Transport container for receiving containers of goods to be transported with different sizes

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transport container, preferably foldable, for receiving transport containers, more precisely cups or buckets, in particular in a round, preferably conical shape, in at least two different sizes with a bottom and four side walls, preferably hinged to the bottom. State of the art

[0002] Transport containers for holding transport containers are known from the prior art. Transport containers are vessels that typically hold a (viscous) liquid, in particular foodstuffs, e.g., dairy products such as yogurt, cream, etc., or free-flowing or bulk goods. Such transport containers are usually transported before being sold to the end consumer in units in which several individual transport containers are combined. Appropriate transport containers are used for this purpose. These transport containers thus hold a large number of identical transport containers. Identical transport containers are those that have the same size and shape, and are therefore preferably all identical to one another.

[0003] Containers for transport are typically sold in various sizes, meaning with different volumes, or more precisely, different heights and diameters. For example, (yogurt) cups—as an example of a container—are sold in sizes / quantities of 500 grams, 1500 grams, and 3000 grams. These containers usually have a conical shape, with the diameter of the base typically being smaller than the diameter of the top. Several containers of the same size are usually stacked in a shipping container to minimize movement. This reduces movement between the containers relative to the container and relative to each other.Accordingly, the small range of movement of the transport containers within the transport container reduces the probability of damage to the transport containers during transport / placement in the transport container.

[0004] With conventional transport containers, it is necessary, among other things to ensure damage-free transport of the goods, to provide different transport containers for different sizes, specifically tailored to the size of the goods being transported. Due to their conical shape, for example, a larger, and especially taller, transport container must currently be used for a (yogurt) cup with a capacity of 3000 grams than for a (yogurt) cup with a capacity of 500 grams. Containers are already known in patent literature. For example, EP 3670371 A1 shows a container with hinged bottom sections. This container is used for transporting cheese wheels. US 2018 / 290805 A1 shows a type of pallet for transporting cylindrical items such as barrels.

[0005] However, providing transport containers of different sizes or heights is expensive and cumbersome.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to have a transport container of a single size with which (similar) transport containers of different sizes could be transported.

[0007] Against this background, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a suitable transport container that can accommodate (similar) transport containers of different sizes and in which relative movement of the transport containers among themselves is prevented regardless of the size of the transport containers used.

[0008] This problem is solved by the transport container (made of plastic) according to the main claim. A corresponding, preferably collapsible, transport container for receiving (similar) transport containers, more precisely cups or buckets, particularly in a round, preferably conical, shape, in at least two different sizes / volumes, has a base and four side walls, preferably hinged to the base. In each side wall, at least two openings are provided on a first plane with respect to the vertical direction, which are designed and intended to receive an upper rim of a first transport container of a first size.In each side wall, at least two, in particular concavely curved, side wall recesses / recesses / notches / indentations are provided on the inside of the container on a second plane with respect to the vertical direction, which differs from the first plane and is in particular further from the ground than the first plane or is located above the first plane, and are designed and intended to receive an upper edge of a second transport container of a second size, which differs from the first size and is in particular larger than the first size. Further features are defined by independent claim 1.

[0009] Advantageously, such a transport container can accommodate (identical) containers of different sizes and in varying numbers, ensuring that the containers are pressed firmly against each other and / or against the side walls. Thus, regardless of their size, the containers can be packed so tightly within the container that they cannot move or shift relative to each other or the side walls during transport. This ensures that (identical) containers of different sizes can be transported safely in one and the same container without damaging each other or the container itself.

