EP3702171B1 - Transport device for file folder - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transport device for at least one file, which has a back and two wings, according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the field of architecture and engineering in particular, files are often transported which, due to their size, do not fit into conventional pockets. For this reason, the files usually have to be carried under the arm, which often leads to transport problems, since the freedom of movement of the architect or engineer is restricted. In addition, problems arise if the file folder has to be briefly parked and then picked up again.

For this reason, there is a need to create a transport device with which files, in particular, can be transported. In this context, for example, in the US 2004/0247374 A1 presented a foldable device with which books and folders can be grasped and thus grouped.

The WO 2009/092370 shows a belt-like device with which file folders can be wrapped in order to make them easier to handle. In practice, however, such a belt device is awkward to attach to the file folder and in particular is unstable, so that the file folder itself must have a certain stability in order to be able to be put down or transported. Similarly, the U.S. 3,167,226 a belt-based solution for carrying books.

A transport device according to the preamble of claim 1 is from FR 1 296 015 A known, wherein the bottom, top and side panels, which are linked to one another in a chain-like manner, each have tabs with snap-fastener connections, via which they can be connected to a frame for the transport of a record album. When the tabs are loosened, the frame also separates, which complicates the insertion of the record album into the frame; this has to be put on anew around the album like a strap each time.

The known devices all have the disadvantage that they do not offer any easy-to-use, stable, tamper-proof and tamper-proof solutions for transporting files.

It is therefore the object of the invention to create a transport device which overcomes the mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved with a transport device of the type mentioned at the outset, comprising
a frame with a base plate for supporting the back of the file, a cover plate and two side plates which hold the base plate and the cover plate at a predetermined distance from one another, and
two straps connected to the cover plate each to hold the free end of one of the wings,
wherein the tabs are each shorter than said distance as seen in the distance direction, and
the tabs being pivotable with respect to the side plates,
which transport device is characterized according to the invention,
that when the transport device is in an operational state for the transport of the file folder, the base, cover and side panels are connected to the frame, while the tabs can be pivoted relative to the side panels.

The transport device according to the invention enables a file folder to be transported to be secured in a stable manner in the frame by the tabs. The frame continues to act as a robust transport box, and the shortness of the tabs means that the file folder can be fixed in an accessible manner in the frame. In contrast to suitcases, there is no need to open or pivot an entire side surface, which means that the transport device can also be opened and closed easily with one hand, for example.

In addition, the file folder is visible at all times even when it is fixed in the transport device. As a result, files stowed in the transport device can be found quickly, which reduces the risk of the files being misplaced or lost.

The tabs, viewed in the distance direction, are preferably each shorter than half the stated distance, preferably shorter than a quarter of the stated distance. If the flaps are significantly shorter than the sides, opening the flaps and thus removing the file from the transport device is further facilitated. If the flaps are shorter than a quarter of the specified distance, the flaps can even be opened with a casual movement of the hand. In addition, the visibility of the folder in the transport device increases with the shortness of the flaps.

According to the invention, two alternatives are provided for pivoting the tabs relative to the side plates. In the first alternative, the cover plate is connected to the side plates in such a way that it is torsionally rigid about an axis normal to the side plates, the tabs being pivotable relative to the cover plate about an axis normal to the side plates. This has the effect that the cover plate cannot be rotated relative to the side plates, which increases the stability of the transport device as a whole. At the same time, the pivotability of the tabs with respect to the cover plate results in an intuitively simple possibility for the user to move around the transport device to open and to enclose the file folder in this safe for transport.

In the second alternative, the tabs are rigidly connected to the cover plate and the cover plate can be pivoted relative to the side plates about an axis normal to the side plates. This enables both tabs to be rotated relative to the side plates with a single handle, which enables a file folder to be brought in and out of the transport device in a particularly stimulating way. In addition, the file folder can be stored more securely in the transport device, since the width of the file folder between the rigid flaps brings about an additional holding mechanism.

