EP2986520A1

EP2986520A1 - Divisible bottle crate

Info

Publication number: EP2986520A1
Application number: EP13750941.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tomislav PALAJSA
Original assignee: Kaplast dd
Current assignee: Ds Smith Plastics Karlovac d o o
Priority date: 2013-04-18
Filing date: 2013-07-19
Publication date: 2016-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-19
Also published as: HUE032226T2; DK2986520T3; HRP20170518T1; PL2986520T3; WO2014170703A1; EP2986520B1; SI2986520T1

Abstract

The divisible bottle crate consisting of two identically constructed crates (10, 10') comprising each three walls (11,11'), a bottom (13), a connecting wall (12,12') and a handle (20,20') connected to the connecting wall, where the divisible crate by action of the handles may be optionally disconnected to obtain two independent crates and connected along the connecting walls to form one crate. The lifting of the handles pulls pins (35, 35') into sleeves of the connecting wall and lowering of the handles pulls the pins out of the sleeves. Connection of the two crates is performed by the lowering of the handles which shifts the pins of both handles in order to interlock the sleeves located on the two connecting walls of the divisible crate. The proposed invention enables at the same time a simple and reliable vertical stacking either of the divisible bottle crate or of any of the individual crates (10, 10') forming the divisible bottle crate separately.

Description

DIVISIBLE BOTTLE CRATE

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to plastic bottle crates which are divisible. More particular, the field of the invention belongs to the crates with additional devices for the connection of two crates on their walls in the way that enables reliable and simple divisible connection activated by handles positioned within the crates .

Technical Problem

The first technical problem solved by the invention is to form a divisible crate in which the mechanism enabling such division will not take up usable space within the standard dimensions of the crate. In other words, the usable space will be equal to the space taken up by a standard crate which is not divisible, increasing the filling capacity and reducing logistic costs.

The second technical problem solved by the invention is the positioning of the mechanisms, for the division/connection and activation of it, to only one of the walls of each of the identical crates which, when connected, form a divisible bottle crate. The specificity of this mechanism is having a connecting wall with handgrips and seats on the bottom of the crate, identical to the handgrips and seats located on the walls of the crate which do not have the function of the connection and disconnection. At the same time, it enables a simple and reliable vertical stacking of either connected divisible bottle crates or disconnected individual parts of the divisible bottle crates.

The third technical problem solved by the invention is that each side of the crate, that through the connection forms a divisible bottle crate, can have marketing communication on it. This is possible because the connecting, mechanism is placed on the edges of the connecting walls and not in the central part. It is evident, that the specificity of these crates enables connecting any of the individually separated crates with any other indivisible crate of the same kind, therefore making an identical divisible bottle crate.

State of the Art

In the state of the art of divisible bottle crates, we have three general types of technical solutions. In the first type of technical solution, the activation or deactivation of connection is performed by the semicircular motion of handles being fastened to the side walls which are not connecting walls. Their motion is controlled by the mechanism for the connection/disconnection located in the edges of the connecting walls in such a way that each handle controls only one of the edges on which the connection of crates into one divisible crate takes place.

In the second type of technical solution, special geometrical constructions of the connecting walls are involved in the process of connecting parts of crates into one divisible crate. Matching grooves located on the connecting walls enable only the vertical shift of one crate in relation to another that can bring two crates into the connecting position. Mechanisms reinforcing crates connected in such a way into a divisible crate are various.

In the third type of the technical solution, a vertical shifting of the handles, in a relation to the crate, is controlled by the mechanism for the connection/disconnection located on the connecting wall. This solution is different from the first type of a technical solution. The vertical shift of one handle controls the connections located physically on a connecting wall left and right - which is not the case in the first type of technical solution. As one of the first technical solutions of the first type we have the document EP0048006 (Wefers W. ) published in 1982 describing a divisible bottle crate. By lifting of the handles, the connection slider-hooks located in the edges of the connecting walls are deactivated and the slider of one the crates no longer interlocks the hooks of the other crate. Each handle located on a single crate controls the connection/disconnection of only one connecting wall.

The document WO87/01676 (Auer H.) published in 1987 also describes a solution of the first type. It presents a modified solution referred to in EP0048006 in a segment of fastening where the hooks are replaced with pins. Fastening is performed on the edges of the connecting walls where each handle controls the connection with only one connecting wall, respectively allowing the connection on only one edge.

The document EP0388504 (Gotz) , published in 1990 presents a solution of the first type, and essentially has an easier construction than the EP0048006 and/or WO87/01676, but technically it still performs the same connecting function where each handle controls only one connecting wall.

The document DE102004004056 (Auer R. ) published in 2005 presents a solution of the first type of a modified way of fastening, however, each handle also controls only one connecting wall.

