Reusable container with a closure, closure arrangement and its use

Abstract

The invention relates to a reusable container (10, 10'), in particular a shipping container, with at least one container wall (12, 12', 12") which at least partially delimits an interior space (14) of the container (10, 10'), which has a closure (16) which is designed to open or close an access (18) to the interior space (14) of the container (10, 10'), wherein the closure (16) is formed from two closure parts (20, 20') which are movable relative to one another and which together define a connecting region (22), wherein the closure parts (20, 20') at least partially overlap or interlock in the connecting region (22).Each closure part (20, 20') has at least one closure element (24, 24') projecting in the direction of the respective other closure part (20, 20') for forming the connecting region (22), wherein the closure parts (20, 20') are designed for non-positive and / or positive interaction with a separate connecting part (26, 26', 26") which can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled with the closure elements (24, 24') and which holds the closure parts (20, 20') in their closed position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a reusable container, in particular a shipping container, comprising at least one container wall that at least partially delimits an interior of the container and has a closure configured to open or close access to the interior of the container. The closure is formed from two closure parts that are movable relative to one another and together define a connecting region. The invention further relates to a closure arrangement comprising a closure formed from two closure parts that are movable relative to one another and together define a connecting region.

[0002] Containers, especially shipping containers, are used in daily use to hold a wide variety of goods and either for temporary storage or to convert them into a shipping-ready condition and prepare them for subsequent transport.

[0003] State-of-the-art containers, such as shipping packages or envelopes, can often only be used a few times or, depending on the closure system, only once due to the closure system. Even if these containers are recycled after use, thus recovering the raw materials, recycling still requires a significant amount of energy. The energy requirement arises from transporting the material, reprocessing it, and producing a new container from the recycled material. The closure, in particular, represents a weak point in these containers.Due to the adhesive tapes commonly used to connect the closure parts, which at least partially overlap, to the container, the container is often damaged when the closure is opened, rendering it unusable for future use. Furthermore, opening and closing these containers is time-consuming and requires, for example, a knife for opening and / or adhesive tape for closing.

[0004] DE 24 02 582 A1 discloses a safety shoe with a tear-open connection on the upper. The tear-open connection comprises loops 5 attached to one of the closure strips and to the upper, which are hinged to one another. A connecting core 6 interacts with the mutually interlocking loops and can be pulled out of the loops by means of an operating handle 7.

[0005] US 2006 / 0071059 A1 shows a closure clip for resealing a cardboard container. The closure clip consists of two plates connected by a hinge and secured in a parallel alignment, both positively and to two vertically protruding cardboard folds. The cardboard folds are held parallel to each other by the closure clip, but only in contact with each other.

[0006] From JP 2002-300912 A), a briefcase for storing and transporting documents is also known, comprising a storage section and two opening and closing sections arranged above the storage section. Closure parts are formed as connecting areas at each opening / closing section, which overlap one another in some areas. Furthermore, the closure has a connecting part that is movably received relative to the closure parts. The connecting part interacts with closure elements that are formed on the longitudinal sides of the closure parts facing away from the connecting area.

[0007] The invention was therefore based on the object of providing a reusable container which is overall easier to use and whose service life is extended many times over.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention solves the underlying problem in a reusable container, in particular a shipping container, with at least one container wall delimiting an interior of the container at least in part, with the features of claim 1.

[0009] With the inventive design of the two interacting closure parts on the container and the provision of the separate connecting part that interacts with the closure parts in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, the invention pursues the approach of creating a closure on the container that can be easily closed and reopened many times without compromising the structural integrity of the container. With the aid of the closure according to the invention, the use of an adhesive tape that firmly connects the closure parts of the container to one another can be dispensed with. With the aid of the connecting part, which can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled from the closure parts, the two closure parts that can at least be brought into contact with one another always remain intact when the container is opened.Thus, a container designed according to the invention can be used many times for shipping goods thanks to the connecting part, which forms a force-locking or form-locking connection with the closure elements on the two closure parts of the container as often as desired. By means of such a closure according to the invention, the service life of a container equipped therewith, in particular a shipping container, can be extended many times over. Preferably, the closure parts are to be transferred into a type of closed position on the container before the connecting part is force-locking and / or form-locking coupled to the respective closure elements and then holds them in the closed position. Preferably, the connecting part, when coupled to the closure elements of the closure parts, forms a type of self-locking connection with them.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, each closure part has a plurality of closure elements for interacting with the connecting part, wherein the closure elements of the closure parts engage on opposite longitudinal sides of the connecting part. The plurality of closure elements ensures a more uniform interaction of the closure parts with the connecting part, which holds the closure parts in their closed position and interacts with them in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner, over the length of the connecting region. Preferably, the closure elements of one closure part interact along one longitudinal side of the connecting part, whereas the closure elements of the other closure part interact with the opposite or opposite longitudinal side of the connecting part.In one possible embodiment, the connecting part has along its longitudinal sides a number of locking parts formed corresponding to the number of locking elements on the locking parts along the longitudinal sides for reversible coupling and uncoupling with the locking elements.

[0011] A preferred development of the container provides that the closure element, when coupled to the connecting part, interacts with the longitudinal side of the connecting part facing away from it. Preferably, each closure element of the closure parts engages over the longitudinal side of the connecting part facing away from it, wherein restoring forces acting on the closure parts in opposite directions exert tensile forces on the closure parts, which exert a holding force on the longitudinal sides of the connecting part and, due to the friction between the components, a clamping effect on the connecting part arranged between the closure parts. The action of the closure elements on the respective opposite side of the connecting part represents a structurally simple possibility for the targeted implementation of the particularly force-fitting interaction with the connecting part.

