EP3566968A2 - Container system with frame member - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container system 2 with a base 4 and at least one frame element 6, which can be connected to the base 4, in particular without tools, preferably as a plug connection, in such a way that the frame element 6 forms a circumferential side wall of the container system 2. At least one side, preferably two opposite sides, of the frame element 6 is variable in length, in particular continuously. The height of the container system 2 can be adjusted by the number of frame elements 6 placed one on top of the other. The frame elements 6 can be nested in a suitably set length on the floor 4 for space-saving transport.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a container system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a frame member for such a container system. In this case, a container system or container has at least one bottom and a frame element forming the side wall of the container system. Such containers are generally used for the transport of goods or goods, such as parcels for mail order.

State of the art

From the prior art containers are known, which are composed of a bottom and a Aufsetzrahmen. Such a container is made, for example DE 20 2011 051 070 U1 known. Here, the frame consists of two frame elements, which are connected by hinges, so that the non-patch frame is collapsible and can be transported to save space.

The container volume is not adaptable to the volume of goods to be transported, so depending on the volume of goods containers in different sizes must be available. Thus, when different products are to be transported in different quantities or sizes, this requires a wide range of different container sizes, which is costly and also space-consuming in terms of storage of empty containers when not using the container.

However, no flexible container system is known from the prior art. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide such a container system.

Summary of the invention

To achieve the above-described object, a container system according to the invention is provided with a bottom and at least one frame element, which is connectable to the bottom, in particular without tools, preferably as a plug connection, such that the frame element forms a peripheral side wall of the container system. According to the invention, at least one side, preferably two opposite sides, of the frame element, in particular steplessly, is variable in length.

In other words, a container system according to the invention consists of a bottom and at least one frame member which forms the circumferential side wall of the container system, wherein the frame member and the bottom have a peripheral stack geometry on top and the frame member has a complementary stack geometry on the underside, wherein the frame member is extendable variable length and thus can be placed on soils of different surface area.

An advantage of such a container or container system is that a variable-length or extendable or telescopic frame element according to the invention is compatible with different sized trays. Thus, a container volume can be easily changed over the container surface and adapted to the transported cargo volume.

In addition, the at least one frame element may have a plurality of relative to each other or telescoping frame sections which are interconnected via connecting elements such that the frame sections are displaceable relative to the connecting elements, preferably telescopically extendable.

By this preferred embodiment, a stepless size adjustment of the frame member is possible. The stepless adjustment of the frame size can be carried out quickly without tools by pulling on the frame sections.

It is conceivable that the frame sections are hollow, have an L-shape and each have an opening at its end, so that between two such frame sections, a connecting element can be inserted. When the ends of the two frame sections touch, the frame is in a "minimum extraction position". When pulling on one or both frame sections, the ends of the frame sections move away from each other and thus make a relative movement to one another. In this case, the ends of the frame sections, for example, recesses on the inner peripheral surface and the connecting elements in each case end engaging in the recesses projections or stops. In a "Maximalausziehposition" engage the projections of the connecting elements in the end-side recesses of the frame sections, so that the frame reaches its maximum length in the pulling direction and the relative movement is thus limited.

A further preferred embodiment is a container system in which a plurality of frame elements one above the other, in particular without tools, preferably as a plug connection, are connectable such that the height of the peripheral side wall is adjustable over the number of frame elements. A floor, on which one or more frame elements are plugged, is a container system in a "mounted" state.

Thus, the container volume is adjustable not only by the respective length of the side wall pairs of the frame member and the corresponding bottom, but also by the number of frame members which are stacked on top of each other. In addition to the container surface thus the container height is adapted to the transported goods volume. The attachment of the frame elements to each other requires no tools and is thus fast and easy to perform.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the frame elements can be pulled out from a minimum withdrawal position to a maximum position, wherein they can be stacked in the maximum withdrawal position on the floor. For emptying, ie a transport of the container without content, the container system can be "dismantled". For this purpose, the connector of the frame elements is solved with each other and the floor. Thus, the frame elements for emptying preferably in different extraction positions are brought, which are each smaller than the Maximalausziehposition, so that they are nestable with the same orientation.

