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

Description

Technical field

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

[0002] US 2012 / 234837 A1, which shows the preamble of claim 1, discloses a transport container for transporting bottles. Four openings are provided in each of the two opposite longitudinal side walls. A recess is arranged above each opening. Between the two centrally arranged openings or recesses, a partition is provided adjacent to each longitudinal side wall.

[0003] Transport containers for transporting goods are therefore known from the prior art. Transport containers are containers that hold a usually (viscous) liquid transported material, in particular foodstuffs, e.g., dairy products such as yogurt, cream, etc., or free-flowing or loose transported material. Such transport containers are usually transported in units comprising several individual transport containers before being sold to the end consumer. Appropriate transport containers are used for this purpose. Such transport containers therefore hold a large number of similar transport containers. Similar transport containers are transport containers that have the same size and shape, i.e., are preferably all identical to one another.

[0004] Typically, containers for transporting goods are sold in different sizes, i.e., with different volumes, or more precisely, with different heights and diameters. For example, (yogurt) pots—as an example of a container for transporting goods—are sold in sizes / capacities of 500 grams, 1500 grams, and 3000 grams. Such containers for transporting goods are usually conical in shape, with the diameter of the base of the container typically being smaller than the diameter at the top edge of the same container. Multiple containers of the same size are typically stacked in a transport container so that they have as little room for movement as possible. This minimizes movement of the containers for transporting goods relative to the container and relative to each other.Accordingly, the small range of movement of the transport goods containers within the transport container reduces the probability of damage to the transport goods containers during transport / loading into the transport container.

[0005] With conventional transport containers, it is necessary, among other things to ensure minimal damage during transport, that different transport containers of different sizes be provided, each of which is specifically tailored to the size of the transported goods. Due to the conical shape, among other things, a larger, and in particular taller, transport container has been used in practice for (yogurt) pots with a capacity / size of 3000 grams than for (yogurt) pots with a capacity / size of 500 grams.

[0006] However, it is expensive and cumbersome to provide transport containers of different sizes and heights.

[0007] It would therefore be desirable to have a transport container of a single size that can be used to transport (similar) cargo containers of different sizes. It would also be desirable for the cargo containers transported in the transport container to prevent them from slipping or jamming during transport.

[0008] Against this background, it is the object of the present disclosure to provide a corresponding transport container which can accommodate (similar) transport goods containers of different sizes and in which a relative movement of the transport goods containers among each other is prevented regardless of the selected size of the transport goods containers used.

[0009] This object is achieved by the transport container (made of plastic) according to the main claim. A corresponding, preferably foldable, transport container for receiving (similar) transport goods containers, more precisely cups or buckets, in particular in a round, preferably conical, shape, in at least two different sizes / volumes, has a base and four side walls, preferably hingedly connected to the base. In each side wall, at least two openings are provided on a first plane with respect to the vertical direction, which openings are designed and intended to receive an upper edge of a first transport goods container of a first size.In each side wall, at least two, in particular concavely curved, side wall depressions / recesses / notches / indentations are provided on the inside of the container on a second level with respect to the vertical direction, which differs from the first level and is in particular further away from the ground than the first level or above the first level, and are designed and provided 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.The transport container also has (exactly) one platform provided on the floor and extending from the floor into the interior of the container for, in particular, the exclusive support of the first transport container and / or a third transport container of a third size that is smaller than the first size of the first transport container and the second size of the second transport container. The platform is dimensioned in its size (and surface area) such that both a first transport container and a third transport container can rest on it (although not simultaneously).

[0010] Advantageously, such a transport container can accommodate (similar) transport containers of different sizes in varying numbers, ensuring that the transport containers fit snugly against each other and / or against the side walls. Thus, regardless of their size, the transport containers can be packed so tightly within the transport container that they cannot move or slip relative to each other and / or the side wall during transport. This ensures that (similar) transport containers of different sizes can be safely transported within the same transport container without damaging each other and / or the transport container itself.