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

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

[0012] Accordingly, the transport container can accommodate (identical) transport containers of at least two different sizes: either a large number of first transport containers of the first size, e.g., (yogurt) cups with a volume to hold 1500 grams of yogurt, whose upper rim has a diameter such that it extends into the openings. If these first transport containers are neatly stacked, the transport container can hold, for example, 5 of these first transport containers. Alternatively, the same transport container can accommodate a large number of second transport containers of the second size, e.g., (yogurt) cups with a volume to hold 3000 grams of yogurt. In this case, the second transport containers fit snugly against the recesses on the side walls of the second level. Then the same transport container, which, for example,The container can hold five first transport containers, or alternatively, four second transport containers. Without these side wall recesses, their conical shape would not provide sufficient horizontal space for this number of second transport containers if the side wall were straight. As an alternative to first or second transport containers, the same container can also hold a number of third transport containers of a smaller size than the first, for example, (yogurt) cups with a volume of 500 grams of yogurt. For example, this container can then hold nine third transport containers per level and, by simply stacking them on top of each other, can hold a maximum of 18 third transport containers.In other words, one and the same transport container can hold either 4 second transport containers, or 5 first transport containers, or 18 third transport containers.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. According to the invention, a plurality of pedestal projections extend from the bottom into the interior of the container, preferably at a central location, which in cooperation with one another form a pedestal for receiving or supporting transport containers.

[0014] This platform can, for example, support a first transport container, or it can accommodate a third transport container, smaller than both the first and second transport containers, between its platform projections. When a first (elevated) transport container is supported on the platform, its upper edge is higher than the upper edge of the surrounding (other) first transport containers resting on the ground. The space at the level of the upper edge of the first transport containers on the ground would be insufficient to insert another transport container between them. However, the platform allows for the insertion of an additional first transport container between the existing containers on the ground.

[0015] The, preferably four, platform projections can be designed as arc segments on a diameter of an imaginary circle around the center of the floor.

[0016] Furthermore, it may be provided that the side walls are articulated to the floor and have a vertically pronounced / recessed, especially arc-shaped, depression at their upper edge, particularly in the middle, the contour of which is complementary to the outer contour of the platform projections.

[0017] This type of transport container is foldable due to its hinged side walls. In other words, all four side walls can be folded flat onto the floor. This allows, for example, space-saving storage of folded transport containers (which, accordingly, do not contain any transported goods). The recess in the upper edge of the side walls, which is complementary to the shape of the platform, allows the transport container to be folded despite the platform protruding upwards from the floor.

[0018] It can also be useful if the platform projections are arranged relative to each other in such a way that a third transport container of a third size, which is smaller than the first size of the first transport container, can be arranged within the platform projections and the first transport container can be supported on the platform projections.

[0019] The platform projections are shaped and spaced so that they can either accommodate a third transport container between them or allow a first transport container to rest on them. A third transport container held between the platform projections is surrounded on all sides by other third transport containers. The platform projections hold this third transport container securely, thus preventing any movement of this container relative to the surrounding (third) transport containers. If a first transport container rests on the platform, the platform allows for the accommodation of another first transport container in addition to the first transport containers already arranged around the platform at the bottom of the transport container.Depending on the size of the transport containers held in the transport container, the platform either prevents relative movement of the transport containers to each other or increases the number of transport containers that can be held in the transport container.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advisable that the platform projections are positioned relative to the side walls in such a way that the second transport container can be arranged between the platform projections and the side walls.

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

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the recess in a side wall is arranged between two side wall recesses in the same side wall with respect to the horizontal direction. In this way, the recess and the side wall recesses in a side wall do not interact adversely with each other.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable that each side wall could have a recessed section and a perforation arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. This has the advantage that the transport container can accommodate both the first and second transport containers in a space-optimized manner.

[0024] It is also conceivable that a recessed handle is provided on at least two opposing edges of the base, forming a grip for holding the transport container. The handle is attached to the transport container in a space-saving manner. By placing the handle on the underside of the transport container, the base is particularly well supported when carried by the person carrying it, thus effectively preventing the base from breaking.

[0025] It is also advantageous if a label-receiving protrusion is arranged on the base above the respective handle recess, designed and configured for attaching a label. If the label-receiving protrusion is positioned directly on the handle, a viewer can easily and clearly see a label affixed to it. The label can advantageously contain information about the transport container and / or the goods container within it.

