EP3229641B1 - Suitcase - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a suitcase, a method for handling suitcases and an arrangement.

For certain applications it is desirable to secure suitcases together for transport. There are different solutions for this purpose. On the one hand, the bottom sides of the cases are held together and locked together on the handle side via a rotating mechanism, whereby two cases are held together. On the other hand, laterally spring-loaded clamps can be provided in a case, which are actuated by arranging another case on the already existing one and then lock two cases together. The existing latches and locks are complex and prone to errors. Another disadvantage is that forces that occur are dissipated via the case lid and a rotating mechanism, making them prone to errors.

DE 39 34 760 A1 discloses a case made up of a first case part and a second case part. Each case part is designed as a separately lockable unit that can be handled separately and has a respective cover which can be folded around respective hinges. The two case parts can be detachably connected to one another by two interlocking profile rails. In addition, the two case parts can be firmly connected to one another by closing a lock that interacts with a snap-in part.

DE 42 01 264 A1 discloses two suitcases, each having a lower part and an associated lid, with a respective lid being pivotable relative to the respective lower part by means of a respective hinge. Each case can be used individually or combined into a uniformly transportable unit. To do this, the two suitcases can be placed on top of each other to create a stack. In order to ensure a correct relative position between the cases when stacking, there are complementary plug-in centering means on the bottom of the lower part and on the top of the lid (in the form of of feet and cooperating lid recesses) are provided, which can be releasably inserted into one another in the stacking direction. In order to give the stack of suitcases stability, connecting means are attached to the lower part of the respective suitcase, which enable a releasable fixed connection between two suitcases standing on top of one another.

DE 199 00 361 A1 discloses a container arrangement with a suitcase-like main container and a suitcase-like additional container, each of which can be used on its own independently of the other, but which can also be connected to form a unit which can be transported as a whole. The main container and the additional container each have a box-like lower part and a cover part which closes its upwardly facing opening and which can be pivoted relative to one another by means of a respective hinge device to release a respective interior space for receiving products. The adjoining additional and main containers can be releasably and firmly coupled to one another by the interaction of the first connecting means provided on the main container (which can be designed to be pivotable) with the second connecting means provided on the additional container, in order to switch between a coupling position with engaged connecting means and a release position with disengaged Lanyards to be transferred. To prevent slipping, position securing means can be provided in the form of mutually complementary elevations and depressions in a base area of the additional container and in a mounting surface of the main container.

DE 20 2009 018 589 U1 discloses a container that can be stacked in a vertical stacking direction with other containers of its kind. The container has a box-shaped lower part and a cover which closes an opening in the lower part and which is pivotably mounted on the lower part by means of hinge means. By means of a coupling device and an engagement device, it is possible to releasably couple suitcase-like containers sitting on top of one another in such a way that the container arrangement the multiple containers can be handled as a unit. The coupling device has a coupling means, mounted on the cover and movable relative to the cover, in the form of a rotary bolt, which can be rotated into a coupling position or into a closed position. In the coupling position, the coupling means is simultaneously with the lower parts of the two containers sitting on top of each other in coupling engagement such that the two lower parts can no longer be moved relative to one another in the stacking direction, thus preventing the upper container from lifting off the lower container. In the closed position, on the other hand, the cover is locked in such a way that it cannot be lifted off with respect to the lower part by means of the coupling means, so that in the closed position a further container can be placed on an associated container at any time and also removed again without hindrance. The engagement device is formed from a first engagement structure arranged on an upper side of a container in the form of engagement depressions and from a second engagement structure arranged on an underside of the container in the form of engagement projections. If the engagement structures are in engagement with one another, the containers sitting one on top of the other cannot be displaced relative to one another and are partially protected from being removed in the stacking direction by a grip behind them.

DE 20 2010 000 218 A1 discloses a stackable suitcase with an upwardly open, shell-shaped lower part and a downwardly open, shell-shaped upper part pivoted thereon by means of a hinge. The case has first connecting elements in the corners of the case and second connecting elements on side surfaces of the case in order to be able to stack several similar cases in a non-slip manner along different spatial directions and in different orientations. Complementary first connecting elements can make it possible to stack the case and a similar second case in different orientations on top of one another. Complementary second connecting elements can enable the case and stacking a similar second suitcase over each of the side panels and in different orientations.

US 7 219 969 B2 discloses a storage container with a drawer and a drawer housing, wherein a receiving space for receiving articles is formed and the drawer is divided into partitions. The drawer is slidably mounted on the drawer housing. Furthermore, the drawer housing can be pivoted relative to the drawer. Several storage containers can be stacked on top of each other and are then still individually accessible. For stacking, an upper coupling of a lower storage container and a lower coupling of an upper storage container are brought into a locking state. If this locking condition is overcome, the storage containers can be removed from one another.

US 7 523 827 B2 discloses a stacked sterilizer case assembly of a plurality of stacked sterilizer cases. Each sterilization housing has a pull-out drawer and a hinged lid. Grips on the side walls of the sterilization housings are designed to interact with pockets having recesses in order to lock several sterilization housings to one another in the stacked state.

US 2010/0 147 642 A1 discloses a lockable housing system comprising a base housing and an upper housing. The basic housing has a luggage receptacle and a cover, which together form a luggage compartment. Receiving ends at one end of linear recesses in the cover of the base housing are designed to receive protruding ends of rails of the upper housing. At the opposite end of the cover of the base housing, detents are formed as part of a lock which also has a hook on the upper housing

U.S. 4,122,925 A discloses a combined luggage structure comprising a suitcase and a clip-on housing that can both accommodate luggage. The case and the clip-on housing can either be separated from one another or in Combination can be used. The case, which can be opened by means of a hinge and locked in a closed state by means of a lock, has a recess which is delimited by side walls and is designed to receive the clip-on housing. To receive the clip-on housing is pushed into the recess of the case in such a way that rails on the side walls of the case and corresponding channels on side walls of the clip-on housing slide against one another and engage with one another.

US 5 699 925 A discloses a portable container for forming a stackable interlocking arrangement with other containers. The container has a hollow body and a lid which are pivotably connected to one another via a hinge. An upper wall of the lid has a tongue, and a lower wall of the hollow body has a groove for engaging the tongue when two containers are stacked on top of each other.

