Closure plate for a container and container with a closure plate

Abstract

A closure plate (20) for a grip opening (10) of a container (2) comprises a plate body (22) with two longitudinal sides and with two transverse sides and with an inner surface (28) and with an outer surface (30). The closure plate (20) also comprises two locking elements (40) arranged on the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22). Each of the locking elements (40) has an engaging end (42) with a receiving groove (44) for a corresponding edge (15) of the grip opening (10) of the container (2), which is arranged on a transverse side (26) of the plate body (22). Each of the locking elements (40) can be moved in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plate body (22) into a locking position, in which the receiving groove (44) of the engaging end (42) is arranged on or outside the transverse side (26) of the plate body (22).

Description

[0001] Closure plate for a container and container with a closure plate

[0002] The invention relates to a closure plate for a container, in particular for a container in the form of a box, and to a container, in particular a box, with such a closure plate. The invention further relates to a method for inserting and closing a handle opening of a container with a closure plate.

[0003] Containers, such as crates, especially collapsible crates, are widely used for storing and transporting goods, for example, food. These containers often have openings designed as handles to facilitate lifting and carrying.

[0004] In practice, it has been shown that the contents of such containers are occasionally contaminated or otherwise rendered unusable. This is particularly disadvantageous when food is stored in the containers.

[0005] In practice, it has also been shown that the contents of the containers are occasionally subject to a certain amount of loss.

[0006] According to one of the findings underlying the invention, animals, particularly rodents such as mice, rats, and similar animals, can enter the container from the outside through the handle openings. If the container holds food, the animals that have entered can eat, contaminate, or otherwise render the food unusable.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to prevent contamination, other deterioration and / or loss of the contents of containers equipped with handle openings and, in particular, to prevent the ingress of animals into such containers.

[0008] The invention comprises a closure plate for a handle opening of a container. The closure plate has a plate body with two longitudinal sides, two transverse sides, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The closure plate further comprises two locking elements arranged on or at the outer surface of the plate body.

[0009] The plate body can have an essentially rectangular shape. However, the shape of the plate body is not limited to a precise rectangle. An "essentially rectangular" shape also includes plates with rounded corners and / or recesses in at least one of their edges. The plate body can also have an essentially trapezoidal shape, where one of the two long sides of the plate body has a different length than the other. A plate body with an essentially trapezoidal shape can also have rounded corners and / or recesses in at least one of its edges.

[0010] Each locking element has an engaging end with a receiving groove for receiving a corresponding edge of the handle opening of the container, which is located on a transverse side of the plate body when the plate body is positioned in the handle opening. Each locking element is movable in a longitudinal direction along the plate body between a locking position, in which the receiving groove of the engaging end is located on or outside the transverse side of the plate body, and a release position, in which the engaging end is located in the plane of the transverse side of the plate body or within it.

[0011] The invention also comprises a container with at least one handle opening into which a closure plate according to the invention is inserted. The handle opening is bounded by an upper longitudinal edge, a lower longitudinal edge, a left edge, and a right edge. The engaging portion of the first locking element surrounds the left edge of the handle opening such that the receiving groove of the engaging portion of the first locking element rests against the left edge and flanks of the engaging portion encompass the edge both externally and internally. The engaging portion of the second locking element surrounds the right edge of the handle opening such that the receiving groove of the engaging portion of the second locking element rests against the right edge and flanks of the engaging portion encompass the right edge both externally and internally. A contact projection formed on a longitudinal side of the plate body of the closure plate rests against an end face and / or an outer surface of the longitudinal edge of the handle opening.

[0012] The invention also comprises a method for inserting and closing at least one handle opening of a container, the method comprising the following steps: providing a container with at least one handle opening; providing a closure plate according to the invention; moving the engaging parts of the locking elements in the longitudinal direction of the plate body of the closure plate into a release position in which flank ends of the engaging part lie in the plane of the transverse side of the plate body or within it; inserting the closure plate into the handle opening and moving the engaging parts of the locking elements in the longitudinal direction of the plate body into a locking position in which the engaging part of the first locking element engages the left edge of the handle opening such that the receiving groove rests against the left edge and the flanks of the engaging part engage the left edge on the outside and inside;and the engaging portion of the second locking element engages the right edge of the handle opening in such a way that the receiving groove rests against the right edge and the flanks of the engaging portion engage the right edge both externally and internally. The insertion of the locking plate into the handle opening can be carried out in such a way that at least one contact projection, formed on a longitudinal side of the locking plate body, rests against an end face and / or an outer surface of the longitudinal edge of the handle opening.

[0013] The closure plate is designed so that it can be inserted into a handle opening of the container from outside and can be locked in the inserted position in the handle opening of the container.

[0014] A sealing plate according to the invention, a container according to the invention and a method according to the invention for inserting and closing at least one handle opening of a container with a sealing plate makes it possible to reliably close the at least one handle opening formed in a container, so that no animals can enter the interior of the container through the handle opening and damage or destroy goods stored there.

[0015] A sealing plate according to the invention can be easily and quickly mounted in a handle opening to close the handle opening. A sealing plate according to the invention, once inserted into a handle opening, can be securely locked in place, so that there is no risk of the sealing plate unintentionally falling out of the handle opening or being removed by animals. A sealing plate according to the invention can also be quickly and easily removed from the handle opening so that the handle opening can be used as intended for lifting and transporting the container.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plate body with all its components is integrally or in one piece, so that the plate body and all its components can be manufactured simply, quickly, and cost-effectively. One-piece plate bodies can be produced cost-effectively in high volumes, particularly using an injection molding process.

[0017] In one embodiment, the locking element and all its components are integrally formed in one piece, making it simple, quick, and cost-effective to manufacture. One-piece locking elements, in particular, can be produced cost-effectively in high volumes using injection molding.