In all of these solutions of the first type, both crates connecting into one divisible crate are identical crates; the connection takes place on the edges. Therefore, the semi-circular motion of a handle in the first type of the solution controls only one connecting side - the one where a connecting mechanism is located - in order not to increase the thickness of the connecting walls. In our proposed invention, unlike the solution of the first type, a handle located on the connecting wall activates the connection on both the left and the right edge of the connecting wall simultaneously without increasing the dimensions of that wall, which enhances the method of connecting the two crates into a divisible crate.

The document EP0392273 (Cremer P.) published in 1990, presents a solution of the second type, where the system of the connecting parts of the crate is such that the grooves of one crate should be inserted into the grooves of the second crate. Each handle of a single crate controls the locking of one connecting wall as in the solution of the first type.

The document W094/16953 (Apps W.) published in 1994 presents a solution of the second type and is very similar to the technical solution described in the EP0392273. The system of connecting parts of the crates is through the use of the grooves. The system of locking the crates is activated by the sliding motion of the side wall (part of it) that is not involved in the connection of the crates. This solution is different from the one described in the EP0392273.

In all of the mentioned solutions of the second type, both crates connecting into one divisible crate are identical. Connection, in the form of the grooves, is performed throughout the width of the whole connecting wall. Such a connection is mechanically excellent but not practical for the quick connection and disconnection of a divisible bottle crate. Reinforcement of the crate in the connected position is at this moment of less importance, but is intelligently solved in the document EP0392273. Document EP0392273 describes the technical solution which enables each of the divisible crates to be carried by the handles. In contrast to our field of invention, this type of technical solution either increases the thickness of the connecting wall or is not practical for the quick connection and disconnection of the crates. Further, if the grooves in the crate are located over the whole connecting wall, as in W094/16953, it makes it impossible to place marketing communication and impairs the appearance of the crates. On the connecting wall the crates appear to lack something aesthetically. The document EP0389802 (Umiker, H.), published in 1990, presents a solution of the third type. The connecting points consist of a sleeve and a pin made on the connecting wall. Pins are moved inside the sleeve through the movement of handles. Each crate making a divisible bottle crate is produced identically and each has one activation handle placed in the centar of the crate itself. This technical solution is the closest to the proposed innovation in terms of fastening, and therefore the activation of the connection and disconnection. Unlike the EP0389802, in the proposed invention the entire handle mechanism is a part of the connecting wall, and takes up very little space. In the EP0389802, the activation handles are dislocated from a connecting wall. By pulling the handles in or out, one controls the relative position of a pin towards the sleeve located on the connecting wall. Furthermore, the handle in the proposed innovative technical solution has an additional function of participating in the vertical stacking of the crates, which is not the case in the technical solution described in EP0389802. Finally, in the solution described in the EP0389802, the central handle, whose position is controlled by the pins, does not allow for a simple placement of the connecting elements - sleeves and pins - on the edges of the connecting walls, as it is proposed in this invention. Because of this, the connecting wall in EP0389802 is also not suitable for placing marketing communication (such as in mould labels) and differs significantly from other crate walls. This lack of communication creates the impression with buyers or users that they are using part of the product (crate) and not a complete product .

The proposed invention therefore enhances the current situation by creating two complete crates that individually, although carrying half the capacity of bottles, appear to be a complete product with communication on all four walls (sides). This is possible because for the first time the connecting wall as well carries the communication, and is almost identical to the other walls having no connecting purposes. Background of the Invention

The divisible bottle crate according to the proposed invention consists of two identically designed crates with identically designed handles in the connecting walls. By the movement of the handles, and along the connecting walls, the divisible crate can be separated into two independent crates or reconnected back into one crate. Each of the independent crates are produced by an injection molding process in one piece consisting of three walls, the connecting wall and a bottom, between which there are partition walls defining the distribution of bottles inside the crate.

Each handle, produced separately, and combined with the connecting wall at a later stage, is embedded only in the connecting wall in such a way that it can be moved up-and-down relative to this connecting wall, for a defined distance determined by the stoppers arranged inside the connecting wall. The handle consists of the front line, out of which there extends the central and side guides. Side guides are equipped with pins and recesses. The connecting wall has, on its left and right edge, sleeves which together with the additional shortened sleeves form the support for receiving the side guides. In this way the left edge of one crate may be inserted into the right edge of the connecting wall of the oppositely placed crate when their connecting walls are leveled. The connecting wall has additional support for the main guides equipped with stoppers for the elastic leafs mounted on the main guides that prevent the detachment of the handle and the crate.

When a handle is pulled out to the uppermost position in relation to the crate, it is then that the pins designed on the side guides are pulled into the regular and shortened sleeves on the left and the right edge of the connecting wall. However, the pins are not pulled into the regular and shortened sleeves positioned closest to the bottom of the crate. It is then that the recesses on the side guides of the crate are positioned to receive all regular or shortened sleeves of the oppositely disposed crate that is to form one complete connected crate.

