EP2990346A1

EP2990346A1 - A stackable case

Info

Publication number: EP2990346A1
Application number: EP15182789.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mehmet HALUK
Original assignee: Makel Uluslararasi Isitma-Sogutma Ve Yalitim Malzemeleri Sanayi Ticaret Ltd Sirketi; Makel Uluslararasi Isitma Sogutma Ve Yalitim Malzemeleri Sanayi Ticaret Ltd Sirketi
Current assignee: Makel Mekanik Muehendislik AS
Priority date: 2014-08-28
Filing date: 2015-08-27
Publication date: 2016-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-27
Also published as: ES2768600T3; DK2990346T3; EP2990346B1; PL2990346T3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stackable case (1), which enables cases of different sizes to be stacked in the vehicle and transported or stored and which can be stacked transversely and longitudinally. Basically, stacking feature is attained by engagement of the protrusions (5) provided on the lid (3) with the recesses (6) provided on the bottom of the body (2), and strength and endurance is achieved by the bands (4) provided on the lid (3) and the combined recesses (7) provided on the bottom of the body (2). Handles (8) are mounted to facilitate carrying of the stackable case (1) and leakage problems are prevented by performing this mounting process without carrying out piercing and cutting operations.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cases of different sizes which can be stacked one on top of the other. Today many products are carried/transported and stored in carrying/transport cases and bags. It is very important that the products are not crushed or broken or damaged in any similar way. Additionally, the fact that the products do not occupy much space during transport and storage procedures is very important in terms of cost. These cases and bags which are used for transport and storage are aimed to be stackable in order to reduce the amount of space they occupy.
There are protrusions and recesses provide on the transport cases for purposes of stacking and strength. It is important for the transport cases or bags not to crush each other and not to tumble down during stacking in order to prevent the transported goods from getting damaged.
In the prior art different types of cases cannot be placed one on top of another when they are required to be stored in the same storage area or transported with the same vehicle and they cause loss of space. Furthermore, since high stacking can only be done unidirectionally , the cases (especially thin and tall cases) may easily tumble down to one side.
In addition to these, in order to mount the handles in the cases of the prior art, the case is pierced and a plate is arranged at the rear side for connection. Since this process is made by piercing the case, it causes leaking problem immediately or after a period time of use.
United States Patent document no. US7537119 B2 , an application known in the state of the art, discloses a stackable case and a method. There are recesses and protrusions on the case for enabling stacking and providing strength. The said recesses and protrusions can be of any size.
Japanese patent document no. JP2004041573 A , an application in the state of the art, discloses a case that is designed to allow stacking. While the said cases can be used in many fields, they are specifically used for carrying, storing and stacking musical instruments. The case is provided with a strip-shaped recess for stacking in a longitudinal direction of one surface and a strip-shaped protrusion for stacking on the other surface. The strips are produced by a single mold. The strip-shaped recesses and the strip-shaped protrusions can be molded with any predetermined height and width to allow stacking with different type of cases.
European Patent document no. EP2238039 B1 , an application known in the state of the art, discloses a container assembly used for storage and transport of goods. The first portion includes a first stacking pattern and the second portion has an outer surface that includes a second stacking pattern which is different from the first stacking pattern and configured to engage the first stacking pattern.

Summary of the Invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide a stackable case, which enables cases of different sizes to be stacked in the vehicle and transported or stored and which can be stacked transversely and longitudinally.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a stackable case to which a handle is mounted that prevents leakage problems.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A stackable case developed to fulfill the objective of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures wherein,

Figure 1 is a view of stacking of cases having different sizes.
Figure 2 is a view of the lid and body of the stackable case.
Figure 3 is a view of the wheels of the stackable cases and the insert used in mounting thereof.
Figure 4 is the view of the handle of the stackable cases and the insert used in mounting thereof.
Figure 5 is a top view of the lid of the stackable case.
Figure 6 is a bottom view of the body of the stackable case.
Figure 7 is a view of the stacking section.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of a part mounted into the stackable case.
Figure 9 is a view of the cases stacked one on top of another on the pallet.

The components in the figures are given reference numbers as follows:

1. Stackable case
2. Body
3. Lid
4. Band
5. Protrusion
6. Recess
7. Combined recess
8. Handle
- 81. Handle insert
P. Pallet
W. Wheel

A stackable case (1) of the present invention basically comprises

at least one body (2) in which the equipment is transported and stored,
at least one lid (3) which enables stacking one on top of another by means of the geometric figures provided thereon,
at least two bands (4) which are located on the lid (3) and which prevent any deformation on the lid (3),
at least two protrusions (5) which are located on the lid (3) and which enable stacking,
at least two recesses (6) which are located on the bottom of the body (2) and which prevent the cases from moving forward-backward and right-left during stacking since they engage with the protrusions (5) provided on the lid (3),
at least two combined recesses (7) which are located on the bottom of the body (2) and which engage with the bands (4) and enhance strength,
at least two handles (8) which enable to carry the stackable cases (1) and which do not require piercing the stackable case (1) during mounting thereof.

