Variable-size tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a box (10) having a variable volume and / or shape. The box comprises four box side walls (10a) and a box base (10b) with first, second, third and fourth elements (1, 2, 3, 4). Each element has two side walls (1a, 1b; 2a, 2b; 3a, 3b; 4a, 4b) and bases (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c) and are connected to two adjacent elements such that each element forms a corner of the box, in which the box base (10b) is formed by at least partially overlapping the bases (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c) of all elements, and each box side wall (10a) is formed by a side wall of one element and a side wall (1b, 2a; 2b, 3a; 3b, 4a; 4b, 1a) are formed in such a way that the side walls are pushed into each other. The element side walls pushed into each other can be moved between a minimum overlap position and a maximum overlap position in the longitudinal direction (x; y) and can be moved back and forth relative to each other by changing the length (L1; L2) of any two opposite box side walls (10a) or any two opposite box side walls and the subsequent other two opposite box side walls; l2) to change the volume and / or shape of the tank. Each box side wall is formed by a side wall (1a; 1b; 3a; 4a) and a side wall (2a; 2b; 3b; 4b) are formed in such a way that the side wall without the longitudinal guide can be received in the longitudinal guide (9a) of the side wall with the longitudinal guide and can be held in the longitudinal guide in a front-back movable manner.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a container of a multi-body system designed to have a variable container volume and / or container shape, a closable container having a variable container volume and / or container shape, and a kit of parts for a respective container according to the corresponding independent claims. Background Art

[0002] Containers for transporting packages or for storing objects are generally known in countless sizes and designs. A problem that particularly arises in transportation is that, in most cases, the container is only partially filled and the remaining part is air space or filled with filling material. There are software solutions for optimally filling a larger space such as a container with the packages to be transported, such that the entire container space is filled with packages of different sizes and shapes. However, such solutions only partially optimize the required space because the contents and the degree of filling of the individual packages are unknown and thus optimization in this regard is not possible. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution by means of which a container can be optimized with respect to the degree of filling and space occupancy.

[0004] This object is achieved in a first aspect of the present invention in a container having a variable container volume and / or container shape. The container has four container side walls and a container base and is constructed as a multi-body system. It includes a first element, a second element, a third element, and a fourth element, where each element has two side walls and a base and is connected to two adjacent elements such that each element forms a corner of the container. The container base is formed by at least partially overlapping the bases of all the elements. Each container side wall is formed by a side wall of one element and a side wall of an adjacent element in such a way that the side walls are pushed into each other. The side walls of the elements pushed into each other can be displaced relative to each other back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the side walls between a minimum overlap position and a maximum overlap position. The change in the container volume and / or container shape is achieved by changing the length of any two opposite container side walls, or by changing the length of any two opposite container side walls and then changing the length of the other two opposite container side walls. Each container side wall is formed by a side wall having a longitudinal guide and a side wall without a longitudinal guide in such a way that the side wall without a longitudinal guide can be received in the longitudinal guide of the side wall having a longitudinal guide and can be held in the longitudinal guide in a manner that allows it to move back and forth.

[0005] A second aspect of the invention relates to a closable box having a variable box volume and / or box shape, comprising a first box according to the first aspect of the invention for storing objects and a second box according to the first aspect of the invention. The second box is provided for use as a lid for the first box. The volume and / or shape of the second box can be adapted to the volume and / or shape of the first box such that the second box can slide over the first box, thereby closing the first box with the second box serving as a lid.

[0006] A third aspect of the invention relates to a kit of parts for assembling a box according to the first aspect of the invention or for assembling a closable box according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0007] Since the box according to the invention has a variable volume, it can be dimensioned to suit the intended contents. In particular, when the box is used for transportation, the dimensions of the box can be adjusted by the sender, who is the only person having an influence on the contents of the box, such that as little air space as possible is created in the box. This optimizes the space requirements of the box. Furthermore, when the box is used for transportation, it is particularly advantageous that filling material, which is usually used to fill the empty space in the box to prevent the contents from shifting and being damaged, can be saved. This also saves weight, which improves the ecological balance.

[0008] The flexibility of the box is also demonstrated by the fact that the shape of the box can be changed. This means that it can also be adapted to the spatial conditions outside the box, where, for example, the volume can remain the same depending on the contents. In other words, the box according to the invention can be constructed in such a way that only its volume changes and its shape remains the same, or only its shape changes and its volume remains the same, or both its shape and volume change. This makes the box particularly suitable for storing objects at home, for example, because it can be adapted to the dimensions of additional objects and / or the storage space provided for this purpose.

[0009] Another advantage of the second aspect of the invention is that the box can be closed using a similarly variable lid, which can be adapted to the selected box shape and the selected box volume. Thus, after the box has been filled and has assumed the desired shape, the box can be easily closed. The closable box is therefore very suitable as a transport box.

[0010] Another advantage of the box according to the first and second aspects of the invention is that the volume can be increased without increasing the weight, since the components have a constant weight.

[0011] Since the box is designed as a multi-body system and consists of components (individual bodies), it can also be advantageously sold as a kit of parts for the individual components, which saves a great deal of space during storage and transportation. Furthermore, if, for example, a component has been damaged during transportation, only the individual component can be replaced. This means that the entire box does not have to be replaced, which improves the ecological balance.

[0012] The box according to the invention is preferably made of plastic, and the individual elements of the box are preferably in one piece. Advantageously, the plastic box can be reused, which generates less waste. If the box is formed of one-piece elements, it can be manufactured more cheaply using known processes such as injection molding. Preferably, for example, the box is made of plastic recycled from the ocean, which helps to clean up the environment. Description of the Drawings

[0013] Other embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims and the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Shown are:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the box according to the invention in a configuration with a minimum volume,

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the box according to the invention in a configuration with a maximum volume,

[0016] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the box according to the invention shown in an exploded view of its individual elements,

[0017] Figure 4 is a view from above showing Figure 2 the base of the box according to the invention in a configuration with a maximum volume,

[0018] Figure 5 is shown in an exploded view Figure 3 a perspective view of the box according to the invention, where the individual elements are shown in the opposite way to Figure 3 to illustrate the base of the box,

[0019] Figure 6 is a top view of the elements of the box according to another embodiment in an unfolded state,

[0020] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the box according to the invention having elements for fastening the side walls to each other,

[0021] Figure 8 and Figure 9 are both perspective views of another embodiment of the elements of the box according to the invention,

[0022] Figure 10 is Figure 8 a perspective view of detail A in

[0023] Figure 11 is Figure 9 a top view of detail B in

[0024] Figure 12Is a perspective view of an element of the box according to the present invention, having alternative elements for fastening the side walls to each other,

[0025] Figure 13 Is Figure 8 A top view of detail A in

[0026] Figure 14 And Figure 15 Is a perspective view of another embodiment of the box according to the present invention, and

[0027] Figure 16 Is a perspective view of another embodiment of the box according to the present invention having side walls that can be inserted. Detailed Description

[0028] A "multi-body system" is understood herein as a mechanical system of separate bodies joined together by joining elements. The joining elements themselves can be part of a separate body. An "individual" is hereinafter referred to as an "element". The joining elements used herein are so-called linear joining elements, which are each formed by two side walls forming the side walls of the box, where one side wall can be received in the other side wall and can be held therein in a manner that allows for back-and-forth movement. The hinge function is understood as the displacement of the side walls relative to each other to change the length of the box side walls.

