Folding transport container and use thereof
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEY CIRCLE GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing foldable transport containers are limited in dimensions, making them unsuitable for taller objects and requiring extensive storage space when unfolded, and they often cannot be reused due to irreversible folding mechanisms, which hampers sustainability and practicality.
A foldable transport container design that allows independent rotation of side walls and end walls, enabling a more compact folded state while maintaining the ability to transport taller objects, with a fabric structure that prevents dirt and air exchange, and a captively attached lid for secure closure and reuse.
The design allows for space-saving return shipping and reuse of the container, accommodating taller objects while ensuring the integrity and safety of transported goods, particularly sensitive items like food and pharmaceuticals, by preventing dirt and air exchange.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024066596_19122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Foldable transport container and its use
[0002] The present invention relates to a foldable transport container. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of such a transport container for transporting and / or storing objects, piece goods, or bulk goods.
[0003] Transport containers and transport packaging are well known in the fields of transport, logistics, shipping, and everyday life. Transport crates or boxes for postal shipping are often made of cardboard and are typically purchased in a folded or collapsed state. Before use, the user must manually unfold the transport box or carton so that it can be loaded. Once loaded, the user can ship the transport packaging. Such transport packaging often has folding mechanisms that are not designed to be reversed. This means that folding the transport packaging up without damage after use is often not possible, nor is it possible to return it empty to the original sender.The reuse of such transport packaging is therefore very limited in practice, which is not in line with the idea of sustainability. Storing transport packaging, crates, or boxes unfolded until reuse requires a lot of storage space, making this approach generally impractical. Space-saving return shipping of the empty transport container is only possible if it remains closed even when folded.
[0004] DE 10 2021 113 829 B3 discloses a transport container that can be moved between an unfolded first end position and a folded second end position. A lid is connected to one of the supporting end walls so that it can pivot about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is defined by a fold line that the lid forms with the supporting end wall and that runs between a lower edge and an upper edge of the supporting end wall. The two side walls are each formed by a flexible surface section that is connected to the supporting side walls on both sides. The lid is designed to fix the transport container in the folded second end position, in which it requires minimal storage space. Return shipping can therefore be carried out very effectively.
[0005] Due to the design of the transport container chosen in DE 10 2021 113 829 B3, its height is limited to a maximum of half its width, which is why its usable volume is correspondingly limited and it is not suitable for certain applications.
[0006] The object of one embodiment of the present invention is to propose a transport container that makes it possible to remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages in a simple and cost-effective manner and, in particular, to create a reusable transport container that is less limited in terms of its dimensions than transport containers known from the prior art. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is based on the object of specifying a use for such a transport container.
[0007] This object is achieved by the features specified in claims 1 and 16. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.
[0008] One embodiment of the invention relates to a foldable transport container which is movable between an unfolded first end position and a folded-in second end position, comprising a base, at least one side wall which is connected to the base so as to be rotatable about a side wall axis, at least one end wall which is connected to the base so as to be rotatable about a end wall axis, wherein an inner end wall axis running parallel to the end wall axis is provided in the end wall, with which inner end wall axis the end wall is divided into an upper end wall section and a bottom-side lower end wall section, and the upper end wall section and the lower end wall section are connected to one another so as to be rotatable about the inner end wall axis.
[0009] The present transport container differs from the transport container disclosed in DE 10 2021 113 829 B3 in the following features, among others: The side wall can be rotated about the side wall axis independently of the end wall. Furthermore, the end wall can be rotated about the inner end wall axis, allowing it to be folded accordion-like and thus save space. As a result, the transport container is less limited in terms of its height than the transport container known from DE 10 2021 113 829 B3. The proposed transport container can therefore also be used to transport taller objects or objects that can be stacked vertically, without having to forego the possibility of space-saving return shipping in the folded second end position.
[0010] The terms "upper sidewall section" and "lower sidewall section" refer to the bottom of the transport container. The lower sidewall section directly adjoins the bottom, while the upper sidewall section borders the lower sidewall section.
[0011] When the terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower" and the like are used below, these refer to the unfolded first end position and to the bottom of the transport container. According to a further embodiment, the transport container has a first end wall which is rotatably connected to the bottom about a first end wall axis, and a second end wall which is rotatably connected to the bottom about a second end wall axis, wherein the left end wall and the right end wall are connected to one another with a sheet-like structure, and the sheet-like structure has a lower flexural rigidity than the first end wall and the second end wall.
