Shipping container for accommodating containers of goods to be transported of different sizes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transport container (1) for housing transport containers (24, 26, 28), in particular conical vessels, of at least two different sizes, with a base (2) and four side walls (4) preferably hinged to the base (2). Each side wall (4) has at least two openings (6) in a foreground plane with respect to the vertical direction, designed to receive the upper edge of a first transport container (26) of a first size. Each side wall (4) also has at least two lateral recesses (8), particularly concave, inside the container in a second plane with respect to the vertical direction, which differs from the foreground plane and is located further from the base (2) than the foreground plane. These recesses are designed to receive the upper edge of a second transport container (28) of a second size, which differs from the first size and is particularly larger than the first size.

Description

Transport container for accommodating containers of goods to be transported of different sizes. Technical field

[0001] The present description refers to a transport container, preferably foldable, for the accommodation of containers of goods to be transported, more precisely cups or buckets, in particular in a round shape, preferably conical, in at least two different sizes with a bottom and four side walls connected to the bottom, preferably in an articulated manner. State of the art

[0002] Transport containers for accommodating containers of goods to be transported are known from the prior art. Containers of goods to be transported are receptacles that hold liquid (viscous) goods to be transported, in particular foodstuffs, for example, dairy products such as yogurt, cream, etc., or free-flowing or bulk goods to be transported. Such containers of goods to be transported prior to sale to the final consumer, generally in units where several individual containers of goods to be transported are grouped together. For this purpose, the corresponding transport containers are used. Therefore, such transport containers hold a plurality of similar containers of goods to be transported. Similar containers of goods to be transported are containers of goods to be transported that have the same size and shape, and are therefore preferably all identical to each other.

[0003] Generally, containers for goods to be transported are sold in different sizes, i.e., with different volumes, more precisely with different heights and diameters. For example, yogurt cups, as an example of a container for goods to be transported, are sold in sizes / quantities of 500 grams, 1500 grams, and 3000 grams. The corresponding containers for goods to be transported are usually conical in shape, where the diameter of the bottom of the container is typically smaller than the diameter at the top edge of the same container. Several containers for goods to be transported of the same size are normally placed in a shipping container in such a way as to minimize any possible movement. This minimizes movement of the containers relative to the shipping container and to each other.Consequently, the small movement of the goods containers within the transport container reduces the likelihood of damage to the goods containers during transport / lodging in the transport container.

[0004] In the case of conventional transport containers, among other things, to ensure that the goods being transported are transported with minimal damage, it is necessary to provide different transport containers specifically adapted to the respective size of the goods being transported. Currently, due in part to their conical shape, in practice, for example, yogurt cups with a capacity of 3000 grams require a larger, and in particular taller, transport container than yogurt cups with a capacity of 500 grams. Such containers are also described in patent literature. For example, document EP 3670371 A1 shows a container with foldable bottom sections. The container is used for transporting cheese wheels. Document US 2018 / 290805 A1 shows a type of pallet for transporting cylindrical items, such as barrels.

[0005] However, it is expensive and cumbersome to provide shipping containers of different sizes or heights.

[0006] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a single-size shipping container that can carry (similar) different-sized cargo containers.

[0007] In this context, the objective of the present description is to provide a corresponding transport container that can accommodate (similar) goods containers of different sizes and where relative movement of the goods containers is prevented from each other, regardless of the selected size of the goods containers used.

[0008] This objective is achieved by means of the (plastic) transport container according to the main claim. A corresponding transport container, preferably collapsible, for accommodating containers of goods to be transported (similar), more precisely cups or buckets, particularly round, preferably conical, in at least two different sizes / volumes, has a bottom and four side walls connected to the bottom, preferably hinged. In each side wall, at least two holes are provided at a first level with respect to the vertical direction, which are configured and intended to accommodate an upper rim of a first container of goods to be transported of a first size.On each side wall, at least two side wall depressions / notches / indentations / inlets, curved in particular in a concave shape, are provided on the inside side of the container in a second plane relative to the vertical direction, which is different from the first plane and, in particular, is further from the bottom than the first plane or above the first plane, and are configured and provided to accommodate an upper rim of a second container of goods to be transported of a second size, which is different from the first size and, in particular, larger than the first size. Further features are defined by independent claim 1.

[0009] Advantageously, a shipping container of this type can accommodate (similar) containers of different sizes in varying quantities and ensures that the containers are supported by each other and / or by the side walls. Therefore, the containers, regardless of their size, can be packed so tightly within the container that they cannot move relative to each other and / or the side wall during transport, nor can they slide. This ensures that (similar) containers of different sizes can be transported safely in the same shipping container without damaging each other or the container during transit.

