EP3657974B1 - Retrofitting a body in order to produce compatibility with a system body - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method according to claim 1 and an arrangement.

WO 2016/091570 A1 discloses a case that can be placed on another case with corresponding coupling structures by means of coupling structures. This coupling may be either (i) vertically detachable and horizontally anti-slip, or (ii) vertically undetachable and horizontally slidable.

From the DE 10 2014 118 452 a suitcase with a body with four side walls and a bottom and an associated lid is known. This case is used for transporting goods and has a body, a cover that is or can be connected to the body and coupling structures on the body and/or on the cover, with a receiving space between the body and the cover in a closed state for receiving goods to be transported is formed inaccessible from the outside. In an open state, the receiving space is accessible from the outside. The coupling structures are designed so that the case and another case having coupling structures can be stacked on top of one another by means of the coupling structures in a selectively vertically detachable manner and secured against displacement, or can be coupled to one another in a vertically undetachable manner.

The system of DE 10 2014 118 452 is a closed system in principle: couplings are only possible between cases that are also system cases. This limits the variability of the system since it is incompatible with non-system bodies.

Cases can be made in any size, ie also with body heights of 1m and more. In the case of cases with large body heights and high loads, feet can break on the bottom of the case because they cannot sustain the loads that have been brought in. On the other hand, there is a risk that the floor will bend under high loads because the floor is not designed for permanently high loads. For this reason, feet are omitted from suitcases of this type. The bottom of the case then lies flat on the floor, so that Feet cannot break and the floor does not sag. Tools for spraying the cases described are large due to the high body height, which is why the production of multiple tools should be avoided. However, a system connection is not possible for these cases.

It is an object of the present invention to enable use of a receiving body in combination with a case in a simple manner.

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

According to the present invention a method according to claim 1 is disclosed.

According to the present invention, an arrangement according to claim 3 is disclosed.

In the context of the present application, the term "retrofit device" means in particular a one-component adapter body or a multi-component set of adapter bodies which is or are designed to be attached to a non-system body subsequently or as required in order to convert the non-system body equipped with the retrofit device into Giving full functionality to a system body. A retrofit device can in particular be designed specifically for an existing non-system body in order to make it compatible with a system body for joint systemic use, in particular in order to make it positively coupled to a system body.

In the context of the present application, the term “coupling structures” can be understood in particular as structural features of bodies that interact mechanically with one another and are designed for positive interaction for coupling the bodies with one another. Such coupling structures can in particular be projections (e.g. lugs) and/or depressions (e.g. troughs), which can be designed inversely or correspondingly to one another in order to form a mechanical connection (e.g. by plugging, latching, locking, twisting or sliding). . Such a coupling can also be designed as a magnetic coupling, etc., as an alternative or in addition to a mechanical coupling.

Additional exemplary embodiments of the method, the arrangement, the retrofit device and the use are described below.

A retrofit device can be made compact and lightweight as a strip profile, since a support structure (on which the actual coupling structures are attached or formed) of the retrofit device can be dimensioned very small and light in this way. Clearly, by providing the retrofit device as one or more strip profiles, the spatial extent of the retrofit device can remain limited, for example, to those regions of the non-system body in which coupling structures must be provided to establish system capability.

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

• Figur 1 zeigt einen Koffer einer Anordnung gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einem Öffnungszustand.
• Figur 2 und Figur 3 zeigen den Koffer gemäß Figur 1 in einem geschlossenen Zustand.
• Figur 4 zeigt einen Koffer, wie er in Figur 1 bis Figur 3 dargestellt ist, in einem mit einem anderen gleichartigen Koffer gekoppelten Zustand.
• Figur 5 zeigt eine Draufsicht einer Oberseitenkomponente einer Nachrüstvorrichtung zum Nachrüsten eines Aufnahmekörpers zur gemeinsamen Verwendung mit einem Koffer gemäß Figur 1 bis Figur 4 gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Figur 6 zeigt eine unterseitige Ansicht der Oberseitenkomponente gemäß Figur 5.
• Figur 7 zeigt einen Aufnahmekörper mit daran angebrachten Unterseitenkomponenten einer Nachrüstvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• Figur 8 zeigt eine erste Ansicht der Unterseitenkomponenten gemäß Figur 7 ohne Aufnahmekörper
• Figur 9 zeigt eine zweite Ansicht der Unterseitenkomponenten gemäß Figur 7 ohne Aufnahmekörper
• Figur 10 zeigt eine dritte Ansicht der Unterseitenkomponenten gemäß Figur 7 ohne Aufnahmekörper
• Figur 11 zeigt eine Anordnung aus einem Koffer, einem Aufnahmekörper und einer Nachrüstvorrichtung zum Nachrüsten des Aufnahmekörpers zur gemeinsamen Verwendung mit dem Koffer gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

