WO1997015502A1

WO1997015502A1 - Collapsible plastic container

Info

Publication number: WO1997015502A1
Application number: PCT/CH1996/000372
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Umiker
Original assignee: Schoeller International Engineering S.A.
Priority date: 1995-10-26
Filing date: 1996-10-23
Publication date: 1997-05-01
Also published as: EP0857144A1; AR004230A1; NO981862D0; ZA969039B; NO981862L

Abstract

The invention relates to a plastic container with a base (1), two longitudinal walls (2) and two end faces (3) which can be folded inwards on the container base, in which the longitudinal walls and end faces can be reversibly locked together or engaged with one anotther. In a first preferred embodiment, the longitudinal walls and end faces can be engageably secured to the base structure integral with the base via peened hinges. In a second preferred embodiment, strip hinges are used. Further structural features are the preferably regular arrays of Z or 2-shaped stabilisers which can extend in the contact body (the outermost part of the container base) into the base structures and all longitudinal walls and end faces.

Description

FOLDABLE PLASTIC CONTAINER

The invention relates to a foldable plastic container according to the preamble of claim 1. Plastic containers of this type are used for the transport of goods, for. B. vegetables or fruit.

Such a plastic container is known from European patent application No. 93902215.8-2308, in which a rectangular bottom is connected to four outer walls by film hinges. Because of the high demands which the film hinges have to meet, the choice of material is narrow and great precision is required in the production. Even if high-quality material is used, it is above all the lower hinges of these containers which, owing to damage to the exposed film hinges by mechanical influences and / or ultraviolet rays, can cause the entire container to fail.

Such a plastic container is known from Swiss patent application No. 3664 / 94-1, in which a rectangular bottom is connected to four outer walls by means of hinges comprising pins and bushings. In their vertical configuration, the walls are interlocked with one another by means of locking elements, which have proven themselves in practice. However, if a container is loaded on one side, an unintentional but possible folding of the end walls inwards can have a disadvantageous effect. The assembly of the walls requires correct alignment of the surfaces to be assembled, which complicates the process and therefore makes it more expensive.

From the German patent application No. 7664184 a wall construction for such plastic containers is known, in which - by using, for example, a "Z" -shaped profile, which is repeated at regular intervals and partially overlapping - a puncture-proof Wall formation can be realized. This wall design also allows good ventilation of the filled goods and a stable, yet lightweight construction of the wall. Such container parts must be put together in a meaningful way and provided with hinges.

The advantages of the cited applications are described impressively and in detail in the corresponding documents. In the interest of the brevity of this application, we therefore refrain from quoting it in detail and limit ourselves to the disadvantages that appear relevant to us. The cited applications have in common that little or no attention was paid to transferring the weight from a filled container to a filled container underneath: Either the bottom of the container was only attached via film hinges and snap locks ¬ bonded intermediate links (ePa No. 93902215.8-2308) or a relatively thin, flat extension of the container bottom (CHA No. 3664 / 94-1) would have to absorb these forces. A solution to this problem of stacking full containers has been completely omitted in the case of DPA No. 7664184.

The invention is intended to remedy this.

The invention, as characterized in the claims, creates a plastic container with a contact body which, as the outermost part of the container base, serves to place a filled container on the walls of another filled container and has a regular arrangement of "Z" in cross section. shaped stabilizing elements can include. These "Z" -shaped stabilizing elements can also - in any direction - in the bottom of the container, in the components standing above the bottom of the container and in all - longitudinally or horizontally hinged by means of hammer or ribbon hinges Continue end walls. This increases the stability of stacks of filled containers significantly increased, the transport and storage of the filled containers safer. Despite the increased stability and security, the containers are light and the ventilation of the goods is guaranteed.