EP 2 020 188 A1 discloses a suitcase-like container with a box-shaped lower part and an open top, to which a container lid is assigned, with which the lower part can be closed or opened by pivoting. A receiving space inside the container is divided into variable compartments. A plurality of containers can be stacked on top of one another and can be releasably and firmly connected to one another in the stacked state, so that the stacked containers form a firmly connected unit. For this purpose, each container has on its outer side in its upper area several upper connecting means distributed around the circumference, which are arranged adjustable in height, and in its lower area has several correspondingly distributed lower connecting means which are designed as locking pins

US2012 / 0312812A1 discloses an arrangement of stackable, interconnectable containers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a case that can be mounted in a user-friendly manner on another body, in particular a case.

This object is achieved by the objects having the features according to the independent patent claims. Further embodiments are shown in the dependent claims.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a case for transporting goods to be transported is created, comprising a body, a lid connected or connectable to the body, and coupling structures on the body and / or on the lid, wherein in a closed state between the body and the cover a receiving space for receiving transport goods is formed inaccessible from the outside, wherein in an open state the receiving space is accessible from the outside, and wherein the coupling structures are designed that the case and another similar case having coupling structures (in particular a similar other case) by means of the coupling structures of the two suitcases can be selectively stacked vertically removable and secured against displacement on top of one another, or can be coupled to one another in a vertically non-removable manner.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement according to claim is provided, which has a case with the features described above and an additional body having coupling structures, wherein the case and the additional body are designed such that the coupling structures of the case and the Coupling structures of the additional body can be brought into operative connection with one another in such a way that the case and the additional body can be stacked selectively, vertically removable, and secured against displacement, or can be coupled to one another in a vertically non-removable manner.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for handling according to claim 15 of a case for transporting goods to be transported is provided.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a suitcase for transporting goods to be transported is thus provided, which can be easily handled by a user and can be brought into different connection states in an intuitive manner with other bodies or suitcases. With simple handling, a user can bring a suitcase in one of these connected states into another connected state or a disconnected state. The suitcase can thus be selectively stacked or coupled in combination with another similar or similar suitcase or another corresponding body, with an upper of the two suitcases that are stackable or coupled with one another can still be transferred between the open state and the closed state in this state can. As a result, a user can gain access to the interior of this upper case of the arrangement even in the coupled or stacked state.

In the vertically removable stacked state, but secured against displacement in a horizontal plane, it is possible for a user to separate the upper suitcase of the interconnected suitcases from the other suitcase simply by lifting it vertically. On the other hand, in this state, however, it is impossible for one case to be displaced horizontally relative to the other case. In this operating state, the cases are thus secured against each other in a non-slip manner, but immediately with a single movement of the hand separable from each other. This operating state is therefore suitable for temporarily stacking the two cases.

Alternatively, however, the cases can also be vertically undetachably coupled to one another, that is to say connected to one another in such a way that the two cases cannot be separated in the event of a purely vertical lifting movement. In this operating state, the two cases can only be separated from one another by relative displacement of the two cases along a horizontal displacement direction. It is also possible that, based on this connection state, which is inextricably coupled by exerting a pure vertical force, the coupled suitcases / bodies are also immobilized in a horizontal plane, for example by exerting a fastening force that acts perpendicular to a direction of displacement of the suitcase, for example by means of a latching connection to the then also coupling of the two suitcases secured against displacement. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shift-securing holding function (for example achieved by rails) of the suitcases on one another is formed separately from a holding and latching function of the suitcases on one another, which temporarily prevents movement, so that the suitcases can be held stably on one another without them being together to lock into place. It is also possible to stack, couple or lock cases of different depths together. In order to hold two suitcases (or a suitcase and another body, for example another suitcase or a storage box) together, they can be equipped with interlocking rails or rail segments (especially on the side walls between the bottom side and the handle side). In order to be able to lock the suitcases together, a locking mechanism can be provided in particular on a handle side of the suitcase, for example in the form of locking lugs that can grip from the upper suitcase into the lower suitcase to prevent relative displacement along the rails.

Additional exemplary embodiments of the case, the method and the arrangement are described below.