[0010] In this document, the size of a cargo container always refers to the diameter and height of the cargo container. That is, a second cargo container of the second size, which is larger than the first size, has both a greater diameter and a greater height than a first cargo container of the first size. Furthermore, as the size of the cargo container increases, the maximum number of cargo containers that can be accommodated in the shipping container decreases. In other words, more smaller cargo containers can be accommodated in the shipping container than larger ones.

[0011] It is assumed that in a transport container only containers for goods of uniform size are transported at the same time, i.e., containers of similar goods to be transported, i.e., for example, only first containers of goods to be transported or only second containers of goods to be transported (not first and second containers of goods to be transported mixed).

[0012] Accordingly, the transport container can accommodate (similar) containers of goods to be transported in at least two different sizes: either a plurality of first containers of goods to be transported of a first size, for example, yogurt cups with a volume to hold 1500 grams of yogurt, the upper rim of which has a diameter such that its upper rim fits into the holes. In the case of an orderly arrangement of these first containers of goods to be transported, the transport container can hold, for example, 5 units of these first containers of goods to be transported. Alternatively to the first containers of goods to be transported, the same transport container can accommodate a plurality of second containers of goods to be transported of a second size, for example, yogurt cups with a volume to hold 3000 grams of yogurt.In this case, the second set of goods containers fits into the sidewall depressions in the second plane. Therefore, the same shipping container, which can accommodate, for example, five of the first set of goods containers, can alternatively accommodate these four second set of goods containers. Without these sidewall depressions, there would not be enough horizontal space to accommodate this number of second set of goods containers due to their conical shape with a straight sidewall. Alternatively, instead of the first or second set of goods containers, the same shipping container can accommodate multiple containers of a third, smaller size than the first set, for example, yogurt cups with a volume of 500 grams.For example, this shipping container can hold 9 units of third-party containers of goods per flat and can hold a maximum of 18 units of third-party containers of goods by simply stacking them on top of each other. In other words, one and the same shipping container can hold 4 units of second-party containers of goods, or 5 units of first-party containers of goods, or 18 units of third-party containers of goods.

[0013] Advantageous realizations are derived from the secondary claims. According to the invention, from the bottom to the inside of the container, preferably in a central location, a plurality of pedestal protrusions protrude which, in cooperation with each other, configure a pedestal to house or store containers of goods to be transported.

[0014] On this pedestal, for example, a first container of goods to be transported can be stored, or a third container of goods to be transported, which is smaller than the first and second containers of goods to be transported, can be accommodated between its pedestal projections. When a first container of goods to be transported (elevated) is stored on the pedestal, the top edge of this first container of goods to be transported is higher than the top edge of the (other) first containers of goods to be transported surrounding it and resting on the bottom. The space at the height of the top edge of the first containers of goods to be transported placed on the bottom would be too small to fit another container of goods to be transported between these first containers of goods to be transported placed on the bottom.However, since the pedestal is provided, an additional first container of goods to be transported can be accommodated between the first containers of goods to be transported that are at the bottom.

[0015] The, preferably four, pedestal projections can be configured as circular arc segments on a diameter of an imaginary circle around the center of the background.

[0016] Furthermore, it may be provided that the side walls are connected to the bottom in an articulated manner and have on their upper edge, particularly in the center, a pronounced depression / hollow in the vertical direction, particularly in the form of a circular arc, the outline of which is configured complementary to the outer outline of the pedestal projections.

[0017] A shipping container of this type can be folded due to the side walls being hinged to the bottom. In other words, all four side walls can be folded flat. This allows, for example, space-saving storage of folded shipping containers (which do not contain any goods to be transported). The recess, adapted to the shape of the pedestal at the top edge of the side walls, allows the shipping container to be folded despite the pedestal protruding upwards from the bottom.

[0018] It may also be useful for the pedestal projections to be arranged relative to each other in such a way that a third container for goods to be carried of a third size, which is smaller than the first size of the first container for goods to be carried, can be arranged within the pedestal projections and the first container for goods to be carried can be stored on top of the pedestal projections.