Stabilization elements, which essentially have a cross-section in the form of an Arabic two ("2") - the convex upper part of this "2" profile coming to lie on the inside of the container - offer compared to a known "Z" - The following additional advantages of the profile: The attacking edges of the "Z" profile pointing towards the inside are eliminated and are replaced by rounding off the "2" profile. These roundings cause fewer pressure points on the surface of the filled goods. If these goods are subjected to a to-and-fro movement during transport, scraping or side-crushing injuries to the goods surfaces can also be effectively prevented.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments which represent preferred embodiments or configurations or training forms. It shows:

1: A parallel perspective of a folding container in the insert configuration,

Fig. La) according to a first embodiment, Fig. Lb) according to a second embodiment;

2: a parallel perspective of a folding container with folded longitudinal walls,

2a) according to a first embodiment, FIG. 2b) according to a second embodiment;

3: a parallel perspective of a folding container in transport configuration,

3a) according to a first embodiment; FIG. 3b) according to a second embodiment; 4: top view of the container bottom from above with longitudinal and end walls,

4a) according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4b) according to a second embodiment;

5: top view of the bottom of the container, diagonally divided with hammer or band hinges and "Z" or "2" shaped stabilizing elements, according to a first embodiment;

6: cross section through the container bottom with longitudinal wall, hammer hinge and contact body, according to a first and second embodiment;

7: cross section through the container bottom according to a first embodiment with end wall, band hinges and contact body;

8: cross section through the container base according to a first embodiment with locking of the end wall and contact body;

9: longitudinal section through the contact body, corresponding to the section line X — X: FIG. 9a) according to FIGS. 6 to 8, with "Z" -shaped stabilizing elements, FIG. 9b) according to FIG. 9a), with "2 "-shaped stabilization elements and straight foot, FIG. 9c) according to FIG. 9b), with an inclined foot and longitudinal groove;

10: horizontal section through the latching between a longitudinal and an end wall, FIG. 10a) according to a first embodiment, FIG. 10b) according to a second embodiment; 11: horizontal section through the blocking between a longitudinal and an end wall, FIG. 11a) according to a first embodiment, FIG. 11b) according to a second embodiment;

12: exterior view of a raised longitudinal wall,

12a) according to a first embodiment, FIG. 12b) according to a second embodiment;

13: exterior view of a raised end wall,

13a) according to a first embodiment, FIG. 13b) according to a second embodiment;

A container according to the invention, according to a first embodiment, is shown in the insert configuration in FIG. The raised longitudinal walls 2 block the end walls 3 to be raised first in their position substantially perpendicular to the container bottom 1.

A container according to the invention, according to a second embodiment, is shown in the insert configuration in FIG. 1b). The raised end walls 3 block the longitudinal walls 2 to be raised first in their position substantially perpendicular to the container bottom 1.

In Fig. 2a), according to the first embodiment, the two longitudinal walls 2 have been folded against the container bottom 1 and lie practically plane-parallel on the same. Only now can the end walls 3 also be folded in, whereby they come to lie practically plane-parallel on the longitudinal walls 2, which can be seen in FIG. 3a) (folding container in transport configuration).

In Fig. 2b), according to the second embodiment, the two end walls 3 have been folded in against the container bottom 1 and lie practically plane-parallel on the same. Only now can the longitudinal walls 2 be folded in come to lie practically plane-parallel on the end walls 3, which can be seen in Fig. 3b) (folding container in transport configuration).

It can also be seen from FIGS. 3a) and 3b) that parts do not protrude beyond the container bottom 1 from either the longitudinal or the end walls.

In Fig. 4a) we see from above into a container, according to a first embodiment or in Fig. 4b) in a second embodiment, in insert configuration. The raised longitudinal walls 2 and end walls 3 provide a view of the inner surface of the container bottom 1 of a first preferred embodiment of the alignment of the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilizing elements (FIG. 4a): one quarter each of the "Z" or "2" -shaped stabilization elements 7 run parallel and at the same distance from each other in a straight line from the outer edge of the container bottom through the contact body inwards until they meet the "Z" or "2" -shaped stabilization elements of the adjoining quarter which run transversely to them and connected to them. The orientation of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilization elements in this first preferred embodiment is characterized by a change in the direction of extension of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilization elements both in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction of the container bottom and the other components of the container.

