Plastic container with hook element

Abstract

A plastic container (100) for storing and transporting objects is disclosed, comprising a base (102) and four side walls (104, 106, 108, 110). A first of the side walls (104) includes a hook element (140) made of plastic on an outer surface (120) of the plastic container (100). This hook element has a downwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the first side wall (104) and to the base (102) of the plastic container (100). Furthermore, the hook element (140) includes a plurality of stabilizing ribs (142, 156).

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The invention relates to a plastic container for storing and transporting objects. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Plastic containers for storing and transporting items, for example in warehousing, internal transport, and / or delivery, are used in a variety of forms. To make the most efficient use of available storage space during warehousing—that is, the targeted and systematic storage of items for later use—several plastic containers are often stored one behind the other on shelves. However, storing multiple plastic containers one behind the other presents a challenge when putting items in and taking them out of storage. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved plastic container for storing and transporting objects, in particular a plastic container for improved loading and unloading. The objects underlying the invention are achieved by the features of the independent claims.

[0004] In one aspect, a plastic container for storing and transporting objects is disclosed, comprising a base and four side walls. A first of the side walls includes a plastic hook element on an outer surface of the container. In a section plane perpendicular to the first side wall and the base of the container, the hook element has a downwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The hook element includes a plurality of stabilizing ribs.

[0005] The hook element allows the plastic container to be coupled to one or more other plastic containers for storage and retrieval. For example, the plastic container can be hooked into a receiving element of another, particularly an identical, plastic container, which is configured complementarily to the hook element. This allows the plastic container to be coupled to the other plastic container in a form-fitting manner. In this way, a tensile assembly of two or more coupled plastic containers can be formed. Such a tensile assembly of plastic containers comprises a plurality of plastic containers coupled to each other using appropriate hook elements, in particular in a form-fitting manner.By coupling the plastic containers to each other, it can be ensured that on a depth support of a storage rack, when storing and / or retrieving plastic containers of the train set, a first, i.e. frontmost position at one edge of the depth support is always occupied as long as at least one plastic container is still present.

[0006] For example, the plastic containers include a hook element on the outside of a first side wall and a complementary receiving element or pocket element on the outside of an opposite second side wall. The hook element and receiving element can be shaped to be complementary, for example, so that two identical plastic containers can be positively coupled. The hook element and receiving element are shaped, for example, so that the applied forces are distributed as evenly as possible into the plastic material from which the elements can be manufactured, for instance, by injection molding. The hook element and receiving element are also shaped, for example, so that the applied forces are transferred into the base of the plastic containers.

[0007] For example, the hook elements of the plastic containers in a tensile assembly enable force transmission from container to container, so that when the foremost container in the assembly is engaged, the frictional forces of all connected containers can be overcome, allowing the assembly to be moved. In particular, shear or tensile forces can be transmitted during loading or unloading, enabling movement of the assembly along its longitudinal axis.

[0008] When removing a plastic container, for example, the foremost container in the train set can be pulled out of a rack and detached or decoupled from the train set. The train set is then moved, for example, by the length of one container towards an edge of the rack or depth support, so that a container that was previously second-to-front in the rack takes the position of the previously frontmost container, which is now decoupled. In this way, the frontmost position, for example, always remains occupied by a container.

[0009] Similarly, an additional plastic container can be attached or coupled to the foremost plastic container of the train set during storage and pushed into the rack. The train set is moved, for example, by the length of one plastic container away from the edge of the rack or the depth support and further into the rack when the additional plastic container is pushed in. This means the additional plastic container then takes the position of the previously foremost plastic container in the train set. In this way, the foremost position, for example, always remains occupied by a plastic container.

[0010] Such a storage and retrieval system, in which shear and / or tensile forces are transferred along the train assembly, allows for handling the foremost plastic container of the train assembly to be sufficient. For example, neither reaching into the rack nor any additional technical devices within the rack are necessary for storing and / or retrieving the respective plastic containers. This eliminates the need for an operating device, particularly an automated one, to move deep within the rack to place and / or pick up a plastic container. This, for instance, makes it possible to achieve a higher storage density with simpler operating devices.The higher storage density can be achieved, for example, by storing the plastic containers close together, i.e., by coupling them in a form-fitting manner, and possibly close next to each other, if no additional space is required within the rack for further technical equipment for storing and / or retrieving the plastic containers.

[0011] The hook element has a downwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the first side wall and the bottom of the plastic container. Such a U-shaped cross-sectional profile enables, for example, the simple hooking or positive-locking coupling of the plastic container with another, in particular identical, plastic container, which has a receiving element with a complementary upwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0012] The hook element incorporates multiple stabilizing ribs. The use of these ribs allows the plastic hook element to be stabilized and stiffened to such an extent that it is capable of transmitting forces, particularly tensile and / or shear forces, sufficient to overcome the frictional forces of one or more additional plastic containers coupled to the hook element. This applies to both static and kinetic friction. The plastic containers rest, for example, on recessed supports made of galvanized steel. The frictional forces include, for example, friction between the plastic, such as polypropylene (PP), and the steel, such as galvanized steel. This is especially true for loaded plastic containers.The tensile and / or shear forces acting on and being transmitted to a foremost plastic container of a tensile assembly act, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the first side wall of the foremost plastic container.

[0013] For example, the base of the plastic container comprises a supporting structure with a cellular structure, which exhibits a pattern of downward-facing cells. A cellular structure, in this context, is understood to be a structure formed from a plurality of individual cells. A single cell, for instance, has at least one lateral cell wall through which adjacent cells are connected. The individual cells can have different cross-sectional shapes, particularly polygonal ones. The individual cells of the corresponding cellular structures form, for example, downward-facing cavities with a cross-section, particularly a polygonal one, parallel to a plane of extension of the base or to a top surface of the base. The polygonal cross-section can be, for example, triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, or hexagonal.For example, the cell structure could be a honeycomb structure with cells in the form of honeycombs with a hexagonal cross-section.

[0014] A suitable cellular structure can have the advantage that the plastic container rests on a support, such as a shelf support, only at the lower edges of the cells. Friction is thus limited to these contacting lower edges. At the same time, the cellular structure can ensure high stability of the plastic container's base.

[0015] A U-shaped profile comprises two interconnected legs. The connecting section between the two legs is called the base of the U-shaped profile. The base can be, for example, flat or straight, or concave. In the case of a flat base, additional curved transition sections can be provided between the base and the legs. The legs of the U-shaped profile can be, for example, straight or curved, particularly concave. For example, the legs extend parallel to each other. For example, the legs extend perpendicular to a flat base of the U-shaped profile or to a tangent to a minimum or maximum of a curved base, particularly to the midpoint of the base. For example, the two legs are inclined away from each other, so that the opening of the U-shaped profile increases with increasing distance from the base.For example, a first leg of the two segments is inclined relative to a normal to a flat base of the U-shaped profile or to a tangent to a minimum or maximum of a curved base, in particular to a midpoint of the base, while the second leg extends parallel to the normal. For example, both legs are inclined relative to a normal to a flat base of the U-shaped profile or to a tangent to a minimum or maximum of a curved base, in particular to a midpoint of the base.

[0016] The U-shaped cross-sectional profile allows, for example, the hook element to be easily engaged in a designated receiving element of another plastic container, which, for example, has a complementary U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element also allows, for example, the redirection of forces acting on the hook element, particularly towards the bottom of the plastic container. For this purpose, the hook element is, for example, positioned near the bottom of the plastic container, i.e., in a lower region of the first side wall.

[0017] Furthermore, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile, for example, features rounded transitions without corners, or in particular, only rounded transitions, which prevents local force peaks and resulting exceedances of the maximum stress limit of the plastic material from which the plastic container is made during force transmission. For example, the hook element has no corners along the force path, i.e., the transmission path of a force acting on the hook element, but only rounded sections, which prevents local force peaks and thus material overloads.

[0018] The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element, for example, counteracts a bending of the first side wall as a result of a force acting on the hook element.

