Folding box

Abstract

The present invention relates to a folding box for packaging, storing or protecting articles, the folding box having an outer shell having at least three, preferably four, side walls (1), an upper side (2) and a bottom side (3), wherein a column (16) is arranged at least partially at the corner edge (5) of the side wall (1), and the side wall (1) has connecting elements on the bottom side (3) and / or on the upper side (2) for connecting to the column (16), wherein the connecting elements are uniquely designed to compensate for positional and / or dimensional tolerances of the column (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding box for packaging, storing or protecting articles, the folding box having an outer shell having at least three, preferably four, side walls, an upper side and a bottom side, wherein uprights are arranged at least partially at the corner edges of the side walls, and wherein the side walls have connecting elements for connecting to the uprights at the bottom side and / or at the upper side. Background Technology

[0002] These collapsible boxes are used for transporting and storing various types of goods. They not only protect the items but also allow for stacking. Especially when carrying heavy items, one on top of another, mechanical stability and load-bearing capacity are essential, ensuring that the items are at least partially enclosed by the collapsible box. These collapsible boxes can be used as disposable or reusable packaging; that is, they can be reused multiple times.

[0003] This allows the folding box to be positioned in a substantially flat location that facilitates stacking and transport. In this flat position, the side walls at least partially overlap. When the box is needed, it is unfolded, thus creating space between the side walls. It is highly advantageous that the uprights can be stored separately from the outer shell while in the flat position, enabling good stackability in this configuration.

[0004] In this context, "articles" or "stored articles" refers to any product or substance, such as a machine or its parts, food, etc.

[0005] CN 205707739 U illustrates a folding box with walls, wherein there are recesses on the top or bottom sides into which uprights can be inserted. These uprights increase the load-bearing capacity of the box and dissipate the weight of objects placed on it. However, this is disadvantageous because it creates openings in the folding box, and therefore the uprights may slip through. Additionally, if the uprights are not engaged with the walls on both sides, they may fall over.

[0006] KR 20 0468026 Y1 describes a collapsible box in which the sidewalls form receiving portions with tabs, and the uprights are glued to the tabs. This allows for a more stable connection between the uprights and the sidewalls. However, this design requires the use of adhesives, which is disadvantageous for sensitive items such as food. Additionally, the construction is relatively complex because the uprights and tabs must remain in place until the adhesive cures.

[0007] If uprights are used in a collapsible container, they must restrict the internal space as little as possible. Furthermore, simple and quick assembly is crucial. If the uprights are arranged on the outer shell, preferably inside, they may easily tip over or slide into unfavorable positions during assembly. This makes assembly more difficult. Additionally, uprights generally have specific cross-sections that can absorb particularly large gravitational forces at specific locations. For example, such uprights have several legs that can move at least partially relative to each other. If these legs are in unfavorable positions relative to each other, the force-absorbing capacity of the uprights may be reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether the uprights are in their optimal positions just before or during assembly, which is time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a folding box of the type described above, which has a high load-bearing capacity and can also be easily and quickly assembled.

[0009] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by designing the connecting elements to compensate for the positional and / or shape tolerances of the columns.

[0010] By compensating for positional and / or form tolerances, easier assembly can be achieved, as this allows connecting elements to move the column to its intended position or orientation during assembly.

[0011] Positional tolerance refers to the small deviation of a column from its expected position due to natural manufacturing processes, material tolerances, and material elasticity.

[0012] Form tolerances refer to the tolerances between the shape or position of a column and its intended shape, which deviates from the intended shape due to internal stresses in the column or external forces on the column. For example, in the case of an L-shaped column made of solid plate, the legs may not be at the optimal 90° angle but at a smaller angle. However, this means they can withstand less load.

[0013] In this context, it may be preferably specified that at least one column has at least two legs, and the connecting element is configured to press at least two of the legs into a defined position, preferably squeezing them apart.

[0014] It can be specified that at least the sidewalls are made of cardboard, and preferably the outer shell is designed as a collapsible box. The cardboard can be coated, for example, with PP. In this context, the coating can be on one or both sides and can be water-resistant.