[0012] Preferably, the closure elements of a closure part are each arranged at a distance from one another along the connecting region, thereby creating a structurally simple possibility for forming a plurality of such closure elements in the extension direction of the closure part. In addition, the distances between two adjacent closure elements simplify at least partial overlapping and / or interlocking of the closure elements and thus simple coupling, in particular insertion, of a connecting part with the connecting region formed by the closure elements. Furthermore, a preferably uniform distribution of the closure elements along the closure parts ensures a uniform force effect over the entire length of the closure designed according to the invention on the container.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the closure elements of the closure parts are arranged alternately in the direction of the connecting region, with the closure elements of one closure part each engaging in the gaps or spaces between the closure elements of the other closure part. Preferably, the closure elements themselves, which alternately engage with each other from opposite sides, directly close or seal off the access to the container wall equipped therewith, and make unauthorized access to the interior of the container more difficult.Preferably, the spacings between the adjacent closure elements and the width of a respective closure element engaging the spacing between two closure elements are selected such that, when both closure parts are brought into engagement with one another, the closure elements of the closure parts engage with one another without a gap. The closure parts of the closure preferably alternately engage in the longitudinal direction with the connecting part connecting the closure parts, with the closure elements of one closure part engaging on one longitudinal side of the connecting part, and the closure elements of the other closure part, arranged alternately therewith, engaging on the opposite longitudinal side of the connecting part.

[0014] According to one possible embodiment of the container according to the invention, the connecting part, when coupled to the closure parts, extends substantially parallel to the connecting area of the container. The connecting part extending parallel to the connecting area enables easy coupling to and uncoupling from the closure parts of the container. The connecting part preferably extends at least over the entire length of the connecting area on the container formed by the closure parts. This ensures even force distribution over the entire length of the closure and also prevents the connecting part from accidentally moving out of its coupled position with the closure parts.In order to move the separately formed connecting part out of its coupling position with the closure elements of the container and to transfer the connecting part into its state decoupled from the container, a predetermined minimum force is necessary, which is selected to be sufficiently large to counteract accidental movement of the connecting part out of the closure parts, for example during transport of the container.

[0015] The at least one closure element on a respective closure part is preferably hook-shaped or tab-like, which creates a structurally simple possibility for a force-fitting and / or form-fitting interaction of such closure elements according to the invention with the reversibly connectable and decoupleable connecting part. Preferably, each closure element forms a tab that projects approximately perpendicular to the connection area on the closure part, by means of which the separately formed connecting part can be brought into operative connection with the respective tab in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner simply by being pushed into the respective tab. An alternative embodiment provides for a hook-shaped design of the closure elements to be brought into contact with the connecting part. The material used for the design of the closure elements is thus reduced.Preferably, the hook-shaped closure elements completely overlap the top side of the separately formed connecting part, which interacts with the respective closure elements of the closure part on its oppositely arranged longitudinal sides. The hook sections encompassing the connecting part protrude, in particular, on the underside facing the interior of the container. To prevent unintentional decoupling of the connecting part from the hook-shaped closure elements, the hook sections encompassing the longitudinal sides of the connecting part have a length that corresponds to at least half the width of the connecting part. In one possible embodiment, the tab-like closure elements are formed from folded areas of the container wall.

[0016] An exemplary development of the container according to the invention provides that the closure elements, in their closed position, form a receiving channel extending in the direction of the connection area for the connecting part, which can be reversibly inserted into the receiving channel and removed therefrom. The provision of a receiving channel ensures secure reception and, in particular, easy guidance of the connecting part when coupling it to the closure parts. Preferably, the receiving channel is formed, in its direction of extension, alternately from a closure element of one closure part and a closure element of the other closure part. With a tab-like design of the closure elements, the receiving channel is almost completely closed in the circumferential direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the container, the receiving channel formed by the closure elements has a channel width that substantially corresponds to the width of the connecting part between its longitudinal sides. Preferably, by coupling the connecting part to the closure parts of the closure, in particular when inserting the connecting part into the receiving channel, the connecting part is automatically locked in the receiving channel, which counteracts an automatic decoupling of the connecting part from the closure elements. Preferably, the channel width of the receiving channel formed by the closure elements can be changed, in particular increased, by applying appropriate force to the closure elements, thereby simplifying the coupling of the connecting part to the two closure parts of the closure.After the connecting part is coupled to the closure elements and the force acting on the closure elements to hold them in the closed position is removed, the closure elements tend to move out of the closed position due to restoring forces acting within the container. This then exerts a holding force on the longitudinal sides of the connecting part, clamping the connecting part between the closure elements.

[0018] According to a further development of the container according to the invention, the connecting part is designed to be inserted into the receiving channel from one end face of the closure parts. Insertion from the end face of the closure parts, and thus in particular from one end face of the container, enables simple coupling of the connecting part to the closure parts as well as simple decoupling of the connecting part from the closure parts. Preferably, the receiving channel forms an opening on one end face of the closure parts for the connecting part, which can preferably be inserted into and removed from the opening.

[0019] The connecting part is preferably a strip material that is dimensionally stable at least transversely to its longitudinal extent, thereby ensuring that the connecting part has sufficient dimensional stability to be able to absorb the holding forces exerted on the connecting part by the closure elements. The connecting part can preferably be made of a plastic material that has the necessary strength to absorb the holding forces exerted on the long sides by the closure elements. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting part can be made of wood or metal, thereby ensuring compostability or achieving greater stability. In one possible embodiment of the connecting part, it is also designed to be dimensionally stable in the longitudinal direction or, alternatively, can also be designed to be deformable, in particular rollable.