[0019] Examples demonstrate how the forces necessary to overcome friction can be transferred via the hook elements into the plastic containers of a tensile assembly in such a way that the limiting stress of the plastic material from which the containers, and especially the hook elements, are made is not exceeded at any point along the force transmission path. This applies, for example, to polypropylene (PP), from which the containers can be manufactured, e.g., by injection molding. This also applies, for example, to recycled polypropylene, from which the containers, and especially the hook elements, can be manufactured, e.g., by injection molding. A corresponding limiting stress for recycled polypropylene is, for example, approximately 20 MPa. This also applies, for example, to new, non-recycled polypropylene (PP), from which the containers, and especially the hook elements, can be manufactured, e.g., by injection molding.For example, the corresponding limiting stress for new, non-recycled polypropylene is around 30 MPa.

[0020] The use of stabilizing ribs allows, for example, sufficient stabilization or stiffening of the hook element to be achieved, while at the same time ensuring, for example, that a constant wall thickness of all sections of the plastic container and especially the hook element, as required during injection molding, can be maintained.

[0021] Stabilizing ribs and / or stabilizing struts of the hook element, for example, generate force lines between friction surfaces on the bottom of the plastic container and a connection point to an adjacent plastic container in a tensile assembly. The connection point is, for example, the point of connection between the corresponding hook element and a receiving element of an adjacent plastic container.

[0022] Curvatures of the hook element can move or distribute stress maxima, for example, from one edge of the connection point to its center, thereby increasing the size of an effective area and thus reducing the locally occurring stresses in the plastic material.

[0023] A composite train can, for example, comprise two or more plastic containers. For example, a composite train comprises up to five plastic containers. For example, a composite train comprises three plastic containers. For example, a composite train comprises four plastic containers. For example, a composite train comprises five plastic containers.

[0024] Using the stabilizing ribs, even in the case of a combined pull with up to five plastic containers, it can be ensured that the hook element is configured to pull, for example, up to four plastic containers. It can therefore be ensured that the hook element is configured to transmit a force sufficient to overcome the frictional forces of four loaded plastic containers.

[0025] By positively coupling the hook element into a complementary receiving element, a positive-locking coupling or coupling, comparable to a claw coupling, can be implemented between the plastic containers of a composite train.

[0026] Using the stabilizing ribs, for example, a load applied to the hook element can be transferred to the first side wall of the plastic container at ground level, and from there further loads can be transferred into the bottom of the plastic container.

[0027] For example, several of the majority of stabilizing ribs of the hook element are arranged parallel to each other and extend, for example, perpendicularly to the first side wall and the bottom of the plastic container. The first stabilizing ribs each also include a lower edge which, in one plane of extension of the respective stabilizing rib, has a downwardly opening U-shape.

[0028] For example, the first stabilizing ribs with their U-shaped curved lower edges form the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element. For example, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element is a cross-sectional profile of a cross-section through one of the first stabilizing ribs. For example, the first stabilizing ribs with their U-shaped curved lower edges each form an inner arc of the hook element along which force is transmitted.

[0029] By arranging the first stabilizing ribs parallel to each other, a better, and in particular a more uniform, distribution of force across the individual stabilizing ribs and thus across the width of the hook element can be achieved. This is especially true when the first stabilizing ribs are arranged at regular intervals next to each other.

[0030] For example, the first stabilizing ribs extend to the bottom of the plastic container. Extending the first stabilizing ribs, for example along the first side wall, to the bottom of the plastic container ensures effective force transmission along the first stabilizing ribs into the bottom of the plastic container.

[0031] For example, the first stabilizing ribs extend to below the top surface of the plastic container's base. Extending these first stabilizing ribs, for instance along the first side wall, to below the top surface of the plastic container's base can further improve force transmission along the first stabilizing ribs into the base of the plastic container.

[0032] For example, the hook element at one end furthest from the first side wall comprises an inner surface that is essentially perpendicular to the ground. This perpendicular inner surface enables, for example, a secure, positive-locking connection of the hook element with a complementary receiving element.

[0033] For example, the hook element has an inner surface inclined at an end furthest from the first side wall, sloping towards that side wall. This inclined inner surface, where, for instance, its lower end is further from the first side wall than its upper end, allows another plastic container to be pulled towards the container with the hook element, or vice versa. When the hook element is inserted into a corresponding receiving element of the other plastic container, the receiving element is guided along the inclined inner surface of the hook element towards the first side wall of the container with the hook element.Alternatively, for example, the hook element is guided along the inclined inner surface towards the other plastic container when inserted into the receiving element, together with the plastic container.

[0034] For example, the hook element includes a downward-facing support surface at the end furthest from the first side wall. This support surface serves, for example, to brace the hook element against a receiving element, particularly when inserting the hook element into the receiving element.

[0035] For example, the support surface is designed as a first rim lip with a rounded first transition section to the inner surface of the hook element. The inner surface is, for example, perpendicular to the base. Alternatively, the inner surface may be inclined towards the first side wall. A rounded transition section can, for example, facilitate the insertion of the hook element into a designated receiving element of another plastic container.

[0036] For example, the hook element further comprises on an outer side of the hook element facing away from the first side wall several second stabilizing ribs of the plurality of stabilizing ribs of the hook element, which are arranged side by side along a direction extending parallel to the first side wall and the bottom of the plastic container and each extend perpendicular to the first side wall and the bottom of the plastic container.

[0037] By arranging the second stabilizing ribs side by side, a better, and in particular a more uniform, distribution of the force across the individual stabilizing ribs and thus across the width of the hook element can be achieved. This is especially true when the second stabilizing ribs are arranged at regular intervals next to each other.

[0038] For example, the first and second stabilizing ribs extend in pairs in a common plane, with the common planes being perpendicular to the first side wall and the bottom of the plastic container. For example, the second stabilizing ribs, being the outer stabilizing ribs, are positioned further away from the first side wall of the plastic container than the first stabilizing ribs, which are, for example, the inner stabilizing ribs. For example, the second and first stabilizing ribs extend one behind the other along a force transmission path from an end of the hook element furthest from the first side wall to the bottom of the plastic container. This allows for effective force transmission from the second to the first stabilizing ribs and from there to the bottom of the plastic container.

[0039] For example, the hook element has no support surface at the end furthest from the first side wall. For example, the spaces between the second stabilizing ribs arranged on the outer side of the hook element facing away from the first side wall are open downwards.

[0040] For example, the hook element further comprises one or more stabilizing struts arranged on its outer surface, which extend perpendicular to the second stabilizing ribs and / or connect them. The stabilizing struts are configured, for example, to further increase the stability or stiffness of the hook element. In particular, this allows laterally acting forces to be better distributed along the width of the hook element, for example, to the first and / or second stabilizing ribs.

[0041] For example, a section of the outer surface of the hook element is inclined towards the first side wall. Such examples can have the advantage that the inclination of the outer surface, or the section thereof, can improve the force transmission of the hook element towards the first side wall. Furthermore, the support of the hook element against the first side wall during force transmission can be improved.

[0042] For example, the outer section of the hook element curves towards the first side wall. Such designs can have the advantage that the curved shape of the outer surface, or section thereof, improves the force transmission from the hook element towards the first side wall. Furthermore, the support provided to the hook element against the first side wall during force transmission can be improved. Finally, the curved shape can enhance the stability of the hook element.

[0043] For example, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element comprises two legs, one of which, located on the side of the first side wall, is inclined relative to a normal of the bottom of the plastic container, so that an opening of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile increases with increasing distance from a base of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0044] An increasing opening can, for example, facilitate the insertion or hooking of the hook element into a designated receiving element. Furthermore, an opening that increases with distance from the base of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile allows, for example, another plastic container to be pulled towards the plastic container with the hook element, or vice versa. As the hook element is inserted into a corresponding receiving element of the other plastic container, the decreasing opening of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile automatically aligns the receiving element within that profile and, if necessary, guides it towards the plastic container with the hook element. Alternatively, the hook element is aligned during insertion and, if necessary, guided towards the other plastic container along with the container.

[0045] For example, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element has rounded transitions between the legs and the base of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The U-shaped cross-sectional profile has, for example, a concavely curved base.

