EP3489162B1 - Display container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container for the transport and storage of goods according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to a display container for presenting goods.

Goods are usually delivered to retailers in transport containers or boxes and then moved from the transport container to sales shelves. Instead of taking these out of the transport containers and putting them on sales shelves and presenting them to the customer, in recent years, for reasons of cost and space, people have increasingly switched to presenting the goods to the customer in entire groups or stacks of goods or even in transport boxes. Since a large number of goods are sold in bags, cardboard packaging, etc., which can easily be damaged during transport, the transport boxes must protect the delivered goods from all sides and completely from external forces, if possible. Furthermore, these themselves must only have a low weight and should be compactable when empty in order to be able to store them temporarily or transport them back in a space-saving manner. Foldable or collapsible plastic containers are usually used for this. However, these containers are only suitable to a limited extent for presenting goods for sale, as the side walls, which protect the goods from all sides during transport, also cover the goods.

If, as in the printed matter US 6,305,566 B1 and WO 2011/048259 A1 If it is suggested that a side wall is left out for presentation purposes, there is a risk that the goods on the side of the omitted side wall may fall out or be damaged during transport. The same applies to the in GB 2 449 757 A described container, in which a side wall is merely a frame with a large display opening, or the container according to EP 0 835 816 A2 , in which a U-shaped recess is provided in the side wall. For other systems that... GB 2 068 338 A or WO 94/10049 A1 are known
at least one side wall can be folded outwards. However, this requires a corresponding amount of space to the side or to the front, which is why these containers cannot be stacked close to each other or folded side walls cover the goods containers stacked underneath. The systems also accept an unconvincing compromise US 2008/142530 A1 and US 2004/020821 A1 one in which the side wall is divided several times and an upper half or two thirds of a side wall can be folded outwards, or the systems according to US 2008/142530 A1 and US 2010/147840 A1 , where side walls can be completely removed, which in turn raises the question of what should happen to the removed side walls or where they should be temporarily stored.

Out of WO 2011/131301 A1 A container is known which could in principle be suitable for the application described above, since one of the four side walls can be removed. With this container, the removed and loose side wall can be temporarily stored in a specially designed receptacle in the bottom area. However, this results in the disadvantage that the container has a greater overall height due to the storage compartment and therefore requires more space both on the shelf and when transporting it back when empty.

In addition, on the EP 2078679 A1 which discloses a box with hinged walls and a side that can be opened when the box is in the unfolded state.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of creating a container that is equally suitable for the transport and presentation of goods and that easily solves the problems described above in connection with the prior art.

This task is solved by the features of claim 1.

The container according to the invention is suitable for the transport and storage of goods. This can in particular be a so-called display container or display container, which is suitable for presenting goods. The container has a base, in particular a substantially rectangular one
Side walls extending from the floor. At least one of the side walls, in particular a longitudinal side wall, or part thereof is formed by a lattice-shaped structure. This grid-shaped structure is in at least one direction, preferably a vertical direction or one towards the floor surface vertical direction, and expandable and compressible or pullable and compressible in the side wall plane in order to limit or close the container to the side in a first position and to release the container to the side in a second position. In other words, in the first position, the grid-shaped structure secures the goods inside the container, especially during transport or handling of the container, and in the second position allows the goods to be viewed unhindered from this side and also out of the container on this side can be taken.

This results in a logistically optimized and space-saving solution for retailers. The open front allows an unhindered view and/or unhindered access to the goods. Because the lattice-shaped structure can be pulled apart and compressed in the side wall plane, that is, its extension can be lengthened or shortened in at least this one direction, no space is required to open the side wall, neither inwards nor outwards. There is also no need for storage space in the bottom of the container, as is the case, for example. B. in the container according to WO 2011/131301 A1 is the case, so that the height can be reduced or the loading volume of the container can be maximized compared to this container.

According to the invention, only one of the side walls can have such a grid-shaped structure, but preferably two opposite sides of the container can also have such an expandable and compressible grid (sliding) mimic, so that the goods can be presented on both sides with the container. According to one embodiment, all side walls, in particular all four side walls, can also be provided with such a lattice structure.

In the case of a lattice-shaped structure that can be stretched and compressed or pulled apart and compressed, the material is only stressed (folded or folded) at predetermined joint or hinge points and is otherwise not exposed to any stretching or compression. As a result, the individual structural elements forming the grid-shaped structure can be provided with higher bending and buckling strength in order to meet the daily demands of such a transport and display container. Thus show according to In one aspect of the invention, selected struts or structural elements of the lattice structure have joint sections for pulling apart and compressing the lattice structure.

