Folding container with a circumferential base edge

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding container (2) having a base panel (4), side walls (6, 8) pivotably hinged to the base panel (4), and an unlocking bracket (12) which is arranged on at least one side wall (6) such that, when said bracket is moved in a height direction of the folding container (2) beyond an upper edge of the side wall (6), a locking mechanism locking the two side walls (6, 8) in an upright use position is released in order to be able to pivot the side walls (6, 8) into a folded-in transport position (6), wherein the base panel (4) has a closed, fully circumferential base edge (16) of a constant height and without openings, and the side walls (6, 8), in the folded-in transport position, are located completely within and completely below the base edge (16).

Description

[0001] Folding container with surrounding bottom rim

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The disclosure relates to a foldable collapsible container with a base plate, side walls pivotally hinged to the base plate and a release lever which is arranged on at least one side wall in order to release a locking mechanism of two side walls in an upright operating position when the collapsible container is moved in a vertical direction beyond an upper edge of the side wall, in order to pivot the side walls into a folded transport position.

[0005] Background of the Revelation

[0006] Collapsible containers / boxes / crates for transporting goods or merchandise are known in the prior art. These boxes conventionally have a base and several foldable or collapsible side walls, which can be pivoted between the unfolded usable position and the folded transport position.

[0007] In their operating position, these collapsible containers can be used to transport goods, such as fruits or vegetables, from a producer to a customer. For convenient loading and thorough cleaning, it is advantageous to keep the side walls in the open operating position. Locking mechanisms for the side walls are known from the prior art. For example, EP 2 431 287 A1 describes a collapsible container with a locking mechanism that causes two side walls to lock together and can be released by means of a release lever. The release lever is mounted on the collapsible container in such a way that it can move vertically along the container and releases the lock when a user moves the release lever over an upper edge of the container.

[0008] For reuse, the collapsible containers must be transported back to the producer after unloading at the customer's location. It is crucial that the containers, when folded for transport, occupy the smallest possible volume, as this allows for the transport of as many containers as possible in a single return shipment.

[0009] Since collapsible containers are typically used multiple times, they must also possess sufficient stability. To prevent the side walls from buckling in the unfolded position, for example when stacking several filled collapsible containers, stiffening of the side walls is known. For example, WO 2010 / 119 068 A1 shows a collapsible box with collapsible side walls, in which the side walls have spherical, convex wall sections and webs and ribs extending between these wall sections.

[0010] While such reinforcements do improve stability in the unfolded working position, the problem remains that in the folded transport position, the collapsible containers can be damaged due to their minimized volume and the resulting low torsional rigidity.

[0011] Summary of Revelation

[0012] Based on this prior art, the present disclosure aims to eliminate or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide an improved folding container that ensures the smallest possible or minimized volume in the folded transport position while maintaining sufficient stability in all positions. According to the disclosure, these tasks and objectives are achieved with respect to a folding container of this type by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0013] The collapsible container is configured as disclosed such that the base plate has a closed, fully circumferential and (except for one or more stacking geometries) constantly high base edge, and the side walls (including the release lever) are completely inside and completely below the base edge in the folded transport position.

[0014] The collapsible container disclosed is preferably a "small container" with a maximum width of 600 mm, a maximum length of 800 mm and a maximum height of 600 mm.

[0015] As disclosed, the base plate of the collapsible container has a base rim that extends around its entire circumference. This base rim is closed, meaning it has no openings or penetrations. This means that the base rim has no openings or through-holes that would create a connection between the container's surroundings and its interior. Furthermore, the base rim has a constant height around its entire circumference, so that no depressions or undercuts, or any raised areas or projections, are formed on the base rim. This excludes positive or negative stacking geometries used for stacking identical or compatible containers. A constant base rim height, as defined by the invention, is therefore maintained even if the base rim has a stacking geometry, i.e., a depression or projection.Accordingly, the bottom edge is considered to be of constant height, even if it has a stacking geometry, such as a stacking protrusion or a stacking recess, on its upper surface. More precisely, in the container according to the invention, the bottom edge is designed such that its outer edge has the same height everywhere, i.e., along both transverse edges and along both longitudinal edges of the base. In other words, an upper edge of the bottom edge, facing away from the base plate, is essentially equidistant from a lower edge of the bottom edge. A bottom edge designed in this way contributes to an increase in the torsional rigidity of the collapsible container in the folded transport position. A completely continuous edge, i.e., an edge without interruption and without abrupt height differences or jumps, ensures that the base resists torsional stress and does not buckle at any point.Recesses or projections in the width / thickness direction of the base edge are excluded from this. The base edge therefore continues to be considered an uninterrupted edge within the meaning of the invention if it has a geometry, e.g., recesses, for hinges.