[0046] Rounded transitions prevent local force peaks and thus material overloads during force transmission through the hook element along the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0047] For example, one or more of the following components of the hook element are arranged above the bottom of the plastic container: a section of the hook element comprising the outside of the hook element facing away from the first side wall, the base of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element, the support surface.

[0048] Positioning parts of the hook element above the base of the plastic container can, firstly, facilitate the creation of a positive-locking connection with a designated receiving element. Secondly, this can facilitate force transmission through the hook element, enabling force absorption above the base and redirection of the absorbed force towards the base of the plastic container.

[0049] For example, the hook element on the outside of the plastic container is molded as a single piece with the first side wall. Alternatively, the hook element can be manufactured as a single unit with the plastic container. This ensures a secure connection between the plastic container and the hook element. Furthermore, no additional steps are required to attach the hook element to the plastic container.

[0050] For example, the hook element on the outside of the plastic container is connected to the first side wall using a first non-destructively detachable connection. For example, the hook element on the outside of the plastic container is connected to the first side wall using a first non-destructively detachable plug connection. For example, the plug connection includes a snap connection. For example, the hook element is held in the plug connection with the first side wall by means of a latching or clipping mechanism.

[0051] For example, the hook element is manufactured using injection molding. The molded hook element is then attached to the plastic container in an additional step, for instance. The hook element is, for example, clipped onto the plastic container.

[0052] Examples include the advantage that the production of a plastic container and hook element, for instance by injection molding, can be simplified if the plastic container and hook element are manufactured separately. Furthermore, a non-destructively detachable connection between the plastic container and hook element allows for the hook element to be replaced.

[0053] For example, on the outside of a plastic container, a second side wall opposite the first side wall includes a plastic receiving element. This receiving element, located on the second side wall of the plastic container, has an upwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a plane perpendicular to both the second side wall and the bottom of the container. The receiving element includes a plurality of stabilizing ribs.

[0054] The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element allows, for example, the easy insertion of a corresponding hook element of another plastic container, which, for instance, has a complementary U-shaped cross-sectional profile. Furthermore, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element allows, for example, the redirection of forces acting on the receiving element, particularly towards the bottom of the plastic container. For this purpose, the receiving element is, for instance, positioned near the bottom of the plastic container, i.e., in a lower region of the second side wall.

[0055] Furthermore, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile, for example, features rounded transitions without corners, thus preventing local force peaks and resulting exceedances of the maximum stress limit of the plastic material from which the plastic container is made. For instance, the receiving element has no corners along the force path, i.e., the transmission path of a force acting on the receiving element, but only rounded sections, thereby preventing local force peaks and thus material overloads.

[0056] The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element, for example, counteracts a bending of the second side wall as a result of a force acting on the receiving element.

[0057] The use of stabilizing ribs allows, for example, sufficient stabilization or stiffening of the receiving element to be achieved, while at the same time ensuring, for example, that a constant wall thickness of all sections of the plastic container and especially the receiving element, which is required during injection molding, is maintained.

[0058] Stabilizing ribs and / or stabilizing struts of the receiving element, for example, create a force line between friction surfaces on the bottom of the plastic container and a connection point to an adjacent plastic container in a tensile assembly. The connection point is, for example, the point of connection between the corresponding receiving element and a hook element of an adjacent plastic container.

[0059] Curvature of the receiving element can move or distribute stress maxima, for example, from an edge of the connection point to its center, thereby increasing the size of an effective area and thus reducing the locally occurring stresses in the plastic material.

[0060] Using the stabilizing ribs, even in the case of a combined train with up to five plastic containers, it can be ensured that the receiving element is configured to pull, for example, up to four plastic containers. It can therefore be ensured that the receiving element is configured to transmit a force sufficient to overcome the frictional forces of four loaded plastic containers.

[0061] By positively coupling a complementary hook element into the receiving element, a positive-locking coupling, comparable to a claw coupling, can be implemented between the plastic containers of a composite train.

[0062] By means of the stabilizing ribs, for example, a load applied to the receiving element at ground level can be transferred into the second side wall of the plastic container and from there further loads can be introduced into the bottom of the plastic container.

[0063] For example, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element is designed to be complementary to the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element in such a way that the receiving element can be positively coupled to another hook element of another identical plastic container.

[0064] A composite train of two or more plastic containers arranged one behind the other can be formed by positively coupling two or more, in particular identical, plastic containers.

[0065] Coupling several plastic containers to form a train of interconnected containers arranged in a row offers the advantage of more effective and efficient use of available space in a warehouse, particularly in a rack. Furthermore, the self-locking effect of coupling them to one or more other containers prevents individual containers from moving along the rack's crossbeams. The interconnected containers mutually restrict each other's freedom of movement due to the positive locking mechanism.

[0066] The gap between the side walls of two positively coupled plastic containers can be less than 1 mm. For example, the maximum gap between the side walls of two positively coupled plastic containers is 5 mm. For example, the maximum gap between the hook element and the receiving element of two positively coupled plastic containers when a push force is applied to the containers is 5 mm. For example, the minimum gap between the hook element and the receiving element of two positively coupled plastic containers when a pull force is applied to the containers is 0.7 mm.

[0067] For example, the receiving element includes an inner surface at one end furthest from the second side wall that is essentially perpendicular to the ground. This perpendicular inner surface enables, for example, a secure, positive-locking connection of the receiving element with a complementary hook element.

[0068] For example, the receiving element includes an inner surface inclined at an end furthest from the second side wall, sloping away from that side wall. This inclined inner surface, where, for instance, its upper end is further from the second side wall than its lower end, allows another plastic container to be pulled towards the plastic container with the receiving element, or vice versa. When the corresponding hook element of the other plastic container is inserted into the receiving element, the hook element is guided along the inclined inner surface of the receiving element towards the second side wall of the plastic container with the receiving element.Alternatively, for example, when inserting the hook element, the receiving element is guided along the inclined inner surface towards the other plastic container together with the plastic container.

[0069] For example, the receiving element includes a support surface that encompasses the U-shaped cross-sectional profile. This support surface allows, for example, a hook element to be placed onto the receiving element, particularly when inserting the corresponding hook element into the receiving element.

[0070] For example, the contact surface at an end of the receiving element furthest from the second side wall comprises a second rounded transition section to the inner surface of the receiving element and a second edge lip adjoining this second transition section. The contact surface is directed upwards in the area of ​​the second edge lip. The inner surface is, for example, perpendicular to the ground. Alternatively, the inner surface may be inclined away from the second side wall.

[0071] A rounded transition section can, for example, facilitate the insertion of a designated hook element into the receiving element.

[0072] For example, several third stabilizing ribs of the majority of stabilizing ribs of the receiving element are arranged parallel to each other and extend perpendicularly to the second side wall and to the bottom of the plastic container.

[0073] By arranging the third stabilizing ribs parallel to each other, distributed across the width of the mounting element, a better, and in particular a more uniform, distribution of the force across the individual stabilizing ribs and thus across the width of the mounting element can be achieved. This is especially true when the third stabilizing ribs are arranged parallel to each other at regular intervals.

[0074] For example, the third stabilizing ribs extend to the bottom of the plastic container. Extending the third stabilizing ribs, for example along the second side wall, to the bottom of the plastic container ensures effective force transmission along the third stabilizing ribs into the bottom of the plastic container.

[0075] For example, the third stabilizing ribs extend to below the top surface of the plastic container's base. Extending the third stabilizing ribs, for example along the second side wall, to below the top surface of the plastic container's base can further improve force transmission along the third stabilizing ribs into the base of the plastic container.

[0076] For example, the receiving element further comprises on an outer side of the receiving element several fourth stabilizing ribs of the plurality of stabilizing ribs of the receiving element, which are arranged side by side along a direction extending parallel to the second side wall and the bottom of the plastic container and each extend perpendicular to the second side wall and the bottom of the plastic container.