[0020] According to the invention, the connecting part has an insertion section at one end for simplified coupling of the connecting part to the closure elements, wherein the insertion section is preferably wedge-shaped. By means of the insertion section, the coupling of the connecting part to the closure parts, in particular the insertion of the connecting part into the receiving channel, is simplified. To couple the connecting part to the closure elements, it is not necessary to previously transfer the closure elements of the closure parts into their final closed position. Due to the wedge-shaped design of the insertion section, the closure elements are automatically moved into the closed position by the ends of the closure elements, which alternately engage with one another from opposite sides, being moved away from one another by the longitudinal sides of the connecting part.In one embodiment, a notch or recessed recess can be provided along at least one longitudinal side of the connecting part, which, upon coupling the connecting part to the closure parts, positively engages with at least one closure element and locks the connecting part in the axial direction. This prevents accidental uncoupling of the connecting part from the closure parts, which preferably form a receiving channel.

[0021] In another possible embodiment, connecting parts of different widths are used, by means of which the clamping stroke of the closure parts and thus also the degree of sealing of the closure parts can be adjusted to each other. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the clamping stroke of the closure elements relative to each other and thus the clamping of the closure parts can be varied in sections along the connection area to suit the respective requirements, for example by changing the distance between the longitudinal sides of the connecting part in its extension direction, in particular by providing curved longitudinal sides.

[0022] A further development of the container provides that the connecting part has a securing part along a section in its longitudinal extension, preferably at its end opposite the insertion section, which securing part is designed to be flexible and to be temporarily brought into contact with a container wall. With the aid of the securing part, the connecting part is additionally locked in its coupled state with the closure parts of the closure according to the invention. The securing part formed on the connecting part thus also influences the holding of the connecting part within the closure on the container, in addition to the clamping effect that holds the connecting part in the coupled position. In order to be able to temporarily bring the securing part into contact at any point on the container, it is designed to be flexible, in particular deformable.The securing part is, in particular, a material section arranged separately on the connecting part or connected thereto. Preferably, the securing part is brought into contact with a container wall of the container that does not have the closure according to the invention.

[0023] Preferably, the security part itself is designed for a material-to-material connection to the container and / or for contact with a seal that fixes the security part to a container wall. The material-to-material connection allows for a temporary fixation of the security part to the container, in particular to a container wall. The security part is, in particular, secured to a container wall that runs approximately parallel or perpendicular to the container wall having the closure according to the invention. To preferably ensure multiple reuse of the container, the container wall intended for contact with the security part has a reinforced surface that facilitates detachment of the likewise reusable security part.In cases where confidentiality of correspondence must be maintained during shipping, the security element and the reinforced surface of the container intended for securing the security element can be secured with an adhesive seal. The adhesive seal makes it easy to detect if someone has gained unauthorized access to the container.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the container is formed from a prefabricated punched part with at least folded edges formed therein. When not in use, the container, which consists of a type of sheet material, can be unfolded and spread out flat into its almost original shape. Such a container according to the invention requires less storage space when temporarily stored. In addition, the container can also be easily folded back into its basic shape required to hold a good. The container, consisting of a sheet material as the starting material, is punched out of the sheet material, and predetermined areas of the punched part are at least slightly reshaped to form folded edges, so that these can then be folded precisely and with reduced effort.In particular, the closure parts are designed as a double layer on a container wall forming the closure, with the double-layered container wall regions being particularly firmly bonded to one another. A stamped part, which can be designed, for example, as an envelope, has at least two container walls that can be connected to one another, preferably via plug-in tabs. Another stamped part, which forms a container designed as a conventional package, has six container walls that can be arranged in a cuboid shape relative to one another, one of which container walls comprises at least the closure according to the invention.

[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, the closure parts with their tab-like closure elements are formed by means of separate molded parts, each made of a folded sheet material and, in particular, bonded on both sides to a respective container wall on which the closure is provided. The separate design of the closure parts, combined with a targeted choice of material, allows the closure to be optimized in both its shape and function. For example, the molded parts can be made of plastic instead of cardboard, making them thinner and stronger, thereby reducing the thickness of the closure and also improving its handling and durability.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the container walls can be made from multi-layer material such as corrugated cardboard or honeycomb cardboard, with two particularly thin cover layers being connected to one another by a shear-resistant central layer, e.g., in the case of corrugated cardboard in the shape of a sine wave or a honeycomb structure. This achieves high flexural strength of the flat walls with low weight. The shear-resistant central layer is preferably left out in the bending areas of the container wall and in the connecting area or the closure parts of the container. To form the closure parts, in one embodiment the outer cover layer merges directly and without interruption into the inner cover layer of the double-layer closure parts. As with the use of separate molded parts to form the closure parts, the thickness of the container in the closure area is reduced, and handling and durability are also improved.Furthermore, because there is no change in material in the connection area, there are no structural points of attack that could lead to the connection coming loose. Last but not least, the design of the connection area is improved.

