GB2590559A - Load holding extension and container system - Google Patents

Abstract

A container system 12 comprises a container 10 and a load holding extension 40. The load holding extension 40 comprises a wall arrangement 44 defining an internal space of the load holding extension 40. The wall arrangement 44 has a first rim formation (figure 3, 54) defining a first opening (figure 3, 55), and has a second rim formation (figure 3, 58) defining a second opening. The container 10 comprises a container wall 18 defining an internal space of the container. The container wall 18 has a top rim formation defining an open top (figure 1, 20). The container system 12 comprises a mounting arrangement to mount the load holding extension 40 on the container 10 in a position in which the first opening (figure 3, 55) of the load holding extension 40 is aligned with the open top 20 of the container 10.

Description

Load Holding Extension and Container System This invention relates to load holding extensions. This invention also relates to extensions for containers. Embodiments of the invention relate to container extensions. This invention also relates to container systems. This invention also relates to containers. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to containers for use in container systems. This invention also relates to load holding extensions to extend the height of containers. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to sleeves for use in container systems. This invention also relates to dividers. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to dividers for use in container systems.

It is often necessary, for example in warehouses, or in transit, to store small objects in containers. Such objects may be quite small and may need to be stored in such containers on an ad hoc basis. It may be necessary to obtain several containers to hold all the objects. This can be expensive and may take up additional space.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a container system comprising: a container; a load holding extension to extend the height of the container; wherein the load holding extension comprises: a wall arrangement defining an internal space of the load holding extension, the wall arrangement having a first rim formation defining a first opening, and having a second rim formation defining a second opening; and wherein the container comprises: a container wall defining an internal space of the container, the container wall having a top rim formation defining an open top; and the container system comprising a mounting arrangement to mount the load holding extension on the container in a position in which the first opening of the load holding extension is aligned with the open top of the container.

The mounting arrangement may comprise a divider arrangeable between the container and the load holding extension. The divider may be arrangeable across the first opening of the load holding extension and across the open top of the container when the load holding extension is mounted on the container.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a container system comprising: a container; a load holding extension to extend the height of the container; wherein the load holding extension comprises: a wall arrangement defining an internal space of the load holding extension, the wall arrangement having a first rim formation defining a first opening, and having a second rim formation defining a second opening; and wherein the container comprises: a container wall defining an internal space of the container, the container wall having a top rim formation defining an open top; and the container system comprising a mounting arrangement to mount the load holding extension on the container in a position in which the first opening of the load holding extension is aligned with the open top of the container; wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a divider arrangeable between the container and the load holding extension, the divider extending across the first opening of the load holding extension and across the open top of the container when the load holding extension is mounted on the container.

The mounting arrangement may include support members to support the divider on the container The mounting arrangement may comprise locating formations. The locating formations may be defined in the first rim formation of the load holding extension to cooperate with the support members.

The mounting arrangement may comprise a plurality of cooperating formations. The cooperating formations may be defined in the top rim formation of the container to cooperate with the support members.

The divider may comprise a load bearing member The load bearing member may be supported on the support members. The support members may extend from the load bearing member.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a load holding extension to extend the height of an article; the load holding extension comprising a wall arrangement defining an internal space of the load holding extension, the wall arrangement having a first rim formation defining a first opening, and having a second rim formation defining a second opening, wherein the first rim formation comprises a plurality of locating formations to mount the load holding extension on the article.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a container comprising a container wall defining an internal space of the container, the container wall having a top rim formation defining an open top, wherein the top rim formation comprises a plurality of cooperating formations to mount a load holding extension on the container According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a divider comprising a plurality of support members and a load bearing member, wherein the load bearing member is supported on the support members, the support members extending from the load bearing member to engage an article and a load holding extension, the support members supporting the divider on the article, and being configured to support the load holding extension.

The article may be a container or a further load holding extension.

The divider may comprise a plurality of support members configured to extend across the first opening of the load holding extension and across the open top of the container Each support member may be elongate. The divider may comprise three support members. The load bearing member may have a substantially planar upper surface.

The support members may be supported on the top rim formation of the container at the cooperating formations.

The divider may be mounted on the article between the article and the load holding extension. When so mounted, the divider constitutes a floor of the load holding extension on which articles may be disposed, whereby the articles may be held in the load holding extension.

The first rim formation may comprise a lower rim formation of the load holding extension. The first rim formation of the load holding extension may be provided at a lower region of the load holding extension wall arrangement.

The second rim formation may comprise an upper rim formation of the load holding extension. The second rim formation may be provided at an upper region of the load holding extension wall arrangement.

The load holding extension may comprise a sleeve. The load holding extension may comprise a main part. The main part may comprise the wall arrangement. The container may comprise a container body. The container body may comprise a base arrangement and the container wall.

The top rim formation may comprise overlapping portions. The top rim formation may include a connecting portion extending between the container wall and the overlapping portions. The overlapping portions may constitute outer container wall portions. The container wall may constitute inner container wall portions.

The inner container wall portion may comprise a region of the container wall. Said region may be an upper region of the container wall.

The overlapping portion may be a flange portion. The overlapping portion may extend across the container wall.

The container wall may taper inwardly from the upper region to the base arrangement.

