EP4640574A1 - Collapsible container with a peripheral bottom edge - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a collapsible container (2) with a base plate (4), side walls (6, 8) pivotally hinged to the base plate (4) and a release lever (12) which is arranged on at least one side wall (6) in order to release a locking mechanism of two side walls (6, 8) in an upright operating position when the collapsible container (2) is moved in a vertical direction beyond an upper edge of the side wall (6), in order to pivot the side walls (6, 8) into a folded transport position, wherein the base plate (4) has a closed, fully circumferential and constant height bottom edge (16) and the side walls (6, 8) are located completely inside and completely below the bottom edge (16) in the folded transport position.

Description

Technical area

The disclosure relates to a foldable collapsible container with a base plate, side walls pivotally hinged to the base plate and a release lever which is arranged on at least one side wall in order to release a locking mechanism of two side walls in an upright operating position when the collapsible container is moved in a vertical direction beyond an upper edge of the side wall, in order to pivot the side walls into a folded transport position.

Background of the Revelation

Collapsible containers/boxes/crates for transporting goods or merchandise are known in the prior art. These boxes conventionally have a base and several foldable or collapsible side walls, which can be pivoted between the unfolded usable position and the folded transport position.

In their operating position, these collapsible containers can be used to transport goods, such as fruits or vegetables, from a producer to a customer. For convenient loading and thorough cleaning, it is advantageous to keep the side walls in the open operating position. Locking mechanisms for the side walls are known from the prior art. For example, [reference to relevant text] EP 2 431 287 A1 A collapsible container with a locking mechanism that engages two side walls and can be released using a release lever. The release lever is mounted on the container in such a way that it can move vertically along the container, thus releasing the locking mechanism. It releases when a user moves the release lever over an upper edge of the collapsible container.

For reuse, the collapsible containers must be transported back to the producer after unloading at the customer's location. It is crucial that the containers, when folded for transport, occupy the smallest possible volume, as this allows for the transport of as many containers as possible in a single return shipment.

Since collapsible containers are typically used multiple times, they must also possess sufficient stability. To prevent the side walls from buckling in the unfolded position, for example when stacking several filled containers, stiffeners on the side walls are known. WO 2010 / 119 068 A1 For example, a foldable box with foldable side walls is shown, in which the side walls have spherical, convex wall areas and struts and ribs extending between these wall areas.

While such reinforcements do improve stability in the unfolded working position, the problem remains that the folded containers can be damaged in the folded transport position due to their minimized volume and the resulting low torsional rigidity.

Summary of Revelation

Based on this prior art, the present disclosure aims to eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide an improved folding container which ensures the smallest possible or minimized volume in the folded transport position while maintaining sufficient stability in all positions.

The tasks and objectives with regard to a collapsible container of the generic type are solved, as disclosed, by the subject matter of claim 1.

The collapsible container is configured as disclosed such that the base plate has a closed, fully circumferential and constant height base edge, and the side walls (including the release lever) are completely inside and completely below the base edge in the folded transport position.

This means that, as disclosed, the base plate of the collapsible container has a base rim that extends around its entire circumference. This base rim is closed, i.e., without openings or perforations. Furthermore, the base rim has a constant height around its entire circumference, so that no depressions or undercuts, nor any raised areas or projections, are formed along the base rim. In other words, an upper edge of the base rim, facing away from the base plate, is essentially equidistant from a lower edge of the base rim. A base rim designed in this way contributes to an increase in the torsional rigidity of the collapsible container in its folded transport position. A completely continuous rim, i.e., an rim without interruption or abrupt height differences or jumps, ensures that the base resists torsional stress and does not buckle at any point.

The height of the base edge is, as disclosed, chosen such that the side walls, including the release lever, do not protrude beyond the base plate or the base edge when the container is folded for transport. This means that the dimensions of the collapsible container in the folded transport position are defined solely by the base plate and the base edge.

Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained below.