The orientation of the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilization elements in a second preferred embodiment (FIG. 4b) is characterized in particular by a uniform direction of extension of the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilization elements 7 in the transverse direction of the container bottom and the other components of the container. As an alternative to the transverse direction, a uniform extension in the longitudinal direction would in principle be possible. The alignment of the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilizing elements in a third preferred embodiment is characterized by a change in the direction of extension of the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilizing elements only in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the container bottom and the other components of the container.

The orientation of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilization elements in a fourth preferred embodiment is characterized by a uniform, essentially diagonal extension direction of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilization elements in the container bottom and in the other components of the container.

The orientation of the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilization elements in a fifth preferred embodiment is characterized by a change in the essentially diagonal direction of extension of the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilization elements in the container bottom and in the other components of the container.

The present invention also relates to directions of extension of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilization elements - be it in the bottom of the container and / or in any other component of the plastic container - which are longitudinal, transverse or Diagonal direction or deviate from the direction of a straight line. The following may be mentioned only as examples and in no way conclusively: star direction, honeycomb shape, wave shape, closed arch shape, letters, logos or other trademarks, and any combination thereof.

5 shows the container bottom 1 according to a first embodiment in a top view from below. Shown diagonally divided are the contact bodies 6 with hammer hinges 4 or band hinges 5. The course of the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilizing elements 7, as they start from the outer edge 25 of the contact body 6, are clearly visible Container Bottom 1. Any combination of elements of these embodiments is within the scope of this invention.

In a second embodiment (deviating from FIG. 5), the "Z" or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements extend, starting approximately from the center of the contact body 6, in particular in the transverse direction, over the entire container bottom 1.

6 shows the transition from the container base 1 into the contact body 6, the base structure 26 and a hammer hinge 4 of a longitudinal wall 2 in a cross section according to the first and second embodiment and according to a second embodiment. The base structure 26 is here as the lowest height of the component standing up from the container bottom 1 is shown. The overall height of this floor structure 26 must be adapted in accordance with the folding level of the longitudinal wall 2 attached to such a floor structure 26 by means of hinge pins 8, which is integrally formed on the container floor. A web forming the outer edge 25 of the contact body 6 and thus also the outer edge of the container base 1 connects, according to a first embodiment, the "Z" -shaped stabilizing elements 7 of the contact body 6 to one another. A deformable element 9 of the hammer hinge 4 is directly molded onto this web and forms together with this the support for a raised longitudinal wall 2. According to a second embodiment, the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilizing elements 7, preferably starting from the Inner edge of the bottom structures 26, approximately from the center of the contact body 6, directly into the container bottom 1. According to this second embodiment, the end walls are pivotally and reversibly connected via hammer hinges 4 to the component of the lowest overall height rising from the container base 1.

In its end position that can be reached during insertion, the only possible movement of the hinge pin 8 is an at least partial rotation about its own axis. Preferably a hammer hinge 4 is molded onto the lower region of a longitudinal or end wall.