Each cooperating formation may comprise a cooperating recess defined in the top rim formation of the container or in the second rim of the load holding extension. The support members may be received by the cooperating recesses of the container.

Each cooperating recess may have an open first side facing inwardly of the container or the load holding extension. The support members may extend through the open first sides of the cooperating recesses of the container or the load holding extension. Each cooperating recess may have a second side opposite the first side. The second side may be occluded.

The load holding extension may be located in the open top of the container by the locating formations. The load holding extension may be supported on the container by the support members.

Each locating formation may comprise a locating recess defined in the first rim formation of the load holding extension. Each locating recess may have opposite sides.

The support members may be received by the locating recesses. The support members may extend through the opposite sides of the locating recesses.

The lower rim formation and the upper rim formation may extend around the wall arrangement.

The wall arrangement may comprise a plurality of wall members. The lower rim formation and the upper rim formation may extend across each wall member.

The first rim formation of the load holding extension may comprise a lower rim formation of the load holding extension. The first opening of the load holding extension may be a lower opening of the load holding extension.

The mounting arrangement may comprise projections on the wall arrangement to engage the top rim formation of the container, thereby supporting the load holding extension on the top rim formation. Thus, if desired, the load holding extension can be mounted on the container without a divider The container wall may define nesting recesses to receive the projections of the load holding extension. The nesting recesses may allow the load holding extension to be nested within the container. The container may comprise projections on the container wall arrangement.

The wall arrangement may define nesting recesses to receive projections of a further load holding extension. In the embodiment described herein, nesting recesses allow the further load holding extension to be nested within the first mentioned load holding extension.

The projections may define the nesting recesses. The nesting recesses may have respective projection receiving openings at the second rim formation to allow the projections of the further load holding extension to be received in the recesses.

The projections may be arranged asymmetrically on the wall arrangement or on the container wall. The asymmetrical arrangement of the projections may allow the further load holding extension to be mounted on the first mentioned load holding extension in a first orientation of the load holding extensions, or may allow the load holding extension to be nested within the container in a first orientation of the load holding extension. The asymmetrical arrangement of the projections may allow the further load holding extension to be nested.

The projections may be arranged asymmetrically on the container wall. The asymmetrical arrangement of the projections may allow the load holding extension to be nested within the container in a first orientation of the load holding extension.

The first rim formation of the load holding extension may be received by the open top of the container when the load holding extension is mounted on the container.

The container system may comprise a plurality of the load holding extensions which can be mounted on one another. Each of the plurality of load holding extensions may comprise the features described above of the first mentioned load holding extension.

The plurality of load holding extensions may comprise a further mounting arrangement to mount a further load holding extension on the first mentioned load holding extension in a position in which the first opening of the further load holding extension is aligned with the second opening of the first mentioned load holding extension.

Each of the plurality of load holding extensions may comprise the features of the first mentioned load holding extension as described above.

The further load holding extension may comprise a wall arrangement defining an internal load holding extension space. The wall arrangement of the further load holding extension may have a first rim formation defining a first opening. The wall arrangement of the further load holding extension may have a second rim formation defining a second opening.

The first rim formation of the further load holding extension may be received by the second opening of the first mentioned load holding extension when the further load holding extension is mounted on the first mentioned load holding extension.

The further mounting arrangement may comprise a further divider arrangeable across the first opening of the further mentioned load holding extension and across the second opening of the first mentioned load holding extension when the further load holding extension is mounted on the first mentioned load holding extension.

The further divider may comprise a plurality of further support members configured to extend across the first opening of the further load holding extension and across the second opening of the first mentioned load holding extension Each further support member may be elongate.

The further divider may comprise a further load bearing member. The further load bearing member may be supported on the further support members. The further support members may extend through the further load bearing member. The further load bearing member may have a substantially planar upper surface.

The second rim formation may comprise an upper rim formation of the load holding extension. The second opening of the load holding extension may be an upper opening of the load holding extension.

The second rim formation may comprise overlapping wall portions. The overlapping wall portions may comprise an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion. The second rim formation may include a load holding extension connecting portion extending between the wall portions.

The inner wall portion may comprise a region of the wall arrangement. Said region may be an upper region of the wall arrangement. The outer wall portion may be a further flange portion. The outer wall portion may extend across the wall arrangement.

The further mounting arrangement may comprise positioning formations. The positioning formations may be defined by the second rim formation of the load holding extension to cooperate with the further support members. The further support members may be supported on the second rim formation of the load holding extension at the positioning formations.

Each positioning formation of the second rim formation may comprise a positioning recess defined in the second rim formation of the load holding extension. The further support members may be received by the positioning recesses of the second rim formation.

Each positioning recess of the second rim formation may have an open further first side facing inwardly of the load holding extension. The further support members may extend through the open further first sides of the positioning recesses of the second rim formation.

Each positioning recess of the second rim formation may have a second side opposite the first side of the respective positioning recess. The second side of each positioning recess may be occluded.

Thus, the positioning formations of the second rim formation allow a further load holding extension to be mounted on the first mentioned load holding extension.

The further mounting arrangement may comprise further projections on the further wall arrangement to engage the second rim formation of the first mentioned load holding extension, thereby supporting the further load holding extension on the second rim formation of the first mentioned load holding extension. Thus, if desired, the further load holding extension can be mounted on the first mentioned load holding extension without a divider.

