EP2639175A1 - Stack container system - Google Patents

Abstract

The container stacking system has open-topped containers (1,2) that are arranged one above the another. The lids (3,4) are provided to cover the open-topped containers respectively. The holder elements (12,13) and locking elements (16) are provided in peripheral wall surfaces (8,9) of the containers respectively. The retaining elements (18) and latching elements (21) are provided in lids respectively for establishing releasable latching connection with containers.

Description

The present invention relates to a stack container system according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a stack container system comprises at least one open-topped container and a lid covering it upwards, wherein the container is provided with holding elements and latching elements which allow stacking several containers of the stacking container system and releasably interlock with each other. Both the container and the lid are preferably made of plastic.

In particular, plastic containers for storing food in the refrigerator or in the freezer and transport containers should usually be possible to save space as possible. This can be optimized in addition to suitable shaping of the container inter alia, that the containers are stackable and form a stacking container system.

From the DE 202 09 983 U1 and the DE 203 06 780 U1 a stack container system of the present type is known. It is a system of plastic containers having a bottom, a peripheral edge surface with a circumferential upper edge and introduced in the area of the bottom in the wall surface, retracted stacking edge, as well as on at least two opposite sides of the wall surface on this attached holding elements and locking elements exhibit. According to this prior art, the stacking edge runs in the region of the tray bottom outside laterally and consists of an undercut; However, in the context of the present invention, the stack edge can also be designed differently, for example by a broken or circumferential rib.

In the cited prior art, the containers on holding elements which are elastically deformable and can establish a latching connection with the locking elements of a arranged underneath, with its upper edge at the stack edge of the container another container. This locking connection can be achieved by deforming the retaining elements. According to this prior art, the elastically deformable holding elements are formed by fixedly attached to the shell tabs having an inwardly oriented snap hook, which engages behind the locking element of the container arranged underneath and thereby produces a snap fit. In order to cover a plurality of containers stacked on top, a lid is provided which is also provided with an elastically deformable tab, which makes a snap fit with the locking elements of the topmost container of the stack by means of an inwardly oriented snap hook. The tabs of the lid are detachable by means of elastic deformation of the locking elements of the container, so that the lid can be removed.

Another known stacking container system of the laying type is in the US 6,273,258 B1 disclosed. There, a system of identically designed, stackable plastic containers has been proposed, wherein the containers each have an undercut on the stack bottom to form a stack edge. Above the stacking edge in each case a latching lug is formed on two opposite outer sides of the container and above this latching lug at the upper edge of the container in each case a hinged over a film hinge connecting element is provided. Each connecting element engages in the upwardly pivoted state, the corresponding locking lug of a top-mounted further container and thereby produces a releasable, latching form-fitting. This positive connection ensures that the two containers connected in a sealing manner.

The known stack container systems according to the prior art have in common that containers are stacked on one another and releasably latched to each other, whereby each container which is placed on another container simultaneously covers this other container upwards, ie its "lid". forms. This allows the optimal space-saving accommodation of several separate containers, the contents of which should be kept separate and kept as closed as possible or transported. By the releasable locking of the stacked containers, the handling and transport of the plurality of containers are significantly facilitated because the entire container stack can be handled like a single container.

Although the prior art stack container systems are optimized from the standpoint of volume saving, it is sometimes disadvantageous in other respects that the bottom of a stacked container simultaneously serves as a lid for the container located thereunder. In particular, in the storage and transport of food, it is difficult to prevent the bottom surface of the container that covers another container comes in contact with the transported or stored therein food or is wetted with condensation due to high, prevailing in the container humidity , This can, if the containers are detached from each other and placed next to each other in order to get to the contents of the container can be problematic. Because condensate and / or adhering to the container bottom food ingredients are then transferred to the storage area. For example, if a prior art stack container system is stacked in the refrigerator for storage of cheese or sausage meats and placed on the dining table for serving a meal with individual containers, this may result in the dining table being exposed to condensed or fatty food stains (soft cheese, Liver sausage and the like) is polluted.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to improve a stack container system of the type mentioned in terms of the ease of use of isolated containers and in particular to avoid contamination of container bottoms.

This problem is solved by a stack container system having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the inventive container system are set out in claims 2 to 7.

A stacking container system according to the present invention is therefore characterized in that at least one cover is provided, which is provided both with holding elements and with locking elements for releasable latching connections downwards and upwards. It is therefore an intermediate cover that can be snapped on both a container edge to cover this up, as well as can be locked with a standing on its top container. It should be noted at this point that, of course, this does not exclude that the stack container system according to the invention also also includes a lid, which can produce upwards as in the prior art no latching connection.

With such an intermediate cover provided according to the invention, it is now possible to stack the individual containers of the stack container system in such a way and to lock them together that between at least two containers, preferably between all containers, each one inventively ausgestalteter cover is arranged. Since this lid can produce latching connections up and down, the entire container stack is still stable latched to each other. Individual containers can be lifted by releasing the locking connection from the stack, there is no danger that the container bottom is dirty; because this was protected by the intermediate cover in front of the contents of the container arranged underneath.