According to one aspect of the invention, the grid-shaped structure is formed in one piece, in particular made of plastic. This not only makes it easier to manufacture, but also to assemble the container. Another significant advantage of being made in one piece is that the degrees of freedom of the individual lattice structural elements or their relative mobility is limited and defined. Therefore, there can be no jamming, as is usually the case with loosely interacting sliding elements. This also simplifies the handling of the container when opening or compressing the lattice structure and closing the side wall or pulling the structure apart. If the lattice-shaped structure is made in one piece from plastic, it can be produced in a simple and, above all, cost-effective manner using injection molding.

According to the invention, the lattice-shaped structure is formed by a plurality of essentially parallel strips and connecting sections arranged between the strips. The strips extend perpendicularly or transversely to the direction of actuation of the lattice-shaped structure, ie horizontally in the case of a lattice that can be actuated or stretched and compressed in the vertical direction and vertically in the case of a lattice that can be actuated or stretched in the horizontal direction (laterally to the left or right). compressible grid. The connecting sections arranged between adjacent strips are designed in such a way that they can be bent or folded in the side wall plane, ie have corresponding joint sections, in order to shorten or increase the distance between two adjacent strips again when the compressed grid is pulled apart again . The connecting sections are therefore responsible or decisive for the change in length of the lattice-shaped structure. Preferably, several such connecting sections are arranged between adjacent strips. In particular, these are arranged evenly distributed or spaced apart in order to ensure uniform compression or expansion of the lattice structure. According to one embodiment, the Connecting sections between a pair of adjacent strips to another adjacent pair of strips can be offset from one another in the transverse direction.

According to one aspect, the lattice-shaped structure may have a reinforced and/or straight end strip at the upper and/or lower end if the lattice-shaped structure is movable in the vertical direction, or at the left and/or right end if the lattice-shaped structure is movable in the lateral direction exhibit. This end strip can be used to better handle the lattice structure and also increases its strength.

According to one aspect, each connecting section can consist of two connecting sections, in particular of the same length, which are connected to one another in the middle via a film hinge in order to fold the two connecting sections together and apart. The pivot axis of the film hinges extends in an axis perpendicular to the side wall plane. The connecting sections are in turn also connected via film hinges with the corresponding, e.g. B. upper and lower bars connected so that they can be pivoted back and forth in the side wall plane to the respective bar. In this way, these connecting sections according to the invention not only enable a connection between two strips, but also a change in the distance between these strips from one another.

According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting sections are arranged on the strips, in particular laterally offset from them, so that two strips located one above the other can be brought into flat contact in the second position or in the completely compressed position, so that the height of the grid-shaped Structure in the second or compressed position essentially corresponds to the sum of the cross-sectional heights of all strips. The connecting sections preferably have the same wall thickness as the strips or are formed by a type of material tongues cut out of the strips, which also come into contact flatly on top of one another or folded together in the second or compressed position.

According to the invention, the at least one side wall is formed by a frame element and the grid-shaped structure arranged within the frame educated.

Outer end sections of the strips can each be movably received in a guide groove in the corresponding section of the frame element. This means that the outer ends of the strips are guided in grooves in the frame element in the actuation or sliding direction. The frame element can be connected to the floor so that it can be folded inwards in order to return the container when empty with all the side walls folded inwards to save space. The display function according to the invention does not limit the foldability of the container, since the grid-shaped structure does not protrude beyond the side wall thickness or frame thickness of the side wall. The stackability of the container is also not affected by the grid structure.

The total width of the strips including connecting sections is preferably smaller than the wall thickness of the frame element or the other side walls.

According to an advantageous embodiment, grooves can be provided on the inside of side edges of the floor, which are aligned with the guide grooves of the adjacent side walls, so that the grid can be lowered completely to the floor and the adjacent side walls can be folded inwards over the compressed grid. This means that even with a frameless display container, the remaining side walls can be folded.

According to the invention, the grid-shaped structure can be locked releasably and without tools at least in the first or upper and/or second or lower position, in particular via locking geometries.

This ensures that, on the one hand, the grille remains open or closed in its respective position and can be easily handled, e.g. B. light pressing or pulling can be brought into the different position. These can be locking lugs in the guide grooves, which hold the outer ends of the strips with appropriate Can overcome tensile or compressive force elastically.

According to one aspect, the strips can be wave-shaped, whereby the rigidity of the individual strips or the lattice structure as a whole can be increased in a direction perpendicular to the side wall surface or outwards and inwards.