In connecting the opposite crates, pins of one crate insert into the sleeves of the other crate and vice versa, fastening connecting walls on their edges. The relative position of the pins, in relation to the sleeves in which they are inserted, is controlled by the position of the handles in relation to connecting walls. The connection of the two crates making a divisible crate is locked (finished) upon leveling the upper edge of the handles with the upper edge of the crate. The connection of the crate is unlocked when the upper edge of the handles is detached from the upper edge of the crate to the extent that the pins of one crate are no longer in the sleeves of the opposite crate.

Leveling the upper edge of the handle with the upper edge of the crate provides for a leveled surface which enables a lower edge of the vertically stacked crate on the top of the observed crate to sit in. Naturally, the bottom of the upper crate (stacked on top of the observed crate) enters the seat provided on both the lower (observed) crate and its handles. This vertical stacking ensures sufficient space between the bottles and the crates as do the standard beverage crates. In addition, this divisible bottle crate also allows for classical vertical stacking of the same divisible crates or vertical stacking of separate individual crates.

The construction of the divisible bottle crate, particularly the way of connecting each identical crate with the handles being part of the edges of the connecting walls, leaves a sufficient space for advertising .

Short Description of the Figures

The proposed invention is shown in Figures 1 to 21. Figure 1 shows a divisible bottle crate in a connected state, Figure 2 shows the first step of activating a disconnection (disassembly) of a divisible crate. Figure 3 shows a divisible crate disconnected into two crates with handles for activation still lifted. Figure 4 shows two identical crates with activation handles lowered, which if lifted can provide for crates to be assembled.

Figure 5 shows an interrelation of the connecting elements of the oppositely placed crates before their connection. Figure 6 shows an above view of a divisible crate with the arrangement of the basic construction parts. Also shown, a cross-section A-A of the crate and the length L with the same cross-section is shown in more detail in Figures 18-21.

Figure 7 shows the connecting wall on which the connection is affected. Partially, one can also see the two walls without this technical function.

Figure 8 shows a crate without the activation handle in its isometric outline and Figure 9 shows the view from below the crate shown in the Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows the activation handle in its isometric outline and Figure 11 shows the view from below the handle shown in Figure 10, from the direction of the end of guides. Figure 12 illustrates the assembling operation for the activation of the handle into the connecting wall. Figure 13 shows the assembly of the activation handle into the connecting wall before achieving a position in which disassembling the handle from the crate is not possible.

Figure 14 shows the cross-section provided along the line B-B on th connecting wall of a crate which is partly shown in Figure 15 Figure 16 shows the side view of the crate with inserted handl towards a connecting wall, when the activation handle is in th locking position. Figure 17 shows a side view of. the crate toward the connecting wall, when activation handle is in the unlockin position. The same figure, through the slots between handle guides shows the opposite wall of the same crate, which does not have a coupling function.

Figure 18 and Figure 19 show the cross-section along the line A-A shown in Figure 6 in the length "L" corresponding to the position of the divisible bottle crate shown in Figures 1 and Figure 2. Figure 20 and Figure 21 show the cross-section along the line A-A shown in Figure 6 in the length "L", corresponding to the position of the divisible bottle crate shown in Figure 3.

Detailed Description

The proposed invention pertains to a divisible bottle crate. Regardless of the considerably large number of technical solutions of the prior state of the art, the main idea of this invention was to design a divisible bottle crate in which the complete mechanism is positioned only in the connecting wall of each of the basic crates. In this way, each of the crates in the proposed invention looks like a separate crate with the possibility of interconnection in a horizontal direction, and a standard vertical stacking.

The terms "up" and "down" are used in this text in relation to a crate placed on the ground. The direction "up" means movement in the direction from the bottom to the top of the crate, and "down" means movement in the direction towards the bottom of a crate.

The divisible bottle crate is shown in its assembled position in Figure 1. The divisible bottle crate consists of two identical crates (10, 10') interconnected by connecting walls. The mark "hyphen" will be used for a set of positions referring to a crate (10') which is fastened to the crate (10) either in the horizontal assembly or in the vertical stacking. As the crates are identical (10, 10'), the combination of crates (10) is not limited to a particular divisible crate, but crates (10) of various divisible crates of the same type could be interconnected without limitation, as it is usual and known from the prior state of the art. Each crate (10) is made of suitable plastomers well known in the state of the art, as used in the injection molding process. However, other technologies and processes are also possible. In each crate (10, 10') there is an inserted handle regulating the locking (connecting) or unlocking (disconnecting) of the crate (10) from the opposite crate (10')· Figures 2, 3 and 4 show the separation procedure of a bottle crate into two crates (10, 10') by pulling out the handles (20, 20' ) from their bearings in the way that eventual consumer (person) would use the divisible crate.