[0012] In this case, it is particularly advantageous for the sheet-like structure to run substantially parallel to and outside the side wall in the unfolded first end position. The side wall can be rotated about the side wall axis independently of the first end wall and the second end wall. This can lead to gaps forming between the side wall and the side walls, through which dirt particles and the like can penetrate into the cavity. In addition, air can exchange through the gaps, whereby the temperature in the cavity can become equal to that of the surroundings. For food or pharmaceuticals, for example, both of these can be undesirable. Due to the use of the sheet-like structure, in particular a textile one, the penetration of dirt particles and the like into the cavity can be prevented. Furthermore, air exchange between the surroundings and the cavity can be prevented.In this respect, the transport container in this design is also suitable for the transport of more sensitive goods such as food or pharmaceuticals.
[0013] Due to the lower flexural rigidity of the sheet material compared to the first end wall and the second end wall, the first end wall and the second end wall essentially retain their shape when rotated about the first end wall axis or second end wall axis, respectively, while the sheet material is deformed. In this respect, the sheet material is linked to the first end wall and the second end wall and a corresponding deformation of the sheet material is brought about when the transport container is to be transferred to the second end position. The sheet material does not necessarily have to end at the left and right end walls, but can enclose the entire transport container. The sheet material can run along the outside or inside of the left and right end walls and be connected to the left and right end walls in this way.
[0014] In one embodiment, only one of the two end walls can have an inner end wall axis. The other end wall accordingly has no inner end wall axis and is only rotatably connected to the floor by means of the respective end wall axis. In other words, the other end wall can be rotated relative to the floor by means of the end wall axis. The first end wall can have a first inner end wall axis or the second end wall can have a second inner end wall axis. When transferring the transport container into a folded end position, the end wall axis, which is the inner end wall axis, can be rotated about the inner end wall axis. The other end wall axis can then be rotated in the direction of the end wall axis. This offers the advantage that the other end wall axis can be pressed onto the end wall axis, which simplifies the folding process.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the sheet is connected to the floor. This connection of the sheet to the floor enables even more targeted articulation, so that the sheet is deformed in a defined manner in the second end position.
[0016] It is advisable for the sheet to be connected to the floor along a connecting line that runs parallel to the side wall axis. The side wall is typically rotated toward the interior of the transport container when the transport container is transferred to the second end position. Consequently, it is advisable for the connecting line to be offset outward from the side wall axis to ensure the free rotation of the side wall. This also provides a targeted linkage of the sheet element, which in turn contributes to a defined deformation of the sheet element when transferred to the second end position.
[0017] According to a further embodiment, the sheet-like structure is detachably connected or connected to the side wall by means of a detachable connection. The detachable connection allows the sheet-like structure to be sufficiently tensioned in the unfolded first end position, thereby protecting it from damage, for example, tearing. The detachable fastening can be implemented, for example, using a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0018] According to a further embodiment, the transport container can comprise a lid with which the transport container can be closed. In most cases, transport of objects is only possible if the cavity enclosed by the transport container can be completely closed, among other things to prevent objects placed in the cavity from falling out. However, when storing objects, the lid can be omitted depending on the application. The lid therefore enables the transport of objects arranged in the cavity enclosed by the transport container.
[0019] In a further developed embodiment,
[0020] - the end wall has an upper end wall edge, wherein the cover is attached to the first upper end wall edge so as to be rotatable about the end wall.
[0021] The lid can be attached to the end wall in such a way that it is captive. For example, the lid can merge seamlessly into the end wall, at least in sections. This prevents the lid from getting lost, particularly during transport and during loading and unloading. As mentioned, the transport container is intended to be reusable. If the transport container is returned without the lid, the original sender must replace the lid, which has a negative impact on sustainability and also causes unnecessary costs. This is prevented by captive fastening of the lid to at least one of the end walls. The end wall to which the lid is attached can also be referred to as the rear wall.
[0022] In a further embodiment, the lid can have a lid wall and at least one edge wall running substantially perpendicular to the lid wall. The edge wall preferably ends flush with the lid wall. The edge wall centers the lid relative to the rest of the transport container, both in the first end position and in the second end position. Furthermore, it encloses the side wall and the end wall(s) in the folded-in second end position, protecting them from damage during return shipping.