[0015] It may also be specified that at least the sidewalls, preferably the outer shell, are made of plastic, and preferably of a hollow web panel. A hollow web panel is a plastic panel having an elongated cavity extending along the longitudinal direction of the plastic panel.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the connecting element includes at least a receiving portion in which a post is arranged, and the receiving portion is at least partially formed by tabs on the sidewalls connected to tabs on adjacent sidewalls via insert or folding connectors, and the post is inserted into the receiving portion.

[0017] The term "receiver" refers to an arrangement that restricts the movement of a column in at least one direction and thus holds it in place and presses it into a specific position and configuration. Preferably, the receiver restricts the movement of the column in at least one direction along a vertical axis and in two directions along horizontal axes perpendicular to the vertical axis. The receiver is arranged in the region of the corner edge of the sidewall and at least on the bottom side, and is at least partially formed by tabs of the intersecting sidewalls.

[0018] The sidewalls of a collapsible box are adjacent to each other and serve to protect the items arranged inside the box, as well as to at least partially absorb weight. For this purpose, the sidewalls are preferably flat, but they may also be specified to have recesses, for example, for gripping the box. The top and bottom sides are arranged on the side of the sidewall without other sidewalls. If three sidewalls are provided, a prism-shaped collapsible box with a triangular top and bottom is formed. If four sidewalls are provided, a parallelepiped is formed. Collapsible boxes with more sidewalls can also be provided, such as those with eight sidewalls. This results in octagonal boxes (Oktabins).

[0019] In this context, the upper or lower walls can be arranged on the upper and / or lower sides, which additionally closes the folding box and better protects the stored items. However, it can also be specified that the upper and / or lower sides remain open or partially open.

[0020] It can be specified that each tab is integrally connected to at least one sidewall. Alternatively, the tabs can be glued or attached by means of connecting elements or folded or insert-type connectors.

[0021] Preferably, the upper wall is arranged at least on the upper side, and the upper wall at least partially forms a folded panel of the side wall. This forms a covered carton that is very easy to assemble and can slide over articles.

[0022] In this context, orientation or positional indications (such as top, bottom, side, horizontal, or vertical) refer to the intended use position of the folding case, where the upper side is positioned at the top and the lower side at the bottom. Of course, the folding case can also have other use positions, such as the lower side being positioned at the top and the upper side at the bottom, or the sidewalls being positioned at the top and the upper and lower sides being arranged laterally.

[0023] A corner edge is an edge formed by the adjoining of two sidewalls. Uprights can be placed inside the folding container in these typically elongated edge areas. Alternatively, uprights can be placed on the outside of the folding container.

[0024] The uprights can be reinforcing elements that absorb forces in at least one direction, preferably in their longitudinal direction, and thus serve to support the folding box. The uprights are preferably abutted against the sidewalls in the corner edge region.

[0025] The columns can be placed on the inside of the sidewall in the corner edge area. They can also be placed on the outside of the sidewall in the corner edge area.

[0026] The sidewalls are preferably made in one piece, at least partially to each other.

[0027] Insertion or folding connectors refer to connectors between sidewalls created by sliding portions of tabs inside each other, below each other, past each other, or opposite each other and by interlocking them.

[0028] This connection allows for the simple and stable formation of a dimensionally stable receptacle, even without the use of adhesives or other additional fastening methods such as screws or nails. The receptacle can be formed first, and then the post can be inserted. In this case, the post no longer needs to be held in place by adhesives or fasteners. Preferably, the connection to the post is adhesive-free. This speeds up and facilitates assembly. Furthermore, the post can be easily removed again if needed.

[0029] Furthermore, the receiving section thus independently holds itself in the assembly position, allowing for assembly and subsequent insertion of the uprights. Additionally, the receiving section can hold the uprights in position even when the folding box is not fully assembled, which greatly facilitates operation.

