Stackable box

Abstract

Stackable box (100, 200, 300) comprising a bottom wall (3), four side walls (1, 2), a compartment (V) delimited by the bottom wall (3) and by the side walls (1, 2) and an upper opening that provides access to the compartment (V), and two shelves (4), one for each first side wall (1), each one being movably connected to a respective first side wall (1) by means of fastening means (M) between an operating position and an idle position; wherein the first side wall (1) comprises a rib (5) projecting towards the compartment (V) which defines a groove (55) facing the outside of the box (100, 200, 300); wherein said rib (5) comprises an upper wall (50) whereon said shelf (4) is suitable for resting when the shelf (4) is in the operating position; wherein said rib (5) comprises locking means (51) formed on said upper wall (50) and suitable for engaging with fastening means (21) of the shelf (4) when the shelf (4) is in the operating position.

Description

[0001] The present patent application for industrial invention relates to an improved stackable box.

[0002] For some time now, vertically stackable boxes have been manufactured for space saving reasons, having four side walls inclined in such a way that the box has a tapered shape with increasing dimensions going from the bottom wall upwards, so that a box can be partially inserted into an identical box, thus reducing their overall volume during storage or transportation, at least as long as the boxes are empty.

[0003] On the other hand, however, it is clear that the boxes with a tapered profile are impaired by the fact that they cannot be stacked when they are full or loaded with products, as the bottom of a full box would rest on and press the goods contained in the box below, damaging them, as in the case of fruit, vegetables, fish or other delicate and fragile products.

[0004] In order to overcome such a problem, stackable boxes that allow the boxes to be stacked on top of each other when necessary have been designed.

[0005] A first type of boxes provides boxes with a tapered shape with different longitudinal and transverse axes equipped with male elements (ribs) and female elements (grooves). The male and female elements are arranged asymmetrically on the edges of the opposite sides of the box. If the boxes are oriented in the same direction, the tapered shape allows the boxes to be inserted into each other in a space-saving configuration. However, when two boxes are oriented in opposite directions (i.e., a box is rotated by 180° with respect to the other box), they can be placed one on top of the other, as the ribs of the upper box are fitted into the grooves of the lower box. These boxes have the disadvantage that the user must rotate and orientate the box each time, based on the box below, with an extremely uncomfortable operation, especially if the box is heavy and bulky.

[0006] On the other hand, a second type comprises stackable boxes comprising opposing pairs of folding shelves hinged to the side walls of the box at the upper edges of the side walls, so that they can assume two positions, namely an idle position, wherein each shelf protrudes towards the outside of the box, and an operating position, wherein each shelf is arranged horizontally, projecting with respect to the side wall and towards the inside of the compartment, so as to act as a support surface for the bottom wall of the upper box.

[0007] Although these types of boxes greatly facilitate the stacking of boxes in columns, they are not free from drawbacks and problems.

[0008] In particular, since the shelves are arranged horizontally in their operating position, the weight of the upper box acts perpendicularly on the shelf, subjecting it to a heavy bending stress that could cause the hinges to break and the shelf to bend downward, causing the upper box to fall into the lower box.

[0009] GB2209737A and FR2829111A1 disclose conventional stackable plastic crates according to the prior art.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks and problems of the prior art by devising a stackable box equipped with a pair of opposite symmetrical shelves suitable for acting as a support for the bottom wall of an identical box stacked on top of the first box, which are extremely resistant and capable of supporting heavy loads.

[0011] Another purpose of the present invention is to devise a stackable box equipped with shelves that are not bulky when they are not in the operating position.