Space saving and safe stacking are provided by means of arranging the stackable cases (1) one on top of another. Stacking height can be increased by stacking the first row transversely and the second row longitudinally. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lengths and widths of the stackable cases (1) are adjusted to be multiples of 100 mm.
The angles (α₁, α₂) of the recesses (6) and the protrusions (5) provided in the stackable cases (1) of the present invention are the same (Figure 7). This way, the recesses (6) and the protrusions (5) are aimed to be completely engaged with each other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the angles (α₁, α₂) of the recesses (6) and the protrusions (5) are 9 degrees. The said angle is a suitable angle, which enables to locate the product easily during stacking, and which prevents the cases from tumbling down by resisting against the impacts and oscillations acting on the cases.
Depth of the recesses (6) provided at the bottom of the body (2) are greater than the protrusions (5) provided on the lid (3), and a gap remains when stacked; and this gap enables the users to mount another material into the stackable case (1). In some special stackable cases (1), a metal chassis is arranged within the case and the materials that will be transported are mounted onto the said chassis by connections. The head of the connecting member does not impede stacking thanks to the gap formed during engagement, when the material within the body (2) is fixed into the body (2) via a connecting member. Due to the fact that the patterns on the stackable cases (1) are the same in all products, determining the distance between these holes becomes easier.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gaps formed after engagement are 6 mm.
The band (4) provided on the lid (3) moves from one long side to another and repeats at predetermined intervals/sizes. The bands (4) provide resistance against the loads formed on the lid (3) during stacking and reduce the deformation on the lid (3). Since the band (4) form is formed all along from one long side of the stackable case (1) to the other long side, it transmits the loads acting on the center of the lid (3) to the sides proportionally and thereby distributes the forces that will be produced to the more resistant parts of the case.
In the stackable case (1) of the present invention, there are protrusions (5) on the band (4) which are preferably square and repeat at predetermined intervals. While the bands (4) provide strength, the protrusions (5) thereon engage with the recesses (6) provided on the body (2) and enable stacking.
The protrusions (5) provided on the band (4) are intended for stacking purposes.
In the stackable case (1) of the present invention, the protrusions (5) may be provided on all of the bands (4) or some protrusions (5) on the current band (4) can be cancelled for simplicity. These processes that can be performed do not ruin the stacking pattern.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are recesses (6) on the bottom of the body (2) having 100 mm intervals therebetween transversely and longitudinally (Figure 2). The recesses (6) located on the second, fourth, seventh and ninth rows are combined forming the combined recesses (7). Transport strength of the case is enhanced by means of this combination. The number of the combined recesses (7) can be increased or decreased. These changes do not ruin the stacking pattern.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are bands (4) at predetermined intervals on the lid (3) and protrusions (5) on some of the bands (4).
For example, there are protrusions (5) on the bands (4) provided on the lid (3) at first, third, fifth, sixth, eighth and tenth rows. To receive them, on the bottom of the body (2), recesses are provided 6) at the first, third, fifth, sixth, eighth and tenth rows along with combined recesses (7) at other sections and they provide stacking and strength.
As the size of the stackable cases (1) increases, deformation that may occur on the lid (3) can be reduced by increasing the height of the bands (4) and this change does not affect the stacking pattern.
Shape and size of the combined recesses (7) may differ according to the sizes of the stackable cases (1).
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, when the stackable cases (1) are arranged on the pallet (P) (Figure 9), strips can be inserted into the channels remaining between the bands (4) and this way the stackable cases (1) on the pallet are enabled to be firmly fastened to each other during transportation. The cases which are connected by pallet strips are also prevented from tumbling down even in case of vibration and impact from below.
The protrusions (5) provided on the lid (3) enable stacking and have a transverse and longitudinal pattern with predetermined sizes/intervals. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protrusions (5) and recesses (6) are produced as squares, however this form can be in any geometric shape such as circular or octagon, etc.
Since the protrusions (5) engage with the recesses (6), which are located at the bottom of the body (2) and which have a pattern that repeats at predetermined intervals, the cases cannot move forward-backward and right-left during stacking. The cases at the top are prevented from falling down.
The recesses (6) provided at the bottom of the body (2) are compatible with the shapes of the protrusions (5) provided on the lid (3). Thanks to compatibility of the shapes with each other, the stackable cases (1) are enabled to be stacked transversely and longitudinally.
Combined recesses (7) are formed by combining some of the recesses (6) on the bottom of the body (2). This does not impede on stacking and it contributes additional strength to the lower base. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the said combined recesses (7) have a pattern that repeats at predetermined intervals.
There are handles (8) at both sides, preferably the short sides, for carrying the stackable cases (1) of the present invention. The handles (8) are located at the recess part of the stackable case (1).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handles (8) are mounted by using at least two handle inserts (81). The handle inserts (81) are preferably produced from metal material and since they are placed into the mold during production of the plastic material, they are completely coated with plastic. This way, the leakage problems arising in the stackable case (1) in the prior art (due to mounting by piercing) can be prevented.
At the same time, since mounting can be performed from one side, mounting can be performed more easily, application requires a shorter period of time and can be done without fault since its position is pre-determined.
The rivets or bolts used for mounting the handles (8) in the systems used in the state of the art may damage precision instruments placed in the case. With this method, since the rear part of the handle insert (81) remaining within the case is coated with a soft material, preferably plastic, which will not damage the equipment; the materials placed in the stackable case (1) are not damaged.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, since the grabbing part of the handle (8) is coated with rubber, it does not harm the hands when carrying.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are wheels (T) provided at the base of the short sides in order to carry the stackable case (1) easily. When the stackable case (1) is placed on the ground flat, the wheels (W) do not touch the ground. When the stackable case (1) is lifted by a single person, the wheels (W) are activated and make it easier to carry.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, by engaging a connection member such as a shaft, which is passed through the center of the wheels (W), with the insert, which is located at the wheel (W) slot and serves as a bolt, the wheels are connected to the stackable case (1) and a stronger mounting is obtained.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, inserts are used for mounting the wheels (W) instead of piercing the stackable case (1) and thus possible leakage problems are prevented.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, 45 degree beveled structure is applied on the sides of the stackable case (1). By means of this side structure, incoming impact is conveyed to the whole side and thus the load is distributed. Additionally, due to the fact that the sides are beveled, the thickness of the sides increases by 10-20% as required by the process, and a stronger structure is obtained.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, radius cavities are provided between the protrusions (5) and bands (4) on the lid (3).
Stackable cases (1) with the same and/or different sizes can be stacked with 90 degree angle to each other. Thus the cases are aimed to remain fixed one on top of another without tumbling down.
Cases having the same and/or different sizes with the stackable cases (1) can also be stacked crosswise (length of one case corresponding to the width of the other case) one on top of another. In this case, predetermined width-length sizes and patterns of the recesses (6) and protrusions (5) and the predetermined width-length sizes and patterns of the bands (4) and the combined recesses (7) should be the same.
It is possible to develop a wide variety of designs of the stackable case (1) of the present invention. The invention cannot be limited to the examples described herein and it is essentially as defined in the claims.