7 shows, according to a first embodiment, in a cross section the transition from the container bottom 1 into the contact body 6, the intermediate member 27 and the band hinges 5, which connect the intermediate member 27 with a longitudinal wall 2 or an end wall 3 in one piece. The intermediate member 27 is shown here as the component standing up from the container bottom 1, which allows a longitudinal or end wall to be folded into the first level on a (not shown) folded longitudinal wall - practically parallel to the container bottom. The overall height of this intermediate element 27 must be adapted in accordance with the folding level of the longitudinal or end wall, which is fastened to such an intermediate element 27 by means of band hinges 5 and is integrally formed on the container base and a corresponding container wall. The band hinges 5 comprise a support piece 11 in the form of a cylinder segment. The hinge 5 are largely protected against mechanical effects by protruding side parts 28 at both ends of the cylindrical segment-shaped support pieces 11. A hinge band 10 is formed tangentially on a longitudinal side of a cylinder segment-shaped support piece 11, the extent of which corresponds approximately to the curved surface of the cylinder segment and which, in an end position of the band hinge 5, can closely fit the cylinder segment of the support piece 11. Each hinge band 10 merges on one side directly into a longitudinal web of an intermediate member 27 or a longitudinal or end wall. In this case, a first hinge band 10 connects to the contact body 6 or a first support piece 11 and a second hinge band 10 of the same intermediate member 27 to a second support piece 11 of a longitudinal or end wall.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section through the container bottom 1, according to a first embodiment, and the contact body 6. A latching nose 12 stands up from the contact body 6, which engages in a seat 13 in the intermediate member 27. At least one of these latching connections fixes - releasably or non-releasably - the intermediate member 27 of a longitudinal wall 2 or end wall 3 on the container bottom 1 or on the contact body 6.

9a) shows a longitudinal section through the contact body 6, corresponding to the section line X-X in FIGS. 6 to 8. The "Z" -shaped stabilizing elements 7 shown in this embodiment consist of inner strips 14 and outer strips 15, which are connected to one another via a substantially vertical web 16. Both the inner and the outer strips are to be understood as legs of the "Z" profiles which are flat with respect to the inner and outer surfaces and which here are orthogonal to the side edge of the container base 1 on the one hand and orthogonal to the first support pieces 11 of FIG 5 hinges hinge.

Fig. 9b) shows a longitudinal section through the contact body 6, corresponding to the section line X-X in Fig. 6 to 8. The "2" -shaped stabilizing elements 30 shown in this embodiment consist of inner strips 14 and outer strips 15, which are connected to one another via a substantially vertical web 16. The inner strips 14 are convex against the inside of the container, whereas the outer strips 15 are to be understood as legs which are flat with respect to the outer surface in accordance with the "Z" profile. Another advantage over the "Z" shape can be seen from this illustration: the transition from the web 16 to the inner strip 14 is continuous in the "2" profile, i.e. it has an outer radius "R" and an inner radius "r". This prevents - as could happen with the "Z" profile - a break between the inner strip 14 and the web 16 can occur when the profile is loaded.

9c) shows, according to FIG. 9b), a preferred embodiment of the invention, which "2" -shaped stabilization tion elements 30 with outer strips 15, which have a beveled foot 32 to increase their stability. In order to avoid material accumulation, the beveled foot 32 comprises a longitudinal groove 31. This design has the advantage that - due to the practically uniform material thickness achieved thereby - the stabilizing elements do not suffer any shrinkage or cooling distortion after the injection molding has ended. According to FIG. 9b), the outer radius "R" is also much larger than the inner radius

In a further embodiment of the invention, the web 16 can have a course which deviates from the perpendicular or right-angled to the outer surface; e.g. can the web 16 run obliquely from its point of contact with the inner strip 14 directly (in a straight or curved) to the rear (in Fig. 9c: "right") end of the "2" profile. If the front edge of the inner strip 14 and the rear edge of the now oblique web overlap in the projection to the surface of the respective wall element, there is also a puncture-proof wall configuration.

10a) shows - in a horizontal section through the latching 17 between a longitudinal wall 2 and an end wall 3, according to a first embodiment - the bolt 18 belonging to the longitudinal wall 2 as it enters the opening 29 of the elongated corner structure 22 provided for this purpose Face 3 engages. The abutment 19 has a ramp that runs towards the opening and prevents the longitudinal wall 2 from folding in via the latch 18. This locking can be released arbitrarily and by hand without using a special instrument.