The further mounting arrangement may define further recesses to receive projections of a yet another load holding extension Thus, a plurality of load holding extensions can be nested within one another.

The further projections may define the further recesses. The further recesses may have respective further openings at the further second rim formation to allow the projections of the other load holding extension to be received in the recesses.

The further projections may be arranged asymmetrically on the further wall arrangement. The asymmetrical arrangement of the further projections may allow the further load holding extension to be mounted on the first mentioned load holding extension in a first orientation of the load holding extensions. The asymmetrical arrangement of the projections may allow the further load holding extension to be nested.

The container system may comprise a lid arrangement mountable on the upper load holding extension of a container system comprising a container and a plurality of the load holding extensions, one of the load holding extensions being mounted on the container, and each other load holding extension being mounted on one another. The lid arrangement may extend over two stacks comprising a container and a plurality of the load holding extensions. Two of the stacks may be arranged adjacent each other. The lid may be arranged on the stacks to cover both stacks.

The lid arrangement may comprise a plurality of retractable straps, each strap having a free end. A respective attachment member may be secured at the free end of each strap. The attachment member may comprise a hook.

When the lid arrangement is mounted on a pair of the aforesaid stacks, the attachment members may be attached to the, or each, container. The attachment member may be attached to the rim formation of the, or each, container According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a load holding extension mountable on an article, the load holding extension comprising: a wall arrangement defining an internal space, the wall arrangement having a first rim to define an open first face, and having a second rim to define an open second face; and a mounting arrangement at the first rim of the wall arrangement, the mounting arrangement being for cooperating with a corresponding formation on the article to mount the load holding extension on the article.

The article may comprise a container or a further load holding extension. Where the article comprises a container, the corresponding formation may comprise a locating formation. Where the article comprises a further load holding extension, the corresponding formation may comprise an upper cooperating formation at an upper rim of a wall arrangement of the further load holding extension.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a container assembly comprising: a container and a load holding extension mounted on the container; wherein the load holding extension comprises: a wall arrangement defining an internal space, the wall arrangement having an upper rim to define an open upper face, and having a first rim to define an open first face; and the container assembly further comprising a mounting arrangement at the first rim of the wall arrangement, the mounting arrangement being for cooperating with the container to mount the load holding extension on the container; wherein the container comprises a wall and a locating formation on the wall of the container to cooperate with the first cooperating formation and mount the load holding extension on the container.

The wall arrangement may comprise a main portion. The first rim and the second rim of the wall arrangement may extend around the main portion. The wall arrangement may comprise a plurality of wall members. Each wall member may comprise a main portion.

The first rim may comprise a lower rim. The first cooperating formation may comprise a lower cooperating formation.

The wall arrangement may comprise a pair of opposite wall members. The wall arrangement may comprise two pairs of opposite wall members.

The load holding extension may comprise a sleeve. The mounting arrangement may comprise a first cooperating formation. The load holding extension may comprise the first cooperating formation.

The first cooperating formation may comprise at least one selected from the group comprising: a first projecting portion of the wall arrangement, and a first recess defined by the wall arrangement. The first projecting portion may comprise a lower projecting portion The first recess may be a lower recess defined by the wall arrangement.

In one embodiment, the first cooperating formation may comprise said first projecting portion. The first projecting portion may project from the main portion of the wall arrangement.

The first projecting portion may project downwardly from the main portion of the wall arrangement at the first rim. The first projecting portion may project from the main portion of one of the wall members at said first rim.

In another embodiment, the first cooperating formation may comprise said first recess. The first recess may be defined in the main portion of the wall arrangement.

The first recess may be defined at the first rim of the wall arrangement. The first recess may be defined in the main portion of one of the wall members at said first rim. The first recess may extend into the wall member from the first rim.

The first cooperating formations may be trapezium shaped. The first cooperating formations may have the shape of a regular trapezium.

The first cooperating formation may be provided on one of said wall members.

The load holding extension may comprise two of the first cooperating formations.

Where the wall arrangement comprises one pair of opposite wall members, each first cooperating formation may be provided on a respective one of the wall members of said pair of wall members Alternatively, where the wall arrangement comprises two pairs of opposite wall members, each first cooperating formation may be provided on a respective one of the wall members of one of said pairs of wall members.

The load holding extension may include a second cooperating formation at the second rim of the wall arrangement. The second cooperating formation may be for cooperating with a corresponding first cooperating formation on a further article to mount the further article on the load holding extension.

The second rim may comprise an upper rim. The second cooperating formation may comprise an upper cooperating formation.

The further article may comprise a further load holding extension.

The second cooperating formation may comprise at least one selected from the group comprising: a second projecting portion of the wall arrangement, and a second recess defined by the wall arrangement. The second projecting portion may comprise an upper projecting portion. The second recess may be an upper recess defined by the wall arrangement.

In one embodiment, the second cooperating formation may comprise said second projecting portion. The second projecting portion may project from the main portion of the wall arrangement.

The second projecting portion may project upwardly from the main portion of the wall arrangement at the upper rim. The second projecting portion may project from the main portion of one of the wall members at said second rim.

