section has downwardly pointing U-legs and is articulated pivotably about an upper pivot axis parallel to the frame or cover on the frame or lid and the associated second wall section is articulated pivotably about a bottom pivot axis parallel to the bottom. In this embodiment, it is possible to realize particularly high side walls in relation to the base of the container, since then overlap the open sides of the U-shaped wall sections when folding the container. Preferably, it is provided according to the patent claim 4, that the U-legs of the U-shaped wall sections are designed reinforced like a column. As a result, a particularly high stack load bearing capacity is achieved, since the two U-legs extend over the entire height of the side wall and can support the weight of the upper-side frame or lid and other stacked similar container without weakening joints, hinges or pivot axes. Thus, high stacks of similar containers can be formed or heavy goods can be transported and stored in the stack.

In order to be able to equip the container according to the invention with a disposable in the stacked state access, there is the possibility that the second side walls from the use position about a ground-parallel lower pivot axis are pivotable by at least 90 ° to the outside. In this way, if necessary, access to the interior of the container can be created, which also works with containers in a container stack. For a vacuum transport of the container this can be folded together to save space such that the first side walls folded and the second side walls are folded into a parallel to the bottom of the container location. Thus, the lowest possible height of the collapsed container is obtained. Corresponding hinges or pivot axes can be carried out as in other storage containers in the prior art.

A further embodiment provides that the second side walls of the use position to the floor parallel lower pivot axis 270 ° to the outside and then down and then inward are pivotable. Thus, even in the stacked state, one or both of the second side walls of the container can be pivoted back and forth by up to 180 ° or folded down 270 ° below the bottom so that the container is opened and the interior is freely accessible. Preferably, the hinged second side walls and the underside of the bottom of the container are formed such that the second side walls are completely pivoted into a frame-like bottom part, so that the pivoted-in second side walls are then not subjected to stacking loads.

If there is no need to equip the container with a releasable in the stacked state access, then the second side walls of the Useful position about a ground parallel lower pivot axis to be performed by 90 ° inwardly pivotable. Also in this embodiment, the space-saving folding of the container in the empty state is possible.

So that no disturbing or dangerous mutual displacement and slipping of the containers can occur in a stack of containers, it is provided that the transport and storage container by means of an upper stacking edge on the frame or lid and a lower stacking edge on the bottom is positively stackable. For this purpose, for example, the bottom or the side walls which can be folded under the floor and an upper-side frame and / or lid are designed such that they can be brought into mutual engagement in order to prevent displacement relative to one another. For example, at least in sections and / or continuously surrounding stacking edges may be formed on the lid or top frame, which cooperate with corresponding bottom stacking edges or stacking projections on a bottom portion.

To increase the stability and to avoid unwanted collapse of the container, suitable latching and / or manually releasable locking means are provided with which the side walls of the transport and storage container can be fixed in an upright position of use. These may be, for example, latching projections and latching recesses which are formed on adjacent side walls and engage in the erected state and positively avoid the folding of the container. Alternatively, the locking means can be designed as manually operable locking devices, such as, for example, guideways or resilient sliding bolts or the like.

If the container is provided with a lid, this can be conveniently designed for removal or opening. For example, it may be designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis along a longitudinal side of the container. If a frame is provided instead of the lid, then this is preferably designed as an open frame.

• Figur 1 einen Behälter in zusammengelegter Leerstellung,
• Figur 2 den Behälter in einer Zwischenstellung und
• Figur 3 den Behälter in aufgerichteter Nutzstellung.

In the following an embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. The figures of the drawing show:

• FIG. 1 a container in a folded empty position,
• FIG. 2 the container in an intermediate position and
• FIG. 3 the container in an upright position of use.

In the in the FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrated embodiment of the invention is a transport and storage container 1 with a rectangular bottom 2, a cover 7 and four side walls 3, 4, 5, 6, the between an erected use position according to FIG. 3 and the flat empty position according to FIG. 1 are adjustable. All components 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the container 1 are formed for example in the form of plastic injection molded parts. The side walls 3, 4 are foldable and the side walls 5, 6 foldable.