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

• figure 1 shows a suitcase of an arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in an open state.
• figure 2 and figure 3 show the suitcase according to figure 1 in a closed state.
• figure 4 shows a suitcase as it is in Figure 1 to Figure 3 shown in a coupled state with another similar case.
• figure 5 FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a top component of a retrofit device for retrofitting a receiving body for use together with a case according to FIG Figure 1 to Figure 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• figure 6 FIG. 12 shows an underside view of the top component according to FIG figure 5 .
• figure 7 shows a receiving body with attached underside components of a retrofit device according to an embodiment of the invention.
• figure 8 shows a first view of the subpage components according to figure 7 without receiving body
• figure 9 shows a second view of the subpage components according to figure 7 without receiving body
• figure 10 shows a third view of the subpage components according to FIG figure 7 without receiving body
• figure 11 shows an arrangement of a suitcase, a receiving body and a retrofit device for retrofitting the receiving body for joint use with the suitcase according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

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.

The retrofit device can be provided in completely different exemplary embodiments. Coupling strips or rails of a retrofit device can include or consist of plastic, in particular produced by injection molding. Locking slides at the front end of a coupling strip can be retrofitted. An interior and/or an outside of a body of the retrofit device or of a non-system body can, for example, be provided with reinforcement elements on the bottom. Coupling strips or rails can not only be fastened to the floor or the side walls, but can also, for example, engage with these reinforcement elements (e.g. screws can be placed through the coupling rails). It is possible to insert screws into the reinforcement elements through the bottom of the suitcase. A case made without coupling structures on the bottom can also be provided with coupling structures later. For example, wheels could also be attached to the coupling structures in order to form a system-compatible trolley.

figure 1 shows a case 10 for an arrangement 110 (for example together with a receiving body 102 according to figure 7 or according to figure 11 and a retrofit device according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 and/or in accordance with Figure 5 and Figure 6 and/or in accordance with figure 11 ) according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in one opening state. figure 2 and figure 3 show the case 10 according to FIG figure 1 in a closed state. figure 4 shows a suitcase 10 as shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3 shown coupled to another similar case 10'. figure 4 Figure 12 thus shows an arrangement 99 showing the case 10 and the additional similar case 10' in a connected state. The case 10 is used to transport cargo. Such goods to be transported can be accommodated loosely or fastened or secured inside the case 10 and can in particular be accommodated in receiving containers (not shown), which in turn are safely accommodated inside the case 10 when the case 10 is in the closed state. Examples of such transport 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 or can be connected to the body 12 . Reinforcing ribs 28 for mechanically reinforcing the case 10 are formed on the insides of the body 12 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown, various coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 are attached exclusively to the body 12, but not to the cover 14. When the body 12 and the cover 14 are in the closed state, a receiving space for receiving goods to be transported is enclosed between the body 12 and the cover 14 and is inaccessible from the outside. In the open state, the receiving space is accessible from the outside, for example, to transport goods from the Case 10 to remove or bring into the case 10.

The coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 are designed in such a way that the suitcase 10 and the identical other suitcase 10 'by means of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 (which are thus in are also provided in an identical manner on the other case 10') can be optionally vertically removed and horizontally stacked so as to be secured against displacement (state I), or can be coupled to one another in a vertically undetachable and horizontally displaceable manner (state II). Furthermore, the suitcases 10, 10' are coupled to one another so that they cannot be removed vertically and cannot be moved horizontally (state III). The coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44, both the stacking (state I) and the coupling (state II, state III) of the multiple cases 10, 10 'achieve, are solely by means of provisions on the respective body 12 (see latching cams 30 and receiving openings 36 of latching feet 34, coupling lugs 38 on the latching feet 34, a guide rail 30, 32 between the latching cams 30 and steps 32 as well as latching slides 40 and receiving openings 44 interacting with one another), but without any precautions being taken for this the cover 14 are taken.

In order to activate state I, the other suitcase 10' is arranged vertically above the suitcase 10 and then lowered onto the suitcase 10 in such a way that the receiving openings 36 on the locking feet 34 of the other suitcase 10' engage with the locking cams 30 of the suitcase . The receiving openings 36 on the latching feet 34 of the other case and the latching cams 30 of the case 10 then ensure that the other case 10' can be lifted off the case 10 again vertically at any time (i.e. by a movement inverse to the stacking movement), but by the form fit between the Receiving openings 36 on the locking feet 34 of the other case 10 'and the locking cam 30 of the case 10 is protected against displacement in a horizontal plane.