[0029] In this document, a clamp fastener includes any fastener that functions by snapping a fastening element into another fastening element. This includes click fasteners, snap fasteners, and latching fasteners.

[0030] In this document, the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the interior of the box or the surrounding environment of the box. Thus, for example, "inward" means towards the inside of the box or facing the inside of the box, and "outward" means towards the surrounding environment of the box or facing the surrounding environment of the box.

[0031] Figure 1 And Figure 2 Respectively show perspective views of the box 10 according to the present invention in a configuration having a minimum volume and in a configuration having a maximum volume. The box 10 has four box side walls 10a and a box base 10b. The box is designed as a multi-body system. From Figure 1 And Figure 2 It can be seen from the combined views that the internal volume and / or shape of the box can be changed, which is made possible by the interaction between the elements of the box. The box is preferably made of plastic, particularly of a solid plastic material, to ensure high stability. Preferably, the wall thickness of the box is at least 3 mm to 4 mm.

[0032] In this example, the box has a cuboid shape. However, it can also be cubic, which is achieved by the side walls of the elements having the same length.

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown that the box 10 is formed by a first element 1, a second element 2, a third element 3, and a fourth element 4.

[0034] The elements of the box interact with each other to achieve the desired volume or shape adjustment. Each element has two degrees of freedom, labeled x and y in the figure. The wall lengths of the side walls of the elements also refer to these directions. The box side walls are formed by the side walls of the elements, and each side wall engages with an adjacent side wall. Now, this will be explained in more detail in conjunction with Figure 3 this.

[0035] Figure 3 is shown in an exploded view having a first element 1, a second element 2, a third element 3, and a fourth element 4 Figure 1 or Figure 2 a perspective view of the box according to the invention. Each element has a first side wall 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, a second side wall 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, and a base 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c. To form the box, each element can be connected to two adjacent elements such that when the elements are connected, each element forms a corner of the box. In the connected state of the elements, each box side wall 10a is formed by the first side wall of one of the elements and the second side walls of adjacent elements 1a, 4b; 1b, 2a; 2b, 3a; 3b, 4a. In other words, two side walls form a linear joint. This results in four linear joints 11a( Figure 2 ), each linear joint enabling a relative movement of the corresponding cooperating side walls with only one degree of freedom (i.e., in the X direction or in the Y direction). The first side wall of one element and the second side wall of an adjacent element can move back and forth relative to each other longitudinally of the side wall between a minimum overlap position and a maximum overlap position. Thus, the first side wall 1a of the first element 1 is connected to the second side wall 4b of the fourth element 4, the second side wall 1b of the first element 1 is connected to the first side wall 2a of the second element 2, the second side wall 2b of the second element 2 is connected to the first side wall 3a of the third element 3, and the second side wall 3b of the third element 3 is connected to the first side wall 4a of the fourth element 4. The box base 10b is formed by at least partially overlapping the bases 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c of all the elements, which is visible in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The box volume or box shape can be changed by the relative displacement of the side walls of at least two opposite box side walls (linear joints).

[0036] In an embodiment, the box volume is determined by the relative displacement of two opposite box sidewalls, namely sidewalls 1a - 4b, 2b - 3a; 1b - 2a, 3b - 4a, from the maximum overlap position to the minimum overlap position between a configuration with the minimum box volume and a configuration with the maximum box volume, and subsequently by the relative displacement of the other two opposite box sidewalls, namely sidewalls 1b - 2a, 3b - 4a; 1a - 4b, 2b - 3a, from the maximum overlap position to the minimum overlap position, and vice versa. In this example, the cube shape is retained. Of course, intermediate positions of the overlap of the sidewalls are also possible, enabling any configuration between the configuration with the minimum and the maximum box volume to be set steplessly. In particular, as described above, not only can the volume of the box be changed, but also the shape of the box can be changed. The shape of the box can only be changed into an intermediate position between the configuration with the minimum box volume and the configuration with the maximum box volume, because these limit positions depend on the shape of the individual elements. In this example, a rectangular box can be converted into a cube-shaped box in the intermediate position, for example, by changing the length of two opposite box sidewalls to the length of the other two opposite box sidewalls. The following will explain the change in the box volume based on an example of the configuration with the minimum box volume. To increase the box volume, the box must first be expanded in the x or y direction by pulling the box sidewalls. For example, if the box sidewalls 4a / 3b are pulled in the y direction, the lengths of the two box sidewalls 1a / 4b and 2b / 3a increase. Generally, the volume and / or shape of the box is achieved by pulling / pushing one box sidewall or successively pulling / pushing one box sidewall and another box sidewall perpendicular to this box sidewall.

[0037] In other words, not only the volume of the box but also its shape can be changed. For example, between the configurations with the minimum and maximum box volumes, only the box volume can be changed, for example, by changing the length of the box sidewalls, so that the box remains rectangular, but the volume of the box changes. On the other hand, if the lengths of the box sidewalls are changed accordingly, only the shape can be changed, for example, by changing the box from a rectangular shape with volume V1 to a cube shape with volume V1. Finally, of course, both the shape and the box volume can be changed. Between the configuration with the minimum box volume and the configuration with the maximum box volume, the shape and / or the box volume can be changed continuously (i.e., steplessly), where the shape can be changed steplessly between rectangular and cube-shaped. These possibilities illustrate the high flexibility of the box and its adaptability to the contents of the box and the available storage space. Each box sidewall is formed by sidewalls 1a; 1b; 3a; 4a with longitudinal guides and sidewalls 2a; 2b; 3b; 4b without longitudinal guides in such a way that the sidewalls without longitudinal guides can be received in the longitudinal guides 9a of the sidewalls with longitudinal guides and can be held therein in a manner that allows for back-and-forth movement.

[0038] In a variant of the cassette (not shown), the side walls of the elements are designed such that exactly one side wall of all the elements includes a longitudinal guide. In Figure 3 this case, the side wall 1b of the first element will be exchanged with the side wall 2a of the second element.