[0012] These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the characteristics listed in the attached independent claim 1.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

[0014] The stackable box according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0015] For greater clarity, the description of the stackable box according to the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting, wherein: Fig. 1 is a top view of a first version of box according to the invention with shelves arranged in a first idle position; Fig. 2 is a top view of the box of Fig. 1 with the shelves in operating position; Figs. 3 and 4 are two axonometric views of a portion of the box of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the box in Fig. 1 taken along the plane P1-P1; Fig. 6 is an axonometric view of a portion of the box shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 6A is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 6; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the box in Fig. 2 taken along the plane P2-P2; Figs. 8 and 9 are two axonometric views of a portion of the first version of box according to the invention, wherein the shelves are arranged in a second vertical idle position; Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the box of Fig. 8 taken along the vertical plane P8-P8; Fig. 11 is an axonometric view of two boxes according to the first embodiment of the invention, one inserted inside the other; Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the two boxes in Fig. 11 taken along a vertical plane so as to illustrate in detail how a tab of an upper box is engaged in .a slot of the lower box to keep the shelf of the lower box in vertical position; Fig. 13 is an axonometric view of two boxes according to the first embodiment of the invention stacked one on top of the other; Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the two boxes of Fig. 13 taken along a vertical plane so as to illustrate in detail how an upper box rests on top of a shelf of a lower box; Fig. 15 is an axonometric view of a portion of a second embodiment of the box; Fig. 15A is a partial axonometric view of two boxes according to the second embodiment of the invention, one inserted inside the other; Fig. 15B is a sectional view of a detail of the two boxes taken along the vertical plane P15-P15 of Fig. 15A; Figs. 16, 16A, and 16B are partial axonometric views of a box according to a third embodiment of the invention; in said Figs. 16, 16A, and 16B, the shelf of the box is arranged in three different positions; Figs. 17, 17A and 17B are sectional views of the box shown in Figs. 16, 16A and 16B, illustrating in particular the guiding and sliding means that connect the shelf and the box.

[0016] With the aid of Figs. 1 to 14, a first embodiment of a box according to the invention, which is comprehensively indicated with reference numeral 100, is described.

[0017] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the stackable box (100) comprises a bottom wall (3) and four side walls (1, 2), namely an opposite pair of first side walls (1) and a second opposite pair of second side walls (2). Each side wall (1, 2) has an upper edge (1a, 2a).

[0018] The box (100) has a substantially rectangular shape and the first side walls (1) define the transverse walls of the box (100), whereas the second side walls (2) define the longitudinal walls of the box (100).

[0019] The four side walls (1, 2) are inclined in such a way that the box (100) has a tapered shape with increasing dimensions going from the bottom wall (3) upwards.

[0020] The box (100) comprises a compartment (V) delimited by the bottom wall (3) and by the side walls (1, 2) and an upper opening that provides access to the compartment (V). Since the box (100) has a tapered shape towards the top, the compartment (V) has increasing dimensions towards the top and is therefore able to accommodate an additional upper box.

[0021] The box (100) also comprises two shelves (4), one for each first side wall (1), each one being movably connected to the respective first side wall (1).

[0022] Fastening means (M) are provided between each shelf (4) and the respective side wall (1) and configured in such a way that the shelf (4) can assume: a) an operating position, wherein the shelf (4) protrudes into the compartment (V), is positioned at the opening that provides access to the compartment (V) and lies on a plane parallel to the bottom wall (3) of the box (100) (see Figs. 2, 6 and 7); and b) at least one idle position, wherein the shelf (4) does not protrude into the box (100) (see Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 10).

[0023] Each shelf (4) comprises a first longitudinal edge (48) suitable for facing the center of the compartment (V) when the shelf (4) is in the operating position, and a second longitudinal edge (49) opposite said first longitudinal edge (48).

[0024] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1-14, said fastening means (M) comprise hinge means (7) arranged between the upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1) and the shelf (4). The hinge means (7) hinge the shelf (4) along an axis (X) parallel to the bottom wall (3). In particular, the hinge means (7) are arranged between the second longitudinal edge (49) of the shelf (4) and the upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1).

[0025] The shelf (4) can rotate around said hinge means (7) between the operating position (shown in Figs. 2, 6, and 7) and a first idle position (shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 5) by performing a rotation of approximately 180°.