[0026] The side walls, which are positioned at an edge of the base with a label-receiving projection, can each have a label-receiving projection recess at their lower edge, which is designed to complement the label-receiving projection. Thanks to the label-receiving projection recess, the side wall is not obstructed by the label-receiving projection when the transport container is unfolded.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred that the height of a circumferential rim formed by the upper edges of the side walls is dimensioned to approximately correspond to the height of two stacked third-order transport items and / or the height of a first transport container resting on a platform and / or the height of a second transport container standing on the ground. This ensures that the transport containers, regardless of their size, do not protrude above the upper edge of the transport container. Thus, the transport container is potentially stackable. At the same time, the height of the transport container is adapted to the height of the transport containers of varying sizes being transported within it and is not unnecessarily high. Therefore, the transport container is designed to be space-optimized and / or height-optimized.

[0028] It is advantageous if each platform projection is shaped like a circular arc, the platform projections are spaced apart from each other, and together they form an interrupted circular ring. In this way, the platform projections can accommodate or support transport containers with a (circular) cross-section particularly well and in a space-saving manner.

[0029] Furthermore, the platform extensions can be formed integrally with the base. This has the advantage of ensuring a particularly secure and firm connection between the platform extensions and the base. Additionally, a transport container of this type is less expensive to manufacture than one where the platform extensions are formed separately from the base and must be attached to it.

[0030] Furthermore, it is possible that on a third level with respect to the vertical direction, which is closer to the ground than the first level and the second level, in particular in the middle with respect to the horizontal direction, a handle opening is formed on at least two opposite side walls, which forms a handle for gripping the transport container.

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

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the side walls have a first stacking structure at their upper edge and the bottom has a second stacking structure at its outer edge, complementary to the first, so that the transport container can be stacked with other (identical) transport containers. The stacking structure advantageously prevents unwanted slippage of stacked transport containers relative to one another. Thus, the stacking structure enables the safe stacking of multiple transport containers on top of each other.

[0033] It is also advantageous if the side walls on the inside of the container are flat (i.e., without openings and / or side wall recesses) on a fourth level in the vertical direction, which is closer to the bottom than the first and second levels and corresponds to the height of a third-size transport container, smaller than the first and second sizes. Furthermore, the distance between any two opposing side walls on this fourth level is less than the distances between these side walls at the level of the first and second levels. This allows the third-size transport containers to rest against the respective side walls, thus securing a row of third-size transport containers between two opposing side walls. This reduces or prevents the third-size transport containers from shifting within the transport container. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The present disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a transport container in its assembled state; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the transport container in its flat state; Fig. 3A a perspective view of the transport container in its assembled state with a large number of third transport containers included within it; Fig. 3B a perspective view of the transport container in its assembled state with a large number of third transport containers included in it, with the platform projections visible; Fig. 3C a top view of the transport container in its assembled state with a large number of third transport containers included in it; Fig. 4A a perspective view of the transport container in its assembled state with a large number of initial transport containers included within it; Fig. 4B a perspective view of the transport container in its assembled state with a large number of initial transport containers included in it, with the platform projections visible; Fig. 4C a top view of the transport container in its assembled state with a large number of first transport containers contained within it; Fig. 5A a perspective view of the transport container in its assembled state with a large number of second transport containers included within it; Fig. 5B a perspective view of the transport container in its assembled state with a large number of second transport containers included within it, showing the platform projections; and Fig. 5C A top view of the transport container in its assembled state, showing a large number of secondary transport containers held inside.

[0035] In Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a transport container 1 in its assembled state. The transport container 1 has a (square) base 2 and four (rectangular) side walls 4. The side walls 4 are each divided into two opposing first side walls 4.1 and two opposing second side walls 4.2. Each first side wall 4.1 abuts a second side wall 4.2 on both sides, and vice versa. The first side wall 4.1 and the second side wall 4.2 differ in height, with the first side wall 4.1 being shorter than the second side wall 4.2. The reason for this difference will be explained below with reference to Fig. 2 received.