According to the disclosure, preferably a first pivot axis, about which the at least one first side wall can be pivoted relative to the base plate, and a second pivot axis, about which the at least one second side wall can be pivoted relative to the base plate, can be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the collapsible container. That is, the pivot axes about which the first and second side walls can be pivoted are formed at different levels in the vertical direction of the collapsible container, so that the first and second side walls can be folded flat on top of each other, and thus the collapsible container can be made particularly flat in the folded transport position. In other words, the volume of the collapsible container can be further reduced in the folded transport position. It can be particularly advantageous if the first pivot axis is arranged below the second pivot axis in the vertical direction of the collapsible container.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one first side wall can be pivotally hinged directly to the base plate, and at least one second side wall can be pivotally hinged directly to the edge of the base plate. It can be particularly advantageous if at least one first hinge for pivoting the at least one first side wall is arranged directly on the base plate, and at least one second hinge for pivoting the at least one second side wall is arranged directly at the edge of the base plate. That is, the first side wall can preferably be pivoted to the base plate via the first hinge, whereas the second side wall can be pivoted to the edge of the base plate via the second hinge.

According to the disclosure, at least one first side wall and at least one second side wall can be aligned perpendicular to each other in the upright usable position and abut each other in corner areas of the folding container.

In a preferred embodiment, two first side walls and two second side walls can be arranged on opposite edges of the, preferably rectangular, base plate.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one side wall, in corner areas where two side walls abut each other in the upright position, can have a reinforcing matrix/stiffening matrix/reinforcement pattern with alternating positive reinforcing projections and negative reinforcing recesses arranged in a vertical and longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall. It may be advantageous for the reinforcing matrix to extend over the entire length of at least one side wall in the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is advantageous for at least two positive reinforcing projections and/or at least two negative reinforcing recesses to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall. The reinforcing matrix leads to improved stability of the collapsible container without the addition of any material. In other words, the side walls can be stabilized by providing the reinforcing matrix, allowing them to be made with a thinner wall thickness, which in turn reduces the weight of the collapsible container.

Brief description of the characters

• Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines Klappbehälters gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer aufgeklappten Nutzstellung;
• Fig. 2 eine perspektivische Teilansicht des Klappbehälters gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer eingeklappten Transportstellung;
• Fig. 3 eine Perspektivansicht einer Bodenplatte des Klappbehälters gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• Fig. 4 eine schematische Teilschnittansicht des Klappbehälters gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel in der eingeklappten Transportstellung; und
• Fig. 5 eine Detailansicht des Klappbehälters gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel in der aufgeklappten Nutzstellung.

The disclosure is explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and the figures. These show:

• Fig. 1 a perspective partial view of a collapsible container according to a preferred embodiment in an unfolded usable position;
• Fig. 2 a perspective partial view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in a folded transport position;
• Fig. 3 a perspective view of a base plate of the collapsible container according to the preferred embodiment;
• Fig. 4 a schematic partial sectional view of the folding container according to the preferred embodiment in the folded transport position; and
• Fig. 5 A detailed view of the folding container according to the first embodiment in the unfolded usable position.

The figures are schematic and serve only to aid in understanding the revelation. Identical elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective partial view of a collapsible container 2 according to a preferred embodiment. The collapsible container 2 is preferably made of plastic, particularly by injection molding. The collapsible container 2 has a rectangular base plate 4, to the edges of which first side walls or end walls 6 and second side walls or longitudinal walls 8 are pivotally hinged. In the partial view of the Fig. 1 For simplicity, only one first side wall 6 and one second side wall 8 are shown, and the opposite (identically constructed) side wall is not. The first side walls 6 are arranged at the short edges of the base plate 4, whereas the second side walls 8 are attached to the long edges of the base plate 4.

As mentioned above, the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are pivotally hinged to the base plate 4, allowing them to pivot between a folded transport position and an unfolded operating position. In the folded transport position, the side walls 6 and 8 rest on the base plate 4. That is, the side walls 6 and 8 are arranged parallel to the base plate 4. In the unfolded operating position, the side walls 6 and 8 are oriented perpendicular to the base plate 4 and, together with the base plate 4, define an interior space 10 that can be filled or loaded with goods to be transported.