[0023] In a further embodiment, the inner end wall axis can run centrally between the lower end wall edge and the upper end wall edge. In this embodiment, the upper end wall section and the lower end wall section can be designed to have the same area. This allows them to be folded together into a minimal area, so that the transport container requires little storage space in the folded second end position.
[0024] A further developed embodiment can be characterized in that the transport container has at least one closure means with which the lid can be connected or is connected to the transport container in the first end position or with which the transport container can be fixed or is fixed in the second end position. On the one hand, the lid can be connected to the transport container, in particular detachably, using the closure means, whereby the lid can be separated from the transport container if necessary. This can be useful when loading and unloading the transport container. On the other hand, the transport container can be fixed in the second end position using the closure means. During return shipping, this prevents the transport container from being moved uncontrollably out of the second end position.
[0025] According to a further embodiment,
[0026] - the closure means for connecting the lid to the transport container comprises a first closure element and a second closure element corresponding thereto, wherein
[0027] - the first closure element is located on the lid and the second closure element is located in the area of the upper end wall edge.
[0028] The first closure element and the second closure element can, for example, be designed like two side parts of a zipper. Alternatively, the first closure element and the second closure element can be designed like snap fasteners. Due to the proposed arrangement of the first closure means and the second closure means, an elongated connecting line can be provided, whereby the lid can be securely connected to the rest of the transport container in the unfolded first end position. The transport container can therefore be reliably closed with the lid. The second closure element can also extend over the flat structure so that the transport container can be closed completely or almost completely. The objects transported in the transport container can be protected from external influences.
[0029] In a further embodiment, it may be appropriate that
[0030] - the closure means for fixing the transport container in the second end position comprises a first closure element and a third closure element corresponding thereto, wherein
[0031] - the first locking element on the lid and
[0032] - the third closure element runs in the area of the front wall axis.
[0033] The first closure element and the third closure element can, for example, be designed like two side parts of a zipper. Alternatively, the first closure element and the third closure element can be designed like snap fasteners. Due to the proposed arrangement of the first closure means and the third closure element, an elongated connecting line can be provided, whereby the transport container can be securely fixed in the folded second end position using the lid, which is particularly advantageous for return shipment to the original sender.
[0034] A further developed embodiment can be characterized in that the first closure element is arranged on the edge wall. The arrangement of the first closure element on the edge wall allows for good accessibility of the closure element, thereby making opening and closing the closure means easy for the user.
[0035] According to a further embodiment,
[0036] - the base is rectangular in shape and the transport container has a first side wall, which is connected to the base so as to be rotatable about a first side wall axis, and a second side wall, which is connected to the base so as to be rotatable about a second side wall axis, wherein a first inner end wall axis running parallel to the first end wall axis is provided in the first end wall, with which o the first end wall is divided into a first upper end wall section and a first lower end wall section on the base side, and o the first upper end wall section and the first lower end wall section are connected to one another so as to be rotatable about the first inner end wall axis, and a second inner end wall axis running parallel to the second end wall axis is provided in the second end wall, with which o the second end wall is divided into a second upper end wall section and a second lower end wall section on the base side,and o the second upper end wall section and the second lower end wall section are rotatably connected to one another about the second inner end wall axis.,
[0037] In this embodiment, the transport container is cuboid-shaped, which corresponds to the usual shape of transport containers. This means that the transport container can meet certain standards or specifications of freight forwarders, at least in the first end position. In addition, the transport container can be used together with other transport containers that are also cuboid-shaped, such as boxes or packages, in a space-saving manner in a container or other cargo space for transporting goods. However, this embodiment also applies: in the second end position, the transport container is space-saving and therefore requires little transport volume, meaning that it can be returned to the original sender cost-effectively and is therefore reusable. The end wall to which the lid is attached can also be referred to as the rear wall.
[0038] In a further embodiment,
[0039] - the first end wall has a first left end wall edge and a first right end wall edge and
[0040] - the second end wall forms a second left end wall edge and a second right end wall edge, whereby
[0041] - the first left end wall edge and the second right end wall edge with a first surface structure and / or
[0042] - the first right end wall edge and the second left end wall edge are connected to a second surface structure.