In another embodiment, the second cooperating formation may comprise said second recess The second recess may be defined in the main portion of the wall arrangement.

The second recess may be defined at the second rim of the wall arrangement. The second recess may be defined in the main portion of one of the wall members at said second rim. The second recess may extend into the wall member from the second rim.

The second cooperating formations may be trapezium shaped. The second cooperating formations may have the shape of a regular trapezium.

The second cooperating formation may be provided on one of said wall members.

The load holding extension may comprise two of the second cooperating formations.

Where the wall arrangement comprises one pair of opposite wall members, each second cooperating formation may be provided on a respective one of the wall members of said pair of wall members.

Alternatively, where the wall arrangement comprises two pairs of opposite wall members, each second cooperating formation may be provided on a respective one of the wall members of one of said pairs of wall members.

The wall arrangement may comprise a first pair of first wall members. The wall arrangement may comprise a second pair of second wall members.

The first cooperating formations may be provided on the first wall members. The second cooperating formations may be provided on the first wall members.

The container may have a container rim extending around the upper edge of the wall thereof. The rim of the container may define an upper opening of the container. The wall arrangement may comprise a flange on the upper rim. The wall arrangement may comprise a flange on the first rim.

The corresponding formations on the wall of the container may comprise at least one selected from the group comprising: a locating recess defined by the wall of the container, and a locating projecting portion of the wall of the container.

In one embodiment, the locating formation may comprise said locating recess. The locating recess may be defined in the wall of the container.

The locating recess may be defined at the rim of the wall of the container The locating recess may be defined in one of the wall portions at said rim of the container The locating recess may extend into the wall of the container from the container rim.

In another embodiment, the locating formation may comprise said locating projecting portion. The locating projecting portion may project from the wall of the container.

The locating projecting portion may extend upwardly from the wall of the container. The locating projecting portion may project from the wall portion at the rim of the container The locating projecting portion may project from one of the wall portions at said rim of the container.

The locating formations may be trapezium shaped. The locating formations may have the shape of a regular trapezium.

The locating formation may be provided on one of said wall portions.

The load holding extension may comprise two of the first cooperating formations. The locating formations on the wall of the container may comprise locating recesses to receive the first projecting portions of the load holding extension.

The wall of the container may comprise a plurality of wall portions. The wall of the container may comprise a pair of opposite wall portions. The wall of the container may comprise two pairs of opposite wall portions.

Where the wall of the container comprises one pair of opposite wall portions, each locating formation may be provided on a respective one of the wall portion of said pair of wall portions.

Alternatively, where the wall of the container comprises two pairs of opposite wall portions, each locating formation may be provided on a respective one of the wall portions of one of said pairs of wall portions.

The container assembly may comprise a plurality of the load holding extensions arranged upon on another on the container.

The wall arrangement of the load holding extension may be of the same size and shape as the wall of the container.

At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container forming part of a container system; Figure 2 is a close up view of an upper region of the container; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a load holding extension forming part of the container system Figure 4 is a close up view of an upper region of the load holding extension; Figure 5 is a close up view of a lower region of the load holding extension; Figure 6 is a close up view of a divider forming part of the container system; Figure 7 is a close up view of a divider mounted on a container; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a container system; Figure 9 is a sectional side view of the container system; Figure 10 is a part-sectional perspective view of a container system that includes a lid arrangement; Figure 11 is an exploded view of a container system; Figure 12 is a close up exploded view of the container system; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a container system that includes a lid arrangement; Figure 14 shows a plurality of nested load holding extensions; Figure 15 shows a plurality of nested containers; Figure 16 shows the container in use holding a plurality of items; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a further load holding extension; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a container assembly comprising a container and a plurality of the further load holding arrangements; and Figure 19 is a perspective view of the container assembly adjacent a container holding smaller containers, and a lid securing the containers to one another.

Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings show a container 10 intended to form part of a container system 12 shown in Figures 8 to 12. The container 10 comprises a container body 14 which includes a base 16 and a container wall 18. The container wall 18 defines an open top 20 and an internal space 22 of the container 10 for holding a load.

The container wall 18 comprises two opposite first walls 24 and two opposite second walls 26. The first walls 24 constitute side walls and are longer than the second walls 26. The second walls 26 constitute end walls.

Each of the second walls 26 of the container 10 has opposite end regions 28 and a central region 29. The height of each second wall 26 may be less at the central region 29, and greater at the end regions 28.

The base 16 comprises a spacing arrangement 30 for spacing the container body 14 from the ground (see Figure 1). The spacing arrangement 30 comprises a plurality of spacing members 32 comprising four main spacing members 32A and two subsidiary spacing members 32B. The spacing members 32 extend downwardly from the container wall 18 and the base 16.

The main spacing members 32A extend downwardly from respective corners of the container 10. The subsidiary spacing members 32B extend downwardly from the first walls 24, and are centrally located on the first walls 24 between adjacent main spacing members 32A.

A top rim formation 34 extends around the container wall 18. The top rim formation 34 defines an open top 20 of the container 10. The container wall 18 tapers inwardly from the top rim formation 34 to the base 16, thereby allowing a plurality of the containers 10 to nest within one another, as shown in Figure 15.