[0019] Therefore, the pedestal projections are formed and spaced apart so that they can accommodate a third container of goods between them or a first container of goods can be stored on them. A third container of goods housed between the pedestal projections is surrounded in each direction by third containers of goods. The pedestal projections secure this third container of goods housed between them and thus prevent movement of this container of goods relative to the surrounding (third) containers of goods.When a first container of goods is stored on the pedestal, the pedestal allows for the placement of another first container of goods, in addition to the first containers of goods arranged around the pedestal at the bottom of the container. Depending on the size of the containers of goods housed in the shipping container, the pedestal either prevents relative movement of the containers relative to each other or increases the number of containers of goods that can be housed in the shipping container.

[0020] Furthermore, it makes sense for the pedestal projections to be positioned in relation to the side walls in such a way that the second container of goods to be transported can be arranged between the pedestal projections and the side walls.

[0021] This means that the pedestal, in conjunction with the side walls, limits or even prevents the movement of the second cargo containers. This prevents potential damage to the second cargo containers.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the depression in a side wall to be positioned horizontally between two other depressions on the same side wall. In this way, the depression and the depressions on a side wall do not interact negatively with each other.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable that each side wall may have a depression and an opening arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. This has the advantage that the shipping container can accommodate both the first and second containers of goods to be transported in a space-optimized manner.

[0024] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least two opposite edges of the bottom are provided with a handle, forming a grip for holding the transport container. The handle is positioned on the transport container in a space-saving manner. By placing the handle on the underside of the transport container, the bottom of the container is held particularly well during transport by the carrier and thus effectively prevents potential puncture of the bottom.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous that a label holder is provided at the bottom above the respective handle notch, designed and configured for the placement of a label. If the label holder is positioned directly on the handle, an observer can easily and clearly see a label affixed to it. The label can advantageously contain information about the transport container and / or the goods container being transported within the transport container.

[0026] In this respect, the side walls, which are arranged on a bottom edge with a label housing projection, may respectively have a label housing projection notch on their lower edge, configured in a way that complements the label housing projection. Thanks to the label housing projection notch, the side wall is not obstructed by the label housing projection in the deployed state of the transport container.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferable that the height of the surrounding container rim, formed by the upper edges of the side walls, be dimensioned so as to correspond approximately to the height of two thirds of goods to be transported stacked one on top of the other and / or the height of a first goods container resting on the pedestal and / or the height of a second goods container resting on the bottom. This ensures that the goods containers do not protrude beyond the upper rim of the transport container, regardless of the selected size. Therefore, the transport container is potentially stackable. At the same time, the height of the transport container is suitable for the height of goods containers of different sizes transported within it and is not unnecessarily high.Therefore, the transport container is made in an optimized way with respect to space or height.

[0028] This makes sense if each pedestal projection is configured in the shape of a circular arc. The pedestal projections are arranged at intervals between them, forming an interrupted circular ring. In this way, the pedestal projections can accommodate or store containers of goods with a round (circular) cross-section between them, thus saving space.

[0029] In addition, the pedestal protrusions may be configured as a single unit with the base. This has the advantage that the pedestal protrusions are connected particularly securely and firmly to the base. Furthermore, a corresponding shipping container is more economical to manufacture than a shipping container where the pedestal protrusions are configured separately from the base and must be connected to it.

[0030] Furthermore, it is possible that on a third plane with respect to the vertical direction, which is closer to the bottom than the first and second planes, particularly in the center with respect to the horizontal direction, on at least two opposite side walls, a grab opening is respectively configured, which provides a handle for gripping the transport container.