[0036] In its assembled state, the side walls 4 extend vertically upwards from the base 2. The upper edges of the side walls 4 work together to form a circumferential upper rim of the container. The side walls 4 are each hinged to the base 2. For this purpose, the side walls 4 have a first hinge structure (not visible) on their underside / lower edge facing the base 2, which is complementary to a second hinge structure (not visible) located on the upper side of the base 2. The first hinge structure interacts with the second hinge structure in such a way that the side walls 4 can be folded relative to the base 2, i.e., from the assembled state, they can be folded down onto the base 2, thus enabling the transport container 1 to be laid flat (described and shown in more detail in [reference]). Fig. 2 The side walls 4 are locked together, or lockable together, when the transport container 1 is assembled. For this purpose, the side walls 4 each have a locking structure (not shown) at their adjacent corner edges.

[0037] Each side wall 4 has two openings 6 on a first level with respect to the vertical direction. The openings 6 are designed as openings in each side wall 4. The openings 6 of a side wall 4 are located at the same height relative to each other in the vertical direction. The openings 6 are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The openings 6 are located near the corners of the respective side wall 4. The openings 6 are essentially rectangular. The openings 6 have rounded corners. This prevents sharp edges of the openings 6 that could injure or damage the transport containers (not shown) held in the transport container 1.

[0038] Furthermore, each side wall 4 on the inside of the container has two side wall recesses 8 on a second level with respect to the vertical direction, which is further from the bottom 2 than the first level. The side wall recesses 8 are recessed from the inside of the side wall in the thickness direction of the side wall, i.e., they are recesses on the inside of the side walls. That is, the side wall recesses 8 are cutouts on the inside of the side walls 4, so that the side walls 4 are thinner in the area of ​​the side wall recesses 8 than in the rest of the area.

[0039] The side wall recesses 8 are located above the openings 6. More precisely, the side wall recesses 8 are also at the same height horizontally as the openings 6, and the openings 6 are located vertically below the side wall recesses. The openings 6 and the side wall recesses 8 have approximately the same longitudinal extent. The side wall recesses 8 transition directly into the openings 6. In other words, the upper edge of the openings 6 is identical to the lower boundary of the side wall recesses 8. Furthermore, the side wall recesses 8 extend vertically downwards from the upper edge of the side walls 4 (towards the openings 6). Thus, at this point, the side wall recesses 8 thin the upper edge of the side walls 4.In other words, the upper edge of the side walls 4 in the area of ​​the side wall recesses 8 is thinner than the rest of the upper edge (excluding the side wall recesses 8). The side wall recesses 8 are each concavely curved.

[0040] From the base 2, a multitude of platform projections 10 extend upwards into the interior of the container, particularly vertically. More precisely, four platform projections 10 are provided, of which in the Fig. 1 In the depicted perspective, only two platform projections 10 are visible. These platform projections 10 together form a platform. Each platform projection 10 has an extruded circular arc shape. The platform projections 10 are spaced apart from one another. Together, the platform projections 10 form a broken circular ring. The breaks in the circular ring correspond to the distance between adjacent platform projections 10. The circular ring has a diameter that is larger than the (base) diameter of third transport containers and smaller than the (base) diameter of first transport containers. The platform projections 10 are positioned centrally on the base 2. This means that the center point of the circular ring formed by the platform projections 10 coincides with the center point of the base 2.

[0041] Each of the side walls 4 has a vertically defined recess 12 at its upper edge. A recess 12 is also provided centrally in each side wall 4 with respect to the horizontal direction. The recess 12 is located between the side wall recesses 8. The height of each side wall 4 is reduced in the area of ​​the respective recess 12 compared to the rest of its length. Each recess 12 is arc-shaped. The contour of the recesses 12 is complementary to the outer contour of the platform projections 10. The deepest point of each recess 12 is further from the floor 2 than the lower boundaries of the side wall recesses 8 or the upper edge of the openings 6.