[0039] However, Figure 3 the second variant shown is preferred. In this variant, both side walls 1a, 1b of the first element 1 have longitudinal guides 9a. Neither of the side walls 2a, 2b of the second element 2 has a longitudinal guide. In each case, one of the side walls 3a, 4a of the third element 3 or the fourth element 4 has a longitudinal guide 9a, and the other side wall 3b, 4b of the third element 3 or the fourth element 4 does not have a longitudinal guide.

[0040] The longitudinal guide 9a of the side wall is preferably formed by an L-shaped profile opening towards the cassette base 10b, which is arranged at the upper edge of the respective side walls 1a, 1b, 3a, 4a having the longitudinal guide. In Figure 3 this case, the L-shaped profile is best visible at the reference numeral 9a of the element 4. The L-shaped profile preferably extends continuously along substantially the entire length of the side wall having the longitudinal guide. However, the L-shaped profile can also include a number of L-shaped profile sections distributed along the length of the side wall. The upper edge 9b of each side wall without a longitudinal guide can be received in the cavity between the L-shaped profile or the L-shaped profile section and the respective side wall having the longitudinal guide, and can be held therein in a manner capable of being displaced back and forth. Preferably, in the region where the upper edge 9b is received in the cavity and has a taper 9c towards the inside of the cassette, the upper edge 9b of the side wall without a longitudinal guide is thinner than the rest of the side wall without a longitudinal guide, which is shown at the third element 3 by way of an Figure 3 example. This has the advantages of saving material and making it easier for the user to visually identify which ones need to be inserted into each other. In addition, if the L-leg of the longitudinal guide parallel to one side wall is flush with the surface of the other cooperating side wall, the cassette side walls can be designed as a generally smooth surface without steps. However, the longitudinal guides can be designed with various alternative plug connections. They can also be arranged at other points along the side wall. However, the arrangement at the upper edge is preferred because this provides relatively high stability and avoids potential gaps between two adjacent side walls.

[0041] Each of the two side walls of the box preferably has first limiting elements 5a, 5b. When the minimum overlap position is reached, the first limiting elements engage with each other in a manner that prevents further separation of the side walls. In a preferred embodiment, the first limiting elements are designed as protrusions that face each other and overlap longitudinally. The protrusion 5a of the side wall with the longitudinal guide points towards the inside of the box, while the protrusion 5b of the side wall without the longitudinal guide points towards the outside of the box. If the two side walls are inserted into each other for the first time now, the protrusion 5b of the side wall without the longitudinal guide must overcome the protrusion 5a of the side wall with the longitudinal guide. For this purpose, the protrusions are designed to be step-free towards the edge of the corresponding side panel, so that they can easily slide over each other and engage after the highest point. During this process, the side wall without the longitudinal guide bends slightly towards the inside of the box, thus generating a tension that is released once the highest point of the protrusion is reached by snapping the protrusion 5b of the side wall without the longitudinal guide towards the side wall with the longitudinal guide. On this side, the protrusions both have steps, so that when the side walls are separated and further separation is not allowed, the protrusions abut against each other. In other words, they have a serrated shape in the embodiment. However, in order to overcome the steps of the protrusions of the cooperating side wall with the longitudinal guide, the elements of the box can be completely separated in such a way that the user slightly pushes the corresponding side wall without the longitudinal guide towards the inside of the box. Advantageously, for example, if only the adjustment of the box volume or shape is desired, the box according to the invention is safer due to the use of the protrusions and cannot be accidentally disassembled into its individual parts. Due to the special design and position of the protrusions, the user must perform special careful steps to disassemble the box into its individual parts.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the first limiting elements can be arranged in the L-shaped profile of the longitudinal guide 9a or in the upper edge 9b of the side wall. In this case, they are designed as described above, with a protrusion of the upper edge of one side wall extending vertically upwards and a cooperating protrusion of the L-shaped profile of the longitudinal guide 9a of the other side wall extending vertically downwards and being arranged in the track formed by the L-shaped profile.

[0043] Figure 4 The configuration of the base of the element is shown. The bases 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c of the element are preferably configured and designed in such a way that, depending on the degree of displacement, they overlap more or less in a predetermined order during the relative displacement of the side walls, so that the box base includes four base layers at least in some areas. The maximum overlap of the bases is achieved in the configuration with the minimum box volume ( Figure 1 ), where all four bases are essentially arranged stacked on top of each other. The minimum overlap of the bases exists in the configuration with the maximum box volume, which is shown in Figure 2 .

[0044] The above-mentioned predetermined order of the bases is preferably selected such that the base of the second element (i.e., in the preferred configuration of the box of element 2 having two side walls without longitudinal guides) is arranged at the top and represents the inner side of the box base in the configuration with the smallest box volume. The base of the first element 1 (i.e., the element having two side walls with longitudinal guides) is arranged at the bottom and represents the outer side of the box base in the configuration with the smallest box volume.

[0045] Preferably, when at least one base abuts against one of the side walls of another element, a configuration with the smallest box volume is achieved, i.e., with the largest overlap of the bases.

[0046] The design of the bases is explained in more detail below, which is best seen by observing Figure 3 and Figure 4 Basically, the bases of the elements can be inserted into each other according to the same principle as the side walls, since base guides are provided for the bases of the elements in a manner similar to the longitudinal guides of the side walls, such that linear joints are also used here. This significantly increases the stability of the box. However, the bases can also be designed without base guides and only overlap without interlocking when assembling the box. Since the box according to the invention is preferably made of rigid plastic, the bases can be made thicker, for example, such that stability is still provided without base guides. Even without making the bases thicker, this design without base guides is possible for small boxes in the range of edge lengths of, for example, 20 cm or 30 cm in the configuration with the largest box volume. However, the version with base guides is preferred.

[0047] In each case, two adjacent bases are pushed into each other, thereby forming a first pair of bases 1c, 4c and a second pair of bases 2c, 3c. Each base has a first edge (at reference numerals 8a, 8b in Figure 3 and a second edge arranged perpendicular to the first edge (at reference numerals 8c, 8d in Figure 3 ), wherein the first edges of the bases are parallel to each other and the second edges of the bases are parallel to each other. One base 1c, 3c of each pair of bases has a first base guide 8a at the first edge, and the other base 2c, 4c of each pair of bases does not have a base guide at the first edge. The bases 1c, 3c having the first base guide are not adjacent, wherein the first edge of each of the bases 2c, 4c without a base guide can be received in and slid back and forth in the first base guide 8a of one of the bases having the first base guide. In Figure 3In this case, the fourth element is inserted into the first element by simultaneously inserting the edge 9b of the side wall of the fourth element into the longitudinal guide of the side wall of the first element and inserting the base edge 8b of the fourth element into the base guide 8a of the first element. In this way, the base 4c is positioned above the base 1c. This process is similarly used to insert the second element into the third element. Thus, two pairs of bases are formed. In another step, the bases must now be joined together.