The transport device preferably further comprises a belt, the ends of which can be connected to one of the straps and which can be guided around the base plate in order to lock the straps with respect to the side plates. The belt firstly ensures that the tabs are held in their position during transport and secondly that the belt offers additional resistance to the folder slipping out of the transport device, which essentially makes it impossible for the folder to fall out of the transport device. Furthermore, the belt has the advantage that its fastening is easy for the user to handle, since it can be anchored in both straps, for example.

Alternatively, the belt can be wrapped around the entire transport device, i.e. around the straps, the base plate and the cover plate, be shown around. This makes it possible on the one hand that the belt does not have to be attached to the straps, but on the other hand harbors the risk that the belt can slip off the transport device.

In a further preferred embodiment for securing the tabs, the transport device has at least one catch which is designed to lock the tabs relative to the side plates. The catch has the advantage that it can be opened, for example, by pressing a single button to release the tabs. In addition, it means that, unlike belts, there are no other securing elements that could possibly be lost.

The side plates are preferably each pivotably connected to the base plate and the cover plate, so that the frame can be collapsed. The collapsibility of the frame enables the transport device to be reduced in size in a simple manner after a file has been transported. On the one hand, this facilitates the further transport of the transport device without a file folder, but it also makes it easier to sell the transport device as bulk goods, since the transport device takes up less space in the collapsed state. In contrast to the fact that the transport device can be dismantled, its collapsibility means that individual parts cannot be lost, as is often the case with kits.

In the embodiment mentioned, it is particularly advantageous if each side panel has a hinge centrally between the base panel and the cover panel in order to fold the side panels together. Due to the improved collapsibility by means of the hinge, the transport device takes up even less space in the collapsed state. In addition, folding and assembling is even more intuitive, since the cover plate now only has to be moved in the direction of the base plate or away from it.

In a preferred embodiment, the base plate is detachably connected to one of the side plates and inextricably linked to the other side plate. This has the effect that the bottom plate can be detached from one of the side plates in order to "unfold" the transport device. This firstly enables the transport device to be more easily collapsed and, on the other hand, enables the transport device to be manufactured in one piece. For example, the transport device can be manufactured as a coherent "chain" of individual plates, which enables the transport device to be manufactured particularly easily.

In the embodiment mentioned, a reinforcement plate is preferably hinged to the side plate which is detachably connected to the base plate and engages under the base plate in order to support it. If the base plate is only connected to the detachably connected side plate with a simple fastening, there is a risk that the base plate will fold down if the load is too great. With the reinforcement plate this problem is resolved because the detachable connections are now provided on both side panels, so that these are less stressed. This solution also enables the transport device to be manufactured in one piece.

It is preferred if the base plate is formed from two elements that can be interlocked with one another, one of which is detachably connected to one of the side plates and non-detachably connected to the other. The interlocking elements of the base plate represent a particularly simple and at the same time stable solution for the base plate. On the one hand, the interlocking elements can be connected intuitively, but on the other hand they create a stable connection that can carry the weight of the file. In contrast to the solution with a reinforcement plate, material is saved here. Furthermore, a one-piece production of the transport device can be made possible.

It is also advantageous if each side plate is passed through a slot at the end in the cover plate and is held in the slot by means of a projection. This enables the transport device to be detachable in a modular, detachable manner, which is particularly advantageous if the cover plates are manufactured separately from the side plates and the base plate. Sliding the side panels into the slots is more stable than other releasable connections because there are fewer retaining elements. The base plate can furthermore be hinged to one or both side plates or can be detached from both side plates at all.

The tabs can be designed in different ways. In the simplest variant, the straps are one-piece, flat plates, which offers a particularly stable and inexpensive variant of the straps.

In a second variant, the tabs each comprise two parts, the first part being pivotably articulated on the cover plate and the second part being pivotably articulated on the first part. This enables file folders of different thicknesses or several file folders to be accommodated in the transport device, the shape of the tabs being adapted in each case to the content of the transport device. In this variant, it is particularly advantageous if a belt is used to lock the tabs, since this, like the tabs, can be variably adapted to the content of the transport device.