According to an exemplary embodiment, some of the coupling structures can contribute both to the vertically detachable, shift-secured stacking and to the vertically undetachable coupling to one another. In other words, some of the coupling structures can be designed as physical bodies that are shaped in such a way that they contribute to the formation of the respective connection state both in the vertically detachable, non-displaceable stacked state and in the vertically undetachable state and with a corresponding structural feature of the other Work together. As a result, the case can be designed simply and compactly and at the same time can be used in very different operating states.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the coupling structures can be designed so that the suitcase and the other suitcase can be selectively displaced against one another by means of the coupling structures in the vertically undetachable coupled state one above the other, or can be secured against one another by actuating the coupling structures. With at least one further coupling structure on at least one of the suitcases, preferably with corresponding coupling structures on the suitcases coupled to one another, a third connection state can be defined, which in the vertically inextricably coupled state of the two suitcases also enables them to be moved relative to one another (for example by deactivating Latching structures) or making it impossible to move them relative to one another (for example by activating latching structures). In order to reliably secure two suitcases together (for example for a car trip), the two suitcases can be reversibly locked together.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a coupling direction along which the case and the other case to Coupling are to be arranged one above the other, and a stacking direction along which the case and the other case are to be arranged one above the other for stacking, be identical. In other words, a coupling direction (along which the suitcases are to be arranged one above the other for coupling) and a stacking direction (along which the suitcases are to be arranged one above the other for stacking) of the two suitcases can be the same.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a part of the coupling structures that contribute to securing against displacement in the vertically inextricably coupled state one above the other can be designed and actuated independently of another part of the coupling structures, which contributes to the vertically removable, slidably secured stacking as well as to the vertically undetachable coupling. Since the part of the coupling structures that also couples the two suitcases horizontally and undetachably when they are vertically undetachable is formed separately from another part of the coupling structures that prevents vertical detachment in the coupled state, it is possible for a user to independently determine the connection states of the horizontal displacement protection or to adjust the horizontal displaceability in the case of temporary vertical undetachability. The structural separation of these coupling structures thus leads to the possibility for a user to use the two corresponding functions independently of one another.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a part of the coupling structures with which the case and the other case or body can be stacked vertically removable and secured against displacement can be in the form of locking cams on the outer top edge areas of the body and in the form of locking feet with interacting with the locking cams in the stacked state be formed on the underside receiving grooves on the outer underside edge regions of the body. Thus, latching cams arranged on the top side of a side wall of a case can be attached in receiving grooves on the underside of a side wall of another case Immerse the locking feet. Since the locking cams and the locking feet are formed laterally on a side wall of the respective case or body or are attached to it, it is also possible to only attach all the coupling structures used for stacking to one folding component of the case (in particular only to the body, not to the lid ) to be attached, which enables actuation of the other flap component (in particular the lid) even in the coupling state of the coupling structures. In other words, a lid can be folded down or even removed, even if the body is stacked or latched to the other case. The multi-function locking cams can make a functional contribution with different connection states of the case, either for shift-secured stacking or for detachable coupling.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a part of the coupling structures, with which the case and the other case can be vertically and non-detachably coupled to one another, can be in the form of guide rails on the outer upper edge areas of the body and in the form of coupling noses on the underside that interact with the guide rails in the coupled state be formed underside edge regions of the body. In order to make it impossible to remove them vertically from one another while allowing a relative displacement to one another, the cases can thus be coupled to one another along a rail-like construction on the side wall of the respective cases. As a result, guide rails (which can be designed continuously or only in sections, that is, interrupted) interact with coupling lugs which can engage in a guide recess in the guide rail. This defines a direction of displacement that is intuitively recognizable for a user. If guide rails and coupling lugs are formed on the side walls of the suitcase or body, in particular only on the body of a respective suitcase, the body-cover structure can still be transferred between the open state and the closed state possible, even if the two cases / bodies are vertically and undetachably coupled to one another.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking cams can form part of the guide rails, in particular delimit a guide rail on one side. Expressed clearly, the locking cams in the embodiment mentioned can limit part of the guide rails. Such a guide rail can have a recess for guiding the coupling lugs between an upper delimiting section and a lower delimiting section. One of these two delimitation sections can be designed as an elongated and preferably continuous rail, which can interact with lateral projections of the locking cams while forming the guide groove for guiding the coupling lugs. A particularly simple design of the coupling structures is achieved as a result, since the latching cams not only contribute to the stacking function, but also to the vertical displacement of corresponding cases relative to one another.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the coupling lugs can form part of the locking feet. According to this preferred embodiment, the locking feet with their coupling lugs also contribute to the displacement function described. In particular, it is possible to attach the coupling lugs to the locking feet in a laterally inward direction.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking feet can extend vertically downward beyond a floor surface of the body, so that the case can be placed on the locking feet on a surface. A main surface of the body can thus be protected from direct contact with the ground and thus protected from dirt and damage. Thus, in this embodiment, the locking feet also contribute to a standing function when the case is placed on a base.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a part of the coupling structures with which the suitcase and the other suitcase in the vertically undetachable coupled state one above the other can be used can be locked against each other, be designed in the form of receiving grooves and interacting locking slides. In particular, the locking slides on the body of one case can be pushed into the receiving grooves on the body of the other case. Latching slides on one case and receiving grooves on the other case can thus make it possible for the two cases to be secured against displacement in the vertically non-removable state. While the coupling structures to enable stacking and the coupling structures to enable the vertically undetachable displacement in the horizontal plane (in particular exclusively) can be attached to a common lateral side surface (or on two opposite side surfaces) of the respective suitcase, receiving grooves and locking slides can be attached to another , in particular be attached to the front side surface of the case. The spatial separation of these coupling structures shows a user in an intuitive way the functional separation of the function that can be achieved with the respective coupling structures. If a latching slide of a case / body is retracted or pushed into an associated receiving groove of a coupled case / body, specifically in the vertical direction, a form-fit preventing displacement along the guide rails can thereby be formed. As a result, removal by shifting in the horizontal direction is temporarily impossible.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least some of the coupling structures can be provided on side surfaces of the body. The side surfaces of the body are particularly suitable for attaching the coupling structures, since a considerable area is available here for attaching the coupling structures, which otherwise remains unused. The body can be shell-shaped and form a large part of the receiving volume in its inner region, whereas the cover can be placed essentially flat on the body in order to close off the receiving space together with the body. In this embodiment, the Side surfaces of the body are predestined for the attachment of at least a part, preferably of all, coupling structures. The lid can remain free of such coupling structures and can thus continue to be manageable regardless of a particular connection state of a suitcase with respect to another suitcase / body. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover can thus be free from the coupling structures. When all coupling structures are attached to the body and no coupling structures are attached to the lid, the lid is capable of transferring the case between the closed state and the open state even in the stacked or coupled state. A user can thus gain access to the receiving space if, in the stacked or coupled state of two suitcases, he removes or folds down the lid from the body of the upper suitcase. Coupling structures on the cover would impair this independent handling of the cover in the coupled or stacked state and can thus be avoided according to the preferred exemplary embodiment described.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the case can be designed to be selectively stackable or couplable with a case of the same type of the same or different depth, with similar coupling structures. According to a first embodiment, two identical cases can thus be coupled to one another. It is possible, however, to connect two suitcases which are of the same design but have different dimensions in terms of depth in the direction of displacement. As a result, the functionality of the cases can be further increased and the flexibility when combining different cases can be further improved.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the case can also have recessed grips on mutually opposite side surfaces of the body. Areas of the side walls of the body that are free of coupling structures can thus be used to attach or shape recessed grips on which a user can stack the case, for example, for vertical stacking can also handle vertically undetachable coupling. This means that surface sections on the side walls of the body that remain free of coupling structures are effectively used without having to increase the weight or size of the case.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the case can furthermore have a locking device (which can contain, for example, a key and an associated lock) for locking the lid on the body in the closed state. Regardless of the function of the coupling structures, the case can be locked, for example to protect against theft, by operating a locking device with interacting components on the lid and body.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the case can furthermore have an in particular essentially U-shaped handle on a side surface of the body, which handle can be tilted between a state folded on the side surface of the body and a state folded down from the side surface. So that a user can carry the case in the unstacked and uncoupled state, the user can hold the handle on the preferably front side surface of the case. In order to enable the case to be transported in a space-saving manner, the handle can also be selectively folded onto the case so that it does not protrude or protrudes only insignificantly in the inactive state. It is also possible to exert a mechanical preload (for example, formed by a spring mechanism or a magnetic force) on the handle in such a way that it rests against the side wall of the case in the non-actuated state. Only when a user exerts a folding force or carries the case in such a way that the flat outer walls of the lid and body are oriented vertically can the handle remain in the unfolded state due to the weight of the case.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the handle can have a hard component for stabilization and a soft component for the user to touch the handle when the case is carried. The Hard components can thus give the handle stability and make the handle as a whole rigid and also enable the handle to be supported on the body. The soft component prevents the handle from cutting in when it is carried by the user and distributes the carrying weight of the case evenly over a larger contact area of the user's hand.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the case can have a hinge which connects the body and the lid to one another in a foldable manner and is designed to be able to fold the case between the closed state and the open state. By providing a hinge, the lid and the body can be folded towards one another to transfer the case between the closed state and the open state. Alternatively, it is also possible to design the case in such a way that the cover and the body can be moved horizontally relative to one another for transferring the case between the closed state and the open state, or the cover can be completely removed from the body.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking feet and the hinge can be designed in such a way that the hinge is at a distance from the substrate in a contact-free manner. If the hinge is attached sufficiently far away from the locking feet, when the case is placed on the floor and the lid is opened opposite the body, the structural arrangement of the components described means that the hinge never rests on the floor or the ground and is thus in front mechanical damage is protected.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the body can be designed to be removable from the cover in order to be usable as a drawer in the removed state. According to this embodiment, the case can be received at least temporarily in, for example, a shelf or workshop trolley and can serve as a drawer there. If a user so wishes, he can then pull the case without the lid out of the shelf, remove or slide it out, mount the lid and handle the case in the usual way.