The stack container system according to the invention can be completely freely stacked by the respective existing identical holding elements and locking elements on containers and lids. Thus, as in the prior art, two containers can be stacked and locked together directly, or alternatively, a lid designed according to the invention can be placed therebetween and locked with both containers involved. It is also possible, a plurality of inventively designed lid stack and lock together, so that a space-saving and safe storage of the same is guaranteed at any time.

Advantageously, the inventively designed lid is provided on its upper side with at least one edge bead for adjusting a container bottom and / or for inserting a further lid. This edge bead may be formed circumferentially, but it may also consist of several separate parts. For the edge bead, it is only important that a container bottom and / or another lid is guided through it and kept oriented on the top of the lid. For example, it is sufficient to provide a small bead on two sides of the cover in order to achieve a centering effect for the production of the latching connection.

The holding elements of the inventively designed lid are preferably each formed by an extension of the circumferential groove for receiving a container edge. Here, the groove for forming the retaining elements is preferably extended in such a way that the groove bottom is above the plane of the top of the lid.

The locking elements, which are also mounted according to the present invention on the lid and can be locked with retaining elements of another lid or a container, are particularly preferably arranged on a holding elements forming part of the lid. This part then extends over a height which makes it possible to space the locking elements and the holding elements as far apart as the containers arranged above and below the lid are spaced further apart by the insertion of an intermediate cover than if the two were stacked directly on one another Container.

Preferably, the inventively designed lid for forming the holding elements on elastically deformable, molded tabs, which are formed in cross-section substantially U-shaped and the outer U-leg with a are provided inwardly oriented snap hooks. In that regard, these holding elements then agree with the example of the DE 203 06 780 U1 known holding elements of stack containers match. In addition, the tabs are preferably provided as a holding element preferably provided with an outwardly oriented locking element, in which the inwardly oriented snap hooks of retaining elements of another lid or a container can engage. This locking element may be formed as a recess or opening for receiving a snap hook of another lid or container. However, it is possible in the context of the present invention, the locking element also differently, for example, form as a projection.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteten Stapelbehältersystems;

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Stapelbehältersystems nach Figur 1, in teilweise auseinandergenommenem Zustand;

Figur 3

das Stapelbehärtersystem aus Figur 1, in einer teilgeschnittenen perspektivischen Darstellung;

Figur 4

eine Detailvergrößerung aus Figur 3;

Figur 5

eine teilgeschnittene perspektivische Darstellung zweier erfindungsgemäß ausgestalteter Zwischendeckel.

An exemplary embodiment of a stack container system designed according to the invention will be described and explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

a perspective view of an inventively designed stack container system;

FIG. 2

a perspective view of the stack container system according to FIG. 1 in partially disassembled condition;

FIG. 3

the Stapelbehärtersystem from FIG. 1 in a partially sectioned perspective view;

FIG. 4

an enlarged detail FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5

a partially cut perspective view of two inventively designed intermediate cover.

The FIGS. 1 to 3 show a stacking container system consisting of a high container 1 and a flat container 2 and its first lid 3 and a second lid 4. Both the container 1, 2 and the lid 3, 4 are injection molded plastic parts.

In FIG. 1 All four parts of the stack container system shown here are stacked and locked together so that the entire stack can be handled as a single object. In FIG. 2 the flat container 2 was released from its latching with the first lid 3 and removed from this, so that the stack has been divided into two separate, each with a lid 3 and 4 closed container. As can be seen particularly well here, stood the flat container 2 on the top 5 of the lid 3, so that its bottom 6 could not come into contact with the contents of the high container 1.

FIG. 3 clarifies this again by the sectional view.

The containers 1, 2 of the present embodiment have a substantially rectangular basic shape and comprise a bottom 6, 7, which - as is known - is corrugated to take over a drainage function, for example condensed water, and two end walls 8 and two side walls. 9 In the region of the bottom 6, 7 a retracted stacking edge 10 is provided, which can receive an upper edge 11 of a further container 1 and thus serves for the tight stacking of the two containers 1, 2. At the end walls 8 are downwardly bent, elastically deformable tabs 12, 13 formed on the container 1, 2, which overlap the stack edge 10 each down. The tabs 12 are equipped with an outwardly projecting handle portion 14, which ensures easier gripping of the tabs 12, 13 and at the same time forms an insertion bevel.

A circumferential stiffening rib 15 serves at the end walls 8 at the same time as a locking element 16, which can be attacked by a snap hook 17 formed on the tab 12 or 13 inwardly, formed by a thickening to form a snap-in locking connection. This is based FIG. 3 easier to recognize. As can also be easily seen here, the snap fit between the snap hook 17 and the latch member 16 can be easily solved by deforming the tab 18, wherein the operator Lasche 18 then anyway in the hand and this serves as a handle for the removed part. The deformation of the tabs 12, 13, 18 is additionally facilitated by the handle part 14.

