Container with a stacking handle with a locally reduced cross-section

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container having at least one bale arm for being pivotably supported in opposing side walls in such a manner that it is movable between a stacking position, in which a transverse member of the bale arm extends between the opposing side walls forming a support for a base of another container stacked or stackable thereon, and a resting position in which the stacking member is removed from the opening and rests against a resting wall portion of the container.Prior art

[0002] In general, bale arms of stackable and nestable containers known from the prior art have uniform cross-sections or transverse elements onto which other containers are stackable with increased cross-sections, e.g. known from US 5 617 953 A.

[0003] Further, GB 2 124 588 A discloses a container having a bale arm, the cross section of which is generally circular but may be flattened or reduced at ends of the bale arm for purpose of wall width minimization.

[0004] However, such bale arms are usually manufactured from materials such as composite materials or high strength materials which have to be able to carry high loads and are expensive.

[0005] More prior art can e.g. be found in KR 101 431 496 B1 which relates to a stack type carrying box having a support bar fixing structure in which a support bar is shaftcoupled to upper portions of opposite sides of a box body such that the support bar may be converted into a stacking or nesting state while being rotated inwards or outwards. Support bars are formed on both sides of the support bar so as to face each other in a stacking state to prevent shaking when stacked.

[0006] Moreover, KR 2001 0026647 A which accords with the preamble of claim 1 and discloses a box with bale arms, the bale arms having a support rod extending over a box opening and formed in a straight line with protrusions on both ends of the support rod. The support rod forms steps at its lateral ends to provide a lowered middle portion when it is positioned over the box opening.

[0007] GB 2 362 378 A discloses a bail or swing arm for a container having a mid part length formed by a plastics rod and cranked end connecting parts located one at each end of rod. The end connecting parts provide bosses by which the bail arm is pivotally mounted on a container and are rigidly secured to the rod.

[0008] Further, EP 1 743 844 A1 discloses a stackable crate for the storage and transportation of goods including a container with a base and upstanding walls and one or more stacking bars that are adjustable to allow stacking of the crate with other similar crates in a plurality of stacking configurations. The stacking bars have a straight middle portion and lateral leg portions, with a hump formed at a connecting area between each leg portion and the middle portion.Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention relates to avoiding or at least minimizing disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a container having bale arms should be provided which is cost-efficient and / or provides stable and preferably non-shiftable support for a second stackable container.

[0010] The object is achieved by a container according to claim 1. Preferable embodiments are defined in dependent claims.

[0011] In detail, the object is achieved by a container, preferably made of plastic material, having at least one bale arm for being pivotably supported in opposing side walls in such a manner that it is movable between a stacking position, in which a transverse member of the bale arm extends between the opposing side walls forming a support for a base of another container stacked or stackable thereon, and a resting position in which the transverse member is removed from the opening and rests against a resting wall portion of the container, wherein the transverse member comprises lateral portions having a first cross-section, as well as a middle portion being arranged in-between the lateral portions and having a non-circular second cross-section which is reduced relative to the first cross section. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the second cross-section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first cross-section. The second cross-section is non-circular and a maximum width (length) of the non-circular second cross-section extends vertically when the bale arm is arranged in the stacking position.

[0012] Moreover, the second cross-section has either an elliptical or an oval cross-section, wherein the major axis thereof is oriented vertically (perpendicular to the base of the container) when the bale arm is in the stacking position. Or the second cross-section has a shape of a rhombus, wherein a longer one of the diagonals of the rhombus is oriented vertically (perpendicular to the base of the container) when the bale arm is in the stacking position or the second cross section has the shape of a rectangle, wherein the longitudinal direction thereof is oriented vertically when the bale arm is in the stacking position. A bar such as the transverse member having a compact, non-circular cross-section usually has a higher planar second moment of area (i.e. a higher bending stiffness) with regards to loads applied to the transverse member in the direction of the maximum width compared to other directions, particularly a direction perpendicular to said direction of the maximum width. Taking this into consideration, the transverse member has a defined direction of maximum bending stiffness. Due to this, the second cross-section is reduced in such a manner relative to the bale arm and its arrangement at the container walls, that in a bale arm position where maximum load is applied to the bale arm, i.e. the stacking position, the maximum width of the second cross-section (that is, the maximum bending stiffness) is oriented vertically or in a direction of load appliance. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the loss of stability and strength of the transverse member in the area of the middle portion during use due to the orientation of the cross-section. Damage to the bale arm due to the bending load is avoided or reduced. On the other hand, in the resting position or in a gripping position in which the applied load is considerably lower or even non-existent, a reduced width of the second cross-section suffices.