10b) shows - in a horizontal section - the latching 17 between a longitudinal wall 2 and an end wall 3, according to a second embodiment. Via the ramp 33 of the Sliding the longitudinal wall 2 of the bolt 18, the pin 34 had pivotally pivoted the bolt 18 about its joint 35 and now engages in the opening 36 provided for this purpose in the elongated corner structure 22 of a longitudinal wall 2. The abutment 19 forms the rear side of the ramp 33 running towards the opening 36 and prevents the end wall 3 from folding in via the latch 18 which is elastically pivoted back into its ^' original position. This locking can be released arbitrarily and by hand without using a special instrument.

Ila) shows - in a horizontal section through the block 20 between a longitudinal wall 2 and an end wall 3

- The stop 21 belonging to the longitudinal wall 2 of a first embodiment as it abuts the inner surface of the extended corner structure 22 of the end wall 3. As a result of this arrangement, the raised end walls are blocked by the likewise raised longitudinal walls, which are locked with the former, that is to say prevented from folding in.

Ilb) shows - in a horizontal section through the block 20 between a longitudinal wall 2 and an end wall 3

- The stop 21 belonging to the end wall 3 and the stop 21 'belonging to the longitudinal wall of a second embodiment. The two stops 21 and 21 * engage each other in provided recesses 37 and 37 * of the elongated corner structure 22 of the longitudinal wall 2 and the Blocking strip 38 of the end wall 3. As a result of this arrangement, the raised longitudinal walls are blocked by the likewise raised front walls, which are locked with the former, that is to say prevented from folding in.

12a) shows an external view of a raised longitudinal wall 2, according to a first embodiment, configuration or training form. In this case, the band hinges 5 are shown as a certain number of hinges. However, a single hinge 5 would already be are sufficient if it would comprise a considerable part of the length of a longitudinal wall. This also applies analogously to hammer hinges 4 of a second form of training. The paragraph encircling the container, which is formed by the lower edges of the container base 1 and the contact body 6, is clearly visible. The latches 18 of the longitudinal wall 2 can be seen in their latched position in the openings 29 of the extended corner structures 22 of the end walls 3. The handle opening 23 and just below the labeling surface 25 are in the middle of the longitudinal wall 2, the label window 24, however, is embedded in the longitudinal wall 2 on the side thereof.

12b) shows an external view of a raised longitudinal wall 2, according to a second embodiment, configuration or training form. The (hidden) hammer hinges 4 are shown in this case as a certain number of hinges. However, a single hammer hinge 4 would suffice if it encompassed a considerable part of the length of a longitudinal wall. The paragraph surrounding the container, which is formed by the lower edges of the container base 1 and the contact body 6, is clearly visible. The latches 18 of the longitudinal wall 2 can be seen in their locked position in the openings 29 of the longitudinal wall 2. The handle opening 23 and the handle with the labeling surface 25 are located in the middle of the longitudinal wall 2, while the label windows 24 are embedded in the longitudinal wall 2 on the side thereof. The orientation of the "2" shape of the stabilizing elements 30 is shown here symmetrically to the vertical central axis of the longitudinal wall. Of course, the "2" profiles could also open uniformly towards the left or right, or be executed in any alternating arrangement.

13a) shows an external view of a raised end wall 3, according to a first embodiment, configuration or training form. The band hinges 5 are in this case shown as a certain number of hinges. posed. However, a single hinge 5 would suffice if it covered a considerable part of the length of an end wall. This also applies analogously to hammer hinges 4 of a second embodiment. The paragraph surrounding the container, which is formed by the lower edges of the container base 1 and the contact body 6, is clearly visible. The handle opening 23 is located in the middle of the end wall 3, the label window 24, on the other hand, is let into the end wall 3 on the side thereof.

13b) shows an external view of a raised end wall 3, according to a second embodiment, configuration or training form. The (concealed) hammer hinges 4 are shown in this case as a certain number of hinges. However, a single hammer hinge 4 would suffice if it covered a considerable part of the length of an end wall. The paragraph surrounding the container, which is formed by the lower edges of the container base 1 and the contact body 6, is clearly visible. The handle opening 23 and the handle with the labeling surface 25 are, like the label window 24, in the middle of the end wall 3.