[0026] The shelf (4) can also be positioned in a second idle position (shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 8) wherein the shelf (4) is arranged substantially at 90° with respect to the operating position and to the first idle position. Otherwise said, when the shelf (4) is arranged in the second idle position, the shelf (4) is substantially positioned in a vertical position.

[0027] In the first embodiment of the invention, the box (100) and the shelves (4) are made from a single monolithic piece of plastic material, and in such a case the hinge means (7) comprise a thinned junction portion (70) that connects the shelf (4) to the box (100) and lets the shelf (4) rotate around the axis (X). The monolithic piece of plastic material can be obtained either by injection molding or thermoforming.

[0028] Figs. 5, 7, and 10 show in detail the thinned junction portion (70) that connects the shelf (4) to the box (100). More precisely, the thinned junction portion (70) connects the second longitudinal edge (49) of the shelf (4) to the upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1) of the box (100) and lets the shelf (4) tilt either towards the compartment (V) or towards the outside of the box (100).

[0029] With reference to Figs. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9, the first side wall (1) comprises a rib (5) protruding towards the compartment (V) that defines a groove (55) facing the outside of the box (100).

[0030] The rib (5) extends for the entire height of the first side wall (1) and has a tapered shape with decreasing dimensions going from the bottom wall (3) upwards. The rib (5) is centrally located on the first side wall (1).

[0031] When two boxes (100) are inserted one inside the other, the ribs (5) of a lower box (100) are engaged into the grooves (55) of an upper box (100).

[0032] Two channels (91) are provided on the sides of the rib (5), facing the compartment (V) and defining corresponding projections (92) facing the outside of the box (100) and located on the sides of the groove (55).

[0033] When two boxes (100) are inserted one inside the other, the channels (91) of a lower box (100) accommodate the projections (92) of an upper box (100).

[0034] The rib (5) is provided on top with an upper wall (50) whereon the respective shelf (4) is suitable for resting when the shelf (4) is in the operating position.

[0035] The rib (5) comprises locking means (51) formed on the upper wall (50), whereas said shelf (4) has fastening means (21) suitable for cooperating with the locking means (51) to securely lock the shelf (4) in the operating position above the upper wall (50) of the rib (5), while allowing the shelf (4) to be removed from said operating position if the shelf (4) is energetically pulled away from the upper wall (50) of the rib (5).

[0036] The fastening means (21) of the shelf (4) comprise two openings (210), and the locking means (51) of the rib (5) comprise two protruding elements (510) that protrude from the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) and are suitable for being engaged in the openings (210) of the fastening means (21).

[0037] With reference to Figs. 5, 7, and 10, the protruding element (510) consists of an L-shaped hook comprising a shank (510b) that rises orthogonally from the upper wall (50) and a retaining tooth (510a) that extends orthogonally to the shank (510b) towards the center of the box (100).

[0038] It should be noted that, although the attached figures always show that the fastening means (21) and the locking means (51) comprise two openings (210) and two protruding elements (510), respectively, nothing prevents the fastening means (21) and the locking means (51) from comprising only one opening and only one protruding element.

[0039] With reference to Figs. 1 and 3, the box (100) further comprises four corner ribs (6) arranged at the corners (G) of the box (100), each comprising an upper flat surface (60). The upper flat surfaces (60) of the corner ribs (6) are positioned at a higher height than the upper walls (50) of the ribs (5).

[0040] Each corner rib (6) defines an outward-facing corner groove (65).

[0041] When two boxes (100) are inserted one inside the other, the corner ribs (6) of a lower box (100) are inserted into the corner grooves (65) of the upper box (100).

[0042] The channel (91) is provided between the central rib (5) and an adjacent corner rib (6).

[0043] Returning now to the shelves (4), each shelf (4) has a slightly lower length than the first side wall (1).

[0044] With reference to Fig. 6A, each shelf (4) comprises: a central portion (41) whereon said openings (210) of the fastening means (21) are formed and which is suitable for resting on the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) when the shelf (4) is in operating position; two ending portions (42) suitable for resting on the upper flat surfaces (60) of the corner ribs (6) when the shelf (4) is in operating position; and two intermediate portions (43) that close the channels (91) of the box (100) superiorly when the shelf (4) is in operating position.