[0048] For this purpose, the base 4c of the first pair of bases that does not have the first base guide has a second base guide 8c on its second edge, and the base 3c of the second pair of bases that has the first base guide can receive and be held in the second base guide 8c with its second edge 8d such that the second edge 8d can be displaced back and forth. As a result, the base 2c belonging to the second pair of bases has neither the first base guide nor the second base guide. In this way, the pairs of bases are connected to each other and also form a linear joint in a broader sense. Of course, the side walls are also connected in a similar manner as described above for connecting the elements to form pairs of bases. Thus, when the edge 8d of the base 3c is inserted into the base guide 8c of the base 4c, the edge 9b of the side wall of the third element is simultaneously inserted into the longitudinal guide 9a of the side wall of the fourth element, and the edge 9b of the side wall of the second element is inserted into the longitudinal guide 9a of the side wall of the first element.

[0049] Figure 4 It is shown that the pair of bases 1c / 4c is located below the pair of bases 2c / 3c. When the bases overlap, the base 2c belonging to the second pair of bases that has neither the first base guide nor the second base guide is the uppermost base, and the base 1c adjacent to the base 2c in the first pair of bases is the lowermost base.

[0050] As described above, the base guides 8a, 8c are preferably designed similarly to the longitudinal guides of the side walls. Both the first base guide 8a and the second base guide 8c are designed as L-shaped profiles that open laterally towards the opposite side walls of the associated elements ( Figure 3 , at reference numeral 8c). The first edge 8b received in the first base guide 8a is thinner than the rest of the corresponding base and has a taper towards the inside of the box. The second edge 8d received in the second base guide 8c is thinner than the rest of the base 3c and is stepped towards the inside of the box. This design is similar to the thinner edges of the side walls that do not have longitudinal guides.

[0051] Figure 5 Is shown in exploded view Figure 3 a perspective view of the box according to the invention, wherein the individual elements are in the same way as Figure 3The opposite way is shown to illustrate the base of the box. The element 2 with the uppermost base 2c is preferably designed such that the uppermost base 2c rests on the first base guide 8a of the element 1 with the lowermost base 1c. Preferably, the side wall of the element with the uppermost base 2c perpendicular to the first base guide has a spacer 7 below the uppermost base that rests on the lowermost base 1c. For this purpose, the base guide 8a of the first element has a gap 7a on the corresponding side wall 1b, in which the spacer 7 can be received. This advantageously increases the stability of the box.

[0052] Preferably, at least all the side walls 2a, 2b, 3b, 4b that do not have longitudinal guides have first reinforcing ribs 6a on the outside. The first reinforcing ribs can be vertical reinforcing ribs and / or horizontal reinforcing ribs and / or diagonal reinforcing ribs. However, Figure 5 The design shown is preferred. Among them, an interruption 6c of the reinforcing rib in the form of a channel is provided, which is intended to receive the protrusion 5a of the side wall of another element of the corresponding box side wall.

[0053] Preferably, the bases 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c of the elements also have second reinforcing ribs 6b located on the outside or inside, and the second reinforcing ribs 6b can also be vertical reinforcing ribs and / or horizontal reinforcing ribs and / or diagonal reinforcing ribs.

[0054] As described above, the box according to the present invention is preferably made of plastic, especially made of thermosetting plastic. The advantage is that such a box can be reused more frequently compared with comparable cardboard boxes, although of course it does not exclude the production of the box according to the present invention from cardboard. In addition, the thermosetting plastic box is strong.

[0055] Figure 6 A top view of the elements of the box in the outwardly folded state according to another embodiment is shown, and Figure 7 is shown Figure 2 a perspective view of the box according to the present invention, which has elements according to Figure 6 the embodiment. For clarity, the reference numerals in the previous drawings are not shown here, but they apply unchanged.

[0056] Contrary to the first reinforcing ribs 6a and the second reinforcing ribs 6b showing the outside of the box, Figure 5 in Figure 6 and Figure 7 the embodiment shown, the reinforcing ribs are arranged on the inside of the box. However, Figure 5 or Figure 6 and Figure 7 the arrangement of the reinforcing ribs in

[0057] In principle, this embodiment is characterized in that the two side walls of each element can be folded in relation to the base of the respective element. They can be folded down from their upright position, where they form a 90° angle with the base, to their downward folded position, where they are parallel to the base (in particular in the same plane as the base), and vice versa. The upright position corresponds to Figure 7 the illustration in, in other words, the position in which the box can be used. The downward folded position corresponds, for example, to the preferred conveying position of the box parts and has the advantage of saving space during the conveyance or generally the transport of the box.

[0058] This embodiment of the box is also characterized in that the manufacturing process is simpler because there is no need to provide complex molds. Advantageously, the individual elements of the box are easy to manufacture and the manufacturing costs are not expensive because they can be produced in the unfolded state and are thus plate-shaped in this state, which is an important advantage, especially with regard to the intended use in logistics where a large number of elements are required.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, for folding, each side wall is connected to the base of the respective element by means of at least one engaging member (in particular by means of at least one hinge engaging member). Preferably, exactly one hinge engaging member is used for this purpose, which comprises a number of hinges distributed over the entire length of the side wall. Advantageously, such a hinge engaging member is robust and allows the side wall to be folded as often as required.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the elements of the box are made in one piece. They can be formed using known plastic processing methods, for example by injection molding. The advantage of this embodiment is that the elements are ready for use immediately after manufacturing and no further steps are required to assemble the elements. These can be rigid elements as described in connection with Figures 1 to 5 Alternatively, the element can be in one piece, but the material thickness at the respective edges between the side wall and the base can be less than the remaining wall or base thickness. In other words, the engaging member used is a so-called film joint. The edge or film joint is marked with a black bar 13 in Figure 6 . This bar is intended to illustrate that it is a surface with a lower material thickness and not a "linear edge". This allows the side walls to be folded at these edges according to the embodiment shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , regardless of whether it is a one-piece design. This has the advantage that no additional elements are required as engaging members between the side wall and the base because the thinner edge itself represents the engaging member.

[0061] In one embodiment, the box includes fastening systems 12a to 12c for the collapsible side walls, wherein the fastening systems are provided for fastening the side walls of the element to each other in an upright position. The fastening systems have the general advantage that for the use of the box, they fasten the side walls of the element to each other and allow the connection to be released so that the element can be stored in a space-saving manner after use.