[0018] The plate bodies and locking elements according to the invention can each be made from a plastic material. Suitable plastic materials include, but are not limited to, polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polypropylene (PP), in particular polypropylene homopolymer (PPH), polypropylene copolymer, polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R), and polyethylene (PE), in particular high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The plate bodies and locking elements can also be made from a plastic compound.

[0019] The plate bodies and the locking elements can be made from the same material or from different materials.

[0020] In one embodiment, the engaging end of the locking element has two flanks and a receiving groove arranged between the flanks. The receiving groove runs parallel to the transverse side of the plate body and lies in the plane of the plate body. The two flanks project away from the plate body on both sides of the receiving groove, particularly in the longitudinal direction, and protrude from the plate body on both the inner and outer surfaces. Such engaged ends can engage a corresponding edge of the handle opening, into which the locking plate is inserted, particularly well in the receiving groove formed between the two flanks, thus securing the locking plate securely and reliably in the handle opening.

[0021] In one embodiment, a recess is formed on each of the transverse sides of the plate body, into which the respective engaging element can be inserted. Such recesses make it possible to move the engaging element in the longitudinal direction of the plate body from the locking position to the release position, in order to conveniently insert a locking plate according to the invention into a handle opening and remove it again from the handle opening.

[0022] In one embodiment, each of the locking elements has a clamping actuation area. The clamping actuation area is located opposite the engaging element in the longitudinal direction of the plate body and is arranged on the outer surface of the plate body. The clamping actuation area can, in particular, be designed as a clamping actuation eyelet with an engagement opening.

[0023] In one embodiment, each of the locking elements also has a guide and connecting web that is arranged on or at the outer surface of the plate body and extends between the engaging part and the clamping actuation area.

[0024] Such a clamping actuation range makes it easy to grip and actuate the locking element in order to move the locking element between the locking position, in which it secures the closure plate in the engagement opening, and the release position, in which it makes it possible to remove the closure plate from the engagement opening.

[0025] In one embodiment, the clamping actuation area, in particular the clamping actuation eyelet, is designed with a greater thickness in a region located away from the gripping point and / or is bent slightly upwards relative to the outer surface of the plate body. This further improves the gripping of the clamping actuation area.

[0026] In one embodiment, guide projections protrude from the outer surface of the plate body. A guide section of the guide and connecting web runs between these projections and is guided by them. These guide projections, designed and intended to guide a guide section of the guide and connecting web of the locking element, ensure that the locking element can be moved particularly reliably and securely in a straight or linear motion between the locking position and the release position.

[0027] In one embodiment, the distance between the inner guide surfaces of the guide projections, viewed in the transverse direction of the plate body, essentially corresponds to the width of the guide section of the guide and connecting web. This ensures that the guide section of the guide and connecting web is guided precisely between the guide projections.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ends of the guide projections located furthest from the outer surface of the plate body are designed as interlocking sections which, viewed in the transverse direction of the plate body, are oriented inwards and towards each other. These interlocking sections securely hold the guide and connecting web of the locking element to the plate body.

[0029] In one embodiment, the distance between the outer surface of the plate body and the lower guide surfaces of the engagement sections of the guide projections, which face the outer surface of the plate body, essentially corresponds to the material thickness of the guide section of the guide and connecting web. This ensures that the guide and connecting web of the locking element is held particularly securely to the plate body.

[0030] In one embodiment, guide projections with interlocking sections protrude from the outer surface of the plate body, and at least one outer region of one of the clamping actuation areas extends between the outer surface of the plate body and a guide surface of at least one of the interlocking sections. These guide projections, designed and intended to hold and guide the clamping actuation area of ​​the locking element, ensure that the locking element can be moved particularly reliably and securely in a straight or linear motion between the locking position and the release position. In one embodiment, the guide and connecting web has a clamping and resetting mechanism. This clamping and resetting mechanism can be located, in particular, in a region between the guide section of the guide and connecting web and the engaging end of the locking element.

[0031] In one embodiment, the clamping and resetting mechanism is designed such that, when no external force is exerted on the locking element and in particular on the engaging element, the engaging element is arranged with the receiving groove for locking reception of a corresponding edge of a handle opening of the container on or outside the transverse side of the plate body.Furthermore, the clamping and resetting mechanism is designed such that, when an external force directed inwards in the longitudinal direction of the plate body is exerted on the locking element and in particular on the engaging part, the engaging part with the receiving groove is moved inwards in the longitudinal direction of the plate body against an outwards resetting force of the clamping and resetting mechanism, whereby the flank ends of the engaging part come to lie in the plane of the transverse side or within it and release the corresponding edge of the handle opening of the container, so that the closure plate can be easily removed from the handle opening.

[0032] The external force directed inwards in the longitudinal direction of the plate body can be exerted on the locking element, in particular via the clamping actuation area.

[0033] The clamping and resetting mechanism ensures that, when no external force is applied to the locking element, it is in the locked position. In this position, the engaging part is aligned with the receiving groove for locking against a corresponding edge of a handle opening on the container, either on or outside the transverse side of the plate body. The clamping and resetting mechanism thus securely and automatically locks the closure plate in the handle opening when the engaging parts of the locking elements of the closure plate are released.

[0034] In one embodiment, the clamping and resetting mechanism is designed with two clamping arms that project outwards from the guide and connecting web in the transverse direction of the plate body. The clamping arms can, in particular, be designed as clamping arms curved outwards towards the relevant transverse side. Clamping arms designed in this way have proven particularly advantageous for exerting the desired elastic force on the locking element and pressing the locking element into the locking position. Alternatively, the clamping arms can also be straight and extend obliquely away from the guide and connecting web in an arrow-shaped manner.

[0035] Furthermore, the clamping and resetting mechanism has at least two clamping projections extending outwards from the outer surface of the plate body. The clamping projections may be arc-shaped.