[0030] Particularly advantageously, the tabs have fastening elements comprising slots, recesses, and / or tenons to at least partially form an insert-type or folded connection. This achieves a stable connection defining the shape or arrangement of the tabs. However, this connection is also reusable and easily disassembled, allowing for multiple disassemblies and reassemblies. In this context, for this purpose, the tenon can be inserted into the slot or recess. Optionally, a combination of both can also be advantageous. Combinations of other types of connections (such as joints, threaded connections, riveting, etc.) can also result in even more stable connections.

[0031] It can also be specified that, in at least one receiving portion, a first tab on the first sidewall has a tenon pointing towards a second tab on the second sidewall, and the second tab has a recess pointing towards the first tab, wherein the shape of the recess preferably corresponds to the shape of the tenon. This allows the tabs to bend and stand upright in the direction of their sidewalls and allows the tenon to be inserted into the recess, thereby preventing rearward movement of the tabs caused by restoring forces. In this way, the tabs inhibit rearward movement of each other and remain in the intended position. Alternatively, a slot can be provided instead of a recess. In this case, it is important that, in the intended assembly position, the tenon or recess points towards the second sidewall or the first sidewall.

[0032] In this context, it is advantageous that the tongue, slot, and / or recess, in the assembled state, at least partially face the adjacent sidewall that forms the recess with it. This allows for optimal force transmission between the fastening elements.

[0033] Preferably, the tenon has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape.

[0034] It can be specified that at least one tenon has a length, preferably between the thickness of the folded plate to which it is connected in the assembled state and twice the thickness of the folded plate. In this respect, the tenon can have an average width, which is a multiple of the tenon's length. The depth of the recess or slot is preferably equal to the length of the tenon. The width of the recess or slot preferably corresponds to the width of the tenon. Thus, a stable connection between the tabs is achieved, but at the same time, the portion of the tab does not obstruct the arrangement of the column.

[0035] Particularly advantageously, in at least one receiving portion, the first protrusion has at least one first tenon and at least one first recess, and the second protrusion has at least one second recess corresponding to the shape of the first tenon and at least one second tenon corresponding to the shape of the first recess. In this case, the recess and tenon of the first protrusion can be arranged along the connecting wall of the first protrusion facing the second protrusion. In this way, a particularly stable connection can be achieved.

[0036] In order to reduce the number of parts that must be placed together and to achieve faster assembly, it can be specified that at least some, preferably all, of the tabs are integrally manufactured with the sidewalls.

[0037] At least a portion of the tabs is used to form a receiving portion. At least one sidewall may have at least one tab in the region of each receiving portion. However, for a more stable embodiment, it is advantageous that at least a portion, preferably all, of the tabs extend substantially from one corner edge to the other along the sidewall. This can create a central portion between the portions of the tabs that form the receiving portion. Thus, only one tab is needed on the underside of each sidewall, which can be used to form the receiving portion at both corner edges. It may be specified that the central portion is at least partially separated from the portions of the tabs that form the receiving portion before or after assembly, for example, by cutting. It may also be specified that the central portion of the folding box is completely removed.

[0038] Furthermore, at least one receiving portion, preferably each receiving portion, has at least one retaining section extending substantially parallel to at least one sidewall, and at least one receiving portion, preferably each receiving portion, has at least one bottom section arranged on the bottom side between the sidewall and the retaining section and substantially parallel to the bottom side. Thus, the bottom section prevents movement of the column along its longitudinal axis, while the retaining section prevents movement of the column transversely to its longitudinal axis. Therefore, in the section transverse to the sidewall, the receiving portion preferably forms a U-shaped space in which a portion of the column can be arranged.

[0039] Therefore, if the receiving portion is arranged on the upper side, it can also be specified that at least one receiving portion, preferably each receiving portion, has at least one retaining section, and the retaining section is substantially parallel to at least one side wall, and at least one receiving portion, preferably each receiving portion, has at least one bottom section, which is arranged on the upper side between the side wall and the retaining section and is substantially parallel to the upper side.