[0013] Advantageously, this allows saving of material where the second cross-section is reduced in relation to a full cross-section. Thus, due to typically high lot sizes in the field of containers, considerable saving of cost is achieved. Further, weight of the container as a whole is reduced and is therefore easier to handle. The second cross-section may be reduced evenly with respect to the full first cross-section, i.e. they may have a similar shape with a step formed continuously circumferentially between the first and second cross-sections. The step preferably forms an inclined or splined surface connecting the first and second cross-sections. Alternatively or additionally, the cross-sections may not be aligned or not coaxially arranged and touch at one or more points at their edges, e.g. the second cross-section being oval or ellipsoid and smaller than a round first cross-section, with edges of the first and second cross-sections being tangentially adjoined at one location, particular at an upper side of the transverse member when the bale arm is in the stacking position.

[0014] Further, when two containers are stacked via the bale arms, a weight of the upper container is preferably partially or completely applied to the lateral portions of the transverse member of the bale arm of the lower container. This can be achieved via an appropriate base structure of the upper container, e.g. with a base of the container at an area, where the middle portion of the bale arm of another container may be located during stacking, being recessed in relation to the area where the lateral portion is located or in reverse, the area of the base corresponding to the lateral portion may protrude accordingly. Thus, the corresponding load is applied at or near an area of the container wall of the lower container where the bale arm is supported. The lateral portions have a length which is longer than the area of the container wall where the base arm is located, such that the lateral portions stick out over the container wall and at least partially extend over a container interior. Therefore, a bending moment due to a weight applied to the transverse member during stacking may be minimized. The upper and lower containers are preferably identical or similar in construction. Further preferably, the bale arm may include a composite material such as polypropylen (PP) with added talcum, glass fibers or the like or it includes polyamide or similar materials. These materials provide optimal stability. Thus, the bale arm may be slim and easily mountable to the container, while providing stable support even when a high load is applied.

[0015] It is further preferable when the maximum width of the second cross-section corresponds to a width of the first cross-section at a corresponding circumferential location, particularly in the vertical direction when the bale arm is in the stacking position. Expressed in other words, the second cross-section of the bale arm is reduced only at one or two opposing sides of its circumference. Advantageously, an upwards facing side or upper surface area of the transverse member with the bale arm in the stacking position does not include a step (e.g. comprising an inclined or splined surface as described above or the like) formed between the first and second cross-sections, thus providing an even support surface for supporting another stackable or stacked container.

[0016] Preferably, the first cross-section is substantially circular and / or the second cross-section is substantially oval. While a circular cross-section is advantageous with regards to round rod-shaped raw materials, the oval cross-section is simple, effectively reduces material relative to the circular cross-section, and has a defined direction of maximum bending stiffness. Also, the oval cross-section is easy to combine with the circular first cross-section due to the similarity of the rounded shapes. It should be noted that the first and / or second cross-sections may alternatively be rectangular or the like. Alternatively, both cross-sections could be oval with the first cross section being wider than the first cross-section. Although round and oval are preferred based on advantages in manufacturing, no particular cross-sections are required. Furthermore, it is advantageous if a transitioning area is provided between each of the lateral portions and the middle portion, providing a smooth transition between the first and second cross-sections. Thus, a notch effect due to the different cross-sections being connected to one another is reduced.