[0036] At least one clamping projection is formed on each side of the guide and connecting web. One of the two clamping arms rests against the clamping projection formed on its side of the guide and connecting web. The clamping projections elastically pre-tension the clamping arms so that they exert an elastic clamping force on the guide and connecting web. This pushes the respective locking element outwards in the longitudinal direction of the plate body, so that its engaging end comes into contact with a corresponding edge of the handle opening of the container, thereby locking the closure plate in the handle opening.

[0037] In one embodiment, the guide and connecting web is designed with a narrower width in the area where the clamping arms or clamping projections extend outwards than in the adjacent areas. This increases the flexibility of the clamping arms and saves material for the guide and connecting web.

[0038] In one embodiment, the two locking elements each have the same shape and are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the plate body. Locking elements with the same shape can be produced cost-effectively in large quantities.

[0039] In one embodiment, the locking elements can be moved independently of each other between the locking position and the release position. This simplifies both the design and the handling of the locking plate.

[0040] In one embodiment, the engaging points of the locking elements are arranged on opposite transverse sides of the plate body. This allows the locking plate to be secured particularly securely in the handle opening.

[0041] In one embodiment, the actuation directions of the locking elements, in particular the clamping and release directions of the two locking elements, are mirror-symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the plate body, so that the locking elements can be easily moved with one hand between the locking position and the release position.

[0042] In one embodiment, the plate body has at least one contact projection on at least one of its longitudinal sides for contact with a longitudinal edge of the clamping actuation area of ​​the handle opening. With the aid of such a contact projection, the plate body can be reliably positioned in the correct position within the handle opening.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least two contact projections are formed on a longitudinal side of the plate body, which are opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction of the plate body.

[0044] In one embodiment, contact projections are formed on both longitudinal sides of the plate body. This allows the plate body to be positioned particularly reliably in the correct position within the handle opening.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one contact projection extends from the outside of the plate body to the outside, particularly adjacent to a longitudinal side of the plate body, and overlaps the longitudinal side of the plate body. This allows the at least one contact projection to be positioned correctly in the handle opening against a longitudinal edge of the handle opening, in particular against an end face and an outer surface of the longitudinal edge of the handle opening. This also prevents the locking plate from slipping through the handle opening. In another embodiment, a contact projection for an end face of the handle opening is formed on the opposite longitudinal side of the plate body, wherein the contact projection extends from the outside of the plate body to the outside and forms a contact wall whose outer surface lies in the plane of the respective longitudinal edge of the plate body.The mounting wall can extend over a large portion of the panel's longitudinal side. Such a mounting projection can further improve the positioning of the panel within the handle opening.

[0046] In one embodiment, the container is designed as a box, in particular as a stackable box. The container can, in particular, be designed as a folding box with hinged side walls, wherein the side walls are movable, in particular pivotable, between an open configuration and a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, a folding box can be transported and stored in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0047] In one embodiment, the container is made of a plastic material. The container can be made, in particular, of polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polypropylene (PP), especially polypropylene homopolymer (PPH), polypropylene copolymer, polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R), and polyethylene (PE), especially high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These materials have proven to be particularly suitable for manufacturing a container according to the invention. The container can also be made of a plastic compound.

[0048] The container can be made from the same material as the plate body and the locking elements. Alternatively, the container can be made from a different material than the plate body and the locking elements.

[0049] The base plate, the walls and any lid of the container may each have been manufactured cost-effectively using an injection molding process.

[0050] Typical dimensions of a container according to the invention are as follows:

[0051] Base area with a width of 50-70 cm, in particular approx. 60 cm, and with a length of 30-50 cm, in particular approx. 40 cm. Height of 10-30 cm. Typical dimensions of the closure plate according to the invention and the handle opening to be closed according to the invention are as follows:

[0052] Width 7-15 cm, especially approx. 10 cm; height 3-8 cm, especially 4-5 cm.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container with a handle opening which can be closed with a closure plate according to the invention.

[0055] Figure 2 shows the inside of a short side wall of the container shown in Figure 1 with a handle opening into which a closure plate according to the invention has been inserted.

[0056] Figure 3 shows a view of the outside of the short side wall shown in Figure 2 with the closure plate inserted into the handle opening.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the outside of a closure plate according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the inside of the closure plate shown in Figure 4.

[0059] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a plate body of a closure plate according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0060] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a locking element of a closure plate according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the outside of a closure plate according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 shows a first perspective view of the outside of a closure plate according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0062] Figure 10 shows a second perspective view of the outside of the closure plate shown in Figure 9.

[0063] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the inside of the closure plate shown in Figure 9.

[0064] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the two locking elements of the closure plate shown in Figures 9 to 10.

[0065] Figure 13 shows a side wall of a container with a handle opening into which a closure plate, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, is inserted.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container 2, in particular a collapsible box 2, with four foldable side walls 4, 6. The container 2 has a substantially rectangular base or bottom plate 8 with two long sides and two short sides. The container 2 has two long side walls 4 extending along the long sides at a substantially right angle from the base plate 8, and two short side walls 6 extending along the short sides at a substantially right angle from the base plate 8.

[0067] In Figure 1, only one long side wall 4 and one short side wall 6 are visible. A second long side wall 4 extends on the opposite side of the base plate 8 parallel to the long side wall 4 shown in Figure 1, and a second short side wall 6 extends on the opposite side of the base plate 8 parallel to the short side wall 6 shown in Figure 1. The two long side walls 4 and the two short side walls 6 can each be identical or mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0068] The base plate 8 and the side walls 4, 6 define an interior space of the container 2. Optionally, the container 2 can also have a lid (not shown in Figure 1) to close the interior space of the container 2 on its upper side opposite the base plate 8.

[0069] The side walls 4, 6 are pivotable relative to the base plate 8 between an unfolded functional configuration shown in Figure 1, in which the interior of the container 2 can be filled with goods, and a folded stacking configuration (not shown in the figures), in which the side walls 4, 6 extend substantially parallel to the base plate 8. When the side walls 4, 6 are arranged in the stacking configuration, several containers 2 can be stacked on top of each other to save space when not filled with goods.