[0027] Depending on the requirements of the container, the design of the closure parts in the connection area without a middle layer can be further modified and optimized. For example, the cover layers of the multi-layer material used to form the container wall can be fully overlapped and bonded to each other in the area of the closure parts to create the tab-like closure elements. This does not compromise the tensile strength of the connection area and corresponds to that of a continuous container wall.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the cover layers of the multi-layer material can again be continuous, whereby they are equipped with a reinforcement layer in the area of the closure elements, which is preferably arranged on the inside of the cover layers and is bonded to the cover layers over the entire surface and in a material-to-material bond. This reinforcement layer, in particular, the inner reinforcement layer, can be individually adapted to the requirements placed on the closure; for example, durability and handling can be further optimized without compromising the design of the container. Furthermore, the tensile strength of a connection area formed in this way can even be increased compared to a double-layer container wall, depending on the material selected for the reinforcement layer.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the container is at least partially made of a deformable material, in particular cardboard and / or plastic. The use of cardboard and / or plastic represents a simple way of forming a container that is easy to manufacture, has a low weight, and can also be used many times without compromising its strength. In a preferred embodiment, the container is made entirely of cardboard. In an optional configuration, the container is at least partially made of plastic, in particular areas of the closure, such as the hook-shaped closure elements of the closure that can be engaged with one another. In an alternative embodiment, the entire container can also be made of plastic, with two adjacent container walls of the container being connected to one another via film hinges.

[0030] In summary, the shipping container according to the invention offers the following advantages: The shipping container can be reused many times thanks to the closure according to the invention. The closure does not require adhesive tape, thus leaving the material of the shipping container, such as the corrugated cardboard, undamaged. The closure allows the shipping container to be opened and closed in just a few seconds. Furthermore, the shipping container can be folded flat in just a few seconds. The shipping container can be easily sealed, thus maintaining the confidentiality of the mail. The new closure is simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0031] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a closure arrangement comprising a closure formed from two closure parts which are movable relative to one another and which together define a connecting region.

[0032] The invention relating to the second aspect achieves the object underlying the container according to the invention in that the closure parts overlap or interlock at least partially in the connecting region, and each closure part has at least one closure element projecting in the direction of the respective other closure part to form the connecting region, wherein the closure parts are designed for non-positive and / or positive interaction with a separate connecting part that can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled from the closure elements and which holds the closure parts in their closed position. With the design of such a closure according to the invention, a closure arrangement is created that can be closed and opened many times without impairing its closability.Thanks to the connecting part, which can be brought into operative connection with the closure parts in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, the closure parts and their closure elements always remain intact, so that the connecting part can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled with the closure elements on the closure parts as often as required. Furthermore, high forces can be absorbed by means of the force-locking and / or form-locking connection between the closure parts and the connecting part coupling the closure parts, making the closure arrangement according to the invention suitable for a wide range of applications.

[0033] The second aspect relating to the closure arrangement utilizes the same advantages as the first aspect of the invention, and preferred embodiments of the first aspect, relating to the design of the closure parts and the closure elements arranged on the closure parts, as well as the connecting part coupling the closure parts to one another, are simultaneously also preferred embodiments of the second aspect, which is why, in this regard, reference is made to the above statements regarding the container according to the invention to avoid repetition. Each closure part preferably has a plurality of closure elements for interacting with the connecting part, wherein the closure elements of a closure part, in the coupled state, bear against the connecting part with the longitudinal side of the connecting part facing away from it.In addition, the closure elements of a closure part are arranged at a distance from one another and, in a preferred embodiment, are hook-shaped or tab-shaped. Furthermore, in their closed position, the closure elements form a receiving channel extending toward the connection area for the connecting part, which can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled from the closure parts.

[0034] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a closure arrangement according to one of the preferred embodiments described above for closing and opening and / or for reversibly detachably connecting at least one of the following: a reusable container, in particular a shipping container, a shoe and a plurality of components which can be coupled to one another.

[0035] The use according to the invention makes use of the same advantages as the container according to the invention according to the first aspect and the second aspect, wherein the preferred embodiments or further developments of the closure with its closure parts, closure elements and the connecting part described for the first and second aspect are at the same time also preferred embodiments and further developments of the use according to the invention, provided that they do not contradict one another, which is why reference is made to the above statements in this regard to avoid repetition.

[0036] Further advantages and embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Herein: Fig. 1 - 4: perspective views of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention; Fig. 5 - 8: perspective views of a second embodiment of a container according to the invention; Fig. 9 - 13: Views of a closure arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 14 - 17: Views of differently designed wall areas for forming the closure parts according to the invention with their closure elements; Fig. 18+ Fig. 19: Views showing the use of a closure arrangement according to the invention for connecting several components that can be coupled together; Fig. 20 -23: views showing the use of a closure arrangement according to the invention as a closure of a shoe, Fig. 24: a view of another embodiment of a connecting part.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a container 10 according to the invention, in particular a shipping container 10 designed as an envelope, which has two container walls 12, 12', in particular extending approximately parallel to one another. The container walls 12, 12' are connected to one another and delimit an interior space 14 of the container 10, which is designed to accommodate goods to be shipped or transported.

[0038] A closure 16 is formed on the container wall 12, which closure is designed to open or close an access 18 to the interior 14 of the container 10 in the container wall 12. The closure 16 is formed from two closure parts 20, 20' which are movable relative to one another and which together form a connecting region 22 ( Fig. 2) on the closure 16.

[0039] The closure parts 20, 20' are arranged in such a way that they overlap or interlock at least partially in the connecting region 22. Each closure part 20, 20' also has at least one closure element 24 projecting in the direction of the other closure part to form the connecting region 22. The closure parts 20, 20' are also designed for force-locking and / or form-locking interaction with a separate connecting part 26 that can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled from the closure elements 24. The connecting part 26, when coupled to the closure elements 24, holds the closure parts 20, 20' in their Fig. 4 shown locking position.