At least two frame members are "nestable" in the same orientation when the side wall lengths of the one frame member are at least as much longer than that of the other frame member, that the inside of the side wall of the one frame member contacts the outside of the side wall of the other frame member, so that the one frame member represents outer frame member and the other frame member represents the inner frame member.

In the case of empty transport, the frame elements which form the side wall during the transport of goods can be dismantled down to the lowest frame element so that there is still a side wall of minimum height. In this case, the container system is still made of soil and a frame element. The remaining frame members can be pushed together from their Maximalausziehposition and be nested on the floor so that the empty container system reaches only a height, which is composed of the ground level and the frame element height. For emptying the container systems can thus be transported as space-saving. At the same time the "nesting" of the frame elements is easy and quick to handle.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the side wall of the frame element and the bottom outside each have instead of the connecting elements perpendicular to the side wall recesses in order to fasten the frame to each other and the floor via a belt or the like, which can be arranged in this wall recess , Alternatively, the frame members and the floor are also fastened to each other via locking elements, such as buckles or snaps. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the frame member or the bottom have pins on its upper side and the frame member has on its underside complementary thereto pin receiving holes, or a reverse arrangement of pins and Pin receiving holes is provided, wherein the pin is locked in a pin receiving hole provided therefor, so that the frame members are attached to each other and to the ground.

The advantage here is that the frame elements of the container system are fixed even under tensile stress from above, which may occur, for example, when loading the container, and do not detach from one another or from the ground. The container system can thus be loaded easily and remains even with a possible tilting movement in the assembled state.

The container system may advantageously be designed with respect to the connector so that the frame elements on the upper side a circumferential stacking surface in the form of a rib and underside have a peripheral stacking edge in the form of a groove and the bottom has a circumferential stacking surface top side.

Moreover, it is an advantageous embodiment of the container system, that the bottom, preferably centrally between at least one pair of opposite side walls, at least one slide rail having on both opposite inner sides mutually facing recesses.

Further preferably, it is provided that at least two fixing elements, which are accommodated in the slide rail and are displaceable in this, in each case, in particular peg-shaped, latching lugs which are reversibly interlocked with the recesses of the slide rail at different distances.

Transport goods of different sizes can be safely transported in the container system according to the invention after locking by the fixing, in particular so that the cargo is secured against slipping. Thus, even fragile goods are safely transportable and without the need for additional insulation material, eg Styrofoam, to use for the protection of such goods, as is generally necessary in conventional transport system. Due to the locking in the ground fixing the container system is thus cheaper and more environmentally friendly than According to the invention, moreover, a frame element is provided for a container system described above, which forms the peripheral side wall of the container system in a bottom of the container system state, while at least one side, but in particular two opposite side wall pairs, the frame member continuously, in particular telescopically , are extendable and the frame elements are therefore also nestable.

In addition, it is advantageously conceivable that at least one frame element on the upper side and underside has a peripheral stack edge, so that a bottom with its top from above on this adapter frame element can be plugged and thus fulfills a function as a lid for the container system.

Thus, a container element of the container system according to the invention can fulfill two functions: as a floor and as a lid.

Frame element and bottom are made in particular of plastic and can be produced in particular by injection molding. Thus, only one injection mold is required for the bottom / lid element, so that the production costs for the container system are lower in comparison to a container system with differently shaped bottom and lid.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Behältersystems.
• Fig. 2A ist eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Rahmenelements in der Maximalausziehposition .
• Fig. 2B ist eine Vorderansicht eines Verbindungselements.
• Fig. 2C ist eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Rahmenelements in der Minimalausziehposition.
• Fig. 3 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Rahmenabschnittes.
• Fig. 4A ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Behältersystems mit einem Deckel.
• Fig. 4B ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Behältersystems mit einem Deckel in einem fixierten Zustand.
• Fig. 5A ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des demontierten Behältersystems zum Leertransport mit auf dem Behälterboden ineinandergelegten Rahmenelementen.
• Fig. 5B ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des demontierten Behältersystems zum Leertransport mit Deckel.
• Fig. 6 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Behälterbodens mit Gleitschiene und Fixierelementen.
• Fig. 6A ist eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie II aus Fig. 6, die die Gleitschiene mit Ausnehmungen zeigt.
• Fig. 6B ist eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Fixierelementes.
• Fig. 6C ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Behältersystems mit durch die Fixierelemente arretiertem Transportgut.
• Fig. 7 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Adapterrahmenelementes.