[0045] Each intermediate portion (43) has a recess (SC) whereon a portion of the bottom wall (3) of an upper box is suitable for resting. More precisely, each recess (SC) is suitable for supporting the portion of the bottom wall (3) located at the base of one of the projections (92) of the upper box.

[0046] Preferably, the central portion (41) also has a central recess (SC1) which is interposed between the two recesses (SC) formed on the intermediate portions (43) and whereon said openings (210) of the fastening means (21) are formed.

[0047] With reference to Figs. 4 and 9, support partitions (T) are advantageously formed on the projections (92) of each first side wall (1) to rest on the upper edge of the first side wall of a lower box when the box (100) is inserted into the compartment of said lower box.

[0048] With reference to Figs. 6A, 11, 12, preferably, said upper edge (1a) of the first side wall comprises two tabs (L) that project downwardly from said upper edge (1a), whereas the shelf (4) comprises two slots (H) formed on the first longitudinal edge (48) of the shelf (4) that are suitable for receiving the tabs (L) of an identical upper box.

[0049] More precisely, by placing the shelf (4) in its second idle position, i.e., in a substantially vertical position, when an upper box is inserted into the compartment of the box (100), the tabs (L) of the upper box are engaged into the slots (H) of the lower box, stably holding the shelves (4) of the lower box (100) in the second idle position and preventing them from tilting outwards.

[0050] Obviously, by preventing the shelves (4) from tipping outward (i.e., toward the first idle position), the lateral dimension of the stack of boxes (100) composed of boxes inserted one inside the other is reduced.

[0051] It should be noted that, although not shown in the attached figures, holes are preferably provided on the bottom wall (3) of the box (100) to let the liquids generated by the goods contained in the box (100) flow out of the compartment (V) of the box (100).

[0052] A method of using the box (100) is described below.

[0053] Let's consider that the box (100) is empty, i.e., without any goods, and the shelves (4) are initially positioned in the first idle position, i.e., horizontal and facing outwards, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5.

[0054] In order to insert an identical upper box inside the box (100), it will be necessary to rotate the two shelves (4) of the box (100) until they reach the second idle position (as shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10), then insert the upper box inside the box (100) until the tabs (L) of the upper box are fitted into the slots (H) of the shelves of the lower box (100), thus holding the shelves (4) in the second vertical idle position with minimum lateral dimension, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0055] Let's now consider that the box (100) is not empty, i.e., it contains goods such as fruit, vegetables, fish, etc., and an upper box is to be placed on top of the box (100).

[0056] In such a case, the shelves (4) are tilted towards the compartment (V), i.e. they are positioned in the operating position (as shown in Figs. 6 and 7), so that each shelf (4) rests securely on the upper surface (50) of the rib (5) and the fastening means (21) provided on the shelf (4) and the locking means (51) provided on the rib (5) are engaged with each other.

[0057] Then, with reference to Figs. 13 and 14, the upper box (100) is placed astride the two shelves (4) of the lower box (100). More precisely, the upper box will rest with the bottom wall (3) on the recesses (SC) of the intermediate portions (43) of the two opposite shelves (4).

[0058] Successively, elements that are identical or corresponding to those already described above are indicated with the same reference numerals, omitting their detailed description.

[0059] With reference to Figs. 15-15B, a second embodiment of the box, which is comprehensively indicated with reference numeral 200, is described.

[0060] The box (200) of the second embodiment of the invention is substantially identical to the box (100) of the first embodiment, except that in this case the box (200) and the shelves (4) are made from separate pieces of plastic material. The box (200) and the shelves (4) can be made by injection molding or thermoforming.

[0061] In such an embodiment, the fastening means (M) arranged between each shelf (4) and the box (200) always comprise hinge means (7) which in this case comprise: two pins (75) formed on the upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1) of the box (200); and hinge seats (76), one for each pin (75), wherein said pins (75) are suitable for being elastically fitted with the possibility of rotation.

