EP3741700A1 - Container and method for producing a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes a container (1), in particular a box, with side walls (2) connected to one another via connecting elements (5) and at least one bottom part (6) or lid (30), the container (1) being foldable or collapsible and the side walls (2) and the bottom part (6) and / or lid (30) made of ecological materials, in particular made of wood, and the connecting elements (5) are preferably made of cardboard and on at least one end face (10) of the side walls (2) of the container (1) a recess (11) in which the connecting elements (5) are arranged is arranged at least over a partial area. The invention also describes a method for folding the container (1) together, in which the side walls (2) and base parts (6 or 36, 37) are made of wood, and, via connecting elements (5, 22, 38), of cardboard, in particular pressed cardboard, whereby to collapse the container (1) first the bottom part (6 or 36) is folded into the interior (25) of the container (1), in particular upwards, parallel to a side wall (2), whereupon the side walls (2) are pivoted in one direction, in particular laterally, until the side walls (2) with the bottom part (6) lying between them are aligned essentially parallel to one another.

Description

The invention relates to a container, in particular a crate, and a method for folding a container as described in claims 1 and 11.

From the EP 0 516 954 A1 a collapsible plastic container is shown, the individual walls, in particular side walls, being connected to one another by waterproof, elastic hinge strips. Lower folding tabs are provided to form a bottom wall and upper folding tabs are provided to form a top wall, all of which are each articulated to the side walls via the hinge strips. An adhesive strip or Velcro tape is provided to close the collapsible container. The collapsible container is essentially intended as a packaging for larger containers and is made of plastic. The disadvantage here is that the collapsible container can only be folded up sideways and thus takes up a relatively large area in the folded state. Especially when used at home, e.g. as a shopping box, etc., the folding container cannot be stowed away sufficiently and is therefore unsuitable. In addition, the collapsible container is primarily designed as additional packaging or protection and cannot be used as a carrying box due to the closure with mere adhesive strips or Velcro tape.

In the U.S. 4,141,486 A D2 shows a container with collapsible side walls. The side walls consist of vertical wooden ribs and fibreboard glued on the inside and outside. The side walls are connected to one another by hinge strips, the hinge strips being connected to the fiberboard using staples. The disadvantage here is that this solution results in a high cost of materials (two fiber boards per side) and a wider wall thickness, thus also higher costs and more space required for folding or stowing.

In the DE 42 11 753 A1 is a furniture packaging with pivotable or dismountable wall parts, the connecting devices between the Wall parts consist of elastic elements made of plastic or textile material, or of hinges. The elastic elements or hinges are connected to the long sides on the end faces or front edges of the wall parts. To fix the corners - that is, the set-up position - stiffening parts, not shown, such as right-angled clamping parts, can be provided. The disadvantage here is that the furniture packaging does not have a base or cover part and separate stiffening parts are required for fixing in the set-up position.

Numerous containers are already known. So is already in the DE 16 52 271 U to remove a collapsible metal composite wooden box with eye joints and eye closures. The walls made of wood are connected by circumferential metal strips, these being interrupted at the transitions between the walls and tabs or rivets being caught here. When a connection between the side walls is loosened, the wooden box can be folded up. The disadvantage here is that, for reasons of stability, the side walls have to be connected via several metal strips and therefore several connections have to be released first when folding. The folding process is generally relatively uncomfortable and also associated with noise due to the metal parts.

Furthermore, in the DE 18 64 672 U a foldable wooden box is shown, with flexible plastic strips acting as a hinge between the bottom and the side wall, so that the side walls can be brought into the state of use by folding up and connecting the walls. The disadvantage here is that such wooden boxes, when stowed in the unfolded state, take up a very large area, since all four side walls are folded away from one another. This means that boxes with higher side walls can hardly be realized. In addition, the bending points made of plastic can be easily damaged, become brittle over time and plastics in an otherwise ecological and sustainable product lack acceptance on the customer side.

Another type of collapsible wooden box is in the DE 40 21 144 A1 shown. Here the edges between the wall parts are connected on the inside with strips made of flexible plastic. To allow the wooden box to be folded up allow, a distance remains between the wall parts, with profile strips being used in this distance. The disadvantage here is on the one hand that the lid and bottom are loose, but on the other hand that the four profile strips that stabilize the box always have to be removed during assembly and dismantling and the numerous loose parts can easily be lost when dismantled. In addition, plastic is also used here, with all its disadvantages for the environment.

Furthermore, in the DE 38 40 996 A1 a similar collapsible wooden box is shown, with - different from the DE 40 21 144 A1 - The tapes are applied between the wall parts on the outside of the box and fastened by means of metal clips. The disadvantage here is that the external straps can be damaged during transport, making the wooden box unstable. In addition, this wooden box also consists of numerous loose parts with the associated disadvantages during assembly and storage.

Finally, numerous plastic folding boxes are known, such as from EP 2 223 860 A1 or EP 3 381 825 A1 . The main disadvantage here is that plastic contains pollutants and has become a problem for the environment in view of the very high quantities of plastic products nowadays and their slow degradability, which is why plastic folding boxes are not suitable for environmentally conscious people who are looking for a sustainable and ecological alternative .

The object of the invention is therefore to create a container and a method for collapsing a container which can be collapsed or collapsed and which on the one hand prevents the aforementioned disadvantages and on the other hand is manufactured or designed as ecologically, environmentally conscious and sustainable as possible.

The object is achieved by the invention.

The invention relates to a container, in particular a crate, with side walls connected to one another via connecting elements, in particular a longitudinal side wall and broad side wall, and at least one bottom part or lid.