[0016] The height of the base edge is, as disclosed, chosen such that the side walls, including the release lever, do not protrude beyond the base plate or the base edge when the container is folded for transport. This means that the dimensions of the collapsible container in the folded transport position are defined solely by the base plate and the base edge.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained below.

[0018] According to the disclosure, preferably a first pivot axis, about which the at least one first side wall can be pivoted relative to the base plate, and a second pivot axis, about which the at least one second side wall can be pivoted relative to the base plate, can be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the collapsible container. That is, the pivot axes about which the first and second side walls can be pivoted are formed at different levels in the vertical direction of the collapsible container, so that the first and second side walls can be folded flat on top of each other, and thus the collapsible container can be made particularly flat in the folded transport position. In other words, the volume of the collapsible container can be further reduced in the folded transport position.It can be particularly advantageous if the first pivot axis is arranged below the second pivot axis in the vertical direction of the collapsible container. In a preferred embodiment, at least one first side wall can be pivotally hinged directly to the base plate, and at least one second side wall can be pivotally hinged directly to the base edge. It can be particularly advantageous if at least one first hinge for pivoting the at least one first side wall is arranged directly on the base plate, and at least one second hinge for pivoting the at least one second side wall is arranged directly at the base edge. That is, the first side wall can preferably be hinged to the base plate via the first hinge, whereas the second side wall can be hinged to the base edge via the second hinge.

[0019] According to the disclosure, at least one first side wall and at least one second side wall can be aligned perpendicular to each other in the upright usable position and abut each other in corner areas of the folding container.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, two first side walls and two second side walls can be arranged on opposite edges of the, preferably rectangular, base plate.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one side wall, in corner areas where two side walls abut each other in the upright position, can have a reinforcing matrix / stiffening matrix / reinforcement pattern with alternating positive reinforcing projections and negative reinforcing recesses arranged in a vertical and longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall. It may be advantageous if the reinforcing matrix extends over the entire length of at least one side wall in the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least two positive reinforcing projections and / or at least two negative reinforcing recesses are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall. The reinforcing matrix leads to improved stability of the collapsible container without the addition of any material.In other words, the side walls can be stabilized by providing the reinforcement matrix, allowing them to be made with a thinner wall, which in turn leads to a reduced weight of the collapsible container.

[0022] Brief description of the characters

[0023] The revelation is explained in more detail below using two examples and figures. These show:

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a perspective partial view of a collapsible container according to a first embodiment in an open usable position;

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a perspective partial view of the folding container according to the first embodiment in a folded transport position;

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a base plate of the collapsible container according to the first embodiment;

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the folding container according to the first embodiment in the folded transport position;

[0028] Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the folding container according to the first embodiment in the unfolded usable position;

[0029] Fig. 6 shows a perspective partial view of a collapsible container according to a second embodiment in an open usable position;

[0030] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a base plate of the collapsible container according to the second embodiment;

[0031] Fig. 8 shows a detailed view of the folding container according to the second embodiment in the unfolded usable position; and Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the folding container according to the second embodiment in the folded usable position.

[0032] The figures are schematic and serve only to aid in understanding the revelation. Identical elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0033] Detailed description of the two exemplary embodiments

[0034] Figure 1 shows a perspective partial view of a collapsible container 2 according to a first embodiment. The collapsible container 2 is preferably made of plastic, particularly by injection molding. The collapsible container 2 has a rectangular base plate 4, to the edges of which first side walls or end walls 6 and second side walls or longitudinal walls 8 are pivotally attached. For the sake of simplicity, only one first side wall 6 and one second side wall 8 are shown in the partial view of Figure 1, and the opposite (identically constructed) side wall is not shown. The first side walls 6 are arranged at the short edges of the base plate 4, whereas the second side walls 8 are attached to the long edges of the base plate 4.