[0031] The grab handle opening may be provided in addition to, or as an alternative to, the grab handle notch in the bottom. If the grab handles are provided on the side walls, a person can lift the transport container from an ergonomic position.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the side walls to have a first stacking structure along their upper edge, and for the bottom to have a second stacking structure along its lower outer edge, configured in a way that complements the first stacking structure, so that the shipping container can be stacked with other (identical) shipping containers. The stacking structure advantageously prevents unwanted slippage of the stacked shipping containers relative to one another. Therefore, the stacking structure allows several shipping containers to be stacked safely on top of each other.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the side walls on the inside of the container are configured flat / smooth (i.e., without any hole or depression in the side wall) in a fourth plane with respect to the vertical direction. This fourth plane is closer to the bottom than the first and second planes and corresponds to the height of a third container of goods to be transported, which is smaller than the first and second sizes. The distance between two opposite side walls in this fourth plane is less than the distances from these side walls to the height of the first and second planes. This allows the third containers of goods to be supported against the respective side walls, so that a number of these containers are secured between two opposite side walls.This reduces or prevents third-party containers of goods to be transported from slipping inside the transport container. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The present description is further described below by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective representation of a transport container in the construction state; Fig. 2 a perspective representation of the transport container in the flat state; Fig. 3A is a perspective representation of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of third-party cargo containers housed in it; Fig. 3B is a perspective representation of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of third-party cargo containers housed in it, where the pedestal projections are visible; Fig. 3C a plan view of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of third-party cargo containers housed in it; Fig. 4A is a perspective representation of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of first containers of goods to be transported housed in it; Fig. 4B is a perspective representation of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of first containers of goods to be transported housed in it, where the pedestal projections are visible; Fig. 4C a plan view of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of first containers of goods to be transported housed in it; Fig. 5A is a perspective representation of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of second containers of goods to be transported housed in it; Fig. 5B is a perspective representation of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of second cargo containers housed therein, where the pedestal projections are visible; and Fig. 5C is a plan view of the transport container in the state of construction with a plurality of second cargo containers housed in it.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a shipping container 1 in the as-built state. The shipping container 1 has a (square) bottom 2 and four (rectangular) side walls 4. The side walls 4 are divided into two opposite first side walls 4.1 and two opposite second side walls 4.2. Each first side wall 4.1 is bordered on both sides by a second side wall 4.2, and vice versa. The first side wall 4.1 and the second side wall 4.2 differ in height, with the first side wall 4.1 being shorter than the second side wall 4.2. The reason for this difference is discussed below with reference to Figure 2.

[0036] In the constructed state, the side walls 4 extend perpendicularly away from the bottom 2 (upwards). The upper edges of the side walls 4, working together, form a circumferential upper rim of the vessel. The side walls 4 are articulated to the bottom 2. To this end, the side walls 4 have a first articulation structure (not recognizable) on their lower side / bottom edge facing the bottom 2, which is complementary to a second articulation structure (not recognizable) located on the upper side of the bottom 2.The first articulation structure cooperates with the second articulation structure, such that the side walls 4 can be folded with respect to the bottom 2, i.e., they can be folded from the constructed state onto the bottom 2, so that a flat state of the transport container 1 can be implemented (described in more detail and shown in Fig. 2). The side walls 4 are locked or can be locked to each other in the constructed state of the transport container 1. For this purpose, the side walls 4 respectively have an interlocking structure (not shown) on their adjacent corner edges.

[0037] Two holes 6 are provided in each side wall 4, positioned vertically. The holes 6 are configured as openings in each side wall 4. The holes 6 in a side wall 4 are equidistant from each other vertically. The holes 6 are spaced apart horizontally. They are located near the corners of their respective side walls 4. The holes 6 are essentially rectangular in shape and have rounded corners. This prevents sharp edges from the holes 6 that could injure or damage the goods containers (not shown here) housed in the transport container 1.

[0038] Furthermore, on each side wall 4 on the inner side of the container, two side wall depressions 8 are provided respectively in a second plane with respect to the vertical direction, which is farther from the bottom 2 than the first plane. The side wall depressions 8 are recessed from the inner side of the side wall in the direction of the side wall thickness, i.e., depressions on the inner sides of the side wall. That is, the side wall depressions 8 are notches on the inner side of the container in the side walls 4, so that the side walls 4 are thinner in the area of ​​the side wall depressions 8 than in the remaining area.

[0039] The sidewall depressions 8 are located above the holes 6. More specifically, the sidewall depressions 8 are also at the same height, viewed horizontally, as the holes 6, or, in other words, the holes 6, viewed vertically, are below the sidewall depressions. The holes 6 and the sidewall depressions 8 have approximately the same longitudinal extent. The sidewall depressions 8 are continuous directly into the holes 6. In other words, the upper boundary of the holes 6 is identical to the lower boundary of the sidewall depressions 8. The sidewall depressions 8 also extend directly downward from the upper edge of the sidewalls 4 (in the direction of the holes 6), viewed vertically.Therefore, the side wall depressions 8 reduce the upper edge of the side walls 4 at this point. In other words, the upper edge of the side walls 4 in the area of ​​the side wall depressions 8 is thinner than the rest of the upper edge (without side wall depressions 8). The side wall depressions 8 are respectively made in a concave curved shape.