[0043] In this case, it is particularly suitable for the first sheet-like structure to run essentially parallel to and outside the first side wall in the unfolded first end position. Correspondingly, the second sheet-like structure to run essentially parallel to and outside the second end face in the first end position. As mentioned, the first side wall and the second side wall are rotatable about the first side wall axis and the second side wall axis, respectively, independently of the first end wall and the second end wall. This can lead to the formation of gaps between the end walls and the side walls, through which dirt particles and the like can penetrate into the cavity. Due to the use of the first sheet-like structure and the second sheet-like structure, the penetration of dirt particles and the like into the cavity and air exchange can be prevented.In this respect, the transport container in this design is also suitable for the transport of more sensitive goods such as food or pharmaceuticals.
[0044] According to a further embodiment, the transport container can be made from recyclable material, in particular from corrugated cardboard, polypropylene and / or polyester. Corrugated cardboard is a comparatively lightweight pulp product that is relatively stable in relation to its weight. Polypropylene and polyester are recyclable plastics and can be obtained from established recycling streams in many countries. Polypropylene and polyester, in particular, can be further processed into fabrics that are suitable as material for the flat structures. However, it is also conceivable to manufacture the entire transport container from the same material, for example from polyester or polypropylene. As mentioned, the flat structure has a lower flexural rigidity than the first end wall and the second end wall.For this purpose, the sheet-like structure can be made of a fabric that has a thinner thread and / or a lower thread density compared to the first end wall and the second end wall. Furthermore, the fabric of the first end wall and the second end wall can have more layers than the fabric of the sheet-like structure. Furthermore, stiffening struts made of the same material can be incorporated into the fabric of the first end wall and the second end wall.
[0045] One embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a transport container according to one of the preceding embodiments for the transport and / or storage of objects, piece goods, or bulk goods. In general, the use of the transport container is not limited to any transport goods, so that the types of transport goods listed here are purely examples. The technical effects and advantages that can be achieved with the proposed use correspond to those discussed for the present transport container. In summary, it should be noted that the proposed transport container can be used to transport taller objects or objects that can be stacked vertically, without having to forego the space-saving return shipping in the folded second end position.
[0046] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0047] Figure 1A is a plan view of a transport container according to the invention according to a first embodiment, which is in an unfolded first end position,
[0048] Figure 1B is a sectional view of the transport container shown in Figure 1A along the section plane AA defined in Figure 1A, Figure 1C is the transport container according to the view selected in Figure 1B in an intermediate position in which the side walls are rotated by 90°,
[0049] Figure 1 D shows the transport container according to the view selected in Figure 1 B in a folded second end position,
[0050] Figure 1 E is a sectional view of the transport container shown in Figure 1 A along the section plane BB defined in Figure 1 A,
[0051] Figure 1 F shows the transport container according to the view selected in Figure 1 E in an intermediate position in which the side walls are rotated by 90°, and
[0052] Figure 1G shows the transport container according to the view selected in Figure 1 E in a folded second end position,
[0053] Figure 2A shows a second embodiment of a transport container according to the invention in a perspective view in the unfolded first end position,
[0054] Figure 2B is a plan view of the transport container shown in Figure 2A in a first intermediate position,
[0055] Figure 2C is a plan view of the transport container shown in Figure 2A in a second intermediate position,
[0056] Figure 2D is a perspective view of the transport container shown in Figure 2A in a third intermediate position,
[0057] Figure 2E is a perspective view of the transport container shown in Figure 2A in a fourth intermediate position,
[0058] Figure 2F shows the transport container shown in Figure 2A in the folded second end position,
[0059] Figure 3A shows a third embodiment of a transport container according to the invention in a perspective view in the unfolded first end position, and
[0060] Figure 3B is a top view of the transport container shown in Figure 3A in an intermediate position. Figure 4A is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a transport container according to the invention in a first, unfolded end position.
[0061] Figure 4B is a side view of the transport container shown in Figure 4A in an intermediate position.
[0062] Figure 4C is a side view of the transport container shown in Figure 4A in a second end position.
[0063] Figure 1A shows a first exemplary embodiment of a transport container 101 according to the invention based on a schematic plan view. The transport container 101 has a rectangular base 12, to which a first side wall 141 and a second side wall 142 are attached. As can be seen in particular from Figure 1B, the first side wall 141 is attached to the base 12 so as to be rotatable about a first side wall axis AST1. Similarly, the second side wall 142 is attached to the base 12 so as to be rotatable about a second side wall axis AST2. The first side wall axis AST1 and the second side wall axis AST2 run parallel to one another.