The top rim formation 34 is formed at a top region of the container wall 18. The top rim formation 34 comprises a respective overlapping portion 36 extending across each of the first and second walls 24, 26. The top rim formations 34 also has a respective connecting portion 37 between the respective overlapping portions 36 and the first and second wall portions 24, 26.

The overlapping portions 36 may be in the form of flange portions extending across respective upper regions of the first and second walls 24, 26. The overlapping portions 36 constitute outer container wall portions The container wall 18 constitutes inner container wall portions.

The container system 12 further includes a mounting arrangement comprising cooperating formations in the form of a plurality of cooperating recesses 38 defined in the top rim formation 34 of the container 10. The cooperating recesses 38 extend through the container wall 18 downwardly from the connecting portion 37. The outer wall portion 36B extends across each of the cooperating recesses 38 to occlude the cooperating recesses 38.

Each of the cooperating recesses 38 has an open side facing the internal space 22 of the container 10. The opposite side to the open side of each cooperating recess 38 is occluded by the outer wall portion 36B. The purpose of the cooperating recesses 38 is discussed below.

Figures 3, 4 and 5 show a load holding extension 40 in the form of a sleeve. The load holding extension 40 has a main part 42 which comprises a wall arrangement 44. The wall arrangement 44 defines an internal space 46 of the load holding extension 40 for holding a load. The load holding extension 40 is intended to form part of the container system 12 along with the container 10, as shown in Figures 8 to 12, to increase the height of the container 10. The load holding extension 40 is mountable on the container 10 to form the container system 12. As shown in Figures 8, 10 and 11, the container system 12 may comprise a plurality of the load holding extensions 40.

The wall arrangement 44 comprises two opposite first walls 48 and two opposite second walls 50 perpendicular to the first walls 48. The first walls 48 constitute side walls and are longer than the second walls 50. The second walls 50 constitute end walls.

Each of the second walls 50 of the load holding extension 40 has opposite end regions 52 and a central region 53. The height of each second wall 50 may be less at the central region 53, and greater at the end regions 52.

The wall arrangement 44 has a first rim formation in the form of a lower rim formation 54. The lower rim formation 54 extends around a lower region of the wall arrangement 44 and defines a lower opening 55.

The mounting arrangement further comprises locating formations in the form of locating recesses 56 defined in the lower rim formation 54 of the load holding extension 40. The locating recesses 56 extend inwardly from the lower edge of the wall arrangement 44, and wholly through the wall arrangement 44 at the lower rim formation 54. The purpose of the locating recesses 56 is described below.

The wall arrangement 44 has a second rim formation in the form of an upper rim formation 58. The upper rim formation 58 extends around an upper region of the wall arrangement 44 and defines an upper opening 59. The upper rim formation 58 is the same as the top rim formation 34 of the container 10, and comprises overlapping portions 60 extending across the first and second walls 48, 50. The upper rim formation 58 also has a connecting portion 61 between the overlapping portions 60.

The overlapping portions 60 of the upper rim arrangement 58 may be flange portions extending across the first and second walls 48, 50.

The wall arrangement 44 tapers inwardly from the upper rim formation 58 to the lower rim formation 54.

The mounting arrangement comprises positioning formations in the form of a plurality of positioning recesses 62 defined in the upper rim formation 58. The positioning recesses 62 extend downwardly from the further connecting portion 61. The overlapping portions 60 extend across the positioning recesses 62 to occlude the positioning recess 62.

Each of the positioning recesses 62 has an open side facing the internal space 46 of the load holding extension 40. The opposite side of each positioning recess 62 is occluded by the upper region of the overlapping portion 60. The purpose of the positioning recesses 62 is discussed below.

The lower rim formation 54 of the load holding extension 40 can be received in the open top 20 of the container 10. In order to mount the load holding extension 40 on the container 10, the mounting arrangement further includes projections 64 on the wall arrangement 44 to engage the top rim formation 34 of the container 10. As shown, the projections 64 are provided on the first walls 48 of the wall arrangement 44.

When the lower rim formation 54 of the load holding extension 40 is received in the open top 20 of the container 10, the projections 64 engage the top rim portion of the container 10, thereby supporting the load holding extension 40 on the container 10.

The wall arrangement 44 defines nesting recesses 66 to receive the projections 64 of a further load holding extension 40. Thus, the further load holding extension 40 can be nested within the first mentioned load holding extension 40, as shown in Figure 14. As shown in the drawings, the further load holding extension 40 is the same as the first mentioned load holding extension 40.

The projections 64 define the nesting recesses 66. The nesting recesses 66 extend to the upper rim formation 58 and have respective projection receiving openings 68 at the upper rim formation 58. The projection receiving openings 68 are arranged to allow the projections 64 of the further load holding extension 40 to be received in the nesting recesses 66 of the first mentioned load holding extension 40.

The projections 64 and, thereby, the nesting recesses 66 are arranged asymmetrically on each of the second walls 50. In a first relative orientation between the first mentioned load holding extension 40 and the further load holding extension 40, the projections 64 of the further load holding extension 40 are aligned with the nesting recesses 66 of the first mentioned load holding extension 40.