The container according to the invention is characterized in that it is foldable or foldable and the side walls and the bottom part and / or lid are made from ecological materials, in particular from wood, and the connecting elements are preferably made from cardboard, in particular from pressed cardboard, and on at least one Front side of the side walls of the container a recess is arranged at least over a partial area in which the connecting elements are arranged and the bottom part is connected to at least one of the side walls, preferably the longitudinal side wall, via a pivotable connecting element, the connecting element preferably being made of cardboard and the Bottom part is folded in the folded state to an inside of the side wall to which it is attached, and a support element is arranged on at least one side wall of the container on the inside. The advantage here is that the entire container is now made from ecological materials and is thus made or manufactured in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner. Another advantage is that by fastening the connecting elements in recesses in the side walls, neither the connecting elements are damaged, nor the goods to be transported, e.g. laundry, fruit, etc., by the connecting elements. The advantage here is that the bottom part is connected to at least one of the Side walls, preferably a longitudinal side wall, is connected, the connecting element preferably being made of cardboard, since this allows the bottom part to be easily inserted into the interior of the container, to the side wall to which it is attached, when the container is folded up. Because a support element is arranged on at least one side wall of the container on an inside, a support for the bottom part is advantageously created or formed. In this case, the support element is preferably fastened to the side wall which is arranged opposite that side wall to which the bottom part is connected. In this way, the base part can be folded down in a simple manner when the container is unfolded, so that it rests against the support element and is secured against further pivoting by this. This means that even heavier goods can be transported without the bottom part breaking through downwards.

Furthermore, an embodiment is advantageous in which the base part is made in several parts, the base parts, in particular a first base part and a second base part, being connected to one another in a pivotable manner via a connecting element, since a wide variety of container formats can be realized without the need for a when folded, the bottom part protrudes over the side walls. Because the floor is made in several parts and can be folded up via pivotable connecting elements arranged in between, for example with a two-part construction of the floor part, the floor can be made almost twice as long or twice as wide as the height of the side walls. Here, too, the connecting elements are again made from cardboard or pressed cardboard.

An embodiment is also advantageous in which the connecting elements are glued to the side walls of the container, preferably by means of glue, since the material cardboard, in particular pressed cardboard, expands when liquid adhesives or glue are applied and the connecting elements thus become part of the Recesses of the side walls of the container are pressed or the end regions of the connecting elements bear against the inner surfaces of the recesses in the side walls, whereby the pulling out or loosening of the connecting elements from the side walls is prevented in a non-positive manner. This means that significantly less glue or glue can be used in the manufacture of the container. In addition, pollutant-free and ecologically harmless natural glues can be used, which is particularly appealing to health and environmentally conscious people.

By means of a configuration in which the connecting element has at least one, preferably two distanced front edges for connecting the side walls, the required angles between the side walls, in particular when the container is folded up, can be better achieved. Precise front edges are of particular importance in order to protect the connecting elements made of cardboard, particularly when the container is often used or folded up and then unfolded again. The connecting elements between the side walls preferably have two front edges in the longitudinal direction or in the direction of the height of the container, whereby a more articulated one Collapsing the container is achieved. The connecting elements can thus, seen in cross section, be formed by a central or base area and two adjoining legs which are separated from the central or base area by the front edges.

Furthermore, an embodiment is advantageous in which a positioning element, in particular a block, wedge, pin or hole, is arranged on at least the side walls of the container on the inside or on the support element, and on the bottom part an opposite positioning element, in particular a block, wedge , Pin or hole, and the positioning elements are in engagement with one another in the position of use of the container, since this locks the container. The side walls are thus fixed in the unfolded state or in the position of use and secured from being folded up sideways.

An embodiment is also advantageous in which the area of an upper side of the bottom part is made smaller than an area of an interior of the container, one or more cover flaps preferably being designed to bridge the distance between the bottom part and the side walls. This ensures that the bottom part can be folded into the interior of the container in a space-saving manner when it is folded up and any remaining gaps between the bottom part and the side walls are largely closed by the cover flaps, which advantageously also prevents smaller items from falling out.

The advantage of the configuration in which, in the folded state, the bottom part is folded towards the inside of the side wall to which it is attached and two adjacent side walls are folded towards the other two adjacent side walls, is advantageous in that it allows optimal use of space when stacking or Finishing multiple collapsed containers is achieved. The side walls are therefore folded or pivoted relative to one another via diagonally positioned connecting elements.

An embodiment such that the container is formed in one piece, with all elements, in particular the side walls and the bottom part and / or Lids, which are connected to one another via connecting elements, have the essential advantage that there are no loose parts that can be lost when the container is dismantled and stowed away. In the folded state, the container thus forms a compact, one-piece unit in which the individual components rest against one another and are thus protected from damage and loss.

An embodiment is also advantageous in which, on one of the side walls opposite the bottom part, the cover is pivotably connected to the side wall, in particular the longitudinal side wall, via a connecting element, since a container closed on the sides can thereby be created. Because the connecting element is again designed to be bendable or pivotable and is preferably fastened to a side wall in the upper end region, a one-piece, collapsible container with a lid made of ecological materials is created. The design with a lid enables countless other uses when stowing, stacking or using as a seat box.

In addition, a design is also advantageous in which the side walls and / or the base part and / or cover are made from individual lamellar wood or wooden elements or are made entirely of wood. When the container is designed as a transport box, lamellar wood or cross-section-like wooden elements are preferably used in the area of the side walls and the wooden elements are spaced apart, i.e. a small distance is arranged between them in order to increase the visual impression of a box, and the bottom part over the entire surface, e.g. made of plywood, designed to secure transport goods from falling out. In the same way, the container can also be designed as a massive jewelry box, made entirely of precious wood all around, or as the lightest possible toy box made of plywood. Thus, the most diverse customer requirements and uses can be taken into account in an advantageous manner. For example, it is also possible to advantageously design the container as an air-permeable laundry basket, etc.