[0064] In addition, a first end wall 161 and a second end wall 162 are attached to the floor 12. Figure 1E in particular shows that the first end wall 161 is attached to the floor 12 so as to be rotatable about a first end wall axis ASW1, and the second end wall axis ASW2 is attached to the floor 12 so as to be rotatable about a second end wall axis ASW2. The first end wall axis ASW1 and the second end wall axis ASW2 run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first side wall axis AST1 and the second side wall axis AST2.
[0065] The first end wall 161 forms a first upper end wall edge 181, and the second end wall 162 forms a second upper end wall edge 182. Furthermore, it can be seen, in particular from Figure 1F, that a first inner end wall axis AIS1 is arranged within the first end wall 161, and a second inner end wall axis AIS2 is arranged within the second end wall 162, which axis each runs parallel to one another and to the first end wall axis ASW1 and the second end wall axis ASW2. The first inner end wall axis AIS1 runs centrally between the first end wall axis ASW1 and the first upper end wall edge 181. Correspondingly, the second inner end wall axis AIS2 runs centrally between the second end wall axis ASW2 and the second upper end wall edge 182. The first inner end wall axis AIS1 divides the first end wall 161 into a first upper end wall section 201 and a bottom-side first lower end wall section 221.The second inner end wall axis AIS2 divides the second end wall 162 into a second upper end wall section 202 and a bottom-side second lower end wall section 222 (see Figure 1 G).
[0066] The first end wall 161 forms a first left end wall edge 24 and a first right end wall edge
[0067] 25. Accordingly, the second end wall 162 forms a second left end wall edge 26 and a second right end wall edge 28 (see Figure 1A). The first left end wall edge 24, the first right end wall edge 25, the second left end wall edge 26, and the second right end wall edge 28 run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the floor 12.
[0068] A first sheet-like structure 301 is fastened to the first left end wall edge 24 and to the second right end wall edge 28. A second sheet-like structure 302 is fastened to the second left end wall edge 26 and to the first right end wall edge 25. Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 1B, for example, that the first sheet-like structure 301 is fastened to the base 12 along a first connecting line 321 and the second sheet-like structure 302 along a second connecting line 322. The first connecting line 321 and the second connecting line 322 run parallel to the first side wall axis AST1 and the second side wall axis AST2. It can be clearly seen from Figure 1A that the first sheet-like structure 301 and the second sheet-like structure 302 are arranged slightly offset outwards from the first side wall axis AST1 and the second side wall axis AST2, respectively.The first sheet 301 and the second sheet 302 have a lower flexural rigidity than the first end wall 161 and the second end wall 162, and are therefore more flexible than the first end wall 161 and the second end wall 162. In the unfolded first end position, the first sheet 301 is releasably attached to the first side wall 141 by means of a first connection 331, and the second sheet 302 is releasably attached to the second side wall 142 by means of a second connection 332. The first connection 331 and the second connection 332 can be designed, for example, as a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0069] The following explains how the transport container 101 is transferred from the unfolded first end position shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1E to the folded second end position shown in Figures 1D and 1G. First, the first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142 are each rotated by 90° about the first side wall axis ASW1 and the second side wall axis ASW2, respectively, toward the floor 12, so that they run essentially parallel to the floor 12, as shown in Figures 1C and 1F. In doing so, the first connection 331 and the second connection 332 are released.
[0070] The end walls 161, 162 are then pressed towards the floor 12, the first inner end wall axis AIS1 and the second inner end wall axis AIS2 being designed such that they are moved inwards. If, for example, the first end wall 161 and the second end wall 162 are made of corrugated cardboard, grooves can be provided which are designed accordingly. The inward movement of the first inner end wall axis ASI1 and the second inner end wall axis ASI2 is transferred to the first sheet-like structure 301 and the second sheet-like structure 302, which deform accordingly and are also moved towards the floor 12. The end walls 161, 162 are pressed towards the floor 12 until the first upper end wall section 201 rests on the first lower end wall section 221 and the second upper end wall section 202 rests on the second lower end wall section 222 and these come into contact with the floor 12.The transport container 101 has now reached the second end position. As a comparison of Figures 1E and 1G, for example, shows, the volume occupied by the transport container 101 in the second end position is significantly smaller than in the first end position, which is why the transport container 101 can be returned to the original sender in a space-saving manner.