Each of the crates (10) consists of three walls (11) that do not have the technical function of assembling (connection) , and a connecting wall (12) with the function to connect with another crate. All three walls (11), connecting wall (12), and the bottom (13) of the crate (10) are designed together with the partition walls (17), produced by the injection molding process, and constitute a single body - the crate (10) to which only for the sake of simplicity of description, we assigned positions. This object is graphically shown in Figure 8. A handle (20) is together with all its elements designed separately from the crate (10) of suitable plastomers, by some of the standard techniques of plastic processing, such as the process of injection molding, and is later inserted into the crate (10) . A handle is shown in Figure 10.

In Figure 1 we see that each wall (11) or (11') is equipped with the handgrip (14) or (14') respectively below which there is the elliptical opening for fingers of a user, by which he or she grasps one of the handgrips (14, 14') . The elliptic space for the fingers of a user is within the creating scope, however any other embodiment enabling the same technical function is welcomed. On the top of each wall (11) there is a top edge (15) . In the assembled position of the divisible crate, edges (15, 15') are leveled with the corresponding top edges of the handle's handgrip (25, 25'). Likewise, the height of the seats (16, 16') located on the connections of the walls (11, 11'), as well as the seats (26, 26') located on the handle (20, 20' ), are positioned in the same level with the bottom (13) . The purpose of the seats (16, 16') and (26, 26') is a reception of the arch part of the bottom (13, 13' ) during the vertical stacking of the divisible crate or each of the single crates (10, 10' ) . It is done in a way common to the commercial usage, and well known in the state of the art. Arched parts of the bottom (13) are well visible in the Figure 9, showing a view from below of the crate (10) . Such a vertical assembly also enables the clearance of the arched part of the bottom (13, 13') in seats (16, 16') and (26, 26'), as it is usual in the state of the art.

Figure 2 shows the beginning of a disconnection of the two crates. The handles (20, 20') are partly pulled out of the bearings within the crates (10, 10') in which the mentioned handles (20, 20') are embedded. The upper edges of the handle's handgrip (25, 25') are no longer in the same level as the top edges (15, 15') located above the walls (11, 11') . However, the disconnection is still not possible since the handles (20, 20' ) have not reached the position in which the crates (10, 10') are unlocked one from the other.

Figure 3 shows the position of the handles (20, 20' ) when they are partially pulled out of the crates (10, 10') . When completely pulled out, the connecting elements are completely separated, and it is possible to separate the crates (10, 10') . Partial arrangement of the sleeves (30') on the connecting wall (12') is visible. Also visible is the arrangement of the shortened sleeves (40') . However, while the sleeves (30' ) participate in the connecting/disconnecting functions of the crates (10, 10'), shortened sleeves (40') do not. The basic technical function of the shortened sleeves (40) of the crate (10) is to fasten the walls (11) to the connecting wall (12) on their ends. Without these shortened sleeves (40), parts of the walls (11) or the connecting walls could be torn off. However, it is important to point out that the invention is also functional without the shortened sleeves (40) . Figure 4 shows a final stage of disconnecting the divisible crate. Handles (20, 20' ) are returned to the position as shown in Figure 1 to each of the crates (10, 10') which results in leveling the edges (15, 15') with the corresponding upper edges of the handle's handgrip (25, 25'). The protrusion (37') and the bore (38') located on the connecting wall (12') of a Figure 4, are dimensioned in such a way that the protrusion (37') fits the bore (38) located on the connecting wall (12), while the protrusion (37) fits the bore (38') located on the connecting wall (12'). The protrusions (37, 37') and the bores (38, 38') located on the connecting walls (12, 12') have the technical purpose of providing a precise leveling of the connecting walls (12, 12') to the correct position for the assembly already defined by the sleeves (30, 30' ) and the shortened sleeves (40, 40') . On the example shown in Figure 4, the connecting wall (12') has only one protrusion (37') and only one bore (38'). However, an expert of the field is aware of the fact, that the number of protrusions (37) and bores (38) may be larger. The condition is that the distribution of protrusions and bores should be arranged in such a way, that by confrontation of the connecting wall (12) and the connecting wall (12') of the identical crates (10, 10'), each protrusion (37, 37') moves into the corresponding bore (38', 38).