The object of the invention is independent of this but also by a method for folding up a container, in particular according to one or several of claims 1 to 12 is formed, solved in such a way that the side walls, in particular the longitudinal side walls and transverse side walls, and the bottom part are made of wood, and are connected via connecting elements preferably made of cardboard, in particular pressed cardboard, with the container first being folded Bottom part is folded into the interior of the container, in particular upwards, parallel to a side wall, in particular to a longitudinal side wall, whereupon the side walls are pivoted in one direction, in particular laterally, until the side walls with the bottom part lying in between are aligned parallel to one another.

The advantage here is that the container can be folded up in a simple manner with just a few movements. The user preferably simply takes the container with that side wall to which the bottom part is attached on the inside, preferably the longitudinal side wall, towards the chest, folds the bottom part from below into the interior, i.e. in the direction of the side wall to which it is attached, and swivels opposite side walls, preferably transverse side walls, in the same direction, thus both to the left or both to the right. The bottom part does not have to be folded completely onto the inside of the side wall before the side walls can be pivoted relative to one another. As soon as the bottom part has folded a large part of its way into the interior of the container, the further pivoting of the bottom part in the direction of the side wall takes place automatically by folding the side walls together laterally. The pivoting of the bottom part is therefore partly guided by the pivoting of the side walls towards one another.

Furthermore, an embodiment is also advantageous in which a cover flap, in particular a pivotable cover flap, is attached to at least one of the side walls on the inside to bridge a gap between the bottom part and the side walls, which is obtained in the position of use of the container is pressed or pivoted immediately before or after pivoting the bottom part in the direction of an interior space, since this prevents the transported goods from falling out unintentionally.

Finally, there is also an advantageous embodiment that when the collapsible container is set up or unfolded again, the side walls, in particular the longitudinal side walls and transverse side walls, are first unfolded as a pivot axis by a rotary or pivoting movement via the connecting elements, in particular two diagonally lying connecting elements, whereupon the bottom part is folded down into the interior space and is fixed by means of a positioning element before turning and / or the side walls are secured from being folded up sideways. This enables the container to be unfolded from the folded position into the use position in a simple manner. The user preferably takes the container again simply with that side wall to which the base is connected via the connecting element to the chest, swings the side walls into the position of use and the base part into the interior of the container. Here, too, the pivoting of the side walls into the use position takes place partly simultaneously with the pivoting of the bottom part into the interior of the container, since the erecting of the side walls also releases the pivoting process of the bottom part and the bottom part swings into the interior due to gravity, whereby for stabilization or securing, in particular before the unintentional folding up, positioning elements can be arranged on the base part and / or one of the side walls or in the area of the support element. Here, too, the pivoting process of the bottom part is guided to one another by the pivoting process of the side walls.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Behälters in vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 2

einen Querschnitt des Behälters in Fig. 1, in vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht des Behälters, teilweise zusammengeklappt, in vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht des Behälters, zusammengeklappt in seiner Endposition, in vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 5

einen perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des Behälters mit Deckel, in vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 6a-b

eine andere Ausführungsform des Behälters mit klappbarem Bodenteil, in vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform des Behälters von hinten, in vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of the container in a simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 2

a cross section of the container in Fig. 1 , in a simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 3

a plan view of the container, partially folded, in a simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 4

a plan view of the container, folded up in its end position, in a simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of an embodiment of the container with lid, in a simplified, schematic representation;

Figures 6a-b

another embodiment of the container with a foldable bottom part, in a simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of a further embodiment of the container from behind, in a simplified, schematic illustration.

At the outset, it should be noted that in the different embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols or the same component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred accordingly to the same parts with the same reference symbols or the same component designations. The location details chosen in the description, such as above, below, to the side, etc. refer to the figure described and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position. Individual features or combinations of features from the exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent inventive solutions.

In the Figs. 1 to 4 , a container 1, preferably made of wood, is shown, which has several side walls 2, preferably two longitudinal side walls 3 and two transverse side walls 4, connecting elements 5, a bottom part 6, positioning elements 7 and 8 and an optional handle 9.

The container 1 is shown in its preferred, rectangular shape. However, it is also possible, according to the invention, to design the container 1 in plan view as a polygon with at least three corners, with an even number of corners preferably being formed or, with an odd number of corners, preferably a side wall 2, particularly foldable in the middle is trained.

Figs. 1 and 2 show the container 1, in particular the transport and / or storage container, in its position of use, in which a wide variety of goods can be transported, for example fruit, laundry, toys, etc.

The side walls 2 of the container 1 are preferably formed from individual wooden elements or lath-like wooden parts, but can also be formed as a whole as a flat wooden part. The individual wooden elements can, as shown, be arranged at a distance from one another or provided with a gap arranged between them. Of course, it is also possible to make the gap or distance between the wooden elements larger or smaller, or to connect the wooden elements to one another by means of a tongue and groove construction. The edges or corner areas of the container 1 between the side walls 2 are formed by the connecting elements 5, which preferably consist of cardboard, in particular pressed cardboard, and which connect the side walls 2 to one another. For this purpose, the side walls 2 in the transition area to the connecting element 5 have a recess 11 on the end faces 10 which receives the edge areas 12 of the connecting elements 5. A width 13 of the recess 11 preferably corresponds to a width 14 of the connecting element 5 or the width 14 of the connecting element 5 is slightly smaller than the width 13 of the recess 11. The width 13 of the recess 11 is, especially in the case of containers 1 or portable crates in standard formats, preferably approximately 2 mm and the width 14 of the connecting element 5 approximately 1.8 mm to approximately 2 mm. In particular, when the container 1 is designed as jewelry boxes, the width 13 of the recess 11 can also be made smaller, e.g. 1 to 2 mm, and the width 14 of the connecting element 5 can also be relatively larger, or when the container 1 is designed as a seat chest, e.g. 2 to 4 mm.