[0070] The side walls 4, 6 can be locked in the unfolded functional configuration by a locking mechanism 9 to prevent the container 2 from unintentionally folding together.

[0071] Although Figure 1 shows a folding box 2, the invention is also applicable to non-folding containers 2 that have fixed, non-swiveling side walls 4, 6.

[0072] Container 2 can be made of plastic. Container 2 can be made, in particular, of polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polypropylene (PP), especially polypropylene homopolymer (PPH), polypropylene copolymer, polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R), or polyethylene (PE), especially high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Container 2 can also be made of a plastic compound material.

[0073] Container 2 can be made from the same material as the plate body 20 and the locking elements 40. Container 2 can also be made from a different material than the plate body 20 and the locking elements 40.

[0074] The base plate 8, the side walls 4, 6, and the locking mechanism 9 of the container 2 can be manufactured, in particular, by injection molding. Each of the short side walls 4 of the container 2 has a handle opening 10. The handle openings 10 provide grips that allow the container 2 to be conveniently lifted and carried by inserting hands into the handle openings 10. The handle openings 10 can be formed in the two opposing short side walls 6, as shown in Figure 1. The handle openings 10 can also be formed in the two opposing long side walls 4 of the container 2. In further embodiments, not explicitly shown in the figures, handle openings 10 can also be formed in all four side walls 4, 6 of the container 2.

[0075] Through the handle openings 10, animals, especially rodents such as mice, rats, and similar animals, can enter the interior of container 2 from the outside. If container 2 contains food, the animals that have entered container 2 can contaminate, eat, or otherwise render unusable the food stored in container 2.

[0076] To prevent animals from entering the container 2 through the handle openings 10, closure plates 20 according to the invention are provided, which are designed to be inserted into the handle openings 10 formed in the side walls 4, 6 of the container 2 in order to securely close the handle openings 10.

[0077] Figure 2 shows an inside view of a short side wall 6 of the container 2 with a handle opening 10 into which a closure plate 20 according to the invention is inserted. Figure 3 shows an outside view of the short side wall 6 shown in Figure 2 with the closure plate 20 inserted into the handle opening 10.

[0078] Figures 2 and 3 clearly show that the handle opening 10 is completely or almost completely closed by the closing plate 20, so that no animals, especially no rodents, can enter the interior of the container 2 through the handle opening 10.

[0079] The further openings 11 formed in the side walls 4, 6 of the container 2, which can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, are so small that rodents cannot penetrate the interior of the container 2 through them. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a closure plate 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows, in particular, an outer side of the closure plate 20, which is located on the outside of the container 2 when the closure plate 20 has been inserted as intended into a handle opening 10 in a side wall 4, 6 of a container 2, as shown in Figure 3.

[0080] Figure 5 shows an inside of the closure plate 20, which is located on the inside of the container 2 when the closure plate 20 has been inserted as intended into the handle opening 10 in the side wall 4, 6 of the container 2, as shown in Figure 2.

[0081] The closure plate 20 comprises a plate body 22, which has a substantially rectangular basic shape. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the outside of the plate body 22.

[0082] The plate body 22 has, in particular, two longitudinal sides 24a, 24b and two transverse sides 26. The two longitudinal sides 24a, 24b have the same first length, and the two transverse sides 26 have the same second length, which is shorter than the first length. The lengths of the sides 24a, 24b, 26 of the plate body 22 are adapted to the dimensions of the handle opening 10 into which the locking plate 20 is to be inserted. The longitudinal sides 24a, 24b and the transverse sides 26 also have the same length if the handle openings 10 are square.

[0083] The longitudinal sides 24a, 24b and the transverse sides 26 define an inner surface 28 of the plate body 22, which, in the assembled state of the closure plate 20, faces the interior of the container 2 (see Figure 2), and an outer surface 30 of the plate body 22, which, in the assembled state of the closure plate 20, is located on the outside of the container 2 (see Figure 3).

[0084] Exemplary embodiments of plate bodies 22 with a substantially rectangular basic shape also include plate bodies 22 with rounded corners, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, and plate bodies 22 in which recesses 32 are formed on edges, in particular on transverse sides 26 of the plate body 22, as can be seen in Figures 5 and 6. The closure plate 20 further comprises two locking elements 40 arranged on or at the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22, which are designed and configured to lock the closure plate 20 in the handle opening 10 of the container 2, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0085] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of one of the locking elements 40.

[0086] Each of the locking elements 40 has an engaging end 42 on or in which a receiving groove 44 is formed for receiving a corresponding edge 15 of the handle opening 10 of the container 2, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. When the locking plate 20 is arranged in a handle opening 10 of the container 2, the corresponding edge 15 of the handle opening 10 extends along a transverse side 26 of the plate body 22.

[0087] Each engaging part 42 of the locking element 40 comprises two parallel flanks 46. The receiving groove 44 is formed between the two flanks 46 and is bounded by the flanks 46. The engaging parts 42 are specifically designed such that their respective receiving groove 44 extends in the same direction as the transverse side 26 of the plate body 22, i.e., parallel to the transverse side 26 of the plate body 22, and lies in the same plane as the plate body 22.

[0088] The two flanks 46, which are formed on the engaging end 42, extend from the plate body 22 in the longitudinal direction L on both sides of the receiving groove 44, in particular on the side of the inner surface 28 and on the side of the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22.

[0089] Each of the two locking elements 40 is movable along a longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 between a locking position and a release position.

[0090] When a locking element 40 is arranged in its locking position, as shown in Figure 4, the engaging end 42 of the locking element 40, with its receiving groove 44, projects in the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 beyond the transverse side 26 of the plate body 22. This ensures that the corresponding edge 15 of the handle opening 10 of the container 2 is positioned within the receiving groove 44 when the locking element 40 is engaged in the handle opening 10, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0091] To move a locking element 40 from its locking position to the release position, the corresponding locking element 40 is moved in a straight line "inwards" along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22, i.e. in the direction of the opposite locking element 40.