[0077] By arranging the fourth stabilizing ribs side by side, distributed across the width of the mounting element, a better, and in particular a more uniform, distribution of the force across the individual stabilizing ribs and thus across the width of the mounting element can be achieved. This is especially true when the fourth stabilizing ribs are arranged at regular intervals next to each other.

[0078] For example, the third and fourth stabilizing ribs of the receiving element extend in pairs in a common plane, with the common planes being arranged perpendicular to the second side wall and the bottom of the plastic container. For example, the third stabilizing ribs, as lower stabilizing ribs, are arranged below and, if necessary, closer to the second side wall of the plastic container than the fourth stabilizing ribs, which are, for example, upper stabilizing ribs. For example, the fourth and third stabilizing ribs extend one behind the other along a force transmission path from an end of the receiving element furthest from the second side wall to the bottom of the plastic container. Thus, effective force transmission from the fourth to the third stabilizing ribs and from there to the bottom of the plastic container is possible.

[0079] For example, the mounting element further comprises one or more stabilizing struts arranged on its outer surface, which extend perpendicular to the fourth stabilizing ribs and / or connect them to one another. The stabilizing struts are configured, for example, to further increase the stability or stiffness of the mounting element. In particular, this allows laterally acting forces to be better distributed along the width of the mounting element, for example, to the third and / or fourth stabilizing ribs.

[0080] For example, the fourth stabilizing ribs arranged on the outside of the receiving element are covered by the bearing surface of the receiving element located at the end of the receiving element furthest from the second side wall. For example, the spaces between the fourth stabilizing ribs arranged on the outside of the receiving element are not open at the top.

[0081] For example, the receiving element has no bearing surface at the end furthest from the second side wall. For example, the fourth stabilizing ribs arranged on the outside of the receiving element are not covered or concealed by any bearing surface of the receiving element. For example, the spaces between the fourth stabilizing ribs arranged on the outside of the receiving element are open at the top.

[0082] For example, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element comprises two legs. Furthermore, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element has at least one rounded transition between a leg of the two legs located away from the second side wall and the base of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element.

[0083] The rounded transition prevents local force peaks and thus material overloads during force transmission through the receiving element along the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0084] For example, one or more of the following components of the receiving element are arranged above the bottom of the plastic container: the base of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element, the support surface.

[0085] Positioning parts of the mounting element above the base of the plastic container can, firstly, facilitate the creation of a positive-locking connection with a designated hook element. Secondly, this can facilitate force transmission through the mounting element, enabling force absorption above the base and redirection of the absorbed force towards the base of the plastic container.

[0086] For example, the receiving element on the outside of the plastic container is formed in one piece with the second side wall.

[0087] For example, the receiving element on the outside of the plastic container is connected to the second side wall using a second non-destructively detachable connection. For example, the receiving element on the outside of the plastic container is connected to the second side wall using a second non-destructively detachable plug connection. For example, the plug connection includes a snap connection. For example, the receiving element is held in the plug connection with the second side wall by means of a latching or clipping mechanism.

[0088] For example, the mounting element is manufactured using injection molding. The molded mounting element is then attached to the plastic container in an additional step, for instance. This could be done by simply plugging the mounting element into the plastic container.

[0089] For example, the plastic container is a plastic container manufactured using injection molding.

[0090] Injection molding is a primary forming process used particularly in plastics processing. In this process, the material, in this case plastic, is liquefied or plasticized using an injection molding machine and injected under pressure into a mold, the injection mold. Within the mold, the material solidifies again through cooling or a cross-linking reaction and can be removed as a finished part after the mold is opened. The cavity of the injection mold acts as a negative mold, determining the positive shape of the resulting finished part, i.e., the plastic container.

[0091] Manufacturing the plastic container using injection molding can have the advantage that comparatively little material is required. Sectional stabilization or stiffening of the plastic container, for example in the area of ​​the hook element and / or the receiving element, is achieved, for instance, by appropriate stabilizing ribs and / or struts.

[0092] Furthermore, a plastic container for storing and transporting objects is disclosed, comprising a base and four side walls. One of the side walls includes a plastic receiving element on its outer surface. The receiving element, located on the corresponding side wall of the plastic container, has an upwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the side wall and the base of the plastic container. The receiving element includes a plurality of stabilizing ribs.

[0093] For example, the recording element is configured according to one of the previously described examples for the recording element.

[0094] Furthermore, a composite train made of plastic containers is disclosed, comprising two or more plastic containers, in particular identical plastic containers, that are positively coupled to one another. In the composite train, the plastic containers are arranged, for example, one behind the other. Adjacent plastic containers are connected to each other, for example, by means of a hook element and a receiving element of the corresponding plastic containers, which can be positively coupled. For example, the corresponding hook and receiving elements each have U-shaped cross-sectional profiles that are designed to be complementary such that the receiving elements can be positively coupled to the respective hook elements.

[0095] For example, the hook elements of the plastic containers of the composite train are configured according to one of the previously described examples of hook elements. For example, the receiving elements of the plastic containers of the composite train are configured according to one of the previously described examples of receiving elements.

[0096] For example, the composite train comprises three positively coupled plastic containers. For example, the composite train comprises four positively coupled plastic containers. For example, the composite train comprises five positively coupled plastic containers.

[0097] It is understood that one or more of the aforementioned embodiments can be combined with each other, as long as the embodiments do not exclude each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] The following examples are explained in more detail using the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a first perspective side view of an exemplary plastic container, Fig. 2 a second perspective side view of an exemplary plastic container, Fig. 3 a third perspective side view of an exemplary plastic container, Fig. 4 a first cross-sectional view of an exemplary hook element, Fig. 5 a second perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary hook element, Fig. 6 a third perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary hook element, Fig. 7 a fourth perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary hook element, Fig. 8 a perspective view of an exemplary hook element, Fig. 9 another perspective view of an exemplary hook element, Fig. 10 a first perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary recording element, Fig. 11a second perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary recording element, Fig. 12 a third perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary recording element, Fig. 13 a perspective view of an exemplary recording element, Fig. 14 another perspective view of an exemplary recording element, and Fig. 15 A cross-sectional view of two plastic containers positively connected to each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] In the following, similar elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0100] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an exemplary plastic container 100 for storing and / or transporting objects in a perspective side view. The plastic container 100 comprises a base 102 and four side walls 104, 106, 108, 110. For example, the plastic container 100 has a cuboid or cube shape. Objects can be stored and / or transported in an interior space 112 of the plastic container 100, which is defined by the four side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 and the base 102. The four side walls 104, 106, 108, 110 are arranged, for example, in pairs parallel to each other on opposite sides of the plastic container 100. Thus, for example, a first side wall 104 of the four side walls is arranged opposite and parallel to a second side wall 106 of the four side walls. For example, the first and second side walls 104, 106 each extend perpendicularly to the base 102 of the plastic container 100.Alternatively, the first and second side walls 104, 106, which are arranged opposite each other, can also be inclined outwards, for example. For example, a third side wall 108 is arranged opposite and parallel to a fourth side wall 110 of the four side walls. For example, the third and fourth side walls 108, 110 each extend perpendicularly to the base 102 of the plastic container 100. Alternatively, the third and fourth side walls 108, 110, which are arranged opposite each other, can also be inclined outwards, for example. For example, the plastic container 100 is designed to be stackable, so that two or more identical plastic containers 100 can be stacked on top of each other.

[0101] The first side wall 104 of the plastic container 100 includes on an outer side 120 of the plastic container 100, i.e., on an outer side of the first side wall 104, a hook element 140 made of plastic, which is also in Figure 2 The hook element 140 has a downwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the first side wall 104 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. Furthermore, the hook element 140 comprises a plurality of stabilizing ribs.