According to an exemplary embodiment, receiving structures (for example raised guide struts) for receiving at least one receiving container can be formed on an inside of the body and / or the lid. Such receiving structures can be designed as bottom ribs of an otherwise flat inner surface of the body or the lid, so that the receiving container of a corresponding size and shape can be received in surface areas of the body or lid that are free from these receiving structures and thereby delimited, and then when the case is closed can be protected by the receiving structures from shifting or from getting lost of filling or transport material in the receiving container. For example, the receiving structures can have, for example, vertically arranged row and column receiving structures with respect to one another in order to form rectangular receiving surfaces in a matrix-like arrangement. It is also possible to form additional receiving structures in the intersection areas of row and column receiving structures, for example a ring-shaped closed receiving structure in part of the intersection areas or even in each intersection area in order to delimit, for example, four receiving areas around such an intersection area. The receiving structures on the cover and body can be designed to correspond to the design of the bottom surfaces and cover surfaces of the receiving containers.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the case can have the at least one receptacle that is reversibly (that is, removable) received or can be received on the inside. One or more receptacles can thus be arranged inside the case or removed therefrom. Such receptacles can, for example, be assortment boxes for holding screws, dowels or nails. Tools can also be placed inside the case, for example directly in the appropriate way configured recording structures. It is possible, for example, that such an assortment box is a container that is open at the top, the bottom of which is arranged between receiving structures of the body and the open top of which is protected by receiving structures on the lid when the case is closed (for example in a form-fitting manner) from the contents of the receiving container falling out .

According to an exemplary embodiment, the receiving structures and corresponding external structures of the receiving container can be adapted to one another in such a way that receiving the at least one receiving container on the inner surface is only possible in a predetermined orientation and is not possible in other orientations. Since the insertion of receptacles with a certain bottom shape between receptacle structures of the body is mechanically only possible in a certain orientation of the receptacle relative to the body, it can be ensured that an erroneous misorientation of receptacles with respect to the case does not occur. The user can thus be supported in using receptacles and suitcases in a more error-resistant and efficient manner. A misorientation can be made impossible, for example, by the targeted attachment of interfering structures on the inner surface of the body and / or cover, which prevent the attachment of a receptacle in an undesired orientation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the receiving structures of the body and / or the lid on the one hand and corresponding external structures of the receiving container on the other hand can be adapted to one another in such a way that the at least one receiving container can be received on the inner surface at different positions that can be selected by the user. An orderly attachment of the receiving structures to the inner surface of the body and / or lid can allow a user to flexibly attach a specific receiving container to attach several different positions (for example in each intersection area of receiving structures arranged in a matrix-like manner), in particular protected against misorientation. This enables a high degree of flexibility and error-resistant use of the case to be combined.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the receiving structures and the receiving container can be adapted to one another in such a way that the lid makes it impossible for filling material to fall out of the receiving container in the closed state. According to this embodiment, the receiving structures not only serve to define a receiving position, but also to enclose open-topped containers in the closed state of the case in a ring and thus prevent the contents from falling out of the receiving container or containers.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least a part of the cover can be transparent. If the cover of the case is made transparent, a user can see from the outside, even when the case is closed, which receptacles, which filling or transport goods, which tools and / or which other bodies are in the case. It is then not necessary to open the cover in relation to the body.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a document holder can be attached to an inside of the cover. Such a document holder can be a clamp to which a user can attach a document (such as, for example, an instruction manual, a brochure, a catalog or another document) or also another body. A document holder can be provided as an alternative or in addition to attaching receiving structures to the inside of the cover.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the body and / or the cover can be designed as an injection molded part. Realizing the body and / or cover as an injection molded part enables cost-effective production and a lightweight design of the body or cover. In addition, this enables the coupling structures, or at least a part thereof, to be molded on during the injection molding.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the additional body can be an additional case with the features described above. The arrangement can thus take place using two similar (identical or differently sized with regard to at least one dimension) suitcases.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the additional body can be a storage box. A combination of a suitcase and a storage box, for example a storage box (which can have an access flap, for example), is thus also possible.

Other additional bodies can also interact structurally and functionally with the case, for example a shelf, an assembly device of an automobile, etc.

• Figur 1 bis Figur 3 zeigen einen Koffer gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einem Öffnungszustand.
• Figur 4 und Figur 5 zeigen den Koffer gemäß Figur 1 bis Figur 3 in einem Schließzustand.
• Figur 6 zeigt einen Koffer, wie er in Figur 1 bis Figur 5 dargestellt ist, in einem mit einem anderen gleichartigen Koffer gekoppelten Zustand.
• Figur 7 zeigt den gemäß Figur 1 bis Figur 6 dargestellten Korpus ohne Deckel.
• Figur 8 zeigt eine andere Ansicht des Koffers gemäß Figur 1 bis Figur 6 in dem Schließzustand.
• Figur 9 zeigt Aufnahmestrukturen eines Koffers gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in Zusammenwirken mit korrespondierenden Aufnahmestrukturen von in dem Koffer untergebrachten Sortimentboxen.
• Figur 10 zeigt einen Koffer gemäß einem anderen exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit transparentem Deckel.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following figures.

• Figure 1 to Figure 3 show a case according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an open state.
• Figure 4 and Figure 5 show the case according to Figure 1 to Figure 3 in a closed state.
• Figure 6 shows a suitcase as it is in Figure 1 to Figure 5 is shown in a coupled state with another similar case.
• Figure 7 shows according to Figure 1 to Figure 6 shown body without lid.
• Figure 8 FIG. 8 shows another view of the case according to FIG Figure 1 to Figure 6 in the closed state.
• Figure 9 shows receiving structures of a suitcase according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in cooperation with Corresponding receiving structures of assortment boxes accommodated in the case.
• Figure 10 shows a case according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a transparent lid.