Claims

A stackable case (1), which enables cases of different sizes to be transported or stored by being able to be stacked transversely and longitudinally, and basically characterized by
- at least one body (2) in which the equipment is transported and stored,

- at least one lid (3) which enables stacking one on top of another by means of the geometric figures provided thereon,

- at least two bands (4) which are located on the lid (3) and which prevent any deformation on the lid (3),

- at least two protrusions (5) which are located on the lid (3) and which enable stacking,

- at least two recesses (6) which are located on the bottom of the body (2) and which prevent the cases from moving forward-backward and right-left during stacking since they engage with the protrusions (5) provided on the lid (3),

- at least two combined recesses (7), which are located on the bottom of the body (2), and which fit on the bands (4) provided on the lid (3) and enhance strength,

- at least two handles (8) which enable to carry the stackable cases (1) and which do not require piercing the stackable case (1) during mounting thereof.
A stackable case (1) characterized in that the inclination angles of the recesses (6) and the protrusions (5) are the same.
A stackable case (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the body (2) that includes on the bottom thereof recesses (6) whose depths are greater than the depths of the protrusions (5) provided on the lid (3).
A stackable case (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the gap, which is formed when the recesses (6) and the protrusions (5) are engaged due to their depth differences, enables the material that will be transported to be mounted into the case.
A stackable case (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the band (4) which is located on the lid (3), which extends from one long side to the other and in this way transmits the loads acting on the lid (3) to the sides proportionally thereby distributing the forces that will be produced to the more resistant structures and thus prevents any crushing and deformation.
A stackable case (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the combined recesses (7) which are formed by combining some of the recesses (6) on the bottom of the body (2) longitudinally.
A stackable case (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the combined recesses (7) which provide strength/resistance against the loads that will be generated on the base when the cases are transported together or due to a rise in pressure.
A stackable case (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that stacking is attained by engagement of the protrusions (5) provided on the lid (3) with the recesses (6) provided on the bottom of the body (2).
A stackable case (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the handle (8) having a handle insert (81) which is completely coated with plastic by being placed into the mold during production of the case material and which enables the handle (8) to be mounted without piercing.
A stackable case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the handle (8) having a handle insert (81) whose rear part is coated with a soft material that will not damage the stored material.
A stackable case (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that possible impacts are carried to all sides and thereby the load is distributed and a stronger structure is obtained by means of applying beveled structure to the sides thereof.