[0062] In a first embodiment, the fastening system is formed by at least two cooperating fastening elements 12b, 12c, wherein the first fastening elements 12a, 12b are arranged on one side wall and the second fastening element 12c is arranged on the other side wall. Preferably, the fastening elements together form a clip fastener and snap to each other in a releasable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastening element is designed as a tab 12a having a latch projection 12b, and the second fastening element is designed as a wall hole 12c. The side walls are connected to each other in such a way that they are first brought into an upright position. The side walls are designed in such a way that the upper corner portions of the side walls engage each other in such a way that they form a flush axial corner portion. Then, in the upright position, the tab 12a is folded so that it engages around the other side wall. Finally, the latch projection 12b is inserted into the wall hole 12c and latched in place. The latch projection also has a component for releasing the connection. The latch projection can be designed in various ways, whereby due to a large number of production units, variants that are easy to manufacture are highly preferred. The latch projection is shown here as an example in the form of a knob that expands away from the tab with respect to its diameter. The maximum diameter of the knob is slightly larger than the diameter of the wall hole 12c. A part of the knob is partially separated from the rest of the knob by a gap 12d. When the knob is inserted into the wall hole, this part of the knob is displaced from the edge of the wall hole towards the rest of the knob and springs back to its original position after insertion, thereby creating a force fit connection of the knob in the wall hole. To release the connection, the process is reversed, where a finger acts on the knob part and pushes the knob out of the wall hole.

[0063] Other variants of the fastening system can include, for example, being fastened to the inside of the side walls in the above-described manner. Alternatively, both side walls can include wall holes, and a separate strip with two buttons can be used to connect them.

[0064] Preferably, the area 12e of the wall hole is recessed into the side wall in the insertion direction of the latch projection and has the shape of the tab 12a, so that the tab 12a having the latch projection 12b is in it in the latched state, resulting in a smooth and step-free outer surface of the side wall. This has the advantage of preventing a box assembled later from getting stuck on another object and at the same time optimizing the space requirements of the box.

[0065] In Figure 12In the second preferred embodiment shown, the fastening system includes a clamp fastener (not visible, behind the bridging piece 18a in the figure) having a first fastening element 18a and a second fastening element 18b that cooperate with each other. The first fastening element is a snap element 18a that is laterally disposed on one sidewall in an extension of the one sidewall. In other words, the snap element extends in a direction perpendicular to an adjacent other sidewall. The second fastening element is designed as a bridging piece 18b disposed outside the other sidewall. The fastening elements are designed and configured such that when the two sidewalls are erected to a position perpendicular to the base of the elements, the snap element engages around the bridging piece. To release the connection, a recess or depression 18c is provided outside the other sidewall, into which a user can insert a finger and lift the snap element from the bridging piece, thereby releasing the clamping on the bridging piece. The advantage of this embodiment is that less material is required because there are no tabs as in the first embodiment.

[0066] In principle, the fastening system can be combined with all other variant features of the elements for all embodiments of these elements.

[0067] Figure 8 and Figure 9 both show perspective views of another embodiment of an element of a box according to the present invention. In Figure 8 , the element 3 is shown as an example, and in Figure 9 , the element 4 is shown as an example (reference Figure 2 ). These two figures are intended to illustrate another feature of the box according to the present invention, which, as explained below, is for an embodiment of a box element having foldable sidewalls. The features of foldable sidewalls have been explained in connection with Figure 6 and Figure 7 . The feature to be described below can, in principle, be combined with all other variant features of the elements (where the sidewalls are foldable) for all embodiments of these elements. The feature is a stopper system that prevents the individual elements from separating from each other when the sidewalls are folded downwards. This has the advantage that the folded box can be conveniently put away without having to ensure that the elements stay together. In connection with Figure 5 , the manner of preventing the elements from separating from each other in the upright state of the elements by means of the first limiting elements 5a, 5b has been explained. Preventing the elements from separating from each other in the downwardly folded state is preferably achieved by means of a second limiting element located at the end of the corresponding first base guide 8a or second base guide 8c remote from the vertical sidewall of the respective element. The positions of these elements are shown by circles A in Figure 8 and circles B in Figure 9 , and also apply to other elements of the box according to the present invention. Now, in the corresponding Figure 10 and Figure 11These details are explained in more detail in the context of

[0068] Figure 10 shows Figure 8 a perspective view of detail A of Figure 11 shows Figure 9 a top view of detail B of

[0069] An exemplary hybrid construction (in combination with Figure 3 ) is as follows:

[0070] Element 1: The vertically downward extending protrusions in the two L-shaped profiles of the stop 16a in the longitudinal guide 9a and the base guide 8a of the side wall;

[0071] Element 2: The vertically upward extending protrusions of the pins 16b on the upper edges and the edges 8b of the two side walls;

[0072] Element 3: the vertically downwardly extending protrusion in the L-shaped profile of the longitudinal guide 9a of the side wall 3a, the vertically upwardly extending protrusion of the upper edge of the side wall 3b, the pin 16b on the edge 8d and the stop 16a in the base guide 8a; and

[0073] Element 4: the vertically downwardly extending protrusion in the L-shaped profile of the longitudinal guide 9a of the side wall 4a, the vertically upwardly extending protrusion of the upper edge of the side wall 4b, the pin 16b on the edge 8b and the stop 16a in the base guide 8c.

[0074] If the edge 8b or 8d is inserted into the associated base guide 8a or 8c, then when the volume and / or shape of the box according to the invention changes, the pin 16b can move along the vertical wall of the L-shaped profile that receives its edge without obstacles. It is oriented in the direction in which the pulling elements move apart from each other. Once the configuration with the maximum box volume is reached, the pin 16b abuts against the stop 16a and thus prevents the two elements from separating from each other. The elements can be designed in such a way that the pin can be accessed from the outside of the base of the other element, so that, for example, by means of a suitable tool, the stop effect can be cancelled by acting on the pin from the outside of the other base and the elements can be separated from each other.

[0075] Figure 12 A perspective view of the elements of the box according to the invention is shown, with alternative elements for fastening the side walls to each other as already described. In Figure 12 it can also be seen that element 4 (which is also an example for other elements) has two positioning protrusions 14 on the upper edge of the side wall 4a. The positioning protrusions are used for the stable stacking of the boxes according to the invention on top of each other. For this purpose, the elements have corresponding recesses on the lower edge of the side wall, into which the positioning protrusions of the underlying box are inserted in each case.