Embodiments of the container system according to the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements. The embodiments are only exemplary and the invention is not limited thereto.

• Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the container system according to the invention.
• Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a frame member in the Maximalausziehposition.
• Fig. 2B is a front view of a connecting element.
• Fig. 2C is a perspective view of a frame member in the minimum extraction position.
• Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a frame portion.
• Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the container system with a lid.
• Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the container system with a lid in a fixed state.
• Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the dismantled container system for emptying with nested on the container bottom frame members.
• Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the dismantled container system for emptying with a lid.
• Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the container bottom with slide rail and fixing elements.
• Fig. 6A is a sectional view taken along the line II Fig. 6 showing the slide with recesses.
• Fig. 6B is a perspective view of a fixing element.
• Fig. 6C is a perspective view of the container system with locked by the fixing cargo.
• Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an adapter frame element.

Detailed description of embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a container system 2 according to the invention in a perspective view. Here, a rectangular bottom 4 is provided with a circumferential side wall or a side edge 5, are arranged on the / the three superimposed frame members 6 and plugged. The frame members 6 are composed of four L-shaped frame sections 8, which form the four corner portions of the frame member 6 and are interconnected by four connecting elements 10 so that the frame members 6 together with the side wall 5 of the bottom 4 together form a peripheral side wall of the container system 2 ,

Fig. 2A shows a single frame member 6 in a Maximalausziehposition, which is shown for both opposite side wall pairs. The four illustrated frame sections 8 are relatively removed relative to each other. In this Embodiment, the frame members 6 for full transport, so the transport of goods loaded with container system 2, plugged in their "Maximalausziehposition" on the floor and on each other. The maximum extraction position is defined by projections 11 provided on the connection members 10.

In relation to it shows Fig. 2B a connecting element 10 from the front view. In this case, this connecting element 10 each end a projection 11. In the hollow frame portions 8 is at the end in each case a complementary to the projection 11 frame portion recess on the inner peripheral surface (not shown). In the maximum pull-out position off Fig. 2A engage the projections 11 in this frame section recesses of the frame sections. Thus, the frame member 6 in Fig. 2A achieved for both side wall pairs its maximum length and the relative movement of the frame sections 8 is limited by the described engagement, to prevent the frame elements 6 disassemble into their individual parts.

Fig. 2C represents the minimum extension position of the frame member 6 for both side wall pairs, which results when the respective ends of the frame portions touch. Starting from the maximum extraction position, the minimum extraction position is achieved by pressing the frame sections 8 against each other so that the projections 11 release from the frame section recesses. The connecting element 10 is received in the interior of the hollow frame sections. By pulling on at least two frame sections 8, the frame element 6 can be continuously extended from the minimum extraction position to the maximum extraction position.

Fig. 3 represents one end of a hollow frame portion 8, so that the stack geometry is visible. In this case, the frame portion is designed so that it has on the upper side a runner 13 as a stacking surface and the underside a groove 14 as a stacking edge. In this case, stacking surface and stacking edge are designed so that an upper frame member 6 engages with its lower side groove 14 in the runner 13 of the upper-side stacking surface of the lower frame member 6, so that a plug connection is achieved between the two frame elements 6. To be compatible with the frame members with respect to the connector, the bottom 4, as well as the frame members 6, the top side a circumferential runner 13 (for example, in Fig. 5A shown).