Identical or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numbers.

Before exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures, some general aspects of the invention should be explained.

A case according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention has a base, also known as the body, and a lid and four side walls (which can form part of the body, for example). On two opposite sides (for example a right and a left side) there are recessed grips for a hand of a user to transfer the case. For example, two cover catches can be provided on the handle side in order to catch the cover on the body. Alternatively, two, three or even more handles can be formed on one handle side in order to carry the case. The handle is made up of two components, a hard and a soft component. There is a stop which prevents tilting by more than a predeterminable angle of, for example, 120 °, alternatively at least 90 °. On the right and left side walls there are three body rail sections (alternatively at least two) on the cover side, which can be designed as locking cams, for example. These can be formed integrally with the body and have depressions in a surface on the cover side. On the bottom side of the right and left side wall there are two bottom rail sections (alternatively at least two), for example designed as locking feet. These can be formed integrally with the body. They have depressions in the bottom surface (alternatively, elevations from the ground).

In order to only place two suitcases on top of one another (state I), base rail sections are placed on body rail sections. The handle sides of the case are aligned with one another in this position.

In order to hold two suitcases together (state II), the bottom rail sections are placed on a running rail below the body rail sections and the upper suitcase is moved backwards relative to the lower one, up to a stop. Body rail sections and running rail then together form a guide rail. In this state, the suitcases are held together, but can be moved along the direction of the rails. In state II, the handle side surfaces of the cases are preferably aligned with one another.

In order to hold two suitcases together and lock them together (state III), they are pushed into one another (as in state II) and then the suitcase catches are actuated (which can be designed as locking slides that can be inserted into corresponding receiving grooves), whereby the suitcases are no longer displaceable relative to one another in the direction of the rails. In this state, the cases are held together and locked together.

States II and III can be realized when the case lies with the case bottom on a floor or when the case is on its feet. On the side opposite the handle side, the case has, for example, six adjustable or locking feet (alternatively at least two) on which the case can be placed. The height of the adjustable feet can be chosen so that the hinges of the lid do not come into contact with a surface. A lock can be provided on a lid catch in order to lock the case (s).

Storage boxes can also be equipped with rail sections in order to hold the storage box on the case and to lock it into place if necessary. The rail sections can be formed as a continuous rail. However, it is also possible to form only one rail section as a continuous rail. The body without a lid can be used as a drawer in a cupboard, a workshop trolley or office furniture. If suitcases of different depths are to be connected to one another, corresponding rail sections can be provided. Bottom rail sections can be formed interchangeably with the body. The case latches can also be designed as rotating elements.

A particularly advantageous aspect of exemplary embodiments of the invention is the separation of the functions “placed on top of one another” (state I), “held together” (state II) and “held together and locked together” (state III). All operating elements or coupling structures can be arranged on the handle side. Cases of different depths but the same width can be brought into states I, II and III together.

Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 show a case 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an open state. Figure 4 and Figure 5 show the case 10 according to Figure 1 to Figure 3 in a closed state. Figure 6 shows a case 10 as it is in Figure 1 to Figure 5 is shown, in a coupled with another similar case 10 'state. Figure 6 thus shows an arrangement 99 which shows the case 10 and the additional similar case 10 'in a connected state. Figure 7 shows one according to Figure 1 to Figure 6 The illustrated body 12 of the case 10 without a lid 14. Figure 8 FIG. 11 shows another view of the case 10 according to FIG Figure 1 to Figure 6 in the closed state.

The case 10 is used to transport cargo. Such transport goods can be received loosely or fastened or secured in the interior of the case 10 and can, in particular, be placed in receiving containers 80 (not shown in FIG Figure 1 to Figure 8 , please refer Figure 9 ) be added, which in turn are safely housed in the closed state of the case 10 in its interior. Examples of such transported goods are consumables (such as screws, nails, dowels, bulk goods or liquids) or tools (such as screwdrivers or bits), etc.

The case 10 has a body 12 and a cover 14 that is connected or connectable to the body 12. Reinforcing ribs 28 for mechanical reinforcement of the case 10 are formed on the inside of the body 12. Various coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 are attached exclusively to the body 12 according to the exemplary embodiment shown, but not to the cover 14. In the closed state between the body 12 and the lid 14, a receiving space for receiving goods to be transported is enclosed between the body 12 and the lid 14 and is inaccessible from the outside. In the open state, the receiving space is accessible from the outside, for example in order to remove transport goods from the case 10 or to bring them into the case 10.

The coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 are designed in such a way that the case 10 and the identical other case 10 'by means of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 (which are thus shown in FIG identically are also provided on the other case 10 ') are optionally vertically removable and stacked horizontally secured against displacement (state I), or vertically undetachable and horizontally slidably coupled to each other (state II). Furthermore, the cases 10, 10 ′ can be coupled to one another in a vertically non-removable and horizontally non-displaceable manner (state III). The coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44, which accomplish both the stacking (state I) and the coupling (state II, state III) of the multiple suitcases 10, 10 ', are exclusively by means of precautions on the respective body 12 (see locking cams 30 and receiving grooves 36 of locking feet 34, coupling noses 38 on the locking feet 34, a guide rail 30, 32 between the locking cams 30 and steps 32 as well as interacting locking slides 40 and receiving grooves 44) realized, but without taking any precautions the cover 14 are taken.

In order to activate state I, the other case 10 'is arranged vertically above the case 10 and then lowered onto the case 10 in such a way that the receiving grooves 36 on the locking feet 34 of the other case 10' engage get with the locking cams 30 of the case 10. The receiving grooves 36 on the locking feet 34 of the other case 10 'and the locking cams 30 of the case 10 then ensure that the other case 10' can be lifted vertically from the case 10 again at any time (that is, by a movement that is inverse to the stacking movement), but by the positive fit between the receiving grooves 36 on the locking feet 34 of the other case 10 'and the locking cams 30 of the case 10 is protected from being displaceable in the horizontal plane.

To activate state II, the other case 10 'is arranged in the horizontal plane in front of the case 10 and slightly raised vertically in relation to the case 10, so that the coupling lugs 38 of the other case 10' are level between the locking cams 30 and the guide rails 30 , 32 of the case 10 are arranged. The activation of state II is then completed in that the other case 10 'is pushed over the case 10 in such a way that the coupling lugs 38 of the other case 10' move between the latching cams 30 and the guide rails 30, 32 of the case 10. In state II, the other case 10 ′ cannot be lifted off the case 10 due to the form fit between the coupling lugs 38 on the one hand and the latching cams 30 or the guide rails 30, 32 on the other hand. At the same time, the case 10 'can be separated from the other case 10' by horizontally pushing the other case 10 'away from the case 10, namely with an inverse displacement movement compared to that with which state II was completed.