Figure 5 shows the confronting crates (10, 10') in such a way that the elements involved in the assembly of the crates (10, 10') could be better visible. Regarding the fact that the crates (10, 10') are identical, the location of the sleeves (30, 30' ) and the shortened sleeves (40, 40') located on the edges of the connecting walls (12, 12'), which spatially supplement each other, is here clearly outlined. In the proposed innovation, the location of the sleeves (30) on the left and the right side of the connecting wall (12) alternate. The sleeves (30, 30') are involved in the assembly of the crates (10, 10') through pins (35, 35') located on the side guides (23, 23') shown in the Figure 10. Location (arrangement) of the sleeves (30) on the connecting wall (12) is done in such a way to allow for adequate leveling of the connecting walls (12) and (12'). In addition, the sleeves (30) and the shortened sleeves (40) are located in the corresponding recesses (31' ) provided on the side guides (23' ) of the handle (20' ) . At the same time, the sleeves (30' ) and the shortened sleeves (40' ) are also inserted into the corresponding recesses (31) provided on the side guides (23) of the handle (20) . The arrangement of the sleeves (30) and shortened sleeves (40) is most noticeable in Figure 8 which shows an isometric outline of the crate (10) without the handle. Here it should be emphasized that Figure 8 presents only an illustration of one version of the technical solution according to this invention. An expert of the field is aware of the fact that the location of the 3 sleeves (30) on the left edge of the connecting wall (12) and 2 sleeves on the right edge of the connecting wall (12) is not the only possible arrangement. The only condition for the location of the sleeves and shortened sleeves is that by leveling the connecting walls (12, 12') of the crates (10, 10'), all sleeves (30) and shortened sleeves (40) enter the gaps created by the sleeves (30' ) or shortened sleeves (40'), as it is graphically shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6 shows the top view perpendicular to the leveled and connected walls (12, 12') of the divisible crate according to the proposed innovation. All protrusions (37, 37') are then located in the bores (38, 38') which are not shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6 we see the location of the partition walls (17) used for positioning the bottles, grate-like designed bottom (13), as well as the positions of the seating (16, 16') of the walls (11) and a seating (26, 26') provided on the handles (20, 20').

A detailed construction of the connecting wall (12) is shown in Figure 7, and the way it integrates with the walls (11) is shown in Figure 8. The left and the right edge of the connecting wall (12) are equipped with the sleeves (30) . The right edge is additionally equipped with the shortened sleeves (40) arranged in a way mentioned above, whereas the space between the edges is the newly created space for advertising. In this way, the third technical problem is solved. On the left and the right top, the connecting wall (12) moves to the seatings (19) which make a part of the wall (11). The technical purpose of the seating (19) of the wall (11) is to receive the seat (29) located on the front line (21) of a handle (20) . Seating surfaces are designed in such a way that they direct the handle (20) towards the crate (10) when a load (stacking) is applied from the top of the handle (20) which improves the integrity of the crate (10) and the handle (20) when vertically stacked (loaded) . This is visible in Figure 15.

Figure 7 and Figure 8 also show the construction of the upper edge of the connecting wall (34) which in its central part forms the lower edge of the handgrip window (43) . In the proposed example, this lower edge of the handgrip window (43) is designed as half ellipse. However, it is clear that it could assume any other suitable form, retaining thereby the same technical function. At the bottom of the wall there is the bottom edge (18) which is common for the connecting wall (12), as well as other walls (11) of the crate (10), as shown in Figure 9. Mutual position of the compatible pair "bore (38) - protrusions (37)" is also clearly visible in Figure 7.

Figure 8 and Figure 12 show a distribution of supports (33) for the external guides -(23) and a distribution of supports (32) for the main guides (22). The proposed example of the crate (10) has two supports (33), and two supports (32) . The expert of the field understands that the number of supports (32) for the main guides

(22) may be optional. It depends on the design of the lower edge of the handgrip window (43), and the design of the partition walls

(17) . For example, if the lower edge of the handgrip window (43) would be divided into two parts between which two parts there would be an upper edge (34) of the connecting wall (12), the same handgrip could have another support (32) for the third and main guide (22) .

Figure 10 shows a perspective view on the handle (20) and Figure 11 shows a top view of the handle (20) . The handle (20) consists of the front line (21) facing away from the centre of the crate (10) towards the outside - towards the user. The front line (21) on its lower side is partly straight, as well as the upper edge (34) of the connecting wall (12) on which it seats with its lower edge (24) . The lower edge of the handle's handgrip (24) is designed as a mirror image of the upper edge (34) of the connecting wall (12), but this is not a technical condition. The upper edge of the handgrip window (44) is located between the lower edges of the handle's handgrip (24) on the front line (21). Its configuration, of course, depends on two situations. Firstly, it depends on the number of main guides (22) protruding from the front line (21) . Secondly it depends on the design of the lower edge of the handgrip window (43) on the connecting wall (12), taking into consideration ergonomic requirements .

The rear part of the front line (21) of the connecting wall (12) is formed in such a way, that it is similar to the rear part of the handgrip (14) located on the opposite wall (11), and in this part it has the ribbed handgrip (28) . In other parts the rear part of the front line (21) follows the form of bottles as does the opposite wall (11) as well. Such a construction contributes to the aesthetics, but is not conditioned by any technical requirements. The form of the front line (21) and the opposite wall (11) is visible by the comparison of Figures 6, 8 and 11. From the front line (21), the main guides (22) and the side guides (23) protrude, (see Figure 10) , which in this example come together before the upper edge of the handgrip window (44) on the front line (21) .