[0011] A first or third transport container can be supported on the platform. If a (raised) transport container is supported on the platform, the upper edge of this transport container is higher than the upper edge of the (other) transport containers surrounding it, which are on the ground. The space at the level of the upper edge of the (first) transport containers standing on the ground would be too small to fit another (first) transport container between these (first) transport containers standing on the ground. However, by providing the platform, an additional (first) transport container can be accommodated between the (first) transport containers standing on the ground. Due to its elevated position, a (first or third) transport container resting on the platform cannot jam with the other (first or third) transport containers (of the same size) in the transport container that are on the ground.

[0012] In this document, the size of a transport container always refers to its diameter and height. This means that a second transport container of a second size, which is larger than the first size, has both a larger diameter and a greater height than a first transport container of a first size. Furthermore, as the size of the transport container accommodated in the transport container increases, the maximum number of transport containers that can be accommodated in the transport container decreases. In other words, more transport containers of a smaller size can be accommodated in the transport container than if transport containers of a larger size are accommodated in the transport container.

[0013] It is assumed that only transport containers of uniform size, i.e. similar 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).

[0014] Accordingly, (similar) transport containers in at least two different sizes can be accommodated in the transport container: either a plurality of first transport containers of a first size, e.g. (yogurt) pots with a volume for holding 1500 grams of yogurt, which has a diameter at its upper edge such that its upper edge protrudes into the openings. If these first transport containers are properly sized, e.g. 5 of these first transport containers will fit into the transport container. As an alternative to the first transport containers, the same transport container can accommodate a plurality of second transport containers of a second size, e.g. (yogurt) pots with a volume for holding 3000 grams of yogurt. In this case, the second transport containers nestle against the side wall recesses on the second level. Then the same transport container, which e.g.can accommodate 5 first transport containers, as an alternative to these four second transport containers. Without these side wall recesses, there would not be enough space in the horizontal direction to accommodate this number of second transport containers due to their conical shape with a straight side wall. As an alternative to first or second transport containers, the same transport container can also accommodate a large number of third transport containers of a third size that is smaller than the first size and than the second size, e.g. (yogurt) pots with a volume for holding 500 grams of yogurt. For example, this transport container can then accommodate 9 third transport containers per level and can accommodate a maximum of 18 third transport containers by simply stacking third transport containers on top of each other.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.

[0015] According to the invention, the platform is arranged centrally on the floor, at least with respect to two opposite side walls, but preferably with respect to all four side walls. If the platform is arranged centrally on the floor with respect to all four side walls, the center of the platform corresponds to the center of the floor or the transport container. If the platform is arranged in this way with respect to the side walls, the space between the side walls and the platform can be optimally used to accommodate transport containers (of any size).

[0016] Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if the platform has a cross-shaped structure or if the platform is designed as a cross / has a cross shape / is designed as a cross or cross-shaped. Such a platform can prevent a transport container standing on it from assuming an inclined position and, for example, jamming against adjacent transport containers. If the platform has a cross-shaped structure, it is possible, with appropriate positioning of the platform relative to the side walls, for transport containers with a rectangular basic shape, i.e. cuboid transport containers, to be arranged between the side walls and the platform.

[0018] It can also be provided that the platform is designed as a right-angled cross, i.e., the (two crossing / intersecting) sections of the cross are perpendicular to each other or intersect at a 90° angle. Such a platform is particularly easy to manufacture and position relative to the side walls. A right-angled cross can be formed from a plurality of platform projections, whereby the platform projections themselves can have various basic shapes, e.g., a rectangular shape or a circular segment shape.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advisable to position the platform, which is designed as a rectangular cross, relative to the side walls in such a way that the mutually perpendicular sections of the cross-shaped platform are each aligned parallel to the opposite side walls. When the platform is arranged in this way relative to the side walls, it is possible to arrange rectangular transport containers between the side walls and the platform.

[0020] It would also be conceivable for the platform to be constructed from at least two platform projections. This would allow the platform to be designed in a variety of possible configurations and would result in material savings.