[0092] This movement of the locking element 40 also moves the engaging end 42 with the receiving groove 44 inwards into a release position, in which the engaging end 42 no longer projects beyond the transverse side 26 of the plate body 22. When the locking element 40 is in the release position, the receiving groove 44 on the engaging end 42 is no longer engaged with the corresponding edge 15 of the handle opening 10 of the container 2, so that the closure plate 20 can be easily removed from the handle opening 10.

[0093] The two locking elements 40 can each be moved independently of each other between their respective locking position and their respective release position.

[0094] Figure 6 shows that each of the transverse sides 26 of the plate body 22 has a recess 32 for receiving the engaging end 42 of the respective locking element 40. This allows each of the locking elements 40, with its engaging end 42, to be moved in the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 from the locked position to the release position without the movement of the engaging end 42 of the locking element 40 being blocked by the plate body 22.

[0095] The two locking elements 40 are arranged and designed in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the plate body 22. The engaging points 42 of the two locking elements 40 are arranged on opposite transverse sides 26 of the plate body 22, and the actuation directions of the two locking elements 40, in particular the clamping and release directions for both locking elements 40, are mirror-symmetrical to each other. In other words, the locking element 40 arranged on the left side of the plate body 22 can be moved from left to right from its locking position to its release position, and the locking element 40 arranged on the right side of the plate body 22 can be moved from right to left from its locking position to its release position.

[0096] The two locking elements 40 can be moved from the locking position to the release position in a simple way, e.g. with a finger and the thumb of one hand.

[0097] The two locking elements 40 have, in particular, the same shape. The two locking elements 40 can, in particular, be identical. In this way, the number of different parts that need to be produced to manufacture a closure plate 20 according to the invention can be kept to a minimum. In particular, the two locking elements 40 can be manufactured in an injection molding process using the same injection mold. This allows the costs for manufacturing a closure plate 20 according to the invention to be kept low.

[0098] The plate bodies 22 and locking elements 40 according to the invention can each be made from a plastic material. For example, the plate bodies 22 and locking elements 40 according to the invention can be made from polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polypropylene (PP), in particular polypropylene homopolymer (PPH), polypropylene copolymer, polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R), and polyethylene (PE), in particular high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The plate bodies and locking elements can also be made from a plastic compound.

[0099] The plate bodies 22 and the locking elements 40 can in particular be made from the same plastic material.

[0100] Each of the locking elements 40 has a clamping actuation area 48 at its end opposite the engagement end 42 in the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22. The clamping actuation area 48 can, in particular, be designed as a clamping actuation eyelet 48 with an engagement opening 49. When the locking element 40 is attached to the plate body 22 as shown in Figure 4, the clamping actuation area 48 is located on the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22. A user's finger or thumb can be inserted into the engagement opening 49 to move the locking element 40 from its locked position to the release position.

[0101] To further improve the grip of the clamping actuation area 48, in particular the clamping actuation eyelet 48, the clamping actuation area 48 can be designed as a thickened area 47 with a greater thickness on its side facing away from the engaging element 42. Alternatively or additionally, the clamping actuation area 48 can be bent at least partially slightly "upwards", i.e. away from the plate body 22.

[0102] The engaging part 42 and the clamping actuation area 48 of the locking element 40 are connected to each other by a guide and connecting web 50. The guide and connecting web 50 is also arranged on the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22.

[0103] Guide projections 54 extend from the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22, between which a guide section 52 of the guide and connecting web 50 runs. The guide section 52 is guided by the guide projections 54 in such a way that the locking element 40 can move in a straight line in the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 between the locking position and the release position.

[0104] Viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22, the distance between the opposing inner guide surfaces of the guide projections 54 is chosen such that it essentially corresponds to the width of the guide section 52 of the guide and connecting web 50. This ensures that the guide section 52 of the guide and connecting web 50 is guided precisely between the guide projections 54 when the locking element 40 is moved along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 between the locking position and the release position.

[0105] The guide projections 54 have free ends that are arranged at a distance from the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22 and are designed as interlocking sections 56. Viewed in the transverse direction Q of the plate body 22, the interlocking sections 56 are designed to face inwards and towards each other, so that they hold the guide section 52 of the guide and connecting web 50 between the opposing guide projections 54.

[0106] The distance between the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22 and the lower guide surfaces of the interlocking sections 56, which face the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22, is selected such that it essentially corresponds to the material thickness of the guide section 52 of the guide and connecting web 50. This ensures that the guide and connecting web 50 is securely held on the plate body 22 by the guide projections 54.

[0107] The guide and connecting web 50 has a clamping and resetting mechanism 60. The clamping and resetting mechanism 60 is designed such that, when no external force is exerted on the locking element 40 and, in particular, on its engaging end 42, it presses the locking element 40 into a locking position in which the engaging end 42 is arranged with the receiving groove 44 on or outside the transverse side 26 of the plate body 22. In this locking position, the receiving groove 44 formed on the engaging end 42 can engage a corresponding edge 15 of a handle opening 10 of a container 2 in order to lock the closure plate 20 in the handle opening 10 of the container 2, as previously described.

[0108] The clamping and resetting mechanism 60 is further designed such that the locking element 40 with the engaging end 42 and the receiving groove 44 can be moved inwards into a release position by an external force directed inwards along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 against an outwards resetting force of the clamping and resetting mechanism 60 in the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22.

[0109] When the locking element 40 is in the release position, the ends of the flanks 46 of the engaging part 42 are in the plane of the transverse side 26 of the plate body 22 or within it. This releases the corresponding edge 15 of the handle opening 10 of the container 2 from the receiving groove 44 and the flanks 46 of the engaging part 42, and the closure plate 20 can be easily removed from the handle opening 10 of the container 2. The clamping and resetting mechanisms 60, which are formed on the two locking elements 40 of the closure plate 20, make it possible to easily and securely lock the closure plate 20 in a handle opening 10 of the container 2 and, if necessary, to remove it again from the handle opening 10 by releasing the clamping and resetting mechanism 60, so that the handle opening 10 can again be used for gripping and transporting the container 2.