[0040] To achieve a particularly stable and secure connection, it can be specified that, in at least one receiving section, the distance D between at least one sidewall and a retaining section parallel thereto corresponds to the thickness of the profile of the uprights arranged in the receiving section, or the thickness of the profiles of multiple uprights arranged in the receiving section. This secures one or more uprights between the sidewall and the retaining section, and the uprights can no longer move along a vertical axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the uprights.

[0041] Preferably, the retaining section has a length that is at least one-tenth of the length of the post. This allows the post to be stably held in an upright position. Preferably, the length is at least one-quarter, more preferably at least one-third, of the length of the post. Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the length to be between one-quarter and one-third of the length of the post.

[0042] If the tabs are connected to each other simply by means of insert or folding connectors, the simplicity and speed of assembly can be further improved.

[0043] It can be specified that at least one sidewall has at least one covering fold, the covering fold having at least one connecting element on the upper and / or lower side, and the connecting element including a notch for receiving at least one post. A covering fold refers to a tab or fold arranged on the upper or lower side of the sidewall and designed to at least partially cover an opening on the upper or lower side in the assembled state. This facilitates the implementation of the upper or lower wall through portions of the sidewall. In this connection, a separate notch can be provided for each post, or a notch can be provided for multiple shared posts.

[0044] It can be specified that the notch is L-shaped, and at least one of the two legs of the notch is made thicker at the end facing away from the other leg than at at least one point between that end and its intersection with the other leg. This allows for easy insertion of the uprights and allows force to move the uprights to a specific position. When the cover fold moves toward a position perpendicular to the sidewall, one or more uprights automatically move to their intended position. Even if the uprights are not ideally pre-positioned and protrude into the interior of the folding box, the desired position can be achieved immediately with only a small amount of movement. Simultaneously, the uprights are pressed into the defined configuration in the assembly position. This allows for increased maximum force absorption.

[0045] In this sense, it may be particularly advantageous that the inner edge of the leg, or the common inner edge of the leg, is curved, for example, composed of several radii, or designed as one or more zigzag lines. A zigzag line means a line having at least three parts separated by corners. In other words, one or more inner edges are concave in shape relative to the outer edge. This allows parts of the column (such as the legs of the column) to be quickly received in the receiving portion and simultaneously pressed into the defined position during assembly. Here, a small notch in one or more inner edges is not a problem.

[0046] In its simplest case, each leg has an outer edge and an inner edge. The outer edge is the edge located outside the L-shape, and the inner edge is the edge located inside the L-shape. However, the inner edge can be curved, that is, described as a segment of a circle or a curve, or composed of multiple curves or multiple short straight lines, in such a way that they essentially form a common inner edge. This inner edge can also have corners or protrusions.

[0047] It may also be advantageous that at least one edge of the notch facing at least partially toward the sidewall is curved or designed as a broken line.

[0048] For ease of installation, it can be specified that the folding box, preferably except for the uprights, is made of a single material. By connecting the folding box and reinforcing elements without the need for adhesives or the like, it is ensured that the folding box has no negative impact on the items to be stored. Furthermore, this design is particularly easy to handle and recycle, as it can be easily disassembled again.

[0049] In other words, the joint has no adhesive, nails, screws, or other parts not integrally connected to at least one tab.

[0050] Particularly advantageous is that the sidewalls are essentially made of corrugated cardboard. In this case, the corrugated cardboard has at least one flat layer and at least one corrugated layer bonded together.

[0051] It may also be advantageous that the posts are made primarily of solid panels. In this context, solid panels should be understood as single-layered, multi-layered, or multi-layered and solid panels. Alternatively, the posts may also be made primarily of plastic, which may be completely filled or may have cavities.

[0052] The uprights can have different shapes. Advantageously, the uprights have an L-shaped profile. This allows the legs of the uprights to lie flat against the side walls and thus further stabilizes the folding box.

[0053] To achieve improved stability and increased weight absorption, two posts can be arranged along each corner edge. The posts can be arranged, for example, one inside the other or one behind the other.