The fastening of the connecting elements 5 in the side walls 2 takes place by gluing. The edge regions 12 of the connecting elements 5 are preferably fastened in the recess 11 of the side walls 2 by means of glue. In particular, when the connecting element 5 is formed from pressed cardboard, it swells when glue is applied, which means that the edge region 12 which is inserted into the recess 11 swells and fills it. In an overlap area 15 in which the edge areas 12 of the If the connecting element 5 and the recess 11 overlap, the connecting element 5 thus rests against the inner sides of the recess 11. The connecting element 5 is thus secured in a force-locking manner against unintentional loosening in the side walls 2 or recess 11.

The connecting element 5 between two side walls 2 is preferably formed continuously over an entire height 16 of the side walls 2 or has a height 17 which essentially corresponds to the height 16 in order to correspondingly secure transported goods from falling out, but can also be made shorter or - in particular when the side walls 2 are formed over the entire surface - also be formed from one or more connecting elements 5 with a lower height 17. Furthermore, the connecting element 5 has one or more front edges 18. Preferably, two front edges 18 are arranged on the connecting element 5, which extend over the height 17 thereof. The preferred arrangement of two front edges 18 creates a base area 19 with two movable edge areas 12, whereby the connecting elements 5 can be flexibly bent and the container can be folded up ( Fig. 3 ). The front edge 18 is preferably formed on the connecting element 5 in that the cardboard from which the connecting element 5 is made is pressed and upset at the front edge 18. Several layers of cardboard can be used. The front edge 18 is thus formed by a press-upsetting process. As a result, the front edge 18 is predefined and designed to be correspondingly robust.

The bottom part 6 is arranged pivotably on an inner side 20 of one of the side walls 2, in particular one of the longitudinal side walls 3, in order to enable the bottom part 6 to be folded up towards this side wall 2 and thus the container 1 to be folded up. The bottom part 6 is preferably fastened in the lower region of the container 1 in such a way that a recess 21 is again arranged on the front side in the bottom part 6, into which a further connecting element 22 is inserted and this is fastened on the inside 20 of the side wall 2. The connecting element 22 preferably consists of cardboard or pressed cardboard, is connected to the base part 6 with adhesive, in particular glue, and has a front edge. The attachment is preferred by means of a fastening element 23, in particular a strip made of wood or a pressed cardboard consisting of one or more layers. The connecting element 22 is preferably clamped between the inside 20 and the fastening element 23. During assembly, the connecting element 22 is positioned in the lower region of the container 1 on the inside 20 of the side wall 2 and the fastening element 23 is attached to this, preferably screwed or nailed on. Likewise, the connecting element 22 and / or the fastening element 23 can optionally or additionally also be glued or glued and / or stapled or connected to the inside 20 of the side wall 2 with other types of fastening known from the prior art. The fastening element 23 can also be omitted at all and only the connection element 22 can be connected on the inside 20, for example with clips and / or glue. However, a fastening element 23, in particular a wooden or cardboard strip, is preferably arranged to increase the stability. Furthermore, the connecting element 22 can also be connected to the fastening element 23 or the inside 20 of the side wall 2 in such a way that a recess is also arranged in the fastening element 23, into which the connecting element 22 is glued, in particular glued. In the same way, it is also possible to attach or fasten the connecting element 22 to the base part 6 via other types of known connections, for example by stapling or gluing.

On at least one inner side 20 of one of the side walls 2 of the container 1, preferably on that side wall 2 that lies opposite the side wall 2 to which the bottom part 6 is pivotably attached, a support element 24 is arranged, which is preferably formed by a bar made of wood . This serves as a stop for the bottom part 6 so that the bottom part 6 cannot be pivoted further downwards in the position of use. The support element 24 can be formed continuously over the entire length of the side wall 2, but it can also be made shorter or by one or more short support elements 24. Likewise, the support element 24 can alternatively or additionally be arranged on one or more other side walls 2. Of course, other support elements 24 can also be used, such as screws, dowels or the like fastened in the side wall 2.

The bottom part 6 is thus pivotably arranged in an interior 25 of the container 1. The area of an upper side 26 of the bottom part 6 is therefore smaller than an area 27 of the interior 25 of the container, one or more cover flaps 28 preferably being designed to bridge the distance between the bottom part 6 and the side walls 2.

The positioning element 7 on the side wall 2 is formed opposite to the positioning element 8 on the bottom part 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning element 7 is formed by a wedge-shaped element, in particular a wedge-shaped wooden block, and the positioning element 8 by a corresponding recess in the bottom part 6. The wedge-shaped design of the positioning element 7 enables easier and guided positioning when unfolding the container 1 When the container is set up, the bottom part 6 is pivoted in the direction of the positioning element 7 from its folded-up position in which the upper side 26 of the bottom part 6 rests against the side wall 2, so its positioning element 8 slides along the wedge-shaped surfaces of the positioning element 7. In the end position, Thus, in the state of use, the positioning elements 7, 8 limit each other, in particular against lateral displacement, so that the bottom part 6 cannot slip laterally, especially when the transport goods are inserted, and the side walls are prevented from folding sideways. The positioning elements 7, 8 are therefore preferably arranged in that position in which the side walls 2 are positioned parallel to one another. This ensures that when the container 1 is opened, the user automatically receives a well-aligned or positioned container 1, which remains in this position and can also be easily folded up again. The positioning elements 7, 8 can of course also be designed the other way round, for example a positioning element 8 with a projection on the bottom part 6 and a positioning element 7 with a corresponding recess on the side wall 2. Essentially, a positioning element 7, in particular a block, wedge, pin, dowel or hole, is arranged on the inside 20 of the side wall 2 of the container 1 or on the support element 24, and an opposing positioning element, in particular a block, wedge, is arranged on the bottom part 6 , Pin, dowel or hole, and the positioning elements 7, 8 are in the position of use of the Container 1 engaged with each other. Preferably, however, the positioning element 7 is either wedge-shaped, as shown, or as a rounded or semicircular block in plan view. The circular shape ensures that the goods to be transported or stored are not damaged and so is the distribution of force or the force that the positioning element 7 exerts on the rotation or pivoting of the container 1 or its side walls 2 with respect to one another, especially when external forces are applied the container 1 or, if installed on an uneven surface, are distributed as regularly as possible.