[0102] The hook element 140 comprises several stabilizing ribs 156 on an outer surface facing away from the first side wall 104. These stabilizing ribs 156 are arranged side by side, for example, along a direction 157 extending parallel to the first side wall 104 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. These stabilizing ribs 156 also extend perpendicularly to the first side wall 104 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0103] The hook element 140 further comprises, for example, one or more stabilizing struts 158 arranged on the outside of the hook element 140. These stabilizing struts 158 extend, for example, perpendicular to the stabilizing ribs 156. For example, the stabilizing struts 158 connect the stabilizing ribs 156 to one another. For example, the stabilizing struts 158 extend along the direction 157. For example, one or more of the stabilizing struts 158 extend horizontally parallel to the base 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0104] The majority of stabilizing ribs further comprise, for example, additional stabilizing ribs whose lower edge has a downwardly opening U-shape in a plane of extension of the respective stabilizing rib. For example, the downwardly opening U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140 is formed by the additional stabilizing ribs with their downwardly opening U-shaped lower edges. For example, the additional stabilizing ribs of the hook element 140 are arranged parallel to each other, in particular parallel to each other along direction 157, and extend, for example, perpendicularly to the first side wall 104 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0105] The hook element 140 is, for example, integrally formed with the first side wall 104 on the outer surface 120 of the plastic container 100. For example, the hook element 140 is integrally formed with the first side wall 104 by means of an injection molding process during the manufacture of the plastic container 100.

[0106] For example, the hook element 140 is connected to the outer surface 120 of the plastic container 100 using a non-destructively detachable connection to the first side wall 104. The corresponding non-destructively detachable connection is, for example, a positive-locking connection, such as a plug connection. For example, the hook element 140 is held in the plug connection with the first side wall 104 by means of a snap-fit ​​or clip mechanism.

[0107] Furthermore, the second side wall 106 of the plastic container 100, opposite the first side wall 104, includes, for example, a plastic receiving element on the outside 120 of the plastic container 100, which is in Figure 3 The receiving element arranged on the second side wall 106 of the plastic container 100 has, for example, an upwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the second side wall 106 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. Furthermore, the receiving element includes, for example, a plurality of stabilizing ribs.

[0108] For example, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element is designed to be complementary to the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140 in such a way that the receiving element can be positively coupled to another hook element of another identical plastic container when this other plastic container is arranged with the other hook element on the second side wall 106 of the plastic container 100. Likewise, due to the complementary design of its U-shaped cross-sectional profile to the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element of the plastic container 100, the hook element of the plastic container 100 can be positively coupled to another receiving element of another plastic container when this other plastic container is arranged with the other receiving element on the first side wall 104 of the plastic container 100.In this way, a train of 100 plastic containers can be formed using a plurality of identical plastic containers.

[0109] Figure 2 shows the plastic container 100 made of Figure 1 in a second perspective side view from the first side wall 104 with the hook element 140. In Figure 1 The corresponding plastic container 100 is shown in a first perspective side view from the third side wall 108. For example, items for storage and / or transport in the interior 112 of the plastic container 100 can be arranged on the upper surface 124 of the base 102. The center of gravity of the plastic container 100, when loaded with the items, is located above the base 102 or the upper surface 124 of the base 102.

[0110] Figure 3 shows the plastic container 100 made of Figure 1 and 2in a third perspective side view from the second side wall 106 with the receiving element 180. The second side wall 106 of the plastic container 100, opposite the first side wall 104, includes the plastic receiving element 180 on its outer surface 120, i.e., on the outer surface of the second side wall 106. The receiving element 180, located on the second side wall 106 of the plastic container 100, has an upwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the second side wall 106 and the base 102 of the plastic container 100. The receiving element 180 includes, for example, a bearing surface 188, which encompasses the U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180 is thus complementary to the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140 in Figure 1 and 2designed so that the receiving element 180 can be positively coupled to another hook element of another identical plastic container.

[0111] The receiving element 180 comprises, for example, a plurality of stabilizing ribs. The receiving element 180 comprises, on an outer surface, several stabilizing ribs 196 of the plurality of stabilizing ribs of the receiving element 180, which are arranged side by side along a direction 197 extending parallel to the second side wall 106 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100 and each extend perpendicular to the second side wall 106 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. For example, the in Figure 3 direction shown 197 parallel to the one in the Figure 1 and 2 indicated direction 157.

[0112] For example, the majority of stabilizing ribs of the receiving element 180 comprise several further stabilizing ribs 182, which are arranged parallel to each other and extend perpendicularly to the second side wall 106 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. The further stabilizing ribs of the receiving element 180 are, for example, arranged parallel to each other along the direction 197. For example, the further stabilizing ribs of the receiving element 180 are located on a bottom side of the container 100. Figure 3 The recording element shown is arranged 180°.

[0113] For example, the receiving element 180 is formed in one piece with the second side wall 106 on the outer side 120 of the plastic container 100. For example, the receiving element 180 is formed in one piece with the second side wall 106 by means of an injection molding process during the manufacture of the plastic container 100.

[0114] For example, the receiving element 180 is connected to the second side wall 106 on the outside 120 of the plastic container 100 using a non-destructively detachable connection. The corresponding non-destructively detachable connection is, for example, a positive-locking connection, such as a plug connection. For example, the receiving element 180 is held in the plug connection with the second side wall 106 by means of a snap-fit ​​or clip.

[0115] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a first cross-sectional view of an exemplary hook element 140 made of plastic, which is arranged on an outer surface 120 of a plastic container 100 for storing and transporting objects. The hook element 140 is encompassed by or attached to a first side wall 104 of the plastic container 100. The cross-sectional view is a view of a section plane perpendicular to the first side wall 104 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. In the section plane shown, the hook element 140 has a downwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0116] Furthermore, the hook element 140 comprises a plurality of stabilizing ribs 142, 156. Several first stabilizing ribs 142 of the plurality of stabilizing ribs 142, 156 of the hook element 140 are arranged parallel to one another. For example, the first stabilizing ribs 142 are arranged parallel to one another along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the image. In addition, they each extend perpendicular to the first side wall 104 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. For example, the first stabilizing ribs 142 each comprise a lower edge 144 which has a downwardly open U-shape in a plane of extension of the respective stabilizing rib 142, i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the first side wall 104 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0117] The first stabilizing ribs 142 extend along the first side wall 104 of the plastic container 100, for example, to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. For example, the first stabilizing ribs 142 extend, as shown in Figure 4 shown, also extending to below the top 124 of the base 102 of the plastic container 100. For example, the first side wall 104 of the plastic container 100 also extends to below a top 124 of the base 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0118] For example, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140 comprises two legs 162, 164, one leg 162 being located on the side of the first side wall 104 and the other leg opposite the first side wall 104. The leg 162 located on the side of the first side wall 104 is inclined relative to a normal 126 of the base 102 or a surface normal 126 of the top 124 of the base 102, such that an opening 170 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile increases with increasing distance from a base 166 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0119] Furthermore, the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140, for example, has rounded transitions 168 between the legs 162, 164 and the base 166 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile. In the Figure 4In the example shown, the base 166 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile is flat and extends parallel to the top 124 of the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. Alternatively, the base 166 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile can also be concavely curved.

[0120] The hook element 140 further comprises an inner surface 146 at an end remote from the first side wall 104, which is substantially perpendicular to the floor 102. Alternatively, the inner surface 146 of the hook element 140 located at the end remote from the first side wall 104 could also be inclined obliquely towards the first side wall 104.

[0121] For example, the hook element 140 includes a downwardly directed support surface 148 at the end furthest from the first side wall 104. This support surface 148 is, for example, as shown in Figure 4shown as a rim lip 149. For example, the rim lip 149 has a rounded transition section 150 to the inner surface 146 of the hook element 140, which is essentially perpendicular to the base 102. In the alternative case, where the inner surface 146 is inclined obliquely towards the first side wall 104, the transition section 150 is, for example, a rounded transition or transition section to the correspondingly inclined inner surface 146.

[0122] In addition to the first stabilizing ribs 142, the hook element 140 of the plastic container 100 also has several second stabilizing ribs 156 on an outer surface 152 of the hook element 140 facing away from the first side wall 104. These second stabilizing ribs 156 are arranged side by side along a direction extending parallel to the first side wall 104 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the image, and each extends perpendicular to the first side wall 104 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0123] Furthermore, one or more stabilizing struts 158 of the hook element 140 are arranged on the outer surface 152 of the hook element 140. These stabilizing struts 158 extend perpendicular to the second stabilizing ribs 156 and connect them, for example, to each other.