[0071] To transfer the transport container 101 from the second end position to the first end position, the procedure is reversed.
[0072] Figures 2A to 2E show a second embodiment of the transport container 102 according to the invention in various positions. The basic structure of the transport container 102 according to the second embodiment largely corresponds to the structure of the transport container 101 according to the first embodiment, which is why only the essential differences will be discussed below.
[0073] The transport container 102 according to the second embodiment is equipped with a lid 34. The lid 34 has a lid wall 36 and an edge wall 38 running perpendicular thereto. The lid 34 is connected to the first end wall 161 so as to be rotatable about the upper first end wall edge 181 (see Figure 1E).
[0074] Furthermore, the lid 34 is provided with a closure means 40, which in the second exemplary embodiment is designed in the manner of a zipper and comprises a first closure element 42, a second closure element 44, and a third closure element 46. The first closure element 42 is arranged in the edge wall 38, while the second closure element 44 runs along the second upper end wall edge 182 (see Figure 1E) and along the upper end of the first sheet-like structure 301 and the second sheet-like structure 302. By means of a slide (not shown here), the first closure element 42 can be connected to the second closure element 44 and closed when the transport container 102 is in the first end position.
[0075] The third closure element 46 runs along the second end wall axis ASW2 (see Figure 1 E) and along the lower end of the first sheet 301 and the second sheet 302, approximately where the first sheet 301 and the second sheet 302 merge into the base 12.
[0076] Figures 2A to 2F show how the transport container 102 according to the second exemplary embodiment can be transferred from the unfolded first end position into the folded second end position. The basic procedure corresponds to that described for the transport container 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment. However, due to the fact that the transport container 102 according to the second exemplary embodiment has the lid 34, further steps are added. As mentioned, the transport container 102 is shown in Figure 2A in the unfolded first end position. In this first end position, a transport item (not shown here) can be transported. The closure means 40 is closed, so that the lid is connected to the rest of the transport container 102.If the transport container 102 is now to be transferred into the folded-in second end position, the closure means 40 is opened so that the lid 34 can be folded up. The transport container 102 is now open and its cavity is accessible. Once the transport container 102 has been unloaded so that there are no longer any transport goods inside, first the first side wall 141 (Figure 2B) and then the second side wall 142 are rotated by 90° about the first side wall axis ASW1 and the second side wall axis ASW2 towards the base 12, so that they run essentially parallel to the base 12 (cf. Figures 1C and 1F). The end walls 161, 162 are then pressed towards the base 12, the first inner end wall axis AIS1 and the second inner end wall axis AIS2 being designed such that they are moved inwards, as can be seen from Figures 2D and 2E.The lid 34 is then folded back (Figure 2E), and then the closure means 40 is closed, for which purpose the first closure element 42 and the third closure element 46 are brought into engagement with one another, which occurs in the same manner as described for the first closure element 42 and the second closure element 44. This fixes the transport container 102 in the second end position, so that it can be returned to the original sender in a space-saving manner and without the risk of uncontrolled unfolding.
[0077] Figures 3A and 3B show a third embodiment of the transport container 103 according to the invention, wherein Figure 3A shows the transport container 103 in a perspective view in the unfolded first end position with the lid 34 closed, while Figure 3B shows a plan view of the transport container 103, also in the first end position, but with the lid 34 unfolded. The basic structure of the transport container 103 according to the third embodiment largely corresponds to the structure of the transport container 102 according to the second embodiment, which is why only the essential differences will be discussed below.