The handle 9 is in Fig. 1 arranged protruding, but can be designed in a wide variety of ways, be it as a rigid handle, as a flexible band or rope, or also as a grip hole in the side wall 2, or even completely omitted.

The bottom part 6 is preferably designed or dimensioned in such a way that it does not protrude in the folded state, i.e. the width of the bottom part 6 is made smaller than the height of the side walls 2.

In the Figures 3 and 4 is the folding process of the container 1 from the use position ( Fig. 1 ) to the folded position ( Fig. 4 ) can be seen. Fig. 3 shows a partially folded container in order to better illustrate the folding process.

The bottom part 6 is folded up, i.e. the top 26 of the bottom part in the direction of the side wall 2, to which the bottom part is pivotably attached, whereby the connection between the positioning element 7 and positioning element 8 is released and pivoting via the connecting elements 5 is enabled . The side walls 2 are then folded towards one another, with the bottom part 6 also automatically being guided into its end position when the side walls 2 are folded together. Fig. 4 finally shows the end position or the folded position in which the bottom part 6 lies completely against the side wall 2 and the opposite side walls 2 also lie as flat as possible and the container 1 can be stacked or stowed in a simple manner.

If cover flaps 28 are mounted, the folding process is so simple that the user takes the container 1 in the area of the cover flaps 28 in his hand. Preferably, that side wall 2 to which the bottom part 6 is attached lies against the user's chest. From this starting position, the user simply presses the cover flaps 28 together with the bottom part 6 into the interior 25 of the container 1 and folds the side walls 2 sideways to one another up to the end position. Technically, the process runs automatically. By pushing up the cover flaps 28, the bottom part 6 is automatically lifted and thus the positioning elements 7, 8 are unlocked, and by folding the container 1 diagonally, the bottom part 6 is automatically pivoted further upwards, so that, at the same time as the sidewalls 2 are pivoted, the bottom part 6 too pivoted into its end position.

In the embodiment shown, which is rectangular in the assembled state or in the state of use, the longitudinal side walls 3 lie opposite the transverse side walls 4. The diagonally arranged connecting elements 5 are bent at essentially the same angles. The fact that the connecting element 5 has two front edges 18 and the base region 19 of the connecting elements 5 is dimensioned wider than the thickness or thickness of the side walls 2 enables the container 1 to be completely folded up. In the collapsed state, a total width 29 essentially corresponds to the sum of the thicknesses of two side walls 2 plus the thickness of the fastening element 23, or of the bottom part 6, and the support element 24. When the fastening element is made from pressed cardboard, which is preferably in the range of 2 mm is, the overall width 29 can thus be configured only slightly wider than the thickness of two side walls 2 and the bottom part 6.

In Fig. 5 Another embodiment of the container 1, in particular a transport and / or storage container, with a closed lid 30 is shown.

The lid 30 is in turn preferably by means of a connecting element 31, as was previously used as a connecting element 5 between the sides, that is, in particular made of pressed cardboard with two front edges 18, on one Side wall 2 attached. The connection element 31 is preferably fastened to the cover 30 again by inserting and gluing or gluing the connection element 31 into a recess 32 on the end face of the cover 30. The connection element 31 is connected to the side wall 2, as was the case with the fastening of the Floor part 6 described on the side wall 2, by clamping between the side wall 2 and a fastening element, in particular a wooden strip, i.e. by positioning an edge region of the connecting element 31 on the side wall 2, placing the fastening element or the wooden strip on the edge region of the connecting element 31 and fastening the Wooden strip on the side wall 2, preferably by means of screw-like or nail-like fastening means.

The connecting element 31 can be designed over the entire length of the side wall 2, but also shorter. In the same way, however, several short connecting elements 31 can also be used. The cover 30 can, as shown, have a recess 33 in the area in which the cover 30 is connected to the connecting element 31, whereby projections 34 are formed. This makes it possible to cover the container opaque. In the same way, the cover 30 can also be shortened over the entire length over which it is connected to the side wall 2 via the connecting element 31. Furthermore, it is of course also possible not to form a recess 33. In the latter case, when the container 1 is closed, the connecting element 31 is preferably not tensioned but mounted loosely. Finally, the lid 30 can also project beyond the side walls 2 of the container 1 on one or more sides.

For better positioning, a stop 35, in particular a bar made of wood, can be mounted on the side of the lid 30 facing the interior 25 in the illustrated embodiment, which when closed rests against one or more side walls 2 and prevents the lid 30 from slipping. This can be arranged both, as shown, in the front area of the lid 30 or in the rear area, but also on each edge area of the lid 30, so that the lid 30 is held in its position by resting against one of the side walls 2. In an embodiment in which the cover 30 protrudes beyond the side walls 2 of the container 1, the stop 35 or the wooden strip also directly form the edge region of the cover 30, so that it delimits one or more of the side walls 2 on the outside.

Preferably, the lid 30 is folded over the folded container 1 when the transport container 1 is folded up. In the same way, however, it is also possible to fasten the cover 30 or the connecting element 31 in such a way that the cover 30 is folded outwards onto the rear of the container 1.

In the Figures 6a and 6b a further embodiment of the container 1 with a foldable bottom part 6 is shown, wherein Figure 6a the position of use shows and Figure 6b the collapsed position.