[0062] As in the box (100) of the first embodiment, in the box (200) of the second embodiment each shelf (4) can be positioned in the first idle position, in the second idle position and in the operating position. Also in such a case, when the shelf (4) is placed in the second idle position, the slots (H) formed on the first longitudinal edge (48) of the shelf (4) are suitable for receiving the tabs (L) protruding inferiorly from an upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1) of an upper box.

[0063] With reference to Figs. 16, 16A, 16B, 17, 17A, and 17B, a third embodiment of the box according to the invention, which is comprehensively indicated with reference numeral 300, is described.

[0064] The box (300) of the third embodiment differs from the box (100) and the box (200) of the first and second embodiments in the type of fastening means (M) that connect each shelf (4) to the box (300).

[0065] In such a case, the fastening means (M) do not comprise hinge means (7) (such as those of the first and second embodiments of the box (100, 200)), but rather comprise means (8) that let the shelf (4) perform a "roto-translational" movement with respect to the box (300) .

[0066] Also in this case, as in the box (200) of the second embodiment, the box (300) and the shelves (4) are made from separate pieces of plastic material. The box (300) and the shelves (4) can be made by injection molding or thermoforming.

[0067] The means (8) that movably connect the shelf (4) to the box (300) comprise: two vertical guiding grooves (81) that are opposite each other and are formed on the outside of the compartment of the box (300) at corners (G) of the box (300); each guiding groove (81) comprises a lower end (811) and an upper end (812); sliders (82) protruding from opposite ends of the shelf (4) and inserted into the two guiding grooves (81) to translate and rotate in said guiding grooves (81) in order to position the shelf (4) alternately in the idle position, wherein the sliders (82) are located at the lower ends (811) of the guiding groove (81) and the shelf (4) is located behind the first side wall (1) in a substantially orthogonal position with respect to the bottom wall (3) of the box (300), and in the operating position, wherein the sliders (82) are positioned at the upper ends (812) of the guiding grooves (81) and the shelf (4) protrudes into the compartment (V) and lies on a plane parallel to the bottom wall (3).

[0068] The two sliders (82) are formed near the second longitudinal edge (49) of the shelf (4).

[0069] With reference to Figs. 16, 16A, and 16B, the guiding grooves (81) are formed in blocks (B) that protrude from the corner grooves (65) of the box (100) immediately below the upper flat surface (60) of the corresponding corner rib (6).

[0070] Each guiding groove (81) is substantially shaped like a keyhole comprising: a rectilinear section (81a) inferiorly ending with said lower end (811) of the guiding groove (81); and an enlarged upper portion (81b) wherein the rectilinear section (81a) superiorly ends, defining said upper end (812) of the guiding groove (81); the enlarged upper portion (81b) has the shape of a sector or a circle that extends for an arc of circumference of approximately 270° with diameter (d).

[0071] The rectilinear section (81a) has a width (k) with increasing dimensions going from the lower end (811) towards the upper end (812), i.e. towards the enlarged upper portion (81b).

[0072] Each slider (82) has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a transverse axis (v) of lower length and a longitudinal axis (w) of higher length.

[0073] Advantageously, the length of the transverse axis (v) is equal to the width (k) of the rectilinear section (81a) measured at the lower end (811) so that the slider (82) can be fitted inside the rectilinear section (81a) going towards the lower end (811) in such a way that, when the slider (82) is positioned at the lower end (811), the slider (82) cannot move forward and backward, i.e. cannot move transversely with respect to the direction in which the rectilinear section (81a) extends.

[0074] Furthermore, it should be noted that since the sliders (82) are rectangular in shape, they cannot rotate when they are placed in the rectilinear section, thus preventing the shelf (4) from being tilted outwards. Otherwise said, when the sliders (82) are positioned at the lower end of the two guiding grooves, the shelves remain in vertical position without being tilted outwards.