According to one aspect of the invention, the fully compressed or compressed strips disappear completely behind a side edge of the floor or a floor-side section of the frame element in the second position. This ensures that when loading and unloading the container, the grid structure does not hinder access to the interior of the container and cannot be damaged. In addition, the grid does not affect the appearance of the goods presented with the container according to the invention.

Further advantages result from the following description of a preferred embodiment based on the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to a first embodiment of the invention with a side wall in a first position;
• Fig. 2 shows the container according to the first embodiment of the invention with the side wall in a second position;
• Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the container according to the first embodiment of the invention with the side wall in the second position from a rear view;
• Fig. 4 a detail from the Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a container according to an unclaimed embodiment with a side wall in a first position; and
• Fig. 6 shows the container according to the Fig. 5 with the side wall in a second position.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a container 2 according to a first embodiment, which is suitable for transport and storage, in particular for the presentation of goods. The container 2 has a substantially rectangular base 4, on the outer edges of which side walls 6, 8, 10 and 12 are provided which extend essentially vertically upwards and are connected to one another. The side walls 6 and 8 are long side walls and the side walls 10 and 12 are the two short side walls. All four side walls 6, 8, 10 and 12 are articulated to the floor 4 and can each be folded inwards and on top of each other. The short side walls 10 and 12 each have a handle opening 14 in the middle and in the upper area for handling the container 2. Furthermore, the side walls 8, 10 and 12 are each provided with reinforcing ribs and ventilation openings.

While the rear long side wall 8 is a closed side wall with the exception of the ventilation openings, the front long side wall 6 is formed by a frame 16 which defines the outer dimensions of the side wall 6 and over which the side wall 6 with the floor 4 and the adjacent side walls 10 and 12 is connected or connectable. The frame 16 spans a large display opening 18, which is closed by a sliding grid or a grid-shaped structure 20 (see Fig. 1 ) or opened (see Fig. 2 ) can be. In the open or second position, as in the Fig. 2 is shown, the grid 20 is located within a bottom section 22 of the frame 16, as shown in the perspective rear view of the Fig. 3 can be recognized.

The lattice structure 20 has a plurality of wavy strips 24 arranged one above the other, which extend over the entire width of the display opening 18 or the frame 16 and are connected to one another via a large number of connecting sections 26. The respective outer ends 28 of the strips 24 are guided vertically in grooves 30 which are on the inside of vertical Frame sections are formed. Locking lugs (not shown) can be formed in the guide grooves 30 in order to hold the grid structure 20 in the Fig. 1 shown first or closed or pulled apart position and / or in the in the Fig. 2 to hold or lock the second or open or compressed position shown.

In the Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of the Fig. 1 shown in order to describe the structure of the lattice-shaped structure 20 in more detail.

The connecting sections 26 each have two connecting sections 34 of essentially the same length, which are articulated to one another via a film hinge 36, so that the connecting sections 34 can each be folded and unfolded in the plane of the side wall 6. On the strip side, the two connecting sections 34 are also connected to the corresponding strip 24 via corresponding film hinges 36. In this way, two strips 24 arranged one above the other can be brought closer to one another and moved away from one another via the connecting sections 26 in the manner of a scissor joint.

Like from the Fig. 4 It can also be seen that the connecting sections 34 are essentially material tongues of the respective strips 24, which can be pivoted upwards or downwards with respect to the strips 24 via the film hinges 36. These connecting sections 34 are arranged laterally, more precisely inside, to the strips 24, so that two strips 24 arranged one above the other are brought into complete contact when the grid 20 is completely compressed, as can be seen from the Fig. 3 can be recognized. The connecting sections 26 are then located laterally, more precisely inside, to the strips 24 placed one above the other.

From the Fig. 1 It can also be seen that between adjacent strips 24 a large number of connecting sections 26, more precisely three connecting sections 26, are arranged, these being approximately evenly spaced from one another, the connecting sections 26, which connect the pair of strips 24 located below or above, to this are offset laterally. This ensures that the strips 24 are in contact with each other when pulled apart or pressed together Can be moved essentially parallel and the grid 20 does not tilt so easily. This is further reinforced by the fact that the film hinges 36 between the connecting sections 34 partially point in opposite directions.

To pull the grid 20 apart or squeeze it together, the top bar 24 can be used.