[0078] As can be seen in particular from a comparison of Figures 2B or 2C with Figure 3B, the transport container 103 according to the third exemplary embodiment has a continuous sheet-like structure 303 which, starting from the first left end wall edge 24, extends parallel to the second side wall 142 relative to the first end position to the second end wall 162. The sheet-like structure 303 then runs parallel to the second end wall 162 and then, relative to the first end position, parallel to the first side wall 141 to the right-left end wall edge 25. From there, the sheet-like structure 303 extends parallel to the first end wall 161 again to the first left end wall edge 24. Due to the representation chosen in Figure 3B, the part of the sheet-like structure 303 which runs along the first end wall 161 is covered by the lid 34.The sheet material 303 can, as previously described, be releasably attached to the first side wall 141 and the second side wall 142, for example, by means of a hook-and-loop fastener. The sheet material 303 can be sewn to the first end wall 161 and the second end wall 162 and thus rest on them. As mentioned, an articulation of the sheet material 303 to the first end wall 161 and the second end wall 162 and a corresponding deformation of the sheet material 303 is effected when the transport container 103 is transferred to the second end position. As mentioned, the sheet material 303 can be sewn to the first end wall 161. Consequently, one seam could run along the first left end wall edge 24 and another seam along the first right end wall edge 25 (not shown). The same applies to the connection of the surface structure 303 to the second end wall 162.
[0079] In contrast to the second exemplary embodiment of the transport container 101, 102 with two separate sheet-like structures 301, 302, the use of the continuous, continuous sheet-like structure 303 reduces the risk of tearing at the first left end wall edge 24, at the first right end wall edge 25, the second left end wall edge 26, and at the second right end wall edge 28. However, it would be conceivable not to end the first sheet-like structure 301 and the second sheet-like structure 302 in the region of the side wall edges 24, 25, 26, and 28, but to continue them a short distance to the first end wall 161 and the second end wall 162. This allows a sufficiently large contact surface to be created to reliably connect the first sheet 301 and the second sheet 302 to the first end wall 161 and the second end wall 162.
[0080] Regardless of whether two separate surface structures 301, 302 or a circumferential surface structure 303 are provided, these can also be sewn to the base 12.
[0081] Not shown are embodiments in which the lid 34 is formed in two parts and / or in which the lid 34 is connected to the rest of the transport container 101, 102 exclusively by the closure means 40. In this case, the lid 34 can be completely separated from the transport container 101, 102. At the same time, however, the closure means can also provide the rotatable connection around the first end wall edge 181 and / or the second end wall edge 182.
[0082] Figures 4A to 4C show a fourth embodiment of a transport container 104 according to the invention. The transport container 104 differs from the transport container 101 shown in Figures 1A to 1G according to the first embodiment in the following features.
[0083] Thus, analogous to the transport container 101 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the transport container 104 has two end walls 161, 162, which are each connected to the base 12 by means of end wall axes ASW1, ASW2. However, in the transport container 104, only the first end wall 161 has a first inner end wall axis ASI1. The second end wall 162, in contrast, does not have an inner end wall axis.
[0084] The transport container 104 is in a first, unfolded end position in Figure 4A. To transfer the transport container 104 into a folded-in second end position, which is shown in Figure 4C, the first end wall 161 is folded together analogously to the first end wall 161 of the transport container 101. For this purpose, the first end wall 161 is rotated about the first inner end wall axis AS1. The second end wall 162 is rotated toward the first end wall 161 and presses against the first end wall. This is shown in Figure 4b. In the folded-in second end position, the second end wall 162 rests on the first end wall 161.
[0085] List of reference symbols
[0086] 101,102,103,104 Transport containers
[0087] 12 Floor
[0088] 141,142 side wall
[0089] 161,162 front wall
[0090] 181, 182 upper end wall edge
[0091] 201 , 202 upper end wall section
[0092] 221 , 222 lower end wall section
[0093] 24 first left end wall edge
[0094] 25 first right end wall edge
[0095] 26 second left end wall edge
[0096] 28 second right end wall edge
[0097] 301,302,303 fabrics
[0098] 321,322 connecting line
[0099] 331,332 connection
[0100] 34 lids
[0101] 36 Lid wall
[0102] 38 edge wall
[0103] 40 closure agents
[0104] 42 first closure element
[0105] 44 second closure element
[0106] 46 third closure element
[0107] AIS1 , AIS2 inner bulkhead axis
[0108] AST1 , AST2 sidewall axis
[0109] ASW1 , ASW2 front wall axle
Claims
Patent claims 1 . A foldable transport container (101, 102) which is movable between an unfolded first end position and a folded second end position, comprising - a base (12), - at least one side wall (141, 142) which is connected to the base (12) so as to be rotatable about a side wall axis (AST, AST1, AST2), - at least one end wall (161, 162) which is connected to the floor (12) about an end wall axis (ASW1, ASW2), wherein an inner end wall axis (AIS1, AIS2) is provided in the end wall (161, 162) running parallel to the end wall axis (ASW1, ASW2), with which - the end wall (161, 162) is divided into an upper end wall section (22) and a bottom-side lower end wall section (24), and - the upper end wall section (22) and the lower end wall section (24) are connected to one another so as to be rotatable about the inner end wall axis (AIS1, AIS2), characterized in that the transport container - a first end wall (161) which is connected to the base (12) so as to be rotatable about a first end wall axis (ASW1), and - a second end wall (162) which is connected to the base (12) so as to be rotatable about a second end wall axis (ASW2), - the first end wall (161) and the second end wall (162) are connected to one another by a sheet-like structure (301, 302), wherein the sheet-like structure (301, 302) has a lower flexural rigidity than the first end wall (161) and the second end wall (162).
2. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheet-like structure (301, 302) is connected to the base (12).
3. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to claim 2, characterized in that the sheet-like structure (301, 302) is connected to the base (12) along a connecting line (321, 322) which runs parallel to the side wall axis (AST1, AST2).
4. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sheet-like structure (301, 302) is or can be releasably connected to the side wall (141, 142) by means of a releasable connection.
5. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport container (101, 102) comprises a lid (30) with which the transport container (101, 102) can be closed.
6. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to claim 5, characterized in that - the end wall (161, 162) has an upper end wall edge (181, 182) and - the cover is attached to the upper end wall edge so that it can rotate around the end wall (161, 162).
7. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the lid (30) has a lid wall (36) and at least one edge wall (38) running perpendicular to this.
8. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner end wall axis (AIS1, AIS2) runs centrally between the end wall axis (ASW1, ASW2) and the upper end wall edge (181, 182).
9. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the transport container (101, 102) has at least one closure means (40) with which optionally - the lid (30) in the first end position can be connected or is connected to the transport container (101, 102) or - the transport container (101, 102) can be or is fixed in the second end position.
10. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to claim 9, characterized in that - the closure means (40) for connecting the lid (30) to the transport container (101, 102) comprises a first closure element (42) and a second closure element (44) corresponding thereto, and - the first closure element (42) on the lid (30) and - the second closure element (44) runs in the region of the upper end wall edge (181, 182).
11. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that - the closure means (40) for fixing the transport container (10) in the second end position comprises a first closure element (42) and a third closure element (50) corresponding thereto, wherein - the first closure element (42) on the lid (30) and - the third closure element (50) runs in the region of the end wall axis (ASW1, ASW2).
12. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to claims 7 and 10 or according to claims 8 and 12, characterized in that the first closure element (42) is arranged on the edge wall (38).
13. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that - the base (12) is rectangular and the transport container (101, 102) - a first side wall (141, 142) (14) which is connected to the base (12) so as to be rotatable about a first side wall axis (AST1), - a second side wall (142) which is connected to the base (12) so as to be rotatable about a second side wall axis (AST2), wherein - in the first end wall (161), a first inner end wall axis (AIS1, AIS2) is provided, which runs parallel to the first end wall axis (ASW1), and with which o the first end wall (161) is divided into a first upper end wall section (201) and a bottom-side first lower end wall section (221), and o the first upper end wall section (201) and the first lower end wall section (221) are connected to one another so as to be rotatable about the first inner end wall axis (AIS1), and - in the second end wall (162) there is provided a second inner end wall axis (AIS2) running parallel to the second end wall axis (ASW2), with which o the second end wall (162) is divided into a second upper end wall section (202) and a bottom-side second lower end wall section (222), and o the second upper end wall section (202) and the second lower end wall section (222) are connected to one another so as to be rotatable about the second inner end wall axis (AIS2).
14. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to claims 1 and 13, characterized in that - the first end wall (161) has a first left end wall edge (24) and a first right end wall edge (25) and - the second end wall (162) forms a second left end wall edge (26) and a second right side edge (28), wherein - the first left end wall edge (24) and the second right end wall edge (28) are connected to one another by a first sheet-like structure (301) and / or - the first right side edge (25) and the second left side edge (26) are connected to one another by a second sheet-like structure (302).
15. Foldable transport container (101, 102) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport container (101, 102) is made of recyclable material, in particular of corrugated cardboard, polypropylene and / or polyester.
16. Use of a transport container (10) according to one of the preceding claims for the transport and / or storage of objects, piece goods or bulk goods.