In order to activate state II, the other suitcase 10' is arranged in the horizontal plane in front of the suitcase 10 and is slightly raised vertically in relation to the suitcase 10, so that the coupling lugs 38 of the other suitcase 10' are at the level between the locking cams 30 and the steps 32 , are therefore arranged at the level of the guide rails 30, 32 of the case 10. Then the activation of state II is completed by the other case 10 'is pushed over the case 10 so that the coupling lugs 38 of the other case 10' between the locking cams 30 and the steps 32, thus in the guide rails 30, 32 of the case drive in 10 In state II, it is impossible to lift the other suitcase 10' from the suitcase 10 due to the form fit between the coupling lugs 38 on the one hand and the locking cams 30 or the steps 32, and therefore with the guide rails 30, 32, on the other. At the same time, it is possible to separate the case 10 from the other case 10' by sliding the other case 10' horizontally from the case 10, namely with an inverse sliding movement compared to that with which state II was completed.

In order to activate the state III starting from the state II, the latching slides 40 of the other case 10' are inserted into the receiving openings 44 of the case 10' by a vertical displacement movement when the cases 10, 10' are pushed onto one another. In the thus completed state III is now also a displacement lock formed between the suitcases 10, 10', so that neither a vertical lifting nor a horizontal pushing of the suitcases 10, 10' from one another is possible.

A portion of the couplers 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 (namely couplers numbered 30, 34 through 38) contribute to both vertically detachably anti-shift stacking and vertically undetachably coupling together.

As already described, the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 are formed that the case 10 and the other case 10 'by means of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 in the vertically undetachably coupled to one another (state II, in which the coupling structures 40, 44 are not in engagement with one another) or can be secured against displacement by actuating the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 (state III, in which additional coupling structures 40, 44 are engaged with each other). 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 contributes to the shift locking in the vertically undetachably coupled state III to the shift locking, 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 formed and operable, which contributes to the vertically detachable anti-slip stacking or to the vertically undetachable coupling with each other (Condition I or Condition 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 on top of one another in a vertically detachable, non-displaceable manner is in the form of the locking cams 30 on the outer top edge regions of the body 12 and in the form of the latching feet 34 with underside receiving openings 36 cooperating with the latching cams 30 in the stacked state on the outer underside edge regions of the body 12 .

The part of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 with which the suitcase 10 and the other suitcase 10' can be vertically undetachably coupled to one another one above the other is in the form of the guide rails 30, 32 on the outer top edge regions of the body 12 and in the form of the underside coupling lugs 38, which interact with the guide rails 30, 32 in the coupled state, on the outer underside edge regions of the Body 12 formed. The latching cams 30 form part of the guide rails 30, 32 and the coupling lugs 38 form part of the latching feet 34. The latching feet 34 extend vertically downwards beyond a bottom surface of the body 12 (see FIG figure 2 ), so that the case 10 can be parked with the locking feet 34 on a surface.

The part of the coupling structures 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 44 with which the suitcase 10 and the other suitcase 10' can be secured against displacement in the vertically undetachably coupled state one above the other (state III) is in the form of the receiving openings 44 and the locking slide 40 interacting therewith are formed. 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 openings 44 on the body 12 of the case 10 (if the other case 10' is arranged above the case 10, as in figure 4 ), or vice versa slide out (when the case 10 is placed 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, 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 faces of the body 12 .

In addition, an optional locking device 46, 48, 50, 52 can be 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 it to a counterpart 48 of the cover 14 . When the cover 14 is pivoted by means of a hinge 16 in order to close the interior of the body 12, the locking elements of the rotary lock 52 on the body 12 engage with the counterpart 48 on the cover 14. This can be done by means of the removable key 50 operable rotary lock 52 on the body 12 contains a swivel bracket which retracts into the counterpart 48 on the cover 14.

A handle 54 is mounted in a recess on an upper side surface of the body 12 in the carrying state and between a folded state 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 of a hard component 56 for stabilizing and supporting the handle 54 and a soft component 58 for a user to comfortably touch the case 10 while carrying the case 10 . The handle 54 on the body 12 can be placed against the latter and remains there in a compact position by the action of a detent cam locking the handle 54 in the retracted condition. A label field 75 is provided in the area of the handle 54, into which an identification carrier, which is indicative of the contents of the case 10, for example, can be inserted. The case 10 also has the hinge 16 which connects the body 12 and the lid 14 in a foldable manner and is designed to be able to fold the case 10 over 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 spaced apart from the ground without touching it when the case 10 is resting 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 which in figure 1 Documents not shown can be clamped temporarily and thus secured during transport.