[0035] As mentioned above, the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are pivotally hinged to the base plate 4, allowing them to pivot between a folded transport position and an unfolded operating position. In the folded transport position, the side walls 6 and 8 rest on the base plate 4. That is, the side walls 6 and 8 are arranged parallel to the base plate 4. In the unfolded operating position, the side walls 6 and 8 are oriented perpendicular to the base plate 4 and, together with the base plate 4, define a container interior 10, which can be filled or loaded with goods to be transported.

[0036] To hold the collapsible container 2 in the unfolded operating position, locking elements are arranged in corner areas of the collapsible container 2 where the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 abut each other. In the first embodiment, the locking elements are designed as a releasable snap connection, such that a snap element on one of the first side walls 6 or the second side wall 8 engages with a corresponding counter-snap element on the other of the first side wall 6 or the second side wall 8. To release this snap connection and pivot the collapsible container 2, or the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8, from the unfolded operating position to the folded transport position, a release lever 12, as disclosed in EP 2 431 287 A1, is provided on each of the first side walls 6 in the first embodiment.

[0037] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the release lever 12 is U-shaped and has a locking element at each of its two ends, which rusts into the corresponding counter-rusting element. Furthermore, the release lever 12 is attached to the first side wall 6 such that one apex is located directly below a handle opening 14. When the release lever 12 is pulled upwards in the vertical direction of the folding container 2, i.e., away from the base plate 4, the rusting of the side walls 6, 8 is released, and the side walls 6, 8 can be pivoted into the transport position. In doing so, the release lever 12 is moved, in particular, over an upper edge of the first side wall 6. In other words, to release the locking mechanism, the release lever 12 is moved relative to the first side wall 6 in the vertical direction of the folding container 2 such that it is located at least partially above the upper edge of the first side wall 6.at least partially extends beyond the upper edge of the first side wall 6.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the collapsible container 2 according to the first embodiment in the folded transport position. It can be seen that the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are completely enclosed within the collapsible container 2 and, in the vertical direction, completely below a bottom edge 16 of the base plate 4 in the folded transport position.

[0039] For this purpose, the base plate 4, as shown in Fig. 3, has a closed, fully circumferential, and constant-height base rim 16. That is, the base plate 4 has a base rim 16 that extends along the four edges of the base plate 4 in the form of a strip without openings. Furthermore, the base rim 16 has a constant extent in the vertical direction of the collapsible container 2, so that an upper end edge 18 of the base rim 16 is at substantially the same distance from a lower end edge 20 of the base rim 16 at every point on the base plate 4. A stacking geometry in the form of stacking ribs is provided on the upper side of the base rim 16 along the longitudinal edges of the base plate 4. Nevertheless, the base rim 16 is a closed base rim that has a constant height all around.

[0040] In Fig. 2, the bottom edge 16 has indentations along its outer edge, e.g. for attaching labels. These indentations do not contradict the definition of closed, completely continuous and of constant height.

[0041] As mentioned above, the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 are pivotally mounted on the base plate 4 and the base edge 16, respectively. For this purpose, at least one first hinge 22 is arranged or formed directly on the base plate 4 for pivoting the first side wall 6. According to the first embodiment, four first hinges 22 are formed directly on the base plate 4 for each of the two first side walls 6. The first hinges 22 define a first pivot axis 23 about which the first side wall 6 can be pivoted relative to the base plate 4.

[0042] Furthermore, at least one second hinge 24 is provided for pivotally attaching the at least one second side wall 8. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the at least one second hinge 24 is arranged or formed directly on the bottom edge 16 (i.e., separately from the bottom edge 16 and not as part of the bottom edge 16). For each of the two second side walls 8, four second hinges 24 are provided in the folding container 2 according to the first embodiment. The second hinges 24 define a second pivot axis 25 about which the second side wall 8 can be pivoted relative to the base plate 4.

[0043] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the first pivot axis 23 and the second pivot axis 25 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the folding container 2. In particular, the first pivot axis 23 is located below the second

[0044] The first pivot axis 23 is arranged closer to the base plate 4 than the second pivot axis 25.

[0045] The connection of the first side walls 6 by means of the first hinges 22 directly to the base plate 4 and the connection of the second side walls 8 by means of the second hinges 24 directly to the base edge 16 allows the first side walls 6 and the second side walls 8 to be arranged completely inside and, in the vertical direction, completely below the base edge 16 of the collapsible container 2 in the folded transport position, as schematically shown in Fig. 4. Thus, the height of the collapsible container 2 in the folded transport position can be determined by the height of the base edge 16. In other words, the connection of the side walls 6, 8 via the hinges 22, 24 as disclosed allows for a reduction in the height of the collapsible container 2 in the folded transport position.