[0021] A platform consisting, for example, of three adjacent platform projections, of which the middle one is long and the other two shorter ones are arranged on either side (in the middle) next to the middle one and are connected only by an imaginary line, can also be designed as a right-angled cross. In any case, it is sensible for the platform projections to cooperate with each other to form a cross or have a cruciform arrangement.

[0022] In particular, the platform is designed so that transport containers can rest exclusively on it and cannot be arranged within the platform, between the platform projections. This means that all platform projections are of the same height and, together, form a plane that is parallel to the floor.

[0023] In other words, it is advantageous if the at least two platform projections are arranged relative to one another in such a way that no transport container can be placed on the floor between them. This effectively prevents a transport container standing on them from assuming an inclined position or from being positioned diagonally between the platform projections and, for example, jamming with adjacent transport containers.

[0024] It is also conceivable that the platform is positioned relative to the side walls in such a way that the second transport container can be arranged on the floor between the platform and the side walls. This provides sufficient space between the platform and the side walls for the second transport container. Furthermore, the arrangement of the second transport container between the platform and the side walls prevents the second transport container from slipping within the transport container.

[0025] It is also conceivable for each side wall to have a side wall recess and an opening arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. This has the advantage that the transport container can accommodate both first and second transport containers in a space-optimized manner.

[0026] Furthermore, the openings can be provided with rounded corners or with a radius at their corners. These rounded corners allow the second transport container to be accommodated "around the corner."

[0027] It is also conceivable that a handle recess is provided on at least two opposing edges of the base, forming a handle for grasping the transport container. The handle is attached to the transport container in a space-saving manner. By attaching the handle to the underside of the transport container, the base of the transport container is particularly well supported by the wearer when carrying it, thus effectively counteracting any potential breakage of the base.

[0028] It is also advantageous if a label-receiving projection is arranged on the base above the respective handle recess, which is provided and designed for attaching a label. If the label-receiving projection is attached directly to the handle, a viewer can particularly easily and clearly perceive a label attached to the label-receiving projection. The label can advantageously contain information about the transport container and / or the transported goods container accommodated in the transport container.

[0029] The side walls, which are arranged along 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.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferred if the height of a circumferential container edge formed by the upper edges of the side walls is dimensioned such that it approximately corresponds to the height of two third transport goods stacked on top of each other plus the height of the pedestal and / or the height of a first transport goods container resting on the pedestal and / or the height of a second transport goods container standing on the floor. This ensures that the transport goods containers, regardless of the selected size, do not protrude beyond the upper edge of the transport container. This means that the transport container is potentially stackable. At the same time, the height of the transport container is adapted to the height of the transport goods containers of different sizes transported in it and is not unnecessarily high. This means that the transport container is designed to be space-optimized and height-optimized.

[0031] 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 centrally 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.

[0032] The handle opening can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the handle recess in the base. If the handles are provided in the side walls, one person can lift the transport container from an ergonomic position.

[0033] It is particularly preferred if the openings are located in the upper half of the respective side wall with respect to the floor, or in other words, if the lower edge of the openings is arranged on or above the horizontal center line of each side wall. The openings are preferably designed in the manner of a longitudinal slot, i.e. the length of the openings is significantly or many times greater than the height or width of the openings. The height of the openings preferably corresponds substantially to the height of the upper edge of the first transport goods containers. In other words, the openings are designed precisely to accommodate the upper edge of the first transport goods containers and therefore do not impair the stability of the side walls. In addition, they are so narrow that no transport goods containers can fall or slip out of the openings.

[0034] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the side walls have a first stacking structure at their upper edge, and the base has a second stacking structure on its underside at the outer edge, which is complementary to the first stacking structure, so that the transport container can be stacked with other (identical) transport containers. The stacking structure advantageously prevents unwanted slipping of stacked transport containers relative to one another. Thus, the stacking structure enables secure stacking of multiple transport containers on top of one another.