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

The cases 10, 10' are also designed to accommodate assortment boxes (not shown), in which, for example, tool materials such as screws, dowels or other things can be accommodated. When the respective suitcase 10, 10' is closed, the assortment boxes are secured inaccessible to a user inside the respective suitcase 10, 10', whereas a user can access the assortment boxes when the respective suitcase 10, 10 is open. As in figure 1 and figure 2 shown, are on an inside of the body 12 cross-intersecting longitudinal struts 18 and transverse struts 20 raised above a flat surface. In the intersection areas of the longitudinal struts 18 and the transverse struts 20, there are also raised, protruding frames 22 which, in each intersection area, together with the longitudinal struts 18 and transverse struts 20, form four receiving recesses 24 for receiving the bases of assortment boxes that are shaped essentially inversely to the receiving recesses 24.

An annular recess on an inside of the lid 14 is covered with an annular mat 64 that is ultrasonically welded to the lid 14 circumferentially. The document holder 68 made of plastic is attached to the passe-partout 64 by means of plastic clips 66 for clamping documents (not shown) in place.

Figure 1 to Figure 4 it can thus be seen that the suitcase J z 10 can be efficiently connected to other suitcases 10'. In the following, reference is made to Figure 5 to Figure 10 described how such a case 10 also with an in figure 7 shown receiving body 102 or another non-system body without any coupling structures, ie without the coupling structures required to form the system capability (see in particular reference numerals 30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the case 10 according to an exemplary Embodiment of the invention compatible with the cases 10, 10 'can be made.

In brief, a relevant measure of an exemplary embodiment of the invention consists in figure 1 illustrated and as small as possible virtual sections 206, 208 of the case 10, which have the coupling structures required to produce compatibility with a case 10, 10' (see in particular reference numbers 30, 44 in section 206 and reference numbers 34, 40 in section 208). . The sections 206 or 208 identified in this way, which are as small as possible and as connected as possible, can then be simulated in order to be used as components 106 (cf Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) or 108 (compare Figure 7 to Figure 10 ) of an aftermarket device 100 to be physically manufactured. One or more of the fabricated physical components 106, 108 may then be attached (particularly detachably) to the receptacle body 102 for compatibility with the cases 10, 10'. In particular, a receiving body 102 retrofitted with the retrofit device 100 designed in this way can be stacked one on top of the other so that it is vertically detachable and secured against displacement in the same way as two suitcases 10, 10'.

figure 5 10 shows a plan view of a top component 106 of a retrofit device 100 for retrofitting a receptacle body for use together with a suitcase according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. figure 6 12 shows an underside view of the topside component 106 of FIG figure 5 .

In the Figure 5 and Figure 6 The physical top-side component 106 shown is the one shown in FIG figure 1 illustrated virtual section 206 is simulated. A non-system body not shown in the figures, which in contrast to the Suitcase 10 according to figure 1 the coupling structures 30, 44 are missing, can one as shown figure 1 be provided with the upper side component 106 designed as an L-shaped bar in order to provide the functionality of the coupling structures 30, 44 there. Although not shown in the figure, in accordance with figure 1 In the upper left area of a non-system body, on which the coupling structures 30, 44 are also missing, another L-shaped bar can be arranged as an additional upper side component in order to simulate the functionality of the coupling structures 30, 44 there as well. This additional topside component can clearly be seen as a mirror image of the one in Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrated upper side component 106 are formed.

The retrofit device 100 according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 is therefore used for retrofitting a receiving body which cannot be coupled to the case 10 as such, since it lacks the coupling structures 30, 44 of the case 10.

The retrofit device 100 for retrofitting the non-system body on the upper side therefore has the strip-shaped retrofit body 112 according to FIG Figure 5 and Figure 6 and another retrofit body, not shown in the figure, which is a mirror image of Figure 5 and Figure 6 is trained. As best in figure 6 As can be seen, the retrofit body 112 shown there has a connection structure 114 on its underside for mechanical connection to the non-system body. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connection is made in such a way that a cavity of the retrofit body 112 delimited by peripheral side walls can be placed or plugged onto the non-system body.