In a further variant, the tabs are designed as rigid angle tabs. This also enables the tabs to be adapted more flexibly to the content of the transport device. The protruding angle of the angle brackets can penetrate into the transport device, for example, and clamp the file folder if the file folder in the transport device is only thin. This variant is particularly advantageous when the cover plate has a smaller width than the side plates, since the angle brackets act particularly well here as clamps.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport device has on the base plate, cover plate and / or Side plate latching lugs and recesses to be stackable with another identical transport device. The latching lugs and latching recess are each arranged in opposite directions on preferably opposite plates, which enables stacking with an identical transport device. The stackability is particularly advantageous when the transport devices are stowed or archived over a longer period of time. In such cases, the transport devices can be stacked without slipping, which increases the safety of storage.

The locking lugs also have the advantage that the transport device ensures an additional distance between the file folder and the environment, as a result of which the file folder becomes soiled less quickly. Locking lugs are therefore preferably located on the base plate, the cover plate and the side plates, and particularly preferably also on the tabs.

• Fig. 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Transportvorrichtung mit Gurt in einer schematischen Perspektivansicht;
• die Fig. 2a bis 2c eine zusammenlegbare Transportvorrichtung in einem betriebsbereiten Zustand (Fig. 2a), in einem Zwischenzustand (Fig. 2b) und in einem zusammengelegten Zustand (Fig. 2c), jeweils in einer Perspektivansicht;
• Fig. 3 eine Transportvorrichtung mit einer Bodenplatte aus verzahnbaren Elementen in einer Perspektivansicht;
• Fig. 4 eine Transportvorrichtung mit verdrehbarer Deckplatte in einer Perspektivansicht;
• die Fig. 5a und 5b eine Transportvorrichtung mit starren Winkellaschen in einem ersten Zustand (Fig. 5a) und einem zweiten Zustand (Fig. 5b), jeweils in einer Perspektivansicht; und
• Fig. 6 eine Transportvorrichtung mit durch die Deckplatte hindurchführbaren Seitenplatten.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings show:

• Fig. 1 a transport device according to the invention with a belt in a schematic perspective view;
• the Figures 2a to 2c a collapsible transport device in an operational state ( Fig. 2a ), in an intermediate state ( Figure 2b ) and in a collapsed state ( Figure 2c ), each in a perspective view;
• Fig. 3 a transport device with a base plate made of toothed elements in a perspective view;
• Fig. 4 a transport device with a rotatable cover plate in a perspective view;
• the Figures 5a and 5b a transport device with rigid angle brackets in a first state ( Figure 5a ) and a second state ( Figure 5b ), each in a perspective view; and
• Fig. 6 a transport device with side plates which can be passed through the cover plate.

Fig. 1 shows a transport device 1 for at least one file 2, which has a back 3 and two wings 4. Depending on the size, one or more files 2 or books, notebooks or other printed matter with sufficient rigidity can be stored in the transport device 1. If several file folders 2 are to be brought into the transport device 1, they can be arranged in opposite directions, for example two file folders 2 with the spine 3 down and a file folder 2 in between with the spine 3 up.

The transport device 1 comprises a frame 5 with a base plate 6 for supporting the back 3 of the file folder 2, a cover plate 7 with handle 7 'and two side plates 8, 9. The side plates 8, 9 each have a predetermined length around the base plate 6 and to hold the cover plate 7 at a predetermined distance A from one another. The distance A corresponds to a usual width of a file folder between the spine 3 and the free ends of the wings 4, for example between 20 cm and 50 cm, for example 28.5 cm ± 10%. The length L of the base plate 6 and the cover plate 7, with which the side plates 8, 9 to one another are held, corresponds to a usual height of a file folder 2, for example between 20 cm and 60 cm, for example 32 cm + 10%.

The widths B of the base plate 6, cover plate 7 and the two side plates 8, 9 can, for example, each be the same size and determine the capacity of the transport device 1, ie how many files 2 can be accommodated next to one another in the transport device 1. For example, a uniform width B can be 5-30 cm. The widths B of the various plates 6, 7, 8, 9 can also be different depending on the embodiment, see later with reference to FIG Figures 5a and 5b .

The plates 6, 7, 8, 9 can for example be made of cardboard, plastic, metal or corresponding composite materials, e.g. coated cardboard or glass or carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and e.g. have a thickness of 1 - 20 mm.