[0040] From the bottom 2, a plurality of pedestal projections 10 extend upwards into the interior of the container, specifically vertically. More precisely, four pedestal projections 10 are provided, of which only two are visible in the perspective view shown in Fig. 1. The pedestal projections 10 together form a pedestal. Each pedestal projection 10 has an extruded circular arc shape. The pedestal projections 10 are spaced at intervals between them. The pedestal projections 10 form an interrupted circular ring. The interruptions in the circular ring correspond to the distance between adjacent pedestal projections 10. The circular ring has a diameter larger than the bottom diameter of the third cargo containers and smaller than the bottom diameter of the first cargo containers.The pedestal protrusions 10 are provided or arranged in the center of the background 2. That is, the center of the circular ring formed by the pedestal protrusions 10 coincides with the center of the background 2.

[0041] Each side wall 4 has a pronounced depression 12 along its upper edge in the vertical direction. A depression 12 is also provided in the center of each side wall 4, relative to the horizontal direction. The depression 12 is located between the depressions in the side wall 8. Each side wall 4 is lower in the area of ​​its respective depression 12 than in its remaining area. Each depression 12 is shaped like a circular arc. The outline of the depressions 12 complements the outer outline of the pedestal projections 10. The lowest point of each depression 12 is farther from the bottom 2 than the lower limits of the depressions in the side wall 8 or the upper edge of the holes 6.

[0042] The bottom 2 has a handle notch 14 on its two opposite edges, where the first side walls 4.1 are located. The handle notch 14 forms a handle for gripping the transport container 1. The handle notch 14 is provided as a rectangular depression in the bottom 2. The lower side of the bottom 2 is interrupted in the area of ​​the handle notch 14. The bottom 2 is recessed or retracted in the area of ​​the handle notch 14, respectively, towards the center of the bottom 2.

[0043] The grab notches 14 have rounded corners. This minimizes the risk of injury to a person gripping the transport container 1. A label housing projection 16 is arranged on the bottom 2 of the transport container 1 above the respective grab notch 14. A label 18 is provided and positioned in each label housing projection 16. The label housing projection 16 extends from the upper edge of the bottom 2. When two transport containers 1 are stacked one on top of the other in a flat state, the label housing projection 16 of the lower transport container 1 extends into the grab notch 14 of the transport container 1 above (not shown). The first side walls 4.1. They present in the area, which in the state of construction is oriented towards the label housing projection 16, a label housing projection notch (not recognizable), which is configured in a way complementary to the label housing projection 16.

[0044] A first stacking structure of bottom 20 is provided in the edge area of ​​the lower edge of bottom 2. The first stacking structure of bottom 20 is configured here as a depression. The first stacking structure of bottom 20 is located in the two end areas on at least two opposite side edges on the lower side of bottom 2. In this case, the first stacking structure of bottom 20 is provided on all four side edges of bottom 2.

[0045] Furthermore, at least two opposite side walls 4, in this case the first side walls 4.1, each have a side wall stacking structure 21. The side wall stacking structure 21 is located at the two ends of the (second) side walls 4. This is complementary to the first bottom stacking structure 20. More specifically, the side wall stacking structure 21 is configured here as a projection. In this case, the side wall stacking structure 21 projects upwards from the upper edge of the first side walls 4.1. The side wall stacking structure 21 is, viewed horizontally, at the same height as the first bottom stacking structure 20 on the bottom 2 of the same shipping container 1, i.e., above the first bottom stacking structure 20.In this respect, in the construction state of transport container 1, the side wall stacking structure 21 of a lower transport container 1 engages with the first bottom stacking structure 20 of an upper transport container 1 stacked on top (not shown). The interaction of the side wall stacking structure 21 with the first bottom stacking structure 20 prevents displacement / movement of the transport containers 1 stacked on top of each other in the construction state relative to each other.

[0046] In a third plane with respect to the vertical direction, which is closer to the bottom 2 than the second plane, a grab opening 22 is configured on each of the side walls 4, forming a handle for gripping the transport container 1. With respect to the horizontal direction, the grab opening 22 is located in the center of each side wall 4. Viewed horizontally, the grab opening 22 is at the same height as the depression 12 on the same side wall 4 or below the depression 12. In other words, the grab opening 22 is located below the depression 12. The grab opening 22 is approximately as wide as the depression 12. However, the grab opening 22 is wide enough that a user of the transport container 1 can slide their hand across its entire width.The handle opening 22 is essentially rectangular with rounded corners.