Furthermore, coupling structures 30 ', 44' are provided on the retrofit body 112, which are designed to be coupled with coupling structures 34, 38, 40 of the case 10 in such a way that the retrofit device 100 (after being placed on the non-system body) and the case 10 selectively on top of each other are vertically detachable and stackable, or can be vertically and undetachably coupled with each other (optionally with or without Shift lock) are - in a corresponding manner, as for the cases 10, 10 'referring to Figure 1 to Figure 4 is described. Expressed in clear terms, the coupling structures 30', 44' on the retrofit body 112 replace the coupling structures 30, 44 missing on the non-system body Figure 5 and Figure 6 Thus, the retrofit device 100 shown is designed for retrofitting the non-system body to make it compatible with the set of cases 10, 10'. In order to design the retrofit device 100, first of all coupling structures 30, 44 of the case 10 are identified, which are required to establish compatibility on the upper side of the receiving body JZ. For this, see Section 206 in figure 1 , a contiguous area that is as compact as possible can be determined in the form of an L-shaped bar here, which has and carries the relevant coupling structures 30, 44. On the basis of these preliminary considerations, the retrofit device 100 can then be produced as an L-shaped body with the identified coupling structures 30', 44' (for example made of plastic, in particular by means of injection molding). The second L-shaped retrofit body 112 can then also be added in the same way Figure 5 and Figure 6 be manufactured in a mirror-inverted form in order to emulate the identified coupling structures 30', 44' on the left-hand side of the system body. The receiving body can then be connected to the retrofit device 100 produced in this way by placing the strips in place such that the receiving body connected to the retrofit device 100 can be connected to the retrofit device 100 by means of the coupling structures 30', 44' and of the case 10 by means of the coupling structures 34, 38, 40 can be systemically coupled to the case 10 in the manner described above.

As already described, when referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 described embodiment, the retrofit device 100 can be designed as two L-shaped strip profiles 104 in order to achieve a particularly material-saving and lightweight design of the retrofit device 100 to reach. Alternatively, the strip profile 104 can also be designed as a U-profile, which clearly connects the two L-shaped strip profiles 104 to one another and thus enables particularly user-friendly handling of the retrofit device 100 in the form of then only one component.

Since the receiving body alone can be free of complicated coupling structures (which can have undercuts), it can be injected in one piece using a simple injection molding tool. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing process of the receiving body.

As already mentioned, the coupling structures 30', 44' of the retrofit device 100 according to FIG Figure 5 and Figure 6 designed so that a on a top of the upper side with the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 retrofitted receiving body attached case 10 according to figure 1 by means of the coupling structures 30', 44' of the receiving body J and by means of the coupling structures 34, 38, 40 of the case 10 can be stacked on top of one another in a selectively vertically detachable, non-displaceable manner (compare coupling structures 30', 34), or can be vertically and undetachably coupled to one another (compare coupling structures 30' , 34, 38) - the latter optionally with or without displacement lock (compare coupling structures 44', 40). For this purpose, the coupling structures 30 ′, 44 ′ of the retrofit device 100 have latching cams 30 ′ formed laterally on the strip body 112 on the top side component 106 of the retrofit device 100 (to be attached to a top side of the receiving body J). The locking cams 30' of the retrofit device 100 can also form part of guide rails for forming a configuration that cannot be moved vertically and cannot be removed, these guide rails, for example, between the locking cams 30' of the retrofit device 100 and steps (compare reference number 32 in figure 1 ) of the receiving body can be formed. A part of the coupling structures 30 ', 44', with which the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 and the case 10 can be coupled to one another vertically and cannot be removed, one above the other, so it can be in the form of Guide rails can be realized, some of which are formed on the top side component 106 of the retrofit device 100 to be attached to a top side of the receiving body.

A part of the coupling structures 30 ', 44', with which the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 together with the receiving body on the one hand and the case 10 on the other hand, in the vertically undetachably coupled state one above the other, can be secured against displacement against one another, can be used as a respective receiving opening 44' in the form of a through hole on the short side of the L-shaped profile part or retrofit body 112 according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 and as a respective locking slide 40 of the system body 10 that interacts therewith according to FIG figure 1 be trained. In order to implement the anti-displacement mechanism, locking slides 40 of the case 10 can be pushed into corresponding receiving openings 44' of the retrofit device 100 (displacement mechanism activated) or pushed out (displacement mechanism deactivated).

By means of the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 a normal object (for example a suitcase), ie a receiving body, J can be equipped or retrofitted with system coupling elements in the form of the coupling structures 30', 44'. The L-shaped rail used for this purpose as the upper side component 106 according to FIG Figure 5 and Figure 6 receives the for a system coupling with the case 10 according to Figure 1 to Figure 4 necessary structures (see locking cam 30') for the locking feet 34 of the engaging system body 10 and the recess (see receiving opening 44') for inserting the locking element (see locking slide 40).