To hold the file or files 2 in the frame 5, the transport device 1 has two tabs 10, which are each connected to the cover plate 7 on an opposite longitudinal side thereof. The tabs 10 each serve to hold the free end 4 ′ of one of the wings 4. If there are several file folders 2 in the transport device 1, each of the tabs 10 holds the free end 4 ′ of the two outermost file folders 2.

In order to be able to quickly remove the files 2 from the transport device 1, the tabs 10 are in the direction a of the distance A, ie in the direction from the cover plate 7 to the base plate 6, seen shorter than the mentioned distance A. The height H of the tabs 10 seen in the distance direction a can be 90% of the mentioned distance A, for example. Alternatively, the tabs 10, viewed in the distance direction a, are each shorter than half of the mentioned distance A or shorter than a quarter of the mentioned distance A.

So that the file folder 2 can be easily introduced into the transport device 1 and fixed in it, the tabs 10 can be pivoted with respect to the side panels 8, 9, here in each case about an axis N which is normal to the side panels 8, 9.

However, so that the tabs 10 do not yield too quickly during transport and release the file folder 2, options for securing the tabs 10 can be provided. In one embodiment, the tabs 10 can only be pivoted against a predetermined resistance, for example. The resistance is selected here in such a way that the tabs 10 do not pivot with respect to the side plates 8, 9 when forces occur during transport, but can be opened by means of a manual force.

Alternatively or additionally, the tabs 10 can be locked with respect to the side plates 8, 9, ie in a first state the tabs 10 can be pivoted with respect to the side plates 8, 9 and locked in a second state. For this purpose, the transport device 1 can comprise a belt 11, the ends 12 of which can be connected to one of the tabs 10 and which can be guided around the base plate 6. The ends 12 of the strap 11 can for example be anchored in a slot 13 of the respective bracket 10. The belt 11 can be stretchable or inextensible and have a predetermined length so that the tabs 10 are locked in relation to the side plates 8, 9. In addition, the belt 11 can also have a buckle with which the belt can be tensioned. Instead of being fastened to the slots 13 of the tabs 10, the belt 11 can also be guided around the entire transport device 1 in order to lock the tabs 10 in relation to the side plates 8, 9.

As an alternative to locking by means of a belt 11, the transport device 1 can also have a catch (not shown) by means of which the tabs 10 can be locked with respect to the side plates 8, 9. For example, a snap connection, a sliding or rotatable bolt, a magnetic catch, a Velcro fastener or a hook-and-eye connection can be used as a catch.

Furthermore, the tabs 10 can be held in their position in a tamper-proof manner in order to enclose the file folder 2 in the transport device 1. For example, a buckle of the belt 11 can be locked for this purpose or a catch can only be unlocked by means of a key.

In some embodiments, the transport device 1 cannot be collapsed, for example if the side plates 8, 9 are rigidly connected to the base plate 6 and the cover plate 7. Alternatively, the transport device 1 according to FIG Fig. 2a at the connection points between the side plates 8, 9 and the base plate 6 or the cover plate 7 hinges 14, so that the side plates 8, 9 are each pivotably connected to the base plate 6 and the cover plate 7, to be precise in each case about an axis C which runs essentially parallel to the cover, base and side plates 6, 7, 8, 9. Furthermore, each side plate 8, 9 has a hinge 15 centrally between the base plate 6 and the cover plate 7 with a pivot axis D parallel to the pivot axis C.

The hinges 14, 15 can be designed as mechanical joints or as weakening lines and the side panels 8, 9 can be folded in towards one another ( Figure 2c ) or allow the side panels 8, 9 to be folded out from one another. Optionally, the hinges 14, 15 can be self-limiting, ie they can only be pivoted through a predetermined angle. This leads to an overall more stable transport device 1, since it can no longer fold in all possible directions. The self-limiting effect can be achieved by the hinge 14, 15 or suitable devices.