[0040] The closure part 20', which forms part of the container wall 12, is, as Fig. 2, pivotally mounted on an end face of the container wall 12', which forms the underside of the container 10. Each closure part 20, 20' has a plurality of closure elements 24 for interacting with the connecting part 26. In the embodiment shown, the closure elements 24 are designed in particular in the form of tabs.

[0041] The closure elements 24 of a closure part 20, 20' are arranged at a distance from one another along the connecting region 22. Between two closure elements 24 of a closure part 20, 20', there is a gap 27 that corresponds to the size of a closure element 24 of the respective other closure part 20, 20'.

[0042] As further stated Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the connecting part 26 can be a strip material that is dimensionally stable at least transversely to its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the connecting part 26 has an insertion section 30 at one end 28, in particular its front end, which is wedge-shaped in the embodiment shown here and enables simplified coupling with the closure elements 24.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows the container 10 with closure parts 20, 20' moved into a closed position, the closure elements 24 of which now alternately engage with one another. The closure elements 24 are arranged alternately in the direction of the connecting region 22. In particular, the closure elements 24 of one closure part 20 each engage in the gap 27 between the closure elements 24 of the other closure part 20'.

[0044] In Fig. 3 shows the container 10 designed as an envelope with its closure parts 20, 20' moved into the closed position, and the connecting part 26 inserted into the closure elements 24 of the closure parts 20, 20', which then interacts with them in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. The connecting part 26 is inserted into the closure elements 24, in particular from the end face of the closure parts 20, 20'. At the end 32 opposite the insertion section, a securing part 34 is arranged on the connecting part 26. This securing part 34 is in particular flexible and in the form of an adhesive strip and is designed to be temporarily brought into contact with one of the container walls 12, 12'. The securing part 34 comprises an adhesive section 36, which is integrally connected to the container wall 12'.In an embodiment not shown in detail, the securing part 34 is also designed to be brought into contact with a seal that fixes the securing part 34 to the container.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows the container 10 in its fully closed state, with the connecting part 26 fully inserted into the connecting region 22 of the closure parts 20, 20', thus clamping the closure parts 20, 20' against each other. Furthermore, the securing part 34 is brought into contact with the closure-free container wall 12'. In the coupled state, the connecting part 26 extends substantially parallel to the connecting region 22.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a container 10', in particular a shipping container 10' designed as a package. In addition to the parallel container walls 12, 12', the container 10' has lateral container walls 12" that connect the container walls 12, 12' to one another and, in particular, run perpendicular to the container walls 12, 12'. The lateral container walls 12" increase the height of the container 10 and thus the capacity of the interior space 14 defined by the container walls 12-12". Fig. 5 shows the container 10' with its fully opened closure 16 as access 18 into the interior 14.

[0047] In addition to the closure parts 20, 20', which are each pivotally connected to one of the side walls 12", the closure 16 comprises two inner covers 38 which, in their position folded towards the interior 14, close at least the area along the end faces of the closure parts 20, 20'.

[0048] Fig. Fig. 6 shows the container 10' with the inner lid 38 and closure parts 20, 20' closed, wherein, with regard to the basic design of the closure parts 20, 20', reference is made to the Fig. 1 - 4, reference is made to the statements made regarding the closure parts 20, 20' and their closure elements 24 as well as the connecting part 26 which can be coupled and uncoupled with the closure parts 20, 20' and the closure elements 24.

[0049] In the embodiment shown here, the closure elements 24 are also designed in the form of tabs, wherein the tab-like closure elements 24 form a receiving channel 40 for the connecting part 26 which can be brought into a force-locking and / or form-locking operative connection with the closure parts 20, 20'. As also shown in Fig. 6, the connecting part 26 is inserted into the receiving channel 40 from the end faces of the closure parts 20, 20'.

[0050] The connecting part 26, which is formed in particular from a strip material which is dimensionally stable transversely to its longitudinal extent, is designed to Fig. 7 shows how, when fully inserted into the receiving channel 40, the closure parts 20, 20' with their closure elements 24 are clamped against one another, wherein the closure elements 24 engage on opposite longitudinal sides 42, 42' of the connecting part 26.

[0051] After complete coupling of the connecting part 26 with the closure parts 20, 20', as in Fig. 8, the securing part 34 of the connecting part 26, arranged at the rear end 32, again secures the connecting part 26 to the container 10'. The securing part 34, in turn, has an adhesive section 36, which is brought into contact with a reinforced surface area 44 on the container 10'. The surface area 44 particularly protects the structure of the container 10', which is preferably made of cardboard material.

[0052] The container 10' is formed from a prefabricated stamped part, which is not shown in detail here, with at least some folded edges formed thereon. The container 10' can, in particular, be completely unfolded and converted with all of its container walls 12 - 12" into a substantially flat alignment.

[0053] In Fig. 9 shows a closure assembly 50 independent of any application. The closure assembly 50 comprises a closure 16 formed from at least two closure parts 20, 20' movable relative to one another. The closure parts 20, 20' together define a common connecting region 22. As also described in relation to the previous aspects essential to the invention, the closure parts 20, 20' overlap at least partially in the connecting region 22, or the closure parts 20, 20' interlock in the connecting region 22. Each closure part 20, 20' has at least one closure element 24' projecting toward the respective other closure part 20, 20' to form the connecting region 22.The closure parts 20, 20' are in turn designed for force-locking and / or form-locking interaction with a separate connecting part 26, which can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled with the closure elements 24' and holds the closure parts 20, 20' in their closed position.