Are two mirror-symmetrical L-shaped rails, one of which in Figure 5 and Figure 6 is shown as a retrofit body 112, attached at the appropriate distance relative to one another, the resulting arrangement simulates the coupling structures 30', 44' on the lid-side end of a case 10 designed as a system case. A suitcase 10 can be placed on the rails according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 be set in such a way that the locking feet 34 of the case 10 engage with the latching cams 30' of the rails, so that the case 10 is held. The locking slide or locking slide 40 on the handle side of the case 10 can be pushed into the associated recess or receiving opening 44' of the respective L-shaped rail in order to lock the case 10 with the retrofit device 100 made of the two L-shaped profiles. The case JZ 10 is thus locked with the L-shaped profiles and attached to them. The L-shaped rails according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 can be attached to almost any object as a receiving body, whereby the case 10 according to the system connection Figure 1 to Figure 4 can be attached to them. As objects or non-system bodies on which the retrofit device 100 from the two L-shaped rails according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 is particularly preferably formed, cases that are not system cases, shelves, tool benches, workshop trolleys, etc. are possible.

figure 7 shows a receiving body 102 with attached underside components 108 of a retrofit device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. figure 8 10 shows a first view of the underside components 108 according to FIG figure 7 without receiving body 102. figure 9 10 shows a second view of the underside components 108 according to FIG figure 7 without receiving body 102. figure 10 10 shows a third view of the underside components 108 according to FIG figure 7 without receiving body 102. The retrofit device 100 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 is used for retrofitting the receiving body 102, which as such cannot be coupled completely (namely not on its bottom side) to suitcases 10, 10'.

It is noted that the underside components 108 according to FIG Figure 7 to Figure 10 alternatively or in addition to the upper side components 106 according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 can be used to form a retrofit device 100 for retrofitting a receiving body JZ 102. In other words, a receiving body 102 can either only be on its upper side or only on its underside (as per figure 7 ) or both be retrofitted on its upper side and on its underside in order to attach corresponding simulated coupling structures 30', 44' or 34', 38', 40' to the case 10 there.

The right of the two in Figure 7 to Figure 10 Physical sub-side components 106 shown is the same as in FIG figure 1 illustrated virtual section 208 simulated. the inside figure 7 shown receiving body 102, which in contrast to the case 10 according to figure 1 the coupling structures 34, 40 are missing on its underside, can be in accordance with figure 7 lower right side with the in Figure 7 to Figure 10 shown on the right and designed as an L-shaped bar underside component 108 are provided in order to imitate the functionality of the coupling structures 34, 40 there. Furthermore, in accordance with figure 7 Another L-shaped bar can be arranged as an additional underside component 108 in the lower left area of the receiving body 102, on which the coupling structures 34, 40 are also missing, in order to simulate the functionality of the coupling structures 34, 40 there as well. This additional subpage component 108 is in Figure 7 to Figure 10 each shown on the left and can be seen as a mirror image of that in Figure 7 to Figure 10 are each formed on the right-hand side bottom component 108 shown. According to Figure 7 to Figure 10 In turn, two L-shaped strip profiles 104 are provided as underside components 108 that are essentially mirror-symmetrical to one another. Alternatively, these can be connected to form a single profile that is particularly easy to handle.

The topside components 106 according to FIG Figure 5 and Figure 6 and the sub-side components 108 according to FIG Figure 7 to Figure 10 are provided with different coupling structures 30', 44' or 34', 38', 40' in order to imitate the correspondingly different coupling structures 30, 44 or 34, 38, 40 on an upper side or on an underside of the suitcase 10'.

The L-shaped strips of the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 are each at their top with a connection structure 114 to Connect provided with an inverse shaped underside of the receiving body 102. The connecting structures 114 are each formed as a pair of receiving grooves spaced apart from one another along a long side of the respective strip profile 104 . Snap-in feet 34' are formed on a lower surface of the long sides. These are, as in Figure 9 and Figure 10 to recognize, underside with coupling lugs 38 ', in which locking cams 30 of a case 10 can be inserted. In addition, in a lower area of a respective short side of the respective strip profile 104 according to FIG Figure 7 to Figure 10 a vertically displaceable locking slide 40' is mounted, which is in an in figure 7 can be moved in the direction indicated by a respective double arrow in order to be received in a corresponding receiving opening 44 of a case 10 or to be moved out of it.

Since the receiving body 102 can be retrofitted to be compatible with the case 10 by connecting it to the retrofit device 100, it can—taken alone—be designed without locking feet and lie flat on a level surface. This makes it possible for the holding body 102 to also be able to hold heavy loads (for example it can be designed as a storage container, garbage can or the like), which could lead to snap-in feet breaking off in continuous operation. If latching feet 34' are required as coupling structures in order to connect the receiving body 102 to a case 10, the underside of the receiving body 102 can, if necessary, be connected to the retrofit device 100 according to FIG Figure 7 to Figure 10 be equipped.