According to one in the Figures 5 and 6 shown implementation of a container 2 ', which is not covered by the claims, the top bar 24 is replaced by a reinforced, also straight end or handling bar 38, which is in the first or closed position, as in the Fig. 5 is shown, is flush at the top with the upper edges of the adjacent side walls 10, 12 and which is in the second or open position, as in the Fig. 6 is shown, flush with an upper side edge 40 of the base 4. The side edge 40 of the base 4 also has small recesses or depressions 42 in the middle in order to be able to grip the handling bar 38 better in the second or lowered position.

The handling bar 38 can be formed in one piece with the remaining lattice structural elements (bars 24 and connecting sections 26). Alternatively, the handling bar 38 can be a separately manufactured component which is connected or can be connected to the top bar 24 or to the top connecting sections 26, in particular releasably and/or connectable without tools, for example clipped on.

In a variant of the embodiment given as an example, the lattice structure 20' can have an end strip on both sides, i.e. also on the lower side.

While in the first embodiment the lattice structure 20 is accommodated and guided in a frame 16, in the embodiment given as an example, the lattice structure 20' is accommodated and guided vertically directly in grooves 44, which are formed on the inside of the side walls 10 and 12.

The rest of the structure of the container 2 'and in particular the grid structure is similar to the first embodiment, which is why reference is made to the comments on the first embodiment in this regard.

As an alternative to both embodiments shown above, the back or side wall 8 can also be constructed similarly to the front side wall 6 or can also have a display opening 18 accessible via a grid structure. In the variant without the frame 16, the empty stack height of the container 2 can be further reduced.

An embodiment of a display container 2 according to the invention was described, as well as some variations, which, in contrast to all swivel, folding or roller blind systems, offers a significantly more space-saving solution in order to, on the one hand, transport goods safely and, on the other hand, to present them to customers on the shelf. This is made possible by the above-described, one-piece grid structure 20 made of plastic, which can be completely compressed in order to reduce the height of the grid 20 to a minimum height, and which can be pulled apart to completely close the display opening 18. It should be noted that the actuation direction of the grid 20 according to the invention can take place not only in the vertical direction, but also in the horizontal direction or to the left or to the right.

Claims (8)

1. Container (2), in particular display container, for transporting and storing or presenting goods, comprising a floor (4) which is essentially rectangular, in particular, and side walls (6, 8, 10, 12) extending from the floor (4),

   characterized in that at least one of the side walls (6), in particular a longitudinal side wall or part thereof is formed by a grid-like structure, which is extensible and compressible or able to be pulled apart or squeezed together in at least one, in particular vertical direction and in the side wall plane so as to demarcate or to close the container (2) toward the side in a first position and to open the container (2) toward the side in a second position, in that the grid-like structure (20) is formed by a multitude of strips (24), which extend transversely to the one direction and run essentially in parallel with one another, and by connecting portions (26) arranged between the strips (24), the connecting portions (26) being configured to be bendable or foldable within the side wall plane in such a manner that the distance between two adjacent strips (24) can be shortened,

   wherein a frame (16) of the container spans a display opening (18), in particular of large area, which can be closed by the grid-like structure (20) in the first position and is open in the second position .

   wherein the grid-like structure (20) can be detachably locked in a tool-less manner, in particular by means of detent geometries, at least in the first and/or second position.
2. Container (2) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the grid-like structure (20) is formed in one piece, in particular of plastic.
3. Container (2) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each connecting portion (26) is formed by two connecting segments (34), connected via a living hinge (36), of two adjacent strips (24), which for their part are each connected to the corresponding strip (24) via a living hinge (36).
4. Container (2) as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the strips (24) planarly abut one above the other in the second position or fully compressed position of the grid-like structure and that the connecting segments (34) are arranged laterally in relation to the strips (24) or each complete the corresponding strip (24).
5. Container (2) as claimed in any of the previous claims, characterized in that the at least one side wall (6) is formed by a frame element (16), in particular collapsibly connected to the floor, and the grid-like structure (20) arranged inside the frame, wherein outer end portions (28) of the strips (24) are each movably received in a guide groove (30) in the frame element (16).
6. Container (2) as claimed in any of the previous claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the strips (24) are configured to be wavy.
7. Container (2) as claimed in any of the previous claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the second position, the compressed or squeezed-together strips (24) are fully hidden behind a side edge of the floor (4) or a floor-side portion (32) of the frame element (16).
8. Container (2) as claimed in any of the previous claims, characterized in that all four side walls (6, 8, 10, 12) are connected to the floor (4) in a hinged manner; or characterized in that all four side walls (6, 8, 10, 12) are connected to the floor (4) in a hinged manner and are each collapsible inwards and/or on top of one another.

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