The invention comprises two configurations of a container according to the invention:

1. In the insert configuration (with walls erected), the longitudinal or end walls are mutually reversibly or releasably locked. The longitudinal walls 2 block the end walls 3 so that the end walls 3 cannot be folded inwards. Conversely, in an alternative folding sequence, the end walls 3, which are to be folded in first after releasing the lock, can block the longitudinal walls 2 such that the longitudinal walls 2 cannot be folded inwards.

2. In the transport configuration (with the smallest possible volume), the longitudinal or end walls are almost in a Container bottom 1 parallel layer folded inwards. To achieve the transport configuration, the catches 17 between the longitudinal and end walls are first released by folding in the longitudinal walls 2. The end walls 3 are then also folded inwards onto the longitudinal walls 2 folded inwards practically parallel to the container bottom 1 and then also lie practically plane parallel to the container bottom 1 on the longitudinal walls 2. Conversely, in the alternative folding sequence, the - after detaching the lock to be folded in first - end walls 3 are folded in practically parallel to the container bottom, whereupon the longitudinal walls 2 can also be folded inwards and then also lie practically plane-parallel to the container bottom 1 on the end walls 3.

The height or the sum of the heights of the longitudinal or end walls plays a major role when folding the longitudinal or end walls, whereby three variants are considered:

1. The sum of the heights of the longitudinal walls is smaller than the width of the container bottom, and the sum of the heights of the end walls is smaller than the length of the container bottom. The longitudinal walls can thus be folded inwards on the same 1st level and the two end walls on the same 2nd level.

2. The sum of the heights of the longitudinal walls is greater than the width of the container bottom, and the sum of the heights of the end walls is less than the length of the container bottom. The longitudinal walls must therefore one by one on the 1st and

2nd level and afterwards the two end walls can be folded inwards on the same 3rd level.

3. The sum of the heights of the longitudinal walls is greater than the width of the container bottom, and the sum of the heights of the end walls is greater than the length of the container bottom. The longitudinal walls must therefore one by one on the 1st and 2nd level and afterwards the end walls can be folded inwards one by one to the 3rd and 4th level.

The 1st level is defined by the upper edge of the container bottom. The 2nd or 3rd level, on the other hand, is higher by the thickness of one longitudinal wall or both longitudinal walls; the 4th level is again higher by the thickness of an end wall. The heights of the longitudinal walls are preferably not greater than the width and the heights of the end walls are not greater than the length of the container bottom. So that all walls can be folded down to the correct level in the variants to be implemented, they are each hinged to a component that rises above the container base according to the individual walls.

The alternative folding sequence, corresponding to the second embodiment of the invention, results in a meaningful interchange between the features just described for the end or longitudinal walls. Likewise, the height ratios of the floor structures or intermediate elements for the front and longitudinal walls are swapped accordingly.

In a first preferred embodiment, the component standing above the container base is molded in one piece with the container base and the longitudinal or end walls and is referred to as an intermediate member 27. The upper hinges used between the longitudinal or end walls and an intermediate member 27, on the one hand, and lower hinges between an intermediate member 27 and the container base 1, on the other hand, are referred to as band hinges 5. These include a support piece 11 in the form of a cylinder segment. A hinge band 10 is formed tangentially on a longitudinal side of this cylinder segment-shaped support piece 11, the extent of which corresponds approximately to the curved surface of the cylinder segment and which can lie closely against the cylinder segment in an end position of the hinge. The support piece 11 can be orthogonal to the "Z" or "2" shape Stabilization elements are attached. Of course, any deviation from this orthogonal position with respect to the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilizing elements is within the scope of this invention. In order that the intermediate members 27 can be firmly connected to the container base 1 in a snap-in or snap-in manner, locking lugs 12 are formed on the container base 1, which can engage in corresponding seats 13 in the intermediate members 27. Of course, the exchange of locking lugs 12 and seats 13 belongs, for example, with regard to their mounting location or their orientation to the scope of this invention. In the final latched position of the intermediate links 27, the hinge band 10 of the band hinge 5, which connects an intermediate link 27 to the container bottom 1, lies closely against the curved surface of the cylindrical segment-shaped support piece 11. As a result, a very good and stable connection between the intermediate member 27 and the container base 1 is achieved, which can be made detachable or non-detachable. The use of further band hinges 5 for folding in and unfolding the longitudinal or end walls is of great advantage because in the embodiment according to the invention they only have to allow a movement of approximately 90 ° and are therefore of a stable construction may be that a long service life can be guaranteed, which is neither affected by low and inevitable manufacturing tolerances nor by UV radiation in sunlight. In addition, the band hinges 5 are largely protected against mechanical effects by protruding side parts 28 at both ends of the cylindrical segment-shaped support pieces 11. The assembly of a container according to the invention of a first preferred embodiment - which is produced in one piece including the base, the walls and the intermediate links and also all the band hinges - is also very simple.