Based FIG. 4 , a detail enlargement FIG. 3 , The inventive feature of the two covers 3, 4, which are identical, clearly. A groove 19 for receiving the upper edge 11 of the container 2 expands in the region of the latching element 16 of the container 2 such that the groove bottom 20 is above the plane of the upper side 5 of the lid 4. The groove 19 has a U-shaped cross-section, the outer U-leg forms the tab 18 with handle portion 14 and snap hook 17. The snap hook 17 is oriented inwardly and engages, as shown, the latching element 16 of the container 2, so that the lid 4 is latched on the container 2.

On the outside of the tab 18, a recess 21 is arranged, which serves as a latching element 16 for the snap hook 17 of another container or another lid. Logically, in FIG. 4 clearly recognizable as the tab 13 of the container 2 sits with its snap hook 17 in the recess 21 of the tab 18 of the lid 3 and the container 2 is locked to the lid 3. At the same time, the inwardly oriented outside of the U-shaped groove 19 of the lid 3 forms a contact surface 22 for the bottom 6 of the container 2, so that its stacking edge 10 is in connection with the installation on the cover 3 without function.

Like again FIG. 2 shows most clearly, the covers 3, 4 a circumferential bead 23, in which the container 1, 2 can be adjusted. The edge bead 23 ensures orientation and alignment of the parts to be latched to one another and for additional support of the latched parts. The tabs 18 offer on their inside an additional insertion bevel or centering function.

Like also on the basis of FIGS. 1 and 2 recognizable, in the tabs 18 of the lid 3, 4 each have a notch 24 is introduced so that a user can distinguish the tabs 12, 13 of the container 1, 2 on the one hand and the tabs 18 of the lid 3, 4 on the other hand "blind" from each other. This facilitates the separation of a container stack, as in FIG. 2 is shown.

For further details and functions of the container 1, 2 of the present embodiment is hereby expressly to the DE 202 09 983 and the DE 203 06 780 the applicant referred.

FIG. 5 finally shows, in a presentation like FIG. 4 , two inventively designed lid 3, 4, which are directly four by means of their tabs 18 with each other four. For this purpose, the snap hook 17 of the lid 4 engages as a holding element in the recess 21 of the lid 3 as a latching element, while the two U-shaped tabs 18 are stacked as it were inside one another. This allows an orderly storage of several, not in use lids 3, 4.

Finally, it should be noted that in the FIGS. 1 to 5 shown parts of a stack container system only show an embodiment of the invention and the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments of the lid, container and the holding elements and locking elements.

Claims (8)

A stack container system, comprising at least one open-topped container (1, 2) and a lid (3, 4) covering it upwards with a bottom side and a top side (5),
wherein the container (1, 2) has a bottom (6, 7), a peripheral wall surface (8, 9) with a peripheral upper edge (11) and in the region of the bottom (6, 7) in the wall surface (8, 9 ), retracted stacking edge (10), and on at least two mutually opposite sides (8) of the wall surface (8, 9) attached to this holding elements (12, 13) and locking elements (16),
wherein the holding elements (12, 13) are pivotally and / or elastically deformable and with the latching elements (16) of a further container (1) arranged underneath, with its upper edge (11) on the stacking edge (10) of the container (2). can produce a releasable latching connection by pivoting and / or deforming, or with the latching elements (16) of a further container arranged above, the stacking edge at the upper edge (11) of the wall surface (8, 9) of the container (2) sits, one by pivoting and / or deforming releasable locking connection can produce,
and wherein the lid (3, 4) on its underside a substantially circumferential groove (19) for receiving the upper edge (11) of the container (3, 4), and holding elements (18) or latching elements (21) for producing a through Pivoting and / or deforming the holding elements (18) detachable locking connection with the container (1, 2),
characterized,
in that the cover (3, 4) is provided with retaining elements (18) as well as with latching elements (21) for releasable latching connections downwards and upwards. Stack container system according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the lid (3) on its upper side (5) at least one bead (23) for setting a container bottom (6, 7) and / or for insertion of an additional cover (4). Stacking container system according to one of claims 1 or 2,
characterized,
that the holding elements (18) of the cover (3, 4) are each formed by an extension of the groove (19). Stacking container system according to claims 2 and 3,
characterized,
in that the groove (19) for forming the holding elements (18) is in each case extended in such a depth that the groove bottom (20) is located above the plane of the upper side (5) of the lid (3, 4). Stapelbehättersystem according to at least one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized,
that the latching elements (21) of the cover (3, 4) at a the holding elements (18) forming part of the lid (3, 4) are arranged. Stacking container system according to at least one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized,
in that the lid (3, 4) has elastically deformable, formed tabs (18) to form the holding elements, which are substantially U-shaped in cross-section and with an inwardly oriented snap-in hook (17) and an outward on the outer U-leg oriented latching element (21) are provided. Stack container system according to claim 6,
characterized,
in that the latching element is designed as a recess (21) or opening for receiving a snap-in hook, (17) of a further cover (4) or container (1, 2). Intermediate cover for a stacking container system according to at least one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized,
that it is provided both with retaining elements (18) and with latching elements (16, 21) for releasable latching connections downwards and upwards.

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