[0076] Figure 12 Also shown in Figure 10 are two tracks 17a, 17b, also marked as 17 in detail view A in Figure 13 . The tracks 17 are a feature of another embodiment of the first base guide 8a and the second base guide 8c. They are used to increase the stability of the box according to the invention when changing the volume or shape of the box and to better guide the bases into each other. The first track 17a protrudes upwards from the base and is not arranged below the horizontal leg of the L-shaped profile of the associated base guide when viewed from above. The second track 17b protrudes downwards from the horizontal leg of the L-shaped profile of the associated base guide. The tracks are intended to cooperate with the modified edges 8b, 8d, which are shown in Figure 9 in a side view (i.e., in the direction y, see Figure 9 for another view of detail B in Figure 8Best visible in, four first and second tracks are arranged along the edges. However, different numbers of tracks can also be present. It has been shown that this configuration is easier to produce than continuous tracks, which is why it is preferred.

[0077] In this new embodiment, the aforementioned edges of the element that do not have base guides (i.e., edges 8b and 8d) have two additional base guides 19a, 19b for compatibility with tracks 17a, 17b. The first additional base guide 19a is a long groove that opens at the base, and the second additional base guide 19b is a long groove that opens at the top and is arranged adjacent to the first additional base guide. The modified first base guide 8a and the modified second base guide 8c cooperate with the corresponding modified edges 8b and 8d respectively, because the first track 17a is received in the first additional base guide 19a, and the second track 17b is received in the second additional base guide 19b.

[0078] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A perspective view of another embodiment of the box according to the present invention is shown. This embodiment is different from other embodiments in that the side walls of the element can be folded inwards. In combination Figure 6 , by way of example of side walls that can be folded outwards, the principle of foldable side walls is illustrated. As already explained, the hinge can also be designed as a film joint or a hinge joint for side walls that can be folded inwards. One difference in this embodiment is that the side walls of the element can also be partially folded inwards in the assembled state of the box in a configuration with a minimum box volume. This has the advantage that the space occupied by the box during loading can be reduced without having to disassemble the box. Figure 14 A box 10 with a minimum volume and a configuration with two box side walls folded inwards is shown, and Figure 15 is shown Figure 14 of the box, in which two other box side walls are also in a downward folded state. For this purpose, the side walls for downward folding each have a hinge at a certain height 20 from the base, which divides the corresponding side wall into a lower wall section 21a rigidly connected to the base and an upper wall section 21b that can be folded downwards. Here, as an example, two opposite first box side walls are placed adjacent to each other, and the other two box side walls are placed adjacent to each other above the first box side walls. All box side walls are substantially parallel to the box base. For this purpose, the height 20 of the hinge of each side wall is selected such that all upper wall parts can be folded in a predetermined order into a sandwich configuration when folded inwards. In other words, at least some side walls have different heights 20 of the hinge. In Figure 14It can be seen that the hinge (left) of the downwardly foldable box sidewall is lower than the hinge (right) of the still upright box sidewall. The height difference depends on the number and total thickness of the folded sidewalls. In this example, the height 20 is the same for the corresponding sidewalls of the opposite box sidewalls. Now consider the height 20 of the sidewalls of the box sidewall. In this configuration with the minimum box volume, the box sidewall has the maximum overlap of the corresponding sidewalls. To achieve inward folding, the height 20 of the outer sidewall 22b is higher than the height 20 of the inner sidewall 22a so that the outer sidewall can rest on the inner sidewall (see Figure 14 ).

[0079] Of course, when folding inward, other overlapping options can also be considered. For example, all the box sidewalls can be located on top of each other instead of being in the same plane in pairs. In this case, the height 20 of all the sidewalls will be different. Such a configuration will make sense if the wall heights of the box sidewalls are chosen such that the opposite box sidewalls will overlap when folded downward.

[0080] In this embodiment of the box, the longitudinal guide 9a of the sidewall with the longitudinal guide points outward and is attached to the inner sidewall of each box sidewall so that when the box is folded inward, the longitudinal guide does not abut against the upper edge 9b of another cooperating sidewall. This is visible in Figure 14 . On the contrary, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 (where the longitudinal guide 9a of the sidewall 4a points inward, for example), during folding and preventing folding, the edge 9b of the sidewall 3b in the longitudinal guide 9a of the sidewall 4c will abut against the upper inner side of the sidewall 4c. However, this embodiment can be modified for the implementation of the box according to Figure 14 and Figure 15 by providing a longitudinal guide 9a pointing outward on the sidewall 3b, while the sidewall 4a will have an edge 9b. In this way, the sidewall 3b will correspond to the sidewall 22a, and the sidewall 4a will correspond to the Figure 14 sidewall 22b. This makes the necessary changes to the other sidewalls of the box according to Figure 3 .

[0081] Preferably, all the box sidewalls have fastening elements (such as clamp fastening mechanisms) to hold them in the inwardly folded position.

[0082] Figure 16 A perspective view of another embodiment of the box according to the invention with insertable sidewalls is shown. This embodiment is particularly suitable for the box according to Figure 14 and Figure 15The case, because the side walls do not fold at the edges between the base and the side walls. This means that a vertical bridging piece 23 can be provided at the edge of each side wall in the corresponding base, which is rigidly connected to the base and can accommodate the side wall. For this purpose, for example, each side wall can have a hook 24 extending downward, and the hook 24 can be received in the bridging piece and snapped into it. In the assembled state, the bridging piece is part of the side wall. Figure 16 An exemplary side wall with three or four snap fasteners is shown, which are exemplary designed in the manner of backpack fasteners here. In one embodiment, only a single snap is provided when the case is assembled for the first time. In another embodiment, a component for releasing the plug connection can be provided.

[0083] As mentioned at the beginning, the invention also relates to a closable case with a variable case volume and / or case shape. In other words, the closable case according to the invention is a combination of two cases according to the first aspect of the invention. It includes a corresponding first case for storing objects and a corresponding second case that is provided as a lid for the first case. Additional fixing means can be provided to hold the lid on the case, such as tape. This also ensures that the case does not automatically expand during transportation, for example due to vibration or tilting.

[0084] The case according to the first aspect of the invention or the sealable case according to the second aspect of the invention can preferably be provided as a kit of parts. In this case, all four elements 1, 2, 3, 4 are supplied in the form as Figure 3 or Figure 5 shown. They can be assembled into a case by the user himself. The kit of parts of the closable case according to the second aspect of the invention obviously includes two versions of each of the four elements 1, 2, 3, 4, because the only difference here is the lid, which is structurally the same as the case and the difference is only that its elements are slightly larger, so that it can also slide on the case in the configuration with the smallest case volume. In other words, the size of the lid is of course always adapted to the size of the case, because it has to enclose the case. This is taken into account in the corresponding kit of parts.

[0085] Preferably, the case or the sealable case according to the invention is provided in different versions with respect to the covered size range (i.e., the maximum and minimum adjustable case volumes). In other words, the size of the side walls of the elements can vary. Compared with the conventional solutions, fewer different versions of the case are required for this purpose, because a large volume range can be covered with only a few versions of the case.