In Fig. 2a the transport device 1 is in the use position (without file folder 2). To collapse the transport device 1, the tabs 10 are pivoted away from the frame ( Figure 2b ) or into this ( Figure 2c ), so that the tabs 10 essentially rest against the side of the cover plate 7 facing the base plate 6. The side plates 8, 9 are then folded together by means of their hinges 15, the side plates 8, 9 pivoting on the hinges 14 with respect to the base plate 6 and the cover plate 7. Figure 2c shows the fully collapsed state of the transport device 1, in which the side plates 8, 9 are completely folded up and bear directly on the base plate 6 and on the tabs 10 or the cover plate 7. The transport device 1 can easily be stowed in this state.

If the side plates 8, 9 do not have any hinges 15, the transport device 1 can still be collapsed if the side plates 8, 9 are each pivotably connected to the base plate 6 and the cover plate 7 by the hinges 14. In this embodiment, the cover plate 7 can, for example, be pivoted to the left or to the right, ie in a direction parallel to the length L, which, however, is a greater collapsed state than in Figure 2c shown results.

Another possibility of collapsing results when all or some of the plates 6, 7, 8, 9 are detachably connected to one another. In the simplest case, the base plate 6 can be detachably connected to one of the side plates 8, 9, for example.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 the base plate 6 is detachably connected to the side plate 8 and non-detachably, but pivotably, with the other side plate 9. The releasable connection is achieved in this case in that a reinforcement plate 16 is articulated on the side plate 8 releasably connected to the base plate 6 and engages under the base plate 6 in order to support it. The reinforcement plate 16 is in turn held by the belt 11. If there is no belt 11, the reinforcement plate can also be replaced by other suitable ones Means to be connected to the bottom plate 6 or the side plate 9, for example by a releasable connection such as a Velcro fastener.

If the base plate 6 is detachably connected to the side plate 8 and inextricably linked to the other side plate 9, it is advantageous if the side plates 8, 9 are each undetachably connected to the cover plate 7 and the tabs 10 are also undetachably connected to the cover plate 7. In this case, the transport device 1 can be manufactured in one piece, for example by punching a plastic plate or a metal sheet. The punched-out shape then consists, for example, of the chain side plate 8, top plate 7, side plate 9 and bottom plate 6, the tabs 10 also being formed on the top plate 7. During or after the punching, lines of weakness can be introduced into the punched-out shape in order to form the non-releasable articulated connections 14 between the individual plates 6, 7, 8, 9. In this case, the reinforcement plate 16 can also be formed in one piece on the side plate 8.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which the base plate 6 is formed from two interlocking elements 17, 18, one of which is detachably connected to one of the side plates 8, 9 and non-detachably connected to the other. In this case, no separate releasable connection is required between the parts 17, 18 and the respective opposite side plate 8, 9, since this already results from the toothing of the elements 17, 18. Optionally, the interlocking elements 17, 18 can partially overlap, as shown.

In the Fig. 3 and 6th it is shown that the connection between cover plate 7 and side plates 8, 9 is detachable in that each side plate 8, 9 is passed through an end slot 19 in cover plate 7 and held in slot 19 by means of a projection 19 '. The projection 19 'can be formed, for example, by a widened end face of the respective side plate 8, 9 or by one or more hooks attached to the end face of the side plates 8, 9. In addition, the side plate 8, 9 can end flush with the cover plate 7 if the slot 19 is provided with a suitable recess. In this way, a multi-part system can be created in a simple manner, which as in Fig. 6 shown can be assembled easily, whereby a particularly cost-effective production can be achieved. If the base plate 6 or the reinforcement plate 16 is connected (detachably or non-detachably) to the respective side plate 8, 9, these can also be passed through the slot 19.

The types of connections, hinges or joints 14, 15 as in Figs. 1 to 3 shown can be combined with one another as desired and are not limited to the arrangements shown. So the base plate 6 could also be passed through slots at the end in the side plates 8, 9 and the hinges 14 between side plates 8, 9 and cover plate 7 could be made non-detachable, for example by means of weakening lines. Alternatively, all of the hinges 14, 15 could also be designed to be detachable.