[0075] Again with reference to Figs. 17, 17A, and 17B, the diameter (d) of the enlarged upper portion (81b) is slightly higher than the length of the longitudinal axis (w) of the slider (82) so as to let the slider (82) rotate without clearance inside the enlarged upper portion (81b).

[0076] Preferably, a slot is formed on the upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1) and is traversed by the shelf (4) during its movement between the idle position and the operating position.

[0077] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the shelf (4) of the box (300) can assume only one idle position, wherein the shelf (4) is located behind the first side wall (1), and the operating position, wherein the shelf (4) protrudes from the first side wall (1) towards the compartment (V).

[0078] With reference to Figs. 16 and 17, starting from the idle position wherein the shelf (4) is positioned behind the first side wall (1) and the sliders (82) are positioned in the lower end (811) of the guiding groove (81), the shelf (4) is lifted to let the sliders (82) slide along the rectilinear section (81a) of the guiding groove (81) until they reach the enlarged upper portion (81b) of the guiding groove (81), as shown in Figs. 16A and 17A.

[0079] Successively, with reference to Figs. 16B and 17B, the shelf (4) is tilted forward by exploiting the 90° rotation of the sliders (82) inside the enlarged upper portions (81b) of the two guiding grooves (81). When the shelf (4) is tilted forward, the shelf (4) rests on the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) and the fastening means (21) of the shelf (4) and the locking means (51) of the rib (5) are securely coupled together.

[0080] Following the above description, it appears evident that the box (100, 200, 300) according to the invention can be a better alternative to the boxes of the prior art, as it is extremely more reliable and resistant, given that, when the shelves (4) are placed in the operating position, the shelves (4) rest on the upper wall (50) and are locked to the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) by means of the locking means (51) and the fastening means (21).

[0081] Numerous modifications can be made to the present embodiment of the invention, which are within the reach of an expert of the field and fall in any case within the scope of the invention as disclosed by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Stackable box (100, 200) comprising: - a bottom wall (3); - four side walls (1, 2) comprising an opposite pair of first side walls (1) and an opposite pair of second side walls (2); wherein said four side walls (1, 2) are inclined in such a way that the box (100) has a tapered shape with increasing dimensions going from the bottom wall (3) upwards; each side wall (1, 2) comprising an upper edge (1a, 2a); - a compartment (V) delimited by the bottom wall (3) and by the side walls (1, 2) and an upper opening that provides access to the compartment (V); - two shelves (4), one for each first side wall (1), each one being movably connected to the respective first side wall (1); - fastening means (M) provided between each shelf (4) and the respective first side wall (1) and configured in such a way that the shelf (4) can assume: a) an operating position, wherein the shelf (4) protrudes into the compartment (V) and lies on a plane parallel to the bottom wall (3) of the box (100, 200); and b) at least one idle position, wherein the shelf (4) does not protrude into the box (100, 200); wherein each first side wall (1) comprises a rib (5) protruding towards the compartment (V) that defines a groove (55) facing the outside of the box (100, 200); wherein said rib (5) comprises an upper wall (50) above which said shelf (4) is suitable for resting when the shelf (4) is in the operating position; wherein said rib (5) comprises locking means (51) formed on said upper wall (50); wherein said shelf (4) comprises fastening means (21) suitable for cooperating with the locking means (51) to securely lock the shelf (4) in the operating position above the upper wall (50), while letting the shelf (4) to be removed from the operating position if the shelf (4) is energetically pulled away from the upper wall (50) of the rib (5); wherein said fastening means (M) comprise hinge means (7) arranged between the upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1) and the shelf (4); wherein said hinge means (7) hinge the shelf (4) along an axis (X) parallel to the bottom wall (3); wherein said hinge means (7) are configured in such a way to let the shelf (4) rotate between the operating position and a first idle position by performing a rotation of approximately 180°; wherein said upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1) comprises at least one tab (L) projecting downwardly from the upper edge (1a); wherein said shelf (4) comprises at least one slot (H) formed on a first longitudinal edge (48) of the shelf (4) suitable for receiving the tab (L) of an identical upper box when the shelf (4) is positioned in a second idle position wherein the shelf (4) is arranged substantially in a vertical position.