[0047] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in its flat state. In this flat state, the side walls 4 rest on the bottom 2. In this flat state, an empty transport container 1 (i.e., a transport container 1 where no goods containers are housed) can be stored or transported in a space-saving manner. Two second side walls 4.2, respectively opposite each other, rest directly and flat on the bottom 2. The other two first side walls 4.1, respectively opposite each other, rest on the second side walls 4.2. In this respect, the second side walls 4.2 (in their vertical extent) are configured higher than the first side walls 4.1; that is, there is a height difference between the first and second side walls 4.1 and 4.2. The bottom 2 is made thicker / taller at the height of the first side walls 4.1 in this height difference that at the height of the second side walls 4.2. This allows a flat support of the first, lower side walls 4.1 on the second, higher side walls 4.2 in the flat state. The depression 12 in each side wall 4 rests on the projection of the pedestal 10 that faces it or follows its shape.

[0048] A second bottom stacking structure 23 is provided at the edge of the upper edge of bottom 2. More specifically, the second bottom stacking structure 23 is provided at the two end zones of the two opposite upper edges of bottom 2, where the first side walls 4.1 are articulated. The second bottom stacking structure 23 is configured as a projection. Advantageously, the second bottom stacking structure 23 is configured identically to the side wall stacking structure 21. The second bottom stacking structure 23 is also configured in a complementary manner to the first bottom stacking structure 20. Here, the second bottom stacking structure 23 is configured as a projection.The second bottom stacking structure 23, viewed horizontally, is at the same height as the first bottom stacking structure 20 on the bottom 2 of the same transport container 1, or above the first bottom stacking structure 20. Therefore, the second bottom stacking structure 23 of a lower transport container 1 engages in the flat state with the first bottom stacking structure 20 of a transport container 1 stacked above it (not shown). The interaction of these bottom stacking structures 20 and 23 prevents the transport containers 1 stacked on top of each other from shifting relative to each other in the flat state.

[0049] Of course, due to the equivalent arrangement and configuration of the side wall stacking structure 21 and the second bottom stacking structure 23, the transport containers 1 can also be stacked with each other, where at least one transport container 1 is in the flat state and at least one other transport container 1 is in the construction state.

[0050] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of third-party containers of goods to be transported 24 housed therein. For better visibility of the third-party containers of goods to be transported 24 within the transport container 1, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are not shown here, respectively. The third-party containers of goods to be transported 24 are stacked one on top of the other in two layers. In this example, 9 third-party containers of goods to be transported 24 are arranged per layer, so that a total of 18 third-party containers of goods to be transported 24 are housed in the transport container 1. The top edge of the upper layer of the third-party containers of goods to be transported 24 is below the edge of the surrounding container.The upper edge of the third cargo containers 24 of the upper plane, which are arranged respectively in the center in the outer rows of cargo containers 24, protrudes respectively into the corresponding depression 12.

[0051] Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of third-party cargo containers 24 housed therein, where the pedestal projections 10 are visible. To make the pedestal projections 10 easily recognizable, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2, as well as some third-party cargo containers 24, are not shown in Fig. 3B. Furthermore, only third-party cargo containers 24 from a lower plane are shown. In Fig. 3B, it is clearly visible that the central third-party cargo container 24 from the lower plane is located within the pedestal projections 10.Therefore, the pedestal projections 10 fix the third cargo container 24 central with respect to the transport container 1 and the remaining third cargo containers 24.

[0052] Fig. 3C is a plan view of the transport container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of third goods containers 24 housed within it. It can be seen that the third goods containers 24 on the same plane do not touch each other. However, there is only a minimal distance between the upper edges of the three goods containers 24 on the same plane. The outermost third goods containers 24 touch the nearest side wall 4 with their upper edges. The length of a row of goods containers 24 arranged side by side (in this case, 3 units) within the transport container 1 therefore corresponds approximately to the distance between the opposite side walls 4 that frame them.Correspondingly, for third-party containers of goods to be transported 24 within transport container 1 there is only a minimum movement space in relation to transport container 1 and / or relative to each other.

[0053] Fig. 4A is a perspective representation of the transport container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of first cargo containers 26 housed therein. A first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are also not shown here. A central first cargo container 26 stands on pedestal projections 10. The remaining (four) outer first cargo containers 26 are arranged between the pedestal projections 10 and the side walls 4. The remaining (four) outer first cargo containers 26 rest on the bottom 2. Therefore, the central first cargo container 26 projects above the outer cargo containers 26 by the height of the pedestal projections 10.The top edge of the first central goods container 26 does not protrude beyond the rim of the surrounding container. The top edge of the first outer goods containers 26 protrudes through two holes 6 in two adjacent side walls 4 (at the corners). The holes 6 are approximately as tall or wide as the thickness of the top edge of the first goods containers 26.