[0035] It is also advantageous if the side walls on the inside of the container on a fourth level with respect to the vertical direction, which is closer to the ground than the first level and the second level and which corresponds to the height of a third transport container of a third size that is smaller than the first size and the second size, are flat / level (i.e. without an opening and / or side wall recess), and the distance between two opposite side walls on the fourth level is smaller than the distances between these side walls at the level of the first level and at the level of the second level. This has the advantage that the third transport containers can rest against the respective side walls, such that a row of third transport containers is fixed between two opposite side walls. This reduces or prevents the third transport containers from slipping within the transport container. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 a perspective view of a transport container in the assembled state; Fig. 1A shows a top view of a first alternative design of the podium; Fig. 1B shows a second alternative design of the podium in plan view; Fig. 1C shows a third alternative design of the podium in plan view; Fig. 1D shows a fourth alternative design of the podium in plan view; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the transport container in the flat state; Fig. 3A a perspective view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of third transport containers accommodated therein; Fig. 3B a perspective view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of third transport containers accommodated therein, with the pedestal visible; Fig. 3C a plan view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of third transport containers accommodated therein; Fig. 4A a perspective view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of first transport goods containers accommodated therein; Fig. 4B a perspective view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of first transport goods containers accommodated therein, with the pedestal visible; Fig. 4C a plan view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of first transport goods containers accommodated therein; Fig. 5A a perspective view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of second transport containers accommodated therein; Fig. 5B a perspective view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of second transport containers accommodated therein, with the pedestal visible; and Fig. 5C a top view of the transport container in the assembled state with a plurality of second transport containers accommodated therein.

[0037] In Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a transport container 1 in the 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 adjoins 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 from each other in their height, with the first side wall 4.1 being less high than the second side wall 4.2. The reason for this distinction will be explained below with reference to Fig. 2 received.

[0038] In the assembled state, the side walls 4 each extend vertically away from the base 2 (upwards). The upper edges of the side walls 4 cooperate with each other to form a circumferential upper container rim. The side walls 4 are each connected to the base 2 in an articulated manner. For this purpose, the side walls 4 have a first articulated structure (not visible) on their underside / lower edge facing the base 2, which is complementary to a second articulated structure (not visible) located on the upper side of the base 2. The first articulated structure interacts with the second articulated structure such that the side walls 4 can be folded relative to the base 2, i.e., starting from the assembled state, they can be folded open onto the base 2, so that a flat state of the transport container 1 can be realized (described in more detail and shown in Fig. 2 ). The side walls 4 are locked or lockable to one another in the assembled state of the transport container 1. For this purpose, the side walls 4 each have a locking structure (not shown) on their adjacent corner edges.

[0039] In each side wall 4, two openings 6 are provided on a first plane in relation to the vertical direction. The openings 6 are provided or formed as openings in each side wall 4. The openings 6 of a side wall 4 are located at the same height relative to one another in the vertical direction. The openings 6 are spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction. The openings 6 are each 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, which could injure / damage the transport goods containers (not shown here) accommodated in the transport container 1.

[0040] The long side of the openings 6 extends in the horizontal direction, and the wide side of the openings 6 extends in the vertical direction. The length of the openings 6 is several times, approximately three times, greater than the width or height of the openings 6. In other words, the openings 6 are designed as longitudinal slots.

[0041] The openings 6 are each located in the upper half of the respective side wall 4 (relative to the base 2). More precisely, the lower edge of the openings 6 is located on or above the horizontal center line of each side wall 4. Below the openings 6, i.e., between the base 2 and the lower edge of the openings 6, the side wall 4 is flat and (apart from possible ventilation openings) continuous. The width / height of the openings 6 essentially corresponds to the height of a lid or the upper edge of the first transport container 26.

[0042] In addition, each side wall 4 on the inside of the container has two side wall recesses 8 on a second plane in relation to the vertical direction, which is further away from the base 2 than the first plane. The side wall recesses 8 are recessed from the inside of the side wall in the thickness direction of the side wall, i.e., recesses on the inside of the side walls. This means that the side wall recesses 8 are recesses on the inside of the container in the side walls 4, so that the side walls 4 are thinner in the area of the side wall recesses 8 than in the remaining area.