In order to activate state III starting from state II, in the pushed-on state of the cases 10, 10 ', the locking slides 40 of the other case 10' are inserted into the grooves 44 of the case 10 'by a vertical displacement movement. In the thus closed state III, a shift lock is now also formed between the cases 10, 10 ', so that neither a vertical lifting nor a horizontal pushing off of the cases 10, 10' from one another is now possible.

Some of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 (namely the coupling structures with the reference numerals 30, 34 and 38) contribute both to the vertically detachable, shift-secured stacking and to the vertically undetachable coupling with one another.

As already described, the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 are designed that the case 10 and the other case 10 'by means of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 in the one above the other, vertically undetachable coupled condition can be selectively displaced relative to one another (condition II, in which coupling structures 40, 44 are not in engagement with one another) or can be locked against one another by actuating the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 (condition II, in which coupling structures 40, 44 are in engagement with one another). A part of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 (namely the coupling structures with the reference numerals 40 and 44), which in the state III coupled in a vertically non-removable manner and coupled with one another in a shift-secured state, is independent of another part (namely the coupling structures with the reference numerals 30, 32, 34, 36, 38) of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 designed and actuated, which contributes to the vertically detachable, shift-secured stacking or to the vertically non-detachable coupling (State I or State II).

The part of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 with which the case 10 and the other case 10 'can be stacked vertically removable and secured against displacement is in the form of the locking cams 30 on the outer top edge areas of the body 12 as well in the form of locking feet 34 with underside receiving grooves 36 cooperating with the locking cams 30 in the stacked state on outer underside edge regions of the body 12.

That part of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 with which the case 10 and the other case 10 'are vertically undetachable one above the other can be coupled to one another is in the form of the guide rails 30, 32 on the outer top edge areas of the body 12 and in the form of the underside coupling lugs 38 that interact with the guide rails 30, 32 in the coupled state on the outer underside edge areas of the body 12. The locking cams 30 form part of the guide rails 30, 32 and the coupling lugs 38 form part of the locking feet 34. The locking feet 34 extend vertically over a bottom surface of the body 12 also downwards (see Figure 4 ), so that the case 10 can be placed on a surface with the locking feet 34.

The part of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44, with which the case 10 and the other case 10 'can be locked against each other in the vertically undetachable coupled state one above the other (state III), is in the form of the receiving grooves 44 and the locking slide 40 interacting therewith. As with an arrow 42 in Figure 1 indicated, the locking slides 40 on the body 12 of the other case 10 'can be pushed into the receiving grooves 44 on the body 12 of the case 10 (when the other case 10' is arranged above the case 10, as in FIG Figure 6 ), or vice versa (if the case 10 is arranged above the other case 10 ').

All coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 are provided on side surfaces of the body 12 (see for example Figure 1 ). In contrast to this, the cover 14 is free from the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44.

The case 10 also has recessed grips 26 in the form of depressions on opposite side surfaces of the body 12.

In addition, a locking device 46, 48, 50, 52 is provided for locking the cover 14 on the body 12 in the closed state. When the case 10 is closed, a key 50 in a rotary lock 52 in a receiving element 46 of the body 12 can be used to lock with a counterpart 48 of the cover 14. When the lid 14 (by means of a hinge 16, which is described in more detail below is) is pivoted in order to close the interior of the body 12, the locking elements of the rotary lock 52 on the body 12 with the counterpart 48 on the cover 14. which enters the counterpart 48 on the cover 14.

A handle 54 is attached in a trough on a side surface of the body 12 that is upper in the carrying state and between a state folded up on the side surface of the body 12 (see FIG Figure 1 ) and tiltable in a state folded down from the side surface. The user can bring about a transition between these two states by manipulating the handle 54. The handle 54 is formed from a hard component 56 for stabilizing and supporting the handle 54 and a soft component 58 for comfortable touching of the case 10 by a user when carrying the case 10. The handle 54 on the body 12 can be placed against the latter and remains there in a compact position through the action of a latching cam that latches the handle 54 in the retracted state. A label field 75 is provided in the area of the handle 54, into which a label carrier indicative of the contents of the case 10, for example, can be inserted.

The case 10 also has a hinge 16 which connects the body 12 and the lid 14 to one another in a foldable manner and is designed to be able to fold the case 10 between the closed state and the open state. The locking feet 34 and the hinge 16 are structurally adapted to one another and positioned in such a way that the hinge 16 remains at a distance from the ground without contact when the case 10 rests on the ground by means of the locking feet 34.

As in Figure 1 can be seen, a document holder 68 is attached to an inside of the cover 14, with the in Figure 1 Documents not shown can be temporarily clamped and thus attached during transport.

Both the body 12 and the cover 14 are each designed simply as an injection-molded part in terms of production technology. Further components are subsequently attached to the respective injection-molded part (for example the locking slide 40 on the body 12 or the document holder 68 on the cover 14).

The cases 10, 10 'can also accommodate assortment boxes 80 (see Figure 9 ), in which, for example, tool materials such as screws, dowels or other can be accommodated. This is made with reference to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG Figure 9 and Figure 10 described in more detail below. In the closed state of the respective case 10, 10 ', the assortment boxes 80 are secured inaccessible to a user inside the respective case 10, 10', whereas a user can access the assortment boxes 80 when the respective case 10, 10 is open.

As in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, longitudinal struts 18 and transverse struts 20, which intersect in a cross shape, protrude from a flat surface on an inside of the body 12. In the intersection areas of the longitudinal struts 18 and the transverse struts 20, raised protruding non-square rectangular frames 22 are attached, which in each intersection area together with the longitudinal struts 18 and transverse struts 20 have four non-square rectangular receiving recesses 24 for receiving feet 86 of assortment boxes 80 that are essentially inverse to the receiving recesses 24 or 80 'form (compare Figure 9 ). Adjacent receiving recesses 24 have a different spacing in the longitudinal and transverse directions. On the inner surface of the shell-shaped body 12, which defines the essential area of the receiving volume, receiving structures (see reference numerals 18, 20) are formed in rows and columns as raised ribs opposite the flat base surface. This can take place, for example, as part of an injection molding process in which the body 12 is produced. Additional receiving structures (see reference number 22) ensure that rectangular, non-square receiving areas 24 are defined for recording in Figure 1 receiving containers not shown in different positions, but only in a desired orientation.