[0124] A section 154 of the outer surface 152 of the hook element 140 is inclined towards the first side wall 104. Figure 4 Section 154 is a straight section of the outer surface 152 inclined towards the first side wall 104. Alternatively, section 154 can also be a curved section of the outer surface 152 extending towards the first side wall 104.

[0125] While the first stabilizing ribs 142 extend, for example, to below the top surface 124 of the base 102, a section 160 of the hook element 140, comprising the outer surface 152 of the hook element 140 facing away from the first side wall 104, is arranged, for example, above the base 102 or a top surface 124 of the base 102 of the plastic container 100. Additionally or alternatively, the base 166 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140 is arranged, for example, above the base 102 or a top surface 124 of the base 102 of the plastic container 100. Additionally or alternatively, the support surface 148 is arranged, for example, above the base 102 or a top surface 124 of the base 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0126] The hook element 140 is, for example, integrally formed with the first side wall 104 on the outer surface 120 of the plastic container 100. For example, the hook element 140 is integrally formed with the first side wall 104 by means of an injection molding process during the manufacture of the plastic container 100.

[0127] For example, the hook element 140 is connected to the outer surface 120 of the plastic container 100 using a non-destructively detachable connection to the first side wall 104. The corresponding non-destructively detachable connection is, for example, a positive-locking connection, such as a plug connection. For example, the hook element 140 is held in the plug connection with the first side wall 104 by means of a snap-fit ​​or clip.

[0128] Figure 5shows a second perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary hook element 140, which corresponds to the hook element 140 in Figure 4 corresponds. In the cross-sectional view of the Figure 5 This is a perspective view taken obliquely from the sides of the third face 108. Figure 5 The first stabilizing ribs 142 are shown arranged in a row parallel to each other along direction 157. Similarly, the second stabilizing ribs 156 are arranged in a row parallel to each other along direction 157 on the outer surface 152 of the hook element 140. The second stabilizing ribs 156 are connected to each other by the stabilizing struts 158, which extend along direction 157 and parallel to the base 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0129] Figure 6 shows a third perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary hook element 140, which corresponds to the hook element 140 in Figure 4corresponds. In the cross-sectional view of the Figure 6 This is a perspective view taken obliquely from below, from the side of the third face 108. In the Figure 6 In the example shown of the hook element 140, the first stabilizing ribs 142 extend only to the upper surface 124 of the base 102, but not beyond. Otherwise, the hook element 140 corresponds to the hook element 140 from Figure 4 Additionally, it shows Figure 6 the force path 220 when pulling the plastic container 100 on the hook element 140. In Figure 6It is shown that the first and second stabilizing ribs 142, 156, for example, are arranged in pairs one behind the other in planes parallel to the section plane, such that a force exerted on the hook element 140, in particular a tensile force directed away from the outside 120 of the plastic container 100, is introduced into the base 102 of the plastic container 100 via the two stabilizing ribs 142, 156. A corresponding force path 220 of the force transmission from the hook element 140 via the stabilizing ribs 156, 142 into the base 102 of the plastic container 100 is shown in Figure 6 The frontmost pair in the section view consists of the second, i.e., outer, stabilizing rib 142 and the first, i.e., inner, stabilizing rib 142. Figure 6 Highlighted by means of hatching.

[0130] The base 102 of the plastic container 100, for example, comprises a cell structure 221 into which a corresponding force, in particular a tensile force, can be introduced. Such a cell structure 221 can, for example, have the advantage that, compared to a simple flat base, the stability of the base 102 can be increased on the one hand and friction of the base 102 can be reduced on the other.

[0131] Figure 7 shows a fourth perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary hook element 140, which corresponds to the hook element 140 in Figure 4 corresponds. In the cross-sectional view of the Figure 7 This is a perspective view taken obliquely from above, from the side of the third face 108. In the Figure 7The example shown is an exemplary configuration of the inner surface 146 at the end of the hook element 140 furthest from the first side wall 104, in which the inner surface 146 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the base 102 of the plastic container 100, i.e., parallel to the normal 126 of the base 102 or a surface normal 126 of the top 124 of the base 102. Furthermore, in this example, one leg, i.e., the leg 164 furthest from the first side wall 104, of the downwardly opening U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140 is formed by the inner surface 146. The other leg 162 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile, located on the side of the first side wall 104, is formed, for example, by the lower edges of the first stabilizing ribs 142, as is the base 166 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.The leg 162 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile arranged on the side of the first side wall 104 is inclined, for example, relative to a normal 126 of the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100, so that an opening 170 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile increases downwards with increasing distance from the base 166 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0132] The downward-facing support surface 148 of the hook element 140, which is arranged at the end of the hook element 140 furthest from the first side wall 104, is, for example, designed as a rim lip 149 which has a rounded transition section 150 to the inner surface 146.

[0133] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary hook element 140, which corresponds to the hook element 140 in Figure 4 corresponds. When viewing the Figure 8This is a perspective view taken obliquely from above, from the side of the third face 108. Figure 8 Figure 1 shows how the first stabilizing ribs 142 are arranged in a row parallel to each other along direction 157. Similarly, the second stabilizing ribs 156 are arranged in a row parallel to each other along direction 157 on the outer surface 152 of the hook element 140. The second stabilizing ribs 156 are connected to each other by the stabilizing struts 158, which extend along direction 157 and parallel to the base 102 of the plastic container 100. Figure 1 also shows how the first stabilizing ribs 142 are arranged in a row parallel to each other along direction 157. Figure 8 The cell structure 221 encompassed by the soil 102 is shown.

[0134] Figure 9 shows another perspective view of an exemplary hook element 140, which corresponds to the hook element 140 in Figure 4 corresponds. When viewing the Figure 9This is a perspective view from below. This view shows an exemplary configuration of the inner surface 146 of the end of the hook element 140 furthest from the first side wall 104, in which the inner surface 146 forms one leg, i.e., the leg 164 of the downwardly opening U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140, located furthest from the first side wall 104. The transition of the first stabilizing ribs 142 to the inner surface 146 is also shown, which is, for example, a smooth transition. The other leg 162 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile, located on the side of the first side wall 104, is formed, for example, by the lower edges of the first stabilizing ribs 142, as is the base 166 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0135] Furthermore, the downward-facing support surface 148 of the hook element 140, arranged at the end of the hook element 140 furthest from the first side wall 104, is shown. This support surface 148 is, for example, designed as a lip 149 which has a rounded transition section 150 to the inner surface 146. Likewise, in Figure 9 The cell structure 221 encompassed by the soil 102 is shown.

[0136] Figure 10Figure 1 shows a first perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary plastic receiving element 180, which is arranged on an outer side 120 of a plastic container 100 for storing and transporting objects. The receiving element 180 is encompassed by or attached to a second side wall 106 of the plastic container 100. This second side wall 106 of the plastic container 100 is, for example, a side wall of the plastic container 100 opposite the first side wall 104, with a hook element. The cross-sectional view is a view of a section plane perpendicular to the second side wall 106 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. In the section plane shown, the receiving element 180 has an upwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0137] The receiving element 180 comprises a plurality of stabilizing ribs 182, 196 of the receiving element 180. The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180 in Figure 10 For example, it is designed to be complementary to a U-shaped cross-sectional profile of a hook element 140 in such a way that the receiving element 180 can be positively coupled to another hook element of another identical plastic container.

[0138] The receiving element 180, for example, has a bearing surface 188, which is encompassed, for example, by the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180.

[0139] The receiving element 180 comprises, for example, at an end remote from the second side wall 106, an inner surface 186 that is substantially perpendicular to the base 102, i.e., the perpendicular inner surface 186 extends substantially parallel to the normal 126 of the base 102 or to a surface normal 126 of the top 124 of the base 102 of the plastic container 100. Alternatively, the inner surface 186 may, for example, also be inclined away from the second side wall 106.