[0054] It can be specified that the receiving part is located in the upper and lower areas. The receiving part can be designed differently.

[0055] Advantageously, it can also be a kit for assembling folding cases of the type described above, wherein the kit has at least one external portion for forming a shell, the shell including sidewalls and at least three uprights. In this case, the shell can be assembled first from one or more external portions, and then the uprights can be arranged in corresponding receptacles of the shell. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0057] Figure 1a The perforation pattern of the folding box according to the invention in the first embodiment is shown;

[0058] Figure 1b Showing from Figure 1a Details;

[0059] Figure 1c It shows that according to Figure 1a and Figure 1b A portion of the perforated folding box in its assembled state is based on the cross-section of line II;

[0060] Figure 2a An interior view of a portion of a partially assembled folding box according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0061] Figure 2b Further assembly is shown. Figure 2a A plan view of the folding box;

[0062] Figure 3 An interior view of a portion of a partially assembled folding box according to a third embodiment is shown;

[0063] Figure 4 An interior view of a portion of a partially assembled folding box according to the fourth embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0064] exist Figure 1a and Figure 1b The diagram shows a perforated pattern for the outer portion 17 of the shell used to form a folding case, the perforated pattern having four rectangular sidewalls 1 formed as one piece with each other. This perforated pattern can be assembled with four or more uprights to form a folding case without any other auxiliary components or parts. In the assembled state, the outermost sidewalls 1 are placed together at their free side edges, thus forming a rectangular folding case. In this context, these sidewalls 1 can be glued together, for example, in the areas of their free side edges, or connected by means of screws, clamps, or insert or folding connectors. In this case, all sidewalls have large rectangular cover folds 2a on the upper side 2, each cover fold extending along the entire side edge of the sidewall. By folding the cover folds 2a together, an upper wall can be formed at the upper side 2, and the folding case can be closed at the top.

[0065] A tab 4 is disposed on the bottom side 3 at the lower edge of each sidewall 1. In this case, the tab 4 extends along the entire length of the lower edge of the sidewall 1. Each tab 4 has a retaining portion 4a and a bottom portion 4b, wherein the bottom portion 4b is disposed between the retaining portion 4a and the sidewall 1. In particular, the tab 4 can be folded into the interior of a folding box, such that the bottom portion 4b is transverse to the sidewall 1, and each retaining portion 4a is parallel to the sidewall 1 to which it is connected via the bottom portion 4b. In this way, a receiving portion 15 can be formed between the sidewalls 1 in the region of the corner edge 5, wherein a portion of the bottom portion 4b acts as a bottom section and a portion of the retaining portion 4a acts as a retaining section.

[0066] The bottom portion 4b has a trapezoidal shape, and the retaining portion 4a has a rectangular shape. The trapezoidal shape is used to form a substantially continuous bottom segment, at least in the region of the recess.

[0067] Each tab 4 extends along the entire side edge of its sidewall 1 (i.e., the sidewall 1 on which the tab 4 is disposed). Therefore, the portion of the tab 4 disposed in the area of ​​the corner edge 5 can be used to form a receiving portion 15. Thus, each tab 4 is used for two adjacent receiving portions 15. Therefore, the tab 4 has an intermediate portion 10 between adjacent receiving portions 15, which can be completely removed separately from the portion forming the receiving portion 15 before or after assembly (dashed line 9).

[0068] On the connecting side 4c facing the adjacent tab 4, a tenon 7 and two recesses 8 are arranged on the first connecting side 4c1 of each tab 4, and the recesses 8 and two tenons 7 are arranged on the second connecting side 4c2. These fastening elements are arranged along the connecting sides 4c1, 4c2 with one behind the other, and extend in total along the entire length of the connecting side 4c.

[0069] Starting from the bottom portion 4b, the first connecting side 4c1 first has a recess 8 in which the first connecting side 4c1 is positioned rearward (see center line 11). Following the recess 8 is a tenon 7, which protrudes from the first connecting side 4c1. After this is another recess 8, extending to the end of the first connecting side 4c1. Here, the tenon 7 and the recess 8 have a trapezoidal shape.