[0110] The clamping and resetting mechanism 60 is formed in particular in an area between the guide section of the guide and connecting web 50 and the engaging end 42 of the locking element 40.

[0111] The embodiment of a clamping and resetting mechanism 60 shown in the figures comprises two clamping arms 62 projecting outwards from the guide and connecting web 50 in the transverse direction Q of the plate body 22 and two clamping projections 64 projecting outwards from the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22. The clamping arms 62 can, in particular, be designed as clamping arms 62 bent in the direction of the relevant transverse side 26 of the plate body 22, as shown in Figures 4 and 7.

[0112] In further embodiments not explicitly shown in the figures, the two clamping arms 62 can also have a different shape. In particular, the clamping arms 62 can also be straight and extend obliquely away from the guide and connecting web 50 in an arrow-like shape.

[0113] On each side of the guide and connecting web 50, one of the two clamping projections 64 is formed. Each of the two clamping arms 62 rests against the clamping projection 64 formed on its side of the guide and connecting web 50. The clamping arms 62 are pre-tensioned by the clamping projections 64 such that they exert an elastic clamping force on the guide and connecting web 50. This elastic clamping force pushes the respective locking element 40 outwards in the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 into engagement with a corresponding edge 15 of the handle opening 10 of the container 2. This locks the closure plate 20 in the handle opening 10.

[0114] If the locking element 40 is moved inwards along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 by an external force acting on it inwards in the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22, in order to remove the locking plate 20 from the handle opening 10, the two clamping arms 62 are bent further by the two clamping projections 64. This generates an additional outward clamping force acting on the locking element 40. This additional clamping force tends to push the locking element 40, with its engaging end 42, back outwards into engagement with the corresponding edge 15 of the handle opening 10. This additional elastic clamping force must be counteracted to release the locking plate 20 from the handle opening 10.

[0115] The guide and connecting web 50 can be designed with a narrower width in the area from which the clamping arms 62 extend outwards than in the adjacent areas. This increases the flexibility of the clamping arms 62 and saves material.

[0116] The plate body 22 has at least one contact projection 34, 36 on at least one of its two longitudinal sides 24a, 24b. An outer longitudinal edge of each clamping actuation area 48 rests against the contact projection 34, 36. As a result, the contact projection 34, 36 guides the clamping actuation area 48 along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 when the locking element 40 is moved between its locking position and its release position. Such guidance allows the locking element 40 to be moved particularly reliably in a straight line between its locking position and its release position.

[0117] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, the plate body 22 has a single central contact projection 34 on its longitudinal side 24b, shown below in the figures. This projection extends over a large part of the lower longitudinal side 24b of the plate body 22 in a region central to the longitudinal direction L. Each longitudinal edge of the two clamping actuation areas 48 rests against the central contact projection 34.

[0118] On its longitudinal side 24a, shown at the top in Figures 4 to 6, the plate body 22 has two contact projections 36 which are abutted from each other along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22. Figure 4 shows that one of the two clamping actuation areas 48 abuts one of its longitudinal edges against one of the two contact projections 36. Although only two contact projections 36 are shown on the upper longitudinal side 24a of the plate body 22 in Figures 4 to 6, a closure plate 20, designed according to an embodiment of the invention, can also have more than two such contact projections 36, which are abutted from each other along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 on at least one of the longitudinal sides 24a, 24b of the plate body 22. Several contact projections 36 can also be formed on both longitudinal sides 24a, 24b of the plate body 22.

[0119] The two mounting projections 36, which are spaced apart from each other on the upper longitudinal side 24a of the plate body 22, extend from the outside of the plate body 22 outwards and overlap the upper longitudinal side 24a of the plate body 22.

[0120] The contact projections 36 formed in this way make it possible for the contact projections 36 to bear against a longitudinal edge 17 of the handle opening 10, in particular against an end face on the outside of the longitudinal edge 17 of the handle opening 10, when the closing plate 20 is arranged in the handle opening 10, as shown in Figure 3.

[0121] The overlapping ends 37 of the attachment projections 36 can in particular be inserted into corresponding receiving openings 38, which are formed on the outside of the side wall 4, 6 of the container 2 at the longitudinal edge 17 of the handle opening 10.

[0122] A locking plate 20, which is designed with such mounting projections 36, can be attached and locked in a handle opening 10 particularly securely and reliably. In particular, such overlapping mounting projections 36 prevent the locking plate 20 from accidentally sliding completely through the handle opening 10 when it is inserted. The handling of the locking plate 20 can thus be considerably simplified by the design of such mounting projections 36.

[0123] The plate body 22, with all its components, can be formed integrally or in one piece. The plate body 22 and the locking elements 40 can each be manufactured cost-effectively using an injection molding process. In the embodiment shown in the figures, an opening 58 is formed in the plate body 22 between each of the two opposing guide projections 54. These two openings 58 in the plate body 22 simplify the production of an injection mold for manufacturing the plate body 22. These openings 58 are irrelevant to the function of the locking plate 20 according to the invention. Therefore, other embodiments of the locking plate 20, particularly if a manufacturing process other than injection molding is used for its production, can also be designed without these openings 58.

[0124] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the outside of a closure plate 20 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0125] The closure plate 20 shown in Figure 8 has essentially the same features as the closure plate 20 shown in Figures 3 to 6. These features are designated with the same reference numerals as those in Figures 3 to 6 and are not described again in detail. The preceding description also applies accordingly to the features of the embodiment of a closure plate 20 according to the invention shown in Figure 8.