[0140] At the end furthest from the second side wall 106, the receiving element 180 further comprises, for example, a rounded transition section 190 to the inner surface 186, which may be oriented, for example, substantially perpendicular to the base 102 or inclined obliquely away from the second side wall 106. Furthermore, at the end furthest from the second side wall 106, the receiving element 180 comprises, for example, a rim lip 189 adjoining the second transition section 190. The bearing surface 188 of the receiving element 180 in the area of ​​the second rim lip 189 is, for example, directed upwards.

[0141] The majority of stabilizing ribs of the receiving element 180, for example, comprise several lower stabilizing ribs 182, i.e., stabilizing ribs 182 arranged on a bottom side of the receiving element 180, which are arranged parallel to each other. The lower stabilizing ribs 182 are, for example, arranged side by side along the direction 197 extending parallel to the second side wall 106 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. For example, the in Figure 10 The direction 197 shown is parallel to the direction 157 shown previously in the figures. Furthermore, the lower stabilizing ribs 182 extend, for example, perpendicularly to the second side wall 106 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. The lower stabilizing ribs 182 extend along the second side wall 106, for example, to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. In the Figure 10In the example shown, the lower stabilizing ribs 182 extend to below a top surface 124 of the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0142] Furthermore, the receiving element 180 comprises several outer stabilizing ribs 196 on an outer surface 192. These outer stabilizing ribs 196 are arranged side by side, for example, along the direction 197 extending parallel to the second side wall 106 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. The outer stabilizing ribs 196 also extend, for example, perpendicular to the second side wall 106 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0143] The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180 comprises two legs 202, 204. An inner leg 202 of the two legs 202, 204 is arranged on or formed by the second side wall 106. An outer leg 204 of the two legs 202, 204, which is arranged away from the second side wall 106, is formed, for example, by a section of the inner surface 186 of the receiving element 180 facing the second side wall 106. The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180 further features, for example, at least one rounded transition 208 between the leg 204 arranged away from the second side wall 106 and a base 206 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180. In the Figure 10In the example shown, the base 206 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile is flat and extends parallel to the top 124 of the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. Alternatively, the base 206 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile can also be concavely curved.

[0144] As in the Figure 10 As shown, the base 206 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180 is, for example, arranged above the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. Additionally or alternatively, the support surface 188 of the receiving element 180 is also, for example, as shown in Figure 10 shown, arranged above the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0145] For example, the receiving element 180 is formed in one piece with the second side wall 106 on the outer side 120 of the plastic container 100. For example, the receiving element 180 is formed in one piece with the second side wall 106 by means of an injection molding process during the manufacture of the plastic container 100.

[0146] For example, the receiving element 180 is connected to the second side wall 106 on the outside 120 of the plastic container 100 using a non-destructively detachable connection. The corresponding non-destructively detachable connection is, for example, a positive-locking connection, such as a plug connection. For example, the receiving element 180 is held in the plug connection with the second side wall 106 by means of a snap-fit ​​or clip.

[0147] Additionally shows Figure 10the force path 220 when pulling the plastic container 100 on the receiving element 180. In Figure 10 It is shown that the lower and outer stabilizing ribs 182, 196, for example, are arranged in pairs one behind the other in planes parallel to the section plane, such that a force exerted on the receiving element 180, in particular a tensile force directed away from the outside 120 of the plastic container 100, is introduced into the base 102 of the plastic container 100 via the two stabilizing ribs 182, 196. A corresponding force path 220 of the force transmission from the receiving element 180 via the stabilizing ribs 182, 196 into the base 102 of the plastic container 100 is shown in Figure 10 The foremost pair in the sectional view consists of the lower stabilizing rib 182 and the outer stabilizing rib 196. Figure 10 Highlighted by means of hatching.

[0148] Figure 11shows a second perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary recording element 180, which corresponds to the recording element 180 in Figure 10 corresponds. When viewing the Figure 11 This is a perspective view from the side of the third side wall, 108. In the Figure 11The example shown is an exemplary configuration of the inner surface 186 at the end of the receiving element 180 furthest from the second side wall 108, in which the inner surface 186 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100, i.e., parallel to the normal 126 of the bottom 102 or a surface normal 126 of the top 124 of the bottom 102. Furthermore, in this example, one leg, i.e., the leg 204 of the upwardly opening U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180 located furthest from the second side wall 108, is formed by the inner surface 186, as is the base 206 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile. The other leg 202 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile, located on the side of the second side wall 108, is formed, for example, by the second side wall 108 itself.In the example shown, both legs 202, 204 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile are each aligned perpendicular to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100, i.e. parallel to the normal 126 of the bottom 102 or a surface normal 126 of the top 124 of the bottom 102, such that an opening of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile remains essentially constant upwards with increasing distance from the base 206 of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0149] Figure 12 shows a third perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary recording element 180, which corresponds to the recording element 180 in Figure 10 corresponds. When viewing the Figure 12This is a perspective view from above, looking at the third side wall 108. In this view, the bearing surface 188 of the receiving element 180 is shown in particular, which is encompassed, for example, by the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180. At an end furthest from the second side wall 106, the receiving element 180 encompasses, for example, an inner surface 186 that is substantially perpendicular to the base 102; that is, the perpendicular inner surface 186 extends substantially parallel to the normal 126 of the base 102 or to a surface normal 126 of the top surface 124 of the base 102 of the plastic container 100. Alternatively, the inner surface 186 can, for example, also be inclined away from the second side wall 106.

[0150] At the end furthest from the second side wall 106, the receiving element 180 further comprises, for example, a rounded transition section 190 to the inner surface 186, which may be oriented, for example, substantially perpendicular to the base 102 or inclined obliquely away from the second side wall 106. Furthermore, at the end furthest from the second side wall 106, the receiving element 180 comprises, for example, a rim lip 189 adjoining the second transition section 190. The bearing surface 188 of the receiving element 180 in the area of ​​the rim lip 189 is, for example, directed upwards.

[0151] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an exemplary recording element 180, which corresponds to recording element 180 in Figure 10 corresponds. When viewing the Figure 13This is a perspective view from an oblique angle above, taken from the side of the second side wall 106. This view shows, in particular, the multiple outer stabilizing ribs 196 of the majority of stabilizing ribs of the receiving element 180, which the receiving element 180 encompasses on an outer surface 192. These outer stabilizing ribs 196 are arranged side by side, for example, along the direction 197 extending parallel to the second side wall 106 and the base 102 of the plastic container 100. For example, the one shown in Figure 13 The direction shown 197 is parallel to the direction 157 shown in the figures above. In addition, the outer stabilizing ribs 196 extend, for example, perpendicularly to the second side wall 106 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0152] Furthermore, the edge lip 189 arranged at the end of the receiving element 180 furthest from the second side wall 106 is shown, in the area of ​​which the bearing surface 188 of the receiving element 180 is directed upwards, for example.

[0153] Figure 14 shows another perspective view of an exemplary recording element 180, which corresponds to recording element 180 in Figure 10 corresponds. When viewing the Figure 14This is a perspective view from below. In this view, the lower stabilizing ribs 182 of the plurality of stabilizing ribs of the receiving element 180 are shown in particular, i.e., the stabilizing ribs 182 arranged on a bottom side of the receiving element 180. These lower stabilizing ribs 182 are arranged parallel to each other. The lower stabilizing ribs 182 are arranged, for example, side by side along the direction 197 extending parallel to the second side wall 106 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. For example, the one shown in Figure 14The direction 197 shown is parallel to the direction 157 shown previously in the figures. Furthermore, the lower stabilizing ribs 182 extend, for example, perpendicularly to the second side wall 106 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. The lower stabilizing ribs 182 extend along the second side wall 106, for example, to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. In the Figure 14 In the example shown, the lower stabilizing ribs 182 extend to below a top surface 124 of the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0154] Furthermore, the multiple outer stabilizing ribs 196 of the majority of stabilizing ribs of the receiving element 180 are shown in particular, which the receiving element 180 encompasses on an outer surface 192 of the receiving element 180. These outer stabilizing ribs 196 are arranged side by side, for example, along the direction 197 extending parallel to the second side wall 106 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100. In addition, the outer stabilizing ribs 196 extend, for example, perpendicular to the second side wall 106 and to the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100.