[0054] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of first cargo containers 26 housed therein, where the pedestal projections 10 are visible. To make the pedestal projections 10 easily recognizable, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are not shown in Fig. 4B, nor is a first cargo container 26. Therefore, it is readily apparent in Fig. 4B that the central first cargo container 26 is raised on the pedestal projections 10. Furthermore, it can be seen that the diameter of the circular ring-shaped pedestal formed by the pedestal projections 10 working together is smaller than the diameter of the bottom of the first cargo container 26.

[0055] Fig. 4C is a plan view of the shipping container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of first cargo containers 26 housed therein. It can be seen that the top edge of the outer first cargo containers 26 disappears in sections into the holes 6. Furthermore, it can be seen that the central first cargo container 26 protrudes from the outer first cargo containers with its top edge. This is possible because the central first cargo container 26 rests on the pedestal projections 10. Otherwise, the space between the top edges of the outer first cargo containers 26 would be too small for the diameter of the top edge of the central first cargo container.Thanks to the pedestal protrusions 10, not only four, but five first containers of goods to be transported 26 can be placed in the transport container 1.

[0056] Fig. 5A is a perspective representation of the transport container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of second cargo containers 28 housed therein. A first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are also not shown here. All (four) second cargo containers 28 are arranged between the pedestal projections 10 and the side walls 4. The upper edges of adjacent second cargo containers 28 touch each other. The upper edges of the second cargo containers 28 are supported in sections by the side wall depressions 8. In this respect, the upper edge of a second cargo container 28 is respectively supported in sections by adjacent side wall depressions 8 of two adjacent side walls 4 (at the corner).The upper edge of the second goods container 28 is in the vertical direction at approximately the same height as the surrounding container edge, more precisely, slightly below the surrounding container edge.

[0057] Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of second cargo containers 28 housed therein, where the pedestal projections 10 are visible. To make the pedestal projections 10 readily recognizable, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are not shown in Fig. 5B, nor is a second cargo container 28. In Fig. 5B, it is clearly visible that the second cargo containers are arranged between the pedestal projections 10 and the side walls 4. The interaction of the pedestal projections 10 with the side walls 4 reduces or prevents slippage or movement of the second cargo containers 28 relative to the transport container 1 and / or relative to each other.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a transport container 1 in the as-built state with a plurality of second cargo containers 28 housed therein. It can be recognized that the side wall depressions 8 have exactly the same curvature as the top edge of the second cargo containers 28. Two adjacent side wall depressions 8 at the corner of two adjacent side walls 4 each completely house a section of the top edge of one and the same second cargo container 28. The top edges of the adjacent second cargo containers 28 touch or rest against each other.

[0059] In general, the overview in Figures 3A to 5 shows that one and the same transport container 1 can accommodate a different number of cargo containers 24, 26, and 28 of varying sizes. In this respect, transport container 1 is dimensioned and designed so that the cargo containers 24, 26, and 28 of varying sizes are all secure, i.e., fixed in position, and can be stored / accommodated in transport container 1, regardless of their size. Therefore, slippage of the cargo containers 24, 26, and 28 relative to each other within transport container 1 is prevented, regardless of their respective sizes.

[0060] In Figures 3A to 5C, the goods containers are shown, by way of example, as conical cups with a lid. The lid forms, respectively, the upper edge or the upper rim of the respective goods container 24, 26, 28. The lid of a cup has a much larger diameter than the upper rim of the lower section of the same cup. The diameter of the bottom of the respective goods containers 24, 26, 28 is smaller than the diameter of the upper rim of the same goods container 24, 26, 28. The diameter of the goods containers 24, 26, 28 increases (continuously) from their bottom to their upper rim. However, buckets (with or without lids) or cups without lids or similar containers may also be used as goods containers 24, 26, 28.

[0061] In the figures, the bottom 2 and the side walls 4 are provided with a plurality of ventilation openings. These ventilation openings in the bottom 2 and the side walls 4 ensure good and sufficient ventilation of the goods containers housed in the transport container 1 (not shown here). They also result in weight and material savings. However, the transport container 1 can also be used without these ventilation openings. List of references

[0062] 1 Shipping container 2 Fund 4 Side walls 4.1 First side walls 4.2 Second side walls 6 Holes 8 Side wall depressions 10 Pedestal projections 12 Depressions 14 Handle notch 16 Outgoing accommodation label 18 Label 20 First bottom stacking structure 21 Side wall stacking structure 22 Handle openings 23 Second bottom stacking structure 24 Third container of goods to be transported 26 First container of goods to be transported 28 Second container of goods to be transported