The container 1 is essentially designed in accordance with the preceding figures and can also refer to the information given therein Figures 6a and 6b transferred or applied. The main difference is that the bottom part 6 is constructed in several parts, in particular in two parts. The most varied of dimensions of containers 1 can thus be realized without the bottom part 6 protruding beyond the side wall 2 in the folded state. For example, a container 1 with a relatively low height of the side walls 2 and a comparatively large base area can be created, for example the base part 6 is made almost twice as wide as the height of the side walls 2. Of course, the base parts 6 are also made in more than two parts possible, but the overall width 29 is then also increased by the respective thickness of the bottom part 6.

The bottom part 6 is thus formed into a first bottom part 36 and a second bottom part 37, a connecting element 38 being arranged between the two bottom parts 36, 37. The connecting element 38 has at least one, preferably two, front edges, as a result of which it is possible to pivot the second base part 37 downwards to the first base part 36. On the second bottom part 37, a gripping element 39, in particular a tab, is preferably arranged or fastened on the upper side, that is to say on the side facing the interior space 25. This, too, can in turn be made from an ecological material, for example natural fiber, and fastened with natural adhesives or clips. The gripping element 39 or the tab makes it possible to position the bottom part 6 when assembling the container 1, i.e. gripping the flap and unfolding and aligning the bottom part 6, and can also be helpful when the container 1 is folded up when the positioning elements 7, 8 are uncoupled. Likewise, the gripping element 39 or the tab can be designed in such a way that it can be hooked into the positioning element 7 or on the side wall 2 when the container 1 is unfolded, thereby preventing the bottom parts 36, 37 from collapsing inadvertently.

When it is folded up, the first base part 36 folds or pivots into the interior space 25 in the direction of the side wall 2 to which the first base part 36 is attached. The second base part 37 folds with its underside, that is to say the side facing away from the interior space 25 in the position of use, towards the underside of the first base part 36. In the folded state according to FIG Figure 6b the total width is essentially formed by the sum of the thicknesses of two side walls 2 plus twice the thickness of the bottom part 6 and the support element 24.

Furthermore, in Figure 6a illustrates that an insert or narrow strip, preferably a pressed cardboard box, can also be arranged between the fastening element 23 and the side wall. As a result, when the bottom part 6 or 36 is folded up, the top side 26 of the bottom part 6 or 36 lies flat against the inside 20 or the connecting element 22 is straight in this position and is less under tension.

In Fig. 7 a further embodiment of the container 5 with lid 30 is shown from behind or with a view of a rear wall 40. The container 5 is designed in particular for storage and as a seat. As an example, the handle 9 is shown here as a handle hole in the form of a semicircular recess.

In the case of the container 5, in which the side walls 2 are in turn connected to one another via connecting elements 5, which preferably have two front edges 18, when configured as a seat box, the height 17 is designed according to the seat height of the user. The height 17 is preferably in the range from 41 cm to 49 cm, in particular 46 cm, or corresponds essentially to the length of a human leg, measured from the heel to the hollow of the knee. Of course, it is also possible to make the height 17 somewhat higher, whereby the weight load on the container 1 or lid 30 is lower or the load is distributed differently, especially since experience shows that the user will then sit further forward so that his Feet are in contact with the ground, and as a result the weight load occurs primarily on the front. This can thus be made correspondingly stronger. In exactly the same way, the container 1 can also be designed or configured as a seat or seat box for children, that is to say the height 17 can be dimensioned correspondingly lower or adapted to the height of the heel and the hollow of the knee of a child.

A mounting strip 41 can be arranged on the side wall 2, which forms the rear wall 40 of the container 1, for mounting the cover 30. This is preferably attached to an outer side 42 of the side wall 2, but can also be attached to the inner side 20 ( Fig. 1 ) be attached. In the same way, the mounting strip 41 can also be arranged on another of the side walls 2 if, for example, the cover is not intended to be hinged to the rear wall 40 but to another side wall 2.

In the position of use, the mounting strip 41 is arranged in the upper edge area of the side wall 2, in particular on the longitudinal side of the longitudinal side wall 3 spaced from the floor, and preferably has a recess 44 on an end side 43 adjacent to the cover 30, via which the Mounting bar 41 can be connected to the cover 30 or an adjacent first cover part 46. For this purpose, the cover 30 or first cover part 46 has a recess 48 on an end face 47 adjacent to the assembly strip 41 in the use position.

The connecting element 45 can thus be arranged on the one hand in the recess 44 of the mounting strip 41 and on the other hand in the recess 48 of the cover 2 or first cover part 46 and preferably has a front edge 49 via which the cover 30 or first cover part 46 relative to the Mounting bar 41 or to the side wall 2 is pivotable.

Likewise, the mounting bar 41 can also be omitted and instead a recess, which is formed analogously to the recess 44 of the mounting bar 41, can be arranged on the upper end of the side wall 2, in particular the rear wall 40, ie the connecting element 45 directly on the side wall 41 be attached. Furthermore - when using a mounting bar 41 - it is also possible not to arrange the connecting element 45 in the recess 44, in particular to clamp the connecting element 45 between the outside 42 of the side wall 2 and the mounting bar 43. In general, it should be mentioned that in all the exemplary embodiments, individual parts can also be made from other materials and, in particular, parts made of wood can be replaced by one or more layers of cardboard, in particular pressed cardboard. For example, the mounting strip 41 can also be formed from one or more layers of cardboard and the connecting element 45, as described, can be clamped between the outer side 42 and the mounting strip 41 made of cardboard. It is also possible to use the fastening element 23 ( Fig. 2 ) from one or more layers of cardboard. In this case, the carton is preferably attached by means of glue and additional punctual attachment means, such as clips, screws or nails.