2. The box (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein said fastening means (21) of the shelf (4) comprise at least one opening (210), and said locking means (51) of the rib (5) comprise at least one protruding element (510) which protrudes from the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) and which is suitable for engaging in the at least one opening (210) of the fastening means (21).

3. The box (100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein said at least one protruding element (510) consists of an L-shaped hook comprising a shank (510b) that rises orthogonally from the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) and a retaining tooth (510a) extending orthogonally to the shank (510b) towards the center of the box (100, 200).

4. The box (100, 200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said rib (5) extends for the entire height of the first side wall (1) and has a tapered shape with decreasing dimensions going from the bottom wall (3) upwards.

5. The box (100, 200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said rib (5) is centrally located on the first side wall (1); wherein said first side wall (1) comprises two channels (91) on the sides of the rib (5), said two channels (91) facing the compartment (V) and defining two projections (92) facing the outside of the box (100, 200); wherein said projections (92) are located on the sides of the groove (55).

6. The stackable box (100, 200) according to claim 5, comprising four corner ribs (6) arranged at the corners (G) of the box (100, 200), each one comprising an upper flat surface (60); wherein one of said channels (91) is disposed between the rib (5) and an adjacent corner rib (6); wherein said shelf (4) comprises: - a central portion (41) suitable for resting on the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) when the shelf (4) is in the operating position; - two ending portions (42) suitable for resting on the upper flat surfaces (60) of the corner ribs (6) when the shelf (4) is in the operating position; and - two intermediate portions (43) that superiorly close the channels (91) when the shelf (4) is in the operating position.

7. The box (100, 200) according to claim 6, wherein each intermediate portion (43) has a recess (SC) whereon a portion of the bottom wall (3) of an upper box is suitable for resting.

8. The box (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the box (100) and the shelves (4) are made from a single monolithic piece of plastic material; wherein said hinge means (7) comprise at least one thinned junction portion (70) connecting the shelf (4) to the box (100) and letting the shelf rotate about the axis (X).

9. The box (200) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the box (200) and the shelves (4) are made from separate pieces of plastic material; wherein said hinge means (7) comprise: - at least one pin (75) formed on the upper edge (1a) of the first side wall (1) of the box (200); and - a hinge seat (76) wherein said pin (75) is suitable for being elastically fitted and rotated.