[0054] How Fig. As illustrated in Figure 10, the closure parts 20, 20' with their closure elements 24' are to be brought into overlap or engagement with one another, at least in some areas, in particular into a closed position. The closure elements 24' of the closure part 20, 20' engage in gaps 27 between the closure elements 24' of the other closure part 20, 20' in order to be able to bring the separately formed connecting part 26 with its insertion section 30 into a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection with the closure elements 24'. The closure elements 24' of the closure parts 20, 20' engage with one another, in particular alternately.

[0055] Fig. 11 shows the closure assembly 50 in its closed position, in which the connecting part 26 is fully inserted and the closure parts 20, 20' are clamped against each other by the inserted connecting part 26. As can be seen from the partial section Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, the closure elements 24' of the closure parts 20, 20' engage opposite longitudinal sides 42, 42' of the connecting part 26. In particular, the closure elements 24', when coupled to the connecting part 26, interact with the longitudinal side 42, 42' of the connecting part 26 facing away from them.

[0056] In particular, by restoring forces F acting on the closure parts 20, 20' R, which act on both closure parts 20, 20' in opposite directions, a holding or clamping force is exerted on the connecting part 26, which can be inserted between the closure elements 24', which counteracts an automatic movement of the connecting part 26 out of the coupling position with the closure elements 24'. In the coupling position of the connecting part 26 with the closure parts 20, 20', a type of self-locking connection is achieved.

[0057] As described for container 10' and the Fig. 11-13 show, the closure elements 24, 24', in their closed position, form a receiving channel 40 extending in the direction of the connecting region 22 for the connecting part 26, which can be reversibly coupled and / or decoupled from the closure parts 20, 20'. In particular, the connecting part 26 of the closure 16 can be reversibly inserted into the receiving channel 40 and removed therefrom. The closure arrangement 50 shown here can thus be closed and reopened as often as desired. A part, object, or component equipped with such a closure arrangement 50 designed according to the invention can be opened or reopened as desired by means of such a closure 16.

[0058] How Fig. 12, the closure elements 24' can be hook-shaped or designed as hooks 52, wherein the closure elements 24' do not necessarily have to cross on their open side and can also form an open receiving channel 40. As can be seen from Fig. As can be seen from Figure 13, the closure elements 24 can be designed as tabs or as tabs 54. Furthermore, the material forming the closure elements 24 can be single-layered or multi-layered.

[0059] The Fig. 12 and Fig. The embodiments of the closure parts 20, 20' with their closure elements 24, 24' shown in Figure 13 are formed, for example, by sections of the container wall 12 itself, which are produced in particular by folding the container wall 12. In particular, the Fig. 13 folded ends 56 of the container wall 12 are integrally connected to the adjacent surface areas of the container wall 12, whereby the tab-like closure elements 24 are formed.

[0060] Fig. 14 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a closure 16 with its closure parts 20, 20'. In the embodiment shown here, the closure parts 20, 20' with their tab-like closure elements 24 are formed by means of separate molded parts 58. The molded parts 58 consist in particular of a folded sheet material and are materially connected to the top and bottom of a respective associated container wall 12. The molded parts 58 can be made of a material that is different from the material of the container, such as plastic. With regard to the basic design of the closure parts 20, 20' and the interaction with the connecting part 26 to be inserted into the receiving channel 40 formed by the closure elements 24, reference is made to the above explanations regarding the containers 10, 10' and the closure assembly 50.

[0061] Fig. 15 shows a further possible embodiment of a closure 16 with its closure parts 20, 20', each of which has a plurality of tab-like closure elements 24 for forming the closure 16. As shown here, the container wall 12 or wall regions of the closure parts 20, 20' are designed in multiple layers. The wall or wall region 12 comprises a shear-resistant central layer 60, which is covered on both sides by thin cover layers 62, 62'. The central layer 60 is firmly connected, in particular by a material bond, to the cover layers 62, 62'. In the regions of the container wall 12 that are used to form the closure parts 20, the shear-resistant central layer 60 is left out. The closure parts 20, 20' are formed only by the cover layers 62, 62', which, in the embodiment shown here, merge into one another without interruption.In the embodiment shown here, a reduced thickness in the area of the closure 16 is also realized with such closure parts 20, 20'.

[0062] Fig. 16 shows yet another embodiment of a closure 16 which is similar to the embodiment in Fig. 15. Contrary to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the cover layers 62, 62' of the closure parts 20, 20' of the formed container wall 12 or wall regions of a closure arrangement 50 are arranged in two layers. The cover layers 62, 62' of the multi-layer material overlap over their entire surface in the area of the closure parts 20, 20' to form the tab-like closure elements 24 and are integrally bonded to one another. In the area of the closure parts 20, 20', the central layer 50 is again recessed.

[0063] Fig. Figure 17 shows yet another exemplary embodiment for the design of a closure 16 with its closure parts 20, 20' made of the multi-layer material. In the area of the closure parts 20, 20', the central layer 60 of the multi-layer material is again cut out. The tab-like closure elements 24 of the closure parts 20, 20' are again formed only from the cover layers 62, 62' of the multi-layer material, which merge seamlessly into one another. In contrast to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the cover layers 62, 62' are equipped with a reinforcement layer 64 in the area of the closure parts 20, 20'. In the exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement layer 64 is arranged on the inside of the cover layers and is fully and materially bonded to the insides of the merging cover layers 62, 62'. The design of the reinforcement layer 64 is individually adapted to the requirements placed on the closure 16. For example, the reinforcement layer 64 can be made of a fabric or, for example, a plastic material. Furthermore, depending on the design of the closure 16 with its closure parts 20, 20', connecting parts 26 of different widths can be used with regard to the distance between the long sides 42, 42'.