The coupling structures 34 ', 38', 40 'of the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 are so designed so that on a bottom of the underside with the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 retrofitted receiving body 102 attached case 1 10 according to figure 1 one above the other by means of the coupling structures 34', 38', 40' of the receiving body 102 and by means of the coupling structures 30, 44 of the case 10 can be selectively stacked in a vertically detachable, non-displaceable manner (compare coupling structures 30, 34'), or can be vertically and undetachably coupled to one another (compare coupling structures 30, 34', 38') - the latter optionally with or without anti-displacement protection (compare coupling structures 44, 40'). For this purpose, the coupling structures 34′, 38′, 40′ of the retrofit device 100 have locking feet 34′ formed on the underside of the strip body 112 on the underside component 108 of the retrofit device 100 (to be attached to an underside of the receiving body 102). In the stacked state, these act together with locking cams 30 of the case 10 . Furthermore, coupling lugs 38' can form part of the latching feet 34'. A part of the coupling structures 34 ', 38', 40 ', with which the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 and the case 10 can be coupled to one another vertically and undetachably one above the other can be configured in the form of coupling lugs 38' on the underside components 108 (to be attached to an underside of the receiving body 102) of the retrofit device 100, which interact with the guide rails of the case 10 in the coupled state.

By means of the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 a normal receiving body (for example a suitcase) can therefore be equipped or retrofitted with system coupling elements in the form of the coupling structures 34', 38', 40'.

The receiving body 102 is according to figure 7 designed in the form of a suitcase and can by means of the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 with the inside Figure 1 to Figure 4 suitcase 10 shown are coupled systemically. The receiving body 102 has a body 130 with four side walls 132, 134, 136, 138 and a base 140 and a cover 142. The upper, cover-side end of the receiving body 102 has coupling elements or coupling structures 144 accordingly Figure 1 to Figure 4 on to place another suitcase 10 on it and the two connect suitcases to each other. However, the opposite bottom end (not shown) of the receptacle body 102 faces - Figure 1 bis figure 4 - No coupling structures, ie in particular no locking feet 34 and no locking slide 40. The bottom of the receiving body 102 designed as a suitcase can thus be arranged flat on the floor of a hall. This is advantageous per se, since it ensures that even when the holding body 102 is heavily loaded, no feet can break off and the bottom of the holding body 102 does not sag. Advantageously, an injection molding tool (in particular one of simple design) can be used to produce the body 130 and the body 130 can be injection molded in one piece.

In order to ensure the error-resistant operation of the receiving body 102 described, even when heavily loaded, and to avoid additional expense for a further injection molding tool for forming coupling structures 34, 38, 40 on the underside according to FIG Figure 1 to Figure 4 To avoid directly on the receiving body 102 and still allow a system connection of the case, the procedure is as follows: On the opposite side walls of the receiving body 102, coupling rails in the form of the strip profiles 104 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 are arranged and fixed, which the underside coupling structures 34, 38, 40 according to Figure 1 to Figure 4 simulate, namely the feet (compare locking feet 34 'with coupling lugs 38') and the locking elements (compare locking slide 40 '). With the help of these coupling rails, the smooth bottom of the receiving body 102, which is produced without coupling elements, becomes a bottom with the coupling structures 34', 38', 40', which are functional Figure 1 to Figure 4 are replicated.

The coupling rails of the retrofit device 100 according to Figure 7 to Figure 10 can, for example, be connected to the body 130 with the aid of screws or rivets or clips, or simply slipped onto it (see connection structure 114).

If the coupling rails or strip profiles 104 are attached to the body 130, the receiving body 102 can be placed on a case 10 and be coupled or connected to it, as described in Figure 1 to Figure 4 is described.

Although in Figure 7 to Figure 10 no receiving openings are shown on the locking feet 34' on the underside components 108, the underside components 108 can also have such receiving openings on the locking feet 34' (corresponding to reference number 36, as in figure 3 shown for suitcase 10).

figure 11 shows schematically an arrangement 110 of a suitcase 10, a receiving body 102 and a retrofit device 100 for retrofitting the receiving body 102 for joint use with the suitcase 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The retrofitting device 100 is used for retrofitting the receiving body 102, which as such cannot be coupled to the system body 10 at all (namely neither on its bottom side nor on its top side). The suitcase 10 has coupling structures 30, 34 and can be coupled to coupling structures 30, 34 of another suitcase (not shown) by means of the coupling structures 30, 34. The receiving body 102, on the other hand, cannot be coupled as such to the coupling structures 30, 34 of the case 10 due to the lack of its own coupling structures. The retrofit device 100, on the other hand, has coupling structures 30′, 34′ which are functionally modeled on the coupling structures 30, 34 of the case 10 and which would also be required on the receiving body 102 to establish coupling compatibility with the case 10. The receiving body 102 and the retrofit device 100 are shaped and dimensioned to be connected to one another (see arrow 150) in such a way that in the connected state by means of the coupling structures 30 ', 34' of the retrofit device 100 and by means of the coupling structures 30, 34 of the case 10 of the with the Retrofit device 100 connected receiving body 102 with the case 10 can be coupled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retrofit device 100 has a receiving space 152 that is shaped and dimensioned to receive the non-system body 103 (see arrow 150).