[0155] Likewise, in Figure 14The cell structure 221 encompassed by the base 102 of the plastic container 100 is shown. Such a cell structure 221 can, for example, have the advantage that, compared to a simple flat base, the stability of the base 102 can be increased on the one hand and friction of the base 102 can be reduced on the other.

[0156] Figure 15Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of two positively connected plastic containers 100 and 101. The cross-sectional view is a view of a section plane perpendicular to the second side wall 106 and the bottom 102 of the plastic container 100, and perpendicular to a first side wall 105 and the bottom 103 of the other plastic container 101. In the section plane shown, the receiving element 180 of the plastic container 100 and a hook element 141 of the other plastic container 101 have complementary U-shaped cross-sectional profiles. The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180 of the plastic container 100 opens upwards, and the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 141 of the other plastic container 101 opens downwards.

[0157] The two plastic containers 100 and 101 are, for example, two identical plastic containers. Plastic container 100 corresponds, for example, to the plastic container 100 described in the preceding figures. The other plastic container 101 is, for example, a plastic container identical in construction to plastic container 100.For example, a base 103 of the further plastic container 101 corresponds to the base 102 of the plastic container 100, a first side wall 105 of the further plastic container 101 corresponds to the first side wall 104 of the plastic container 100, a third side wall 109 of the further plastic container 101 corresponds to the third side wall 108 of the plastic container 100, an interior 113 of the further plastic container 101 corresponds to the interior 112 of the plastic container 100, an exterior 121 of the further plastic container 101 corresponds to the exterior 120 of the plastic container 100, a top 125 of the base 103 of the further plastic container 101 corresponds to the top 124 of the base 102 of the plastic container 100, and a hook element 141 of the further plastic container 101 corresponds to the hook element 140 of the plastic container 100.

[0158] The U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element 180 of the plastic container 100 is designed, for example, to be complementary to the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element 140 such that the receiving element 180 can be positively coupled to the further hook element 141 of the further identical plastic container 101. In this way, two or more identical plastic containers 100, 101 can be positively coupled to one another. The coupled plastic containers 100, 101 form, for example, a tensile assembly 230. If the foremost plastic container of such a tensile assembly 230 is, for example, pulled out of a rack in which the tensile assembly 230 is stored, the other plastic containers of the tensile assembly 230 are pulled out as well. If the foremost plastic container is, for example, pulled out of the rack and decoupled from the tensile assembly 230, i.e.,A positive-locking coupling of the foremost plastic container with the following plastic container in the train assembly 230 is solved, so that, for example, the following plastic container automatically takes the place of the previously foremost plastic container in the shelf.

[0159] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description, this illustration and description is to be regarded as exemplary and not limiting; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS

[0160] 100 Plastic container 101 Plastic container 102 Bottom 103 Bottom 104 Side wall 105 Side wall 106 Side wall 108 Side wall 109 Side wall 110 Side wall 112 Interior 113 Interior 120 Exterior 121 Exterior 124 Top 125 Top 126 Normal 140 Hook element 141 Hook element 142 Stabilizing rib 144 Bottom edge 146 Interior surface 148 Support surface 149 Edge lip 150 Transition section 152 Exterior 154 Section of the exterior 156 Stabilizing rib 157 Direction 158 Stabilizing struts 160 Section of the hook element 162 Leg 164 Leg 166 Base 168 Transition 170 Opening 180 Receiving element 182 Stabilizing rib 186 Inner surface 188 Bearing surface 189 Edge lip 190 Transition section 192 Outer side 196 Stabilizing rib 197 Direction 202 Leg 204 Leg 206 Base 208 Transition 220 Force path 221 Cell structure 230 Tensile bond

Claims

1. Plastic container (100) for storing and transporting items, wherein the plastic container (100) comprises a base (102) and four side walls (104, 106, 108, 110), wherein a first of the side walls (104) on an outside (120) of the plastic container (100) comprises a hook element (140) made of plastic, wherein the hook element (140) has a downwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the first side wall (104) and to the base (102) of the plastic container (100), and wherein the hook element (140) comprises a plurality of stabilizing ribs (142, 156).

2. Plastic container (100) according to claim 1, wherein several first stabilizing ribs (142) of the plurality of stabilizing ribs (142, 156) of the hook element (140) are arranged parallel to each other and extend perpendicularly to the first side wall (104) and to the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100), wherein the first stabilizing ribs (142) further comprise a lower edge (144) which has a downwardly open U-shape in an extension plane of the respective stabilizing rib (142).

3. Plastic container (100) according to claim 2, wherein the first stabilizing ribs (142) extend to the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100), in particular to below a top surface (124) of the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100).

4. Plastic container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook element (140) comprises a downwardly directed support surface (148) at an end remote from the first side wall (104), wherein the support surface (148) is in particular designed as a first edge lip (149) with a rounded first transition section (150) to an inner surface (146) of the hook element (140) which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom (102) or inclined obliquely towards the first side wall (104).

5. Plastic container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook element (140) further comprises on an outer side (152) of the hook element (140) facing away from the first side wall (104) several second stabilizing ribs (156) of the plurality of stabilizing ribs (142, 156) of the hook element (140), which are arranged side by side along a direction (157) extending parallel to the first side wall (104) and the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100) and each extend perpendicular to the first side wall (104) and to the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100).

6. Plastic container (100) according to claim 5, wherein the hook element (140) further comprises one or more stabilizing struts (158) of the hook element (140) arranged on the outside (152) of the hook element (140), which extend perpendicular to the second stabilizing ribs (156) and / or connect them together.

7. Plastic container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook element (140) is formed integrally with the first side wall (104) on the outside (120) of the plastic container (100), or wherein the hook element (140) is connected to the first side wall (104) on the outside (120) of the plastic container (100) using a first non-destructively detachable connection, in particular a plug connection.

8. Plastic container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second side wall (106) of the plastic container (100) opposite the first side wall (104) comprises a receiving element (180) made of plastic on the outside (120) of the plastic container (100), wherein the receiving element (180) arranged on the second side wall (106) of the plastic container (100) has an upwardly open U-shaped cross-sectional profile in a section plane perpendicular to the second side wall (106) and to the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100), wherein the receiving element (180) comprises a plurality of stabilizing ribs (182, 196) of the receiving element (180).

9. Plastic container (100) according to claim 8, wherein the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element (180) is designed to be complementary to the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the hook element (140) such that the receiving element (180) can be positively coupled to a further hook element (141) of a further identical plastic container (101).

10. Plastic container (100) according to one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the receiving element (180) comprises a support surface (188) which includes the U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

11. Plastic container (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein several third stabilizing ribs (182) of the plurality of stabilizing ribs (182, 196) of the receiving element (180) are arranged parallel to each other and extend perpendicular to the second side wall (106) and to the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100).

12. Plastic container (100) according to claim 11, wherein the third stabilizing ribs (182) extend to the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100), in particular to below a top surface (124) of the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100).

13. Plastic container (100) according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the receiving element (180) further comprises on an outer side (192) of the receiving element (180) several fourth stabilizing ribs (196) of the plurality of stabilizing ribs (182, 196) of the receiving element (180), which are arranged side by side along a direction (197) extending parallel to the second side wall (106) and the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100) and each extend perpendicular to the second side wall (106) and to the bottom (102) of the plastic container (100).

14. Plastic container (100) according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element (180) comprises two legs (202, 204), wherein the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element (180) further comprises at least one rounded transition (208) between a leg (204) of the two legs (202, 204) arranged away from the second side wall (106) and a base (206) of the U-shaped cross-sectional profile of the receiving element (180).

15. Plastic container (100) according to one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the receiving element (180) is formed integrally with the second side wall (106) on the outside (120) of the plastic container (100) or wherein the receiving element (180) is connected to the second side wall (106) on the outside (120) of the plastic container (100) using a second non-destructively detachable connection, in particular a plug connection.

Images