The arrangement of the receiving depressions 24 is largely equidistant and symmetrical in the row and column directions. In a central area, however, this equidistance or symmetry is broken because, for reasons of manufacturing technology, an area of receiving recesses 24 there has a geometry that deviates from the other receiving recesses 24 (see FIG Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

Figure 1 to Figure 8 show an embodiment of the case 10 in which, for example, a large tool can also be accommodated in the receiving space of the body 12 and the case 10 can then be locked.

An outer side of the cover 14 is formed with a central depression 60 which is delimited circumferentially by an annular projection 62. In order to obtain a flat surface on the inside of the cover 14, an annular recess corresponding to the annular projection 62 is covered on an inside of the cover 14 with an annular mat 64, which is ultrasonically welded to the cover 14 around its circumference. The document holder 68, which is made of plastic, is attached to the passepartout 64 by means of plastic clips 66 for clamping documents (not shown).

Figure 2 FIG. 10 shows a top view of the case 10 according to FIG Figure 1 and it can be seen that the coupling structures partially extend laterally opposite the respective side wall of the body 12.

Figure 3 shows the case 10 according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 in an open state but from an outer side. Also in Figure 3 it can be seen how the various coupling structures are attached to the side surfaces of the body 12.

Figure 4 shows a front side of the case 10 in the closed state, in which the handle 54 is folded onto a front side wall. The coupling lugs 38, which start from an underside of the locking feet, can also be clearly seen 34 extend inwardly in order to be able to move between locking cams 30 and guide rails of an in Figure 4 to be able to intervene, not shown, lower case.

Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of the case 10 in the closed state. The receiving troughs 36 on the underside of the locking feet 34, which are laterally bounded by an overhang that ensures a shift lock in the horizontal plane, can be seen particularly well. The coupling structures 38 can be designed as hollow profiles and thus lightweight and compatible with injection molding. The locking cams 30 are shaped and dimensioned in order to be able to engage in the receiving grooves 36 of the locking feet 34.

Figure 7 shows the body 12 without the cover 14 and shows that all coupling structures are provided on the body 12.

In Figure 8 the case 10 is shown in the closed state and allows the locking cams 30 and a corresponding shape of the side wall to be particularly easy to identify in order to define the guide rails 30, 32.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the inside bottom surface of the body 12 of a suitcase 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention with receiving containers 80 received therein. The receiving containers 80 each have four feet 86, which are formed in rectangular receiving recesses 24 between the receiving structures 18, 20, 22 are introduced. Additional interfering structures 84 in the form of raised ribs on the inside bottom surface of the body 12 prevent the receiving containers 80 from being arranged incorrectly on the body 12, since the interfering structures 84 in the event of incorrect orientation of one of the receiving containers 80 prevent the receiving containers 80 from tilting into the receiving structures (see reference number 18 , 20, 22). The receiving structures with the reference numbers 18, 20, 22, 84 act with corresponding receiving structures 82 on the bottom in the case 10 housed assortment boxes 80 together. The receptacles 80 can be reversibly received on the inside of the case 10, ie they can be set up and / or moved in a user-defined manner. The receiving structures with the reference numerals 18, 20, 22 and corresponding outside receiving structures 82 of the receiving container 80, which is open at the top, for example, are adapted to one another in such a way that the at least one receiving container 80 can only be received on the inner surface in a predetermined orientation and is not possible in other orientations . This is achieved by the interfering structures 84 on the body 12 in combination with the receiving structures 82 of the assortment boxes 80. The receiving structures with the reference symbols 18, 20, 22 and corresponding receiving structures 82 of the receiving container 80 are, however, adapted to one another in such a way that the at least one receiving container 80 is made possible on the inner surface at different user-selectable positions.

According to Figure 9 Interfering ribs projecting raised above the flat base are thus formed as interfering structures 84 on the inside of the body 12. On the bottom of the assortment boxes 80 or 80 ', which are open at the top, interfering contours are also formed as receiving structures 82. Three according to Figure 9 Assortment boxes 80 shown in the upper row and in the left column of the lower row each have four feet 86 in four receiving recesses 24, the interfering structures 84 and receiving structures 82 not interfering with each other, so that the three assortment boxes 80 described are correctly positioned the body 12 are added. In contrast to the three assortment boxes 80 correctly received on the body 12, the assortment box 80 'is shown in the lower row and the right column Figure 9 rotated by 180 °, whereby the receiving structure 82 and the interfering structures 84 of the body 12 interfere with each other, so that the assortment box 80 is not received in a stable manner on the body 12. The structural features described ensure that the assortment boxes 80, 80 'to the Receiving recesses 24 can be stably placed in exactly one orientation. A positioning of the assortment boxes 80, 80 'rotated by 180 ° or 90 ° is mechanically impossible.

The receiving structures with the reference numerals 18, 20, 22 on the body 12 and in FIG Figure 9 Recording structures not shown (in Figure 10 realized as positioning struts 88) on the lid 14 on the one hand and the receptacle 80 on the other hand are also adapted to one another in such a way that the lid 14 makes it impossible for contents to fall out of the receptacle 80 when the case 10 is closed. For example, the receptacle 80 can be protected on the bottom by the receptacle structures with the reference numerals 18, 20, 22 from undesired displacement movement and on a peripheral edge that is open at the top (on which the transported goods can be inserted into the receptacle 80 open at the top or removed from it) by receptacle structures of the Cover 14 are protected from undesired sliding movement. As a result, even small-volume transport goods can be protected from falling out of the receiving container 80 when the case 10 is being handled in the closed state.

Figure 10 shows a case 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a transparent lid 14. In Figure 10 a case 10 is shown with a transparent lid 14, which allows a view into the interior of the case 10, even if the lid 14 and body 12 are in a closed state with one another.

Figure 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a case 10 with a transparent lid 14, on the inner surface of which positioning struts 88 protrude raised, which can be surrounded by a peripheral edge of the respective assortment box 80 that is open at the top. In this way, an assortment box 80 can be accommodated on the underside in the receiving depressions 24 and delimited on the top by the positioning struts 88 in order to thereby be fixed with play on the top and bottom. The positioning struts 88 can prevent small-volume filling material (for Example washers) fall out of the assortment boxes 80, which are open at the top. In the example shown, the assortment box 80 has an area slightly more than twice as large as each of the two positioning struts 88 that it surrounds. However, an assortment box 80 of a different size can also surround only one positioning strut 88 or more than two positioning struts 88.

In addition, it should be pointed out that “having” does not exclude any other elements or steps and “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. It should also be pointed out that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as a restriction.