[0126] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, the plate body 22 of the closure plate 20 shown in Figure 8 does not have a central contact projection 34 on the longitudinal side 24b shown below, which extends over a large part of the lower longitudinal side 24b of the plate body 22 in a region central to the longitudinal direction L. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the outer longitudinal edges of the two clamping / actuation areas 48 are arranged flush with the longitudinal side 24b of the plate body 22 shown below.

[0127] Unlike the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, the inner longitudinal edges of the two clamping actuation areas 48 do not abut the two contact projections 36 formed on the longitudinal side 24a of the plate body 22 shown above. Instead, the two clamping actuation areas 48 are arranged at a distance from the two contact projections 36 and are therefore not guided by them. Figures 9 to 13 show a further embodiment of a closure plate 20 according to the invention. Figures 9 and 10 each show a perspective view of the outside of the closure plate 20, and Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the inside of the closure plate 20. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the two locking elements 40 of the closure plate 20 shown in Figures 9 to 11.

[0128] Figure 13 shows a side wall 6 of a container 2 with a handle opening 10 into which a closure plate 20, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, is inserted.

[0129] Again, the features that have the same functions as those shown in Figures 1 to 8 are provided with the same reference numerals and are described only insofar as they differ from the features described previously. Otherwise, the description of Figures 1 to 8 applies accordingly to the embodiment of a closure plate 20 according to the invention shown in Figures 9 to 12.

[0130] In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the longitudinal side 24a of the plate body 22 shown above is longer than the longitudinal side 24b of the plate body 22 shown below. The plate body 22 is therefore essentially trapezoidal, with rounded corners. The closure plate 20 shown in Figures 9 to 11 is designed and configured to be inserted into handle openings 10, which are essentially trapezoidal, as shown in Figure 13.

[0131] In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the plate body 22 has two additional guide projections 54 on each of its two longitudinal sides 24a, 24b, which extend outwards from the plate body 22.

[0132] Each of the guide projections 54 has a free end 56, which is spaced from the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22 and is designed as a rear gripping section 56. The rear gripping sections 56 extend inwards, viewed in the transverse direction Q of the plate body 22, over outer areas 45 of the clamping / actuation areas 48, so that the outer areas 45 of the clamping / actuation areas 48 are arranged between the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22 and the lower guide surfaces of the rear gripping sections 56.

[0133] The distance between the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22 and the lower guide surfaces of the gripping sections 56, which face the outer surface 30 of the plate body 22, is selected such that it essentially corresponds to the material thickness of the outer areas 45 of the clamping / actuation areas 48. In this way, the clamping / actuation areas 48 are held securely to the plate body 22 by the guide projections 54.

[0134] In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, it is therefore possible to dispense with guide projections 54, which guide and hold the guide and connecting webs 50 of the locking elements 40, as shown in Figures 4 and 8.

[0135] Between the two guide projections 54, which are formed on each longitudinal side 24a, 24b of the plate body 22, an additional contact projection 34 is provided on each of the longitudinal sides 24a, 24b of the plate body 22, extending along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22 between the two guide projections 54. When the clamping actuation areas 48 are moved from the locking position shown in Figures 9 and 10 to the release position, the outer longitudinal edges of the outer areas 45 of the two clamping actuation areas 48 bear against the additional contact projections 34 and are guided by them along the longitudinal direction L of the plate body 22.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A locking plate (20) for a handle opening (10) of a container (2), comprising: a plate body (22) with two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, as well as with an inner surface (28) and an outer surface (30); and two locking elements (40) arranged on the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22), each of the locking elements (40) having an engaging end (42) with a receiving groove (44) for a corresponding edge (15) of the handle opening (10) of the container (2), which is arranged on a transverse side (26) of the plate body (22); and each of the locking elements (40) being movable in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plate body (22) into a locking position in which the receiving groove (44) of the engaging end (42) is arranged on or outside the transverse side (26) of the plate body (22).

2. Closure plate (20) according to claim 1, wherein the engaging part (42) of the locking element (40) has two flanks (46) and a receiving groove (44) arranged between them, wherein the receiving groove (44) runs parallel to the transverse side (26) of the plate body (22) and lies in the plane of the plate body (22); and wherein the two flanks (46) project on both sides of the receiving groove (44), in particular in the longitudinal direction (L) away from the plate body (22) and on the side of the inner surface (28) and the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22); and / or wherein a recess for the respective engaging part (42) is formed on each of the transverse sides (26) of the plate body (22).

3. Locking plate (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the locking elements (40), opposite the engaging end (42) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plate body (22) and arranged on the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22), has a clamping actuation area (48), in particular a clamping actuation eyelet (48), and a guide and connecting web (50) which is attached to the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22). is arranged and extends between the engaging part (42) and the clamping actuation area (48); and / or wherein the clamping actuation area (48), in particular the clamping actuation eyelet (48), is designed with a greater thickness and / or is slightly curved upwards in relation to the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22) for better gripping at an area (47) located away from the engaging part (42).

4. Closure plate (20) according to claim 3, wherein guide projections (54) extend from the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22), between which a guide section (52) of the guide and connecting web (50) runs and is guided; wherein, viewed in a transverse direction (Q) of the plate body (22), the distance between the inner guide surfaces of the guide projections (54) corresponds substantially to the width of the guide section (52) of the guide and connecting web (50), so that the guide section (52) of the guide and connecting web (50) is guided precisely between the guide projections (54).

5. Closure plate (20) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the ends arranged remotely from the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22) are designed as guide projections (54) as interlocking sections (56) which, viewed in the transverse direction (Q) of the plate body (22), are designed to face inwards and towards each other; and / or wherein the distance between the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22) and the lower guide surfaces of the interlocking sections (56) of the guide projections (54) facing the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22) corresponds substantially to the material thickness of the guide section (52) of the guide and connecting web (50), so that the guide and connecting web (50) is held securely on the plate body (22).