[0017] Moreover, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least one stacking groove is provided at a container bottom, the stacking groove having a width substantially corresponding to the lateral width of the first cross-section when the bale arm is in the stacking position. In other words, when two containers are stacked, the stacking groove of the upper container and the lateral portions of the lower container are engaged non-slidably or free of play in a lateral direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the transverse member. In general, and also in particular if the weight of the stacked-on-top upper container is applied completely or mainly to the lateral portions as described above, it is advantageous to prevent a shifting between the stacked containers in order to avoid damage to the containers and / or a content of said containers and / or a fall of the upper container. Secure stackability is achieved. In this regard, it is of further advantage if the lateral portion has an anti-slip portion at least at a side of the transverse member which faces upwards in the stacking position. Thereby, shifting of two stacked containers relative to one another can be further reduced. The anti-slip portions may comprise a structured surface such as ridges and / or an area with increased surface roughness and / or a coating or attachments (e.g. ridge-shaped) of a material with a high coefficient of friction relative to the surrounding surface of the transverse member.Description of figures

[0018] In the following, the present invention is described via a preferred embodiment which is merely illustrative and is not supposed to limit the scope of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a container with bale arms according to an embodiment of the present invention and a detail view of a lateral portion of a bale arm. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the bale arm according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view III-III of a transverse member of the bale arm of the embodiment as indicated in Fig. 2; and. Fig. 4A to 4C show simplified cross-sectional views of the transverse member of the bale arm of the embodiment according to modifications of the embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as well as a detail view of a top corner area of the container 1. A container has a base 2 and two pairs of opposing side walls 3 which are fixedly connected to each other and to the base and are inclined so as to be nestable with a similar container. One pair of the opposing side walls 3 forms four hinge eyes 4, e.g. located in slots or double walled portions, which are arranged at each top corner of the container 1, at an upper rim thereof. Substantially U-shaped bale arms 5 are provided which form a hinge pin 6 at each of their free ends, the hinge pins 6 having a round or oval cross section, which are respectively inserted into the hinge eyes 4 so as to provide a pivotable support of the bale arms 5 at the container walls 3. In Fig. 1, the bale arms 5 are pivoted to inner end stops formed by the upper rim of the opposing side walls 3 of the container 1 such that transverse members 7 of the bale arms 5 extend across a container interior and are supported by the inner end stops. At each of their sides, one of which is depicted in the detail view, the transverse members 7 have lateral portions 8 with a first cross-section which is circular. Connecting the lateral portions 8, each transverse member has a middle portion 9 with a second cross-section which is oval, with a maximum width of the second cross-section corresponding to the width or diameter of the first cross-section. The two cross sections are respectively connected via a transitioning area 10, achieving a smooth transition between the first and second cross-sections and thus avoiding a notch effect.

[0020] In the depicted position, the bale arms 5 are in a stacking position where they may provide support for a similar second container stackable thereon. Accordingly, the base 2 of the container has base grooves or base recesses 11 at its lower side which are shaped according to a cross section of the transverse members 7, in particular the lateral portions 8. Accordingly, a lateral width and / or a shape of the first cross-section in the stacking position corresponds to a width and / or a shape of the base recess 11. Further, the base recesses 11 are located according to the transverse members 7 in the stacking position in order serve as an engagement portion against a lateral relative movement or lateral shifting of the two containers 1 relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the transverse members 7.

[0021] Each bale arm 5 may be pivoted around the hinge pin 6 towards an outer end stop formed at a resting wall portion at the upper rim of the container 1, particularly on top of an additional container wall 3 which connects the opposing container walls 3 which support the bale arms 5. This position is a resting position or a nesting position (not illustrated) in which the bale arm does not carry any load and in which two similar containers are nestable, since the transverse members 7 of the bale arms 5 do not block access to the container interior from the top.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the bale arm 5 only. At each of the lateral portions 8, at a circumferential side thereof which side faces upwards in the stacking position, an anti-slip portion 12 comprising ridges which extend in the a circumferential direction are provided against lateral relative movement or lateral shifting of the two containers 1 relative to one another along the transverse members 7. In addition, lateral stop portions 13 that protrude from the lateral portions in a radial direction are provided farther outside of the anti-slip portions 12, respectively, which laterally support a container placed on the bale arm 5.