[0086] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in this application, it should be clearly pointed out that the present invention is not limited to these, and can also be implemented in other ways within the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, terms such as "preferred", "particular", "advantageous", etc. used in the specification only refer to alternative and exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A box (10) having a variable box volume and / or box shape, wherein the box is convertible between a configuration with a minimum box volume and a configuration with a maximum box volume and vice versa, in particular, wherein the box is made of plastic and has four box side walls (10a) and a box base (10b), and wherein the box is configured as a multi-body system comprising a first element (1), a second element (2), a third element (3) and a fourth element (4), wherein each element has two side walls (1a, 1b; 2a, 2b; 3a, 3b ； 4a, 4b) and a base (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c) and is connected to two adjacent elements in such a way that each element forms a corner of the box, wherein the box base (10b) is formed by at least partially overlapping the bases (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c) of all the elements, and each box side wall (10a) is formed by a side wall of one element and the side walls of adjacent elements (1b, 2a; 2b, 3a; 3b, 4a; 4b, 1a) in such a way that these side walls are pushed into each other, and wherein the side walls of the elements pushed into each other can each be displaced back and forth relative to each other along the longitudinal direction (x; y) of the side walls between a minimum overlap position and a maximum overlap position, and wherein the change in the box volume and / or the box shape is achieved by changing the length (L1; L2) of any two opposite box side walls (10a) or by changing the length (L1; L2) of any two opposite box side walls and then changing the length (L1; L2) of the other two opposite box side walls, and wherein each box side wall is formed by a side wall (1a; 1b; 3a; 4a) having a longitudinal guide and a side wall (2a; 2b; 3b; 4b) not having a longitudinal guide in such a way that the side wall not having a longitudinal guide can be received in the longitudinal guide (9a) of the side wall having a longitudinal guide and can be held in the longitudinal guide (9a) in a displaceable manner back and forth.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein, - exactly one side wall of all the elements includes a longitudinal guide, or wherein - both side walls (1a, 1b) of the first element (1) have longitudinal guides (9a), - the side walls (2a, 2b) of the second element (2) do not have longitudinal guides, and - in each case, one side wall (3a) of the third element (3) and one side wall (4a) of the fourth element (4) have longitudinal guides (9a), and in each case, the other side wall (3b) of the third element (3) and the other side wall (4b) of the fourth element (4) do not have longitudinal guides.

3. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the longitudinal guide (9a) is an L-shaped profile opening towards the box base (10b), which is arranged at the upper edge of the side wall (1a, 1b, 3a, 4a) having a longitudinal guide, wherein the L-shaped profile extends substantially continuously along the entire length of the side wall having a longitudinal guide, or wherein the L-shaped profile comprises a plurality of L-shaped profile sections distributed along the length of the side wall, wherein each side wall (2a; 2b; 3b; 4b) without a longitudinal guide is received with its upper edge (9b) in a cavity between the L-shaped profile or the L-shaped profile section and the respective side wall with a longitudinal guide and is held in the cavity in a displaceable manner, in particular, wherein the upper edge (9b) of the side wall without a longitudinal guide is thinner in the region received in the cavity than the rest of the side wall without a longitudinal guide and has a gradient (9c) towards the interior of the box.

4. The box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in each case, two adjacent bases (1c, 4c; 2c, 3c) are pushed into each other such that a first pair of bases and a second pair of bases are formed, wherein each base (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c) has a first edge and a second edge arranged perpendicular to the first edge, wherein the first edges of the bases are parallel, wherein in each case one base (1c, 3c) of each pair of bases has a first base guide (8a) at the first edge, and in each case the other base (2c, 4c) of each pair of bases does not have a base guide at the first edge, wherein the bases (1c, 3c) having the first base guide are not adjacent, wherein in each case the first edge of the base (2c, 4c) without a base guide is received in the first base guide (8a) of one of the bases having the first base guide and is held in the first base guide (8a) in a displaceable manner, wherein the base (4c) of the first pair of bases without the first base guide has a second base guide (8c) at its second edge, and the base (3c) of the second pair of bases having the first base guide is received with its second edge (8d) without a base guide in the second base guide (8c) and is held in the second base guide (8c) in a displaceable manner, whereby this results in exactly one base (2c) belonging to the second pair of bases not having the first base guide and not having the second base guide.

5. The box according to claim 4, wherein, When the bases are overlapped, the base (2c) associated with the second pair of bases, which does not have the first base guide and does not have the second base guide, is the uppermost base, and the base (1c) adjacent to the base (2c) in the first pair of bases is the lowermost base, wherein the element (2) having the uppermost base (2c) is configured such that the uppermost base (2c) rests on the first base guide (8a) of the element (1) having the lowermost base (1c), and is particularly configured such that the side wall of the element having the uppermost base (2c) perpendicular to the first base guide has a spacer (7) located below the uppermost base resting on the lowermost base (1c).

6. The box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in each case, two adjacent bases (1c, 4c; 2c, 3c) are pushed into each other such that a first pair of bases and a second pair of bases are formed, wherein each base (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c) has a first edge and a second edge arranged perpendicular to the first edge, wherein the first edges of the bases are parallel, wherein in each case, one base (1c, 3c) in each pair of bases has a first base guide (8a) at the first edge, the first base guide (8a) having at least one first track (17a) and at least one second track (17b), and in each case, the other base (2c, 4c) in each pair of bases has at least one first additional base guide (19a) and at least one second additional base guide (19b) at the first edge, wherein the bases (1c, 3c) having the first base guide are not adjacent, wherein in each case, the first edge of each base (2c, 4c) having an additional base guide can be received in the first base guide (8a) of one of the bases having the first base guide and is held in the first base guide (8a) in a manner capable of being displaced back and forth, wherein, the base (4c) of the first pair of bases having an additional base guide has a second base guide (8c) at its second edge, the second base guide (8c) having a first track (17a) and a second track (17b), and the base (3c) of the second pair of bases having a first base guide has a first track (17a) and a second track (17b) at its second edge (8d) and is received in the second base guide (8c) and is held in the second base guide (8c) in a manner capable of being displaced back and forth, which results in exactly one base (2c) belonging to the second pair of bases not having a first base guide and not having a second base guide, Wherein the first track (17a) is received in the first additional base guide (19a), and the second track (17b) is received in the second additional base guide (19b) and is held therein in a displaceable manner in the front - to - back direction so as to slide the two bases into each other.

7. The box according to any one of the preceding claims and claim 4, wherein both the first base guide (8a) and the second base guide (8c) are designed as L - shaped profiles that open laterally towards opposite side walls of the associated element.