Although we have discussed that the number of main guides (22) may be optional, it is nevertheless conditioned by an arrangement of the partition walls (17), because the supports (32) take a certain space on the connecting wall (12). However, to have an equal load, the optimal number of guides in this construction is two. Each of the main guides (22) is equipped with the elastic leaf (27) which may be pressed towards the guide (22) into the place anticipated for it, as shown in Figure 10. The elastic leaf (27) has a technical function to prevent the handle (20) , which had been already inserted into the connecting wall (12) of the crate, of falling out. The side guides (23) have multiple technical functions. On its surface, the side guides (23) have pins (35) and recesses (31) . The pins (35) get snagged only on the sleeves (30' ) of the opposite crate (10')· Therefore the pins (35) on the left side guide (23) correspond to the arrangement of the sleeve (30) on the right edge of the connecting wall (12). In the same way the pins (35) on the right side guide (23) correspond to the arrangement of the sleeve

(30) of the left edge of the connecting wall (12). The recesses (31) located on the guides (23) are similarly arranged. The recesses (31) of the left side guide (23) correspond to the positions of the sleeves (30) or shortened sleeves (40) on the right edge of the connecting wall (12). The recesses (31) of the right side guide (23) correspond to the positions of the sleeves (30) or shortened sleeves

(40) on the left edge of the connecting wall (12). Figure 12 clearly shows that in front of each pin (35) there is a recess (31) for receiving the sleeves (30') of the opposite connecting wall (12'). Also, on guides (23) , there are also recesses (31) for receiving the sleeves (40') of the opposite connecting wall (12'), and not corresponding to the pins (35) .

The method of inserting the handle (20) into the connecting wall (12) is shown in Figure 12. The connecting wall (12) is shown without the connection to the walls (11). The side guides (23) are inserted into the support (33) located on the connecting wall (12), while the main guides (22) are inserted into the support (32) located in the connecting wall (12). The moment just before the handle (20) jumps into the connecting wall (12) is shown in Figure 13. The elastic leafs (27) located on the main guides (22) are still outside of the connecting wall (12) and have not skipped over the narrowings formed by the stoppers (39) within the supports (32) of the main guides (22) .

Figure 14 shows a cross-section along the line B-B on the connecting wall (12) of the crate (10), shown in Figure 15, with the view of the wall (11) when the handle (20) is completely inserted within the connecting wall (12). Figure 14 shows a position of the stoppers (39) provided on the connecting spot of the lower edge of the handgrip window (43) , and the upper edge (34) of the connecting wall (12) and a part of the supports (32) for guides (22). This position may be different from the described one as long as it performs the same technical function, and depending on the position of the elastic leafs (27).

In other words, looking at the mechanics of it, the stopper (39) presents a narrowing of the cross-section of the support (32) for the main guide (22) . Below the stopper (39) there is a space with the larger cross-section of the support (32) of the main guides (22), and there the elastic leafs (27) may extend in the same manner as outside of the connecting wall (12). In this manner the guides (22) may move in the space of the support (32) up and down without a delay for a length defined by the distance between the top of the elastic leaf (27) and the stopper (39) when the handle (20) is fully inserted into the connecting wall (12), as shown in Figure 16. Pulling out the handle (20) is possible in a distance only until the top of the elastic leafs (27) get snagged on the stoppers (39) . Such a position is shown in Figure 17. In this manner the handle (20) once inserted into the connecting wall (12) cannot spontaneously fall out. Open elastic leafs (27) are positioned to close a small angle towards the direction of the main guides' (22) expansion. An extraordinary force of pulling out the handle (20) would be necessary in order that its component, which acting parallely on the elastic leaf (27), would break the mentioned leaf within the support (32) of the guide (22). In addition, because the top of the elastic leaf (27) leans with one part against the rear side of the guide's (22) support, breaking of the leaf is very much unlikely.

Figure 15 additionally shows the method in which the seating (29) of the handle (20) leans against the seating (19) located on the wall (11). Alternate arrangement of the sleeves is clearly visible from this view angle; all sleeves located on the left side of the connecting wall (12) in Figure 15 are grouped with one mark (30), and the sleeves located on the right side of the connecting wall (12) are grouped with the other mark (30).

The functioning of the handle (20) within the connecting wall (12), as the element controlling a connection, is shown in Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 shows the side view of the crate (10) facing the connecting wall (12) when the handle (20) is completely lowered, and in such a way that the lower edge of handle's handgrip (24) on the front line (21) corresponds to the upper edge (34) of the connecting wall (12). At that moment, according to the proposed construction, the lower edge of the handgrip window (43) and the upper edge of the handgrip window (44) form an elliptical opening equal to the opening below the handgrip (14) on the walls (11), which does not have the function of connection.

This is at the same time the position which enables the locking of the crate - if in adequate and the above described manner - is positioned with the oppositely positioned crate (10'). Upon the alignment of the crates (10) and (10') by means of the connecting walls (12, 12'), the locking can take place. If we consider only a relative position of the handle (20) in relation to the connecting wall (12) shown in Figure 16, we shall see that dimensionally such a formation - "handle + wall" - corresponds to the opposite wall (11) of the same crate (10). It is visible that all pins (35) protrude from the sleeve (30) to the space in which - in case of coupling - there should be sleeves (30') of the connecting wall (12') of the crate (10' ) .