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a container system 2 for full transport. The container system 2 is composed of the bottom 4, three frame members 6 and a lid 7. Even if it is not shown, are located in the illustrated full transport state goods within the container system 2. It forms in place of the superposed connecting elements 10 to the side wall of the container system 2 perpendicular wall recess 12, which also continues on the bottom 4 and 7 on the lid ,

In Fig. 4B a container system 2 is shown, the frame elements 6 are held together with the bottom 4 and the lid 7 by a band 15. For this purpose, the band 15 is stretched over the wall depressions 12 in order to connect the individual container elements to each other and to fasten them together. On the one hand, this protects the connecting elements 10 which are exposed in the maximum extension position (cf. Fig. 4A On the other hand, if the container system 2 falls over or is applied to individual frame members upwardly, away from the ground 4, train, the container system 2 remains in the mounted state by attachment via the band 15. The tape 15 can be used not only for fastening the container elements, but also in addition to different texts or information to show, as in Fig. 4B is shown by way of example.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the dismantled container system 2 for emptying with nested on the container bottom 4 frame elements 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. After unloading the goods in the assembled container system 2 (see Fig. 4A ), the container system 2 can be "dismantled" for empty transport. For this purpose, the connectors of the frame elements 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 are solved with each other and with the ground. As the bottom 4 in this embodiment has a Seitenumwandung 5, which is in Fig. 5A shown, dismantled container system 2 shown that all frame elements 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 are staked from the bottom 4. The frame members 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 are located on the bottom 4 within the side wall 5 and are pushed together at different lengths so that the inner side 6a of an outer frame member (eg 6.1) touches the outer side 6b of an inner frame member (eg 6.2). This prevents the frame members 6 from sliding back and forth. The frame elements 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 are thus nested on the floor 4 and can be transported as space-saving.

Fig. 5B Although it is not shown, the frame members 6 are in nested form between the bottom 4 and cover 7. The height of the dismantled container system 2 is thus only by the height of the bottom 4 with the side wall 5 and the lid 7 determined.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the bottom 2. Shown is the bottom 4 with two mutually perpendicular slide rails 16, which are each formed centrally between the two side wall pairs on the bottom top. In the slide rails 16 are each two fixing elements 18, with which cargo can be locked. The arrows A and B indicate the direction of displacement of the fixing elements within the slide rails 16.

The bottom 4 has longitudinal ribs 17 and transverse ribs 19 which are each formed parallel to the two side wall pairs on the bottom top and rise from the bottom surface. Between the two centrally extending longitudinal or transverse ribs 17, 19, the slide rails 16 are formed, which arise from the fact that the ribs extending transversely to the rail longitudinal direction are interrupted in the rail area. On the bottom top arises in the four divided by the slide rails 16 surfaces a grid structure. The lattice structure allows an advantageous production by injection molding, since thus a uniform soil thickness, even in place of the slide rails 16, can be realized.

Fig. 6A illustrates a sectional view of the slide rail 16, wherein the section along the line II from Fig. 6 runs. The slideway 161 of the slide rail 16 extends parallel downwards offset to the bottom surface and has on both sides of its perpendicular to the slideway inner wall 162 adjacent recesses 20, which are executed here circular.

In Fig. 6B a fixing element 18 in the form of an L-shaped slide is shown in a perspective view. The fixing element 18 is composed of two mutually perpendicular surface elements 18a and 18b. A surface element 18a (= "sliding surface") of the fixing element 18 extends in the sliding path of the slide rail 16. The fixing of goods to be transported between two fixing elements 18 via the surface elements 18b (= "clamping surface"). In Fig. 6B are peg-shaped latching lugs 22 shown on the two opposite sides of the surface element 18a. The locking lugs 22 are formed so that the surface element 18a slides during displacement within the slide rail 16 and two locking lugs 22 opposite the lateral outer edges of the surface element 18a can finally engage in a desired end position into two opposite recesses 20. By adjusting the distance between two fixing elements 18 located in a slide rail 16, goods of various sizes can be clamped between these fixing elements 18. This allows a flexible adaptation to different formats or dimensions of the cargo. In Fig. 6C By way of example, a cargo to be transported arrested by the fixing elements 18 at the bottom 4 is shown in the form of a parcel.

The embodiments listed above are only examples. In the following, further exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained.