In this orientation, the projections 64 of the further load holding extension 40 can be received in the nesting recesses 66 defined by the first mentioned load holding extension 40. The tapering wall arrangement 44 thereby allows the load holding extensions 40 to nest within one another, as shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 shows six of the load holding extensions 40 so nested within one another.

In second relative orientation between the first mentioned load holding extension 40, and the further load holding extension 40 (see Figure 8), the projections 64 of the further load holding extension 40 engage the upper rim formation 58 of the first mentioned load holding extension 40, when the lower rim formation 54 of the further load holding extension 40 is received within the upper opening 59 of the first mentioned load holding extension 40.

In this second orientation, the further load holding extension 40 is mounted on the first mentioned load holding extension 40 in a stacked condition. Figure 8 shows three of the load holding extensions 40 mounted on one another in the stacked condition.

If desired, the container wall 18 may define nesting recesses 66 (shown schematically in broken lines in Figure 1) to receive the projections 64 of the load holding extension 40. Thus, the load holding extension 40 can be nested within the container 10 in the same way as the nesting of the further load holding extension 40 within the first mentioned load holding extension 40. The container wall 18 may have projections to define the nesting recesses 66. The projections on the container wall 18 are the same as the projections 64.

The mounting arrangement comprises a divider 70 to mount the load holding extension 40 on the container 10. Thus, the user can mount the load holding extension 40 on the container 10 using the projections 64 or the divider 70.

The divider 70 comprises a load bearing member 72 having a substantially planar load bearing surface 74. The divider 70 further includes six elongate support members 78 extending from the load bearing member 72. The support members 78 are arranged in three pairs of support members 78 aligned with each other on opposite sides of the load bearing member 72.

The support members 78 perform the function of mounting the load holding extension 40 on the container 10. The support members 78 also perform the function of supporting the load bearing member 72, and any items thereon, when the divider 70 is disposed between the container 10 and the load holding extension 40.

Where it is desired to mount one or more further load holding extensions 40 on the first mentioned load holding extension 40 to form the container system 12, the support members 78 of a further divider 70 may be used to mount the load holding extensions 40 on one another.

Referring to Figure 7, the divider 70 is arranged on the container 10 so that the support members 78 are received in the cooperating recesses 38 in the top rim formation 34 of the container 10.

The load holding extension 40 can then be arranged so that the lower rim formation 54 is received in the open top 20 of the container 10. In this position, the support members 78 are received in the locating recesses 56 in the lower rim formation 54, thereby supporting the load holding extension 40 on the divider 70.

Figure 12 is an exploded view showing the container 10, the divider 70 and the load holding extension 40. From this drawing, it can be seen that the divider 70 can be lowered so that the support members 78 are received in the cooperating recesses 38, thereby supporting the divider 70 on the container 10.

The load holding extension 40 can then be lowered to a position in which the lower rim formation 54 is received in the open top 20 of the container 10 and the locating recesses 56 receive the support members 78 between the top rim of the container 10 and the load bearing member 72. In this position of the load holding extension 40, the load holding extension 40 is supported on the divider 70.

If desired, a further divider 70 can be arranged on the load holding extension 40, and a further load holding extension 40 arranged on the further divider 70. The further divider 70 is the same as the divider 70 described above, and the further load holding extension 40 is the same as the first mentioned load holding extension 40 above.

In order to arrange the further divider 70 on the load holding extension 40, the further divider 70 is arranged so that the support members 78 are received in the positioning recesses 62 in the upper rim formation 58.

Afurther load holding extension 40 is arranged on the first mentioned load holding extension 40 in a position so that the lower rim formation 54 of the further load holding extension 40 is received in the upper opening 59 of the first mentioned load holding extension 40. In this position, the positioning recesses 62 of the further load holding extension 40 receive the support members 78 of the further divider 70. The further load holding extension 40 is thus mounted on the first mentioned load holding extension 40 in a position that is similar to the mounting of the first mentioned load holding extension 40 on the container 10. As a result, a container system 12 is formed comprising two load holding extensions 40 mounted on one another on the container 10.

If desired, another load holding extension 40 can be mounted on the aforesaid further load holding extension 40 to create a container system 12 comprising three load holding extensions 40 on the container 10. Referring to Figures 8, 10, 11 and 13, container systems 12 are shown in which three load holding extensions 40 are mounted on one another on a container 10. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of load holding extensions 40 can be mounted on one another on the container 10 to form the container system 12.

Referring to Figures 10 and 13, the container system 12 may further include a lid arrangement 80 to hold the load holding extensions 40 on the container 10. The lid arrangement 80 is mountable on the upper load holding extension 40 of a container system 12 comprising a container 10 and a plurality of the load holding extensions 40.

In Figures 10 and 13, the lid arrangement 80 extends over two stacks, each stack comprising a container 10 and a plurality of the load holding extensions 40. As shown, two of the stacks are arranged adjacent each other, and the lid arrangement 80 is arranged to cover both stacks.

The lid arrangement 80 comprises a plurality of retractable straps 82 (shown schematically by broken lines in Figures 10 and 13). Each strap 82 has a free end to which a respective attachment hook (not shown) is secured. A suitable lid arrangement is disclosed in GB 2402380 A. When the lid arrangement 80 is mounted on a pair of the aforesaid stacks, the attachment hooks are attached to the top rim formation 34 of each container 10, the straps 82 can then be tightened by means of a mechanism in the lid arrangement 80, to hold the load holding extensions 40 and the contents thereof on the container 10.