6. Closure plate (20) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein guide projections (54) protrude from the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22); wherein the ends arranged furthest from the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22) are formed as guide projections (54) as interlocking sections (56) which, viewed in the transverse direction (Q) of the plate body (22), are formed facing inwards and towards each other; and wherein at least an outer area (45) of a clamping actuation area (48) runs between the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22) and a guide surface of at least one of the gripping sections (56).

7. Closure plate (20) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the guide and connecting web (50), in particular in an area between the guide section (52) of the guide and connecting web (50) and the engaging end (42), has a clamping and resetting mechanism (60) which is designed such that, when no external force acts on the locking element (40) and in particular on the engaging end (42), the engaging end (42) is arranged with receiving groove (44) on or outside the transverse side (26) of the plate body (22) for locking reception of a corresponding edge of a handle opening (10) of the container (2);that, when, in particular via the clamping actuation area (48), an external force directed inwards in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plate body (22) acts on the locking element (40) and in particular on the engaging part (42), the engaging part (42) with receiving groove (44) is moved inwards in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plate body (22) against an outwards restoring force of the clamping and restoring mechanism (60), so that the flank ends of the engaging part (42) lie in the plane of the transverse side or within it, to release the corresponding edge of the handle opening (10) of the container (2).; 8. Closure plate (20) according to claim 7, wherein the clamping and resetting mechanism (60) is designed as two clamping arms (62) projecting outwards in the transverse direction (Q) of the plate body (22) from the guide and connecting web (50), in particular clamping arms (62) bent outwards in the direction of the relevant transverse side (26), and as clamping projections (64) projecting outwards from the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22), in particular bent; and / or wherein the guide and connecting web (50) is designed with a reduced width in the area where the clamping arms (62) project outwards.

9. Locking plate (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking elements (40) each have the same shape and are mirror-imaged with respect to a longitudinal median plane of the plate body (22) arranged and each independently movable between a locking position and a release position; and / or wherein the engaging parts (42) of the locking elements (40) are arranged on opposite transverse sides (26) of the plate body (22); and / or wherein the actuation directions of the locking elements (40), in particular the clamping and release directions for both locking elements (40), are mirror images of each other.

10. Closure plate (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate body (22) has at least one contact projection (34, 36) for a longitudinal edge (17) of the clamping actuation area (48) of the handle opening (10) on at least one of its longitudinal sides (24a, 24b), wherein in particular at least two mutually opposing contact projections (36) are formed on one longitudinal side of the plate body (22); and / or wherein contact projections (34, 36) are formed in particular on both longitudinal sides (24a, 24b) of the plate body (22).

11. Closure plate (20) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein at least one contact projection (36) on the plate body (22), in particular adjacent to a longitudinal side (24a) of the plate body (22), extends outwards from the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22) and overlaps the longitudinal side (24a) of the plate body (22), to abut a longitudinal edge (17) of the handle opening (10) and in particular the end face and the outer surface (30) of the longitudinal edge (17) of the handle opening (10) and to prevent the closure plate (20) from slipping through the handle opening (10).

12. Closure plate (20) according to claim 11, wherein a contact projection (34) for an end face of the handle opening (10) is formed on the opposite longitudinal side (24b) of the plate body (22), which extends outwards from the outer surface (30) of the plate body (22) and forms a contact wall, the outer surface (30) of which lies in the plane of the relevant longitudinal side (24b) of the plate body (22); wherein the contact wall extends in particular over a large part of the longitudinal side (24b) of the plate body (22).

13. Closure plate (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure plate (20) is made of at least one plastic material, wherein the at least one plastic material comprises in particular at least one of polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polypropylene (PP), in particular polypropylene homopolymer (PPH), polypropylene copolymer, polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R), and polyethylene (PE), in particular high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or a mixture of at least two of these materials.

14. Container (2) with at least one handle opening (10) into which a closure plate (20) according to one of the preceding claims is inserted; wherein the handle opening (10) has an upper longitudinal edge (17), a lower longitudinal edge (17), a left edge (15) and a right edge (15); wherein the engaging end (42) of the first locking element (40) engages the left edge (15) such that the receiving groove (44) abuts the left edge (15) and the flanks (46) engage the left edge (15) on the outside and inside; and wherein the engaging end (42) of the second locking element (40) engages the right edge (15) such that the receiving groove (44) abuts the right edge (15) and the flanks (46) engage the right edge (15) on the outside and inside;and wherein at least one projection (34, 36) formed on a longitudinal side (24a, 24b) of the plate body (22) of the closure plate (20) abuts an end face and / or an outer surface (30) of a longitudinal edge (17) of the handle opening (10); wherein the container (2) is in particular a box (2), in particular a folding box with folding side walls (4, 6), wherein the folding side walls (4, 6) are movable between an open configuration and a folded configuration.; 15. Method for closing a handle opening (10) of a container (2) by inserting a closure plate (20), comprising the following steps: Providing a container (2) with at least one handle opening (10); Providing a closure plate (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; Moving the engaging elements (42) of the locking elements (40) of the closure plate (20) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plate body (22) of the closure plate (20) into a release position in which the ends of the flanks (46) of the engaging elements of the (42) in the plane of the transverse side (26) of the plate body (22) or within it; Inserting the locking plate (20) into the handle opening (10), in particular by bearing at least one contact projection (34, 36) formed on a longitudinal side (24a, 24b) of the plate body (22) against an end face and / or an outer surface (30) of a longitudinal edge (17) of the handle opening (10); and Moving the engaging parts (42) of the locking elements (40) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the plate body (22) into their respective locking positions, in which the engaging part (42) of the first locking element (40) engages the left edge (15) in such a way that the receiving groove (44) rests against the left edge (15) and the flanks (46) engage the left edge (15) on the outside and inside; and in such a way that the engaging part (42) of the second locking element (40) engages the right edge (15) in such a way that the receiving groove (44) rests against the right edge (15) and the flanks (46) engage the right edge (15) on the outside and inside.

Images