Alternatively, a container system 2 would be conceivable for the full transport state, the bottom 4 can also be used as a lid 7. Since the rotated around the central axis of the side wall pairs by 180 ° bottom 4 has the same stack geometry as the top of a frame member, an adapter element is used in this case, the stacking geometry to the stacking surface of the frame members 6 and the bottom 4 is complementary. So that the inverted bottom 4 with its upper side executed runner 13 on the uppermost frame member 6 can be plugged, the top side also has the runner 13, an adapter frame member 60 is attached to the runner 13 of the uppermost frame member 6. The adapter frame member 60 is in the perspective view in FIG Fig. 7 shown. This has a groove 14 on its top and bottom. In this groove 14 of the adapter frame member 60 can then engage the skid 13 of the inverted bottom 4 and thus fulfill a function as a lid.

Although not shown, with respect to the fixation of the frame members 6, the bottom 4 and optionally a cover 7 with each other, it is alternatively conceivable that the container members may be provided with locking elements, e.g. Buckles or snaps, can be fixed together. Another fixation variant is that the frame member 6 or the bottom 4 each have pins on its upper side and the frame member has on its underside complementary thereto pin receiving holes, or in the reverse arrangement. For fixing the pins engage in the provided pin receiving holes.

In addition, it makes sense to choose the maximum number of frame elements so that they are in the disassembled state all nestled on the ground, so they can be transported to save space.

The frame members 6 have an even surface in the accompanying drawings. But it is also possible that the frame members 6 have a textured surface or blind hole-like ventilation openings, even if this is not shown. For example, a surface structuring present on the outside 6a of the frame elements 6 increases the grip of the container systems. Ventilation openings may be useful in the case of vegetables or fruit as cargo.

In summary, it can be said that the invention relates to a container system 2 with a bottom 4 and at least one frame element 6, which with the bottom 4, in particular without tools, preferably as a plug connection, such is connectable, that the frame member 6 forms a circumferential side wall of the container system 2. In this case, at least one side, preferably two opposite sides, of the frame element 6, in particular stepless, variable in length. The height of the container system 2 is adjustable by the number of stacked frame members 6. The frame members 6 are nestable for space-saving transport in accordance with set length on the floor 4.

Claims (12)

Container system (2) with a bottom (4) and at least one frame element (6) which is connected to the bottom (4), in particular without tools, as a plug connection such that the frame element (6) forms a circumferential side wall of the container system (2) , characterized in that
two opposite sides of the frame member (6) are infinitely variable in length. Container system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that
the at least one frame element (6) has a plurality of frame sections (8) which can be displaced relative to one another or into one another. Container system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
the frame sections (8) are connected to one another via connecting elements (10) such that the frame sections (8) are displaceable relative to the connecting elements (10), preferably telescopically extendable. Container system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
a plurality of frame elements (6) one above the other, in particular without tools, preferably as a plug connection, are connectable such that the height of the peripheral side wall on the number of frame members (6) is adjustable. Container system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the frame elements (6) are extendable in length variable between a minimum withdrawal position to a maximum position, wherein they can be connected to the bottom (4), in particular in the maximum withdrawal position. Container system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the frame elements (6) are brought into different pull-out positions, which are each smaller than the maximum pull-out position, so that they are nestable with the same orientation on the bottom (4). Container system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the frame element (6) or the bottom (4) on its outer side (6a) wall recesses (12) to the frame members (6) to each other and the bottom (4) via a, in particular over the wall recesses (12) stretched, band (15) to be able to fasten. Container system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the frame elements (6) have a peripheral stacking surface on the upper side and a circumferential stacking edge on the underside, and the bottom (4) has a peripheral stacking surface on the upper side. Container system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the base (4), in particular centrally between at least one pair of side walls, has a slide rail (16) which has mutually facing recesses (20) on its two opposite inner sides. Container system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
at least two fixing elements (18), which are received in the slide rail (16) and are displaceable in this, in each case, in particular peg-shaped, latching lugs (22) with the recesses (20) of the slide rail (16) reversibly at different distances from each other are latched. Frame element (6) for a container system (2) according to claim 1,
which is connected to a bottom (4) of the container system (2), in particular without tools, preferably as a plug connection, such that the frame element (6) forms a peripheral side wall of the container system (2), characterized in that
at least one side, preferably two opposite sides, of the frame element (6), in particular steplessly, is variable in length. Container system (2) of a plurality of frame elements (6) according to claim 11, characterized in that
whose pages are so variable in length that they are nestable.

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