[0070] The second connecting side 4c2 has a structure corresponding to the shape of the first connecting side 4c1, consisting of a tenon 7, followed by a recess 8, and then another tenon 7. The recess 8 of the second connecting side 4c2 is slightly longer than the tenon 7 of the first connecting side 4c1. Preferably, this difference is selected based on the thickness of the tab 4, so that the fastening elements can interlock with each other without friction.

[0071] In the assembled state, the two cover plates 2a facing each other have notches 12a through which straight edges pass. This results in an L-shape, with the straight legs at a 90-degree angle to each other. In the intended installation position, each leg rests against the side wall 1. Alternatively, the two cover plates 2a may not have notches 12a, thus forming a continuous surface at the top and preventing the column from sliding out.

[0072] Notches 12b with partially curved edges are arranged on other cover plates 2b. These notches 12b have outer edges 13a, 13b, one of which, 13a, is positioned directly against the sidewall 1 on which the cover plate 2b is arranged and thus faces away from said sidewall. The other outer edge 13b is arranged to be adjacent to and face away from the adjacent sidewall 1 when assembled. This configuration is found in all the notches 12a, 12b.

[0073] Furthermore, these notches 12b have inner edges 14 facing the sidewall 1. The inner edges 14 are curved in the direction of the sidewall 1 in the shape of a segment of a circle, such that each notch 12b does not have two inner edges 14, but only one shared inner edge. This results in each of the two legs having a concave shape.

[0074] Therefore, the legs of these notches 12b have a first width B at their outer end regions, which is greater than the thickness of the column 16 or more columns 16 to be arranged therein, and a second width b at the central region of the legs, which corresponds to the thickness of the column 16 or more columns 16 to be arranged therein.

[0075] All notches 12a, 12b are arranged in the corners of the covering folds 2a, 2b, i.e., in the area of ​​the corner edge 5. The covering folds 2a, 2b are arranged such that one of the two covering folds 2a, 2b is always placed flat on top of the other in the corner, wherein each corner is always provided with a covering fold 2b having a curved second edge 14 and a covering fold 2a having two straight inner edges 14.

[0076] Figure 1c A folding box, manufactured according to the perforation pattern shown and at least partially assembled, is illustrated. A section is shown in the area of ​​the receiving portion 15, transverse to the side wall 1. Here, the tabs 4 have been folded, and the tenons 7 and recesses 8 have been folded together with those of adjacent tabs 4, thereby opening a U-shaped slot in which the legs of the upright 16 are arranged. Since adjacent tabs 4 have the same structure, they also form corresponding slots in the area of ​​the receiving portion 15, which can accommodate another leg of the upright 14. In this case, the bottom portion 4b is arranged substantially parallel to the bottom side 3 and parallel to the horizontal plane H. The retaining portion 4a is substantially parallel to the side wall 1 and parallel to the vertical plane V. Therefore, the receiving portion 15 has a distance D between the side wall 1 and the retaining portion 4a, which preferably corresponds to the thickness of the upright 16 or the thickness of the upright 16 to be arranged therein.

[0077] Therefore, the portions of the bottom parts 4b of adjacent tabs 4 arranged in the area of ​​the receiving portion 15 together form a bottom section. Correspondingly, the portions of the holding parts 4a of adjacent tabs 4 arranged in the area of ​​the receiving portion 15 also together form a holding section.

[0078] Figure 2aA second embodiment in an assembled state is shown. The tab 4 is formed as in the first embodiment and folded inward in the shown state. The tenons 7 of the first connecting side 4c1 and the second connecting side 4c2 engage with the corresponding recesses 8, thereby stabilizing the folded shape. This forms an opening along the sidewall 1, the opening having a thickness D defined by the width of the bottom portion 4b. Therefore, an L-shaped recess 15 is present in the region of the corner edge 5.