Figure 17 shows the side view on the crate (10) facing the connecting wall (12) when the handle (20) is lifted to the fullest in a way that the lower edge of the handle's handgrip (24) on the front line (21) is pushed the farthest away from the upper edge (34) of the connecting wall (12). Below the upper edge of the handgrip window (44) we see a part of the handgrip (14) of the wall (11), being opposite to the connecting wall (12). Between the upper edge (34) of the connecting wall (12) and the lower edge of the handle's handgrip (24) on the front line (21) there is a visible part of the main guides (22) and a part of the side guides (23) . Different from the situation shown in Figure 14, all pins (35) are now pulled into the sleeves (30) and shortened sleeves (40) . In addition, recesses (31) on the side guides (23) are ready for receiving the sleeves (30') and shortened sleeves (40'), located on the connecting wall (12') of the other crate (10'). The position shown in Figure 17 shows the unlocked position in which pins (35) are not able to interact with the sleeves (30' ) .

Figures 18, 19, 20, and 21 show a cross-section along the line A-A shown in the Figure 6 in the length "L". Figure 18 corresponds to the state shown in Figure 1: divisible crate is assembled and both crates (10, 10') are firmly connected. Both handles (20, 20') are in the locked position, while each pin (35, 35' ) is hooked up on the corresponding sleeve (30', 30) of the crate (10', 10). The state shown in Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 2 where the handles (20, 20') are only inconsiderably lifted from the locked position. Each pin (35, 35' ) still interlocks partly the corresponding sleeve (30' , 30) of the crate (10', 10). The crates (10, 10') are still firmly connected one to another.

The state shown in Figure 20 corresponds to the Figure 3 where the handles (20, 20' ) are lifted to the fullest and the divisible crate may be disconnected along the connecting walls (12, 12').

Figure 21 shows the same situation as the Figure 20, where the crates are a little bit more distant from each other, and where both handles (20, 20' ) are pulled out to the unlocked position together with the side guides (23, 23') also. The pins (35, 35') are positioned fully within the sleeves (30', 30), and respectively in the shortened sleeves (40', 40), while at the same time the recesses (31, 31' ) are ready for possible new receiving of corresponding sleeves (30', 30), if the crates (10, 10') should be connected. It is evident that such a technical solution solves the previously mentioned first and second technical problem in the whole. Compared with the documents found in the state of the art, the proposed innovation describes that this method of coupling the connecting walls through the means of their edges is more reliable and more firm. Each handle (20, 20') inserted into the connecting walls (12, 12' ) controls the connection or disconnection, which takes place simultaneously on both edges of the connecting walls (12, 12').

It is important to mention that in the mentioned example shown in Figures 18-21, unlocking one divisible crate (10) by pulling out one handle (20) pulls the other handle (20' ) to the unlocked position of the crate (10' )·, which results in a disconnection of the divisible crate. If necessary, in a way known to the expert of the field, it could be constructionally realized that by pulling out one handle (20) from the crate (10), the other handle (20') is not simultaneously pulled out of the crate (10'). This could be achieved by shortening the supports of the pin (35) by which they are connected with the guide (23). Another way of achieving the above mentioned situation is to change the bearing and the number of sleeves and pins. Considering the technical problem, it is easily noticeable that this is not necessary. In other words, the eventual user wants either connected divisible crate or disconnected divisible crate (crates (10, 10')) with the least movement possible. The technical solution where pulling out one handle (20) causes the pulling out of the other handle (20' ) to the unlocking position, forms a connection between the crates (10, 10' ) which is essentially more reliable in the locked position.

It is noticeable that there are solutions in the state of the art by which one handle simultaneously unlocks both the left and the right connections on the same connecting wall. However, because of the positioning of the activation handle deep inside the space used for bottles, such a solution could not reposition the left and the right connection fully to the edges of the connecting walls. The solution of this technical problem, in a simple and elegant way, presents the main characteristic of the proposed innovation, and the considered product construction. The term "simple" means that the presented innovation enables a simple serial production, and a simple assembly of the final product with only two parts: the crate (10) and the handle (20) which is inserted in the crate.

Industrial Applicability

Industrial applicability of the proposed invention is unquestionable. The invention offers compact solution for connecting and disconnecting of the divisible bottle crate where the whole mechanism is located in the connecting walls.