In a second preferred embodiment, the component standing above the container base is formed in one piece with the container base 1 and is referred to as the base structure 26. The hinges used between the longitudinal or end walls and the base structure 26 are referred to as hammer hinges 4. These comprise a cylindrical pin 8 which is formed on the lower edge of the longitudinal or end walls and a depression in the base structure 26, which is suitable for receiving a pin 8. So that the longitudinal or end walls can be connected or snapped into the floor structure 26 via the pegs 8, the depressions comprise reversibly deformable elements 9 which are deformed by the peg 8 being pressed in and - as soon as the peg 8 snaps into its end position has reached - can return to its original shape. The reversibly deformable element 9 can be connected to components which run transversely to the "Z" or "2" shaped stabilizing elements. Of course, swapping pins and indentations, for example with regard to their location or with regard to their orientation, is part of the scope of this invention. The assembly of a container according to the invention of a second preferred embodiment is therefore very simple: first, the longitudinal walls 2 are locked into the recesses provided for this purpose by simply pressing the hinge pins 8 into the recesses 26 and folded inwards; then the end walls 3 can be locked in the same way with the floor structure 26. For the configuration of the use of the container according to the invention, the longitudinal walls 2 can now be erected again and mutually locked with the end walls 3; for the transport configuration, however, only the end walls 3 have to be folded inwards.

The alternative folding sequence, according to a second embodiment, results in an analogous interchange between the features just described for the end or longitudinal walls.

Adjustments, for example on the upper edges of the longitudinal or end walls and on the underside of the contact body 6, can NEN include both additional indentations and formings. These enable compatibility with existing or previously known containers with regard to stacking in the use or transport configuration.

The arbitrary, appropriate combination of all of the mentioned or illustrated features of the various embodiments, configurations or training forms belongs to the scope of the present invention.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Container made of plastic with a container base and two longitudinal and two end walls, which can be folded inwards onto the container base, the longitudinal and end walls being designed to be mutually lockable or lockable, characterized in that the longitudinal - or end walls are connected by at least one hammer hinge (4) with at least one bottom structure (26) formed integrally with the container bottom (1), and that a contact body (6), which is the outermost part of the Container bottom (1) serves to place a filled container on the walls of another filled container, comprises stabilizing elements with a "Z" -shaped (7) or "2" -shaped (30) cross-section, which are continued in the bottom of the container.

2. Container made of plastic with a container base and two longitudinal and two end walls, which can be folded inwards onto the container base, the longitudinal and end walls being designed to be mutually lockable or lockable, characterized in that the longitudinal - or end walls with the container bottom (1) via at least one intermediate member (27) by means of band hinges (5), and that a contact body (6), which as the outermost part of the container bottom (1) of the support of a filled Be ¬ serves on the walls of another filled container, stabilization elements with "Z" -shaped (7) or "2" -shaped (30) cross-section, which continue in the bottom of the container.

3. Plastic container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements (7; 30) continue in the longitudinal or end walls.