In the embodiment, first side walls 3, 4 each consist of two wall sections 3a, 3b and 4a, 4b, which are each folded accordion-like. For this purpose, the first wall sections 3a, 4a are mounted on the bottom 2 on ground-parallel pivot axes S1. The other, second wall sections 3b, 4b are mounted on the upper side on pivot axes S2 on the upper-side cover 7 or on an upper-side frame. The first wall sections 3a, 4a are formed in a substantially U-shaped view and the second wall sections 3b, 4b are in the erected state in each case over the entire surface within the first wall sections 3a, 4a between the U-legs 30, 40 in engagement. Thus, a columnar structure is created by the two lateral U-legs 30, 40 of the first wall sections 3a, 4a, which is free of debilitating joints or hinges and record the weight of the lid 7 and in particular further arranged on the top side and optionally filled similar container 1 can. The two wall sections 3a and 3b or 4a and 4b are respectively at a middle, also horizontal pivot axes S3 pivotally connected to each other.

The two mutually juxtaposed second side walls 5, 6 are pivotally mounted on bottom side, edge-parallel pivot axes S4 on the bottom 2, wherein they from the vertical, erected use position FIG. 3 about the intermediate state in FIG. 2 270 ° in the flat empty position of the FIG. 1 are pivotable. Here, the bottom 2 is formed such that in the flat empty position, the two second side walls 5, 6 are substantially completely received within a frame-like bottom profile.

In FIG. 3 the side wall 5 is made transparent in order to see through the side wall 5 into the interior of the container 1 can.

The cover 7 may be designed for opening or pivoting. Alternatively, a substantially continuous peripheral open top frame may be provided to form an access opening.

In particular, in the stacked state, one or both side walls 5, 6 can be folded down under the bottom 2, in order nevertheless to be able to access the interior of the container 1 in the case of a plurality of similar containers 1 stacked one above the other. In this case, the container 1 has a very high stability and stack load capacity due to the columnar structure of the first wall sections 3a, 4a.

In order to facilitate the stacking of a plurality of similar containers 1 and to prevent slippage relative to one another, stacking edges 8, for example in the form of recesses, notches or recesses, are formed on the upper side, which can also be formed continuously, for example around the cover 7. Corresponding to the bottom 2 stacking projections 9 are formed, which are in a stacked state of containers 1 with the stack edges 8 in positive engagement. <U> REFERENCE LIST: </ u> character description 1 Transport and storage containers 2 ground 3, 4 first side walls 3a, 4a first wall sections of 3, 4 3b, 4b second wall sections of 3, 4 30, 40 U-leg 5, 6 second side walls 7 cover 8th stacking edge 9 stack projection S1 - S4 swiveling axes

Claims (10)