8. The box according to claims 6 and 7, wherein, the first track (17a) projects upwards from the corresponding base and is not disposed below the horizontal leg of the L - shaped profile of the associated base guide when viewed from above, and the second track (17b) projects downwards from the horizontal leg of the L - shaped profile of the associated base guide, and wherein the first additional base guide (19a) is a downward - opening groove, the second additional base guide (19b) is an upward - opening groove and is disposed beside the first additional base guide, and wherein the grooves each extend substantially along the entire length of the associated edge.

9. The box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, in particular two, side walls of each box side wall each have first limiting elements (5a, 5b), wherein when the minimum overlap position is reached, the first limiting elements engage with each other in a manner that can prevent further separation of the side walls. In particular, wherein the first limiting elements are designed as protrusions that face each other and overlap when viewed longitudinally.

10. The box according to claim 9, wherein the protrusions of the side wall having the longitudinal guide are disposed inside the side wall, and the protrusions of the side wall without the longitudinal guide are disposed outside the side wall, or wherein the protrusions of the side wall having the longitudinal guide are disposed in the longitudinal guide (9a) and extend downwards, and the protrusions of the side wall without the longitudinal guide are disposed at the upper edge (9b) of the side wall and extend upwards.

11. The box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least all side walls (2a, 2b, 3b, 4b) without longitudinal guides have first reinforcing ribs (6a), in particular, wherein the first reinforcing ribs are vertical reinforcing ribs and / or horizontal reinforcing ribs and / or diagonal reinforcing ribs.

12. The box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bases (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c) of the elements include second reinforcing ribs (6b), in particular, wherein the second reinforcing ribs are vertical reinforcing ribs and / or horizontal reinforcing ribs and / or diagonal reinforcing ribs.

13. The box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the box can be changed by relative displacement of at least two opposite box side walls in a manner that forms a cube or a cuboid.

14. The box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the elements of the box are made in one piece.

15. The box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two side walls of each element are foldable outwards and / or inwards relative to the base of the respective element such that the two side walls can be moved from an upright position, in which the two side walls each form a 90° angle with the base, to a folded position, in which the two side walls are substantially parallel to the base, and vice versa.

16. The box according to claim 15, wherein, for folding, the material thickness at the edge (13) between the side wall and the base is small compared to the material thickness of the side wall and / or the base to such an extent that the side walls can each be folded relative to the base of the respective element at the edge such that the edge forms a film joint, or wherein for folding, the side walls are each connected to the base of the respective element by means of a hinge joint, in particular, wherein the hinge joint has a number of hinges distributed over the entire length of the side wall.

17. The box according to claim 15, wherein the box is designed such that the side walls (22a, 22b) each have a hinge for folding inwards at a specific height (20) from the base, the hinge dividing the respective side wall into a lower wall section (21a) rigidly connected to the base and a foldable upper wall section (21b), wherein in the assembled state of the box, the upper wall section can be folded inwards into a configuration with a minimum box volume such that the upper wall section is substantially parallel to the box base and is placed above the box base with one upper wall section at least partially above the other upper wall section, wherein the height of the hinge of each side wall is selected such that all upper wall sections can be folded in a predetermined order such that the upper wall sections have a sandwich configuration in the inwards folded state, wherein the hinge is designed as a film joint such that the material thickness at the specific height is small compared to the material thickness of the remaining side wall to such an extent that the upper wall part can be folded downwards relative to the lower wall part, or wherein the hinge is designed as a hinge joint, in particular, wherein the hinge joint has a number of hinges distributed over the entire length of the side wall.

18. The box according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising a fastening system (12a to 12c) for the foldable side walls, wherein the fastening system is provided for fastening the side walls releasably to one another in the upright position.

19. The box according to claim 18, wherein the fastening system is formed by at least two cooperating fastening elements (12b, 12c), wherein a first fastening element (12a, 12b) is arranged on one side wall and a second fastening element (12c) is arranged on the other side wall, In particular, the fastening elements engage with each other in a releasable manner. In particular, the first fastening element is formed as a tab (12a) having a latch projection (12b), and the second fastening element is formed as a wall aperture (12c). In the upright position, the tab (12a) is foldable such that the tab (12a) engages around another sidewall, and the latch projection (12b) can be inserted into the wall aperture (12c) and can engage in the wall aperture (12c) in a releasable manner.

20. The box according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the region (12e) of the sidewall around the wall aperture facing the interior of the box is recessed into the sidewall and has the shape of the tab (12a), such that the tab (12a) having the engagement projection (12b) is located in the region (12e) in the engaged state, so as to produce a smooth and step-free outer surface of the sidewall.

21. The box according to claim 18, wherein the fastening system is formed by at least two cooperating fastening elements (18a, 18b), wherein the first fastening element (18a) is arranged on one sidewall, and the second fastening element (18b) is arranged on another sidewall. In particular, the fastening elements snap into each other in a releasable manner. In particular, the first fastening element is designed as a snap element (18a) that is laterally arranged on the one sidewall in an extension of the one sidewall, and the second fastening element is designed as a bridging member (18b) arranged outside the other sidewall. The fastening elements are designed such that when the two sidewalls are erected to a position perpendicular to the base of the elements, the snap element engages around the bridging member while snapping.

22. The box according to any one of the preceding claims and claim 7, wherein the base guide of each element has a second limiting element (16a, 16b), wherein when the minimum overlap position is reached, the second limiting elements of two cooperating base guides engage with each other in a manner that can prevent the bases of the elements from being further pulled apart. In particular, the second limiting element is designed as projections facing each other and overlapping when observed in the longitudinal direction. The base guides (8a, 8c) designed as L-shaped profiles have a stop (16a) as the second limiting element, and the stop (16a) is designed as a lateral projection in the vertical part of the L-shaped profile. The base guides (8b, 8d) designed as edges have a pin (16b) as the second limiting element, and the pin (16b) extends horizontally away from the base in the plane of the corresponding base at an angle of 10° < α < 80°, preferably 20° < α < 70°, particularly preferably 30° < α < 60° to its edge and is oriented in a direction away from the sidewall perpendicular to the edge.

23. A sealable box having a variable box volume and / or box shape, comprising - The first box according to any one of claims 1 to 22, which is used for storing objects, - The second box according to any one of claims 1 to 22, providing the second box as a lid for the first box, wherein the volume and / or shape of the second box is adapted to the volume and / or shape of the first box such that the second box can slide on the first box, whereby the second box provided as a lid closes the first box.

24. A kit of parts for assembling a box according to any one of claims 1 to 22 or a closable box according to claim 23, the kit of parts comprising at least a first element (1), at least a second element (2), at least a third element (3) and at least a fourth element (4).

Images