10. Stackable box (300) comprising: - a bottom wall (3); - four side walls (1, 2), comprising an opposite pair of first side walls (1) and an opposite pair of second side walls (2); wherein said four side walls (1, 2) are inclined in such a way that the box (100) has a tapered shape with increasing dimensions going from the bottom wall (3) upwards; each side wall (1, 2) comprising an upper edge (1a, 2a); - a compartment (V) delimited by the bottom wall (3) and by the side walls (1, 2) and an upper opening that provides access to the compartment (V); - two shelves (4), one for each first side wall (1), each one being movably connected to the respective first side wall (1); - fastening means (M) located between each shelf (4) and the respective first side wall (1) configured in such a way that the shelf (4) can assume: a) an operating position, wherein the shelf (4) protrudes into the compartment (V) and lies on a plane parallel to the bottom wall (3) of the box (300); and b) at least one idle position, wherein the shelf (4) does not protrude into the box (300); wherein each first side wall (1) comprises a rib (5) protruding towards the compartment (V) which defines a groove (55) facing the outside of the box (300); wherein said rib (5) comprises an upper wall (50) above which said shelf (4) is suitable for resting when the shelf (4) is in the operating position; wherein said rib (5) comprises locking means (51) formed on said upper wall (50); wherein said shelf (4) comprises fastening means (21) suitable for cooperating with the locking means (51) to securely lock the shelf (4) in the operating position above the upper wall (50), while letting the shelf (4) be removed from said operating position if the shelf (4) is energetically pulled away from the upper wall (50) of the rib (5); wherein said box (300) and said shelves (4) are made from separate pieces of plastic material; wherein said fastening means (M) comprise means (8) configured to let the shelf (4) translate and rotate with respect to the box (300); wherein said means (8) comprise: - two guiding grooves (81) that are vertical and opposite each other, formed externally to the compartment (V) of the box (300) at the corners (G) of the box (300); each guiding groove (81) comprises a lower end (811) and an upper end (812); - two sliders (82) protruding from opposite ends of the shelf (4) and inserted into the two guiding grooves (81) to translate and rotate inside said guiding grooves (81) in order to position the shelf (4) alternately in the idle position, wherein the sliders (82) are positioned at the lower ends (811) of the guiding groove (81) and the shelf (4) is positioned behind the first side wall (1) in a substantially orthogonal position with respect to the bottom wall (3) of the box (300), and in the operating position, wherein the sliders (82) are positioned at the upper ends (812) of the guiding grooves (81) and the shelf (4) protrudes into the compartment (V) and lies on a plane parallel to the bottom wall (3); wherein each guiding groove (81) is substantially shaped like a keyhole comprising: - a rectilinear section (81a) that inferiorly ends with said lower end (811) of the guiding groove (81); and - an enlarged upper portion (81b) wherein the rectilinear section (81a) ends, defining said upper end (812) of the guiding groove (81); wherein said slider (82) is configured to slide along the rectilinear section (81a) of the guiding groove (81) and rotate in the enlarged upper portion (81b) of the guiding groove (81); the rectilinear section (81a) has a width (k) with increasing dimensions going from the lower end (811) towards the upper end (812); the enlarged upper portion (81b) has the shape of a sector of a circle that extends for an arc of a circumference with diameter (d); the slider (82) has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a transverse axis (v) of lower length and a longitudinal axis (w) of higher length; the length of the transverse axis (v) of the slider (82) is equal to the width (k) of the rectilinear section (81a) measured at the lower end (811) so that, when the slid (82) is positioned at the lower end (811), the slider (82) cannot move transversely with respect to the direction in which the rectilinear section (81a) extends; the diameter (d) of the upper enlarged portion (81b) is slightly higher than the length of the longitudinal axis (w) of the slider (82) to let the slider (82) rotate without clearance in the upper enlarged portion (81b).

11. The box (300) according to claim 10, wherein said fastening means (21) of the shelf (4) comprise at least one opening (210), and said locking means (51) of the rib (5) comprise at least one protruding element (510) that protrudes from the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) and is suitable for engaging in the at least one opening (210) of the fastening means (21).

12. The box (300) according to claim 11, wherein said at least one protruding element (510) consists of an L-shaped hook comprising a shank (510b) that rises orthogonally from the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) and a retaining tooth (510a) extending orthogonally to the shank (510b) toward the center of the box (300).

13. The box (300) according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein said rib (5) extends for the entire height of the first side wall (1) and has a tapered shape with decreasing dimensions going from the bottom wall (3) upwards.

14. The box (300) according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein said rib (5) is centrally located on the first side wall (1); wherein said first side wall (1) comprises two channels (91) on the sides of the rib (5), said two channels (91) facing the compartment (V) and defining two projections (92) facing the outside of the box (300); wherein said projections (92) are located on the sides of the groove (55).

15. The stackable box (300) according to claim 14, comprising four corner ribs (6) arranged at the corners (G) of the box (300), each one comprising an upper flat surface (60); wherein one of said channels (91) is provided between the rib (5) and an adjacent corner rib (6); wherein said shelf (4) comprises: - a central portion (41) suitable for resting on the upper wall (50) of the rib (5) when the shelf (4) is in the operating position; - two ending portions (42) suitable for resting on the upper flat surfaces (60) of the corner ribs (6) when the shelf (4) is in the operating position; and - two intermediate portions (43) that close the channels (91) superiorly when the shelf (4) is in the operating position.

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