[0043] The sidewall recesses 8 are located above the openings 6. More precisely, the sidewall recesses 8 are also located at the same height in the horizontal direction as the openings 6, and the openings 6 are located below the sidewall recesses in the vertical direction. The openings 6 and the sidewall recesses 8 have approximately the same longitudinal extent. The sidewall recesses 8 merge directly into the openings 6. In other words, the upper edge of the openings 6 is identical to the lower boundary of the sidewall recesses 8. Viewed vertically, the sidewall recesses 8 also extend directly downward from the upper edge of the sidewalls 4 (towards the openings 6). Thus, the sidewall recesses 8 thin the upper edge of the sidewalls 4 at this point.In other words, the upper edge of the side walls 4 in the area of the side wall recesses 8 is thinner than the remaining upper edge (without the side wall recesses 8). The side wall recesses 8 are each concavely curved.

[0044] From the center of the base 2, a platform 10 projects, particularly vertically, into the interior of the container. More precisely, the platform 10 shown here is composed of three platform projections. In other words, the platform projections together form the platform 10. The two outer platform projections (hereinafter referred to as the short platform projections) are shorter and smaller than the middle platform projection (hereinafter referred to as the large platform projection). The platform projections are spaced parallel to one another and aligned parallel to the second side walls 4.2. The platform projections cooperate with one another to form a broken right-angled cross. Right-angled here means that the large platform projection and an imaginary line connecting the short platform projections each intersect at a 90° angle. The large platform projection covers the center of the base 2.The platform is designed and constructed to support a transport container. Accordingly, the platform 10 is flat. This means that the upper surfaces of all platform projections forming the platform 10 lie in the same plane (which is parallel to the floor 2). The platform 10 extends up to the maximum upper edge of the floor 2.

[0045] Here, the platform projections each have a rectangular basic shape. However, it is also conceivable that, for example, the two short platform projections have a circular segment shape as their basic shape. Nevertheless, two platform projections shaped in this way, in cooperation with the large middle platform projection (which can also have rounded corners, for example), form a right-angled cross.

[0046] 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. In the area of the handle recess 14, the base 2 is recessed or set back towards the center of the base 2.

[0047] The handle recesses 14 have rounded corners. This minimizes the risk of injury to a person grasping the transport container 1. A label receiving projection 16 is arranged on the base 2 of the transport container 1 above the respective handle recess 14. A label 18 is provided or attached to each label receiving projection 16. The label receiving projection 16 protrudes beyond the upper edge of the base 2. When two transport containers 1 are stacked flat on top of each other, the label receiving projection 16 of the lower transport container 1 protrudes 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 in the assembled state, which is designed to be complementary to the label receiving projection 16.

[0048] A first base stack structure 20 is provided in the edge region of the bottom edge of the base 2. The first base stack structure 20 is formed here as a recess. The first base stack 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 base stack structure 20 is provided on all four side edges of the base 2.

[0049] In addition, at least two opposing side walls 4, here the first side walls 4.1, each have a side wall stack structure 21. The side wall stack structure 21 is arranged at the two ends of the (second) side walls 4. This is designed to be complementary to the first base stack structure 20. More precisely, the side wall stack structure 21 is designed here as a projection. In this case, the side wall stack structure 21 projects upwards from the upper edge of the first side walls 4.1. Viewed in the horizontal direction, the side wall stack structure 21 is located at the same height as the first base stack structure 20 on the base 2 of the same transport container 1, i.e. above the first base stack structure 20. When the transport container 1 is assembled, the side wall stack structure 21 of a lower transport container 1 engages with the first base stack structure 20 of an upper transport container 1 stacked thereon (not shown).The interaction of the side wall stacking structure 21 with the first bottom stacking structure 20 prevents a shifting / movement of the stacked transport containers 1 relative to one another in the assembled state.