Figure 16 shows the use of two containers 10 and a lid arrangement 80, for holding a plurality of smaller containers 84. The lid arrangement 80 engages the upper layer of the smaller containers 84. The attachment hooks attach the lid arrangements 80 to the container 10, thereby holding the smaller containers 84 on the container 10.

There is thus described a container 10, a load holding extension 40, and a divider 70 for use in forming a container system 12, which can be used as, in effect, a stack comprising a plurality of containers 10. Alternatively, the dividers 70 may be omitted, whereby, the container system 12 forms, in effect, a large container. A lid arrangement 80 may be provided on the upper load holding extension 40, the lid arrangement 80 having straps 82 to secure the load holding extensions 40 and the containers 10 together.

The containers 10 can be used without the load holding extensions 40 and the dividers 70, and with, or without the lid arrangements 80 to hold a plurality of items, such as smaller containers.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Figures 17 and 18 show, respectively, a load holding extension 110, in the form of a sleeve, and a container assembly 112. The container assembly 112 comprises a container 114 and a plurality of the load holding extensions 110 stacked upon one another on the container 114. In the container assembly 112, the load holding extensions 110 provide an extension to the height of the container 114, thereby allowing more objects to be held.

The load holding extension 110 comprises a wall arrangement 116 defining an internal space 118 in which objects can be received. The wall arrangement 116 has a first rim in the form of a lower rim 120. The lower rim 120 defines first open face in the form of a lower open face 122.

The wall arrangement 116 also has a second rim in the form of an upper rim 124. The upper rim 124 defines a second open face in the form of an upper open face 126. The lower and upper open faces 122, 126 provide communication between the internal space 118 and the region external of the load holding extension 110.

The wall arrangement 116 is rectangular in shape, comprising four wall members 128, namely a pair of opposite first wall members 128A arranged perpendicular to a pair of opposite second wall members 1283.

Each of the first and second wall members 128A, 128B comprises a main portion 130 and a respective flange 132 on the upper and lower rims 120, 124.

The first wall members 128A are narrower than the second wall members 1283. The first wall members 128A constitute opposite ends of the load holding extension 110.

Two first cooperating formations, in the form of lower cooperating formations 134, are provided at the lower rim 120 of the first wall members 128A. Each of the lower cooperating formations 134 is in the form of a respective lower projecting portion.

Each lower cooperating formation 134 is provided on a respective one of the first wall members 128A. Each lower cooperating formation 134 projects downwardly from the main portion 130 of a respective one of the first wall members 128A. The flange 132 on each lower rim 120 extends along the respective lower cooperating formation 134.

Two second cooperating formations, in the form of upper cooperating formations 136, are provided at the upper rim 120 of the first wall members 128A. Each of the upper cooperating formations 136 comprises a respective recess defined by each first wall member 128A at the upper rim 124.

As can be seen from Figure 17, the upper cooperating formations 136 are defined in the first wall members 128A opposite the lower cooperating formations 134.

The upper cooperating formations 136 are defined in the main portions 130 of the first wall members 128A, and extend inwardly of the main portion 130 from the upper rim 124. The flange 132 on each upper rim 124 extends along the respective upper cooperating formation 136.

The lower cooperating formations 134 and the upper cooperating formations 136 are substantially the same size and shape as each other As shown in the drawings, each of the lower cooperating formations 134 and each of the upper cooperating formations 136 are in the shape of a regular trapezium. The purpose of this is described below.

Figure 18 shows the container assembly 112. The container 114 of the container assembly 112 comprises a wall 138 formed of a plurality of wall portions 140 having an upper edge 141. Specifically, the wall 138 comprises a pair of opposite first wall portions 140A and a pair of opposite second wall portions 140B. The second wall portions 140B extend between the first wall portions 140A perpendicular thereto.

Each of the first wall portions 140A defines a respective locating formation 142, in the form of a locating recess. Each locating formation 142 extends from the upper edge 141 of the wall 138 of the container 114 into the respective first wall portion 140A of the container 114.

The locating formations 142 are the same size and shape as the lower cooperating formations 134 defined in the main portions 130. Therefore, the locating formations 142 can receive the lower cooperating formations 134 of the load holding extensions 110.

As a result, the load holding extension 110 can be stacked on the container 114, with the lower cooperating formations 134 of the load holding extension 110 received in the locating formations 142 of the container 114. When so stacked, the lower rim 120 of the load holding extension 110 engages the upper edge 141 of the wall 138.

A further load holding extension 110 can then be stacked on the aforementioned load holding extension 110, with the lower cooperating formations 134 of the further load holding extension 110 received in the upper cooperating formations 136 of the aforementioned load holding extension 110 therebelow. Another load holding extension 110 can then be stacked on the further load holding extension 110. Thus, a plurality of the load holding extensions 110 can be stacked upon one another on the container 14, as shown in Figure 18.

The stacking of one or more load holding extensions 110 on the container 114 increases the volume that can be held, thereby obviating the need to possess several containers 114.