[0042] The base 2 has a handle recess 14 on each of the two opposite edges where the first side walls 4.1 are arranged. The handle recess 14 forms a handle for gripping the transport container 1. The handle recess 14 is provided as a rectangular depression in the base 2. In the area of ​​the handle recess 14, the underside of the base 2 is interrupted. The base 2 is recessed or tapered towards the center of the base 2 in the area of ​​the handle recess 14.

[0043] The handle recesses 14 have rounded corners. This minimizes the risk of injury to a person gripping the transport container 1. A label-receiving projection 16 is arranged on the base 2 of the transport container 1 above each handle recess 14. A label 18 is provided or attached to each label-receiving projection 16. The label-receiving projection 16 extends beyond the upper edge of the base 2. When two transport containers 1 are stacked flat, the label-receiving projection 16 of the lower transport container 1 projects into the handle recess 14 of the transport container 1 above it (not shown). The first side walls 4.1 have a label-receiving projection recess (not visible) in the area facing the label-receiving projection 16 when the container is assembled. This recess is designed to be complementary to the label-receiving projection 16.

[0044] A first stacking structure 20 is provided at the bottom edge of the base 2 in the edge region. Here, the first stacking structure 20 is designed as a recess. The first stacking structure 20 is located in each of the two end regions on at least two opposite side edges on the underside of the base 2. Here, the first stacking structure 20 is provided on all four side edges of the base 2.

[0045] Furthermore, at least two opposing side walls 4, here the first side walls 4.1, each have a side wall stacking structure 21. The side wall stacking structure 21 is arranged at both ends of the (second) side walls 4. It is designed to be complementary to the first bottom stacking structure 20. More precisely, the side wall stacking structure 21 is designed as a projection. In this case, the side wall stacking structure 21 projects upwards from the upper edge of the first side walls 4.1. Viewed horizontally, the side wall stacking structure 21 is at the same height as the first bottom stacking structure 20 on the bottom 2 of the same transport container 1, i.e., above the first bottom stacking structure 20. When the transport containers 1 are assembled, the side wall stacking structure 21 of a lower transport container 1 engages with the first bottom stacking structure 20 of an upper transport container 1 stacked on top of it (not shown).The interaction of the side wall stacking structure 21 with the first bottom stacking structure 20 prevents the stacked transport containers 1 from shifting or moving relative to each other in the assembled state.

[0046] On a third level in the vertical direction, which is closer to the base 2 than the second level, a handle opening 22 is formed on each of the side walls 4, forming a handle for gripping the transport container 1. In the horizontal direction, the handle opening 22 is located centrally on each side wall 4. Viewed horizontally, the handle opening 22 is at the same height as the recess 12 of the same side wall 4, or below the recess 12. In other words, the handle opening 22 is located below the recess 12. The handle opening 22 is approximately as wide as the recess 12. At a minimum, the handle opening 22 is wide enough for a user of the transport container 1 to insert their hand across its entire width. The handle opening 22 is essentially rectangular overall, with rounded corners.

[0047] Fig. 2 This is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in its flat state. In this flat state, the side walls 4 lie flat on the base 2. In this flat state, an empty transport container 1 (i.e., a transport container 1 without any transport containers) can be stored or transported in a space-saving manner. Two opposing second side walls 4.2 lie directly and flat on the base 2. The other two opposing first side walls 4.1 rest on the second side walls 4.2. The second side walls 4.2 are (in their vertical extent) taller than the first side walls 4.1, i.e., there is a height difference between the first and second side walls 4.1, 4.2. The base 2 is thicker / higher at the level of the first side walls 4.1 by this height difference than at the level of the second side walls 4.2. This allows the shorter first side walls 4.2 to lie flat on the base.1 on the higher second side walls 4.2 in the flat state. The recess 12 in each side wall 4 lies against or follows the shape of the platform projection 10 facing it.