[0050] On a third plane in relation to the vertical direction, which is closer to the floor 2 than the second plane, a handle opening 22 is formed on each of the side walls 4, forming a handle for gripping the transport container 1. In relation to the horizontal direction, the handle opening 22 is arranged centrally on each side wall 4. The handle opening 22 is at least wide enough for a user of the transport container 1 to insert his or her hand across its entire width into the handle opening 22. The handle opening 22 is essentially rectangular overall with rounded corners.

[0051] Fig. 1A shows a top view of a first alternative design for platform 10. This platform 10 is also designed in a cross shape. It consists of three platform projections, with the short projections extending to the large platform projection and resting against it. Platform 10 is designed as a rectangular cross.

[0052] Fig. 1B shows a top view of a second alternative design of the platform 10. The platform 10 is formed in one piece and has a cross shape. More precisely, the platform 10 is also designed as a rectangular cross.

[0053] Fig. 1C shows a top view of a third alternative design for platform 10. Platform 10 consists of five equally sized platform projections. The platform projections cooperate with each other to form a rectangular cross (the outer contour of which is interrupted accordingly).

[0054] Fig. 1D shows a top view of a third alternative design for platform 10. Platform 10 is composed of three platform projections. The platform projections cooperate to form a right-angled cross (the outer contour of which is interrupted accordingly). An imaginary line connecting the two short platform projections intersects the middle platform projection at a 90° angle. The short or small platform projections have a circular segment shape as their basic shape.

[0055] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the flat state. In the flat state, the side walls 4 lie flat on the base 2. In the flat state, an empty transport container 1 (i.e., a transport container 1 in which no transport goods containers are accommodated) can be stowed or transported in a space-saving manner. Two opposite second side walls 4.2 lie directly and flat on the base 2. The other two opposite first side walls 4.1 lie on the second side walls 4.2. The second side walls 4.2 are higher (in their vertical extent) 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 by this height difference at the level of the first side walls 4.1 than at the level of the second side walls 4.2. This allows the shorter first side walls 4 to lie flat.1 on the higher second side walls 4.2 in the flat state. The heights of the side walls 4 are dimensioned such that they do not protrude beyond the platform 10 in the flat state.

[0056] A second base stack structure 23 is provided in the edge region at the upper edge of the base 2. More precisely, the second base stack structure 23 is provided in each of the two end regions at the two opposite upper edges of the base 2, to which the first side walls 4.1 are hinged. The second base stack structure 23 is designed here as a projection. Advantageously, the second base stack structure 23 is identical to the side wall stack structure 21. The second base stack structure 23 is also complementary to the first base stack structure 20. Here, the second base stack structure 23 is designed as a projection. Viewed in the horizontal direction, the second base stack structure 23 is located at the same height as the first base stack structure 20 on the base 2 of the same transport container 1 or above the first base stack structure 20.Thus, the second base stack structure 23 of a lower transport container 1 engages, in the flat state, with the first base stack structure 20 of a transport container 1 stacked thereon (not shown). The interaction of these base stack structures 20, 23 prevents displacement / movement of the stacked transport containers 1 relative to one another in the flat state.

[0057] Of course, 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 with one another, 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.

[0058] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of third transport goods containers 24 accommodated therein. For better visibility of the third transport goods containers 24 within the transport container 1, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are not shown here. The third transport goods containers 24 are stacked on top of one another in two levels. In this example, nine third transport goods containers 24 are arranged per level, so that a total of 18 third transport goods containers 24 are accommodated in the transport container 1. The upper edge of the middle third transport goods container 24 of each level projects beyond the upper edges of the outer third transport goods containers 24 surrounding this transport goods container 24. The upper edge of the middle third transport goods container 24 of the upper level projects at most as far as the circumferential container edge.The upper edge of the upper level of the outer third transport goods containers 24 lies below the surrounding container edge.