The preferred embodiment, however, is that as shown in Fig. 7 is shown. The connecting element 45 is in particular made of cardboard or pressed cardboard, and the mounting strip 41 is preferably made of wood. The fastening of the connecting element 45 in the recesses 44 and 48 can in turn take place by means of gluing, in particular gluing. Fastenings that can be exposed to higher loads and thus should be made more stable - such as the mounting bar 41 - can be made by gluing or gluing and with additional punctual fastening means 50, in particular screws, nails, or dowels or clamps. It is also advantageous, for example, to place the support element 24 ( Fig. 2 ) in this way.

The cover 30 is preferably made in several parts, in particular in two parts. In this case, it has a further cover part 51 in addition to its first cover part 46, since this enables better mobility of cover 30 or cover parts 46, 51 and better pivoting to side wall 2 or rear wall 40. The cover parts 46, 51 are in turn preferably made by means of connecting elements 51 pressed cardboard, connected to one another, the connecting element 52 being arranged in recesses 53 facing end sides of the cover parts 46, 51 or in particular connected by means of glue, and preferably having a front edge 54 via which the cover parts 46, 51 can be pivoted to one another. By arranging several connecting elements 45, 52 and an intermediate rigid element or cover part 46, a gentle bending of the connecting elements 45, 52 is achieved without damaging them, which leads to a longer service life for connecting elements 45, 52 made of pressed cardboard. In addition, when the lid 30 is divided into several lid parts 46, 51 in the rear area, the lid 30 or the lid parts 46, 51 can be folded better over the side walls 2 when the container 1 is folded up.

Of course, it is also possible to form the cover 30 in one piece, but then the connecting element 45 preferably has two or more front edges 49.

In order to be able to position or set up the container 1 in the use position on uneven ground or ground or to prevent damage to the surfaces of the side walls 2 resting on the ground, the side walls 2 in the middle area of the ground or ground can facing side recesses 55 be arranged. These are preferably formed on all side walls 2, but can also only be formed on individual side walls 2, for example only on the longitudinal side walls 3 or transverse side walls 4. As a result, defined support areas 56 can be created, preferably in the corner areas of the container 1, on which the container 1 rests on the floor or the ground. If the side walls 2 are not designed over the entire surface but, for example, in the manner of a slat or lamellar profile, the lowermost slat or lamellar profile-like wood, which runs essentially parallel to the floor, can also have a greater width 57. This prevents damage such as breaking the wood, especially in the area of the recess 55, and on the other hand leaves more space for the assembly of the parts to be assembled in the container 1 (not shown), such as the bottom part 6 and the support element 24 ( Fig. 2 ), whereby heavier goods can be stored or transported in the container 1.

If the container 1 is designed as a pure, foldable seat box, without wanting to transport goods with it, the bottom part 6 can also be designed as a simple, pivotable strut that stabilizes the container 1 or prevents it from being folded up unintentionally. The stabilization can also be achieved in other ways, such as by a stop 35 ( Fig. 5 ), which rests on the inside of the side walls and thus prevents the side walls from pivoting when the lid is closed, in this case the bottom part 6 and thus also the components with which the bottom part 6 engages, on which it rests or is attached , can be omitted entirely.

The formation of the recesses 55 provides a further possibility of lifting the container 1, which is why the handles 9 or handle holes are only arranged here as an additional option, but can also be omitted.

In order to reduce the risk of injury, corner regions 58 of cover 30 or cover parts 46, 51 can also be beveled or rounded, which also improves the appearance. Furthermore, the edges of the fixed components, in particular those made of wood, can be chamfered or rounded in all the exemplary embodiments shown in order to reduce the risk of injury and to increase the qualitative impression of the product.

The container 1 in Fig. 7 is again preferably designed in one piece, that is, that all the individual parts are connected to one another, so that there are no loose parts when folded. The folding process (not shown; cf. Figs. 1 to 4 ) takes place in that the bottom part 6, which is preferably attached to the inside 20 of the rear wall 40 of the side wall 2 or longitudinal side wall 3, via the connecting element 22, via which the bottom part 6 is pivotably mounted to this side wall 2, to the inside 20 of the Rear wall 40 is folded and then the side walls 2 are pivoted to one another via the connecting elements 5 and, following the folding of the side walls 2, the cover 30 or the first cover part 46 and the further cover part 51 are folded over the folded side walls 2. Of course, it is also possible to fold the connecting element 52 in the intended direction to form that the lid 30 or the lid parts 46, 51 is not folded over the side walls 2, but to the outside 42 of the container 1. Here, too, the fixation of the container 1 in the position of use is preferably carried out by engaging the positioning elements 7, 8 in one another, with the positioning elements 7, 8 being detached from one another by folding up the bottom part 6 to the inside 20 to which it is attached, in particular during the folding process and by folding or pivoting the bottom part 6 towards the support element 24, that is to say into the position of use, the positioning elements 7, 8 are brought into engagement with one another again.

It should also be mentioned that whenever individual parts or walls, in particular side walls, base parts or covers, in the area of the connecting elements 5, 22, 31, 38, 45, 52
are not formed over the entire surface, so in particular by individual slat-like wooden parts, the connecting elements 5, 22, 31, 38, 45, 52 are preferably formed continuously over the entire length of the connection between the parts or walls in order to ensure a corresponding stability of the container guarantee.

Furthermore, the individual elements or surfaces, in particular made of wood and / or cardboard, which are listed throughout the description, can be provided with prints, especially for advertising purposes, or these can be engraved or processed with a laser or branding iron / stamp. It is also possible to refine these elements / surfaces, preferably by applying glazes, impregnations, coatings, varnishes, oils, waxes. Veneers or fine veneers, or a wide variety of wood panels, be it plywood, solid wood, glued wood, OSB, chipboard, fiber, joiner or wood composite panels and also a wide variety of woods such as spruce, pine, birch, poplar, cherry or beech. This makes it possible to design the container 1 for a wide variety of uses and according to the most varied of customer requirements, be it as a moisture-resistant laundry basket, foldable, portable seat chest, as an inexpensive toy box or as a jewelry box made of precious wood.