[0064] The Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 show the use of a closure arrangement 50' for the reversibly detachable connection of components to be coupled together. With the aid of a closure arrangement 50' according to the invention, variously designed components 72, 72', receiving boxes 72, 72', are fastened, in particular, to component 70, in particular to a wall part 70 to be mounted vertically. Both the front side 74 of the wall part 70 and the rear side 76 of the receiving boxes 72, 72' facing the wall part 70 are equipped with corresponding interlocking closure elements (not shown in detail). After the closure elements have been brought into contact with one another and a closed position has been created, they are each fastened by means of a Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Coupling is achieved by inserting the connecting part 78 into the locking elements formed on the wall part 70 and on the receiving boxes 72, 72'. By uncoupling, in particular by pulling out the connecting part 78, the connection between the wall part 70 and the receiving boxes 72, 72' can be removed again.

[0065] In the Fig. Figures 20 to 23 show the use of the closure assembly 50 according to the invention on a shoe 100 as a closure 102. The shoe 100 has a sole 104 and an upper 106 connected to the sole 104. The closure 102 is arranged in the instep area 108 of the upper 106, by means of which the shoe 100 can be closed and opened as desired.

[0066] The one in the Fig. 20 and Fig. The shoe 100 depicted in the closed state in Figure 21 has the closure assembly 50 according to the invention as a closure 102. The closure 102 is also formed from two closure parts 20, 20' movable relative to one another, each closure part being connected to surface parts 110, 110' of the shaft 106 forming the instep region 108. The closure parts 20, 20' are arranged, in particular, parallel to one another, which together define a connecting region 22 in which the closure parts 20, 20' partially overlap or interlock.

[0067] In addition to the closure parts 20, 20', the closure 102 has a connecting part 26', which is designed for force-locking and / or positive engagement with the closure parts 20, 20'. The connecting part 26' holds the closure parts 20, 20' in their closed position and thus the closure 102 in the closed state.

[0068] Similar to the connecting part 26, the connecting part 26' has a wedge-shaped or tapered insertion section 30 at one end 28 for simplified coupling with the closure parts 20, 20' of the closure 102. At the end 32 of the connecting part 26' opposite the insertion section 30, a securing part 34' is provided, which in the embodiment shown here is designed as a stop element 80 for limiting the insertion depth of the connecting part 26' into the closure parts 20, 20'. The securing part 34' particularly counteracts accidental withdrawal of the connecting part 26' via its end 32 from the closure parts 20, 20'.

[0069] The connecting part 26' additionally has a handle part 82 at its end 28 having the insertion section 30, by means of which the connecting part 26', as can be seen from Fig. 22, can be at least partially disengaged from the locking parts 20, 20'. If the handle part 82, as in Fig. 23, almost completely inserted approximately up to its free end 84 into the receiving channel 40 for the connecting part 26' formed by the closure elements 24 on the closure parts 20, 20', the closure parts 20, 20' with their closure elements 24 can be disengaged from one another. Thus, the closure 102 on the shoe 100 is moved from its closed position ( Fig. 20) into the open position ( Fig. 23). At the free end 84 of the handle part 82, a securing part 86 is arranged, which prevents the handle part 82 and thus the connecting part 26' from being completely disengaged from the locking parts 20, 20'.

[0070] After putting on the shoe 100, by applying a tensile force F Z ( Fig. 20) at the free end 84 of the handle part 82, the closure elements 24 of the closure parts 20, 20', which are in particular designed like tabs and each project in the direction of the respective other closure part 20, 20', are in turn brought into engagement or overlap with one another by means of the insertion section 30 on the connecting part 26 and braced against one another. The connecting part 26', which can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled from the closure elements 24 as desired, then cooperates in a particularly force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner with the closure parts 20, 20' of the closure arrangement 50 and holds them in their closed position. The securing part 86 at the free end 84 of the handle part 82 is spherical in the embodiment shown here.

[0071] In Fig.24 shows an alternative embodiment of a connecting part 26", which, in contrast to the previously shown connecting parts 26, 26' with their longitudinal sides 42, 42' running parallel to one another, has two longitudinal sides 42, 42' which have a varying distance between the longitudinal sides 42, 42' in the direction of extension of the connecting part 26". In particular, each longitudinal side 42, 42' can have a curved profile 66.

[0072] In particular, in the embodiment shown here, the longitudinal sides 42, 42' have a constricted central region 68 with a concavely curved profile 66 on both sides. In an embodiment not shown in detail, the connecting part 26" can also have a widening central region with convexly curved profiles on both sides. Such a connecting part 26" with curved longitudinal sides 42, 42' is used in particular in conjunction with a closure 102 of a shoe 100, by means of which the tension of the closure elements 26 can be adapted to one another and in sections along the connecting region 22, for example, to different foot shapes of a user of such a shoe 100. List of reference symbols 10, 10' containers 12, 12', 12" tank wall 14 Interior 16 Closure 18 Access 20, 20' closure part 22 Connection area 24, 24' closure element 26, 26' connecting part 27 gap 28, 32 End 30 Introductory section 34, 34' safety part 36 adhesive section 38 inner lid 40 recording channels 42, 42' long side 44 Surface area 50, 50' locking arrangement 52 hooks 54 tabs 56 ends 58 molded parts 60 middle position 62, 62' top layer 64 reinforcement layer 66 midrange 68 History 70 wall section 72, 72' recording box 74 Front 76 Back 78 connecting part 80 stop element 82 Handle part 84 End 86 Safety part 100 shoes 102 Closure 104 Sole 106 shaft 108 clamping range 110, 110' area F R Restoring force F Z traction