[0079] In these receptacles 15, a column 16 is inserted, the column having an L-shaped profile corresponding to the receptacle 15 and extending from the receptacle 15 to the upper side 2 on the inside of the corner edge 5.

[0080] Covering panels 2a and 2b are shown open for better viewing. They are as follows: Figure 1a The design is similar, but only two opposing cover panels have notches 13 with curved inner edges 14. In the assembled state, these cover panels 2b are first folded onto the sidewall 1, with the posts 16 penetrating the notches 13 on their upper sides and held in place by them. Figure 2b This configuration is illustrated. Here, the curved shape of the inner edge 14 pushes open the legs of the column 16 and stabilizes them in this position. The remaining cover plate 2a is then folded, thus closing the upper side without gaps, except for any possible gaps in the center.

[0081] Apart from the uprights 16, the folding box is made of corrugated cardboard and is constructed as a single piece, with the uprights 16 being made of solid board. Alternatively, the folding box may also have a two-piece outer shell.

[0082] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment is shown in which the same perforation pattern as the second embodiment is used. However, between the folded tabs 4, the central portion 10 is separated from the portion of the receiving portion 15 of the retaining portion 4a.

[0083] Figure 4 Another embodiment, largely corresponding to the second embodiment, is shown. However, the bottom portion 4b is made longer so that two posts 16 can be inserted into each receiving portion 15. For this purpose, the posts are arranged such that one is behind the other. Therefore, the notch 13 should also be made larger.

Claims

1. A collapsible case for packaging, storing or protecting articles, the collapsible case having an outer shell, wherein the outer shell has at least three side walls (1), an upper side (2) and a bottom side (3), wherein a post (16) is at least partially arranged at a corner edge (5) of the side wall (1), and wherein the side wall (1) has a connecting element at the bottom side (3) and / or at the upper side (2) for connecting to the post (16), characterized in that, The connecting element is designed to compensate for positional and / or shape tolerances of the post (16), wherein a tab (4) is arranged on the bottom side (3) at the lower edge of each sidewall (1), and the connecting element includes at least a portion of a receiving portion in which the post (16) is arranged, and the receiving portion (15) is at least partially formed by the tab (4) of the sidewall (1), the tab being connected to the tab (4) of an adjacent sidewall (1) via an insert or folding connector, and the post (16) is inserted into the receiving portion (15).

2. The folding case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tab (4) has fastening elements, which at least partially include slots, recesses (8) and / or tongues (7) for forming the insert or folding connection.

3. The folding case according to claim 2, characterized in that, In at least one receiving portion (15), a first protrusion of the first sidewall has a tenon pointing to a second protrusion of the second sidewall, and the second protrusion has a recess (8) pointing to the first protrusion.

4. The folding case according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shape of the recess (8) corresponds to the shape of the tenon (7).

5. The folding case according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the tabs (4) are formed in one piece with the sidewall (1).

6. The folding case according to claim 5, characterized in that, All of the tabs (4) and the sidewalls (1) are made in one piece.

7. The folding case according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least a portion of the protrusions (4) extend along the sidewall (1) generally from one corner edge (5) to another corner edge.

8. The folding case according to claim 7, characterized in that, All of the tabs (4) extend along the sidewall (1) from one corner edge (5) to another corner edge.

9. The folding case according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one receiving portion (15) has at least one retaining section, and the retaining section is generally parallel to at least one sidewall (1), and at least one receiving portion (15) has at least one bottom section, which is disposed at the bottom side (3) between the sidewall (1) and the retaining section and is generally parallel to the bottom side (3).

10. The folding case according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each housing (15) has at least one holding section.

11. The folding case according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each receiving section (15) has at least one bottom section.

12. The folding case according to claim 9, characterized in that, In at least one receiving portion (15), the distance (D) between at least one sidewall (1) and a retaining section parallel thereto corresponds to the thickness of the profile of the column (16) arranged in the receiving portion or the thickness of the profile of the plurality of columns (16) arranged in the receiving portion.

13. The folding case according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tabs (4) are connected to each other only through an insert or folded connector.

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