[0059] Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of third transport containers 24 accommodated therein, with the platform 10 being visible. In order to clearly identify the platform projections, Fig. 3B Likewise, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2, as well as some third transport goods containers 24, are not shown. Furthermore, only third transport goods containers 24 of a lower level are shown. In Fig. 3B It is clearly visible that the central third transport container 24 of the lower level rests on the platform 10 formed by the platform projections. Accordingly, the central third transport container 24 is raised relative to the surrounding outer third transport containers (by the height of the platform 10). The remaining five outer third transport containers are arranged between the side walls 4 and the platform 10 on the floor 2.

[0060] Fig. 3C is a plan view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of third transport goods containers 24 accommodated therein. It can be seen that the third transport goods containers 24 on the same level do not touch one another. However, there is only a minimal distance between the upper edges of the third transport goods containers 24 on the same level. The outer third transport goods containers 24 each touch the side wall 4 closest to them with their upper edge. The length of a row of transport goods containers 24 arranged next to one another (here 3 each) within the transport container 1 thus corresponds approximately to the distance between the opposing side walls 4 that frame them. Accordingly, there is only minimal space for the third transport goods containers 24 within the transport container 1 to move relative to the transport container 1 and / or relative to one another.

[0061] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of first transport goods containers 26 accommodated therein. Here, too, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are not shown. A central first transport goods container 26 stands on the pedestal 10. The remaining (four) outer first transport goods containers 26 are arranged between the pedestal 10 and the side walls 4. The remaining (four) outer first transport goods containers 26 stand on the floor 2. Thus, the central first transport goods container 26 projects beyond the outer transport goods containers 26 by the height of the pedestal 10. The upper edge of the central first transport goods container 26 does not project beyond the circumferential container edge. The upper edge of the outer first transport goods containers 26 projects through two openings 6 in each case of two side walls 4 which are adjacent to one another (at a corner). The openings 6 are approximately as high oras wide as the thickness of the upper edge of the first transport containers 26.

[0062] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of first transport containers 26 accommodated therein, with the platform 10 being visible. In order to clearly recognize the platform projections, Fig. 4B a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are not shown and a 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. Furthermore, it can be seen that the outer dimension of the cross-shaped platform 10, which the platform projections form in cooperation with each other, is smaller than the diameter of the base of the first transport container 26.

[0063] Fig. 4C is a plan view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of first transport goods containers 26 accommodated therein. It can be seen that the upper edge of the outer first transport goods containers 26 disappears in sections into the openings 6. It can also be seen that the central first transport goods container 26 projects beyond the outer first transport goods containers with its upper edge. This is possible because the central first transport goods container 26 stands on the pedestal 10. Otherwise, the space between the upper edges of the outer first transport goods containers 26 would be too small for the diameter of the upper edge of the central first transport goods container. Thanks to the pedestal 10, not just four, but five first transport goods containers 26 can be accommodated in the transport container 1.

[0064] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of second transport goods containers 28 accommodated therein. Here, too, a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are not shown. All (four) second transport goods containers 28 are arranged between the platform 10 and the side walls 4. The upper edges / margins of the adjacent second transport goods containers 28 touch one another. The upper edges / margins of the second transport goods containers 28 rest in sections on the side wall recesses 8. The upper edge of a second transport goods container 28 rests in sections on the adjacent side wall recesses 8 of two adjacent (corner-to-corner) side walls 4.The upper edge of the second transport goods containers 28 is located, viewed in the vertical direction, approximately at the same height as the surrounding container edge, or more precisely slightly below the surrounding container edge.

[0065] Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of second transport containers 28 accommodated therein, wherein the platform projections or the platform 10 are visible. In order to clearly recognize the platform projections, Fig. 5B a first side wall 4.1 and a second side wall 4.2 are not shown and a second transport container 28 is also not shown. It is shown in Fig. 5B It can be clearly seen that the second transport goods containers are arranged between the platform 10 and the side walls 4. The interaction of the platform 10 with the side walls 4 reduces or prevents slipping or movement of the second transport goods containers 28 relative to the transport container 1 and / or relative to one another.