The Figs. 1 to 3 each show embodiments in which the cover plate 7 is connected to the side plates 8, 9 in such a way that the cover plate 7 itself is torsionally rigid about an axis N normal to the side plates 8, 9. This means that the hinge 14 can only be pivoted about the axis C between the side plates 8, 9 and the cover plate 7. The tabs 10, on the other hand, can be pivoted relative to the cover plate 7 about the axes N normal to the side plates 8, 9. This results in a particularly stable construction of the transport device 1.

Alternatively shows Fig. 4 an embodiment in which the tabs 10 are rigidly connected to the cover plate 7 and the cover plate 7 can be pivoted relative to the side plates 8, 9 about an axis N normal to the side plates 8, 9. The cover plate 7 can be pivoted here in such a way that the file folder or files 2 can be rotated in and out of the transport device 1.

Coming back to Fig. 2a a tab 10 is shown therein, which comprises two parts 20, 21, the first part 20 being hinged to the cover plate 7 so as to be pivotable and the second part 21 being hinged to the first part 20 such that it is pivotable about an axis E. The axis E runs parallel to the axis N of the bracket 10. The connection between the parts 20, 21 can be implemented, for example, by means of a line of weakness or a separate hinge. If a particularly thick or several file folders 2 are arranged in the transport device 1 so that they exceed the width B of the cover plate 7, with this embodiment the tabs 10 can furthermore the file folders 2 in a suitable manner Support manner in that the first parts 20 of the tabs 10 are raised parallel to the cover plate 7 and the second parts 21 are angled downwards in order to grip the free ends 4 'of the file or files 2. Both parts 20, 21 can be locked separately or designed with a predetermined pivot resistance.

According to the Figures 5a and 5b the tabs 10 can also be designed as rigid angle tabs. Such rigid angle brackets are particularly advantageous when the side plates 8, 9 are wider than the cover plate 7. The inner legs 10 'of the angle brackets 10, hinged to the cover plate 7 and around the axes N, can be used here as an extension of the cover plate 7 ( Figure 5a ), and the outer legs 10 ″ of the angle brackets 10 as clamps or pliers for the file folder (s) 2 ( Figure 5b ), as described below.

So shows Figure 5a the transport device 1 in a first position, in which the legs 10 ″ of the angle brackets 10 are flush with the side walls 8, 9. However, if the file folder (s) 2 do not fill the entire interior of the transport device 1, the angle brackets 10 can advantageously do so can be used to fix the file folder (s) 2 in the transport device 1. For this purpose, each angled bracket 10 is pivoted about its axis N in the direction of the file folder 2 so that the legs 10 ″ of the angled tabs 10 clamp the file folder (s) 2 like pliers.

Coming back to Fig. 2a it is also shown therein that the transport device 1 on the side plates 8, 9 is optional Has latching lugs 22 and latching recesses 23 in order to be stackable with a further identical transport device 1. For this purpose, the latching lugs 22 and latching recesses 23 are each arranged in opposite directions or complementarily on opposite plates 6, 7, 8, 9 of the transport device 1. In particular, the latching lugs 22 and latching recesses 23 can be used to tilt the transport device 1, ie introduce it into a shelf with one of the side plates 8, 9 down, and to stack another transport device 1 on it. Alternatively or additionally, the cover plate 7 can also have latching lugs 22 in order to engage in latching recesses 23 in the base plate 6 (or vice versa), so that two transport devices 1 can be stacked on top of one another even in the untilted state when the handle 7 'is, for example, folded in, sunk or removed .

In the example shown, the locking lugs 22 and locking recesses 23 on the foldable side panels 8, 9 simultaneously serve to fix the side panels 8, 9 to one another when they are folded ( Figure 2c ).

As in Fig. 1 As shown, each tab 10 can have a slot 13 for fastening the strap 11. According to Fig. 3 However, each tab 10 can also have several slots 13. In addition, at least one of the side plates 8, 9 can also be provided with a slot 13 so that an additional belt 24 can be wrapped around the transport device 1, this time in the horizontal direction, see FIG Figures 4 to 5b . In one or both belts 11, 24, in particular in the overlap area of two Belts 11, 24, a locking mechanism can be provided in order to make the transport device 1 lockable. For example, both straps 11, 24 can have congruent holes through which a padlock 25 can be passed. The cover plate 7 ( Fig. 4 ) or the base plate 6 ( Fig. 3 ) be provided with a slot 13 for the passage of the belt 11.