1. A transport and storage container (1) with a rectangular floor (2), with four side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) which can be adjusted between an upright position when in use and a flat position when empty, whereby two first side walls (3, 4) positioned opposite to each other each comprise two wall sections (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) and can be folded together like an accordion on a central horizontal swivel axis (S3), whereby two second side walls (5, 6) positioned opposite to each other can be swivelled round a horizontal swivel axis, whereby the first wall section (3a, 4a) of the two first side walls (3, 4) display the appearance of a U-shape with two vertical U-shaped legs (30, 40) when in the position for use, and whereby the second wall section (3b, 4b) of the first side walls (3, 4) comprises a shape which fills the area between the U-shaped legs (30, 40) in the position when in use,
   characterised in
   that the transport and storage container (1) encompasses an upper frame or cover (7) and
   that the two first wall sections (3a, 4a) comprise upwards pointing U-shaped legs (30, 40) and are hinged such that they can be rotated around a lower swivel axis (S1) on the floor (2) which axis (S1) is parallel to the floor (2), and that the two second wall sections (3b, 4b) are hinged such that they can be rotated around an upper swivel axis (S2) on the frame of cover (7) which axis (S2) is parallel to the frame or cover (7).
2. A transport and storage container (1) with a rectangular floor (2), with four side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) which can be adjusted between an upright position when in use and a flat position when empty, whereby two first side walls (3, 4) positioned opposite to each other each comprise two wall sections (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) and can be folded together like an accordion on a central horizontal swivel axis (S3), whereby two second side walls (5, 6) positioned opposite to each other can be swivelled round a horizontal swivel axis, whereby the first wall section (3a, 4a) of the two first side walls (3, 4) display the appearance of a U-shape with two vertical U-shaped legs (30, 40) when in the position for use, and whereby the second wall section (3b, 4b) of the first side walls (3, 4) comprises a shape which fills the area between the U-shaped legs (30, 40) in the position when in use,
   characterised in
   that the transport and storage container (1) encompasses a frame or cover (7) on the top and
   that the two first wall sections (3a, 4a) comprise downwards pointing U-shaped legs (30, 40) and are hinged such that they can be rotated around an upper swivel axis (S1) which axis (S1) is parallel to the frame or cover (7) on the frame or cover (7), and that the two second wall sections (3b, 4b) are hinged such that they can be rotated around a lower swivel axis (S1) on the floor (2), which axis (S1) is parallel to the floor (2).
3. A transport and storage container (1) with a rectangular floor (2), with four side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) which can be adjusted between an upright position when in use and a flat position when empty, whereby two first side walls (3, 4) positioned opposite to each other each comprise two wall sections (3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) and can be folded together like an accordion on a central horizontal swivel axis (S3), whereby two second side walls (5, 6) positioned opposite to each other can be swivelled round a horizontal swivel axis, whereby the first wall section (3a, 4a) of the two first side walls (3, 4) display the appearance of a U-shape with two vertical U-shaped legs (30, 40) when in the position for use, and whereby the second wall section (3b, 4b) of the first side walls (3, 4) comprises a shape which fills the area between the U-shaped legs (30, 40) in the position when in use,
   characterised in
   that the transport and storage container (1) encompasses an upper frame or cover (7) and
   that the one first wall section (3a) comprises upwards pointing U-shaped legs (30) and is hinged such that it can be rotated around a lower swivel axis (S1) on the floor (2) which axis (S1) is parallel to the floor (2) and the associated second wall section (3b) is hinged such that it can be rotated around an upper swivel axis (S2) on the frame or cover (7) which axis (S2) is parallel to the frame or cover, and that the other first wall section (4a) comprises downwards pointing U-shaped legs (40) and is hinged such that it can be rotated around an upper swivel axis (S2) on the frame or cover (7) which axis (S2) is parallel to the frame or cover (7) and the associated second wall section (4b) is hinged such that it can be rotated around a lower swivel axis (S1) on the floor (2) which axis (S1) is parallel to the floor (2).
4. A transport and storage container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the U-legs (30, 40) of the U-shaped wall sections (3a, 4a) are executed with a columnar reinforcement.
5. A transport and storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the second side walls (5, 6) can be swivelled outwards from the position when in use by at least 90° round a lower swivel axis (S4) which is parallel to the floor.
6. A transport and storage container according to claim 5, characterised in that the second side walls (5, 6) can be swivelled from the position when in use by 270° round the lower swivel axis (S4) which is parallel to the floor outwards and then downwards and then inwards.
7. A transport and storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the second side walls (5, 6) can be swivelled from the position when in use by 90° inwards round a lower swivel axis (S4) which is parallel to the floor.
8. A transport and storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it can be stacked with a positive fit by means of an upper side stacking rim (8) on the frame or cover (7) and a lower side stacking rim (9) on the floor (2).
9. A transport and storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that latching means of locking and/or means of locking which can be manually released are provided with which the side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) of the transport and storage container (1) can be retained in the position for use after erection.
10. A transport and storage container according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the cover (7) is designed to be removed or opened, and preferentially designed to be able to be swivelled round a swivel axis along one longitudinal side of the container (1) or that the frame is executed as an open frame.

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