4. Plastic container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the "Z" - or "2" - shaped stabilizing elements (7; 30) also continue in the floor structures (26).

5. Plastic container according to one of claims 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one hinge pin (8) of a hammer hinge (4) is integrally formed on the longitudinal or end walls.

6. Plastic container according to claim 5, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the base structure (26) of the container base (1) comprises recesses for receiving the hinge pin (8) of the longitudinal or end walls.

7. Plastic container according to claim 6, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that these recesses comprise a reversibly deformable element (9) which is deformed when the hinge pin (8) is inserted into the recess and which when the hinge pin (8) reaches its end position in the hammer hinge (4), again assumes its original shape, so that the only possible movement of the hinge pin (8) remains a partial rotation about its own axis.

8. Plastic container according to claim 7, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the reversibly deformable element (9) is formed on a part of the outer end of the contact body (6) which the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizer Lization elements (7; 30) of the contact body (6) connects to each other.

9. Plastic container according to one of claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that each intermediate member (27) with at least one hinge (5) with the

Container bottom (1) and a longitudinal or end wall is connected.

10. Plastic container according to claim 9, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that a hinge (5), which connects an intermediate member (27) with the container bottom (1), is formed tangentially to a first cylindrical segment-shaped support piece (11) and that its extent corresponds approximately to the curved surface of the cylindrical part of the first support piece (11).

11. Plastic container according to claim 10, characterized ge indicates that the first support piece (11) orthogo¬ nal to the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements (7, 30) of the contact body (6).

12. Plastic container according to one of claims 9 to

11, characterized in that each intermediate member (27) with at least one locking lug (12), which the

Container bottom (1) is integrally formed and engages in a seat 13 of an intermediate member (27), can be locked.

13. Plastic container according to one of claims 9 to

12, characterized in that a band hinge (5), which connects an intermediate member (27) to a longitudinal or end wall and serves to fold or fold the same, is formed tangentially on a second cylinder segment-shaped support piece (11) and that its extension corresponds approximately to the curved surface of the cylindrical part of the second support piece (11).

14. Plastic container according to one of claims 9 to

13, characterized in that it can be produced in one piece, including the container bottom (1), all intermediate links (27) and longitudinal or end walls.

15. Plastic container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orientation of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements Wech¬ sel in the direction of extension both in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction of the container bottom (1) and / or the other components of the container.

16. Plastic container according to one of claims 1 to

14, characterized in that the orientation of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements comprises changing the direction of extension only in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the container bottom (1) and / or the other components of the container.

17. Plastic container according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the orientation of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements has an exclusive direction of extension in the longitudinal, transverse, diagonal or star direction of the container bottom (1) and / or the other components of the container.

18. Plastic container according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the orientation of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements has an at least partially deviating direction of extension in the container base (1) and / or in the other components of the container.

19. Plastic container according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the orientation of the "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements change in the substantially diagonal direction of extension in the container bottom (1) and in the other components of the Contains container.

20. Plastic container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises "Z" - or "2" -shaped stabilizing elements (7; 30) in a regular arrangement.

21. Plastic container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal and end walls are designed such that they can be locked against one another in such a way that in the raised position the longitudinal walls

(2) prevent the end walls (3) from folding, and that the longitudinal walls (2) first and only then the end walls

(3) can be folded.

22. Plastic container according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the longitudinal and end walls are designed such that they can be locked against one another in such a way that in the raised position the end walls (3) prevent the longitudinal walls (2) from folding in, and that End walls (3) first and only then can the longitudinal walls (2) be folded in.

23. Plastic container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal or

End walls can be folded into a position approximately parallel to the container bottom (1).

24. Plastic container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises on the longitudinal or end walls or on the contact body (6) indentations or moldings which make the container compatible when stacked with other, known containers ensure in its deployment or transport configuration.

25. Plastic container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the "2" -shaped

Stabilizing elements (30) comprise outer strips (15) which have a longitudinal groove (31) and a beveled foot (32) to avoid material accumulation.