[0023] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view III-III of the transverse member 7 of the bale arm 5 of the embodiment as indicated in Fig. 2. A sectional plane of the cross-sectional view extends through the middle portion 9 of the bale arm 5 with a shape of the cross-section of the middle portion 9 being oval or reduced at two sides thereof compared to a circular cross section. In the present view, the bale arm 5 is depicted in a stacking position and the oval second cross-section of the middle portion 9 extends upwards. That is, a maximum width of the oval second cross section is oriented vertically or perpendicular to the base 2. Behind the middle portion's 9 second cross-section, the circular or cylindrical shape of the lateral portion 8 can be observed. A diameter of said circular shape substantially corresponds to the maximum width of the middle portion 9 while laterally, the circular shape of the first cross-section of the lateral potion 8 is wider than the oval second cross-section of the middle portion 9. The transitioning area 10 is located between the first and second cross-sections.

[0024] Figs. 4A to 4C show different variations of the cross-section of the middle portion 9 of transverse member 7 in the stacking position. In Fig. 4A, the cross-section has a shape of an ellipse, in Fig. 4B, the cross-section has a shape of a rhombus, and in Fig. 4C, the cross-section has an rectangular-like shape. It is common to all cross-sections that their major axes or longitudinal directions are oriented vertically in the stacking position, which allows a sufficient strength whilst the required material can be reduced.

[0025] Whilst the invention has been described on the basis of a preferred embodiment and some variants of it, it is not limited thereto. For example, the transitioning area 10 between the lateral portion 8 having the first cross-section to the middle portion 9 having the second smaller / reduced cross-section can be extended so that the cross-sections is continuously or gradually reduced to the middle portion of the transverse member 7. Preferably, the cross-section / diameter of the transverse member 7 is not reduced in its vertical extension at all, but only in its lateral extension (direction parallel to the base 2) in a cross-sectional view when the bale arm 5 is placed in its stacking position.List of reference signs

[0026] 1Container 2Base 3Side wall 4Hinge eye 5Bale arm 6Hinge pin 7Transverse member 8Lateral portion 9Middle portion 10Transitioning area 11Base recess / stacking groove 12Anti-slip portion 13Lateral stop portion

Claims

1. Container (1) having at least one bale arm (5) for being pivotably supported in opposing side walls (3) in such a manner that it is movable between a stacking position, in which a transverse member (7) of the bale arm (5) extends between the opposing side walls (3) forming a support for a base of another container stacked or stackable thereon, and a resting position in which the transverse member (7) is removed from the opening and rests against a resting wall portion of the container (1), wherein the transverse member (7) comprises lateral portions (8) having a first cross-section, as well as a middle portion (9) being arranged in-between the lateral portions (8) and having a non-circular second cross-section which is reduced relative to the first cross section, characterized in that the second cross-section has either an elliptical or an oval shape or the shape of a rhombus or the shape of a rectangle, and in case where the second cross-section has the elliptical or oval shape, the major axis thereof is oriented vertically when the bale arm is in the stacking position; in case where the second cross-section has the shape of a rhombus, the longer one of the diagonals of the rhombus is oriented vertically when the bale arm is in the stacking position; and in case where the cross-section has the rectangular-like shape, the longitudinal direction thereof is oriented vertically when the bale arm is in the stacking position.

2. Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bale arm (5) includes polypropylen with added talcum or glass fibers and / or it includes polyamide.

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum width of the second cross-section corresponds to a width of the first cross-section at a corresponding circumferential location.

4. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cross-section is substantially circular.

5. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one base recess (11) is provided at a container bottom, the base recess (11) having a width substantially corresponding to the lateral width of the first cross-section when the bale arm (5) is in the stacking position.

6. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral portion (8) has an anti-slip portion (12) and / or a protruding stop portion (13) at least at a side of the transverse member (7) which faces upwards in the stacking position.

7. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a transitioning area (10) is provided between each of the lateral portions (8) and the middle portion (9), providing a smooth transition between the first and second cross-sections.