Claims (15)

1. Case (10) for transporting transport goods, comprising:

   a body (12);

   a lid (14) which is connected or connectable to the body (12);

   coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) at the body (12) and/or at the lid (14);

   wherein in a closed state a receiving space for receiving transport goods is formed between the body (12) and the lid (14) inaccessibly from the outside;

   wherein in an opened state the receiving space is accessible from the outside;

   wherein the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) are configured such that the case (10) and another case (10') which is comprising similar coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) by the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) of both cases are selectively:

   vertically detachably stackable in a manner secured against displacing; or

   vertically undetachably coupleable with each other; on top of each other,

   wherein the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) are configured such that the case (10) and the other case (10') by the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) in the state vertically undetachably coupled on top of each other are selectively

   displaceable with respect to each other; or

   by actuating the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) are securable against displacing with respect to each other.
2. Case (10) according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following features:

   wherein a part of the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) contributes both to vertically detachably stacking in a manner secured against displacing and to vertically undetachably coupling with each other;

   wherein a coupling direction along which the case (10) and the other case (10') are to be arranged on top of each other for coupling, and a stacking direction along which the case (10) and the other case (10') are to be arranged on top of each other for stacking, are identical;

   wherein a part of the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) which, in the state vertically undetachably coupled on top of each other, contributes to securing against displacing, is formed and actuatable independently from another part of the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44), which contributes to vertically detachably stacking in a manner secured against displacing and also to vertically undetachably coupling with each other;

   wherein a part of the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) by which the case (10) and the other case (10'), in the state vertically undetachably coupled on top of each other, are secured against displacing with respect to each other, are formed in form of receiving grooves (44) and locking slides (40) which are cooperating with it, wherein the locking slides (40) in particular at the body (12) of the one case (10) are insertable in the receiving grooves (44) in particular at the body (12) of the other case (10');

   wherein at least a part of the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) is provided at side surfaces of the body (12);

   wherein the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) are provided exclusively at the body (12);

   wherein the case (10) is configured to be selectively stackable or coupleable selectively with a similar case (10') of the same or different depth;

   wherein the body (12) is configured detachably from the lid (14) to be utilizable as a drawer in the detached state;

   wherein at least a part of the lid (14) is transparent;

   wherein at an inner side of the lid (14) a document holder (68) is attached.
3. Case (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a part of the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) by which the case (10) and the other case (10') are stackable vertically detachably on top of each other in a manner secured against displacing, are formed in form of locking cams (30) at outer edge regions of the body (12) at a top side and in form of locking feet (34) with receiving grooves (36) at outer edge regions of the body (12) at a bottom side which are cooperating with the locking cams (30) in the stacked state.
4. Case (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein a part of the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) by which the case (10) and the other case (10') are coupleable with each other vertically undetachably on top of each other, are formed in form of guiding rails (30, 32) at outer edge regions of the body (12) at the top side and in form of coupling noses (38) at the bottom side at outer at regions of the body (12) at the bottom side, which are cooperating with the guiding rails (30, 32) in the coupled state.
5. Case (10) according to claims 3 and 4, comprising at least one of the following features:

   wherein the locking cams (30) form a part of the guiding rails (30, 32);

   wherein the coupling noses (38) form a part of the locking feet (34).
6. Case (10) according to one of the claims 3 to 5, wherein the locking feet (34) are extending vertically downwardly beyond a bottom surface of the body (12), such that the case (10) is placeable at the locking feet (34) on an underground.
7. Case (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, further comprising a handle (54) at a side surface of the body (12), which handle (54) is tiltable between a state tilted to the side surface of the body (12) and a state tilted away from the side surface.
8. Case (10) according to claim 7, wherein the handle (54) comprises a hard component (56) for stabilizing and a soft component (58) for contacting the case (10) by a user when carrying the case (10).
9. Case (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, comprising a hinge (16) which is tiltably connecting the body (12) and the lid (14) with each other and which is configured to be able to tilt the case (10) between the closed state and the opened state.
10. Case (10) according to claims 6 and 9, wherein the locking feet (34) and the hinge (16) are configured such that the hinge (16) is spaced with respect to the underground in a contact-free manner when the case (10) is lying on the underground by the locking feet (34).
11. Case (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein at an inner side of the body (12) and/or of the lid (14), receiving structures (18, 20, 22) for receiving at least one receiving container (80) are formed.
12. Case (10) according to claim 11, comprising the at least one receiving container (80) which is received or receivable at the inner side.
13. Case (10) according to claim 12, comprising at least one of the following features:

    wherein the receiving structures (18, 20, 22) and corresponding outer structures (82) of the receiving container (80) are adapted to each other, such that receiving the at least one receiving container (80) at the inner surface is enabled only in one pregiven orientation and is made impossible in other orientations;

    wherein the receiving structures (18, 20, 22) and the corresponding outer structures (82) of the receiving container (80) are adapted to each other, such that receiving the at least one receiving container (80) at the inner surface is enabled at different positions which are selectable by a user;

    wherein the receiving structures (18, 20, 22) and the receiving container (18) are adapted to each other, such that the lid (14) in the closed state makes a falling out of transport goods from the receiving container (80) impossible.
14. Arrangement (99) comprising
    a case (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 13;
    an additional body (10') which comprises coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44);
    wherein the case (10) and the additional body (10') are configured such that the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) of the case (10) and the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) of the additional body (10') may be brought in an operational connection, such that the case (10) and the additional body (10') are selectively:

    vertically detachably stackable in a manner secured against displacing; or

    vertically undetachably coupleable with each other;

    wherein the arrangement (99) in particular comprises at least one of the following features:

    wherein the additional body (10') is an additional case according to one of the claims 1 to 13 or a storage box;

    wherein the additional body (10') comprises a different depth than the case (10).
15. Method of handling a case (10) for transporting transport goods, wherein the method comprises:

    handling a body (12) and a lid (14) which is connected or connectable with the body (12), to transfer the case (10) between a closed state in which a receiving space for receiving transport goods is formed between the body (12) and the lid (14) inaccessibly from the outside, and an opened state in which the receiving space is accessible from the outside;

    handling coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) at the body (12) and/or at the lid (14), to selectively vertically detachably stack in a manner secured against displacing or to vertically undetachably couple the case (10) and another case (10') which is comprising similar coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) by the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) of both cases on top of each other;

    wherein the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) are configured such that the case (10) and the other case (10'), by the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) in the state vertically undetachably coupled with each other on top of each other are selectively

    displaceable with respect to each other; or

    by actuating the coupling structures (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44) are secured against displacing with respect to each other.

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