Figure 19 shows a container assembly 112 having a plurality of load holding extensions 110 stacked thereon and a second container 114 adjacent thereto. The second container 114 holds a plurality of smaller containers 144. The load holding extensions 110 are sized so that the height of the container assembly 112 is the same as the overall height of the second container 114 with the smaller containers 144. This allows the container assembly 112 and the further container 114 holding the smaller containers 144 to be held together by a lid 146, such as a lid described in WO 2004/108552 Al.

There is thus described a load holding extension 110 that allows the capacity of a container 114 to be increased by stacking the load holding extension 110 on the container 114 to form a container assembly 112. One or more of the load holding extensions 110 can be stacked on one another on the container 114 to form the container assembly 112.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the inventions. For example, each of the lower cooperating formations 134 could be a recess defined in the first wall member 128A, and each of the upper cooperating formations 136 could be a projection that projects upwardly from the first wall member 128A. The locating formation could be a projecting portion on the first wall portions 140A of the wall 138.

Claims (1)

1. Claims 1. A container system comprising: a container; a load holding extension to extend the height of the container; wherein the load holding extension comprises: a wall arrangement defining an internal space of the load holding extension, the wall arrangement having a first rim formation defining a first opening, and having a second rim formation defining a second opening; and wherein the container comprises: a container wall defining an internal space of the container, the container wall having a top rim formation defining an open top; and the container system comprising a mounting arrangement to mount the load holding extension on the container in a position in which the first opening of the load holding extension is aligned with the open top of the container 2. A container system according to claim 1, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a divider arrangeable between the container and the load holding extension, the divider being arrangeable across the first opening of the load holding extension and across the open top of the container when the load holding extension is mounted on the container 3. A container system according to claim 2, wherein the mounting arrangement includes a plurality of support members to support the divider on the container.4. A container system according to claim 3, wherein the mounting arrangement comprise locating formations, the locating formations being defined in the first rim formation of the load holding extension to cooperate with the support members.5. A container system according to claim 4, wherein the load holding extension is locatable in the open top of the container by the locating formations, whereby the load holding extension is supported on the container by the support members.6. A container system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each locating formation comprises a locating recess defined in the first rim formation of the load holding extension, the support members being receivable by the locating recesses.7. A container system according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a plurality of cooperating formations, the cooperating formations being defined in the top rim formation of the container to cooperate with the support members, and the support members being supported on the top rim formation at the cooperating formations.8. A container system according to claim 7, wherein each cooperating formation comprises cooperating recesses defined in the top rim formation of the container, the support members being received by the cooperating recesses.9. A container system according to claim 8, wherein each cooperating recess has an open first side facing inwardly of the container, the support members extending through the open first sides of the cooperating recesses of the container, and each cooperating recess having an occluded second side opposite the first side.10. A container system according to any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a plurality of cooperating formations, the cooperating formations being defined in the second rim formation of the load holding extension to cooperate with the support members, and the support members being supported on the second rim formation at the cooperating formations.11. A container system according to claim 10, wherein each cooperating formation comprises cooperating recesses defined in the second rim formation of the load holding extension, the support members being received by the cooperating recesses.12. A container system according to claim 11, wherein each cooperating recess has an open first side facing inwardly of the load holding extension, the support members extending through the open first sides of the cooperating recesses of the container, and each cooperating recess having an occluded second side opposite the first side.13. A container system according to any preceding claim, wherein the top rim formation comprises overlapping portions and a connecting portion extending between the container wall and the overlapping portions.14. A container system according to claim 13, wherein the overlapping portion comprises a flange portion extending across the container wall.15. A container system according to any preceding claim, wherein the second rim formation comprises overlapping portions and a connecting portion extending between the wall arrangement and the overlapping portions.16. A container system according to claim 15, wherein the overlapping portion comprises a flange portion extending across the wall arrangement.17. A container system according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises projections on the wall arrangement to engage the top rim formation of the container, thereby supporting the load holding extension on the top rim formation.18. A container system according to claim 15, wherein the container wall defines nesting recesses to receive the projections of the load holding extension thereby allowing the load holding extension to be nested within the container 19. A container system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the wall arrangement defines nesting recesses to receive projections of a further load holding extension thereby allowing the further load holding extension to be nested within the first mentioned load holding extension.20. A container system according to claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the projections define the nesting recesses.21. A container system according to any preceding claim, comprise a plurality of the load holding extension mountable on one another 22. A load holding extension to extend the height of an article; the load holding extension comprising a wall arrangement defining an internal space of the load holding extension, the wall arrangement having a first rim formation defining a first opening, and having a second rim formation defining a second opening, wherein the first rim formation comprises a plurality of locating formations to mount the load holding extension on the article 23. A load holding extension according to claim 22, wherein the article is a container or a further load holding extension.24. A container comprising a container wall defining an internal space of the container, the container wall having a top rim formation defining an open top, wherein the top rim formation comprises a plurality of cooperating formations to mount a load holding extension on the container 25. A divider comprising a plurality of support members and a load bearing member, wherein the load bearing member is supported on the support members, the support members extending from the load bearing member to engage an article and a load holding extension, the support members being configured to support the divider on the article, and the support members being configured to support the load holding extension.