According to FIG figure 11 shown purely as an example as a vertically movable bar.

Furthermore, according to figure 11 the retrofit device 100 has a rolling device 116 for rolling movement of the receiving body 102 attached to the retrofit device 100, which can then be used as a system-capable trolley.

The schematic representation according to figure 11 Figure 1 shows that the basic concept of embodiments of the invention can be realized with entirely different non-system bodies 102. A non-system body can be, for example, any receiving body (e.g. a suitcase), a shelf, a tool bench, a workshop trolley, etc.

Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should 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. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

Claims (5)

1. Method for designing a retrofitting device (100) for retrofitting a receiving body (102) for establishing compatibility with a suitcase (10) for transporting transport goods, which suitcase (10) is coupleable with another suitcase (10') by coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44), wherein the method comprises:

   identifying coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase (10) which are required for establishing compatibility;

   manufacturing the retrofitting device (100) with the coupling structures (30', 34', 38', 40', 44') which are mimicking the identified coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44);

   connecting the receiving body (102) with the retrofitting device (100), such that the receiving body (102) which is connected with the retrofitting device (100) is coupleable with the suitcase (10) by the coupling structures (30', 34', 38', 40', 44') of the retrofitting device (100) and by the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase (10);

   wherein the retrofitting device (100) is formed as a ledge profile (104);

   wherein the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase are configured such that the suitcase and another suitcase which comprises coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) as further suitcase (10'), by the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44), on top of each other are selectively:

   vertically detachably stackable in a slide-secured manner; or

   vertically non-detachably coupleable with each other;

   wherein the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase are formed such that the suitcase and the other suitcase, by the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44), in the state in which they are vertically non-detachably coupled with each other on top of each other, are selectively

   slidable with respect to each other; or

   by actuating the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) are slide-securable with respect to each other.
2. Method according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following features:

   wherein at least one top side component (106) of the retrofitting device (100) is attached to a top side of the receiving body (102) and/or at least one bottom side component (108) of the retrofitting device (100) is attached to a bottom side of the receiving body (102);

   wherein in particular the at least one top side component (106) and the at least one bottom side component (108) are formed differently, in particular with different coupling structures (30', 44'; 34', 38', 40');

   wherein connecting is performed by a screw connection, a bolt connection and/or a, in particular detachable, plug connection;

   wherein the retrofitting device (100) is manufactured by injection molding.
3. Arrangement (110) comprising:

   a suitcase (10) for transporting transport goods, which comprises coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) and which is coupleable by the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) with coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of another suitcase (10');

   a receiving body (102) which, as such, is not or not completely coupleable with the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase (10);

   a retrofitting device (100) which comprises coupling structures (30', 34', 38', 40', 44') which are mimicking coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase (10), which are required for establishing compatibility with the suitcase (10);

   wherein the receiving body (102) and the retrofitting device (100) are configured and connectable or connected with each other, such that, in the connected state, by the coupling structures (30', 34', 38', 40', 44') of the retrofitting device (100) and by the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase (10), the receiving body (102) which is connected with the retrofitting device (100) is coupleable with the suitcase (10);

   wherein the retrofitting device (100) is formed as a ledge profile (104);

   wherein the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase are configured such that the suitcase and another suitcase which comprises coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) as further suitcase (10'), by the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44), on top of each other are selectively:

   vertically detachably stackable in a slide-secured manner; or

   vertically non-detachably coupleable with each other;

   wherein the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) of the suitcase are formed such that the suitcase and the other suitcase, by the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44), in the state in which they are vertically non-detachably coupled with each other on top of each other, are selectively

   slidable with respect to each other; or

   by actuating the coupling structures (30, 34, 38, 40, 44) are slide-securable with respect to each other.
4. Arrangement (110) according to claim 3,
   wherein the suitcase comprises:

   a corpus (12);

   a lid (14) which is connected or connectable with the corpus (12);

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

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

   wherein in an opened state, the receiving space is accessible from outside.
5. Arrangement (110) according to one of the claims 3 to 4, comprising at least one of the following features:

   wherein the receiving body (102) is selected from a group which is consisting of a receiving body, in particular a suitcase, a shelf floor, a tool bench, and a workshop trolley;

   wherein the receiving body (102) is free of locking feet (34, 34'), in particular has a smooth or planar bottom side;

   wherein the receiving body (102) is injection molded in one piece.

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