References

10 - crate

11 - wall

12 - connecting wall

13 - bottom

14 - handgrip

15 - top edge

16 - seating

17 - partition walls

18 - bottom edge

19 - seating

20 - handle

21 - front line

22 - main guide

23 - side guide

24 - lower edge of handle handgrip

25 - top edge of handle handgrip

26 - seating

27 - elastic leaf

28 - ribbed handgrip

29 - seating

30 - sleeve

31 - recess

32 - support

33 - support

34 - upper edge (of a connecting wall)

35 - pin

37 - protrusion

38 - bore

39 - stopper

40 - shortened sleeve

43 - lower edge of the handgrip window

44 - upper edge of the handgrip window

Claims

1. A divisible bottle crate consists of two identically constructed crates (10, 10') with identically constructed handles (20, 20') located within said crates (10, 10'), where divisible bottle crate is divisible via handles (20, 20' ) movement into two independent crates (10, 10') along the connecting walls (12, 12' ) , and can be assembled back along the same connecting walls (12, 12') into one divisible crate; each crate (10) is constructed as a single unit made of three walls (11), the connecting wall (12) and a bottom (13), among which there are partition walls (17) defining arrangement of bottles within the crate, characterized in that:

- the handle (20) is located only in one connecting wall (12) of a crate (10) in a way that it can move up and down relative to the said connecting wall (12); where said handle (20) consists of a front line (21) from which there protrude a central guides (22) and side guides (23), the side guides (23) being equipped with the pins (35) and the recesses (31);

- the connecting wall (12) of the crate (10) has on its left and its right edge arranged sleeves (30) forming together with the shortened sleeves (40) the supports (33) for receiving the side guides (23) where the arrangement of the sleeves (30, 30') on the edges of the connecting walls (12, 12') is provided in such a way, that the left edge of the connecting wall (12) of the crate (10) may be inserted into the right edge of the connecting wall (12' ) of the oppositely positioned crate (10') when the connecting walls (12, 12') are leveled in a way that all the protrusions (37, 37') on the connecting walls (12, 12') are positioned within all the bores (38', 38) provided on the connecting walls (12', 12);

- the connecting wall (12) has supports (32) for the main guides (22) equipped with stoppers (39) for the elastic leafs (27) located on the main guides (22) of the handle (20), where the elastic leafs (27) block a disconnection of the handle (20) from the crate (10) ; and - when the handle (20) is pulled out to the uppermost position in relation to the crate (10), the pins (35) located on the side guides (23) are pulled into the sleeves (30) and shortened sleeves (40) on the left and the right edge of the connecting wall (12), except in the sleeve (30) and the shortened sleeve (40) positioned nearest to the bottom (13); and the recesses (31) are ready for receiving all sleeves (30') or shortened sleeves (40^r) of the oppositely positioned crate (10' ) .

2. The divisible bottle crate according to claim 1, characterized in that at the assembly of the crate (10) with the opposite crate (10'), the pins (35) get snagged on the sleeves (30') and the pins (35' ) to the sleeves (30) , joining thereby the connecting walls (12, 12') on their edges, where by the relative position of the pins (35, 35' ) to the relative position of the corresponding sleeves (30', 30) are controlled by the relative position of the handles (20, 20') in relation to the connecting walls (12, 12') of the crates (10, 10' ) .

3. The divisible bottle crate according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that:

- the mutual connection of the crates (10, 10') is locked upon leveling of the top edge of the handle's handgrip (25, 25') with the top edge (15, 15') of the crates (10, 10'), whereas all protrusions (37, 37' ) are positioned within all bores (38', 38); and

- the mutual connection of the crates (10, 10') is unlocked when the top edge of the handle's handgrip (25, 25') is moved away from the top edge (15, 15') of the crate (10, 10') to such a stage that the pins (35, 35' ) do not interlock with the corresponding sleeves (30', 30) any more.

4. The divisible bottle crate according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that leveling the top edge of the handle's handgrip (25) with the top edge (15) of the crate (10) results in creating a support level enabling the leaning of the bottom edge (18') of another vertically stacked crate (10') on top of the observed crate (10) , while the upper edge of the handgrip window (44) on the handle (20) with the lower edge of the handgrip window (43) provided on the connecting wall (12), form the space for receiving the ribbed handgrip (28) provided on the handle (20) .

The divisible bottle crate according to the claim 4, characterized in that the space for receiving the ribbed handgrip

(28) on the connecting wall (12) has the identical geometrical shape as the space for receiving the handgrip (14) on the wall

(11).

The divisible bottle crate according to any of the claims 4 or 5, characterized in that it enables vertical stacking of the same divisible crates or vertical stacking of the same separate crates (10), where the seats (16, 26) provided, located on the lower crates (10) with the belonging handles (20), serve for the precise leaning positioning of all of the bottom edges (18') of the upper crates against all of the edges (15, 25) of the lower crates, and where in the mentioned seats (16, 26) , bottoms (13' ) of the upper crates fit with necessary clearance.

The divisible bottle crate according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the positioning of the sleeves (30), the shortened sleeves (40), and the pins (35) to the edges of the connecting wall (12) of the crate (10), leaves a suitable advertising space between the guides (33) .