For the sake of completeness, it is mentioned that all elements or surfaces, such as the side walls 2, 4, the base part (s) 6 or the cover 30, in addition to wood, can also be formed by natural fibers. Natural fibers are all fibers that come from natural sources such as plants, animals or minerals and can be used directly without further chemical conversion reactions. For example, natural fibers from pressed coconut could be used. Of course, such natural fibers can also be used for the connecting elements 5, 22, 31, 38, 45, 52, whereby other materials such as metal, aluminum, brass, etc. are also used for the connecting elements 5, 22, 31, 38, 45, 52. can be used so that metal hinges or joints known from the prior art or also plastic strips or joints, which for example can be biodegradable, can be used. Such connecting elements 5, 22, 31, 38, 45, 52 have the advantage that a longer service life is achieved when the container 1 is opened and closed. At the same time, by appropriately designing the joints or hinges, latching or snap-in positions can also be created in order to achieve greater rigidity of the box. These connecting elements 5, 22, 31, 38, 45, 52 can also be easily removed and reused when the container 1 is disposed of.

Preferably, the container 1, in which all the side walls 2, 4 and the base 6 or the base parts 6 with the connecting elements 5, 22, 31, 38, 45, 52 and optionally the lid 30, is formed from a combination of wood and cardboard, so that there is a very high level of sustainability, that is to say that bio-based (i.e. regenerative, renewable) materials are used for the container 1 that have their origin in nature.

For the sake of clarity, it is pointed out that the invention is not limited to the embodiment variants shown, but can also include further developments. In particular, the design variants or individual features of the design variants can also be combined with one another.

Claims (13)

Container (1), in particular crate, with side walls (2) connected to one another via connecting elements (5), in particular a longitudinal side wall (3) and broad side wall (4), and at least one bottom part (6) or lid (30), characterized in that the container (1) foldable or foldable and the side walls (2) and the bottom part (6) and / or lid (30) made of ecological materials, in particular made of wood, and the connecting elements (5) preferably made of cardboard, in particular of pressed cardboard , and on at least one end face (10) of the side walls (2) of the container (1) a recess (11) is arranged at least over a partial area, in which the connecting elements (5) are arranged, and the bottom part (6) over a pivotable connecting element (22) is connected to at least one of the side walls (2), preferably the longitudinal side wall (3), the connecting element (22) preferably being made of cardboard and the bottom part (6) in the folded state d is folded to an inside (20) of the side wall (2) to which it is attached, and a support element (24) is arranged on at least one side wall (2) of the container (1) on the inside (20). Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base part (6) is constructed in several parts, the base parts (6), in particular a first base part (36) and a second base part (37), being pivotable to one another via a connecting element (38) ) are connected. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting elements (5) are glued to the side walls (2) of the container (1), preferably by means of glue. Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (5) at least has one, preferably two, distanced front edges (18) for connecting the side walls (2). Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a positioning element (7), in particular a block , on at least one of the side walls (2) of the container (1) on the inside (20) or on the support element (24) , Wedge, pin, dowel or hole, and on the bottom part (6, 37) an opposite positioning element (8), in particular a block, wedge, pin, dowel or hole, and the positioning elements (7, 8) in the use position of the container (1) are in engagement with each other. Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area of an upper side (26) of the bottom part (6 or 36, 37) is designed to be smaller than an area (27) of an interior (25) of the container ( 1), one or more cover flaps (28) preferably being designed to bridge the distance between the base part (6, 36, 37) and the side walls (2). Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the folded state, the bottom part (6, 36) is folded towards the inside (20) of the side wall (2) to which it is attached and two adjacent side walls in each case (2) to the other two adjacent side walls (2) are folded. Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (1) is designed in one piece, with all elements, in particular the side walls (2) and the bottom part (6 or 36, 37) and / or the Lid (30) are connected to one another via the connecting elements (5, 22, 38, 31, 45). Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that on one of the side walls (2) opposite to the bottom part (6 or 36, 37) via a The connecting element (31) of the cover (30) is pivotably connected to the side wall (2), in particular the longitudinal side wall (3). Container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (2) and / or the bottom part (6, 36, 37) and / or cover (30) are made of individual lamellar wood or wooden elements or all of wood are trained. Method for folding up a container (1), which is designed in particular according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that side walls (2), in particular longitudinal side walls (3) and transverse side walls (4), and base parts (6 or 36 , 37) are made of wood, which are connected via connecting elements (5, 22, 38), preferably made of cardboard, in particular pressed cardboard, whereby to collapse the container (1) first the bottom part (6 or 36) into the interior space ( 25) of the container (1), in particular upwards, parallel to a side wall (2), in particular to a longitudinal side wall (3), is folded, whereupon the side walls (2) are pivoted in one direction, in particular laterally, until the side walls (2) with the bottom part (6) lying in between are aligned essentially parallel to one another. Method for folding up a container (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that in order to bridge a gap between the bottom part (6, 36, 37) and the side walls (2), which results in the position of use, at least one of the side walls ( 2) a cover flap (28), in particular a pivotable cover flap (28), is attached to an inner side (20) which, when the container (1) is folded up, immediately before or after pivoting the bottom part (6, 36) in the direction of an interior space ( 25) is pressed or pivoted. Method for folding up a container (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that when repositioning or Unfold the collapsible container (1) first the side walls (2), in particular the longitudinal side walls (3) and transverse side walls (4), by rotating or swiveling the connecting elements (5), in particular two diagonally lying connecting elements (5), as Pivot axis are unfolded, whereupon the bottom part (6 or 36, 37) is folded down into the interior (25) and is fixed via a positioning element (7, 8) before turning and / or the side walls (2) before folding up sideways secured.

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