[0046] Due to its closed and surrounding geometry, the bottom edge 16 also ensures sufficient torsional rigidity of the folding container 2 in the folded transport position.

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of a corner region of the collapsible container 2 according to the first embodiment. It can be seen that the first side wall 6 and the second side wall 8 each have a stiffening matrix 26 in the areas where they abut each other in the upright operating position. The stiffening matrix 26 is formed from reinforcing projections 28 and reinforcing recesses 30. The reinforcing projections 28 project outwards from the respective side wall 6, 8 as a positive profile, whereas the reinforcing recesses 30 recede inwards from the respective side wall 6, 8 as a negative profile, i.e., into the interior of the container 10.

[0048] As can be seen in Fig. 5, the reinforcing projections 28 and the reinforcing recesses 30 are arranged alternately both in the vertical direction of the hinged container 2 and in the corresponding longitudinal and lateral directions of the side walls 6, 8. That is, in both the vertical and longitudinal directions, each reinforcing projection 28 is followed by a reinforcing recess 30, and so on. The reinforcing matrix 26 is therefore designed in the form of a checkerboard pattern.

[0049] According to the first embodiment, the reinforcement matrix 26 extends in the vertical direction of the collapsible container 2 over the entire side walls 6, 8. In the longitudinal direction, two reinforcement recesses 30 and one reinforcement projection 28 are formed on each side wall 6, 8.

[0050] In other words, the reinforcement matrix 26 is formed from the reinforcement projections 28 and the reinforcement recesses 30, which are arranged alternately in rows and columns. In the longitudinal direction, three columns of the reinforcement matrix 26 are formed on each of the side walls 6, 8, whereas the reinforcement matrix 26 extends over the entire height of the hinged container 2.

[0051] Fig. 6 shows a perspective partial view of a folding container 2 according to a second embodiment in an open, usable position. This folding container 2 is relatively similar to the folding container 2 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 1). The folding container 2 of the second embodiment has more openings on its end wall 6 (and is therefore lighter) than the folding container 2 according to the first embodiment. The release lever 12 is more angular in shape than in the first embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the base plate 4 of the collapsible container 2 according to the second embodiment. In contrast to the collapsible container 2 according to the first embodiment, this collapsible container 2 does not have a stacking geometry at the upper edge of its base rim 16. Along the two short edges of the base rim 16, at least the first hinge 22 for pivoting the first side wall 6 is arranged or formed on the base plate 4. As in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment four first hinges 22 are formed directly on the base plate 4 for each of the two first side walls 6.

[0053] Along the two long edges of the base rim 16, at least one second hinge 24 is provided for attaching the at least one second side wall 8. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the at least one second hinge 24 is arranged or formed directly on the base rim 16. For each of the two second side walls 8, four second hinges 24 are provided in the collapsible container 2 according to the second embodiment. Although the second hinges 24 are positioned directly on the base rim 16, they do not form a section / part / element of the base rim 16. In this case, the base rim 16 does not have a stacking geometry.

[0054] Recesses 32 are provided in the long outer edge of the base rim 16. These recesses 32 can, for example, accommodate a label or tag. These recesses 32 are not openings, and the base rim 16, even with the recesses 32, remains a completely closed base rim.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a detailed view of a corner region of the folding container 2 according to the second embodiment in the unfolded operating position. As in the first embodiment, the stiffening matrix 26 in the corner region of the folding container 2 is formed from reinforcing projections 28 and reinforcing recesses 30. In contrast to the first embodiment, the folding container 2 according to the second embodiment additionally has (two) coupling lugs 34 on the first side wall 6. These engage in coupling openings in the corner region of the second side wall 8, which are designed complementarily to the coupling lugs 34. The (two) coupling openings are formed in the region of the reinforcing matrix 26. The coupling openings are arranged one above the other when viewed vertically.The interaction of the coupling openings on the second side wall 8 with the coupling lugs 34 on the first side wall 6 ensures that the collapsible container 2 remains in the unfolded operating position and that the second side walls 8 cannot fold outwards (away from the center of the container) unintentionally. Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the collapsible container 2 according to the second embodiment in the folded operating position. It can be seen that the second side wall 8 is folded over the first side wall 6. The first side wall 6 rests, at least partially, on the base plate 4. The second side wall 8 rests (essentially flush) on the first side wall 6. The upper surface of the second side wall 8 lies in the same plane as the upper edge of the base rim 16. In other words, in the folded operating position, no section of the collapsible container 2 protrudes above the upper edge of the base rim 16.