Claims

1. A transport container (1) for accommodating containers of goods to be transported (24, 26, 28), in particular conical vessels, in at least two different sizes, having a bottom (2) and four side walls (4) connected to the bottom (2), preferably hinged, wherein in each side wall (4) at least two holes (6) are provided in a foreground plane with respect to the vertical direction, which are configured and intended to accommodate an upper edge of a first container of goods to be transported (26) of a first size, and in each side wall (4) on the inner side of the container at least two side wall depressions (8), curved in particular in a concave shape, are provided in a background plane with respect to the vertical direction, which differs from the foreground plane and in particular is further from the bottom (2) than the foreground plane,and which are configured and intended to accommodate an upper edge of a second container of goods to be transported (28) of a second size that differs from the first size and in particular is larger than the first size; characterized in that a plurality of pedestal projections (10) extend from the bottom (2) into the interior of the container, which, in cooperation with each other, form a pedestal (10) for storing the first container of goods to be transported (26) of the first size.

2. Transport container (1) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of pedestal projections (10) extend from the bottom (2) into the interior of the container, which, in cooperation with each other, form a pedestal for accommodating a third container of goods to be transported (24) of a third size,wherein the third container for goods to be transported (24) is smaller than the first container for goods to be transported (26) and the second container for goods to be transported (28).

3. Transport container according to claim 2, wherein the side walls (4) are hinged to the bottom (2) and their upper edges respectively have, particularly in the center, a pronounced depression (12) in the vertical direction, particularly in the form of a circular arc, the contour of which is configured to complement the outer contour of the pedestal projections (10).

4. Transport container (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pedestal projections (10) are arranged relative to each other such that a third container for goods to be transported (24) of a third size,which is smaller than the first size of the first container of goods to be transported (26) and the second size of the second container of goods to be transported (28), can be arranged within the pedestal projections (10) and the first container of goods to be transported (26) can rest on the pedestal projections (10).

5. Transport container (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pedestal projections (10) are positioned with respect to the side walls (4) such that the second container of goods to be transported (28) can be arranged between the pedestal projections (10) and the side walls (4).

6. Transport container (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5,where the depression (12) is arranged in a side wall (4) with respect to the horizontal direction respectively between two side wall depressions (8) in the same side wall (4).

7. Transport container (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein in each side wall (4) a side wall depression (8) and an orifice (6) are arranged respectively one above the other with respect to the vertical direction.

8. Transport container (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein a gripping notch (14) is provided in at least two opposite edges of the bottom (2), forming a handle for gripping the transport container (1).

9. Transport container (1) according to claim 8, wherein a label housing projection (16) is arranged in the bottom (2) above the respective gripping notch (14).that is provided and configured for the placement of a label (18).

10. Transport container (1) according to claim 9, wherein the side walls (4), which are arranged on a bottom edge (2) with a label-retaining projection (16), respectively have a label-retaining notch on their lower edge, which is configured complementary to the label-retaining projection (16).

11. Transport container (1) according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the height of a surrounding container edge formed by the upper edges of the side walls (4) is dimensioned such that it corresponds approximately to the height of two third goods containers (24) stacked one on top of the other, of a third size that is smaller than the first size of the first goods container (26) and the second size of the second goods container (28).and / or the height of a first container of goods to be transported (26) supported on the pedestal and / or the height of a second container of goods to be transported (28) supported on the bottom.

12. Transport container (1) according to any of claims 2 to 11, wherein each pedestal projection (10) is configured in the form of a circular arc, the pedestal projections (10) are arranged respectively at a distance from each other and form an interrupted circular ring in cooperation with each other.

13. Transport container (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein in a third plane with respect to the vertical direction, which is closer to the bottom (2) than the first and second planes, in particular at the center with respect to the horizontal direction, a handle opening (22) is respectively configured on at least two opposite side walls (4),14. A transport container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the side walls (4) have a first stacking structure (21) on their upper edge and the bottom has a second stacking structure (22) on its lower side at the outer edge, which is configured to complement the first stacking structure (21), such that the transport container (1) can be stacked with at least one other equivalent transport container (1).

15. A transport container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14,where the side walls (4) on the inside side of the container are configured in a fourth plane with respect to the vertical direction which is closer to the bottom (2) than the first plane and the second plane and which corresponds to the height of a third container of goods to be transported (24) of a third size which is smaller than the first size and the second size for the lateral limitation and support of the third containers of goods to be transported (24).

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