[0048] A second floor stacking structure 23 is provided at the top edge of the base 2 in the edge region. More precisely, the second floor stacking structure 23 is provided in the two end regions at the two opposing top edges of the base 2, to which the first side walls 4.1 are hinged. The second floor stacking structure 23 is designed as a projection. Advantageously, the second floor stacking structure 23 is identical to the side wall stacking structure 21. The second floor stacking structure 23 is also complementary to the first floor stacking structure 20. Here, the second floor stacking structure 23 is designed as a projection. Viewed horizontally, the second floor stacking structure 23 is at the same height as the first floor stacking structure 20 on the base 2 of the same transport container 1, i.e., above the first floor stacking structure 20.Thus, the second base stacking structure 23 of a lower transport container 1, when flat, engages with the first base stacking structure 20 of a transport container 1 stacked on top of it (not shown). The interaction of these base stacking structures 20, 23 prevents the stacked transport containers 1 from shifting or moving relative to each other when flat.

[0049] Naturally, due to the equivalent arrangement and design of the side wall stacking structure 21 and the second bottom stacking structure 23, transport containers 1 can also be stacked together, in which at least one transport container 1 is in the flat state and at least one other transport container 1 is in the assembled state.

[0050] Fig. 3A Figure 1 is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, containing a number of third-party transport containers 24. For better visibility of the third-party transport containers 24 within the transport container 1, the first side wall 4.1 and the second side wall 4.2 are not shown. The third-party transport containers 24 are stacked on top of each other in two levels. In this example, 9 third-party transport containers 24 are arranged per level, so that a total of 18 third-party transport containers 24 are contained in the transport container 1. The upper edge of the upper level of third-party transport containers 24 lies below the surrounding rim of the container. The upper edge of the third-party transport containers 24 in the upper level, which are arranged centrally in the outer rows of transport containers 24, projects into the corresponding recess 12.

[0051] Fig. 3B Figure 1 is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, showing a multitude of third transport containers 24 contained within it, with the platform projections 10 visible. To ensure the platform projections 10 are clearly recognizable, the following are shown in the figure. Fig. 3B Likewise, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2, as well as some third transport containers 24, are not shown. Furthermore, only third transport containers 24 of a lower level are shown. Fig. 3B It is clearly visible that the central third transport container 24 of the lower level is located within the platform projections 10. Thus, the platform projections 10 fix the central third transport container 24 relative to the transport container 1 and to the other third transport containers 24.

[0052] Fig. 3C The figure shows a top view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, containing a multitude of third-order cargo containers 24. It can be seen that the third-order cargo containers 24 on the same plane do not touch each other. However, there is only a minimal distance between the upper edges of the third-order cargo containers 24 on the same plane. The upper edges of the outer third-order cargo containers 24 touch the nearest side wall 4. The length of a row of cargo containers 24 arranged side by side (here, three at a time) within the transport container 1 thus corresponds approximately to the distance between the opposing side walls 4 that frame them. Accordingly, the third-order cargo containers 24 have only a minimal amount of space for movement within the transport container 1 relative to the transport container 1 and / or relative to each other.

[0053] Fig. 4A Figure 1 is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, showing a multitude of first transport containers 26 contained within it. Here too, one first side wall 4.1 and one second side wall 4.2 are not shown. A central first transport container 26 rests on the platform projections 10. The remaining (four) outer first transport containers 26 are arranged between the platform projections 10 and the side walls 4. The remaining (four) outer first transport containers 26 rest on the base 2. Thus, the central first transport container 26 projects above the outer transport containers 26 by the height of the platform projections 10. The upper edge of the central first transport container 26 does not extend beyond the surrounding rim of the container. The upper edge of the outer first transport containers 26 protrudes through two openings 6 in two adjacent (corner-by-corner) side walls 4. The openings 6 are approximately as high as...wide as the thickness of the upper edge of the first transport containers 26.

[0054] Fig. 4B Figure 1 is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, showing a multitude of first transport containers 26 contained within it, with the platform projections 10 visible. To ensure the platform projections 10 are clearly recognizable, the following are shown in the figure. Fig. 4B The first side wall 4.1 and the second side wall 4.2 are not shown, and the first transport container 26 is also not shown. Thus, in Fig. 4B It is clearly visible that the central first transport container 26 rests on the platform projections 10. Furthermore, it can be seen that the diameter of the annular platform formed by the platform projections 10 in cooperation with each other is smaller than the diameter of the base of the first transport container 26.