[0056] Furthermore, Fig. 9 shows a stacking rim 36 projecting downwards from the underside of the base plate 4. This stacking rim 36 is offset relative to the outer edge of the base plate 4 towards the center of the base plate 4 such that the stacking rim 36 is positioned further inwards (with respect to the center of the base plate 4) than the base rim 16. A stacking recess 38 is formed on the outer surface or top surface of the second side wall 8 at the same height (as the stacking rim 36) in the vertical direction. When folded, several collapsible containers 2 can be stacked on top of each other. In this case, the stacking rim 36 of an upper collapsible container 2 engages in the stacking recess 38 of a lower collapsible container 2. In this way, it is not necessary for the base rim 16 to have a stacking geometry.

[0057] The stacking rim 36 can also be used to stack several collapsible containers 2 in the open working position, thereby reducing / preventing an upper collapsible container 2 from slipping relative to a lower collapsible container 2. Reference numeral list

[0058] 2 collapsible containers

[0059] 4 Base plate

[0060] 6 first side wall

[0061] 8 second side wall

[0062] 10 Container interior

[0063] 12 release levers

[0064] 14 Handle opening

[0065] 16 Ground edge

[0066] 18 upper end edge

[0067] 20 lower end edge

[0068] 22 first hinge

[0069] 23 first pivot axis

[0070] 24 second hinge

[0071] 25 second pivot axis

[0072] 26 Gain matrix

[0073] 28 Reinforcement advantage

[0074] 30 Reinforcement rebound

[0075] 32 Recess in the bottom edge

[0076] 34 Coupling nose

[0077] 36 Stack edge

[0078] 38 stack recesses

Claims

Claims 1. Folding container (2) with a base plate (4); side walls (6, 8) pivotally hinged to the base plate (4); and a release lever (12) which is arranged on at least one side wall (6) to release a locking mechanism of two side walls (6, 8) in an upright operating position when the folding container (2) is moved in a vertical direction beyond an upper edge of the side wall (6), in order to pivot the side walls (6, 8) into a folded transport position, characterized in that the base plate (4) has a closed, fully circumferential and constant height base edge (16) without openings and the side walls (6, 8) are located completely within the base edge (14) and completely below an upper edge of the base edge (16) in the folded transport position.

2. Folding container (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first pivot axis (23), about which at least a first side wall (6) can be pivoted relative to the base plate (4), and a second pivot axis (25), about which at least a second side wall (8) can be pivoted relative to the base plate (4), are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the folding container (2).

3. Folding container (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first pivot axis (23) is arranged in the vertical direction of the folding container (2) below the second pivot axis (25).

4. Folding container (2) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one first side wall (6) is pivotally hinged directly to the base plate (4) and the at least one second side wall (8) is pivotally hinged directly to the bottom edge (16).

5. Folding container (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one first hinge (22) for pivoting the at least one first side wall (6) is arranged directly on the base plate (4) and at least one second hinge (24) for pivoting the at least one second side wall (8) is arranged directly on the bottom edge (16).

6. Folding container (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one first side wall (6) and the at least one second side wall (8) are aligned perpendicular to each other in the upright usable position and abut each other in corner areas of the folding container (2).

7. Folding container (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further characterized by two first side walls (6) and two second side walls (8), which are each arranged on opposite edges of the, preferably rectangular, base plate (4).

8. Folding container (2) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one side wall (6, 8) has in the corner areas, in which two side walls (6, 8) abut each other in the upright usable position, a reinforcement matrix (26) with positive reinforcement projections (28) and negative reinforcement recesses (30) arranged alternately in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction of the at least one side wall (6, 8), which are located completely below the upper edge of the bottom edge (14) in the folded transport position.

9. Folding container (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the reinforcement matrix (26) extends in the height direction of the at least one side wall (6, 8) over the entire, at least one side wall (6, 8).

10. Folding container (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least two positive reinforcing projections (28) and / or at least two negative reinforcing recesses (30) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of at least one side wall (6, 8).

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