[0066] Fig. 5C shows a plan view of the transport container 1 in the assembled state with a plurality of second transport goods containers 28 accommodated therein. It can be seen that the side wall recesses 8 have exactly the same / identical curvature as the upper edge of the second transport goods containers 28. Two side wall recesses 8, each of two adjacent side walls 4, which are adjacent to one another at a corner, completely accommodate a section of the upper edge of one and the same second transport goods container 28. The upper edges / rims of the adjacent second transport goods containers 28 touch one another or lie against one another.

[0067] Overall, the overview of the Fig. 3A bis 5C This means that one and the same transport container 1 can accommodate different quantities of transport containers 24, 26, 28 of different sizes. The transport container 1 is dimensioned and designed such that the transport containers 24, 26, 28 of different sizes can all be safely stowed / accommodated in the transport container 1, i.e., in a fixed position, regardless of their size. Slipping of the transport containers 24, 26, 28 relative to one another in the transport container 1 is thus prevented, regardless of the size of the transport containers 24, 26, 28 accommodated in the transport container 1.

[0068] In the Figuren 3A bis 5C The transport containers are shown as conical cups with a circular cross-section and a lid. The lid forms the upper edge or the upper rim of the respective transport container 24, 26, 28. The lid of a cup has a significantly larger diameter than the upper rim of the lower section of the same cup. The diameter of the base of the respective transport containers 24, 26, 28 is smaller than the diameter of the upper rim of the same transport container 24, 26, 28. The diameter of the transport containers 24, 26, 28 increases (continuously) from their base to their upper rim. However, buckets (with or without a lid) or cups without a lid or similar can alternatively be used as transport containers 24, 26, 28. The use of transport containers with a rectangular basic shape, i.e. cuboid transport containers, would also be conceivable.

[0069] In In the figures, the base 2 and the side walls 4 are provided with numerous ventilation openings. These ventilation openings on the base 2 and the side walls 4 ensure good and sufficient ventilation of the transport containers accommodated in the transport container 1. They also save weight and material. However, the transport container 1 can be used just as well without these ventilation openings.

[0070] In the Figuren 3A bis 5C The side walls 4 are shown with a semicircular recess at their upper edge. This recess can also be omitted, so that the side walls 4 have a continuous upper edge. List of reference symbols

[0071] 1Transport container 2Bottom 4Side walls 4.1First side walls 4.2Second side walls 6Perforations 8Side wall recesses 10Platform projections 14Handle recess 16Label receiving projection 18Label 20First base stack structure 21Side wall stack structure 22Handle openings 23Second base stack structure 24Third transport containers 26First transport containers 28Second 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, 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, and a platform (10) projecting from the base (2) into the container interior is provided on the base (2) for the, in particular exclusive, storage of the first transported goods container (26) and / or of a third transported goods container (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), wherein the platform is arranged centrally on the base (2) with respect to all four side walls (4).

2. Transport container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the platform (10) has a cross-shaped structure.

3. Transport container (1) according to claim 2, wherein the platform (10) is configured as a right-angled cross.

4. Transport container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the platform is arranged relative to the side walls (4) in such a way that the sections, each being perpendicular to the other, of the cross-shaped platform (10) are each aligned in parallel to the side walls (4) opposite one another.

5. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the platform (10) is formed from at least two platform projections.

6. Transport container (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least two platform projections are arranged relative to one another in such a way that no transported goods container (24, 26, 28) is placeable on the floor between them.

7. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the platform (10) is positioned relative to the side walls (4) in such a way that the second transported goods container (28) is arrangeable on the floor (2) between the platform (10) and the side walls (4).

8. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, 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.

9. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, 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).

10. Transport container (1) according to claim 9, 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).

11. Transport container (1) according to claim 10, 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).

12. Transport container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, 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 third transported goods containers (24) stacked one above the other plus the height of the platform (10) and / or 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.

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 the apertures (6) are each located in the upper half of the respective side wall (4) with respect to the base (2) and are preferably configured in the manner of a longitudinal slot.

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) standing on the floor (2), in a planar manner for laterally delimiting and supporting the third transported goods containers (24).