[0055] Fig. 4C The figure shows a top view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, containing a number of first transport containers 26. It can be seen that the upper edge of the outer first transport containers 26 disappears section by section into the openings 6. Furthermore, it can be seen that the upper edge of the central first transport container 26 extends beyond the outer first transport containers. This is possible because the central first transport container 26 rests on the platform projections 10. Otherwise, the space between the upper edges of the outer first transport containers 26 would be too small for the diameter of the upper edge of the central first transport container. Thanks to the platform projections 10, not only four, but five first transport containers 26 can be accommodated in the transport container 1.

[0056] Fig. 5A Figure 1 is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, containing a multitude of secondary transport containers 28. Here too, one first side wall 4.1 and one second side wall 4.2 are not shown. All four secondary transport containers 28 are arranged between the platform projections 10 and the side walls 4. The upper edges of adjacent secondary transport containers 28 touch each other. The upper edges of the secondary transport containers 28 rest against the side wall recesses 8 in sections. Specifically, the upper edge of each secondary transport container 28 rests against the adjacent side wall recesses 8 of two mutually adjacent (corner-to-corner) side walls 4.The upper edge of the second transport containers 28 is located, viewed vertically, at approximately the same height as the surrounding container rim, or more precisely, slightly below the surrounding container rim.

[0057] Fig. 5B Figure 1 is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, containing a multitude of second transport containers 28, with the platform projections 10 visible. To ensure the platform projections 10 are clearly recognizable, the following are shown in the figure. Fig. 5B The first side wall 4.1 and the second side wall 4.2 are not shown, and a second transport container 28 is also not shown. It is in Fig. 5B It is clearly visible that the second transport containers are arranged between platform projections 10 and side walls 4. The interaction of the platform projections 10 with the side walls 4 reduces or prevents slippage or movement of the second transport containers 28 relative to the transport container 1 and / or relative to each other.

[0058] Fig. 5C Figure 1 shows a top view of the transport container 1 in its assembled state, containing a multitude of second transport containers 28. It can be seen that the side wall recesses 8 have exactly the same curvature as the upper edge of the second transport containers 28. Two adjacent side wall recesses 8 of each pair of adjacent side walls 4 completely accommodate a section of the upper edge of one and the same second transport container 28. The upper edges of the adjacent second transport containers 28 are in contact with each other.

[0059] Overall, the compilation of the Fig. 3A bis 5C Thus, one and the same transport container 1 can hold different quantities of transport containers 24, 26, 28 of different sizes. The transport container 1 is designed and constructed in such a way that all the transport containers 24, 26, 28 of different sizes can be securely stored / received within the transport container 1, regardless of their size. Therefore, any shifting of the transport containers 24, 26, 28 relative to each other within the transport container 1 is prevented, irrespective of their respective sizes.

[0060] In the Figuren 3A bis 5CThe transport containers are represented as conical cups with a lid. The lid forms the upper edge or rim of each transport container 24, 26, 28. The lid of a cup has a significantly larger diameter than the rim of the lower section of the same cup. The diameter of the base of each transport container 24, 26, 28 is smaller than the diameter of the rim of the same container 24, 26, 28. The diameter of the transport containers 24, 26, 28 increases continuously from the base to the rim. However, alternatively, buckets (with or without lids), cups without lids, or similar containers can also be used as transport containers 24, 26, 28.