To hold the collapsible container 2 in the open operating position, locking elements are arranged in corner areas of the collapsible container 2 where the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 abut each other. In the preferred embodiment, the locking elements are in the form of a A releasable locking connection is provided, such that a locking element on one of the first side walls 6 or the second side walls 8 engages with a corresponding counter-locking element on the other side wall 6 or the second side walls 8. To release this locking connection and pivot the folding container 2, or the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8, from the unfolded operating position to the folded transport position, a release lever 12, as shown in [reference], is provided on each of the first side walls 6 in the preferred embodiment. EP 2 431 287 A1 revealed, provided for.

As in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the release lever 12 is U-shaped and has a locking element at each of its two ends, which engages with the corresponding counter-locking element. Furthermore, the release lever 12 is attached to the first side wall 6 such that one apex is located directly below a handle opening 14. When the release lever 12 is pulled upwards in a vertical direction of the folding container 2, i.e., away from the base plate 4, the locking mechanism of the side walls 6, 8 is released, and the side walls 6, 8 can be pivoted into the transport position. In this process, the release lever 12 is moved, in particular, over an upper edge of the first side wall 6. In other words, to release the locking mechanism, the release lever 12 is moved relative to the first side wall 6 in the vertical direction of the folding container 2 such that it is at least partially above the upper edge of the first side wall 6 or at least partially extends beyond the upper edge of the first side wall 6.

Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the collapsible container 2 according to the preferred embodiment in the folded transport position. It can be seen that the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are completely enclosed within and, in the vertical direction, completely below a bottom edge 16 of the base plate 4 in the folded transport position.

For this purpose, base plate 4, as shown in Fig. 3 The closed, fully circumferential, and constantly high base edge 16 is shown. That is, the base plate 4 has the base edge 16, which extends in the form of a strip without openings along the four edges of the base plate 4. Furthermore, the base edge 16 has a constant height. Extension in the vertical direction of the folding container 2 such that an upper end edge 18 of the bottom edge 16 has at every point on the base plate 4 substantially the same distance to a lower end edge 20 of the bottom edge 16.

As mentioned above, the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are pivotally mounted on the base plate 4 and the base edge 16, respectively. For this purpose, at least one first hinge 22 is arranged or formed directly on the base plate 4 for pivoting the first side wall 6. According to the preferred embodiment, four first hinges 22 are formed directly on the base plate 4 for each of the two first side walls 6. The first hinges 22 define a first pivot axis 23 about which the first side wall 6 can be pivoted relative to the base plate 4.

Furthermore, at least one second hinge 24 is provided for the pivotable connection of at least one second side wall 8. As in Fig. 3 As can be seen, at least one second hinge 24 is arranged or formed directly at the bottom edge 16. In the preferred embodiment of the folding container 2, four second hinges 24 are provided for each of the two second side walls 8. The second hinges 24 define a second pivot axis 25 about which the second side wall 8 can be pivoted relative to the base plate 4.

As in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the first pivot axis 23 and the second pivot axis 25 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the folding container 2. In particular, the first pivot axis 23 is located below the second pivot axis 25. That is, the first pivot axis 23 is located closer to the base plate 4 than the second pivot axis 25.

The hinges of the first side walls 6 by means of the first hinges 22 directly on the base plate 4 and the hinges of the second side walls 8 by means of the second hinges 24 directly on the base edge 16 allow the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 to be folded in the transport position, as shown in Fig. 4 schematically shown completely within and in the The vertical direction of the folding container 2 is arranged completely below the base edge 16. Thus, the height of the folding container 2 in the folded transport position can be determined by the height of the base edge 16. In other words, the hinged connection of the side walls 6, 8 via the hinges 22, 24 as disclosed allows for a reduction in the height of the folding container 2 in the folded transport position.

Due to its closed and circumferential geometry, the bottom edge 16 also ensures sufficient torsional rigidity of the folding container 2 in the folded transport position.

Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a corner region of the collapsible container 2 according to the preferred embodiment. It can be seen that the first side wall 6 and the second side wall 8 each have a stiffening matrix 26 in the areas where they abut each other in the upright operating position. The stiffening matrix 26 is formed from reinforcing projections 28 and reinforcing recesses 30. The reinforcing projections 28 project outwards from the respective side wall 6, 8 as a positive profile, whereas the reinforcing recesses 30 recede inwards from the respective side wall 6, 8 as a negative profile, i.e., into the interior of the container 10.

As in Fig. 5 As can be seen, the reinforcing projections 28 and the reinforcing recesses 30 are arranged alternately both in the vertical direction of the folding container 2 and in the corresponding longitudinal and lateral directions of the side walls 6, 8. That is, in both the vertical and longitudinal directions, each reinforcing projection 28 is followed by a reinforcing recess 30, and so on. The reinforcing matrix 26 is therefore designed in the form of a checkerboard pattern.

According to the preferred embodiment, the reinforcement matrix 26 extends in the vertical direction of the collapsible container 2 over the entire side walls 6, 8. In the longitudinal direction, two reinforcement recesses 30 and one reinforcement projection 28 are formed on each side wall 6, 8.

In other words, the reinforcement matrix 26 is formed from the reinforcement projections 28 and the reinforcement recesses 30, which are arranged alternately in rows and columns. In the longitudinal direction, three columns of the reinforcement matrix 26 are formed on each of the side walls 6, 8, whereas the reinforcement matrix 26 extends over the entire height of the hinged container 2.

List of reference symbols

2

Folding container

4

base plate

6

first side wall

8

second side wall

10

Container interior

12

Release lever

14

Handle opening

16

Ground edge

18

upper end edge

20

lower end edge

22

first hinge

23

first pivot axis

24

second hinge

25

second pivot axis

26

Gain matrix

28

Reinforcement advantage

30

Reinforcement rebound

Claims (10)

Folding container (2) with a base plate (4); the side walls (6, 8) pivotally attached to the base plate (4); and a release lever (12) which is arranged on at least one side wall (6) in order to release a locking mechanism of two side walls (6, 8) in an upright operating position when the collapsible container (2) is moved in a vertical direction beyond an upper edge of the side wall (6), in order to pivot the side walls (6, 8) into a folded transport position, characterized by the fact that the base plate (4) has a closed, fully circumferential and constant height base edge (16) and the side walls (6, 8) are in the folded transport position completely within the base edge (14) and completely below an upper edge of the base edge (16). Folding container (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first pivot axis (23), about which at least a first side wall (6) can be pivoted relative to the base plate (4), and a second pivot axis (25), about which at least a second side wall (8) can be pivoted relative to the base plate (4), are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the folding container (2). Folding container (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first pivot axis (23) is arranged in the vertical direction of the folding container (2) below the second pivot axis (25). Folding container (2) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one first side wall (6) is pivotally hinged directly to the base plate (4) and the at least one second side wall (8) is pivotally hinged directly to the bottom edge (16). Folding container (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one first hinge (22) for pivoting the at least one first side wall (6) is arranged directly on the base plate (4) and at least one second hinge (24) for pivoting the at least one second side wall (8) is arranged directly on the bottom edge (16). Folding container (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one first side wall (6) and the at least one second side wall (8) are aligned perpendicular to each other in the upright usable position and abut each other in corner areas of the folding container (2). Folding container (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further characterized by two first side walls (6) and two second side walls (8), which are each arranged on opposite edges of the, preferably rectangular, base plate (4). Folding container (2) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one side wall (6, 8) has in the corner areas, in which two side walls (6, 8) abut each other in the upright usable position, a reinforcement matrix (26) with positive reinforcement projections (28) and negative reinforcement recesses (30) arranged alternately in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall (6, 8), which are located completely below the upper edge of the bottom edge (14) in the folded transport position. Folding container (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the reinforcement matrix (26) extends in the height direction of the at least one side wall (6, 8) over the entire, at least one side wall (6, 8). Folding container (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least two positive reinforcing projections (28) and/or at least two negative reinforcing recesses (30) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall (6, 8).