The transport device 1 can be self-locking in the assembled state, so that only the last locking prevents the panels 6-9 or tabs 10 from moving freely. The last lock can be designed to be lockable, which can be achieved, for example, by the belt 11 or by a pin (catch) so that no unintentional access to the content occurs.

As described above, the frame 5 is formed by the bottom plate 6, the top plate 7 and the side plates 8, 9. In the Figs. 1-6 the cover plates are shown "above". However, the frame 5 could also be rotated through 90 ° (not shown) so that the bottom and cover plates 6, 7 are arranged laterally and the side plates 8, 9 are arranged above and below. In this embodiment, the handle 7 ′ is attached to the side plate 8, but the tabs 10 continue to be attached to the cover plate 7, ie “laterally” on the transport device 1.

The invention is accordingly not restricted to the illustrated embodiments, but rather encompasses all variants and modifications that fall within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims (15)

1. Transport device for at least one file (2) having a back (3) and two wings (4), comprising
   a frame (5) with a base plate (6) for supporting the back (3) of the file (2), a cover plate (7) and two lateral plates (8, 9) holding the base plate (6) and the cover plate (7) at a predetermined distance (A) from each other, and
   two flaps (10) connected to the cover plate (7) each for holding a free end (4') of one of the wings (4),
   the flaps (10) each being shorter than said distance (A) when seen in direction of said distance (A), and
   the flaps (10) being pivotable with respect to the lateral plates (8, 9),
   characterised in that in an operational state of the transport device (1) for transporting the file (2) the base, cover and lateral plates (6 - 9) are connected to form said frame (5), while the flaps (10) are pivotable with respect to the lateral plates (8, 9).
2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterised in that the flaps (10), when seen in direction of the distance (a), each are shorter than half of said distance (A), preferably shorter than a quarter of said distance (A).
3. Transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cover plate (7) is connected with the lateral plates (8, 9) in such a way that it is torsion proof about an axis (N) normal to the lateral plates (8, 9), wherein the flaps (10) are pivotable with respect to the cover plate (7) about an axis (N) normal to the lateral plates (8, 9).
4. Transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the flaps (10) are rigidly connected to the cover plate (7) and the cover plate (7) is pivotable with respect to the lateral plates (8, 9) about an axis (N) normal to the lateral plates (8, 9).
5. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it further comprises a belt (11) whose ends (12) can each be connected with one of the flaps (10) and which can be passed around the base plate (6) to fix the flaps (10) with respect to the lateral plates (8, 9).
6. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it comprises at least one detent configured to latch the flaps (10) with respect to the lateral plates (8, 9).
7. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the lateral plates (8, 9) are each pivotably connected to the base plate (6) and the cover plate (7) such that the frame (5) can be folded.
8. Transport device according to claim 7, characterised in that each lateral plate (8, 9) has a hinge (15) in centre between the base plate (6) and the cover plate (7) to fold the lateral plate (8, 9).
9. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the base plate (6) is detachably connected with one of the lateral plates (8, 9) and undetachably connected with the other lateral plate (8, 9).
10. Transport device according to claim 9, characterised in that a reinforcing plate (16) is articulated on the lateral plate (8, 9) which is detachably connected with the base plate (6), the reinforcing plate (16) reaching under the base plate (6) to support it.
11. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the base plate (6) is formed by two elements (17, 18) meshable with one another, each of which is detachably connected with one of the lateral plates (8, 9) and undetachably connected with the other of the lateral plates (8, 9) .
12. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that each lateral plate (8, 9) is passed through a slit (19) at the end of the cover plate (7) and held in said slit (19) by means of a projection (19').
13. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the flaps (10) each comprise two parts (20, 21), the first part (20) being pivotably articulated on the cover plate (7) and the second part (21) being pivotably articulated on the first part (20).
14. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the flaps (10) are formed as rigid knees.
15. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that it comprises latching projections (22) and latching recesses (23) on the base plate (6), cover plate (7) and/or lateral plate (8, 9) to be stackable with another identical transport device (1).

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