[0061] In the figures, the base 2 and the side walls 4 are provided with numerous ventilation openings. These ventilation openings in the base 2 and the side walls 4 ensure good and sufficient ventilation of the transport containers (not shown here) held in the transport container 1. They also result in weight and material savings. However, the transport container 1 can just as easily be used without these ventilation openings. Reference symbol list

[0062] 1 Transport container 2 Base 4 Side walls 4.1 First side walls 4.2 Second side walls 6 Openings 8 Side wall recesses 10 Platform projections 12 Recesses 14 Handle recess 16 Label mounting projection 18 Label 20 First base stack structure 21 Side wall stack structure 22 Handle openings 23 Second base stack structure 24 Third transport containers 26 First transport containers 28 Second transport containers

Claims

1. Transport container (1) for receiving transported goods containers (24, 26, 28), in particular conically shaped cups, in at least two different sizes, said transport container having a base (2) and four side walls (4) connected to the base (2), preferably in an flexible manner, wherein at least two apertures (6) are provided in each side wall (4) on a first plane with respect to the vertical direction, and are configured and provided to receive an upper edge of a first transported goods container (26) of a first size, and at least two, in particular concavely curved, side wall depressions (8) are provided in each side wall (4) on the inner container side on a second plane with respect to the vertical direction which differs from the first plane and is in particular further away from the base (2) than the first plane, and are configured and provided to receive an upper edge of a second transported goods container (28) of a second size which differs from the first size and is in particular larger than the first size; characterized in that a plurality of platform projections (10) project from the bottom (2) into the container interior, said projections forming, in cooperation with each other, a platform (10) for the storage of the first transported goods container (26) of the first size.

2. Transport container (1) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of platform projections (10) project from the bottom (2) into the container interior, said projections forming, in cooperation with each other, a platform for receiving the third transported goods container (24) of a third size, wherein the third transported goods container (24) is smaller the first transported goods container (26) and the second transported goods container (28).

3. Transport container (1) according to claim 2, wherein the side walls (4) are connected in a flexible manner to the bottom (2) and comprise, at their upper edge, in particular in the center, a depression (12) that is pronounced or depressed in the vertical direction, in particular in the shape of a circular arc, the contour of which is complementary to the outer contour of the platform projections (10).

4. Transport container (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the platform projections (10) are arranged relative to each other such that a third transport container (24) of a third size, which is smaller than the first size of the first transport container (26) and the second size of the second transport container (28), is arrangeable within the platform projections (10) and the first transport container (26) is supportable on the platform projections (10).

5. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the platform projections (10) are positioned relative to the side walls (4) in such a way that the second transported goods container (28) is arrangeable between the platform projections (10) and the side walls (4).

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

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

8. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a handle recess (14) is provided on at least two edges of the base (2) opposite one another, and forms a handle for gripping the transport container (1).

9. Transport container (1) according to claim 8, wherein a label receiving projection (16) is arranged on the base (2) above the respective handle recess (14), and is provided and configured for attaching a label (18).

10. Transport container (1) according to claim 9, wherein the side walls (4) arranged on an edge of the base (2) with a label receiving projection (16) each have on their lower edge a label receiving projection recess configured complementary to the label receiving projection (16).

11. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the height of a circumferential container edge formed by the upper edges of the side walls (4) is dimensioned in such a way that it corresponds approximately to the height of two stacked third transported goods containers (24) of a third size, which is smaller than the first size of the first transported goods container (26) and the second size of the second transported goods container (28), and / or to the height of a first transported goods container (26) resting on the platform and / or the height of a second transported goods container (28) standing on the floor.

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

13. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a handle opening (22) is each formed on a third plane, closer to the base (2) than the first plane and the second plane, with respect to the vertical direction, in particular centrally with respect to the horizontal direction, on at least two side walls (4) opposite one another, and forms a handle for gripping the transport container (1).

14. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, at their upper edge, the side walls (4) comprise a first stacking structure (21), and, at its lower edge on the outer edge, the bottom comprises a second stacking structure (22), which is configured to be complementary to the first stacking structure (21), so that the transport container (1) can be stacked with at least one other equivalent transport container (1).

15. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the side walls (4) are configured, on the inner container side on a fourth plane, with respect to the vertical direction, closer to the base (2) than the first plane and the second plane and which corresponds to the height of a third transported goods container (24)of a third size, which is smaller than the first size and the second size, in a planar manner for laterally delimiting and supporting the third transported goods containers (24).

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