Claims

[1] Reusable container (10, 10'), in particular shipping container, with at least one container wall (12, 12', 12") which at least partially delimits an interior space (14) of the container (10, 10'), which has a closure (16) which is designed to open or close an access (18) to the interior space (14) of the container (10, 10'), wherein the closure (16) is formed from two closure parts (20, 20') which are movable relative to one another and which together define a connecting region (22), wherein the closure parts (20, 20') overlap or interlock at least partially in the connecting region (22), and wherein the closure parts (20, 20') are designed for force-locking and / or form-locking interaction with a separate connecting part (26, 26', 26") which can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled with the closure elements (24, 24') and which holds the closure parts (20, 20') in their closed position, characterized by that each closure part (20, 20') has at least one closure element (24, 24') projecting in the direction of the other closure part (20, 20') for forming the connecting region (22), and wherein the connecting part (26, 26', 26") has a wedge-shaped or obliquely tapered insertion section (30) at one end (28) for simplified coupling to the closure elements (24, 24'), wherein by coupling the connecting part (26, 26', 26") to the closure elements (24, 24') by the wedge-shaped or obliquely tapered design of the insertion section (30), the ends of the closure elements (24, 24') engaging from opposite sides of the connecting part (26, 26', 26") are automatically moved into the closed position. [2] Container (10, 10') according to claim 1, characterized bythat each closure part (20, 20') has a plurality of closure elements (24, 24') for interacting with the connecting part (26), wherein the closure elements (24, 24') of the closure parts (20, 20') act on opposite longitudinal sides (42, 42') of the connecting part (26, 26', 26"). [3] Container (10, 10') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the closure element (24, 24') in the coupled state with the connecting part (26) cooperates with the longitudinal side (42, 42') of the connecting part (26, 26', 26") facing away from it. [4] Container (10, 10') according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the closure elements (24, 24') of a closure part (20, 20') are arranged at a distance from one another along the connecting region (22). [5] Container (10, 10') according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the closure elements (24, 24') of the closure parts (20, 20') are arranged alternately in the direction of the connecting region (22), wherein the closure elements (24, 24') of one closure part (20, 20') each engage in the distances between the closure elements (24, 24') of the other closure part (20, 20'). [6] Container (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting part (26) extends in the coupled state substantially parallel to the connecting region (22). [7] Container (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one closure element (24, 24') is hook-shaped or tab-shaped. [8] Container (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the closure elements (24, 24') in their closed position form a receiving channel (40) extending in the direction of the connecting region (22) for the connecting part (26) which can be reversibly inserted into the receiving channel (40) and removed therefrom. [9] Container (10, 10') according to claim 8, wherein the receiving channel (40) formed from the closure elements (24, 24') has a channel width which substantially corresponds to the width of the connecting part (26, 26', 26") between its longitudinal sides (42, 42'). and / or characterized by that the connecting part (26, 26', 26") is designed to be inserted into the receiving channel (40) from an end face of the closure parts (20, 20'). [10] Container (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting part (26, 26', 26") is a strip material that is dimensionally stable at least transversely to its longitudinal extent. [11] Container (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting part (26, 26', 26") has a securing part (34) along a section in the longitudinal extension, preferably at its end (32) opposite the insertion section (30), which is preferably designed to be flexible and is arranged to be temporarily brought into contact with a container wall (12', 12") or is designed as a stop element (70) for limiting the insertion depth of the connecting part (26') into the closure parts (20, 20') [12] Container (10, 10') according to claim 11, wherein the securing part (34) itself is designed for materially bonding to the container (10, 10') and / or for bringing into contact with a seal fixing the securing part (34) to a container wall (12', 12"). [13] Container (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the container (10, 10') is formed from a prefabricated punched part with at least folded edges formed thereon. [14] Container (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the container (10, 10') is at least partially made of a deformable material, in particular cardboard and / or plastic. [15] Closure arrangement (50, 50') comprising a closure (16, 102) formed from two closure parts (20, 20') which are movable relative to one another and which together define a connecting region (22), wherein the closure parts (20, 20') overlap or interlock at least partially in the connecting region (22) and each closure part (20, 20') has at least one closure element (24, 24') projecting in the direction of the other closure part (20, 20') for forming the connecting region (22), wherein the closure parts (20, 20') are designed for force-locking and / or form-locking interaction with a separate connecting part (26, 26', 26", 68) which can be reversibly coupled and uncoupled with the closure elements (24, 24') and which holds the closure parts (20, 20') in their closed position, characterized by that the connecting part (26, 26', 26") has a wedge-shaped or obliquely tapered insertion section (30) at one end (28) for simplified coupling to the closure elements (24, 24'), wherein by coupling the connecting part (26, 26', 26") to the closure elements (24, 24') by the wedge-shaped or obliquely tapered design of the insertion section (30), the ends of the closure elements (24, 24') acting from opposite sides of the connecting part (26, 26', 26") are automatically moved into the closed position. [16] Closure arrangement (50, 50') according to claim 15, characterized bythat on the connecting part (26') a handle part (72) for applying a tensile force (F Z ) is provided, by means of which the connecting part (26') is movable relative to the closure parts (20, 20'). [17] Use of a closure arrangement (50, 50') according to claim 15 for closing and opening and / or for reversibly detachably connecting at least one of the following: - Reusable container (10, 10'), in particular shipping container, - Shoe (100), and - several components (70, 72, 72') that can be coupled together.

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